Soft Surroundings to close Naperville store because of bankruptcy

Women’s clothing retailer Soft Surroundings is preparing to shut down its Main Street spot in downtown Naperville as the brand faces bankruptcy.

Earlier this month, the St. Louis-based company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Southern District of Texas in Houston, a news release said. Soft Surroundings plans to sell its direct-to-consumer and e-commerce operations to women’s clothing brand Coldwater Creek, according to the release.

Soft Surroundings has 44 retail locations throughout the country that are slated to close pending the approval of the retailer’s bankruptcy petition, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. The brand curates women’s apparel, jewelry and home decor.

A sign advertising a “Store Wide Sale” hung in the window of Naperville’s store at 55 S. Main St. Thursday. Employees inside did not know when their location would be closing.

“I think this is a sad indication that it is very difficult for physical retail stores to maintain a presence anymore,” said sales associate Susan Bahl, who started working for Soft Surroundings Naperville in June after retiring as a teacher.

She added, “I’ll miss it. It’s been fun.”

Another employee, who did not disclose her name, said there are about 13 full- and part-time staff employed by the Naperville location.

“It’s sad,” the employee said. “Our customers like touch and feel.”

Soft Surroundings opened its brick-and-mortar business at Main Street and Van Buren Avenue in April 2016. More than 200 people lined up outside for the local launch. Oddly enough, the retailer’s location was previously filled by soon-to-be buyer Coldwater Creek.

There are only two Soft Surroundings stores in Illinois. In addition to Naperville, there is location in South Barrington.

tkenny@chicagotribune.com