No Tears as BIMORE Readies to Close its Doors November 23

My first reaction to the news of Enumclaw’s BIMORE closing was one of confusion.  How can a local business that provides extremely off-price, name brand products go out of business in an economy where shoppers want to save money?  My question was answered as I learned how this industry works and why, unfortunately, BIMORE has been forced to close its doors.

BIMORE is part of what is called the salvage industry.  Salvage products in this industry are those that are clearance, overstock, close-out and return items purchased, for example, from Fred Meyer by stores such as BIMORE who then sell them at a much lower price to the public.  Such products include but are not limited to, furniture, clothing, shoes, bedding, tools, sporting goods, grocery, health and beauty and electronics.

It sounds like a great business plan, right?

It is—until the big box store decides to stop farming out their products to the small guy.  In BIMORE’s case, this is what has happened; the big stores have decided to start offering vendor credit in-store instead of taking a loss on the product.  Perhaps it could be better addressed as an in-store barter system.  For BIMORE, the loss of one vendor led to another and another which resulted in a trickle down effect for their business.

Manager Kerin Rewoldt explained how they stopped getting big truckloads last October which then meant they began to “stop getting the good stuff.”  Fortunately, they had back stock to keep their store open but through the trickle down effect of fewer vendors, they had to move their business into a smaller facility with smaller overhead. 

It worked…for awhile.

Assistant manager Renee Stoppard watched the decline in business with building anxiety.  “It’s easy to get squeezed out when people can buy in bulk at shopping centers and big chain stores.” 

When individual sales went from between $35 and $40 to around $15, Stoppard knew what lay ahead for BIMORE—it would have to close its doors for good.

When asked about living in a small town and how people should buy local to support the community, both Kerin and Renee said they believe that, “People are not buying it.” 

“It” being the slogan of smaller business districts which is that of “Shop Local, Buy Local.”  They have found that customers would rather shop in a central location where they can buy in mass and all stores are close together for convenience.  While they still have loyal customers, it is simply not enough business for them to stay in business.

It hasn’t always been doom and gloom for Kerin and Renee however.  They have had many good times being in business together.  They have been extremely fortunate to have had great employees who get heavily involved in an infectious business which leads to what has Renee calls the “BIMORE sickness.”  Everyone just can’t get enough of all the great deals to be had!

Good employees, management and bargains aside, these two managers have been fortunate enough to involve BIMORE in the giving spirit—giving back to the community is a value they heavily believe in.  For years they were active in the community, sponsoring local events and taking a vital part in the transition program for the high school.  They have also donated Christmas trees and gift baskets to needy families during the holidays. 

Kerin put it simply that, “We have been fortunate enough to be able to give.”

It is evident that these two women will miss what they were willing to contribute to the community and feel fortunate to be part of a small town, even if they cannot get people to shop in town.  They adore their faithful customers and getting to know each of them on a personal level which both claim is the fun part of the job. 

Renee is a life long resident of Enumclaw and Kerin has been a resident now for around 12 years.  Both have formed a bond and a friendship which I could tell will get them through what may be some rough times ahead.  When asked what they will do after BIMORE, both stated that they just didn’t know. 

However, “we want to let people know how fun it was for us and we want to leave on a high note,” stated Renee. 

No tears for now.

BIMORE will be marking down their already reduced merchandise this weekend another 50 percent and eventually a huge clearance blow-out will be held until their doors close November 23.