Teen clothing chain Rainbow will be closing its location in the Whitestone Shopping Center.
Residents were disappointed to view a large banner in front of the store and posters in the window declaring the impending closure, which store employees believe will happen sometime in late July.
Devon O’Connor, president of the Welcome to Whitestone Civic Association, believed that competition from online retailers could be partially to blame for the chain shuttering its Whitestone outpost at 153-39 Cross Island Pkwy.
“It’s sad to see that a business that has been in the community for so many years is closing down,” said O’Connor. “It’s hard for retail stores to remain in business when it’s getting easier and easier to purchase items online from the comfort of your own home.”
Rainbow Shops opened up their first location in New York City in 1935, and the company has since expanded to 1,100 locations within 37 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The chain is known for providing clothing and accessories to women and teenage girls at a low price point.
Representatives for Rainbow did not immediately respond to The Courier for comment.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
