The Bombay Company history

In July 1981 Tandy Brands acquired the remaining 20 percent of The Bombay Company.

With the influx of money from Tandy, he was able to build 13 stores by 1983, all of which proved profitable.

In 1984 it closed two chains of retail stores, Western World and Ryon's, and two years later, Tandy sold its Tex Tan Western Leather division for about $3 million.

By 1986, the company was operating stores in 75 different locations, and earnings had hit $2 million.

In March 1987 the company sold its Grate Home and Fireplace Company for $1.6 million.

Robert Nourse characterized Alex & Ivy merchandise in a 1990 HFD article as "more casual, yet traditional stylings.

By the middle of 1991, 43 more stores had been opened, nudging revenues up by a quarter to $140 million, but earnings had remained flat.

By the end of 1993, The Bombay Company had opened 100 superstores, and plans were on the board to add 50 more each year.

The poor results, coupled with clashes with Robert Nourse, led to the ouster of executive vice-president Michael L. Glazer in January 1995.

When Nourse had failed to turn Bombay around by September 1996, the board of directors ousted both him and his wife.

Finally in February 1998 Carmie Mehrlander was brought onboard as president and chief operating officer.

In March 2000 the company formed Bailey Street Trading Company, a wholesale subsidiary charged with selling Bombay products to other retailers and the contract trade.

He then became CEO as well in June 2003.