Another day, another Chapter 11

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Lenox Group, the 119-old company whose china has long been on wedding registries and the dinner tables of U.S. presidents, said Monday that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, explaining it had been ‘significantly impacted by economic conditions and excessive debt levels.’

Lenox said it would continue its normal operations and that it plans to pursue a sale of its business through the bankruptcy process.

In addition to its china business, Lenox comprises the Department 56, Dansk and Gorham brands. Lenox is known for its fine china, crystal, giftware, home décor and tabletop products. Dansk makes dinnerware and flatware. Gorham makes silver, fine china, crystal and tableware. And Department 56 is the purveyor of lighted Dickens Village buildings, Snowbabies and other home decorations.

The company sells its products through department stores like Macy’s and through 30 corporate-owned stores in 14 states. Among them is the Department 56 store at Downtown Disney in Anaheim.

— Julie Makinen