National retailer Express to enter bankruptcy and close NJ stores

The retail landscape has been brutal recently, with even long-standing brand names undergoing significant changes; just this year, Joann and 99 Cents Only stores have filed for bankruptcy protection.

We can add a new name to that list, as Express, the national clothing retailer, has entered bankruptcy.

Included in the filing, it has come out that Express plans on closing 18% of its stores, including seven in New Jersey.

Cafe closing - Photo: TSM Illustration

According to Fox 5 NY, the locations in New Jersey being closed are:

⚫ Deptford MaII
⚫ Freehold Raceway Mall
⚫ Livingston Mall
⚫ Mall At Hamilton
⚫ Moorestown Mall
⚫ Paramus: Garden State Plaza
⚫ Woodbridge Center

Google Maps

According to a statement:

Even with the liquidity-enhancing solutions the company pursued over the past several years in response to the distress brought about by the pandemic and the headwinds facing the retail industry, Express is unable to continue operating with its current store footprint,” Express Chief Executive Stewart Glendinning said.

The company also faces pressures from vendors as well as lenders, he said.

Express said that the stores that are going to be shut down will start having their closing sales beginning this week.

Express employs 9,300 people; according to the Wall Street Journal, Express has $97.6 million in outstanding gift cards and customer merchandise credits. It is seeking court permission to honor those obligations, but that is not a given.

In something akin to whistling past the graveyard, Glendinning said:

We continue to make meaningful progress refining our product assortments, driving demand, connecting with customers and strengthening our operations.

These are the long-gone NJ mall stores we miss the most

With so many trends of the 1990's back in style, it's a great time to look back at a strong foundation of 80's and 90's culture — New Jersey mall shopping. Some stores were a highlight, every trip.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt

LOOK: 50 Beloved Retail Chains That No Longer Exist

Stacker takes a look at 50 major retail chains that no longer exist and the reasons for their demise.

Gallery Credit: Madison Troyer

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Doyle only.

You can now listen to Deminski & Doyle — On Demand! Hear New Jersey’s favorite afternoon radio show any day of the week. Download the Deminski & Doyle show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now.

Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.