Burlington, formerly known as Burlington Coat Factory, is one of America’s most recognized off-price retail chains. With hundreds of stores nationwide and a reputation for offering brand-name merchandise at discounted prices, the company plays a major role in the U.S. retail landscape. In recent years, many people have wondered whether Burlington is going out of business due to changing consumer behavior, store closures in some areas, and competition from other discount retailers. However, the truth is quite different. Burlington continues to expand and strengthen its position in the market. This article explores the history of Burlington, its ownership, present business situation, financial value, major competitors, and future outlook.
History of Burlington
Burlington began in 1972 as a single warehouse-style store in New Jersey, selling discounted coats and outerwear. The founder, Monroe Milstein, focused on purchasing overstock and off-season goods from manufacturers and offering them to customers at much lower prices. This strategy quickly gained popularity, especially among families seeking high-quality items without paying full retail prices.
Over time, Burlington expanded its inventory beyond coats. It introduced categories like clothing, footwear, home décor, baby items, and accessories. By the 1990s, Burlington had grown into a national retail brand with hundreds of stores. In 2006, Bain Capital acquired the company, helping modernize operations and support further growth. In 2013, Burlington went public and rebranded as Burlington Stores, shifting toward a full off-price retail model rather than just being a coat-focused retailer. Today, Burlington is one of the largest players in the U.S. off-price industry.
Is Burlington Going Out of Business?
The simple answer is no—Burlington is not going out of business. In fact, the company is growing, expanding, and earning strong revenue. Although some individual stores may close occasionally due to performance or location issues, the overall brand is financially healthy. Burlington continues to open new stores, enter new markets, and take over retail spaces vacated by bankrupt companies like Bed Bath & Beyond and Joann Fabrics.
The confusion often arises from store closures in certain regions or social media discussions about retail struggles in general. But according to recent earnings reports, Burlington’s sales, profitability, and store count have all increased. Instead of shrinking, the company is pursuing aggressive expansion, especially with its smaller “Burlington 2.0” store format, designed to reduce costs and improve efficiency. So, despite rumors, Burlington is not shutting down—it is actually becoming stronger.
Who Owns Burlington?
Burlington is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol BURL. Because it is publicly owned, its shareholders collectively own the company. Major institutional investors such as mutual funds, pension funds, and investment firms hold significant stakes.
Burlington Present Scenario
Today, Burlington stands as one of the fastest-growing off-price retailers in the United States. With more than 900 stores and plans to reach 2,000 locations in the future, the company is continuously expanding its footprint. Burlington’s strategy focuses on offering brand-name merchandise at 40% to 60% below traditional retail prices, which attracts customers seeking value, especially during economic uncertainty.
The company is also implementing a flexible, inventory-light model that helps reduce costs. Unlike traditional department stores, Burlington does not rely on a set merchandise mix. Instead, the company buys opportunistically—purchasing excess inventory, canceled orders, and closeout deals from major brands. This allows Burlington to keep prices low while constantly refreshing its aisles with new finds. Additionally, the company is investing in supply chain improvements, updated store layouts, and improved customer experience to better compete with rivals.
How Much Is Burlington Worth?
Burlington Stores is valued in the billions. As a publicly traded company, its market capitalization fluctuates daily based on stock price, but it generally stays in the $12–20 billion range. This makes it one of the largest off-price retailers in the country, behind TJX Companies (owner of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls) and Ross Stores..
Who Are Burlington’s Main Competitors?
Burlington operates in the off-price retail sector, one of the most competitive markets in the retail industry. Its main competitors include:
1. T.J. Maxx and Marshalls
Both are owned by the TJX Companies and are the dominant players in the off-price sector. They offer a wide variety of clothing, home décor, beauty items, and more.
2. Ross Dress for Less
Ross competes directly with Burlington, especially in the clothing and home goods categories. It is known for low prices and a wide product assortment.
3. Nordstrom Rack
This is the off-price division of Nordstrom. It focuses more on higher-end brands and designer labels at discounted prices.
4. Five Below & Big Lots (Indirect Competitors)
While not traditional off-price retailers, these stores target budget-conscious shoppers, creating indirect competition for consumer attention and spending.
Together, this competitive landscape pushes Burlington to innovate and maintain strong pricing strategies.
Future Prospects of Burlington
The future of Burlington appears promising. The company is planning significant expansion, aiming to open hundreds of new stores nationwide. Its focus on smaller, more efficient store formats will allow Burlington to operate profitably in more communities. The off-price industry is also expected to grow as customers continue seeking affordable fashion and home products.
Burlington’s opportunistic buying model gives it access to great deals from manufacturers, especially as many traditional retailers struggle with inventory challenges. This means Burlington can keep offering fresh products at competitive prices. Additionally, the company’s strong financial position and strategic approach to supply chain modernization support a stable future.
Conclusion
Burlington is not going out of business—far from it. The company has a long history of growth, strong financial performance, and a successful shift into off-price retailing. With skilled leadership, solid market value, and a clear expansion strategy, Burlington remains a major player in the retail industry. As economic conditions push more shoppers toward discount stores, Burlington’s value-focused model positions it for continued success. For customers, investors, and analysts, the future looks bright for Burlington Stores.
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