
In case you haven’t noticed, big stores are in trouble. Department stores like Macy’s, Target, Gap Inc., and Sears Holdings Corp. have been closing down at an alarming rate, and there doesn’t seem to be any end in sight. So what’s going on? Why are these stores failing? And what does this mean for consumers?
LifeWay Christian
It was recently announced that all 172 LifeWay Christian stores will be closing by the end of 2019. This is due to a shift in focus to online retailing, which has seen a significant drop in sales.
Despite this, the company is hoping that the move will allow them to serve customers in a more effective way. All products will still be available online, and customers will be able to access them from anywhere in the world. We hope that this change will be positive for both the company and its customers.
L’OCCITANE
It’s official, L’Occitane is closing 23 of its 166 store locations across America. The decision comes after the company filed for bankruptcy at the start of 2021. According to a statement, the closures are a result of losses incurred during the global pandemic.
This is devastating news for fans of the luxury retailer, who have relied on L’Occitane for body, face, and home products for 45 years. While we don’t know which stores will be closing their doors for good, we do know that L’Occitane is hoping to bounce back from this setback.
YouFit
It has been announced that YouFit Health Clubs has sold itself to a group of former lenders in exchange for debt forgiveness. This comes after the company filed for bankruptcy in November 2020, citing great suffering because of COVID-19.
Store closings are expected, and it is unknown how many locations will remain open. However, the company is hoping to emerge from this difficult time and continue serving its members.
MUJI
After Muji USA filed for bankruptcy in July 2020, many people were wondering if the store would be closing its doors for good. However, it seems that Muji is hoping to make a comeback in America.
Despite the current challenges, Muji is determined to keep its stores open in America. In fact, they are hoping to reopen some of their stores that have been closed due to the pandemic. While it remains to be seen what the future holds for Muji USA, we can all hope that they are able to make a successful comeback.
Fossil
Fossil is an American fashion store that was founded in 1984. Despite being highly successful in the 37 years of business, at the end of 2020, Fossil reported a massive annual loss, specifically in its fourth quarter, and said it lost nearly $96 million.
Even though they went through some hardships, the company still has 364 stores across America. Regardless of many of its sales being done online, they don’t have any intentions to permanently shut all their stores. Many people are hoping that Fossil will be able to make a comeback after such a difficult year.
Paper Source
Although Paper Source filed for bankruptcy in March 2021, the store was recently sold to Barnes and Noble. This means that 130 stores will stay open and 1700 employees will keep their jobs. The sale is a result of the impact of COVID-19 on the retail industry.
Paper Source is known for selling custom invitations, greeting cards, gifts, and more. The store has been a staple in the American shopping landscape for over three decades. However, the pandemic has forced many businesses to close their doors permanently. We are pleased to see that Paper Source was able to find a buyer and remain open. We hope that other businesses can follow suit and continue to serve their communities.
Goodwill
Unfortunately, store closures and layoffs have been a reality for Goodwill Industries of the Greater East Bay since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “We have had to make a difficult decision for economic reasons,” said Mike Keenan, president and CEO of Goodwill. But the nonprofit thrift store is hoping to weather the storm and continue its mission of supporting employees and customers alike.
“Our employees are our first priority, and we will continue to do everything we can to support them at this difficult time,” Keenan said. “We also remain committed to fulfilling the Goodwill mission in our remaining stores and facilities.” Let’s hope things start looking up soon for Goodwill and other businesses affected by the pandemic.
SEE Eyewear
It’s official, SEE Eyewear is closing its only store in Canada. This news comes as a shock to many, as the store was doing well and had big plans to expand across the country. Unfortunately, financial difficulties have forced them to close their doors for good.
In the coming months, it’s possible that SEE Eyewear may have to close its stores in the USA as well. This is due to the fact that the company is facing financial difficulties. We hope that they are able to turn things around and continue providing high-quality eyewear at an affordable price.
Godiva Chocolatier
Godiva Chocolatier has announced that it will be closing 128 stores in North America. This is due to a drop in mall sales, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Customers can still make purchases via Godiva’s online store. The company said that “demand for the in-person shopping experience offered through Godiva’s brick-and-mortar locations has waned as a result of the pandemic and its acceleration of changes in consumers’ shopping behavior”. Godiva is hoping that its online presence will help to offset the loss of sales from its physical stores.
Macy’s
It’s official: Macy’s closed 45 stores in 2021 as part of a larger plan to close 125 stores by 2023. According to CNBC, the cuts are part of a larger plan by Macy’s to limit its presence to high-end shopping malls.
This news comes as a blow to many shoppers who have long considered Macy’s to be a staple of the American shopping experience. However, it’s important to remember that Macy’s is not the only department store chain feeling the pinch. In recent years, we’ve seen several other big names closing stores across the country.
Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond has closed another 200 stores in 2021, following the closure of 200 stores in 2020. According to USA Today, by the end of February 2022, another 43 stores will be permanently closed. The closures would take place in 19 jurisdictions, with nine of them being in California.
This means that there will be fewer places to find all your bedding, bath, and beyond needs! So make sure to stock up on your favorite items while you still can. And who knows, maybe one of these closing stores will have some great closing sales too. So keep your eyes peeled for some good deals.
Express
It’s no secret that Express has been struggling in recent years. The retailer announced last year that it would close 100 stores by 2022, starting with 31 locations in 20 states in January 2020. Another 35 stores are closed by the end of January 2021, with another 25 set to close the following year.
While this may be bad news for Express, it’s good news for shoppers. closing stores means that Express will be looking to get rid of inventory, which means big discounts on stylish clothes and accessories. So if you’re looking to score some great deals, keep an eye on your local Express store (or shop online) in the coming months.
Office Depot
As part of its ongoing efforts to cut costs, Office Depot has announced that it will close an undisclosed number of stores and lay off over 13,000 employees by 2023. The move is part of the company’s reorganization plan, which was first announced last spring. Under the plan, Office Depot will transition from a traditional retailer to an IT services provider.
While the exact number of stores that will be closing has not been disclosed, it is clear that the company is streamlining its operations to focus on its new business model. This means that many employees will, unfortunately, be losing their jobs.
Walgreens
It’s official: Walgreens is closing over 200 stores in the United States. This move comes after the company initially announced store closures back in 2019. While this may seem like a lot of stores, it actually only represents less than 3% of Walgreens’ total store count.
The pharmacy chain currently has 9,600 locations around the world. So, while this is definitely a significant move, it’s not as drastic as it could be. What does this mean for customers? Well, if you have a nearby Walgreens that’s closing down, you’ll need to find a new place to get your prescriptions filled or buy your toiletries.
The Children’s Place
The Children’s Place store closings have been announced for 2020 and 2021. While the exact store locations have not yet been revealed, it is known that the retailer is targeting “mall-based” locations. This news may be disappointing for many shoppers who enjoy The Children’s Place for its affordable and stylish clothing options.
However, the company is hoping to use the store closings as an opportunity to focus on its other channels, such as e-commerce and wholesale partners. We’ll keep you updated on any further developments. In the meantime, be sure to check out The Children’s Place online or at your local mall for all your children’s clothing needs.
C. Penney
J.C. Penney is set to close another 15 stores this spring after declaring bankruptcy and closing more than 150 stores last year. This latest round of store closings is part of the company’s “shop optimization plan” that was announced in June 2020.
Liquidation sales at the affected stores will begin later this month, with the stores set to close to the public in mid-to-late March. J.C. Penney says that it hopes to use the store closures as an opportunity to focus on its “most profitable” locations.
Francesca’s
If you’re a fan of Francesca’s, you’ll want to take note: the store has closed 140 locations at the end of January 2021. The women’s boutique chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December and is hoping to sell the company – including its physical locations.
According to USA Today, the company currently operates 558 stores but “plans to renegotiate a variety of leases through this process, which could entail closing new boutiques,” according to a statement provided to the publication. So if there’s a Francesca’s near you, be sure to check it out before it’s gone for good.
Signet Jewelers
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many store chains are finding it necessary to close even more locations. Signet Jewelers, which operates under the names Kay Jewelers, Zales, Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry, and Piercing Pagoda around the world, is one of these chains.
In 2020, the diamond jewelry chain confirmed that it would not reopen at least 150 North American locations that had been temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March. Before the end of February 2021, another 150 stores will close. This year has been difficult for many businesses, and we hope that Signet Jewelers is able to weather this storm. We also hope that their employees are able to find new jobs soon.
Pet Valu
It’s been a tough year for everyone, and businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic. We’re sorry to report that Pet Valu has joined the list of companies that have had to close their doors as a result of the outbreak.
All 358 of the pet retailer’s stores and warehouses in the United States will be closing, and customers will no longer be able to place orders on the company’s website. Closing sales have already begun in some markets, so if you need any pet supplies, be sure to check your local store before it’s too late.
Justice
It’s official: Justice, the tween girl store known for its trendy clothes and accessories, is closing all of its stores. This news comes after the store’s parent company, Ascena Retail Group Inc., announced plans to permanently close over 600 outlets last 2020.
The remaining 108 locations are expected to close by early 2022, leaving many young girls and their parents searching for a new go-to store. While Justice was once a popular shopping destination, it has struggled in recent years to compete with other retailers.
GameStop
GameStop is closing more stores than ever before in an attempt to recover from years of financial struggle. Over 1,000 store closures are planned by the end of the company’s fiscal year in March 2022.
This move is devastating for many long-time employees and customers who have grown to love their local GameStop store. However, the company is hoping that this will help them get back on track and eventually return to profitability. Only time will tell if this strategy will work, but for now, it’s a major blow to the gaming community.
Sears
According to CNN, the store is hoping to resume closing stores as soon as possible next year, as well as listing some locations through commercial real estate agents. This is due to the dramatic drop in sales since declaring bankruptcy in 2018 and closing the majority of its stores over the previous two years.
Sears has been going through a “slow-motion liquidation,” and it doesn’t seem like things will be turning around anytime soon. We hope that the store can get back on its feet soon, but in the meantime, we’ll be keeping an eye on any updates.
The Disney Store
As of 2021, approximately 60 Disney Stores in North America will have closed. The store closures are a result of the company’s decision to prioritize e-commerce, social networking, and theme park shopping ventures.
For many Disney fans, this news is devastating. The store has been a part of their lives for years, and now it’s closing. We hope that everyone affected by the store closures will find comfort in knowing that they’re not alone.
Kmart
Kmart is the latest store to announce closings as the commercial real estate sector recovers. The store’s overall store count has been reduced to just 48 locations, with more closures expected in the coming year.
For Kmart employees and customers, this is disappointing news. Kmart has been a staple in many communities for years, and its closure will be felt by many. We hope that the store is able to rebound and continue serving its communities for years to come.
H&M
H&M is hoping to close another 250 stores in 2021. The retailer’s decision was primarily influenced by the coronavirus outbreak and the growing trend of online shopping.
Helena Helmersson, CEO of H&M, said on Good Morning America, “More and more shoppers began shopping online after the pandemic, and they are making it evident that they enjoy a comfortable and empowering environment in which shops and online connect and reinforce each other.”
Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret is hoping to close more stores in the next two years, following the closure of 250 stores across the United States and Canada last year. Victoria’s Secret CEO Stuart Burgdoerfer addressed the expected closings during an earnings call with investors in May 2020.
According to USA Today, he said, “We will anticipate a meaningful amount of incremental store closures outside the 250 that we’re pursuing this year, suggesting there will be more in 2021 and perhaps a little more in 2022.” While it’s not clear how many stores will be closing, or where they will be located, we do know that Victoria’s Secret is hoping to make some changes in the coming years.
Gap
If you’re a fan of Gap stores, we have some bad news. The retailer has announced that it will be closing 220 stores across North America by 2023. This is part of the company’s plan to focus on city centers and store locations rather than malls.
We know this may be disappointing for some of our customers, but we hope you’ll understand our decision. We believe that this will ultimately help us serve our customers better in the long run.
Banana Republic
Gap Inc. is planning to close 130 Banana Republic stores by 2023 as part of a larger effort to boost its flagging sales. The company plans to shutter a total of 350 stores across North America over the next few years.
The closure comes as the retailer struggles to compete with online competitors and adapt to changing consumer tastes. Gap Inc. is hoping that the move will help it to better compete in the current market.
Carter’s
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the retail industry, Carter’s has decided to close hundreds of stores indefinitely while their leases expire in the coming months. In October 2020, the children’s clothing and accessories retailer announced plans to close nearly 200 stores, with about 60% of those locations to be officialy closed by the end of 2021. The existing shops will close at the end of 2022.
While this news is certainly disheartening, we remain hopeful that Carter’s will be able to weather this storm and emerge stronger on the other side. In the meantime, we encourage our loyal customers to continue supporting the brand by shopping online or at one of their many remaining store locations.
American Eagle
As leases expire over the next two years, American Eagle Outfitters is hoping to close up to 500 stores. Chief Financial Officer Mike Mathias told Retail Dive that when deciding which stores to close permanently, the retailer considers “leasing tenure, mall profile, proximity to other stores, and consumer experience level.”
This year alone, they plan on closing 40 to 50 store locations with more closings possible in the future. These closings are due to falling sales and store profitability. It’s likely that other American Eagle locations will be closing in the near future, so keep an eye out for announcements from the company.
Zara
Even before the pandemic hit, Zara was hoping to move away from store closings and focus more on online transactions. The company plans to invest $3 billion in improving its digital activities, including hiring more online customer service representatives.
With the pandemic accelerating the trend toward online shopping, it makes sense for Zara to focus more on its digital presence. By doing so, the company can ensure that it remains relevant and accessible to customers in the years to come.
Men’s Wearhouse
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage on, many businesses have been forced to adapt or face closure. Unfortunately, this has been the case for hundreds of Men’s Wearhouse stores across the country.
The parent company of Men’s Wearhouse, Tailored Brands, announced last summer that nearly 500 store closings were inevitable “over time.” With more and more people working remotely, there has been a drastic decrease in the need for formalwear. Consequently, the men’s clothing retailer has taken a hard hit.
Chico’s
Chico’s is hoping to focus more on its internet platform. This change comes as many other companies are restructuring their operations to include a greater focus on online sales. By closing some of its stores, Chico hopes to reduce costs and better compete in the digital marketplace.
While this may be disruptive in the short term, it’s a necessary change that will allow Chico to better serve its customers in the long run. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we make these changes.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch is closing four of its flagship store locations at the end of January 2021. The closures, which were planned before the COVID-19 pandemic, would primarily affect London, Paris, Munich, and Dusseldorf, Germany.
In addition, three more stores in Brussels, Madrid, and Fukuoka, Japan, will close this year as their leases expire. Abercrombie & Fitch is hoping that by closing these stores, they can focus on their online presence and better compete in the current market.
Nine West
Nine West plans to close all but 25 of its stores in the wake of filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The move comes as the company looks to restructure its $1.5 billion debt load.
As part of the restructuring, Nine West will also sell off some of its brands, including Easy Spirit. Anne Klein, One Jeanswear Group, and Kasper Groupe are among the jewelry and clothing brands that the company plans to focus on. Nine West is hoping that by streamlining its operations it will be able to emerge from bankruptcy as a stronger company.
Payless
As one of the largest store closure events in history, Payless ShoeSource is liquidating all of its merchandise and closing down over 2,500 stores. Some stores will remain open until the end of May, while others will close as early as the end of March. Clearance sales are currently underway in all store locations.
The company is hoping to get rid of all its inventory before they permanently close its doors. If you’re in need of any shoes or accessories, now is the time to head to your nearest Payless store. Be sure to check back often, as inventory is selling fast and quantities are limited. Once these items are gone, they’re gone for good!
Gymboree
Gymboree store closings are hoping to help the company restructure its debt. The store has filed for bankruptcy for the second time in the last two years and is liquidating sales in its stores. Gymboree Group Inc, a children’s clothing retailer, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in mid-January.
They also announced the closure of approximately 800 Gymboree and Crazy 8 stores in the US and Canada. Furthermore, it has halted online transactions and begun liquidation sales in its stores. Gymboree has filed for bankruptcy for the second time in the last two years. In 2017, the company shut down a number of locations.
Charlotte Russe
It’s official, Charlotte Russe is closing all of its stores. This announcement comes after the company previously announced the closure of 94 stores. All store locations will be closed by April 30th.
This is disappointing news for many shoppers who enjoy the store’s affordable and trendy clothes. However, there is still a chance to get some great deals. The company is currently having liquidation sales at specific locations, so if you’re hoping to snag some Charlotte Russe clothes, now is your chance!
Starbucks
As coffee aficionados know, Starbucks is no stranger to store closings. In the summer, the company announced that 150 underperforming stores would be permanently closed – three times the amount it normally closes at the end of a fiscal year. However, this time around, the closures are having a bigger impact on large cities with oversaturated markets.
The coffee chain branches are simply competing against one another in those areas. For many customers, this news is bittersweet. On one hand, they’re hoping their favorite store won’t be one of the ones closing down. But on the other hand, they understand that sometimes businesses have to make tough decisions in order to stay afloat.
Christopher & Banks
Christopher & Banks store closings are hoping to decline in the near future. The store has been closing an average of 30-40 store locations annually for the past few years. However, e-commerce sales have been increasing and are expected to continue doing so this year! Christopher & Banks is hopeful that this trend will help offset the store closings and continue growing as a company.
The store closures have been taking place across the country, with a handful of stores set to close in 2020. Many of these stores are located in malls, which have seen declining foot traffic in recent years. The company is hoping that by closing these stores, they can focus on their more successful locations and continue growing their e-commerce business.
l.f Cosmetics
As e.l.f. cosmetics store locations are closing around the country, many patrons of the brand are wondering where they can still purchase their favorite products. The good news is that, although physical stores are disappearing, e.l.f.’s products are still widely available online and in drugstores.
The company has stated that they are hoping to focus more on e-commerce in the future, so even though store closings are disappointing for some customers, it seems like this shift could be beneficial for the brand in the long run. In the meantime, anyone who wants to buy e.l.f. products can rest assured that they will still be able to do so without much difficulty.
Destination Maternity
Destination Maternity Corp. plans to focus less on its retail presence and store closures are expected to affect 42 to 67 stores by the end of the year. The company is hoping to save money with this move and grow its online presence.
Smaller locations with reduced square footage are intended to be opened by the company in order to drive higher productivity, as stated by USA Today.
Foot Locker
Foot Locker Inc. announced in March 2019 that it would be closing 167 stores worldwide. The company said that it hoped to increase its investment and pour more money into the remaining locations. This decision was made in an effort to boost profit margins.
The move came as a surprise to shareholders, who saw Foot Locker post strong fourth-quarter results in 2018. Despite this, the company feels that closing underperforming stores is the best way to increase profitability in the long run. Only time will tell if this strategy pays off.
Crew
2018.Crew store closings have been all over the news lately. In January 2020, the company announced that six stores would be closing as part of a larger plan to close 30 stores. This store closure announcement came after the departure of J. Crew’s CEO in 2018.
Although the store closures are part of a larger plan, we don’t yet know which specific locations J. Crew is hoping to close. We do know that the company is committed to achieving its goal of closing 30 stores by the end of 2020 and the following years. Stay tuned for more information about J. Crew store closings as it becomes available.
Vitamin Shoppe
Vitamin Shoppe is a store that is having some similar problems to GNC. They are focusing on e-commerce and developing a subscription service to avoid these issues. In 2017, top-line sales totaled $1.2 billion, down 8.5 percent from the previous year.
The problem can be attributed to the decline in the popularity of shopping malls and the rise of competitors. They’re hoping that their category expansions, delivery services, and marketing events will help them break out of the rut soon!
Bebe
In an effort to cut costs, Bebe is closing stores and hoping to focus on e-commerce. This move follows a $4.6 million operating loss last year. store closings will cost the company $65 million.
Neda Mashouf, the creative director and wife of founder Manny Mashouf, left the company recently sales have begun to decline. The logo was created in 1979. As shopping malls have faded away, Bebe has had to deal with a number of issues. By focusing on e-commerce, the company hopes to turn around its fortunes.
David’s Bridal
David’s Bridal, a popular wedding gown retailer, is facing tough times. Sales are declining rapidly, and the company has a $520 million loan and $270 million in unsecured notes that are due in 2020. To try to improve its financial situation, the store is closing a number of its locations. It also hopes to renegotiate its debt terms with creditors.
The store’s troubles come as more and more brides are opting for less expensive weddings and more casual attire. This trend is bad news for retailers like David’s Bridal which specialize in formalwear.
Bon-Ton
It’s official, Bon-Ton is closing its doors for good. The store filed for bankruptcy last year and has been struggling to stay afloat ever since. However, it reopened for e-commerce in 2018 and reopened a few stores. They were initially very successful because they operated in small towns with little competition.
Of course, Amazon changed that. Now, the store is closing all of its locations and will only be available online. We’re hoping this move will help keep the company afloat and allow them to continue providing great products and services to its customers.
Claire’s
Claire’s store is closing down and many people are hoping that it will be able to make a comeback. The store was founded in 1961 and quickly became the favorite store of many young American girls.
However, in 2018 the company hit some hard times and was forced to file for bankruptcy protection. This led to the closure of more than 130 stores across the country. While this is a sad time for fans of the store, there is still hope that it will be able to make a comeback in the future.
Southeastern Grocers
Southeastern Grocers, which owns Winn-Dixie, Bi-Lo, and Harveys, has announced that 22 of their stores will close by March 25, 2019. This is due to the difficulties supermarkets are having with sales. It took less than a year for the company to recover from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
94 stores were forced to close during that time. Bi-Lo will be the most affected of the three brands it owns, with 13 locations set to close. The company is hoping that this round of store closings will help them turn things around and get back on track.
Shopko
Shopko store closings have been a hot topic lately. The store first announced its intention to close 70% of its stores back in May 2019. However, they later changed their minds and announced that all of the stores would be closed permanently. This change came as a result of Shopko filing for bankruptcy in January 2019.
The store had hoped to find a buyer who would help it get out of this mess but was unsuccessful. As a result, by June 2019, all of the store’s locations had closed.
Performance Bicycle
On March 2, store 104 of Advanced Sports Enterprises closed its doors after the company filed for bankruptcy last fall. The store had been hoping to renegotiate leases in order to save at least half of its locations, but was ultimately unsuccessful.
This is just one example of how the current state of the economy is affecting businesses large and small. If you enjoy cycling, be sure to support your local retailers to keep them in business.
Lowe’s
As many of us are aware, Lowe’s is in the process of closing stores. So far, 51 stores have been closed, with the goal of closing all of them by February 1, 2020. This decision was made when former CEO Robert Niblock retired and was replaced by Marvin R. Ellison.
The company is hoping that by closing these underperforming stores, they will be able to focus on the remaining store locations and improve their overall performance. Only time will tell if this plan will be successful. In the meantime, we can all keep our fingers crossed that Lowe’s makes it through this tough time period.
Vera Bradley
The store is looking to close up to 50 of its 110 locations by 2021. Many of the leases will be up for renewal at that time, but the store is hoping to keep its 52 Vera Bradley factory outlets open for business.
This would make it possible to visit a physical store if you wanted to. However, the store is focusing on licensing rather than having physical stores, so it may be difficult to find what you’re looking for in the future.
Henri Bendel
Henri Bendel, the iconic New York store, is closing its doors. Founded in 1895, the store was a favorite of many shoppers hoping to find unique and high-quality items. Unfortunately, the store couldn’t keep up with changing times and tastes, and L Brands, the parent company, decided to focus on other brands that they felt had more potential.
All 24 Henri Bendel stores across the country are closed back in early 2020. This includes the famous Fifth Avenue location. shoppers hoping to find unique items from the store will have to look elsewhere.
Family Dollar
Dollar Tree is hoping to raise prices in a few of its stores soon, after announcing that it will close around 390 Family Dollar branches in 2020. The discount retailer said that clients would have to go somewhere else to get their personal care products and other necessities. Around 200 branches were also renamed by the company. It plans to make additional changes in an effort to improve its business.
The store closures and price increases are just the latest in a series of changes that Dollar Tree has made in recent years. In 2016, the company announced that it would be closing around 370 Family Dollar stores. And in 2018, it announced plans to renovate around 1,000 stores and raise prices on some items. Despite these changes, Dollar Tree has continued to struggle to compete with other discount retailers like Walmart and Target. We’ll have to wait and see if the latest round of changes will be enough to help the company finally turn things around.
C. Penney
J.C. Penney has been a store fixture in malls for many years, but its sales have been declining in recent months. In addition, the company experienced a dry spell during the holiday season, which resulted in a drop in stock value.
As a result of these factors, J.C. Penney has decided to close 18 department stores by 2020. The company is also hoping to close nine furniture stores, for a total of 27 store closings.
Z Gallerie
Z Gallerie, a high-end furniture store, has recently declared bankruptcy. According to reports, the company is looking for a buyer who can help it avoid bankruptcy.
Until then, the company is closing 17 stores across the country, accounting for about 20% of its total. Z Gallerie is hoping that this move will help it stay afloat until a buyer can be found.
Beauty Brands
Beauty Brands announced in 2018 that 25 of its stores would be closing. The company filed for bankruptcy in January of that year, and its corporate staff was reduced.
Because it was a “predominantly brick and mortar retailer,” the company’s bankruptcy application stated that it was suffering from increased operating costs. However, Beauty Brands is hoping to maintain its store portfolio and continue serving its loyal customer base.
Things Remembered
It’s never easy to see a store close its doors, especially one that’s been around for a long time. But sometimes, it’s necessary in order to keep the business afloat. That was the case for Things Remembered, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2019. In order to save as many stores as possible, the retailer sold 176 locations to Enesco LLC.
Even with this, however, only a small portion of the original store portfolio was able to be saved. At the time of the bankruptcy filing, Things Remembered had 450 store locations. This meant that 250 stores would ultimately have to close. While it’s always unfortunate to see store closings, we’re hoping that this move will help Things Remembered continue serving customers for many years to come. Thanks for the continued support of the store through these tough times.
Ascena Retail
There’s some bad news for shoppers who love Ann Taylor, Dress Barn, Lane Bryant, and Loft. According to Business Insider, Ascena Retail Group plans to close around 667 of its stores. The first 400 locations are set to close in July 2019.
This move comes as the company tries to turn things around after years of declining sales. In addition to closing stores, Ascena Retail Group is hoping to boost its online presence and focus on its more successful brands. So if you’re a fan of any of these brands, be sure to check out their nearest store soon. Who knows how much longer it will be around?
Lord & Taylor
It looks like more store closings are on the horizon for Lord & Taylor. The company plans to close ten more stores in 2020, but they haven’t revealed which ones yet. This comes after the closure of their flagship store on Fifth Avenue last year.
We’re hoping that this isn’t indicative of a trend for the company. But with so many stores closing down lately, it’s hard to say for sure. We’ll be keeping an eye on this story and will update you as soon as we know more.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s is hoping to avoid the same fate as other mall retailers by closing four stores in or near malls this year. The company stated that the stores were “lower-performing,” and that employees at those locations would receive a severance package or a job at another location.
The closures appeared to be a precautionary measure rather than a desperate necessity. The company intends to maintain the same number of locations by opening four smaller locations.
99 Cents Only
The store is hoping to improve its sales by closing some of its locations. The company reported a net loss of $27.1 million in December 2017, on top of a $42.4 million loss in the first and second quarters. This store was later bought out by Ares Management before being sold to Canada Pension Plan and then to a private family.
The new CEO, Jack Sinclair, reported positive same-store sales. Despite this, the discount store continues to lose ground. If you are looking for affordable store options, check out Walmart or Dollar Tree.
Neiman Marcus
According to reports, the store is hoping to close its doors by the end of the year. This would mean laying off 200 employees and implementing a “Digital First” customer engagement strategy.
Hudson’s Bay, a Canadian company, was rumored to be interested in purchasing it. Regrettably, this did not occur. store is currently working on a new plan that could save it from closure. However, no details have been released as of yet. Stay tuned for more information.
Cole Haan
Cole Haan is one of several stores that have been forced to close their doors in recent years. The store was once a staple for high-end footwear, but has since lost its luster. In an attempt to change its image, the store focused on athletic footwear instead of dress shoes.
However, this backfired and the store’s sales continued to decline. Apax Partners purchased the brand in 2013 and removed Nike’s well-known comfort technology. Unfortunately, the company’s situation has not improved and it is now hoping to sell the business.
FullBeauty Brands Holdings Corp
Several plus-size clothing lines for women and men, including Jessica London, Roaman’s, Brylane Home, Ellos, Woman Within, fullbeauty.com, and KingSize. FullBeauty blames its drop in sales on Amazon. Its revenue dropped by 30% in the first quarter of 2017.
The company is hoping that new management will help turn things around and increase sales. Only time will tell if this strategy works. In the meantime, FullBeauty is closing some stores in an effort to cut costs.
Eddie Bauer
According to a recent report, Eddie Bauer is planning on closing a number of stores in the near future. The move comes as the company tries toemerge from bankruptcy and restructure its business. It’s not clear how many stores will be affected by the closures, but it’s hoped that they will help the company save money and become more profitable. In addition to store closings, Eddie Bauer may also merge with another company, PacSun.
The future of the iconic outdoor retailer is uncertain, but store closures and a possible merger are two possible scenarios that could play out in the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
Mattress Firm
Unfortunately, store closings have become a reality for many Americans in recent years. According to reports, our favorite mattress retailer is the latest casualty. The company recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced that 700 of its 3,500 stores would be put up for sale.
The company is hoping to restructure and end excessive leases in order to turn things around. In the meantime, store employees are facing an uncertain future. If you or someone you know is affected by this news, we encourage you to share your story with us.
GNC
As the world of online retail continues to grow, brick-and-mortar stores are feeling the pinch. This is especially true for GNC, a nutrition and diet company that has been around since 1935. The vitamin and supplement retailer has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing the closure of 800 to 1,200 stores.
Despite the company’s struggles, GNC hopes to emerge from bankruptcy stronger than before. It is working to pay down its debt and keep up with online competitors. In the meantime, customers can still visit the company’s 7,300 locations around the world, including 3,600 standalone stores in the United States and 1,600 mini GNCs within Rite Aid pharmacies.
Pier 1 Imports
Pier 1 Imports, store known for scented candles, silk pillows, and Papasan chairs, among other things, has given up. The company announced at the start of the year that it would be closing nearly half of its 900 stores, bankruptcy was declared and a buyer was being sought.
However, instead all locations have now been closed, resulting in an end to a company which began in 1962 in San Mateo, California with a single store selling bean bag chairs, incense, and love beads to baby boomers.
New York & Co.
New York & Co. is hoping that by closing more than 25 of its stores, it will be able to improve its website and better serve customers who spend more time online. The retailer made the announcement in early 2020, before the coronavirus pandemic began.
At that point, there were only about 380 people left at the company. However, with the outbreak of the virus, many stores have been forced to close their doors temporarily. New York & Co. is one of many retailers that has had to make changes in order to adapt to the new reality.
Stein Mart
Unfortunately, several retailers have been forced to close their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of these is Stein Mart, a store that has been in business for over 100 years.
The company announced that it would be filing for bankruptcy and closing many of its stores across the country. This is a devastating blow for the company, but they are hopeful that they will be able to reopen in the future. In the meantime, customers can still shop online or at their local store if it remains open. We wish them the best of luck during this difficult time.
AT&T
AT&T plans to close 250 retail stores in the coming months, affecting 1,300 employees. The store closures come just over two years after AT&T announced plans to open 1,000 new stores. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) says that the store closures will result in job losses for 1,300 workers. However, AT&T intends to offer affected employees other work-from-home opportunities within the company.
“We’re hoping that people will be able to transition to other roles within AT&T,” said an AT&T spokesperson. The store closures are part of AT&T’s ongoing effort to streamline its operations and cut costs. In recent years, the company has closed several thousand store locations.
Tuesday Morning
It’s been a tough year for everyone, and that includes deep-discount retailer Tuesday Morning. The company has filed for bankruptcy and will be closing around 230 of its nearly 700 stores.
CEO Steve Becker says in a news release, “The prolonged and unexpected closures of our stores in response to COVID-19 has had severe consequences on our business.” While it’s certainly not the news shoppers were hoping to hear, the silver lining is that the store will be holding real liquidation sales in the summer of 2020. So if you’re looking for some great deals, keep an eye out for those!
Family Video
According to The Times of Northwest Indiana, Family Video, the “largest movie and game rental chain” in the United States, is closing hundreds of locations. More than 300 people will be left. The company explains that “recent events have caused us to make some tough business decisions on its website.”
This store has been a staple in many communities for years and it is sad to see it go. Many people are hoping that another store will open up in its place, but only time will tell.
Art Van Furniture
Art Van Furniture and Mattress stores are closing down all company-owned stores in eight states. This is due to the bankruptcy filing a few days after the initial announcement in early March.
According to the filing, customers have been lost to Amazon and Wayfair. Art Van spokeswoman Diane Charles said in a statement, “Despite our best efforts to remain open, the company’s brands and operating performance have been hit hard by a challenging retail environment.” We hope that this doesn’t mean store closures for good, but we’ll have to wait and see what the future holds.
Papyrus
It’s always sad to see a store close its doors, and we’re certainly sorry to see Papyrus go. The chain has been around for 70 years, and its parent company filed for bankruptcy in January. All of the store’s locations in the United States (178) and Canada have now closed.
We’re hoping that this isn’t the end of Papyrus completely, and that the brand will be able to find a way to keep going. In the meantime, we’ll cherish the memories of all the beautiful cards and stationery we’ve bought over the years. Thank you, Papyrus, for everything.
Forever 21
Forever 21 is a store that is known for its low-cost clothing that changes frequently to stay current. However, the store has been forced to file for bankruptcy and close down a portion of its business.
This is due to young customers questioning whether Forever 21’s disposable clothing is good for the environment. As a result, “Forever” has come to an end for nearly 350 stores worldwide, including nearly 200 in the United States. The store is hoping that by closing these stores, they will be able to save the company.
Modell’s Sporting Goods
While many store closures are happening across the country due to the pandemic, it’s especially sad to see Modell’s Sporting Goods go. For those of us who grew up on the East Coast, Modell’s was a staple store. It was always there when we needed new gear for our favorite sports or just wanted to browse the latest sneakers.
Now, all of the Modell stores from Massachusetts to Virginia are closing their doors for good. This is a huge loss for the communities where Modell’s was a part of everyday life. We’re hoping that another sporting goods store will step in to fill the void left by Modell’s. In the meantime, we’ll always have fond memories of shopping at Modell’s – especially when we needed something last-minute for a game or event.
C. Moore
A.C. Moore store locations are closing across the country. The retailer, which was known for its generous coupons and operated primarily east of the Mississippi, has announced that it will be closing its doors. Early in 2020, the company announced that it would close its doors.
Over 150 stores across the United States will be closing. This includes all stores in New Jersey, where the first store was opened in 1985 by a man named Jack Parker. Up to 40 A.C. Moore art and craft stores may have reopened as Michaels. Parker is hoping that some of the store locations will be able to reopen as Michaels stores.
Wilsons Leather
While Wilsons Leather stores are closing in the United States and Canada, G-III Apparel Group is hoping to keep the brand alive by expanding its offerings. The company is currently focusing on its five global power brands: DKNY, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Karl Lagerfeld.
By doing so, it hopes to appeal to a wider range of consumers and keep the Wilsons Leather brand relevant. Only time will tell if this strategy will be successful.
Olympia Sports
Olympia Sports, a regional sporting goods store, is closing 76 of its 150 locations. liquidation sales began in November 2019 and continue into 2020. The store’s more than 150 locations are in New England, New York, and the Eastern United States.
JackRabbit, a retailer of sneakers, exercise equipment, and athletic apparel with locations across the United States, bought the company last year. The deal excluded 76 of Olympia Sports’ more than 150 locations. Olympia Sports Store has been around for over 30 years providing athletes with gear to help them perform their best. Now half of their stores are closing due to liquidation sales. Many people are hoping that JackRabbit will keep some of the store open because they provide quality products at a reasonable price.
Sur La Table
Sur La Table store is closing down and hoping to sell the company. The store has been a part of the Pike Place Market for Seattle since 1972. The store offers in-store and online cooking classes in addition to selling kitchen and dining room products. The store was hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic and filed for bankruptcy. The company plans to close nearly half of its 121 locations in early July.
The store’s founder, Shirley Collins, had a simple idea according to the company, “Make good food. Share it. Do so often.” We hope that the store can find a buyer soon and continue serving the community.
Brooks Brothers
When COVID-19 hit, it dealt a devastating blow to many businesses. But for some, like Brooks Brothers, it was the final straw. The iconic retailer has been struggling for years, owing to lax workplace dress codes and the growing popularity of online shopping. But the pandemic was the last straw, and Brooks Brothers has filed for bankruptcy.
This is a huge blow to the retail industry, as Brooks Brothers is the oldest continuously operating clothing store in the United States. It’s been in business for over 200 years, and has never had to deal with anything like the coronavirus before the company is hoping to use this bankruptcy filing as a way to restructure and get back on its feet.
Earth Fare
Asheville, North Carolina-based Earth Fare is one of the latest casualties in the battle against Whole Foods Market and its owner, Amazon. The chain announced in early February that all 50 of its natural foods supermarkets in ten Southern and Midwestern states would close. The company then filed for bankruptcy just as going-out-of-business sales were getting underway.
This isn’t the first time Earth Fare has had to face difficult times. The first store opened in 1975 as Dinner for the Earth, but was replaced in 1993. Despite this, the store had remained hopeful until now. It’s a sad day for those who love organic groceries, but it seems that there’s just no competing with Whole Foods Market.
Bose
Bose, a well-known audio company, is closing all of its 119 retail store locations in North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. The company is hoping that its customers will increasingly do their shopping online instead. This move comes as Bose is no longer interested in having brick-and-mortar stores.
The first Bose store in the United States opened in 1993 and gave customers the opportunity to test and experience the company’s products. However, times have changed and Bose believes that its customers are now more likely to shop online instead of in-store. All 50 Bose store locations in the United States will be closing in the coming months.
Lucky’s Market
Another natural foods store is closing its doors after failing to compete with Whole Foods. Lucky’s Market, based in Colorado, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and plans to close 32 of its 39 locations in ten states. The company is hoping to sell the remaining seven stores.
This is just the latest store to succumb to the pressure of competing with Whole Foods. Whole Foods has been dominating the natural and organic food market for years and shows no signs of slowing down. As more and more people continue to seek out healthy and sustainable food options, stores like Lucky’s Market will likely struggle to keep up.
CVS
As we all know, store closings are nothing new. But when a store as big and popular as CVS announces that it’s planning to close dozens of locations, it’s definitely newsworthy. According to reports, CVS is hoping to close around two dozen of its drugstores in 2020. That’s roughly half as many as the company closed in 2019. And while that may sound like a lot, it’s worth noting that CVS still has nearly 9,900 stores nationwide. So you’re likely to still find one on just about every corner.
The main focus of the store closings will be MinuteClinic locations. These clinics provide basic walk-in medical services like flu shots, bladder infection testing, and cholesterol checks. There are already over 1,100 of these clinics installed in CVS stores nationwide.
Hallmark
16 Hallmark stores are closing across the USA. store owners are hoping that the company will be able to stay afloat despite the closures.
Hallmark has been in business for over 111 years and employs over 30 000 people across the country. The question is, will they be forced to close permanently? Only time will tell, but we hope that Hallmark can stay in business for many more years to come.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom, Inc. announced that it will be permanently closing around 16 of its store locations. This is due to the decrease in sales as a result of the global pandemic. However, Nordstrom will still have around 450 store locations remaining.
The closures are part of the company’s long-term plan to “strengthen its business.” Nordstrom remains hopeful that it will be able to rebound from the pandemic and continue serving its customers.
Century 21
It’s pretty sad to see a store that’s been around for over 60 years go out of business, but that’s the case with Century 21. The store was extremely popular, but unfortunately filing for bankruptcy in 2020 meant that all 13 locations across the USA had to be closed.
Co-CEO Raymond Gindi blames the chain’s demise on insurance companies, which he claims “have turned their backs on us at this most critical time,” referring to the global pandemic. It’s hoped that someone will step in and buy the store so that it can reopen, but for now, it looks like shoppers will have to find their fashion elsewhere.
Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s store closings are nothing new. The store has been forced to close many of its stores across the country over the years. However, the global pandemic has played a big part in recent store closures.
Bloomingdale’s released a statement explaining that dozens of its stores would permanently close by the end of 2021. Later, it was announced that part of this process was due to the fact that the company had a 3-year plan to improve its productivity. Some store closings may be due to poor performance, but many are simply because Bloomingdale’s is hoping to focus on more profitable locations.
Stage Stores
It was recently announced that Stage Stores will be closing all of their stores. This is a huge blow to the company, which has been hoping to stay afloat despite competition from bigger stores like Walmart and Target.
All of the store’s employees will be let go, and it’s unclear what will happen to the inventory. This is a sad day for those who have shopped at Stage Stores for years, but it’s, unfortunately, the reality of the situation.
DressBarn
It was recently announced that DressBarn.com, an online retailer, would be permanently closing its doors. This is a huge blow to the company, which operated between 1962 and 2019. It’s estimated that they had approximately 650 locations across the USA.
It’s clear that the company has been struggling financially for some time now, which is likely what led to its decision to close down all of its stores. However, they still have other, more profitable brands like Ann Taylor, Loft, and Lane Bryant that they are focusing on. This is undoubtedly a difficult time for the company and its employees. We can only hope that they are able to make a successful transition and continue operating successfully in the future.
Fred’s Inc
As of July 2019, discount store Fred’s Inc is hoping to close over 100 of its 400 store locations. This move comes after years of struggling to compete with larger retailers. The company has been in operation for over 70 years and has stores in more than 15 states.
In addition to the store closures, Fred’s is also seeking liquidation, which would mean all remaining store locations would be closed. This would be a major blow to many communities that have come to rely on the store for affordable shopping options.
Charming Charlie
It’s official, store closings for Charming Charlie are happening. While we don’t have an exact number of how many stores will be closing, it’s safe to say that it will be in the hundreds. This news comes after the store filed for bankruptcy for the second time in two years.
For many shoppers, Charming Charlie was their go-to store for affordable and stylish accessories. The store was also known for its wide selection of gifts and beauty products. Despite being awarded The Accessories Council’s “Specialty Retailer” ACE Award and being featured in Forbes Magazine, the store wasn’t able to stay afloat.
Party City
Despite announced store closings in 2019 and 2020, Party City is hoping to make other locations more profitable. The company first established back in 1986 and operates in Mexico, Canada, and the USA. In May 2019, the company announced that were going to close at least 45 of its locations.
This was going to be done to help make other locations more profitable. Later in 2020, Party City said they planned to close a further 21 stores.
It seems that the days of department stores are numbered. They’re struggling to keep up with online shopping, which is growing in popularity every year. If they want to stay afloat, they need to focus on improving their online presence and offering better deals than what customers can find on Amazon.
So far, many retailers have been closing down stores instead of making these changes, but this may not be the answer. Only time will tell if department stores can make a comeback!