Bob’s Stores, a long-standing clothing store chain in the northeastern United States, announced this week that it is closing its doors after the company failed to secure financing following a bankruptcy filing.
Through July 14, all remaining Bob’s locations are offering liquidation discounts on the stores’ trademark workwear, footwear, team apparel and everyday family wear. Select store fixtures, furniture and equipment are also on sale.
Gift cards and merchandise credits will be honored through the close of business on July 14, the company said. All sales are final and no returns will be accepted, though exchanges are available. Bob’s listed 21 stores in its announcement.
Founded in 1954, Bob’s began as a single-store surplus outlet in Connecticut. It eventually expanded to about three dozen locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.
But in the early 2000s, Bob’s entered a period of financial turmoil from which the company never fully recovered. Ultimately, the company went bankrupt four times, including this last one, and changed hands five times.
In a statement, Bob’s President Dave Barton acknowledged the chain’s history in the region.
“We regret that our financial position has made it necessary to liquidate Bob’s Stores,” he said. “Bob’s has been a pillar of our local communities for nearly 70 years, and we know our customers remember us as those who were there during important moments in their lives. We remain grateful to our vendors, suppliers, customers and employees for all their support over the years.”
Bob’s closure comes amid problems for sister retailer Eastern Mountain Sports, both owned by GoDigital Media Group, a conglomerate. EMS announced last month that it would close stores, along with plans to leave its Connecticut headquarters.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
