Arden B. Will Shutter So Wet Seal Can Focus on Plus Size

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Time to morn that prom dress mom probably didn't approve of: Arden B., the mall store owned by Wet Seal Inc., will shutter this year. The Wall Street Journal calls it "winding down," but by late July, the company will flip 31 Arden B stores into Wet Seal Plus stores, while the remaining 23 locations will become regular Wet Seals.

Wet Seal's new chief exec John Goodman (not that John Goodman) explained that the move is part of an overall restructuring to focus on plus size, a market less flooded than cheap-ish club-wear: "This was a difficult decision that followed a comprehensive review of the business and market dynamics. Our transition strategy for Arden B accelerates our opportunity to expand in the growing junior plus market."
· Wet Seal To Exit Arden B Business, Turns To Shore Up Namesake Brand [WSJ]
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