As shoppers came into the Mandarin Stein Mart the morning of Aug. 12, many were surprised to find the discount fashion store was going out of business, and liquidation sales already had started.
Signs were posted that merchandise is 10% to 30% off and all sales are final at the store just a few hours after the Jacksonville-based chain announced it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.
The Mandarin store is in the Riverplace Shopping Center at 11111 San Jose Blvd.
Penny Hurst was leaving the Mandarin store with a bag full of clothing. She said she did not know the store was closing until she checked out and was told all sales would be final.
“I am so sad about it,” she said.
Hurst said she visits Stein Mart once or twice a week and has been shopping there for around 40 years.
Peck & Peck, a clothing brand the store carries, is one of her favorites, and she has not been able to find it elsewhere.
Hurst said she also will miss the convenience of shopping at Stein Mart, since it’s in a neighborhood retail center near her home.
“They were always pleasant and they carry what I like,” she said. “I knew the fit that I could wear, so I stick to that.”
Hurst said she will shop at Bealls or Dillard’s once Stein Mart closes.
She plans to return to the store to take advantage of liquidation sales.
Stein Mart said it would close most of not all of its 281 stores in 30 states. It operates six Jacksonville area locations.
Angel Wilson was leaving the Mandarin store Wednesday morning after purchasing a gift. She said she doesn’t usually shop there, but knows that she can find certain brands cheaper there than at other stores.
“I didn’t even know it was closing,” she said.