Decision to close local Bath & Body Works store has shoppers upset, looking for answers
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
It’s not unusual for the Columbia City Bath & Body Works store to be busy this time of year – during the store’s semi-annual sale when many local residents leave will bags full of lotions, creams and perfumes.But, local fans of the store, located in the Wal-Mart plaza, may want to stock up a little more this year as the store has announced they will be closing and future access to their products will require a trip to Fort Wayne, Warsaw or some online shopping.
According to a store employee, the store will close on January 24 and merchandise in the store will remain on sale until that time. Already, many items are 50-90% off.The news of the closure isn’t being taken well by local consumers who have been happy to have the store in Columbia City and who feel that it has been well-supported by local shoppers. In fact, emails among local residents have begun to circulate about the store closing, encouraging residents who are disappointed to call the company's customer service department.
“We do not need to have our businesses folding in Columbia City,” a shopper said Monday. She later contacted Bath & Body Works’ customer service department to let them know she was disappointed.
“I asked for a reason why and they told me it was an executive decision and they probably would not share their reason with me. I told them I as a consumer and a supporter of their product had a right to know,” she added.
Bath & Body Works' Warsaw location will remain open.
According to a customer service representative with the company, no other stores in this area will be closing, however a store in Tiffin, Ohio, is slated to close on January 24 as well.
When asked why the store in Columbia City was closing, the customer service representative said a reason for the close was not specified.
Anyone interested in voicing their concern over the decision to close the Columbia City store is encouraged to call 1-800-756-5005. Those concerns will then be shared with the company’s executive group.
Comments
Businesses have to make a profit in order to continue to operate. If this store were profitable, the company wouldn't have made the decision to close it. Even though this store may have some big fans in Columbia City, it sounds like there aren't enough customers to make it a viable location for the company.
Posted by: daisy | January 5, 2009 09:05 PM