Popular athleticwear brand Outdoor Voices, once predicted to be the next Lululemon, has abruptly decided to close its 16 stores and become an online-only retailer, multiple sources report.
Outdoor Voices has not publicly commented on the news and did not immediately respond to Retail TouchPoints’ request for comment. The news was reported by a number of outlets that had spoken to employees at the stores.
Employees were reportedly told earlier this week that all stores would be closing this Sunday, March 17, according to The New York Times, which spoke to four employees at four different stores. Products in all stores are reportedly being marked down 50% in an effort to clear inventory.
While employees were apparently not initially offered severance, one employee told USA Today that the company is now offering store employees severance pay after receiving backlash online.
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Outdoor Voices currently has 16 stores, located in Atlanta; Austin, Texas; Boston; Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago, Dallas; Denver; Houston; Miami; Minneapolis; San Diego; San Francisco; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Washington, D.C.; and two in New York.
