Thursday, Sep. 04, 2008

Steve & Barry's fate uncertain in Columbus

Retailer closing more than 100 stores nationwide

The sign plastered Thursday on the front window of the Steve & Barry's outlet in Columbus was succinct: "This store closed today for inventory."

Inside, crews fumbling through apparel peered back at customers trying to enter the locked doors of the store at 3201 Macon Rd., in Cross Country Plaza shopping center.

Whether or not the 44,000-square-foot store, which opened last November, will keep ringing up sales of discount clothing and accessories is uncertain.

The store manager, via telephone, referred all inquiries to Steve & Barry's corporate office in Port Washington, N.Y. A company spokeswoman, Rachel Brenner, said in an email query that a "chainwide list has not been finalized" for closures.

The developments come with Steve & Barry's apparently planning to shutter 106 of its 276 stores across the country, according to various media outlets.

For more on this story, see Friday's print edition of the Ledger-Enquirer or www.ledger-enquirer.com.