Popular Fashion Chain to Close 18 Connecticut Stores Including Danbury
It all started in Stamford, Connecticut back in 1962. Now the end is near for a popular clothing retailer.
Dressbarn's parent company, Ascena Retail Group, announced Monday it would close all 650 of the popular retail locations nationwide, including their store on Federal Road in Danbury and 18 other Connecticut locations. The news of the closing comes just weeks after the son of the company's founder stepped down as the CEO.
According to the Ascena Retail Group, the Connecticut locations that will be closing include Danbury, Norwalk, Branford, Orange, Shelton, Southbury, Wallingford and Westbrook.
The company said it would help some 6,800 employees transition to new jobs and it also said it would honor all returns, refunds and gift cards. The stores will continue to operate normally until the parent company decides on closing dates.
In the press release, CFO Steven Taylor cited the main reason for the women's clothing chain closing their doors was "due to the fact that the chain has not been operating at an acceptable level of profitability in today's retail environment".
For more than 50 years, Dressbarn has served women’s fashion needs, and we thank all of our dedicated associates for their commitment to Dressbarn and our valued customers. This decision was difficult, but necessary, as the Dressbarn chain has not been operating at an acceptable level of profitability in today’s retail environment. During the wind down process, we will continue to provide our customers with the same great experience both in-store and online, offering them even better deals and value. We will work to assist our associates through the transition and maintain existing relationships with our vendors, suppliers, and other key stakeholders through this process.
Since closures won't take place immediately, the retailer said customers would still be able to shop at local stores and online.
Dressbarn joins a laundry list of more than 6,000 stores that have already announced closings in 2019, including Payless Shoes, Gymborree, Charlotte Russe, Victoria's Secret and Gap.