Accessibility links
Bowl & Board: A Retailer's Struggle To Survive NPR's Tovia Smith is following the economic fortunes of Bowl & Board, a family-owned chain of housewares stores in New England. The series offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by one small business during the economic downturn.
Special Series

Bowl & Board: A Retailer's Struggle To Survive

Game Over For New England Retailer

Bowl & Board succumbed to the recession this fall after 43 years in business. But the end was somewhat anticlimactic. After liquidation specialists swarmed through the store taking inventory, owner Mark Giarrusso prepared for the store's final sale.

Game Over For New England Retailer

Listen · 5:34
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/120502181/120510370" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
A Retailer's Journey Ends With Liquidation

Bowl & Board owner Mark Giarrusso stocks merchandise at his Brookline, Mass., store in December 2008. After months of legal negotiations with his landlord, Giarrusso recently converted from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to Chapter 7 liquidation. Matthew Teuten for NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Matthew Teuten for NPR

A Retailer's Journey Ends With Liquidation

With the stress of operating a retail business during the Great Recession, Bowl & Board owner Mark Giarrusso made the tough decision to liquidate instead of reorganize. The decision comes after a yearlong fight to keep the chain of New England housewares stores afloat.

A Retailer's Journey Ends With Liquidation

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/113622678/113627015" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Slow Spring Exacerbates Woes For Retailer

In the four decades that Bowl & Board has been in business, the early spring has always been the slow season. But this year customers have never been more scarce. Meanwhile, owner Mark Giarrusso continues to fight for survival through bankruptcy.

Slow Spring Exacerbates Woes For Retailer

Listen · 5:16
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/104466938/104521848" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Game Not Over Yet For Housewares Chain

Retailer Mark Giarrusso wants to reorganize his family-owned chain. But the landlord is trying to get him to liquidate. Just six months ago, Giarrusso couldn't fathom closing even a single store. Now, there are days he can't imagine staying open another minute.

Game Not Over Yet For Housewares Chain

Listen · 5:35
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/103818978/103825777" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Bankruptcy Takes A Personal Toll On Retailer

A family-owned chain of New England housewares stores has filed for bankruptcy protection. But the battle to keep up with the court's requirements and to prove that he's running a viable business is rough on Bowl & Board owner Mark Giarrusso.

Bankruptcy Takes A Personal Toll On Retailer

Listen · 5:33
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/101951162/101974639" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Retailer Turns To Bankruptcy To Stay Afloat

Bowl & Board, a family-owned chain of housewares stores in New England, is trying to stay alive through bankruptcy protection. With the closure of its Brookline, Mass., location, the company hopes it can still keep its other locations going during these tough economic times.

Retailer Turns To Bankruptcy To Stay Afloat

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/100519127/100535741" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Housewares Retailer Struggles In Downturn

With Christmas season behind him, Mark Giarrusso of Bowl & Board has told his landlord that if the rent isn't reduced, his store will have to close. Giarusso is bleeding money at his Brookline, Mass., location. Meantime, his family continues to make changes at home to save money.

Housewares Retailer Struggles In Downturn

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/100074003/100073961" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Financial Turmoil Grips World Markets

New England Housewares Chain Is Singing The Blues

Bowl & Board, a family-owned chain of housewares stores in New England, is trying to boost its sales — and morale — with creative promotions. Despite drastic cost-cutting measures, sales are sinking. With the economy in recession, it's possible the chain may have to close at least two locations.

New England Housewares Chain Is Singing The Blues

Listen
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/98210945/98494917" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Browse archive or search npr.org