Rue21 bankruptcy prompts local response

Rue21’s bankruptcy announcement earlier this month is hitting close to home for the Ohio Valley.

The Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle (BDC) responded May 8 to the company’s bankruptcy filing.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the rue21 bankruptcy filing,” Co-Executive Director for the Northern Panhandle BDC Anthony Clements said. “Their facility in Weirton was one of the first developments of Three Springs Park and has a large economic impact for our counties.”

The Rue21 distribution center in Weirton had roughly 375,000 square feet of warehousing, according to the BDC.

They said they are willing to work alongside the state to make sure employees who have been affected have opportunities to find other local jobs.

“Our primary focus is on preserving employment at the Weirton facility,” Clements said. “It is an exceptional property with Class A construction in a highly coveted location only 20 minutes from Pittsburgh International Airport. We are confident that the property will continue to create many job opportunities regardless of the tenant.”

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