Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, & Catherine's Closures

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Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, and Catherine's operator Charming Shoppes will close between 100 and 120 stores this year—this, following its 160-store closure in 2009. “What was not working in the [fourth] quarter was an understanding of our customer and her need for fit and value, sufficient depth and sizing in lengths and lack of a strong core tops and bottoms assortment,” president and CEO Jim Fogarty told WWD. There's been a longtime disconnect between the wants and needs of the plus-size customer and what is available in stores—is it so hard to deliver a well-curated, smartly-merchandised collection of fashion-driven pieces and flattering classics at an affordable price? [WWD]