YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Store Closings and the Economy

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Store Closings and the Economy https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 22 May 2026 06:54:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Angie on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-36125 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 20:55:50 +0000 Angie 36125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My good friend’s family was evacuated from the Santa Barbara fires last week. All is well with them and the fire was contained just in time. But you’re right GG – perspective is the name of the game. Thanks for sharing your insights. I’m sure that more art doors will open for effervescent and talented you. JJ and Shana, keep us posted and let us know if we can be of any support. We wish you and your families well. greenglove on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-36044 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:30:31 +0000 greenglove 36044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi everyone, these certainly are days filled with uncertainty. My heart goes out to those whose husbands have been layed off. I agree totally with Shiny about taking a break and having time to grieve over the loss of a job. Decisions made from fear really never seem to work out. I am an adjunct art teacher and this past semester I was scheduled to teach 5 classes and 3 of them got canceled. This is how it has been for me much of my life. The life of an artist is full of risk and uncertainty but what I have learned is that doing the next right thing usually leads to something else. I have gotten much more painting done this semester and amazingly picked up a few private students. This economy does help us to appreciate simpler things and not take for granted the things that we do have, especially health. My husband's college roommate just lost his house in the Santa Barbara fires. He was interviewed and said he was ok, it was just things that he lost. I cannot imagine losing an entire lifetime of possessions. His experience and attitude will hopefully help me to put things in perspective. julijuli on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35941 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:21:15 +0000 julijuli 35941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks again everyone and Shana - I know it's tough going back to work after being out for a while. Although it may be a bit intimidating there are many skills that you've most likely used while being a SAHM. Perhaps your career dev person will be able to help with that? Plus - if you're already that close to getting your graduate degree, I'm sure it will help in the job search. I was hoping to make a complete career change in the next year or so, but given this development I'm pretty sure I will try to jump back into the tech world. I've only been out for a few months so it shouldn't be TOO hard (I hope!) I'm actually looking forward to a new challenge. I feel fortunate that we are covered on insurance through the end of the year, and hopefully will be able to find an alternative to Cobra - we just learned it would be $1300.00 a month to cover our family. Yikes! The good news is that we are in a good place, debt free except for the mortgage so I'm not panicking too much. Thanks again everyone for your kind words and thoughts and let me know if you hear of any Project Management positions in Seattle! Nicole on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35910 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:54:58 +0000 Nicole 35910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Juli, I must have posted the same time you did about your husband's layoff. I'm sorry this has happened to you too. As much as I loved staying home with my kids, going back to work was one of the better decisions I've ever made. I felt nervous and worried about my skills after staying home for years too. But once you get back into the swing of it, and start using parts of your brain you have not used for a while, you start to feel pretty good about yourself. If I had it to do all over again, I wouldn't have changed a thing. I got to nurture my babies and raise them the way I wanted them to be--and when they were a little older, I was able to nurture myself and teach my kids how to be more independent. I've also formed a great respect for my mother in law--because she was always there, eager to babysit, when I was in a pinch. Not knowing what the future holds is always frightening--I think especially so for type A personalities. But life works out--it always does! Angie on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35879 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:37:51 +0000 Angie 35879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh Shana and Juli. I am SO sorry. I applaud your positive and assertive spirit. Please know that we are here to help and support in any capacity. A window WILL open behind this closed door. You are in my thoughts and I won’t stop holding my thumbs. shana on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35861 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:09:04 +0000 shana 35861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts & prayers. Julijuli, I'm so sorry to hear that you are in the same boat - your family is definitely in my prayers . At this point, we are over the initial shock and have moved on to the planning stage. We have already worked out some budget cuts - cable (which no one watches anyway!), downgrading phone service, a few changes in insurance etc. The worst part is that we're going to have to take my son out of the private pre-school program that he is in right now. As much as he loves it, it is fairly expensive and one of the few things we can cut right now. Shiny, how I wish I could get my husband to sit down and take a breath. But he's a Type A as am I so no rest for the weary in our household. We have both polished up our resumes and he's already contacted some of the people in his network. Meanwhile I have an appointment with a professional career development person (paid for through my school) to go over my resume and maybe give me some tips on types of jobs for which to apply. I have been out of the workforce for 6 years at this point and while I had always planned to go back, it's a bit sooner than I had planned. I have to admit to being a little afraid - being at home all this time has dulled my skills and confidence a bit. I am definitely "out of the loop" in terms of what is going on in today's workplace which is a little intimidating for me. I still have a few classes left to finish my graduate program which will be put on hold for now but if I do find a job, I can probably get them to pay for the rest which would be great! Yikes, so much to think about and do. I am trying to look at the bright side. We are better off than many folks who might be in this situation - my husband is getting paid through the end of the year AND gets a severance, our health insurance is covered through the end of Jan., we do not have any debt except our mortgage which is fairly low, we are both fairly educated with some (hopefully) desirable skills, and we are open to moving if necessary. Hey, and when I get back to work, I can finally make use of a wardrobe of very businessy/dressy clothes that I barely get to use now! marianne on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35786 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:55:05 +0000 marianne 35786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shana and Julijuli, I am very sorry to hear about this. It must be very stressful in these times. I hope it won't take very long to find new jobs without too much compromise. Shiny, thank you for your advice! You are so right about the panic mode. julijuli on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35784 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:49:09 +0000 julijuli 35784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shiny, Nicole and all - thank you for the kind words - I do have faith that it will all work out for the best. Actually, I'm the one sending out resumes as I've been on a bit of a staycation for the last few months. I knew I'd have to get back to full time work at some point, so it seems that now is the time! My DH will definitely need time to process it all and figure out what is next for him. shiny on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35775 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:18:41 +0000 shiny 35775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Julijuli, your hubby too?? So sorry! Nicole has great wisdom, and I couldn't agree more. One tip that served me really well over the years through layoffs (in my biz it's par for the course) is this: Don't start looking right away. *Especially* if the layoff was sudden and unexpected. You and your hubbies need some time to process. Losing a job is akin to any of the other major life losses like losing a spouse or pet or other loved one. Take the time to grieve and go through the stages of grief. You will be better off for it, if you are not applying for jobs in a state of anger, denial, sadness, bargaining, etc. Now is the time to: 1) Get signed up for unemployment 2) Sign up for Cobra coverage 3) Take a much-needed rest (staycation, of course). Catch up on that book you've been putting off, or repairs around the house, or whatever. Take a few weeks off to give some emotional space and time to process. Connect with friends if that lifts your spirits, but not necessarily work acquaintances just yet. I know the initial reaction is to get the resume written and send out a zillion copies right away - but trust me - it's better to take a short break first. I can't tell you how many interviews and opportunities I totally blew, because I went into panic mode. :-( (Please remind me of my own advice, should I lose my own job... it's easy to forget!!) Lena on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35750 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:12:53 +0000 Lena 35750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shana and Julijuli, I'm sorry to hear about husbands. I really hope they can find new opportunities soon. Kellee on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35744 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:26:56 +0000 Kellee 35744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nicole, Thank you for this information. It is very sobering . Though knowledge such as this, I believe can help to remind us all of the great need to share more compassion with each other now more than ever. Kellee Kellee on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35742 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:00:09 +0000 Kellee 35742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shana and Juli, I also am so sorry to hear about your husbands and their recent job loss. Nicole and I seem to have had some of the same realizations when the smoke settled a bit after the loss of a job . I can see that each one lead me to where I am today. I will keep you both in my prayers. Take care. Kellee anne on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35735 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:29:03 +0000 anne 35735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shana and Juli, So sorry to hear about your husbands. Hope they, or you, will get something soon Nicole on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35733 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:02:05 +0000 Nicole 35733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shana, I am sorry--it sounds like he didn't really expect it either--which makes it that much more difficult. It's all about networking now. Everytime I've gotten laid off, it was a blessing in disguise. This last layoff, resulted in a new job with a 20% pay increase and better hours. The lay off before this one, happened right before my dog got sick. I was able to care for her in her final months of life. So try to keep a positive attitude and the positive energy will seek you out. You'll be in my "find a great job prayers". julijuli on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35732 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:57:05 +0000 julijuli 35732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shana - I can relate! My husband was laid off yesterday as well - must have been one of those days. I'm frantically getting my resume updated and sent off to wherever possible. I'm sure we'll be ok, but it may be a bit of a challenge for a few months. shiny on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35726 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:10:01 +0000 shiny 35726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ((((Shana)))) Not a day goes by that I don't hear about a friend or acquaintance getting laid off. Ana on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35715 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:41:20 +0000 Ana 35715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh no, I'm so sorry Shana! Brendan (my husband) got laid off in August, but luckily he was able to find another job about a month later. He's had longer stretches than that in the past though, so you're not alone! I'll keep my fingers crossed that something comes up quick. That's a long list! We've been scaling back at our house, too. After he got laid off, we made some budget cuts in our "luxury" spending (we eat at home more now, and both of us took cuts in our allowances). We just decided to stick to that budget after he got a new job, and save the rest and step up paying off some of our bills. Sarah on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35641 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:31:34 +0000 Sarah 35641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'll be thinking of you, Shana. It is sad (scary?) seeing that entire list. I used to work for a company (Sprint Nextel) on that list. Laura on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35634 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:24:06 +0000 Laura 35634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh Shana, I am so sorry, that is a stressful situation. Don't fret, you are not alone, and good people will still be needed by companies more than ever in this economy. My husband and I were just discussing family budget cuts last night, and we are basically going down to the bare minimum: winter boots for the kids, snow pants, those kinds of purchases, but nothing else. Everyone is retooling right now. It is painful. I mentioned in another thread that my friend's sister was laid off as a district manager for Ann Taylor last week, after 16 years with the company. If they are laying off people that high up the ladder, it's not good. We are going to see some big store closings after the holiday numbers come in. Shiny, I don't know where retail people will wind up - those skills must translate to good jobs in other industries, somehow. Tanya on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35633 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:21:51 +0000 Tanya 35633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am soo sorry to hear that Shana. Big hugs to you. I hope all goes well and you manage to find jobs pretty soon. shana on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35629 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:14:32 +0000 shana 35629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Add our family to those who are being affected by the economy - my husband just got laid off yesterday. I'm frantically going through all my recent purchases trying to see what still has tags on it that I can return. Of course, this all just adds up to peanuts compared to other expenses for a family of four. Meanwhile, my husband & I are both polishing up our resumes and hoping for the best. shiny on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35612 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:26:09 +0000 shiny 35612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My first reaction was, "There is a high proportion of special-sizing stores closing." I have been fearing that retailers will chop out their petite lines first, sending me back to the fashion dark ages of the 1980s. I was just telling my DH this morning that I am very glad I built out my wardrobe over the past year. I'm set for awhile, if need be. My second reaction was, "Wow, that's a lot of JOBS lost!!!" Unemployment has already reached the high of 2001 when dot-com bubble burst and we had 9/11 on top of it all. And, the unemployment picture is only just beginning. It will only get worse. US automakers are next. While I'm despondant to see my shopping options disappear, mostly, my heart really goes out to all these people who are losing their jobs. :-( On my mind: for all these people who worked in retail, what would be a good area in which to refocus their skills? How can we creatively create new jobs for them? For example, for those who work for automakers, I could see how we might put them to work in the gainful employment of building out our public transportation infrastructure. That would be a smart long-term move for the U.S, because it decreases our dependency on oil while also creating jobs. But what about those in the retail sector? Not just the store clerks but people at HQ? (Sorry... I'm going off-topic, but this is weighing on my mind this morning, after reading news headlines). Anonymous on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35604 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:15:16 +0000 Anonymous 35604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow! Time to check for any unused gift cards! This morning's paper had an ad for Harold's Going Out of Business sale. I've liked the fit of their clothing if I can find it without a lot of embellishment. Kristen on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35603 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:41:59 +0000 Kristen 35603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ WOW. Seeing a list all together like that is...wow, we are in some big trouble in this economy. Admittedly, I think some of these probably needed to shrink and retool a bit; where I live in the Chicago suburbs there are a lot of the same stores weirdly close together, and none seemed to have gotten enough business, even before everything tanked. But this list is way more than just retooling. That said, I worked at Forth & Towne when it closed up back in 2007, and the sales there at the end were AMAZING. So don't be afraid to save up and do some shopping if some of these stores start to close near you. It'll be worth it in the end; I probably wear at least 3-4 F&T final sale pieces every week, even now! Nicole on "Store Closings and the Economy" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/store-closings-and-the-economy#post-35601 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:33:36 +0000 Nicole 35601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In Taffy's thread about sweater dresses, we got a little OT about retail stores and how they are trying to find their way thru this economy. I found the email that listed a bunch of store closings (not necessarily stores that are GOB--but just closing individual stores based on performance, as well as a few GOBs) It's a long email, but thought I'd share it just in case anyone was interested. Be aware/gift cards for holidays/ Store closings > > > May I make the recommendation that we be careful of buying store brand > > gift cards for holidays. Things are closing rapidly. Not on the list > > below is Linens & Things , under liquidation and closing all stores by > > year end. > > > > > Libby Lu is also closing all their stores within 6 months > > > Ann Taylor closing 117 stores nationwide A company spokeswoman said The > > company hasn't revealed which stores will be shuttered.. It will let the > > > > Stores that will close this fiscal year know over the next month. > > > > Eddie Bauer to close more stores. Eddie Bauer has already Closed 27 > > shops in the first quarter and plans to close up To two more outlet > > stores by the end of the year. > > > > Cache closing stores. Women's retailer Cache announced that it is > > closing 20 to 23 stores This year. > > > > Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Catherines closing 150 stores nationwide The > > owner Of retailers Lane Bryant , Fashion Bug , Catherines Plus Sizes > > will close About 150 underperforming stores this year.The company hasn't > > Provided a list of specific store closures and can't say when it will > > offer That info, spokeswoman Brooke Perry said today. > > > > Talbots, J. Jill closing stores. About a month ago, Talbots announced > > that it will be shuttering all 78 of its kids and men's stores. Now the > > company says it will close Another 22 underperforming stores.. The 22 > > stores will be a mix of Talbots women's and J. Jill , another chain it > > owns. The closures will occur this Fiscal year,according to a company > > press release. > > > > Gap Inc. Closing 85 stores. In addition to its namesake chain, Gap also > > owns Old Navy and BananaRepublic .The company said the closures - all > > planned For fiscal 2008 - will be weighted toward the Gap brand. > > > > Foot Locker to close 140 stores. In the company press release and > > during its Conference call with analysts today, it did not specify where > > the future store Closures - all planned in fiscal 2008 - will be.. The > > company could not be Immediately reached for comment. > > > > Wickes is going out of business. Wickes Furniture is going Out of > > business and closing all of its stores. Wickes, a 37-year-old retailer > > that targets middle-income customers, filed forbankruptcy Protection > > last month. > > > > Goodbye Levitz / BOMBAY - closed already. The furniture retailer, which > > is going out Of business. Levitz first announced it was going out of > > business and closing all 76 of Its stores in December. The retailer > > dates back to 1910 whe n Richard Levitz opened his First furniture store > > in Lebanon , PA. In the 1960s, the warehouse/showroom concept brought > > Levitz to The forefront of the furniture industry. The local Levitz > > closures will follow the shutdown of Bombay . > > > > Zales, Piercing Pagoda closing stores. The owner of Zales and Piercing > > Pagoda previously Said it plans to close 82 stores by July 31. Today, it > > announced that it is closing Another 23 underperforming stores. The > > company said it's not providing a list of specific Store closures. Of > > the 105 locations planned for closure, 50 are kiosks and 55 are Stores. > > > > Disney Store owner has the right to close 98 stores The Walt Disney > > Company Announced it acquired about 220 Disney Stores from subsidiaries > > of TheChildren's Place Retail Stores. The exact number of stores > > acquired Will depend on negotiations with landl o rds. Those > > subsidiaries of Children'sPlace filed for bankruptcy protection in late > > March.. Walt Disney In the newsrelease said it has also obtained the > > right to close about 98 Disney Stores in the U.S. . The press release > > didn't list those stores. > > > > Home Depot store closings ( E. Brunswick , Rt 18 just put up their closing > > sign) ATLANTA - Nearly 7+ months after its chief executive said there > > were no plans To cut the number of its core retail stores, The Home > > Depot Inc.announced Thursday that it is shuttering 15 of them amid a > > slumping U.S.economy and Housing market.The move will affect 1,300 > > employees.. It is the first time The world's largest home improvement > > store chain has ever closed a flagship Store for performance reasons.. > > Its shares rose almost 5 percent. The Atlanta-based company said the > > underperforming U.S.stores Being closed represent less than 1 percent > > of its existing stor es . They Will be shuttered within the next two > > months. > > > > CompUSA (CLOSED) clarifies details on store Closings Any extended > > warranties purchased for products Through CompUSA will be honored by a > > third-partyprovider, Assurant Solutions. Gift cards, rain checks, and > > rebates purchasedprior to December 12 can be Redeemed at any time during > > the final sale.. For those who have a gadget Currently in for service > > with CompUSA, the repair will be completed and the gadget will be > > returned to owners. > > > > Macy's - 9 stores > > > > Movie Gallery - 160 stores as part of reorganization plan to > > exitbankruptcy. The video rental company plans to close 400 of 3,500 > > Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video stores in addition to the 520 > > locations the video rental chain closed last fall. > > > > Sprint Nextel - 125 retail locations New Sprint Nextel CEO Dan Hesse > > appears to have inherited a company bleeding subscribers by the > > thousands, and will now officially be dropping the ax on 4,000 employees > > and 125 retail locations. Amid the loss of 639,000 postpaid customers in > > the fourth quarter, Sprint will be cutting a total of 6.7%of its work > > force (following the 5,000 layoffs last year) and 8% ofcompany-owned > > brick-and-mortar stores, while remaining mute on other rumors that it > > will consolidate its headquarters in Kansas . Sprint Nextel shares are > > down $2.89, or nearly 25%, at the time of this writing. > > > > J. C. Penney, Lowe's and Office Depot are scaling back > > > > Ethan Allen Interiors: The company announced plans to close 12 of > > 300+stores in an effort to cut costs. > > > > Wilsons the Leather Experts - 158 stores > > > > Pacific Sunwear will close its 154 Demo stores after a review of > > strategic alternatives for the urban-apparel brand. Seventy-four > > underperforming Demo stores closed last May. > > > > Sharper Image: The company recently filed for bankruptcy protection and > > announced that 90 of its 184 stores are closing. The retailer will still > > operate 94 stores to pay off debts, but 90 of these stores have > > performed poorly and also may close. > > > > KB Toys posted a list of 356 stores that it is closing around the United > > States as part of its bankruptcy reorganization. To see the list ofstore > > closings, go to the KB Toys Information web site, and click on Press > > Information > > > > Dillard's to Close More StoresDillard's Inc. said it will continue to > > focus on closing underperformingstores, reducing expenses and improving > > its merchandise in 2008. At thecompany's annual shareholder meeting, CEO > > William Dillard II said thecompany will close another six > > underperforming stores this year. > >