Northern Exposure

Venator Group (New York) has announced it will close its 323 Northern Reflection specialty apparel stores in the U.S., part of its effort to sell its Northern Group unit.

The move will allow Venator to restructure Northern Group as a solely Canadian company and creating a corporate and operating structure that is line with the requirements of its remaining 370-store retail chain. Venator plans to begin inventory liquidation sales immediately and expects to close the U.S. stores by the end of its second fiscal quarter. As many as 30 of the Northern Reflections locations in the U.S. have beenidentified as candidates to reopen as one of Venator Group's athletic formats (Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, and Champs Sports).

Following the closing of its U.S. operations, the Northern Group will consist of 195 Northern Reflections and Northern Traditions stores, 112 Northern Getaway stores and 63 Northern Elements stores, all in Canada.

Venator Group, the former Woolworth Corp., will still be left with approximately 3600 retail stores in 14 countries. Between its specialty stores and its direct-to-customer channel Footlocker.com/Eastbay, it lays claim to being the leading provider of athletic footwear and apparel.