Zayre, a popular East Coast discount chain, was discontinued after its parent company sold the stores to Ames Department Stores in 1988; Ames converted them, but ultimately failed, closing all locations by 2002, while Zayre's parent company evolved into TJX Companies (TJ Maxx, HomeGoods). The Zayre brand vanished by 1990, but its legacy continues through former locations now occupied by thrift stores or other retailers, and its corporate lineage lives on in TJX.

Key Timeline:

1956-1988: Zayre operates as a major discount retailer.

1988: Zayre Corp. sells its discount store division to Ames Department Stores for cash, while reorganizing other assets into what becomes TJX Companies.

1990: The Zayre name is fully retired, with all stores converted to Ames.

1990s-2002: Ames struggles financially, files for bankruptcy multiple times, and closes all remaining stores, ending the Zayre/Ames era.

What Happened to Zayre's Legacy?

TJX Companies: The profitable parts of Zayre Corp. became TJX, the parent of T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls.

Former Locations: Many former Zayre stores are now home to stores like Burlington, Value Village, or Unique Thrift.