Burlington Coat Factory to Remain Closed Indefinitely

Cold winds blew and temperatures well below-normal chilled the region starting Monday afternoon and into the evening with nightime lows expected near 10 degrees by dawn Tuesday.

However, any potential shoppers looking for a warm new overcoat or jacket are out of luck. Out of luck, that is, if they were planning on purchasing one at the Burlington Coat Factory on Barnum Avenue in Stratford.

Store officials abruptly closed the giant factory outlet store early Monday after a partial roof breach including water and gravel falling into the store from the roof caused some concern of a total or partial roof collapse.

Officials worked throughout Monday, into the afternoon and evening, to assess the damage. But the "closed indefinitely" sign on the glass entry doors, the yellow tape across the entranceway and the orange cones blocking the driveway entrance to Barnum Avenue Monday evening told the story.

It will likely be at least a few days, and maybe more until the Stratford store opens again to the public.

Monday evening, the only two workers on site were two security guards, parked in a car in front of the store entrance. With no one allowed in the building until the threat of collapse is 100% ruled it, it was the warmest place to be on a cold winter's night.