West Seattle businesses: Dress Barn closes at Westwood Village

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood

Thanks to Colette for the tip: The women’s-clothing chain Dress Barn has closed its West Seattle location. The chain is owned by Ascena Retail Group, which made some recent acquisitions elsewhere in the women’s-clothing business and also announced it’s shutting down Fashion Bug (which is what Dress Barn used to be); we couldn’t find anyone at corporate HQ to discuss this closure, but Westwood Village management confirms that the store cleared out after deciding not to renew its lease. No one is locked in to take over the space yet, but they’ve had some interest.

bsmomma June 27, 2012 (3:08 pm)

That’s to bad. Never went in there because of the name………Makes me think of somewhere Peg Bundy would’ve shopped. They should have kept it Fashion Bug.

shopper June 27, 2012 (3:31 pm)

I hope they get something fun and contemporary! I like Chicos ~ but that was the same client/shopper as Dress Barn IMO

KD June 27, 2012 (3:55 pm)

NOOOOOOOO!!! First Ritz Cameras now Dress Barn – ugh! Btw, when I first heard of DressBarn, I too thought it would be a lower class place to shop. Beautiful upscale petite to size 3 large womens classy wardrobe clothes. If Chico’s came down from $30.00 for a plain T-shirt and near affordable wear, I’d go in, but after two times of sticker shock I won’t go back to them. Bsmomma; you should’ve checked out DBarn. You would be impressed and delighted. I sure hope the SoCenter store will remain open. It would be worth your while. Thankyou sweet ladies at Westwood DressBarn!

kate June 27, 2012 (3:59 pm)

The name of that place threw me for a loop, too. Always makes me think they sell dresses for the woman that’s as big as barn.

WSB June 27, 2012 (4:04 pm)

Well, yes, they did sell dresses for those of us who are as big as a barn, as does their parent company, which just bought two well-known plus-size chains, Lane Bryant and Catherine’s. But I think they sold all sizes. Whatever the case, I’ll confess to having not been in since they changed the name from Fashion Bug, either. – TR

Cait June 27, 2012 (4:04 pm)

Sounds simplistic, but I’m right there with you. I never went in because of the name.

me2 June 27, 2012 (4:42 pm)

Well, now we know why they’re gone – 4 out of 6 comments saying “I never went there”.

La neta June 27, 2012 (5:46 pm)

5 now. I never ventured to go in and check their merchandise. The name did not appeal to me.

Faith4 June 27, 2012 (6:00 pm)

After losing a bunch of weight, they were very helpful in getting me fitted for new clothes. They also always had items I could pick up for my mom. I very much enjoyed them and will miss them greatly as I always knew where to go for her. The name threw me at first, but once I ventured in and found they sold all sizes of clothes and so helpful, I was happy to have something close by. Thanks Dress Barn for all the great customer service each time I came.

ws bred June 27, 2012 (6:23 pm)

Never was a fan of Dress Barn. I much prefer Marshalls. The name is definitely a turn off but I really did try to give it a chance its just not for me at all. Would love to see an independent small business retailor go in there. Perhaps a womens clothing store that’s a bit more fashionable? And without the sticker shock of chicos? Of course I might be little more inclined to pay more if I know Im supporting a small business.

transplantella June 27, 2012 (6:34 pm)

Count me as #6.

‘Dress Barn’ sounds like some place Ma Kettle would shop. I’ve never been in there either.

Marketing fail.

homesweethome June 27, 2012 (6:34 pm)

On a recent trip into the store (the name never bothered me) – the staff was very clear that the lease amount on the space had increased greatly since new mall management took over. Businesses in the mall with longterm leases weren’t affected by the change. Sad to see them go as they were always a “go-to” spot for dresses for any occasion.

West Seattle since 1979 June 27, 2012 (7:28 pm)

I never went there either, but now I wish I had. I’m big too, but like stylish clothes that fit well–just because women are large doesn’t mean we want to dress in unattractive tents. :) It sounds like this place had nice, stylish clothes for all sizes. It’s too bad they didn’t have a more appealing name.

harmonic June 27, 2012 (7:34 pm)

I got some cute jewelery there, but unfortunately most of their clothes did not fit me.

Maggie June 27, 2012 (7:38 pm)

There was a Dress Barn at Westwood Village?

Marie June 27, 2012 (7:51 pm)

I never liked the name, but tried it once and found some cute, affordable clothes. I’d love to see a high end consignment clothing store go into that space. Maybe we’d find some “gently used” Chico’s items there.

miws June 27, 2012 (8:08 pm)

Never went there either…

Mike

LongTimer WS June 27, 2012 (8:54 pm)

Add me to the list. Never went in. Did not expect that they would have anything for me! That name was certainly a turn off!!

LongTimer WS June 27, 2012 (8:56 pm)

Actually WS is far more stylish than most would anticipate! At least there is a lot of money here. You just need to know how to connect with folks who are buying.

WTF June 27, 2012 (9:52 pm)

if Starbucks were to open today, would you not venture in thinking it was a Sci-fi version of Money Tree?

Fashionista June 27, 2012 (10:15 pm)

I agree the name was a total turn-off, who would every feel chic or classy in a store with barn in the name? Always wondered how that passed marketing approval That said, I go to a lot of black-tie events and have at least a dozen dresses from Dress Barn that were under 40. I am a petite size 0-2 and get lots of compliments on these dresses and people guess that they are from expensive designers.

Trickycoolj June 27, 2012 (10:32 pm)

I went to the Supermall one with my mom while looking for potential dresses to wear to multiple summer weddings one year. Everything struck me as too much “mother of the bride” or “Mrs. Martens” (my old fashioned 4th grade teacher) with the cropped short sleeve shiny matching blazers that went with the dresses. Needless to say the 20-something and fashion forward 50-something didn’t find a thing. I’m crossing my fingers for an Ann Taylor Loft… Girl can hope right? :)

LyndaB June 27, 2012 (10:36 pm)

I liked the name fashion bug, too. I

TLS June 27, 2012 (11:45 pm)

Loved it. Will miss it.

marty June 28, 2012 (8:39 am)

It’s funny to hear all the comments about the name. My wife and I laugh every time we hear “Dress Barn”. Whoever named it sure didn’t do the business any favors…

BLhappypets June 28, 2012 (9:07 am)

Dress Barn. Always sounded like a place that would have lots of denim overall dresses with floral patches. Or whatever dresses are worn on a farm.

A June 28, 2012 (1:13 pm)

I’d love to see a Lane Bryant come in. We have nothing outside of Target and Marshall’s for plus size clothing in WS. If I’m missing something, please somebody clue me in.

Elic June 28, 2012 (10:37 pm)

Really liked the store, service and merchandise.
Got past the name and went for the content. I shop from St John to Ross.it’s how you select what’s right for you.Elic

cf June 28, 2012 (11:30 pm)

I was surprised by what a great selection they had, it was so nice to have them there. The staff said there wasn’t a problem with enough customers, but that rent had gone up 25% and that’s why they left. Very sad to see them go.

LL June 29, 2012 (8:08 am)

I second the Ann Taylor Loft idea, it would be a hit in West Seattle!

breezygirl June 29, 2012 (2:36 pm)

Awwww, what a shame!! I too was once skeptical of going in because of the name but was so happy when I finally did go in! It became the only place I would look for a dress when I needed/wanted one. It had a great selection for us bigger gals and I never spent more than $40 on beautiful dresses!

2 Much Whine June 29, 2012 (8:21 pm)

I hope they use that space for a new “Fat Guy Pants” store – I love that place!

evergreen June 30, 2012 (1:10 pm)

I wish that Westwood in general was more like U Village. It needs a kids’ play area and more upscale clothing and home stores. Water sculptures would really add something, too. Right now this shopping center feels a bit ghetto. Any plan to re-do the whole thing?