Bob’s Stores Closes Shop in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Four Other States

Bob's Stores Closes Shop in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Four Other States
Image By: The Boston Globe

In the latest retail setback for the US, Bob’s Stores, the cherished establishment that has provided clothing for families throughout the northeast for 70 years, will permanently close all of its shops.

President Dave Barton made the announcement on Monday that the venerable retail behemoth was “unable to secure the finances needed to maintain operations.”

Before closing on July 14, Bob’s Stores will provide discounts ranging from 30 to 70 percent off of its merchandise at its 21 sites in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.

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

The retailer, which focuses in “footwear, workwear, teamwear, and everyday clothing” for families, has 13 shops in the tri-state area of New York alone. Just this past December, one New York location—located in Centereach, Long Island—celebrated its grand opening.

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

Barton, which employs 481 part-timers and 290 full-timers at Bob’s Stores and its sibling company Eastern Mountain Sports, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on June 20.

Both businesses share a headquarters and distribution center in Meriden, Connecticut, according to the court filing.

GoDigital Media Group, the facility’s parent firm, abruptly let off 150 employees in May after deciding to “operate from their larger stores and remotely” in lieu of going through a “aggressive” reorganization process.

According to Barton, the combined net revenue for Eastern Mountain Sports and Bob’s Stores in 2023 was $131.85 million.

But according to PNC Bank, it is also due almost $30 million in addition to $27 million in delinquent rent and operating debt. The petition also claims that the corporations incurred unmet pay obligations totaling $935,000.

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The website for the store is stating that it is “under construction” and that a “enhanced online shopping experience” will be available soon.

In 1954, businessman Bob Lapidus opened the first Bob’s Stores, formerly known as Bob’s Surplus, in a modest Middletown, Connecticut store. The retailer filed for bankruptcy several times before reaching its goal of over 35 locations in the Northeast.

An report by CoreSight Research indicates that retail chains are closing close to 3,200 shops this year, a 24 percent rise from 2023.

Supermarket Stop & Stop shuttered multiple shops in the northeast in May due to poor sales, and seafood restaurant Red Lobster closed at least fifty locations and declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Reference

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With more than two years of expertise in news and analysis, Eileen Stewart is a seasoned reporter. Eileen is a respected voice in this field, well-known for her sharp reporting and insightful analysis. Her writing covers a wide range of subjects, from politics to culture and more.