Macy’s
Macy’s is the latest department store chain to announce a slew of store closures in the coming years. In January, the company announced that it would permanently close 45 stores in 2021. According to CNBC, the cuts are part of a larger plan by Macy’s to close 125 stores by 2023, limiting its presence to high-end shopping malls.
Macy’s
Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond plans to close another 200 stores in 2021, following the closure of 200 stores last year. According to USA Today, by the end of February, another 43 stores will be permanently closed. The closures would take place in 19 jurisdictions, with nine of them being in California.
Bed Bath & Beyond
Express
Last year, Express announced that it would close 100 of its stores by 2022, starting with 31 locations in 20 states in January 2020. Another 35 stores are set to close by the end of January 2021, with another 25 set to close the following year.
Express
Office Depot
Office Depot’s reorganization plan, which was first announced last spring, will last until 2021. The office supply company will then close an undisclosed number of stores and lay off over 13,000 employees by 2023. The plans, according to reports, are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to cut costs as it transitions from a traditional retailer to an IT services provider.
Office Depot
Walgreens
After initially announcing the closures in 2019, Walgreens is currently closing over 200 of its stores in the United States. The closures would account for less than 3% of the pharmacy chain’s total store count, which currently stands at around 9,600 locations around the world.
Walgreens
The Children’s Place
This year, The Children’s Place will close a number of locations around the world. Last year, the children’s clothing retailer announced plans to close 200 stores in 2020 and another 100 by the end of 2021. According to “Today,” the company has not stated which stores will close, despite the fact that it primarily targets “mall-based” locations.
The Children’s Place
J.C. Penney
J.C. Penney will close more stores this spring after declaring bankruptcy and closing more than 150 stores last year. In December, the department store chain announced that it would close 15 more stores by the end of March 2021. “We also decided to close an additional 15 stores as part of our shop optimization plan, which started in June with our financial restructuring,” J.C. Penney said in a statement to USA Today. “These stores will launch liquidation sales later this month and close to the general public in mid to late March.”
J.C. Penney
Francesca’s
In November 2020, Francesca announced that it would close approximately 140 stores by the end of January 2021. The women’s boutique chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December, with plans 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.
Francesca’s
Signet Jewelers
This year, Signet Jewelers, which operates under the names Kay Jewelers, Zales, Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry, and Piercing Pagoda around the world, is closing even more locations. 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.
Signet Jewelers
Pet Valu
Pet Valu has also been added to the list of businesses that have closed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. In November 2020, the pet products retailer announced that it would close its 358 stores and warehouses across the United States. Customers will no longer be able to place orders on the company’s website as a result, despite the fact that closing sales have already begun in markets around the world.
Pet Valu
Justice
After permanently closing over 600 outlets last year, Justice is expected to close the remaining branches this year. The tween girl chain’s parent company, Ascena Retail Group Inc., announced plans to close the chain in November, with the remaining 108 locations set to close by early 2021.
Justice
GameStop
In 2021, GameStop, which has closed hundreds of stores in the last two years, plans to shutter even more. Before the end of its fiscal year in March December, the video game retailer announced plans to close over 1,000 stores. The closures follow nearly a decade of financial struggles for the gaming behemoth, which is attempting to recoup its debts following a $458 million net loss in 2018.
GameStop
Sears
Sears, which Transformco owns, has seen a dramatic drop in sales since declaring bankruptcy in 2018 and closing the majority of its stores over the previous two years. According to CNN, the troubled retailer is in the midst of a “slow-motion liquidation,” and will resume closing stores as soon as possible next year, as well as listing some locations through commercial real estate agents.
Sears
The Disney Store
On March 3, Disney announced that approximately 60 of its North American Disney Stores would close by the end of 2021. E-commerce, social networking, and theme park shopping ventures, according to the group, would be prioritized. As of 2016, the company had 330 locations worldwide, with 200 in North America.
The Disney Store
Kmart
Kmart, which is owned by the same company like Sears, Transformco, is also closing its doors. The chain’s overall store count has been reduced to just 48 locations, with more closures expected in the coming year as the commercial real estate sector recovers.
Kmart
H&M
H&M plans to close another 250 stores in 2021, following the closure of 180 stores in 2020. 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.”
H&M
Victoria’s Secret
Following the closure of 250 stores across the United States and Canada last year, Victoria’s Secret is expected to close more stores in the next two years. Victoria’s Secret CEO Stuart Burgdoerfer publicly 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.”
Victoria’s Secret
Gap
Gap intends to significantly reduce its physical footprint over the next two years. Gap Inc. announced in October 2020 that it would close 220 Gap stores across North America by the end of 2023. The store closures are part of the retailer’s plan to focus on city centers and stores rather than malls.
Gap
Banana Republic
Several Banana Republic stores, which are also owned by Gap Inc., will close. The company plans to close 130 Banana Republic stores by 2023. Between the Banana Republic and Gap, the chain would close 350 stores, accounting for about a third of its North American locations.
Banana Republic
Carter’s
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 expected to close by the end of 2021. The existing shops will close at the end of 2022.
Carter’s
American Eagle
They may close other American Eagle locations this year after announcing plans to close 40 to 50 stores by 2020. As leases expire over the next two years, executives announced last fall that the retailer might 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.”
American Eagle
Zara
Zara is shifting its focus away from brick-and-mortar stores and toward online transactions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Last summer, Inditex, the apparel company’s holding company, announced that it would close up to 1,200 stores around the world over the next three years, starting in 2020. The company also plans to invest $3 billion in improving its digital activities, including hiring more online customer service representatives.
Zara
Men’s Wearhouse
Last summer, Tailored Brands, the parent company of Men’s Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank announced that nearly 500 stories would be closed “over time.” As buyers moved to remote jobs and had less need for formalwear, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the men’s clothing retailer hard. Nonetheless, after filing for bankruptcy in August and exiting the final stages of the Chapter 11 proceedings in November, the company is steadily recovering.
Men’s Wearhouse
Chico’s
This clothing retailer is going to do exactly what it said it was going to do in 2019. Starting then, it plans to close 250 stores over the course of three years. Like many other companies around the world, Chico’s is planning to reduce its physical presence and restructure its operations and sales to focus on the internet.
Chico’s
Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch’s four most important flagship locations will close 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 essential stores in Brussels, Madrid, and Fukuoka, Japan, will close this year as their leases expire.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Nine West
Nine West wants to restructure its debts by selling off pieces of the business and filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. All of this was made possible by the company’s $1.5 billion debt. As a result, the shoe retailer decided to discontinue its Easy Spirit brand and shutter all but 25 of its locations. Anne Klein, One Jeanswear Group, and Kasper Grouper are among the jewelry and clothing brands that the company plans to focus on.
Screenshot 12
Payless
Payless ShoeSource is the company with the most planned store closures this year. To get rid of their merchandise and liquidate their stores, the company plans to close over 2,500 stores and hold clearance sales. Some stores will stay open until the end of May, while others will close by the end of March.
Payless
Gymboree
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.
Gymboree
Charlotte Russe
Charlotte Russe announced in March 2019 that the entire chain would close. Yes, it applies to over 500 stores across the country. The company had previously announced the closure of 94 stores. By April 30, 2019, all of the others had shut down. The company has already stopped accepting online orders, but products can still be purchased at liquidation sales in specific locations.
Charlotte Russe
Starbucks
Starbucks announced in the summer that 150 underperforming stores would be permanently closed. This is three times the amount it normally closes at the end of a fiscal year. However, the company stated that the closures would have an impact on large cities with oversaturated markets. The coffee chain branches are simply competing against one another in those areas.
Starbucks
Christopher & Banks
Christopher & Banks announced in late 2018 that it would close 30 to 40 stores by 2020. This does not, however, imply that the company’s sales are declining. The company’s e-commerce business, on the other hand, has seen an increase. Furthermore, it is expected to rise even more this year!
Christopher & Banks
e.l.f Cosmetics
e.l.f cosmetics, like the other companies on the list, plans to close physical stores and focus on e-commerce instead. By the end of March 2019, twenty-two of its stores had closed. However, patrons of this brand should not be concerned because their products are still available for purchase on the official website and in drugstores across the country.
elf
Destination Maternity
To revitalize the company and boost e-commerce sales, Destination Maternity Corp. plans to focus less on its retail presence. The store closures are expected to affect 42 to 67 stores by the end of the year. They did this in the hopes of saving money in the store and growing their online presence. The company also intends to open smaller locations “with reduced square footage to drive higher productivity,” according to USA Today.
Destination Maternity
Foot Locker
Foot Locker Inc. announced the closure of 167 stores in March 2019. It intended to increase its investment and pour millions of dollars into the remaining locations. This decision was made in order to increase profit margins. The retailer’s shareholders were surprised by its performance in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Foot Locker
J. Crew
J. Crew seems to be in the news all the time these days. Following the departure of its CEO in 2018, the company began 2020 by closing six stores in January. These store closures are part of a larger plan to close 30 stores. Last summer, they made the plan public. However, we have yet to learn which locations they intend to close in order to achieve their objectives.
J. Crew
Vitamin Shoppe
Vitamin Shoppe is having problems that are similar to GNC’s. To avoid these issues, they are focusing on e-commerce and developing a subscription service. 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. We’re hoping that their category expansions, delivery services, and marketing events will help them break out of the rut soon!
The Vitamin Shoppe Store
Bebe
When Neda Mashouf, the creative director and wife of founder Manny Mashouf, left the company, Bebe’s sales began to decline. The logo was created in 1979. The company had to deal with a slew of issues as shopping malls faded away. Bebe had a $4.6 million operating loss last year. In addition, it paid $65 million to close retail stores and concentrate on e-commerce.
Bebe
David’s Bridal
Fancy gowns and expensive wedding ceremonies appear to be a thing of the past. Instead, a growing number of brides are opting for less expensive weddings and more casual attire. Unfortunately for wedding gown retailers like David’s Bridal, this is bad news. This brand’s sales are rapidly declining. They also have a $520 million loan and $270 million in unsecured notes that are due in 2020.
David’s Bridal
Bon-Ton
Bon-Ton, the online retailer and department store, has been around for a century, but it’s time to say goodbye. The store filed for bankruptcy last year and then closed all of its locations. 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.
Bon-Ton
Claire’s
Claire’s was founded in 1961 as an accessories store. For a long time, it was the favorite store of many young American girls. In 2018, the company, however, halted its IPO and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It closed more than 130 stores across the country in May of that year.
Claire’s
Southeastern Grocers
Supermarkets are also having difficulties with sales. For example, southeastern Grocers, which owns Winn-Dixie, Bi-Lo, and Harveys, has announced that 22 of their stores will close by March 25, 2019. 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.
Southeastern Grocers
Shopko
Shopko first announced its intention to close 70% of its stores by May 2019. They later changed their minds and announced that all of the stores would be closed permanently. Shopko filed for bankruptcy in January 2019, hoping to find a buyer to help it get out of this mess. Unfortunately, it was unable to find a buyer and attempted to liquidate all of its assets. As a result, by June 2019, it had closed all of its locations.
Shopko
Performance Bicycle
If you enjoy cycling, we have some bad news for you. The country’s largest bicycle retailer has closed its doors. On March 2, the last of its 104 locations closed. Last fall, Advanced Sports Enterprises filed for bankruptcy. It hoped to save at least half of its locations at first by attempting to renegotiate leases. Unfortunately, it had no choice but to fold and shut down the business.
Performance Bicycle
Lowe’s
Lowe’s is a well-known home and garden supply store. The company has already closed 51 stores, all of which were underperforming. The closures took place in the year 2019. It closed 20 stores in the United States and 31 in Canada. The company announced its plans at the end of 2018, with the goal of closing all of its stores by February 1, 2020. When longtime CEO Robert Niblock retired and was replaced by former J.C. Penney CEO Marvin R. Ellison, the decision to close stores was made.
Lowe’s
Vera Bradley
Vera Bradley is rethinking its business model, focusing on licensing rather than having physical stores. Instead, the company is considering selling home goods through stores like Bed Bath and Beyond and Macy’s. It also intends to close up to 50 of its 110 locations by 2021. Many of the leases will be up for renewal at that time. However, 52 Vera Bradley factory outlets are still open for business, making it possible to visit a physical store.
Vera Bradley
Henri Bendel
Henri Bendel closed all of its 24 stores across the country in early 2020. The parent company, L Brands, then announced in the fall of 2018 that the entire brand, including its website and famous Fifth Avenue location, would be shut down. Instead, the company chose to concentrate on other high-potential brands like Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works.
Henri Bendel
Family Dollar
Dollar Tree, a discount retailer, has announced that it will close around 390 Family Dollar stores in 2020. Clients would have to go somewhere else to get their personal care products and other necessities. Around 200 branches were also renamed by this company. It also intends to make additional changes. They will try to raise the prices of their products in a few stores soon.
Family Dollar
J.C. Penney
J.C. Penney has been a mall staple for several years, but its sales have been declining for several months. In addition, it experienced a dry spell during the holiday season, which resulted in a drop in stock value. As a result of these factors, the company has decided to close 18 department stores by 2020. Not only that, but it also intends to close nine furniture stores. This means that a total of 27 locations will be closed.
J.C. Penney
Z Gallerie
Z Gallerie is a high-end furniture retailer. It has recently joined the ranks of retailers who have 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
Beauty Brands
Beauty Brands announced to the world that 25 of its stores would close in 2018. 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.
Beauty Brands
Things Remembered
Things Remembered found a buyer who helped save many stores after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2019. The retailer specializing in personalized items and engraved products sold 176 locations to Enesco LLC. Even so, it was only able to save a small portion of the original. The company had 450 locations at the time of the bankruptcy filing. Regrettably, this meant that 250 stores would have to close.
Things Remembered
Ascena Retail
What are the similarities between Ann Taylor, Dress Barn, Lane Bryant, and Loft? They’re all owned by the same company, Ascena Retail! Over the last few years, the company’s sales have been declining. To make amends, the company intends to close hundreds of stores across all of its brands. Around 667 locations are set to close, with the first 400 scheduled to close in July 2019.
Ascena Retail
Lord & Taylor
Lord & Taylor’s flagship store, which had been open for over a century, was closed last year. It’s the one on Fifth Avenue that you’re looking for. This year, unfortunately, more stores will close their doors. Lord & Taylor plans to close ten more stores in 2020, but they haven’t revealed which ones.
Lord & Taylor
Kohl’s
Kohl’s wanted to avoid the same fate as other mall retailers, so it will close 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.
Kohl’s
99 Cents Only
99 Cents Store is a store that sells items for a low price. Dollar General, Walmart, and Dollar Tree are among its competitors. 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 company 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.
99 Cents Only
Neiman Marcus
The $4.7 billion top-line sales of Neiman Marcus fell 5% in the 2017 fiscal year. There have been suggestions that 200 employees be laid off and that a “Digital First” customer engagement strategy be implemented. Hudson’s Bay, a Canadian company, was rumored to be interested in purchasing it. Regrettably, this did not occur.
Neiman Marcus
Cole Haan
Cole Haan is a high-end footwear brand that was named to USA Today’s list of at-risk companies in 2018. It began to change its image by concentrating on athletic footwear rather than dress shoes. Unfortunately, this backfired. Apax Partners purchased the brand in 2013 and removed Nike’s well-known comfort technology. Unfortunately, the company’s situation has not improved.
Cole Haan
FullBeauty Brands Holdings Corp
FullBeauty Brands Holding Corp owns several plus-size clothing lines for women and men. Jessica London, Roaman’s, Brylane Home, Ellos, Woman Within, fullbeauty.com, and KingSize are among the brands it owns. They attribute the drop in sales to Amazon. Its revenue dropped by 30% in the first quarter of 2017. The company hopes to increase sales and do things correctly now that new people are in charge.
FullBeauty
Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer is a Bellevue-based outdoor retailer. It was able to emerge from bankruptcy in 2009. However, we have no idea what the company’s future plans are. It was also downgraded by S&P Global in terms of credit rating. There’s a good chance it’ll merge with PacSun, a California-based company.
Eddie Bauer
Mattress Firm
Unfortunately, our favorite mattress retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection recently. Part of it is due to a clerical error. The company announced that 700 of its 3,500 stores would be put up for sale. They plan to restructure the company and end excessive leases in order to turn things around.
Mattress Firm
GNC
GNC, a nutrition and diet company that has been around since 1935, is slimming down. The vitamin and supplement retailer has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing the closure of 800 to 1,200 stores. The company has 7,300 locations around the world, including 3,600 standalone stores in the United States and 1,600 mini GNCs within Rite Aid pharmacies. GNC admits on its website that it has been struggling financially for a few years, but that it is working to pay down its debt and keep up with online competitors.
GNC
Pier 1 Imports
Pier 1 Imports, along with the scented candle, silk pillow, Papasan chair, and everything else that this home furnishings retailer is known for, has thrown in the towel. It began the year by announcing the closure of nearly half of its 900 stores. The company had declared bankruptcy and was on the lookout for a buyer. Instead, pier 1 has closed all of its locations, putting an end to a company that began in 1962 in San Mateo, California, with a single location selling baby boomers bean bag chairs, incense, and love beads.
Pier 1 Imports
New York & Co.
Following a disappointingly quiet holiday shopping season in 2019, New York & Co. began this year by announcing that it would close more than 25 of its stores by early February. Shoppers spend more time on the website than in the stores, according to the women’s fashion and accessories retailer. Before the coronavirus appeared in early 2020, that was the diagnosis. However, there were only about 380 people left at that point.
New York & Co.
Stein Mart
Several retailers have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic after decades in business. It lasted more than a century at Stein Mart, a discount department store chain founded in 1908. However, the company announced in mid-August that it had filed for bankruptcy and that “a significant portion, if not all, of its brick-and-mortar stores” would be closed. There are 280 of them and are spread across 30 states. Stein Mart offers low prices on clothing, shoes, jewelry, bedding, luggage, and even candy.
Stein Mart
AT&T
AT&T has announced the closure of 250 retail locations, including AT&T Stores and Cricket Wireless locations. According to the Communications Workers of America, the store closures will affect 1,300 people. According to CNN, AT&T intends to offer workers from the affected stores other work-from-home opportunities within the company. Just over two years ago, AT&T announced plans to open over 1,000 new stores. At the time, the company had over 5,300 locations.
AT&T
Tuesday Morning
These are trying times, even for a deep-discount retailer whose stores usually look like they’re having going-out-of-business sales. Tuesday Morning has filed for bankruptcy and will hold real liquidation sales in the summer of 2020, as it prepares to close around 230 of its nearly 700 stores. In a news release, CEO Steve Becker says, “The prolonged and unexpected closures of our stores in response to COVID-19 has had severe consequences on our business.”
Tuesday Morning
Family Video
Forget about Blockbuster, which only has one location left (in Bend, Oregon). Another video rental chain is still in operation, renting DVDs and Blu-rays, but many of its locations have the closing credits displayed. 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.”
Family Video
Art Van Furniture
Art Van Furniture and Mattress stores have long been a staple in the Midwest, but residents will have to adjust to life without them. Art Van filed for bankruptcy just a few days after the company announced in early March that it would close all of its company-owned stores in eight states. According to the company’s filing, customers have been lost to Amazon and Wayfair as a result. “Despite our best efforts to remain open, the company’s brands and operating performance have been hit hard by a challenging retail environment,” spokeswoman Diane Charles said in a statement.
Art Van Furniture
Papyrus
The greeting card that says, “We’re sorry to see you go,” is appropriate for this occasion. Papyrus, a high-end stationery and greeting card retailer with locations across the country, has closed its doors. The chain’s 70-year-old parent company, Schurman Retail Group, filed for bankruptcy in January and announced that its stores would close. Papyrus, American Greetings, and Carlton Cards stores have closed in total, with 178 of them in the United States. The remainder is located in Canada.
Papyrus
Forever 21
Forever 21 is one of the “fast-fashion” industry’s giants. The chain sells low-cost clothing that changes frequently to stay current, and its massive stores have become a popular destination for teenagers looking for trendy clothing at a low price. However, because young customers are questioning whether Forever 21’s disposable clothing is good for the environment, the retailer has been forced to file for bankruptcy and close down a portion of its business. “Forever” has come to an end for nearly 350 stores worldwide, including nearly 200 in the United States.
Forever 21
Modell’s Sporting Goods
If you’ve ever visited New York City, you’ve probably heard of Modell’s Sporting Goods, which has nearly as many locations as subway stations. In Times Square, two Modell’s have been found within a block of each other. They are, however, closing, along with the rest of the company’s East Coast locations. Modell’s announced the closure of 24 of its stores in February, but a few weeks later, the chain filed for bankruptcy and announced the closure of all of its locations from Massachusetts to Virginia.
Modell’s Sporting Goods
A.C. Moore
A.C. Moore, an arts and crafts store chain, has closed its doors. The retailer, which was known for its generous coupons and operated primarily east of the Mississippi, has closed its doors. Early in 2020, the company announced that it would close its doors. The first store in New Jersey 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.
A.C. Moore
Wilsons Leather
Wilsons Leather, a company known for its leather belts, shoes, handbags, gloves, and, most notably, jackets, is expanding its offerings. Wilson Leather stores in the United States and Canada dwindled from over 700 locations in the early 2000s. As a result, G-III Apparel Group, the parent company, decided to close the last of them. In addition, G-III is closing 89 G.H. Bass shoe and apparel stores. DKNY, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Karl Lagerfeld are the company’s “five global power brands,” according to the company.
Wilsons Leather
Olympia Sports
In 2020, the game was over for half of the Olympia Sports stores. This is a regional sporting goods retailer with locations 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. Liquidation sales began in November 2019 and continued into the new year because the deal excluded 76 of Olympia Sports’ more than 150 locations.
Olympia Sports
Sur La Table
Sur La Table, a cookware retailer, was hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic, filing for bankruptcy and announcing plans to close nearly half of its 121 locations in early July. The rest of the company would be sold to a private equity firm. Sur La Table opened its doors in Seattle’s Pike Place Market in 1972. The company’s founder, Shirley Collins, had a simple idea, according to the company, “Make good food. Share it. Do so often.” The chain offers in-store and online cooking classes in addition to selling kitchen and dining room products.
Sur La Table
Brooks Brothers
Selling suits and other fine clothing to men and women was difficult when many Americans worked from home in shorts and soiled polo shirts. Brooks Brothers’ bankruptcy filing and store closures date back to 1818, and this is part of the story. It is the United States’ oldest continuously operating clothing brand. In its more than 200-year history, the retailer has never had to deal with anything like the coronavirus. Brooks Brothers, on the other hand, had been on the decline long before COVID-19, owing to lax workplace dress codes and the growing popularity of online shopping.
Brooks Brothers
Earth Fare
Smaller organic grocery stores are learning that Whole Foods Market and its owner, Amazon, are unbeatable. As a result, Asheville, North Carolina-based Earth Fare has decided to give up the fight. 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. The first Earth Fare restaurant, which opened in 1975, was called Dinner for the Earth. It was replaced in 1993.
Earth Fare
Bose
Because it is no longer interested in having brick-and-mortar stores, Bose is closing all 119 of its retail locations in North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. Furthermore, the Bose website lists 50 locations in the United States that will all close in the coming months. Customers could test and experience the company’s products at the first Bose store in the United States, which opened in 1993. Bose, on the other hand, claims that its customers are increasingly doing their shopping online.
Bose
Lucky’s Market
Another natural foods supermarket has thrown in the (recycled paper) towel after failing to compete with Whole Foods. Lucky’s Market, based in Colorado and known for its slogan “Organic for the 99 percent,” filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late January, announcing the closure of 32 of its 39 locations in ten states. The company planned to sell the remaining seven, according to media reports.
Lucky’s Market
CVS
CVS planned to close about two dozen of its drugstores in 2020, roughly half as many as it did in 2019. You’ll be able to find a CVS on nearly every corner because there will be roughly 9,900 locations left. The MinuteClinic locations, which provide basic walk-in medical services, are the focus of the local pharmacy and retail chain. The clinics have been installed in over 1,100 stores so far. If you need a flu shot, suspect a bladder infection, or want your cholesterol checked, you’ve come to the right place.
CVS
Hallmark
In January 2020, Hallmark declared that over the course of the next 2 years or so, they would be closing down roughly 16 of its stores across the USA. A Hallmark store owner said, “It’s just not a viable business any longer, “People used to buy and send cards all the time. But things are all online now. Everyone celebrates their birthdays on social media.” The greeting card company was first established in 1910 and had over 30 000 employees across the country over the course of 111 years. The question is, will they be forced to close permanently?
Hallmark
Nordstrom
Nordstrom, Inc. is an American luxury department store chain that was founded in 1901. Since then it has grown into one of the most popular retailers in the USA. Due to the recent global pandemic, Nordstrom released a statement saying they would be permanently closing around 16 of their stores due to the decrease in sales. According to a press release, the closures are all part of its long-term plan to “strengthen its business.” But do not worry, Nordstrom will still have around 450 locations remaining.
Nordstrom
Century 21
The well-known department store, Century 21 has been in existence for around 60 years. Throughout these years, it only had 13 locations across the USA. And even though it’s been extremely popular, unfortunately, the off-price fashion retailer seems to be going out of business pretty soon. Sadly, Century 21 filed for bankruptcy in 2020, which meant that shut all of these stores. In a statement, 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.
Century 21
Bloomingdale’s
The luxury department store chain, Bloomingdale’s has a long, successful history that dates back to 1861. However, it has surfaced that they have been forced to many of their stores across the country, The reasoning is not exactly clear but it seems the global pandemic has played a big part. Bloomingdale’s released a statement explaining that dozens of their 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 compnay had a 3-year plan to improve its productivity.
Bloomingdale’s
Stage Stores
Stage Stores was a department store company that specialized in retailing discount brand name apparel, cosmetics, accessories, and footwear. After some time it became clear that they were unable to compete with other big stores such as Walmart and Target. In May 2020, Stage Stores filed for bankruptcy even though they seemed to be doing finically well.
Stage Stores
DressBarn
DressBarn.com is an online retailer that operated between 1962 and 2019. Before they announced their permanent closure, the retailer had approximately 650 locations across the USA. It appeared during all of this that they had been struggling financially which is what pushed them to shut down all their stores. However, they still have more profitable brands like Ann Taylor, Loft, and Lane Bryant which they are focusing on.
Dressbarn
Fred’s Inc
Fred’s Inc was a discount store that operated in more than 15 states for over 70 years with around 400 locations. These also included pharmacies. In July 2019, Fred’s announced that over 100 stores were most probably going to shut. Only a few months after this announcement, a further statement was released stating that the discount company was seeking liquidation and would soon close all of its remaining stores.
Fred’s Inc
Charming Charlie
Established in 2004, Charming Charlie is a women’s contemporary fashion and accessories retailer that is based in Texas. The brand was known to offer a wide selection of apparel, gifts, and beauty products. Despite being awarded The Accessories Council’s “Specialty Retailer” ACE Award and being featured on Forbe’s Magazine they sadly filed for bankruptcy in 2019. However, this was actually the second time in 2 years, but in the end, they did shut around 250 of their locations.
Charming Charlie
Party City
Party City is an American retail chain of party stores that was first established back in 1986. This retailer 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.
Party City
LifeWay Christian
LifeWay Christian is a faith-based publishing company. In 2019, they announced that by the end of that same year they were going to shut down all 172 of its stores. This was due to the fact that they had a plan to move all of their products to an online retailing company. Furthermore, they said, the closure was mainly due to an enormous drop in in-person sales.
LifeWay Christian
L’OCCITANE
L’Occitane is an internationally known retailer of body, face, fragrances, and home products that was founded in France back in 1976. For 45 years, the company has sold luxury products to clients in all corners of the globe. Sadly, at the start of 2021, the US part of L’Occitane filed for bankruptcy with the intention to close at least 23 of its 166 locations across America. They stated that most of their losses came from the recent global pandemic.
L’ OCCITANE
YouFit
Youfit Health Clubs was founded in 2008 and opened over 100 locations across 14 states in the USA. Unfortunately, YouFit filed for bankruptcy in November 2020 after they claimed to have greatly suffered because of COVID-19. Following this, it was announced that the company sold itself to a group of former lenders in exchange for debt forgiveness.
YouFit
MUJI
MUJI is a Japanese retail company that sells a huge variety of household and consumer goods. They forced opened in America back in 2007, and over the years they opened a few more stores across America. However, in July 2020, Muji USA filed for bankruptcy, saying the reason for their closures was due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
MUJI
Fossil
Fossil is an American fashion designer and manufacturer 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 across America. Regardless of many of its sales being done online, they don’t have any intentions to permanently shut all their stores.
Fossil
Paper Source
Paper Source is an American stationery and gift retailer that sells custom invitations, greeting cards, gifts and so much more. Founded in 1983, the retail company, filed for bankruptcy in March 2021. However, not long after this, it emerged that Paper Source was then sold to Barnes and Noble. This meant 130 stores would be saved as well as 1700 employees. Naturally, this was all due to COVID-19.
Paper Source
Goodwill
Unfortunately, due to the global pandemic, Goodwill was forced to stay closed for the majority of the COVID-19 outbreak. But that’s not all, the nonprofit thrift store was also forced to close 8 locations and lay off around 60 employees. “We have had to make a difficult decision for economic reasons,” said Mike Keenan, president, and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Greater East Bay. “Our employees are our first priority, and we will continue to do everything we can to support them at this difficult time and fulfill the Goodwill mission in our remaining stores and facilities. Let’s hope things improve for them!
Goodwill
SEE Eyewear
SEE Eyewear is known to be a popular eyeglasses boutique that sells high-quality eyewear at an affordable price. Unfortunately, they were forced to permanently close its only Canadian storefront. Even though they had big plans to grow across Canada, things didn’t go as planned. Additionally, it has emerged that in the coming months SEE Eyewear may be forced to close their USA stores too, due to financial difficulties.
SEE Eyewear
Godiva Chocolatier
Godiva Chocolatier is a Belgian chocolate maker. In 2021, the company announced that it would be closing 128 stores in North America due to a drop in mall sales. This was all due to COVID-19. However, customers can still make purchases via Godiva’s online site. This is what the company had to say, “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 Chocolatier