Walmart to close apparel office in NYC

New York City -- Wal-Mart Stores is closing its U.S. apparel office in New York City as it shifts its focus from trendier fashions to more basic clothing. News of the move was first reported by Women’s Wear Daily and Reuters.



The office, opened in 2009 in the heart of Manhattan’s Fashion District, reflected the chain’s desire at the time to puts a more stylish and hip spin on its apparel offerings. The office’s functions, which include product development and buying, will be transferred to Wal-Mart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Ark.



The move is expected to be completed by Feb. 1, 2012.



“When you consider our core strategy centered in basics and fashion basics, in order to execute, our offices do not need to be located in New York,” wrote Andy Barron, executive VP softlines for Walmart U.S. in a company memo. According to Bloomberg, Barron noted that as many employees as possible would be relocated to Bentonville.