Irene Causes Numerous Businesses to Close Today

A number of businesses in Peabody announced yesterday and Friday that they would be closed today due to the coming hurricane.

On Saturday, anticipation of Irene led to the cancellation of the Farmers Market and the itself on Main Street was closed for the day.

The announced last night that several stores will be closed Sunday due to the hurricane.

Those stores are: Bath & Body Works, Brooks Brothers, Ego Trip, Energy Armor, Gymboree, JC Penney, Minerva Design, Ritz Camera, Starbucks, Wow Threading, Victoria's Secret and Zara.

Mall staff says that if you are thinking of heading out to a specific store, it's best to call ahead and check to see if it is in fact open. As of Saturday night, the mall itself was scheduled to remain open to shoppers at its normal hours of noon to 6 p.m.

Across the street at , store management announced Saturday that the store would be closed on Sunday to help ensure the safety of both customers and Kappy's employees.

The announced on Friday that anyone planning to use the facilities over the weekend should call ahead for any changes to the regular facility schedules and hours of operation at the Y. That number is 978-977-9622.

on Route 1 said it would be closed Sunday.

And for those who live near Route 1, Planet Fitness (which has a location in Danvers just off Route 1 South past the Route 114 exit) says the public is welcome to use its showers and locker rooms in the event of widespread power outages due to Irene.