Lingering Lingerie

Body Basics, discount clothier at 1759 Columbia Rd. NW, has been threatening to go out of business for a while now. Since last fall, the store’s large front windows have showcased two large posters that say “Closing This Store,” and in November, a saleswoman said that she had been told the store would stay open through the December holidays.

Now, in mid-February, the shop is still open, and on a visit today the guy behind the counter didn’t know exactly when he would be out of a job. Most of the clothing, which was largely tank tops for $3 or $4, is gone. The prices of the other merchandise have continued to plummet—e.g., $1 gets you a large, lacy white bra, a colorful thong, or a pair of plastic flip-flops.

The condition of the store has declined as well. The back half is mostly empty, and unused merchandising racks, pushed to the side, are being used to hold up bikes and someone’s umbrella. In case you had forgotten they were closing, there are signs everywhere saying “Going Out of Business Sale” and “Everything Must Go.” Today, the salesperson wore a winter coat, and multiple holes in the ceiling were patched with sale signs and what looked to be a plastic bag.

A representative at MJCI Inc./Body Basics was unavailable for comment. Judging by the looks inside the store, though, the end finally seems nigh.