Bankruptcy Claims 2 More Stores in CC Mall Kennewick

According to information released over the weekend, Justice and Lane Bryant stores at Columbia Center Mall will be closing their doors for good soon.

The parent company of both, Ascena Retail Group, announced it was entering into bankruptcy earlier this month, according to Forbes online.

Ascena owns the Ann Taylor, Loft, Lou & Grey, Justice, Lane Bryant, Catherines, and Cacique brands. It operates about  2,800 stores in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. According to various financial sources, including Bloomberg, the company has been "bleeding" for a number of years. The company was said to be struggling with high debt and sagging sales.

While the exact closing dates are not set in stone, reports indicate Lane Bryant is slated to shutter at the mall August 2, but could be earlier if liquidation sales clear out inventory sooner. A similar time table has been set for Justice as well.

However, the other Ascena property in the mall, Loft, is not slated for closure according to reports.