Rainbow Shops offers a 40% discount on all items as it prepares to close its store at a struggling mall in Hamilton Township, New Jersey.
The popular youth clothing brand is shutting down this location, joining many retailers facing similar challenges.
Rainbow's Brief Stay at Hamilton Mall
A recent visit to Hamilton Mall revealed that Rainbow Shops, a retailer known for its trendy clothing and accessories for teenagers and young women, is closing, as WPG reported.
The store, which occupies the space once held by New York & Company on the second level, opened its doors in November 2022.
Now, just 20 months later, in July 2024, the store displays banners with messages like "Everything must go now!" and the clothing racks are adorned with "closing this store" signs.
Despite the closure, the store was bustling with shoppers looking to take advantage of the discounts. Those interested in good deals might want to visit sooner rather than later, as the store is attracting a lot of bargain hunters.
According to ScrapeHero, Rainbow Shops operates approximately 950 stores nationwide, and the Hamilton location currently hosts a significant clearance sale. WPG has shared images of the store filled with signs announcing that everything must go.
Currently, the store is offering discounts up to 40% off. An employee confirmed to The U.S. Sun that all items in the store are on sale at this price. However, they noted that purchases made during this sale are final and cannot be returned to any other Rainbow store for a refund.
The employee also mentioned that the store has no set closing date. It is common for stores to continue operations until all inventory is sold. Over the weekend, WPG reported that the store was bustling with shoppers eager to find deals.
Also Read: Stop & Shop Decision to Close 32 Stores Stirs Emotions Among Patrons
Challenges of Hamilton Mall
The decline of Hamilton Mall is part of a broader trend that has been unfolding for decades. According to a retail expert who spoke with The U.S. Sun, while many malls have faltered, the top properties continue to prosper.
The expert suggested that to remain viable, some malls should consider incorporating mixed-use developments, such as housing. This strategy can create a more vibrant, walkable community reminiscent of bustling town centers, potentially making these malls more economically resilient in changing retail landscapes.
The Hamilton Mall has faced several setbacks, with significant store closures over recent years. In 2018, the mall lost its Sears location, which was quickly followed by the departure of JCPenney.
Adding to these challenges, the Express store at Hamilton Mall was listed among the locations slated to close as part of the company's bankruptcy plan. WFPG confirmed this development and provided further details in an April 23, 2024 announcement.
Express Inc. planned to close 95 stores and 20 factory outlets across 29 states and Washington, D.C. While the Atlantic City Outlets location remained open, other New Jersey stores in Deptford Mall, Freehold Raceway Mall, Garden State Mall in Paramus, and Woodbridge Mall were set to close.
This series of closures reflected a broader trend of challenges apparel retailers face as shifting consumer habits and economic pressures reshaped the retail landscape.
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