Fulton Closeout a Complete Washout

Make no mistake about it: I absolutely love bargain basements. However, there's a limit to my affection.

From the outside, Fulton Closeout, the store that moved into Conway's old 505 Fulton Street location, seems to hold a lot of promise, especially given the huge two-level space it took over. But walk inside and you're bound to be disappointed. It feels more like a thrift store than a proper bargain basement.

Part of the problem is that the interior doesn't seem to have been upgraded since Conway's departure, so the atmosphere of the place feels shoddy and cheap. Things aren't helped much by the poor lighting or rows of colorful "grand opening" flags suspended from the ceiling.

What's really hurting Fulton Closeout, though, is the merchandise itself, as well as the way it's presented. A lot of the smaller items are cheap junk that's been dumped into even cheaper store bins. The $2.99 clothing racks in the basement level are exactly what you'd find at a Goodwill or Salvation Army, just a mishmash of shirts, pants, jackets and accessories.

There's better merchandise on the main floor, including household appliances, toys and Christmas decorations. However, it's either sloppily stacked or in poorly arranged sections throughout the store. Besides, it's nothing you couldn't find at any other discount store in a much better setting.

Between the store's unremarkable inventory and cheap atmosphere, you're better off going to Jack's, Bobby's, Lot Less, or the nearby Bargain Closeout on Court Street for your bargain hunting fix.