And is closing down the chain. Warners has had experience in real estate, AOL has not. This little guy has come to symbolize overexposure in the apparel industry. It didn't help that industry analysts suggested that consumers have been over-saturated with character merchandise. AOL did try to find a buyer for the chain but there was little interest.
Consumer confidence is definitely on a downturn and sales are down in every major consumer segment.
This is no time to buy a chain that is dependent upon discretionary purchases. Their management is shocked that you don't want to purchase still yet another Mickey Mouse themed shirt or Winnie The Pooh pajamas. But like I said, Odds are we are history. We here around the clubhouse kind of think that 2 other chains might step up to the bat to takeover where WBSS leaves off. Some of their locations are VERY impressive.