HOBO reported to be closing Crest Hill store

News outlets are reporting that HOBO, the home improvement discounter, may be closing all its stores, including the Crest Hill location.

The Waukegan-based retailer with five stores in the Chicago area and two in the Milwaukee area did not immediately comment when called Monday.

"I have no comment," an employee at the Crest Hill store said, adding someone from the company may respond later.

CBS Chicago reported Friday that HOBO notified workers earlier this month that the locations may close in December. The company in a letter to employees said it was trying to find a buyer for the stores, CBS Chicago reported.

HOBO is an acronym that stands for Home Owners Bargain Outlet.

The retailer opened in the 1990s, taking over some locations that had operated as Handy Andy before that regional home improvement chain went out of business.