Incomplete list of U.S. retail/banking/service sector job loss announcements and shutdowns for September 2016:

Arkansas: Bentonville based Walmart continues eliminating jobs, this time 7-thousand accounting jobs at stores across the U.S., over the next few months!  Administrators claim they’ll hire more customer service employees.  B.Jaxx Accessories shutdown in Saline County after ten years: “I can’t stress enough how important it is to shop local.”-company Facebook post

California: San Francisco based Wells Fargo going down.  At one time the top Too Big to Jail  bank in the U.S., based on ‘market value’, it’s now crashing & burning after revelations by the city of Los Angeles, and the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, that 2-million of Wells Fargo accounts are fake! Wells Fargo agreed to pay $185-million USD to settle the charges. The state treasurer has suspended billions of dollars in taxpayer funded investments with the bank.  In an apparent move to shift blame Wells Fargo administrators fired 5-thousand 3-hundred employees, many had tried to blow the whistle on the scam!  But that backfired as former employees, some who quit many years ago because they realized Wells Fargo was stacking the deck, have launched massive lawsuits showing it’s been Wells Fargo policy to create fake accounts for decades (supposedly starting in 1998)!  Employees were also made to work overtime without pay.  Wells Fargo illegally repossed military personnel’s vehicles while on deployment, and don’t forget it was proven in court years ago that Wells Fargo was the lead bank in the home foreclosure scams!  How many other Too Big to Jail banks are playing the same game (called Cross-Selling) to make their stockholders happy?  Wells Fargo could be the tip of the banking industry ice berg that’s about to be smashed into tiny pieces. 

CNN: How to tell if any bank opened fake accounts with your name

Forbes: Close Your Account!

In San Rafael, Genworth Financial issued a shutdown WARN, 58 jobs gone after Halloween.  In San Francisco, clothier Benny Gold shutting down its six years old store on 16th Street, and moving to a new location.  Hertz issued a layoff WARN for its vehicle rental/sales ops in San Francisco, 156 jobs lost by November!  In Palo Alto, after 51 years Keeble & Shuchat Photography shutting down in October, the owners warning that “small retail is just really doomed”.  In Long Beach, Tanaka Lawnmower shutdown after 33 years, the aged owners say it’s too hard to see to make repairs to customer’s lawnmowers.  In San Jose, Camera 12 (formerly United Artists movie theater) shutdown after ten years of losses.  In Reedley, Sunnyside Bicycles shutdown due to greedy landlords: “The lease was up, and we just couldn’t come to an agreement with the landowners…..   Business was good….it’s like jumping out of a perfectly good airplane!”-John McCracken

Colorado: Office Max shutting down their Pueblo store as part of plans to shutdown an additional 3-hundred U.S. stores.

Connecticut: In Stamford, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) issued two layoff WARNs, 43 jobs lost between Halloween and Thanksgiving.  Stamford based Starwoods Hotel and Resorts will begin eliminating jobs due ot being taken over by Marriot.  The world’s largest hedge fund company, Bridgewater Associates, has new administrators who think the company has become too large and as such will begin eliminating an undisclosed number of jobs.  After surviving The Great Depression, Clough’s Hardware & Gifts shutdown in Stratford.  God powerless to stop the British empire based Salvation Army from shutting down four thrift stores in The Constitution State.  Perhaps the not-so recovered economy is what Salvation Army admin was refereing to in this statement: “…current circumstances have made supporting these programs through these store locations impossible.”

Florida: France based travel and ’emergency’ insurance agency AXA Assistance  eliminating 40 jobs in Miami, between November 2016 and February 2017.  In Melbourne, after 53 years Southern Photo suddenly shutdown by unfinished road construction: “Quite simply, while we await answers from the Florida (Department of Transportation), we find that our best efforts to operate our business are not enough to navigate through the environment in which we find ourselves today.”– Lisa Stirtzinger, owner

 Underwood’s shutting down its six years old Avenues Mall jewelry store, directly blaming the not-so-recovered economy: “They’re not shopping the same way they did, because they don’t have the money.”-C. Clayton Bromberg, owner

Georgia: In Athens, Masada Leather & Outdoor shutdown after 40 years. The owner says he’ll focus on custom leather work only, at a smaller location.

Hawaii: Japan based Fujifilm shutting down their Oahu office, 24 jobs gone by the end of the year.

Illinois: In Northbrook, Maurice Sporting Goods shutting down, 49 jobs gone by November.  Insurance and financial services company AIG eliminating 70 Springfield jobs by Xmas.  Local news reports say no reason was given.   The Illinois state treasurer is going after Wells Fargo to “suspend billions of dollars” in taxpayer funded ‘investments’.

Indiana: In Alexandria, after 45 years Cox Hallmark Gift Shop shutdown.  In Shelbyville, Connor Jewelry shutdown after 81 years, the current owners blame ‘big box’ and internet competition.

Iowa: In Forest City, after more than 20 years re-sale store, and vocational services for mentally handicapped people, KrysMart shutdown. The operators said they could no longer maintain the operation.  In West Des Moines, after 30 years Letter Perfect stationary shop shutdown, the 71 years old owner said it’s time to retire.

Kentucky: In Lexington two entertainment venues going down, the Cinemark Movies 10 theater and Premiere Home Video.

Maryland: In Cantonsville, 121 years old Plymouth Wallpaper Furnishing & Gifts may-or may-not be shutting down.  A ‘space available’ sign has been posted and the owners told local news “We’re testing the waters for alternatives to the real estate owned by the company.”

Massachusetts: After 54 years The Surrey Shoppe shutdown. It should be noted that the Christian owners (who used a Bible in their window display) admitted that during the time of the christian imposed ‘Sharia’ law (aka Blue Laws) banning businesses from being open on Sunday, they rebelled and remained open seven days a week.  In Greenfield, after almost 1-hundred years Home Furnishing Company shutting down in October.  In Springfield, after 54 years Clothes Tree shutdown the owners blaming unAmerican corporate America for killing the jobs that employed their loyal customers, saying “…they brought in machines and got rid of all the girls.” 

Michigan: In Livonia, after ten years Scrappy Chic scrapbook shop shutting down by the end of October, unless a new owner is found.  In Port Huron, after five years Bargain Barn shutdown becasue the ‘god fearing’ property owners, Cross Current Church, refused to renew the lease.

Missouri: In Woodside, after 70 years Surplus City shutting down, the owner says slow sales (5% -10% decline every year since 2011) are a sign that it’s time to retire.  In Monett, after 46 years retail store Brownsberger shutdown, so the 70 years old owner can retire.  California based First Allied Securities shutting down its Chesterfield office as part of its consolidation operations.

Nebraska: SWBC (SouthWest Business Corporation) laid off 15 people while at the same time is advertising for 20 vacant positions. In Omaha, after 45 years Post & Nickel shutdown, the owners say they need to focus on their Lincoln store.

Nevada: In Sparks, after 19 years The Century 14 Theater shutdown with only a few days notice to the public.

New Hampshire: After 30 years Gilford Gift Outlet shutdown, not because of low sales (the owner claims sales are great) but because the owner is getting ready to retire.

New Jersey: After 70 years the Spring Lake Variety Store shutdown. The 74 years old owner of 80 years old Pettersons Men’s Shop shut-it-down so he can retire. Bankrupt clothier Aeropostale eliminating 108 jobs in Lyndhurst, by November!  In Fair Haven, popular Bike Haven shutting down due to the not-so-recovered economy and to greedy landlords: “They’re basically doubling the rent.”-Cliff Wittenberg, owner

New York: What housing market recovery?  In Elma, Seneca Mortgage will begin laying off mortgage servicing employees in December, due to selling out to competitor National Mortgage Holdings.  In Williamsville, PHH Mortgage laying off 91 people in January 2017, due to “Reduction in loan originations.”  In Rochester, after 67 years R.C. Shaheen Paint & Decorating Center officially shutdown as winners of the auction picked up their merchandise, the owner blames the ‘big box’ stores.  In Massena, 115 years old Smith’s True Value Hardware shutting down by the end of next month.  In Hicksville, matress retailer Sleepy’s issued a shutdown WARN for its Finance & Accounting Unit, 28 jobs lost after Xmas due to “restructuring”.   In NYC, Oscar Insurance moving 31 jobs to The Grand Canyon State of Arizona, right after Xmas.  Best Buy shutting down their Lawrence store by mid November, 60 jobs lost due to “economic” reasons.  Bankrupt clothier Aeropostale issued a shutdown WARN for its NYC HQ and corporate offices, 228 jobs gone right before Xmas! American Capital issued a shutdown WARN for its NYC office, 53 jobs lost before Xmas due to merger with a competitor.  Too Big to Jail Goldman Sachs eliminated 90 jobs within its Asian market offices, blaming it on a decline in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A).  The Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation’s Clinton Global Initiative notified “dozens” of employees of layoffs by the end of the year, due to the wind down of operations.

North Carolina: What housing market recovery? Property manger Kornerstone Community Management now chapter 7 bankrupt dead and under investigation by the Garner Police Department.

North Dakota: In Fargo, successful Junk Giant shutdown so the owners can focus on even more successfull Vinyl Giant. In Williston, oil industry BS forcing two hotels to shutdown, with only a few days notice; Missouri Flats Inn and Marquis Plaza and Suites.

Ohio: Fifth Third Bank shutting down 44 offices in addition to the 1-hundred office shutdowns announced in 2015.  Administrators warned that bank office shutdowns will “…be an annual exercise.”  In Plain, J&D Surplus Junk Store shutting down by the end of October.  The Columbus Motor Speedway shutdown after 71 years of racing, it’s being turned into a park with rugby fields.

Oklahoma: In Oklahoma City, after 69 years iconic ‘hot rod’ parts retailer Parr Automotive shutdown.  A massive auction of hot rodder automobila, and the property itself, will be held towards the end of October.

Oregon: In Roseburg, taxpayer funded Goodwill shutting down their store on Diamond Lake Boulevard (Goodwill’s job training program is mainly funded with federal tax-dollars, not your donations).  Local Goodwill administrators claim they can’t afford the new lease.   In Astoria, after 15 years Rent-A-Center shutdown due to increased competition and rent.  In Springfield, after 26 years Ben Franklin Crafts & Frame Shop shutdown.  The owners blame the greedy landlord for suddenly, and unexplainedly, refusing to renew the lease: “They said they didn’t have someone else in mind for the space. I don’t think they’ve tried to make it available to anyone yet.”-Paul Johnson, co-owner

Pennsylvania:  Customer services contractor IBEX Global eliminating 79 jobs at the end of October.  TV based retailer QVC laid off an additional 1-hundred people at its West Chester HQ!  QVC has eliminated at least 247 jobs since 2015, however, administrators claim they’re hiring for their California operations.

South Carolina:  Best Buy shutting down their Beaufort store by the end of October.  It’s part of Best Buy’s policy not to renew the leases on their stores.

Tennessee:  Citizens National Bank of Athens eliminated 55 jobs due to being taken over by Simmons First National.  In Franklin, soap shop Bathos shutdown after 18 years.  The owner say he will now focusing on internet and event sales, and on his real estate job.  In Hermitage, Mitt Romney wunderkind Staples shutdown yet another store.  In Johnson City, the Animal Shelter Thirft Store shutting down so the owner can retire.  The local animal shelter must now find new funding for its program.

Texas: British empire Canada owned golf retailer Golfsmith now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, for sale, and already shutting down its 109 U.S. stores. Too Big to Jail Capital One shutting down branches in Tyler and Jacksonville by December, they’re going digital.  Mortgage lender One Main Financial eliminating 29 additional jobs in Irvine in November.  News reports say One Main has laid off 116 people in Irvine, since it was sold to Springleaf last year.

Vermont: Five months after a co-op took over management of Underhill Country Store they’ve thrown in the towel saying “Unfortunately with the reserves that we have and the overhead we have, we couldn’t do it there was just no path that was sustainable.”  God refuses to stop ‘his’ British empire based Salvation Army from shutting down their thrift store in Burlington.  Local news said an unnamed employee blamed crashing sales and skyrocketing costs of operation.

Virginia: The Martin Agency laid off 29 people after losing an advertising account with Walmart.

Washington: Taxsucker Chugach Federal Services eliminating 83 government contractor jobs by October in an effort to be more efficient.  In Marysville, after 93 years Carr’s Hardware shutting down. The third generation family owners claim sales are good, they’re just tired of it.

Washington DC: Members of Congress demanded that the Federal Reserve Bank take action against Wells Fargo: “Will you at least seriously consider breaking up Wells Fargo?”–Brad Sherman, Represenative from California questioning Janet Yellen’s lack of action against Too Big to Jail banks 

West Virginia: In Fairmont, decades old The Fashion Scene shutdown so the 77 years old owner can retire.

Wisconsin: Northwestern Mutual eliminating 1-hundred jobs by the end of this year, and “hundreds more” next year!

September 2016 Tech/Communications losses: YES HE CAN, OBAMA GIVES IT ALL TO ICANN!

SEARS KMART UPDATE, September 2016: 2,583 STORES UP FOR LEASE OR SALE!

August 2016: “WE PLAN TO SELL IT DOWN TO THE BONES.”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification.

I found a 2010 AFL-CIO analysis (titled The Public Availability of WARN Notices: Lack of Accessibility and Disclosure…) which proves what I’ve been suspecting in my search of state WARN notices; most states are not complying with federal WARN regulations and are not publicizing or tracking mass layoffs.

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed!

Employees of religious non-profits might not qualify for unemployment assistance: “If the non-profit organization is a church, you may or may not be entitled to unemployment. It all depends upon state regulations for church employers. In many cases, churches are allowed to set their own rules regarding unemployment benefits, meaning the church can choose whether to offer benefits to former employees.”

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) no longer issues mass layoff reports: “On March 1, 2013, President Obama ordered into effect the across-the- board spending cuts (commonly referred to as sequestration) required by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act, as amended. Under the order, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) must cut its current budget by more than $30 million, 5 percent of the current 2013 appropriation, by September 30, 2013. In order to help achieve these savings and protect core programs, the BLS will eliminate two programs, including Mass Layoff Statistics, and all ‘measuring green jobs’ products. This news release is the final publication of monthly mass layoff survey data.”