NATION-WORLD

While other retailers are shrinking, Burlington is adding stores

Gary Dinges gdinges@gatehousemedia.com
[BURLINGTON]

While countless well-known retailers have been shuttering stores in recent months, Burlington is bucking that trend.

The chain, formerly known as Burlington Coat Factory, sells a variety of clothing and home goods.

Burlington will add 50 locations across the U.S. this year, according to the Dayton Daily News. The company has earmarked $310 million for its expansion efforts.

New Jersey-based Burlington currently has more than 600 locations and employs about 40,000 people.

Sales during the first quarter were up 7.4% at Burlington, a stark contrast from a number of well-known retailers that have seen sales fall.

Clothing for babies and children did particularly well in the first quarter, the company said. So did home goods. Womenswear sales, however, were weak.

For the fiscal year, Burlington said it expects sales growth of 8.5% to 9.2%.

Retailers that have either already closed stores this year or are planning to close stores include JCPenney, CVS, Bed Bath & Beyond, Pier 1 and Party City