2017 continues to be a bad year for several major retailers across the country, as American Apparel is the latest to announce closures, joining the likes of The Limited, Kmart/Sears and Macy’s. The company filed for bankruptcy late last year, and its remaining assets were sold to Canadian company Gildan last week (pending court approval), which includes a move to shutter all 110 brick-and-mortar stores.
American Apparel only has one store in Central Ohio, located at 1221 North High Street in the Short North, which opened in 2009 as one of the first major chain retailers in the neighborhood. An employee at the store stated that they’re currently predicting that the store will remain open until April 30th.
“We knew it was probably going this way — sorry to see them go as they gave a nice northern anchor to the Short North,” stated Ricky Day, Principal at Day Companies, the owner of the Short North building that American Apparel leases. “We now look forward to something new at 5th and High in the 4,000 square foot space. It’s a great location.”
Founded in 1989, American Apparel and its founder Dov Charney have often been in the news for controversies related to overly sexualized advertising campaigns, various lawsuits, and other issues related to its unconventional company culture.
For more information, visit www.americanapparel.net.