Howell Justice Store Closing After Company Bankruptcy: Report

HOWELL, NJ – The Justice clothing store in Howell is reportedly one of 600 locations to shutter nationwide after its parent company, Ascena Retail Group, filed for bankruptcy on Thursday.

As of yet, the Route 9 location does not have a definitive closing date, but store closing sales are expected to last between 30 to 60 days, according to Ascena. Liquidation sales for the tween outfitters began July 24, with all items listed for 40 percent off or more. All sales will be final and the store will not be accepting any returns as of Friday.

In a news release, the New Jersey-based parent company, which operates Justice as well Ann Taylor, Catherines, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Lou & Grey and Cacique, announced the Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Documents obtained by USA Today note that the clothing brand, formerly known as Limited Too, will close over half of its stores, including over 20 New Jersey Justice locations, as part of the bankruptcy process.

Ascena joins a growing list of retailers to file for bankruptcy amid the coronavirus pandemic, including Brooks Brothers, J.Crew, J.C. Penney, Lucky Brand, Neiman Marcus and Sur La Table.

Other Justice sites to close include locations in Eatontown, Holmdel, Lawrenceville, Old Bridge, Woodbridge and Toms River. The Freehold Raceway Mall location will remain open, according to an employee at the Howell location.

Justice is not the only store to bid the Howell Commons shopping center an unexpected farewell in recent months: In June, Howell Petco announced its Aug. 2 closing date.

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