[2] As Bob's Surplus increased in popularity, its location was hindering its growth; in 1962, Lapidus moved the store to a larger building across the street.

[2] The chain renamed itself "Bob's Stores" in 1985, and began changing its marketing strategy by emphasizing quality and adding casual activewear to its list of products.

[2][4] In the 1970s and early 1980s, the Bob's Surplus circular logo was featured on a line of very popular t-shirts that were sold inexpensively or given away for free at their stores.

T-shirts with the new rectangular Bob's Stores logo—again in various color combinations—were also sold or given as freebies at their locations in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

[2][6] Bob's expanded rapidly under the corporation; by March 1, 1996 the chain had grown to 34 stores across the northeastern United States.

Vestis said it would reorganize and focus on the operations of Eastern Mountain and Bob's, while all Sports Chalet stores would close.

[16][5] In August 2021, Sports Direct announced it would review its options after Nike noted it would stop supplying certain accounts include Bob's Stores.

In May 2022, Bob's Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports were sold to GoDigital Media Group for $70 million.

[17][18] In May 2024, 150 employees based in Meriden, Connecticut were laid off after its bank refused to provide funding for payroll and benefits.

[21][22] As a result of the bankruptcy, the Meriden warehouse will close and all future online ordering purchases will be directed to stores.