Avenue Stores Shutters Its Brick and Mortar Business

Plus-size women’s apparel retailer Avenue Stores is closing all of its 222 stores.

Closing sales now underway at its stores, which are located across 33 states, and are being conducted by a joint venture consisting of Gordon Brothers and Hilco Merchant Resources. Sales include all items, as well as store fixtures, and begin at 30-50% off lowest ticketed prices.

A spokesperson for the consortium said, "Given the popularity of the brand and the seasonal trends, merchandise is sure to sell out quickly. We are encouraging consumers to shop early and take advantage of these offers."

Avenue is owned by private equity company Versa Capital Management, which acquired it in 2012 after Avenue's parent company United Retail Group, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. From its inception as Sizes Unlimited in 1983, Avenue has maintained a commitment to offer plus-sized clothing in sizes 14-32.

It is unknown what will become of the retailer’s e-commerce site. Last year Avenue partnered with PredictSpring to develop and launch a new mobile app.

A full list of closing locations is at avenue.com/en_US/stores.