A POPULAR Dollar Tree competitor is closing down 19 locations as it becomes the latest victim of the retail apocalypse.
Dirt Cheap is a discount retailer that shoppers are continuously drawn to for its exceedingly low prices on quality products.
However, with inflation remaining stubbornly high, the chain has announced 19 of its stores will close across the country this spring.
This makes Dirt Cheap the latest victim of a larger trend in the retail sector.
Brick and mortar stores have been struggling to stay afloat as customer demand wanes, inflation restricts wallets and shoppers shift to e-commerce.
Dirt Cheap originally opened its first store 30 years ago and now has around 100 stores nationwide.
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The upcoming closure of 19 units will bring its fleet down to around 80, significantly limiting shoppers’ access to bargain retailers in the communities Dirt Cheap serves.
The chain said it will offer team members assistance as well as transfer opportunities to other store locations.
“We are always evaluating and optimizing our locations to better position the company for long-term growth while ensuring we bring a high-value experience to shoppers across our network of stores,” a spokesperson for the company said in a statement.
“These changes will allow us to reposition ourselves to grow profitably. While we regret any impact these actions may have on our team members, we are offering individuals assistance as well as the ability to work in other locations to make the transition as smooth as possible.”
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Many of the locations have not provided specific closing dates yet, but it’s anticipated all will be gone by May 6.
The upcoming closures are heavily concentrated in the South, with a majority to take place in Texas, along with Arkansas and Alabama.
The full list of closings are below:
- 2625 S. Bypass 35, Alvin, Texas, 77511
- 1517 E. Abram St., Arlington, Texas, 76010
- 301 South Service Rd., Blytheville, Arkansas, 72315
- 5596 Milgen Rd, Columbus, Georgia, 31907
- 2434 South Interstate 35 East, Denton, Texas, 76205
- 1205 W. Ennis Ave., Ennis, Texas, 75119
- 705 Boll Weevil Cir, Enterprise, Alabama, 36330
- 3161 Broadway Blvd, Garland, Texas, 75043
- 1320 Corsicana Highway, Hillsboro, Texas, 76645
- 3333 Central Ave, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 71913
- 3725 Airport Blvd, Mobile, Alabama, 36608
- 4501 North Street, Nacogdoches, Texas, 75965
- 159 I-35 S Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130
- 6246 Rufe Snow Dr., Fort Worth, Texas, 76148
- 5538 Walzem Rd., San Antonio, Texas, 78218
- 303 N. Northwest Loop 323, Tyler, Texas, 75702
- 1881 East Main Street, Ville Platte, Louisiana, 70586
- 300 N. Valley Mills Dr., Waco, Texas, 76710
- 1705 S. Cherry Ln., White Settlement, Texas, 76108
CLOSING SALES
One silver lining of the closures that shoppers can expect are some huge discounts.
Store items will be significantly marked down to clear out inventory before closing dates, so shoppers should take advantage of the deals while they still can.
According to an employee at the Blytheville, Arkansas location, stores are closing April 15.
Items are up to 90 percent off and nothing is more than $5 with the exception of large items like furniture.
Keep in mind, as the stores’ staff dwindles, many stores will be operating under reduced hours.
Because Dirt Cheap specializes in selling overstocked items and discontinued merchandise, many home and personal items will be available for super low prices.
Clothing, shoes, toys and home decor and bedding are usually some of the greatest deals, and the upcoming closures will see rates fall by 40 to 90 percent off.
OTHER RETAILERS STRUGGLE
Dirt Cheap is far from the only store experiencing strife as customers pull back on spending and turn toward online shopping.
Bed Bath & Beyond has been on a closing streak since it announced its decision to shutter more than 400 locations in an effort to evade bankruptcy.
As the chain experiences staffing shortages during its final days, the company will provide $500 stay-on bonuses for hourly workers.
The home goods store initially said it would be closing only 150 units but even more intense financial pressures saw the chain update that number to 400.
Walmart is also feeling the sting of the retail apocalypse.
In recent months, the retailer abandoned several of its financially underperforming stores, including all in Portland, Oregon, and several more closures are set to take place this month.
Tuesday Morning is also facing an uncertain future after filing for bankruptcy.
More than 200 of its 400-plus outlets are set to close as the chain fights for survival.
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