Popular clothing store and TJ Maxx rival closes all locations after 70 years

A POPULAR Northeast discount clothing store is shutting all its locations after filing for bankruptcy.

Bob’s Stores initially announced it would close a select number of stores before revealing all locations would shut.

Unfortunately, the retailer could not secure the finances to continue operations as usual.

In the final days, stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island are holding “going out of business” sales.

Shoppers can find items for as much as 70% on all items, including footwear and team wear.

Bob’s sells brands like Nike, Adidas, and Carhartt, and apparel from NFL, NBA, and MLB teams.

The company announced that the final day of business is July 14.

“We regret that our financial position necessitated the liquidation of Bob’s Stores,” said Dave Barton, president of Bob’s Stores.

“Bob’s has been a stalwart of our local communities for nearly 70 years, and we know our customers remember us as having been there for major moments in their lives. 

“We remain grateful to our vendors, suppliers, customers, and employees for all of their support over the years.”

CUSTOMERS REACT

Despite the deals offered by the liquidation sale, customers were still heartbroken to hear about the closings.

“Amazon wins again,” wrote shopper Kevin (@imkevinbrooks) on X.

“As a Southington resident, it’s disappointing. There’s no other place in town to buy sneakers,” wrote a shopper who often visited a location in Connecticut.

Another resident said the closures came as a surprise.

“Just got news Bob’s Stores Footwear & Apparel is closing this Sunday, very fast close caught us all by surprise, get in now to use your gift cards and rewards,” they wrote.

However, retail experts say they saw it coming.

“Bob’s and EMS know how to run good, profitable, and productive stores that offer great merchandise with great value,” Burt Flickinger III, managing director of retail and consumer goods consulting firm Strategic Resource Group, told CT Insider.

“But they’re facing an accelerating retail ice age.”

Eastern Mountain Sports is another retailer owned by Bob’s parent company, GoDigital Media Group.

“While GoDigital Media Group has invested significant resources to support, rightsize, and restructure operations and work toward revitalizing the business, we faced substantial financial challenges – a turn in the market beginning in April 2023, rising interest rates and inflation – all of which impacted company performance,” the company wrote in a statement after filing for bankruptcy.

“This restructure is a necessary step to enable a healthy business that can continue to serve its communities and grow in years to come.”

Another popular discount retailer confirmed another closure as it battles shutting down for good.

Walgreens announced 26 stores closing as it revealed that as many as 25% of its locations could shut.