Women's Retailer Avenue Closing All Locations

Add women’s retailer Avenue to the ever-growing list of stores that are closing their doors.

The plus-size clothing chain will shutter 222 stores in 33 states. Liquidation sales are already underway.

To quickly empty stores, Avenue has already cut prices by 30-50%, according to a press release from Hilco Merchant Resources, which is overseeing the sale along with Gordon Bros.

“Given the popularity of the brand and the seasonal trends, merchandise is sure to sell out quickly,” the company said. “We are encouraging consumers to shop early and take advantage of these offers.”

Avenue is the latest retailer to throw in the towel this year. Payless ShoeSource called it quits in February, after being overwhelmed by $470 million in outstanding debt. Charlotte Russe did the same that month, closing 84 stores as part of a bankruptcy filing. And Charming Charlie, in July, ceased operations, shutting down 261 stores.

And New York icon Barney’s, while it has avoided liquidation, highlighted the difficulties of the retail sector earlier this month, filing bankruptcy and announcing plans to close most of its stores.