Apparel outlet Bebe Stores, Inc, announced that it is closing all of its stores by the end of May as it struggles to navigate increasingly turbulent waters for brick and mortar retailers.  

In an SEC filing on April 21, Bebe said it also plans to liquidate all merchandise and fixtures within the stores. Bebe has about 180 retail outlets. The company plans to focus on online sales and has not revealed if it is considering bankruptcy.

The announcement comes exactly one month after the company's Board of Directors said it was exploring strategic alternatives for the company. Bebe retained B. Riley & Co. as its financial advisor and has also engaged a real estate advisor to assist with options related to its lease holdings.

ABL Advisor covered  the distress facing the retail sector, here