At its peak in 1991, the company operated 138 stores throughout the mid-Atlantic region of the United States and employed nearly 6,000.

The company had locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, Delaware and other states.

During this period, it acquired many properties from then-defunct discount stores such as Two Guys, Woolco, King's, and one from Mays.

[4] In January 1993, Jamesway rolled out a new store format and planned to completely remodel the 127-store chain within the following three years.

In June 1993, Joseph Ettore returned to Jamesway after a spell working for Stuart’s, having earlier been with the company during its 1980s.

The company decided it would close all of its remaining stores, and liquidation sales began immediately, running from October to December 1995.

It was believed that its continued weak sales, along with operating losses and constricted trade credit, contributed to its bankruptcy.