CURTAIN CALL
Popular retailer won’t ‘honor’ rewards days before shutting down all locations – angry shoppers call policy ‘pathetic’
Shoppers can still score liquidation sale deals
AFTER filing for bankruptcy, a popular discount clothing store is set to shutter all 21 of its locations.
Bob's Stores will close after 70 years of operation due to financial trouble.
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Fans of the store are racing to make their final purchases before the chain closes for good on July 14.
While shoppers are sad to see Bob's Stores go, they're also furious that they are being met with resistance from employees.
At Bob's Stores locations in Connecticut, customers reportedly have been unable to use their accrued rewards.
"They aren’t taking rewards anymore as of yesterday even though the sign said July 13," shared a Facebook user at the end of June.
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"Even though the sign said later in July, we tried to use the rewards yesterday afternoon - and it was declined," fumed another customer.
As part of the retailer's free rewards program, shoppers can earn points for their purchases. For every 200 points, customers receive a $10 reward.
Another Connecticut customer was frustrated after the store refused to accept their gift card as payment.
"The Simsbury store wouldn’t take the gift card I bought. A new low. Could understand rewards not being honored but to take $ then not honor the transaction is pathetic," they wrote.
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BYE BYE BOB'S
The Northeastern chain announced the mass closures on July 1.
Bob's Stores are closing and began liquidating their inventory on June 28 as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on June 18, per a press release.
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Bob's Stores initially shared it would be closing a select number of stores before revealing that every location would cease operations.
The retailer is forced to close shop after being unable to secure the finances to continue operating.
"We regret that our financial position necessitated the liquidation of Bob's Stores," began Dave Barton, president of Bob's Stores.
"Bob's has been a stalwart of our local communities for nearly 70 years, and we know our customers remember us as having been there for major moments in their lives.
Bob’s Stores locations set to close
Bob's Stores is closing all 21 locations:
- Ansonia, Connecticut
- Hamden, Connecticut
- Manchester, Connecticut
- Middletown, Connecticut
- Milford, Connecticut
- Newington, Connecticut
- Simsbury, Connecticut
- Southington, Connecticut
- Waterbury, Connecticut
- Waterford, Connecticut
- Attleboro, Massachusetts
- Fitchburg, Massachusetts
- Holyoke, Massachusetts
- Middleton, Massachusetts
- Randolph, Massachusetts
- Westborough, Massachusetts
- Salem, New Hampshire
- Freehold, New Jersey
- Centereach, New York
- West Islip, New York
- Cranston, Rhode Island
"We remain grateful to our vendors, suppliers, customers and employees for all of their support over the years."
In the final days before closing, Bob's Stores is discounting brands like Nike, Adidas, and Carhartt from 30% to 70% off as well as apparel from NFL, NBA, and MLB teams.
Footwear, clothing, and certain store fixtures, furniture, and equipment are for sale.
Bob’s Stores is owned by GoDigital Media Group and has locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.
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In related news, Kroger's CEO confirmed the fate of 579 stores across the US after pledging a huge sell-off.
Plus, Winn Dixie started liquidation sales up to 40% as a store will close down in weeks – and the chain confirmed its replacement.