Another one bites the dust: Metropark to close and liquidate all 69 of its stores

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Metropark, the L.A.-based chain specialty store that helped bring designer denim and contemporary fashion to shopping centers nationwide, is going out of business.

But before the company shuts down its 69 locations, it’s liquidating its merchandise with a chainwide going-out-of-business sale — featuring 20% to 40% off its men’s and women’s collections, which include brands such as True Religion, Diesel, Rock & Republic, BCBG, G-Star, Obey and 7-Diamonds. Store closing sales started this week and will continue until all merchandise is sold. Expect the discounts to increase as store leases near their collective completion.

In a true ‘everything must go’ blowout sale, the company is also dismantling its physical spaces, offering up shop decor and entertainment gadgets‚ including high-end DJ equipment and flat-screen televisions, along with fixtures including apparel racks, shelving and lighting. All sales are (naturally) final.

Though the demise of Metropark is sad, it’s not surprising. The chain opened in pre-recession 2005, when a certain set of trend-driven consumer seemed eager to shell out $200 for a pair of jeans and $100 for a soft cotton T-shirt.

But post luxury-boom, many fashion-forward shoppers go where the sales — and, increasingly — sample sales, are. And stores such as Urban Outfitters and H&M have mastered the art of the trendy T that only looks pricey.

It’s a cocktail that’s proven fatal for both independent and chain stores dealing in contemporary clothes and luxe sportswear. L.A.’s Lisa Kline recently closed her eponymous women’s stores, blaming consumers’ addiction to sales for the shutterings.

R.I.P. Metropark. May you always be clad in the highest-grade Japanese selvage denim in retail heaven.

-- Emili Vesilind