Birchbox has halted all sales from its UK website, amid rumours that the beauty subscription service is preparing to file for Chapter 11.
The brand’s website states that Birchbox is facing a host of “unprecedented setbacks that are affecting all our members”.
“We currently are no longer fulfilling orders or shipping subscription boxes,” the statement continued.
“We will update our members in due course when we have more information available."
In a separate Instagram post, Birchbox addressed consumer concerns regarding orders which had not been delivered.
“We know you are frustrated,” the social media post read.
“Birchbox is facing a host of unprecedented setbacks that are affecting all you, our cherished members.
“Within the next couple of weeks, we will be able to share details about the future and what you can expect.
“Until then we see you, we hear you, and we are doing everything in our power to coordinate a viable solution.”
The beauty brand’s parent company, women’s health start-up FemTec Health, reportedly sent a letter to creditors mulling the possibility of bankruptcy this week.
Birchbox has been struggling with sales in recent years, which was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The letter, seen by WWD, read: “We believe, in the best interests of Birchbox and the entire FMTC family of companies spanning the US and Europe, a Chapter 11 or some equivalent structure may be necessary.”
Birchbox was founded by Katia Beauchamp and Hayley Barna in 2010, and was later acquired by FemTec Health in 2021.
The heavily backed, Texas-based firm, which is thought to be valued at around US$380m itself, laid down more than $45m for the beauty box brand, according to Forbes.
Following the acquisition Birchbox refocused its brand strategy towards skin care and health products.
The acquisition saw Beauchamp step down as CEO of Birchbox and sell her remaining shares in the company.
In August 2022, she was brought on as the Victoria Beckham Beauty’s new CEO.
Cosmetics Business has reached out to FemTec Health and Birchbox for comment.