Balancing affordable and chic has always been a challenge when it comes to fashion.

Target has, at times, offered clothes that delivered both fashion appeal and affordability. Fast fashion chains have done that as well, but have often sacrificed quality and durability for price.

Long-time Vogue Editor, Anna Wintour, understands that clothes have to sell.

“Fashion is not just creativity, it’s commerce,” Pure Luxy reported.

Some discount retailers like Marshalls and TJ Maxx have been able to build a massive following around offering treasure hunt, bargain fashion. There’s no stigma to shopping at those stores because they sell top-tier brands, which savvy shoppers can find at excellent prices.

Affordables Apparel, which also owned the Aiden Lanes brand, managed to straddle that line for decades, but that has ended as the chain has closed all locations under both brands.

Affordable Apparel and Aiden Lanes have closed

While many retailers close with great fanfare or a Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, others go out more quietly. That’s what happened with Affordable Apparel and Aiden Lanes, which have been quietly closing stores over the past few years.

In this case, the chain only made local announcements, and some local directory websites even show stores as still operating. A post on the Affordable Apparel and Aiden Lanes website, however, makes the fate of the two brands clear.

“We have permanently closed our stores. We are deeply grateful to our customers, partners, and community for their support over the years,” the company posted.

The shutdown comes after a recent attempt to rebrand many of its stores.

“With the 2025 rebrand from Affordables Apparel to Aiden Lane, the brand is more aligned than ever with its 56-year mission of bringing everyday style to local women —whether they’re dressing for brunch, the office, or elevating their casual lifestyle,” Charleston Living reported.

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The chain was attempting to expand its selection to embrace a younger generation while remaining true to its loyal customers.

“We’ve been focusing on setting the tone, the pace, and what people experience when they walk in the door. I hope that women of all ages leave with something they love; that’s always been my passion,” Company Buyer Nora Innis told the magazine.

Aiden Lane was an attempt to reach younger customers.

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A brief history of Affordables Apparel

  • Founded in 1969 as a women’s apparel and accessories boutique in South Carolina, focused on affordable, classic pieces for women of all ages.
  • Built a multi-location regional presence across South Carolina over several decades, including in cities like Mount Pleasant, Ladson, Summerville, Aiken, Hilton Head Island, and North Charleston.
  • Known for personalized, friendly service and curated merchandise, often described as a place where shoppers feel like they’re shopping with friends.
  • Acquired by Lyndon and Melanie Amick (Lyndon is a former NASCAR driver) in 2012.
  • Expansion included Aiden Lane boutiques, a name introduced with the first Aiden Lane store opening in 2017 and later rebranding some Affordables Apparel locations to Aiden Lane.
  • The brand’s evolution reflects a blend of heritage boutique tradition with fresh styling and modern retail experiences, maintaining relevance in a competitive retail environment.
  • Final Affordables Apparel location closes in January 2026.
    Sources: Post & Courier, Charleston Living Magazine

Some discount women’s retail chains have struggled

Dress Barn closed all its stores in 2020. At the time, GlobalData Managing Director Neil Saunders shared why it failed with Retail Dive.

“The chain has been struggling for years and has lost customers, sales, and share. Over recent quarters, those losses have accelerated. Profitability has also been poor,” Saunders told Retail Dive in an email. ”While Dressbarn stood still, other retailers have stepped in with more exciting propositions. Off-price players, value retailers like H&M, and even department stores like Kohl’s have all taken share from Dressbarn.”

He also shared what makes being a low-price clothing brand challenging.

“Its low-price position meant that it needed volume to thrive,” he added.

Discount fashion chains like Affordables Apparel and Aiden Lane have also suffered from a shift in consumers’ habits.

“There’s been a major share shift out of specialty and department stores. In general, for that consumer, there’s been specific challenges for that segment that Dress Barn, J.Jill, and Chico’s all target,” Janine Stichter, an analyst at Jefferies, told CNBC.

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