Teen clothing retailer rue21 is closing about one-third of its stores nationwide as it focuses more on its online business.
The privately held company is shuttering nearly 400 stores, leaving it more than 700 stores in 48 states.
The company is based in Cranberry, north of Pittsburgh. In a Facebook post, it called the decision to close the stores "difficult but necessary." Like many brick-and-mortar retailers, it has been battling declining mall traffic amid strong competition online.
The company didn't say how soon the stores will close, though its website is promoting store-closing sales.
A total of 16 stores will be closed in Ohio, including seven in central Ohio:
Athens - 743 E State Street (suite K)
Bellefontaine - 2111 South Main Street
Bowling Green - 1111 South Main Street (sp 120)
Cambridge - 61269 Southgate Parkway
Cincinnati - 223 Calhoun Street
Circleville - 166 Summit Avenue
Greenville - 1397 Wagner Drive (unit #5A)
Hamilton - 3425 Princeton Road (suite #131)
Holland - 1510 Spring Meadows Drive
Jackson - 1010 E. Main
Jeffersonville - 8130 Factory Shops Boulevard
Lewis Center - 108 Meadow Park Avenue (suite 1410)
Macedonia - 8210 Macedonia Commons Boulevard (suite #38)
Marion - 1590 Marion-Mt Gilead Road
Massillon - 17 Massillon Marketplace Drive
Mentor - 7850 Mentor Avenue (sp #570)
