Lieberman Offers Insights on Retail Bankruptcies and Economic Pressures Shaping the 2026 Restructuring Landscape
Pryor Cashman Partner Seth H. Lieberman, Chair of the Bankruptcy, Reorganization + Creditors’ Rights Group and Co-Chair of the Corporate Trust Practice, was quoted in a Law360 article examining the outlook for corporate bankruptcies in 2026, with a particular focus on the retail sector as continued economic pressure, tariff uncertainty, and constrained consumer spending reshape the marketplace.
In the article, “A Key Word for Bankruptcy in 2026 Is ‘Retail,’” Seth discusses the ongoing wave of retail restructurings and liquidations following several high-profile filings, including Saks Fifth Avenue and an Eddie Bauer retail operator. He notes that retail bankruptcies have historically been challenging but are now emblematic of broader macroeconomic stress, stating:
“Retail bankruptcies have always been hard. […] Retail is the ‘poster child’ for broader economic uncertainty stemming from the global tariff turmoil. Once retailers hit bankruptcy, lenders have been exerting tight control on the pace of the cases.”
Seth emphasized that while retail remains the most visible sector under strain, the pressures impacting retailers may spill into adjacent industries, noting:
“There may be other sectors that are dragged into that, but retail is low-hanging fruit.”
Seth highlights how legal, financial, and policy-driven forces are converging to shape the restructuring landscape in 2026, reinforcing the importance of strategic legal guidance as companies navigate an increasingly complex bankruptcy environment.
Read the full article using the link below (subscription may be required).
