Fashion Bug Closes Kittanning Retail Store Today

by Jonathan Weaver

Kim Clouse is losing one of her favorite local stores today.

The Butler woman travels Route 422 regularly to visit the Hilltop Plaza Fashion Bug, but won’t be able to after the store closes forever tonight at 5PM.

She brought her fiancé, Eddie Yakelis, to the store earlier this week to take advantage of close-out prices.

“I love Fashion Bug – I think it’s an affordable fashion line for plus-sized women especially and I’m really going to miss it,” Clouse said.

Store Manager Deborah Cochran and her staff also are saddened by the closing, which they knew would eventually happen in June 2012. Today’s final schedule was set last week.

“The company has been around for 70 years and I know it has been very important for the women in Kittanning, one of their favorite places to shop,” Cochran said. “All the customers are coming in and crying – they’re really taking it hard in this community that we are closing.”

One of those frequent shoppers that was brought to tears was Judy Cessna of Shelocta. She stopped in earlier this week and hopes to return today before 5PM to see employees.

“They open their arms with warm welcome every time I come here. They care about their customers,” Cessna said. “It’s very unfortunate.”

This is Cochran’s eighth Fashion Bug, and will be her last as all 680 stores will close by Saturday, including the closest location in Indiana, Pa. She will move on to help with a St. Barnabas Health System retail store in Gibsonia.

“After working for a corporation that we made a lot of money for, I’m going to be able to give something back to the community,” Cochran said.

Sales Associate Sandy Jack has been at the Kittanning store the longest – 28 years after being referred by a friend– and is unsure of her future. Others will apply for Social Security or file for unemployment compensation.

Barbie Stubrich worked at both Kittanning stores as well and will be sad to leave tonight.

“I loved working here,” Stubrich said. “I’m going to miss it.”

Only 12 racks of clothing remained on Monday afternoon, and management will continue to reduce prices every hour today until everything is sold.

Cochran recalled the company was started 70 years ago by two brothers and their wives near Philadelphia. The company grew to 1,400 stores before being purchased by Ascena Retail Group Inc.

She has fond memories of the annual fashion shows, where staff got to meet the community and even welcomed new employees. The 2012 show was cancelled by management.

“It’s been a joyous ride for all of us. We’ve loved all the customers, enjoyed working with everyone in the community,” Cochran said.

A store has been available in Kittanning for 35 years, found in the Franklin Village Mall before it moved to Hilltop Plaza in 1992.

The storefront is to be split next week and will be replaced on one side by a sporting goods store. RadioShack is also to be moving from their Franklin Village Mall site to the other side as soon as February.

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