NORTH ADAMS - The Fashion Bug here is being squashed by its corporate parent, putting 10 people out of work.
An anchor in the downtown's L-shaped mall for 24 years, the women's clothing store will close its doors by the end of January along with another store in Northampton.
Store manager Lida Watters said employees were officially informed last week of the closing. They had heard rumblings of possible closings as the last quarter ended but after several weeks, thought they were safe.
"They didn't give us a reason," said Watters, but she noted the North Adams store hadn't been included in a round of renovations at other area shops. "I think they looked at the the cost of renovations, and the lease is coming up."
What struck her, she said, was how quickly the store was ordered to close. "Usually it's three to five months but they told us we have to close at the end of January."
Mayor John Barrett III said he had been aware the store might close since last summer. The company had never applied for new signage after the exterior of the mall was refurbished earlier this year, he pointed out. While its neighbors have new signage, Fashion Bug is still using a temporary banner. "I was told they probably would not keep the store here past January."
He said he had spoken with the owner of the plaza, Neil Ellis of Hartford Realty, about the store's departure.
"Neil Ellis told me emphatically that they would have something similar in there," said the mayor. He pointed to Ellis' ability to pull in good tenants like Peebles and Staples.
The store is owned by Charming Shoppes Inc., based in Bensalem, Pa. The company also owns the Lane Bryant and Catherine store chains. Five years ago, the company closed or converted 121 Fashion Bug stores. It also discontinued its Added Dimensions/Answer chain and its 77 stores.
Calls to corporate headquarters were not immediately returned, but the company reported a loss of $3.6 million at the end of the third quarter and 4 percent drop in sales from the previous quarter.
In a press release last month, Dorrit J. Bern, chairman, chief executive officer and president, put the "disappointing performance" to a general downward sales trend "which both we and our industry experienced."
"Our fall selling season had a very slow start, particularly at our Lane Bryant brand, and we expect the holiday season to be highly promotional throughout our industry."
The company listed 1,004 Fashion Bug and Fashion Bug Plus stores, 923 Lane Bryant and outlet stores, 471 Catherines stores, and 55 Petite Sophisticate and Petite Sophisticate Outlet stores in November.
Watters blamed the economy in general for the closure, with which Barrett agreed.
"This has nothing to do with this area and the business [this store] did. They were doing well, Peebles is doing well," he said. "It's about the company."
"I'm sad to see it go. It was a major part of the L-shaped mall for a long time."
It also wasn't happy news for the 10 part- and full-time workers, said Watters, who has been with company 12 years and this store nearly 10. Even if some might be able to find a spot in the Pittsfield and Bennington, Vt., stores, transportation is difficult, she said.
Watters was trying to remain cheerful.
"I've got to laugh or I've got to cry," she said. "And I'd rather laugh."
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I am sad to see another retail store leaving north adams. But,, Sometimes a step back is just what we need to take a giant leap forward. i woudl urge local leaders to look at the landscape of north adams. i have hurd rumblings of a walking path down eagle street with sculptures. Reshaping our town is what the local economy needs. I am sad to see people our of work, but I am not sad to see a big box retailer leave town. I believe in local economy, i think money spent here shoudl stay here. I Also believe in a strong local economy, and developing a plan to incorperate the Mohak, eagle street, and mass moca will truely make north adams a destination.
Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
The home prior to renovations.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.
The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.
The house is listed for $359,500.
We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieriand Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.
What was your first impression when you walked into the home?
Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.
Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.) The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.
What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?
Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few. All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.
Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house. New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house. New paver patio in the back yard.
What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?
Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.
Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.
Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.
Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?
Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.
Andrews: Built in about 1965.
What do the current owners love about this home?
Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.
Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.
You can find out more about this house on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
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