Americans put a lot of faith in the celebrities they follow. Many people not only consume content created by the celebrities, they also want a little bit of their lifestyle.
That could be as simple as buying a six pack of Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer or buying a dress because you saw Jennifer Lopez or Ariana Grande wearing it on a red carpet.
Celebrities have long tried to leverage their influence and lifestyle to create retail brands. That has happened with mixed success. People loved Ryan Reynolds’s gin and Sammy Hagar‘s tequila, but the road is littered with failed celebrity ideas.
For every Goop, we have dozens of Hello Bellos.
It turns out, that in many cases, celebrities are not just like us and what they need, or the lifestyle they live, does not really translate to the rest of us.
Robert Redford, however, was well ahead of his time and trying to bring a little piece of the Sundance lifestyle to the average American.
Sundance Holdings Group, which was previously called, Sundance Living literally has a countdown clock on its website showing that it will close for good on Sept. 13.
Image source: Sundfance
Sundance was built by Robert Redford
Sundance the retail brand was created from Robert Redford’s love of Sundance, Utah. The company shared some of that history on its website.
Robert Redford, celebrated actor, director, and environmentalist, was captivated by the natural beauty of Utah’s landscapes. In 1969, he purchased land in Sundance, Utah, with a vision to preserve its pristine wilderness and foster a space where art, commerce, and nature could harmoniously coexist.
This marked the genesis of Sundance, a haven for creativity and innovation. Through his commitment to conservation and sustainable practices, Redford not only saved the land but also established a thriving community that celebrates the values of preservation, creativity, and connection to the natural world. Sundance stands today as a testament to his enduring legacy of environmental stewardship.
Redford has been committed to protecting the land in Sundance, but also wants to share it with the world. That led to the famed Sundance Film Festival, which brought global attention and a lifestyle/clothing brand which had humble beginnings.
At the base of Sundance Village is the General Store, offering guests a well-curated collection of clothing, jewelry and gifts, items with a heritage in the American West, blending the art of Native Americans and other western craftspeople with examples from other native cultures around the world. The idea of a catalog was born. Setting up shop in the Sundance Village firehouse, the very first Sundance catalog was launched in Fall 1989.
That grew into the Sundance retail chain which had slightly more than two days left before closing their doors forever as this article was being written.
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Sundance was forced into Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Sundance Holdings creditors recently filed an involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition against Sundance Holdings Group in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of Delaware. Five petitioners said they are collectively owed over $2.5 million.
Most Sundance locations closes on Sept. 7, but the website and select locations have remained open as part of a liquidation sale. Some items are being sold for as much as 90% off.
The chain has also issued a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification in Utah for 63 employees for Sept. 21.
Key facts about Sundance Holdings:
- Sundance Holdings Group’s assets were transferred to Corbin Liquidation in July.
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Private equity firm Brentwood Associates purchased a majorty stake in Sundance Holdings Group in 2012.
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ACI Capital and Webster retained a minority ownership stake in the company.
Source: RetailDive
“Sundance will close in the coming weeks. We are grateful for the support of our customers over the years,” the company shared in its FAQ.
It did try to assure customers that orders will ship.
“We’re experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of orders. Most ship within 5–7 business days from our distribution center. You’ll receive a confirmation email with tracking details as soon as your order is on the way,” it posted.
Timeline of Sundance Holdings (Sundance Catalog)
- 1969: Robert Redford establishes Sundance in Utah with a general store.
- 1989: First Sundance Catalog mailed.
- 2004: Sold to Webster Capital & ACI Capital.
- 2007: First retail store opens.
- 2012: Brentwood Associates acquires majority stake.
- 2015-2018: Retail expansion, 13 stores by 2018.
- 2019: 30th anniversary; 15 U.S. stores operating.
- 2025: Company liquidating; all 16 stores and Utah warehouse closing.
Beginning in 2027, the Sundance Film Festival will relocate to Boulder, Colorado, according to The Guardian.
“What we’ve created is remarkably special and defining,” Redford said in a statement. “As change is inevitable, we must always evolve and grow, which has been at the core of our survival. This move will ensure that the Festival continues its work of risk taking, supporting innovative storytellers, fostering independence, and entertaining and enlightening audiences.”
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