AMES DEPARTMENT STORES INC

AMES DEPARTMENT STORES INC

Ames Department Stores Inc, CIK 6071, was a major discount retailer operating primarily across northeastern, midwestern, and mid-Atlantic states, serving value-conscious consumers in rural communities, small cities, and suburban areas with brand-name merchandise at competitive prices. Founded in 1958 as a discount variety store, Ames expanded significantly through strategic acquisitions including Zayre in 1988 and Hills Department Stores in 1998, growing to become the nation's fourth-largest discount retail chain by the early 2000s. The company competed against larger retailers like Walmart, Kmart, and Target in the highly competitive retail-variety store sector, subject to inventory management challenges, supply chain pressures, and economic sensitivity typical of discount retail operations. However, aggressive expansion through leveraged acquisitions combined with difficult economic conditions in its core markets created substantial debt burdens and operational challenges. By December 1999, when filing its Form 10-Q, Ames faced intensifying financial pressures that would ultimately lead to bankruptcy and liquidation in 2001-2002. To explore Ames Department Stores' historical SEC filings and financial records, visit Earnings Feed to access live EDGAR documents and comprehensive corporate information.