Blue Bee representatives announced the closure of its three downtown stores this week, signaling the end to its once mighty empire of high-end clothing shops in Santa Barbara. Signs posted on the last remaining locations at 911 ½, 923, and 925 State Street (only a few years ago Blue Bee boasted six stores) and a farewell message on the company’s Web site said it’s closing its doors for good. The message also encouraged former customers to continue shopping at “local boutiques, small designers, and independent Web sites.” The owners couldn’t be reached for comment.
