A Springfield business with a retail space downtown has announced the decision to close its brick-and-mortar spot and move sales exclusively online.
5 Pound Apparel, a local retailer that donates 5 pounds of food to the Ozarks Food Harvest for every purchase, announced on its social media channels on Sunday, Feb. 1, the decision to close its downtown retail location and evolve the store into an online-only experience.
Co-owner Brina Thomas told the News-Leader the decision was made after reviewing metrics like sales, foot traffic and revenue streams over the past three to five years and noticing trends of online sales driving business. She said that it was not that the storefront was doing poorly, more so that the switch to online provided more opportunity for lower overhead costs, staffing, and overall expenses and allowed for more flexibility and freedom for the family with young children.
“We’re meeting our customers where they are and that is online,” Thomas said.
The downtown retail space at 412 South Ave. will remain open tentatively until March 1. Thomas said the space will continue to be used as an online and wholesale warehouse through the end of the year when the lease for the retail space is up. From there, she said the warehouse will move to a smaller space elsewhere in Springfield.
“Over the past five years, we’ve intentionally grown our online and wholesale presence, creating new opportunities for 5 Pound to grow, connect, and make an impact in more places than ever before,” the social media post read. “This next chapter allows us to focus on growth, momentum, and building a brand that’s sustainable and exciting for the future.”
The end of 2026 will also coincide with the 10-year anniversary of Brina and Ben Thomas’ ownership of the business. They bought 5 Pound Apparel, which dates back to 2010, in 2017.
To prepare for the transition, the store will run special sales throughout February. 5 Pound Apparel will offer 25% off the entire store the weeks of Feb. 2 and Feb. 9, 50% off the week of Feb. 16, and 75% off the remaining inventory the final week of Feb. 23. Furniture and fixtures will also be available for purchase that final week.
Brina Thomas said local customers will still be able to enjoy free local delivery once the store moves to exclusively online.
Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@news-leader.com.
