WESTWOOD, MA — A longtime destination for discount fashion shoppers is preparing to close after more than four decades.
Frugal Fannie's Fashion Warehouse will end operations at its 24 Wilson Way store because of medical hardships, key staff retirements and the coming expiration of its lease, owners Kathleen and Orrin Doxer announced. A going-out-of-business sale began Thursday, although a final closing date has not been announced.
The locally owned store opened in a leased Westwood warehouse in 1983, according to Thursday's announcement.
Frugal Fannie's became known for selling discounted designer and brand-name women's clothing, shoes and accessories from its warehouse near Route 1 on the Westwood-Norwood line. The business grew to four Greater Boston locations before closing its additional stores following the 2001 recession, according to the announcement.
Kathleen Doxer, who appeared as "Fannie" in the company's television advertisements, said the store's owners had no remaining options once the lease ends.
"This store has been our life," Doxer said in the announcement. "Many of our employees have been with us since the early days, and they have become family."
The company also thanked its customers, vendors, suppliers, truck drivers and the Westwood police and fire departments. It recognized employees who had worked at the store for decades and thanked their families for supporting them.
Merchandise will receive additional markdowns during the liquidation sale and all purchases will be final, NBC10 Boston reported. Gift cards and merchandise credits may be redeemed through Nov. 11, the news outlet reported.
"We are immensely proud of what we were able to build together," Frugal Fannie's said. "Through good times and difficult ones, we weathered it all making big things happen right here in our little corner of the world."
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