SEIFERT'S STORE FOR WOMEN TO CLOSE STORES

Seifert's Store for Women, a fixture at West Park Mall since the shopping center opened more than 17 years ago in 1981, is closing.

James F. Seifert Sr., chairman of the women's fashions chain, headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, announced this week Seifert's would close its 45 stores in eight states.

A sale is expected to start almost immediately at all stores to sell merchandise, fixtures and equipment.

"They're telling us it will take about nine weeks," said Peggy Tinsley, manager of the local store.

The closing announcement was a surprise to Tinsley

"When we received the call, we thought it was a congratulatory call," said Tinsley. "Our store had a good year."

But many of the upscale stores in many small and mid-size markets were not performing well.

Seifert's stores include 26 in Iowa, and others in Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Virginia and Wisconsin.

"Unfortunately, the changing dynamics of women's fashions would not allow a company of our size to compete effectively," Seifert said.

The announcement was a surprise to everyone, said Tinsley, and Jackie Kuennen, manager of a Seifert's in Des Moines, Iowa.

Seifert's is urging all customers who have outstanding gift certificates or layaways to use them as quickly as possible, as they cannot be honored after the stores close.

Seifert's was established in 1951 by William Seifert who was later joined by his brother, James F. Seifert. The chain grew to 50 stores.

When William Seifert retired in 1979, the company was sold to Grafton Group Ltd. of Canada.

The company prospered and grew into a 240-store chain in 29 states. James Seifert left the company in 1990 after a difference of opinion with the Canadian company.

The company was re-purchased by the Seifert Family, including James Seifert, out of bankruptcy of Grafton in 1993.

"Our vision was to bring upscale fashion of better apparel to the small and mid-sized markets," said Seifert.

Seifert said Tuesday the company does not plan to file for bankruptcy.

The company had been in negotiations to transfer leases, management and staff to another company. In addition, the company is offering to transfer the local stores to successor companies, or other buyers.

The company would not reveal how many people it employs.