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Fred’s discount stores to close 159 locations in 13 states

By Ann Smajstrla, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
April 11, 2019

Discount store chain Fred’s announced it will be closing 159 stores and starting clearance sales at 360 locations amid declining business.

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The Memphis-based chain said Thursday that liquidation sales will begin immediately, while the stores set for closure will likely do so by the end of May USA Today reported.

Fred’s currently operates 557 stores in 13 states. The upcoming closures, which represent 29 percent of all Fred’s stores, will mostly affect stores in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

"After a careful review, we have made the decision to rationalize our footprint by closing underperforming stores, with a particular focus on locations with shorter duration leases," Fred’s CEO Joseph Anto said in a statement. "Most of these stores have near‐term lease expirations and limited remaining lease obligations."

Fred's said it’s hired investment banking advisory firm PJ Solomon to assess its options "to maximize value." This could mean a potential sale or restructuring, according to USA Today. It’s hired Malfitano Advisors and SB360 Capital Partners to help with liquidation.

The following Fred’s stores are scheduled to close:

Alabama

Arkansas

Georgia

Illinois

Kentucky

Louisiana

Missouri 

Mississippi

North Carolina

Oklahoma

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

About the Author

Ann Smajstrla, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

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