Until now, the future of the new Steve & Barry's store in the old Tower Records at 692 Broadway has been all hearsay and conjecture. Finally some clarity comes from DNR, who relay that the location will be opening "in the next few months," which is code for in time for the holidays. This news follows the bankruptcy of the entire company earlier this year, sharing yet another similarity with Tower Records who called it quits in late 2006.
Although this means a second Manhattan home (after their Herald Square store) for Steve & Barry's celebrity clothing lines including Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker, Eleven by Venus Williams and Dear by Amanda Bynes, all is still not well for the discount giant. In fact, the whole shebang sold at auction last month for the bargain-basement price of $168 million, a sum which includes over 250 stores around the country.
Beginning September 24, this number will severely drop as 103 Steve & Barry's stores shutter for good, with Ohio and West Virginia being hit hardest (yet aren't they the ones who desperately need $8.98 Bitten dresses?).
If you live outside of Manhattan, your favorite outlet for Laird Hamilton board shorts could be hit by the scythe at any moment, but first may we suggest partying it up during their closing sales? Check out the complete list of closing stores on their website, and plan your frenzied shopping accordingly.
· Steve & Barry's To Close 103 Stores [DNR]
· Steve & Barry's On The Block [Racked]
· Flameout: Steve & Barry's [Racked]
· Steve & Barry's To Make Sweet Music in Tower Records Space [Racked]
