Lowe’s closes two SoCal stores

Lowe’s has closed two underperforming stores in California’s Inland Empire, according to an article in the San Bernardino County Sun.

The North Carolina retailer, which operates more than 1,725 home improvement retail outlets in the United States, Canada and Mexico, cited inadequate past sales and bleak projections as its reasons for shuttering stores in Apple Valley and San Bernardino. The units are located in the southeastern portion of the state, which has been particularly hard hit by the recession, foreclosures and the building slowdown.

Aspokeswoman for Lowe’s said there would be no closeout sale at either store. Merchandise will be returned to a distribution center or moved to other locations, she said.