Rue21 Announces Several Store Closings in Connecticut

Today's consumer climate has taken its toll on many retailers that once stood over their respective markets as giants, with many announcing widespread store closures almost weekly. This trend continued, as teen clothing retailer Rue21 announced it would be closing some stores in what they say was a "difficult but necessary decision."

While initially not announcing the number of stores affected, the Associated Press later reported that the retailer would close 400 its stores, shedding approximately one-third of its locations nationwide to focus on online sales.

There are seven Rue21 locations in Connecticut; located in Manchester, Trumbull, Waterford, Meriden, Waterbury, Westbrook and Milford. Five stores in Connecticut will be closing, (To receive free news alerts from your hometown in Connecticut click here.)

The following locations will be closing, according to the Rue21 website.

• Buckland Hills Mall in Manchester
• Trumbull Mall in Trumbull
• Meriden Mall in Meriden
• Brass Mill Center in Waterbury
• Tanger Outlet Center in Westbrook

Rue21 is the latest major retailer to announce nationwide store closings. Payless ShoeSource filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and announced it would close five underperforming stores in the Nutmeg state on April 5. Just last week it was announced that Bob's Stores would be closing 11 locations statewide including two Eastern Mountain Sports stores.

In late march, J.C. Penney announced the closure of their Connecticut Post Mall store in Milford.

It is not yet clear when the Rue21 stores will closes.

»Patch file photo