Shoppers Flock To Doomed Ann & Hope Store In Vernon

VERNON, CT — Shoppers flocked to the doomed Ann & Hope Curtain & Bath Outlet in Vernon over the long Fourth of July weekend and left some parts of the store barren.

A week ago, ownership announced that the chain was closing. The Vernon location, in the old KMart plaza at 295 Hartford Turnpike, is the only location in the state.

Clerks were still unsure of a final day, but that didn't stop shoppers from cleaning out entire sections of the store.

Curtains and other wall hangings were still left on Sunday.

The company's founding family cited the coronavirus as the reason in a news release. In addition to Vernon, all Curtain & Bath Outlet Stores in Rhode Island and Massachusetts are expected to close by the end of the summer.

"Due to the significant economic impact brought on by the unprecedented COVID-19 public health crisis, Ann & Hope has made the difficult decision to permanently cease its Curtain & Bath Outlet operations across New England over the next three to four months," the founders said.

According to the announcement, Ann & Hope had been planning a closing sale starting July 9 at each of its 11 Curtain & Bath Outlet locations.

Ann & Hope stores began opening in southern New England since in 1953.