Minneapolis-based Christopher & Banks files for bankruptcy

The Christopher & Banks store at the Mall of America. (DAVID BREWSTER/STAR TRIBUNE)(Photo By David Brewster/Star Tribune via Getty Images) ((Photo By David Brewster/Star Tribune via Getty Images) / Getty Images)

Minneapolis-based women's clothing retailer Christopher & Banks is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to a company press release.

The company is planning to close a "significant portion, if not all, of its brick-and-mortar stores," but is looking for a potential buyer for its online platform.

As of this week, Christopher & Banks runs 449 stores in 44 states. There are 30 locations in Minnesota, including one at the Mall of America.

In December, company leaders worked with advisors to evaluate possible paths forward.

"Despite the tremendous advancements we have made in executing our strategic plan, due to the financial distress resulting from the pandemic and its ongoing impact, we elected to initiate this process and pursue a potential sale of the business in whole or in part to position the Company for the future," said President and Chief Executive Officer Keri Jones in a statement.