Deb Shops Closes the Books

Deb Shops, Inc. (Philadelphia) has announced that it will be selling its 17-unit bookstore chain that operates in five states under the Atlantic Book Shops and Atlantic Book Warehouse nameplates. It says it will concentrate its focus on rolling out new apparel stores for the teen market.

According to president and ceo Marvin Rounick, “Our decision to divest of the bookstore assets stems from the current success we are experiencing with our core retailing business. At 304 stores and growing, it simply no longer makes sense to pursue the dual strategy of owning both apparel and books.”

Deb Shops targets the 13- to-18-year-old junior and plus-sized female market with moderately priced accessories, coats, dresses, lingerie, shoes and sportswear. Its stores operate mostly as Deb outlets, but also as Deb Plus, CSO outlet stores and Tops 'N Bottoms. The bookstores accounted for only 6 percent of its sales.