06/29/2020
CUMBERLAND – After saying two weeks ago that they had no plans to close their remaining curtain and bath shops, representatives from Cumberland-based Ann & Hope now plan to close all of the remaining eight outlets.
The Breeze has confirmed the plan, which is revealed to employees this morning.
The homeowners, who had been considering their options in light of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, are still considering keeping garden center locations open. This is not bankruptcy, but a decision that will be executed over time.
“Due to the significant economic impact caused by the unprecedented COVID-19 public health crisis, Ann & Hope has made the difficult decision to permanently cease its Bath and Outlet Outlet operations in New England for the next three to four months,” the company said. The founding family, the Chases, announced Monday.
The Breeze reported two weeks ago after a company executive said it would not close. Three of the brand’s 11 stores had seen closings announced in Massachusetts, Cindy Boulet said, but eight more would remain open.
But in recent days, customers reported that sterile aisles at retail outlets and closed garden stores have sparked speculation about a ramp closing.
Known as “the first department store in the United States” with a discount self-service model tied to the boom in major retailers, Ann & Hope was founded in 1953. Before starting his own businesses, Walmart founder Sam Walton and Harry Cunningham from Kmart came to Rhode Island to study Ann & Hope’s pioneering concept of discount department stores. At its peak, Ann & Hope employed 3,000 associates in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Ann & Hope will permanently close all Bath and Curtain Outlet locations
A store closing sale is expected to begin July 9 and each of the 11 outlet stores in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut is expected to close in late summer.
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“This was an extremely difficult decision, but after carefully reviewing all of our available options, it became clear that it was inevitable,” said Ron Dore, corporate vice president at Ann & Hope. “The unprecedented economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 public health crisis, combined with more consumers gravitating toward online shopping alternatives, has created a retail environment that is no longer sustainable for many local businesses like ours.”
“We are tremendously proud of all that we have been able to accomplish in Rhode Island and southern New England since our founding in 1953,” added Dore. “We want to express our sincere thanks to each of our associates, whose daily dedication to making the shopping experience special to our millions of customers over the years has helped make Ann & Hope the only company in the that we will always be proud of and always remember. “
Ann & Hope intends to retain employees as long as their business allows, and will also make an effort to introduce its associates to area companies with employment opportunities.
As the closing process continues, additional information will be provided at www.curtainandbathoutlet.com.
