Fashion Bug was a popular women's clothing retailer known for affordable, everyday apparel, including business wear, sold in malls and strip centers, but the entire chain was shut down by its parent company, Ascena Retail Group, by early 2013 after declining sales and a strategic buyout, marking the end of an era for the beloved brand that once had over 1,200 locations.

Key Aspects of Fashion Bug:

Products: Focused on women's fashion, especially workwear, casual wear, and plus sizes (through Lane Bryant/Catherine's affiliations).

Target Market: Catered to middle-to-lower-income shoppers.

Locations: Found in common shopping centers nationwide.

Closure: Ascena Retail Group acquired Charming Shoppes (Fashion Bug's parent) in 2012 and decided to close all ~600 Fashion Bug stores by early 2013 due to poor performance.

What Happened to Them:

Acquisition & Decision: After Ascena bought Charming Shoppes, they decided to liquidate the struggling Fashion Bug brand to focus on other brands like Maurices and Dressbarn.

Sales Decline: The chain was already closing stores before the buyout due to consistent losses and falling sales.

Legacy: While the stores are gone, items can still be found secondhand, and the brand is remembered fondly for its accessible styles and sizes.