Cato to Close 120 Stores – How Will Louisiana Locations Be Affected

A major women's fashion chain known for offering great style and selection at affordable prices has announced plans to shutter 120 locations across its footprint. The principals behind Cato Corp said in a September earnings statement that the retailer will shutter 70 more underperforming stores over the final months of 2026. This will bring the total closures for the year to 120 locations.

Louisiana Has 45 Store Locations - Which Ones Will Be Shuttered?

man in black long sleeve shirt and white pants standing beside woman in white long sleeve

John Cato is the CEO of the brand, and he relayed the news of the company's plans to investors via a September earnings call. Cato explained that each year approximately one third of the company's stores are subject to a review. In previous years, stores with marginal performance were given the benefit of the doubt and an opportunity to improve.

Based on the current economic climate, the corporate thinking has shifted to a mindset that any improvement in performance by the stores under scrutiny would not create the results the company and its investors are looking for. Hence, the decision to shutter those locations.

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Cato operates 45 stores in Louisiana. There are three locations in Lafayette; you can also find Cato Fashion Stores in Breaux Bridge, Crowley, New Iberia, Opelousas, and several other South Louisiana towns.

How Many Stores Does Cato Operate Across the Country?

A row of assorted patterned blouses hanging on wooden hangers on a clothing rack

Cato Corporation operates more than 1,000 stores in 31 states. It is also the parent company of Versona, an upscale apparel and accessories brand. That brand operates some 90 locations, along with the 119 It's Fashion and Fashion Metro Brands.

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As of this report, Cato Corp has not confirmed which locations will be closing before the end of the year. That information is expected to be announced at a later date.