Farewell to Bob’s Stores: Northeastern Chains Shut Down, Latest in Retail Wave

Bob’s Stores, a discount retailer with locations in several Northeastern states, including New Jersey, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will permanently close all 21 of its remaining stores. The chain will liquidate its inventory in the coming weeks, including the New Jersey location in Freehold at 3710 US-9.

Bob’s Stores President Dave Barton expressed regret over the financial situation that led to the decision, acknowledging the store’s long history in local communities. The chain was originally started as “Bob’s Surplus” in Connecticut in 1954 and was later acquired by TJX in 2003. It was then sold to private companies in 2008 and again in 2022 to GoDigital Media Group.

The closing stores are currently offering discounts of 30-70% on a wide range of items from clothing to footwear as part of their ‘Business Sale’. Bob’s Stores is just the latest in a string of retail chains that have closed locations in recent years, following in the footsteps of companies like Red Lobster and Rite Aid.

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