Bob’s Stores: Closing Their Doors After 70 Years, What the Public Loss Means for New Jersey and Beyond.

Bob’s Stores, a discount retailer with a 70-year history in local communities, is set to close all its brick-and-mortar locations after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company plans to liquidate its inventory and permanently shut down all 21 remaining stores in several states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.

Dave Barton, president of Bob’s Stores, expressed regret over the financial circumstances that led to this decision. He highlighted the significant role the stores have played in customers’ lives and acknowledged their long-standing presence in local communities.

In New Jersey, one of the Bob’s Stores locations at 3710 US-9 in Freehold is set to close soon along with several others across other states. Customers can expect discounts ranging from 30-70% off on a wide range of items as part of the “Going Out of Business Sale.”

Bob’s Stores was originally known as “Bob’s Surplus” and was founded in Connecticut in 1954. The chain was later acquired by TJX in 2003 and sold multiple times before being ultimately sold to GoDigital Media Group in 2022.

The closure of Bob’s Stores is part of a trend in the retail industry, with other major chains like Red Lobster and Rite Aid also announcing significant store closures. Consumers are encouraged to show support for local journalism by subscribing to outlets like NJ.com to stay informed about developments affecting their communities. For more information or tips, contact reporter Katherine Rodriguez at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com.