Popular kids retailer Carter’s to close multiple California stores in huge overhaul

A beloved children’s clothing chain with a huge presence across California is preparing to shutter stores nationwide as it battles rising costs.

Carter’s — the Atlanta-based retailer which also operates OshKosh B’gosh — plans to close 150 locations across the US, ramping up an earlier downsizing effort as part of a broader turnaround strategy.

The closures will happen gradually as leases expire over the next several years as the company looks to cut costs and improve profitability, the company said in a press release.

The stores slated to close currently generate about $110 million in annual sales, but Carter’s expects the move to ultimately boost its bottom line by eliminating expenses and shifting customers to nearby locations or online.

California could be hit particularly hard.

Carter’s operates more than 100 locations statewide, making it one of the retailer’s largest markets, though it has not disclosed which stores will be shuttered.

The downsizing comes as the company grapples with mounting financial pressure.

In its latest earnings report, Carter’s said higher product costs — driven in part by tariffs — have “weighed meaningfully on our profitability,” even as it works to stablize the business.

The headwinds have pushed the retailer to expand its closure target from 100 to 150, and also cut about 300 jobs according to Retail Dive.

For shoppers, the uncertainty is widespread.

From Los Angeles to San Diego to inland and Central Valley communities, Carter’s stores are a familiar sight in malls and outlet centers — many of which have already seen declining foot traffic in recent years.

Now, with closures looming and no locations announced yet confirmed, shoppers across the Golden State are left waiting to see which stores — if any‚ will be among those on the chopping block.

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