Northeast

MAHWAH, N.J. — Dressbarn, a women’s apparel retailer, plans to eventually close all 650 of its stores nationwide. The New Jersey-based company is winding down its retail operations and plans to assist its 6,800 associates with transition support as individual stores close. “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,” says Steven Taylor, Dressbarn’s chief financial officer. “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.” No information was made available about how the store closures will affect Dressbarn’s lease agreements in place with landlords, but the company has retained A&G Realty Partners to assist on all real estate-related matters during the wind down process. A&G Realty Partners is actively marketing Dressbarn’s available locations to interested tenants. According to A&G Realty’s marketing materials, Dressbarn’s available stores range in size from a 3,300-square-foot store in Michigan to a 15,000-square-foot location in Virginia Beach. Approximately 165 Dressbarn stores have leases that expire in 2020. In 2021, an additional 111 Dressbarn leases are expected to come due. The …