Crabtree & Evelyn Files for Bankruptcy

Soap and lotion seller Crabtree & Evelyn Ltd., which has its Westport store at 136 Main St., says it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, a victim of the recession and management missteps. The company, a unit of Crabtree & Evelyn Holdings in Britain, said it would continue to operate its stores and would honor gift cards and returns as it reorganizes under bankruptcy protection. The company said it would close some stores and try to renegotiate leases for others. It currently operates 126 stores in 34 states and employs about 950 people. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow/WestportNow.com file photo