Local Retailer Plans Sale of Fashion Bug

After regular losses including $13 million in the third quarter, Bensalem-based , a clothing retailer specializing in women's plus-size apparel, reported Dec. 1 that it has decided to divest its Fashion Bug business and accelerate the growth of its Lane Bryant flagship brand.

Charming Shoppes President and CEO Anthony M. Romano said in a release that the company is trying to better itself.

"We are currently engaged in a number of initiatives that we believe will further improve our business and enhance shareholder value,” he said. “The first substantive step is our decision to divest our Fashion Bug business. While we have made progress in improving Fashion Bug's profitability, we believe that it does not fit within our future strategic plan.

Romano noted the new focus on Lane Bryant.

"For our Company, our financial and operational resources are better spent on focusing on our more profitable iconic Lane Bryant brand,” he said. “With that retail nameplate as our foundation, we expect to invest in and focus on that business, using its strong consumer franchise and leading market position to drive our sales and profits. Our vision for the Lane Bryant brand is to become the premier brand for women's fashion plus apparel.”

“Over the next few years, we expect to expand the Lane Bryant footprint to approximately 900 stores, resulting in approximately 750 full-line Lane Bryant stores and 150 Lane Bryant Outlet locations,” Romano added.