A Retail Giant From The Past May Return to Connecticut in 2023

I have hope that the in-store shopping experience will survive. Damn those promised drone deliveries, I need my instant gratification. Nearly all of the old department store chains have been destroyed over the past few decades. Well in-store retail shopping fans, a former Connecticut-based discount store giant is reawakening this year, and may be returning to it's home state.

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Ames Department Stores was founded in 1958 by three brothers from Connecticut - Milton, Irving, and Herbert Gilman. They opened up their first store in nearby Southbridge, Massachusetts, and headquartered their company in Rocky Hill. The company grew steadily through the 60's-80's to become the 4th largest discount retailer in the United States with 700 stores in 20 states.

Then came 1990, and bankruptcy. And another in 2002. On August 14, 2002, Ames executives announced they were done, and closed their remaining 327 stores. I remember the Ames in the Tri-Town Plaza off Rt.8 in Seymour, it stood vacant for years.

Good news, Ames is coming back in 2023. According to this announcement on amesstores.com

The only other information that I can find is from sciotopost.com, which posted a blurb from Ames Department Stores PLC via Linked In. "RETURNING SPRING 2023. A project by Molyneux Group, the owners of Bradlees Department Stores PLC."

So, wait a minute, not only does this company own the rights to Ames, they own the rights to Bradlees? Do I smell another Connecticut comeback? I wonder if they own Caldor too? Two Guys? Woolworth's? Kresge's? I know I'm dreaming, but it's nice that a little piece Connecticut retail past is coming back.