It’s no secret: When the Great Recession hit in the fall of 2008, retailers sustained a serious blow in the form of sharply declining consumer demand. Privately held apparel retailer Bob’s Stores was no exception.


“For us, the slowdown had a significant impact on our inventory movement,” said Victor D’Amato, VP planning and analysis, Bob’s Stores, Meriden, Conn., which operates 34 stores in the Northeast.