MOUNT VERNON — Knox Village Square will be losing one retail chain store at the end of 2012 when Fashion Bug, at 1524 Coshocton Avenue, will close its doors.
This comes with the announcement of the closing of all 660 Fashion Bug stores nationwide following the recent buyout of Charming Shoppes Inc. by the Ascena Retail Group.
The decision to close the Fashion Bug retail stores was made as Charming Shoppes, now a subsidiary of Ascena, is shifting its focus to other brand names including Lane Bryant, said Gayle Coolick, vice president. Fashion Bug has been in business for 70 years with the Mount Vernon location in operation since 1992.
An exact closing date of the stores has not been set, but Coolick expects most of the Fashion Bug locations to be closed by the end of the year. Sales events will be planned prior to the store’s closing which should give local shoppers an opportunity to take advantage of some excellent clearance deals.
The Mount Vernon Fashion Bug currently employs two full-time and five hourly associates. All employees will be given the opportunity to apply for transfer to a nearby location of one of Charming Shoppes’ sister brands.
