The latest news to break in the ongoing Retailpocolypse of 2017 is that of Gymboree’s bankruptcy filing — a move that will see the closure of 350 stores across the chain’s U.S. footprint. The San Franciso-based company also operates stores brands Crazy 8 and Janie and Jack, which will see closures as well.
Company CEO Daniel Griesemer issued a public statement to proclaim the announcement as “the next step in the Company’s court-supervised financial restructuring as we work to more strongly position the business for long-term growth and success.”
The statement echoes what many other national retailers have announced alongside closures in 2017, with a growing list that includes Ann Taylor, Dress Barn, Lane Bryant, Michael Kors, Payless ShoeSource, Gander Mountain, Rue21, Gamestop, RadioShack, hhgregg, J.C. Penney, Wet Seal, American Apparel, The Limited and Macy’s.
The three Central Ohio stores that will be affected by the closures include a Janie and Jack at Easton Town Center, a Gymboree store at the Shops on Lane Avenue in Upper Arlington, and a Gymboree at the River Valley Mall in Lancaster. The Gymboree Outlet at the Tanger Outlets in Jeffersonville is also slated to close.
Gymboree stated that the closures will begin as early as next week.