Cato Fashions

Cato Fashions, an established name in the world of women's apparel and accessories, has been serving customers since its founding in 1946. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company was started by Wayland Cato Sr. and his son, Wayland Henry Cato Jr., with a vision to offer stylish clothing at affordable prices. This vision quickly resonated with consumers, allowing Cato Fashions to grow from its southeastern roots to a nationwide presence.

As of January 2024, Cato Fashions operates 1,321 stores across the United States, under the banners of Cato, Cato Plus, and It's Fashion. The company has carved out a niche by focusing on providing value-driven fashion options in a variety of styles and sizes, which appeals to a broad customer base. Over the past decade, Cato Fashions has significantly expanded its geographic reach, establishing a strong presence in metro, middle, and rural markets.

In recent years, the company has adopted a strategic approach to its store portfolio. By closing underperforming locations and planning to open up to 15 new stores in 2025 while shutting down up to 50 as leases expire, Cato Fashions is optimizing its footprint to better align with market demands. This strategy is particularly focused on suburban and rural areas, where consumer demand is robust.

Cato Fashions' adaptability and resilience have been key to its sustained success in the competitive retail landscape. The company's commitment to affordable fashion and strategic real estate decisions have solidified its position as a significant player in the commercial real estate market. By balancing new store openings with closures, Cato Fashions continues to effectively serve its diverse clientele while maintaining a strong market position.