Building 19 to close after declaring bankruptcy
Dee DeQuattro
Boston-area discount retailer Building 19, famous for its comic book-style circulars and the motto “Good Stuff … Cheap,'' is closing its doors after a nearly half century in business.
The Hingham-based company, with 10 stores in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire, filed for bankruptcy last week. The company is seeking permission to hire a liquidation consultant and close by Dec. 8.
The Patriot Ledger reports that the company cited Internet competition and a lack of cash for new inventory as the reasons for the filing.
Building 19 was co-founded in 1964 by Jerry Ellis, a laid off appliance salesman.
The chain, which sells salvaged goods, overstocks, surplus and irregular merchandise, often made fun of its no frills, disorganized stores. One recent circular said “Suffer a little. Save a lot.''
(C) WLNE-TV 2013
