The retail industry had another tough year in 2019. More than 9,300 chain store locations are estimated to have shuttered last year alone, according to MoneyWise.
And the trend is expected to continue, UBS investment bank forecasts another 75,000 stores will close up shop by 2026.
So how does this affect shopping here in Georgia? Here’s a look at the national chains that closed the most locations in the Peach State last year, from Forever 21 to Dressbarn and Pier 1.
Bed Bath & Beyond
In April, the home store announced it would close 40 stores. There are 24 store locations throughout Georgia, some of which have been given a refreshed look in attempts to boost sales. Underperforming locations are expected to close or relocate in upcoming months.
Dress Barn
In May, Dressbarn announced it would close the rest of its 650 remaining stores, which included 13 stores in places like Austell, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville and Woodstock.
Forever 21
The closing retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last fall. At the time, the store announced it would close stores in Lithonia and Pooler, according to Patch Atlanta. However, more recently, the chain opened a massive, 21,000-square-foot location at Atlantic Station.
Gymboree
Last January, children's clothing store Gymboree filed for bankruptcy —taking a number of Atlanta locations down with it.
Payless
The discount shoe retailer announced it would close all of its locations in February. That meant nearly three dozen Payless stores in metro Atlanta closed up shop.
Sears
The parent company of the once dominate, but now long-struggling retail store announced in November that it will close the Douglasville location by February 2020. Sears and Kmart stores have closed more than 3,500 stores during the last 15 years. That accounts for a loss of about 250,000 jobs.
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