Federated to Close Historic Distribution Center in Washington, D.C.

Federated Department Stores, Inc. (Cincinnati) plans to close its New York Avenue distribution center in Washington, D.C. in the spring of 2007 as part of an ongoing process to improve efficiency and reduce duplication in its nationwide logistics network. Built by the Hecht Co. almost 70 years ago, the six-story, 758,000-square-foot facility currently employs about 250 people and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Severance packages and outplacement assistance will reportedly be provided to employees who are laid off as a result of the closing. Merchandise currently handled at the New York Avenue distribution center will be shifted to existing Federated operations in Joppa, Md., Secaucus, N.J., and Stone Mountain, Ga.