Bob's Stores was a chain of retail stores in the northeastern United States owned by GoDigital Media Group. Founded as Bob's Surplus in Middletown, Connecticut, by Robert "Bob" Lapidus in 1954, the chain expanded gradually until it was acquired by Melville Corporation and has been reacquired five more times since then. The chain targets moderate-income customers with a selection of footwear, workwear, teamwear, and activewear.
In July 2024, the company announced that all Bob's Stores nationwide would permanently close as part of bankruptcy filing; some locations of sister store Eastern Mountain Sports would also close as part of the proceedings.[1]
History
Early years
In 1954, Bob Lapidus opened Bob's Surplus on Main Street in Middletown, Connecticut.[2]