It's not exactly a surprise--the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of the Fred's discount store chain has been all over the national news, and the local store closed its pharmacy last month.
But it is nevertheless a bit shocking that the Trenton Fred's is closing. It moved into its clean new building on South Main less than three years ago, after all. The place still smelled new, and the townspeople were still trying to exchange pleasantries with the mannequins in the clothing section. There was nothing in the bathroom that didn't work, no overhead lights flickered crazily and nothing needed paint.
Nevertheless, it's true: STORE CLOSING signs are up and Fred's employees confirmed that they've been given their walking papers. They told The Planet the store is scheduled to close by the end of October or possibly earlier if enough of the merchandise has been cleared out.
Currently, though, some merchandise is marked only 5 percent off. Five percent? Better than nothing for the thrifty shopper but hardly the stuff of EVERYTHING MUST GO. Presumably deeper discounts may come closer to the end.
Store employees said Fred's had been a good place to work and they'll miss it.
