Popular children’s clothing retailer to close 300 locations

A popular children’s clothing retailer is shuttering about a third of its stores and says it faces an uncertain future as it restructures during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Children’s Place, which has locations at the Dayton Mall and Mall at Fairfield Commons, announced it will close 300 stores over the next two years.

A location at the Cincinnati Premium Outlets in Monroe says it is temporarily closed.

The locations have not yet been announced but most of the closures will be at malls, the chain said.

“Although we are facing a period of uncertainty regarding the future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Children’s Place is moving swiftly and decisively to proactively address these challenges,” President and CEO Jane Elfers said in a news release.

The Children’s Place has about 920 stores, including 800 across the United States. It’s considered the largest children’s specialty apparel retailer in North America.

“We anticipate that the lingering impact of COVID-19 will continue to accelerate the shift to digital, putting enormous pressure on the already-stressed brick and mortar channel, resulting in accelerated store closures,” Elfers said.

While the fate of the local stores is unknown, local business casualties of the coronavirus pandemic continue to rise. The restaurant industry has taken one of the hardest financial hits during the pandemic, but clothing boutiques and retailers have also announced closures.

Lehigh Valley business casualties of coronavirus pandemic: 10 restaurants, stores and more that we’ve lost »

The two local stores list The Children’s Place as still in business. The chain says online demand has grown 300% during the pandemic.

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