(KMDL-FM) If you ask any parent in Louisiana about the expense of raising kids, the cost of keeping them clothed will be one of the first responses you'll get. That's why the news that a popular children's retailer that offers quality children's products at a good price will not sit well with our state's parents who are trying to raise a family on a budget.
The brand in question is one that almost every parent is familiar with. It's the Carter's Brand. The company's products include clothing for children ranging from newborn and even preemie through the "tweenage" years. You can even find some clothing in adult sizes, particularly PJs, so families can have those "matching magical moments".
Carter's, like many retailers in 2025, is operating under duress. This is not the most positive economic climate the country has ever experienced, and retailers such as Carter's are admittedly struggling. The company announced plans to close as many as 150 low-margin or poor-performing locations over the next three years.
Carter's operates several retail outlets across Louisiana. The company has stores in Baton Rouge, Bossier City, Covington, Denham Springs, Gonzales, Harahan, Houma, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans, and Slidell. I am sure many of you are wondering if any of these Louisiana locations will be affected by the just-announced shutdowns.
As of right now, Carter's has not identified which stores will be included in the planned shuttering of 150 locations. So, we will have to wait and see what the outcome of that decision will be and how it will affect Louisiana consumers.
The company did announce it would be taking other actions to "right-size" the ship in these tough economic waters. The proposed plan announced earlier this week includes the elimination of some 300 office jobs. It was also announced that Carter's Board of Directors would be taking a pay cut to help the company navigate the planned closures.
The first 100 stores that will be shut down will be closed permanently between now and the end of 2026. A lot of the timing on the closings and shutterings will be based on when leases expire or can be negotiated to an end. The company also stated it was being adversely affected by the United States' recent change in tariff policy. Carter's said their import fees could climb as high as $250 million.
This is a developing story, and more information will be added as it's made available. So do check back with us.