Building #19 Is Closing

The no-frills stores have been around since the early 1960's, and the Building # 19 on Hathaway Road New Bedford has been open since 1989.    There are nine other locations, including Cranston and Pawtucket, Rhode Island. 

On Friday, the chain filed for bankruptcy in Boston.   The store has asked permission to hire a liquidation consultant in order to close all 10 stores by December 8th.   Building # 19 says internet shopping and competition from other bargain stores is the reason.

The store specializes in salvage goods, overstocks, surplus and irregular merchandise.  It's circulars often featured comic touches including making fun of its cheapness.