Two landmark stores closing in Newton
Business. Bed, Bath & Beyond posted signs this week indicating the store would be closing. Lines were long as people tried to get some special deals before saying good bye to the popular big box in Newton, and everything was on sale for AC Moore's final days.
It was like the scene in 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' as two once fully-stocked stores emptied out of product in the Sussex County Mall. Two weeks ago, the announcement came that long-time, popular craft store, AC Moore, was closing its doors and the next week, signs went up at Bed, Bath & Beyond, two doors down, that it was clearing out and shutting its Newton store.
AC Moore has been a popular crafting destination, especially for moms, kids and teachers. Its corporate office announced that it is shutting down all 141 locations in the eastern US, including its store in Newton.
Asked about rumors that Michael's Crafts will purchase a number of AC Moore stores, including the one in Newton, the Newton manager said that he did not wish to comment.
Bed, Bath & Beyond issued the following statement:
“We understand your frustration with the recent closing of your local store. We are taking the steps to invest in our store design and online solutions. Unfortunately, some locations have been relocated or re-purposed to allow us to provide a more noticeably better customer service experience for you.”
“We're all just heartbroken,” said long time Newton AC Moore employee Marge Vazquez. “The employees and customers are just going to really miss this place.
“My husband, daughter and niece are all artists,” said Margaret Lupo Witt. “We are heartbroken that we will lose our arts and crafts supplier, AC Moore. Yes, we can shop online but it's not the same. Seeing the colors, the canvas sizes, or the craft supplies in person helps decide what they need. Artists are tactile and visual.”
The online competition is what Diane Romano believes is driving the stores out.
“They probably could not compete with Amazon and others,” she said.
"As an art teacher, A.C. Moore has always been a saving grace for supplies after getting inspired by a project idea,” said Heather Kolloff. “Students use it as their “go to” place for supplies when they want to go the extra mile on detail work etc. I am devastated to see it go, especially because the company has always been good about giving back to education and giving teachers a %15 discount on classroom materials.”
Colleen Valent-Apter will miss Bed, Bath & Beyond as it was her go-to store for kitchen items. AC Moore was her favorite in any season. She did see a promising silver lining.
“The good news is that hopefully Michaels will be replacing A.C. Moore , perhaps, the two store locations will merge. Most Micheal's stores I have been in are huge and have a greater inventory than A.C. Moore.”
Lee Whitby will miss AC Moore for its products, memories and bonding with her kids.
“AC Moore was my go to store for every fun craft project: art supply, Christmas presents, school projects, and frames,” she said. “My kids and I used to go in there for fun to walk around and look at stuff when they were little all the time.”
Justine Mahon called the closings “very sad.”
“With AC Moore, we would go for last minute projects and holiday crafts,” she said. “It will never be the same having to drive 30 minutes to Mount Olive (where the closest Michael's is currently located.”
Last week, the store had a line wrapping from the front registers through the Christmas department clear back to the towel and rug section filled with people taking advantage of the closing sale.
AC Moore had long lines as well and had discontinued its famous coupons yet had put everything in the store on sale. There was no definitive conjecture as to the actual closing date.
An employee who wished to remain anonymous said, “I'm just coming to work every day until either they tell me we're done or I get here and the doors are locked.”