L’Observateur / October 18, 2000

LAPLACE – Weiner’s in the Riverlands Shopping Center is closing.

It’s one of many Weiner’s stores slated for closure as the 75-year-old Houston-based company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Monday.

Local store representatives refused comment.

Raymond J. Miller, Weiner’s chairman and chief executive officer, said, “Whilewe are disappointed that we had to seek the bankruptcy court’s protection, our cash flow problems at the time we were purchasing inventory for the forthcoming holiday season made it necessary.”The company’s plans include closing 44 of its 141 stores. Other stores inLouisiana to close include three in Baton Rouge, one in Bossier City, three in New Orleans, two in Shreveport and stores in Chalmette, Covington, Gonzales, Gretna, Hammond and Marrero.

An estimated 1,100 employees will be affected by the closings.

The actual timing of the store closings has not yet been determined, according to spokesman Bruce Hicks, and half of the company’s markets will not be affected, as there are no store closings set in Mississippi or Alabama.

Affected stores are in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.

The store closings will permit Weiner’s to revamp its remaining stores, redesigning its merchandising and marketing, changing the neighborhood apparel specialty store to a more complete products-line store. The newly-revamped stores will be ready by early 2001, further enhancing toys and electronics, small appliances, furniture, bed and bath goods and housewares.

“The store closings are regrettable,” Miller continued, “but necessary to help us realize our strategic plans. These stores, while adding to the salesvolume, were further eroding our cash flow. We can now shift our focus tothe new Weiner’s stores.”

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