Category Archives: Business/Economics

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: U.S. stops selling Bonds, will rape federal retirement funds!!!

16 May 2013 (14:48 UTC-07 Tango)/06 Rajab 1434/26 Ordibehest 1391/07 Ding-Si (4th month) 4711

The U.S. Department of Treasury has ordered the halt to sales of federal government bonds to state and local governments.  This is an attempt to keep the federal government from hitting debt limits, despite the fact that on Sunday the limit is supposedly to be raised.  Bonds are a form of debt.

The Treasury is also ending the investment of funds for federal employees’ retirement programs, as well as considering raping the federal retirement system for needed cash!

Treasury officials blame the U.S. Congress for not fixing the debt problem.

 

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 08 March 2013. God lays off employees!

Google/Motorola Mobility to lay off 1200 employees around the World, including employees in the United States!  Last year Google/Motorola laid off 4000 people!

In Missouri, more than 50 people laid off at Sabreliner.  The aircraft parts maker laid off people in 2012 as well.  Company officials are blaming government spending cuts.

In Washington, the Grant County Fire District 5 laid off three firefighters.  The district is short $200000 USD.

Inrad Optics lays off  eight employees, and cuts hours at factories in New Jersey and Florida.  Company officials say they must cut expenses.

Presbyterian Church laid off 15 people in United States.  Church officials said the layoffs are preps for “where we’re going”.

In Pennsylvania, Gabby’s Jar novelty store shutdown in Wayne.  The Allentown School District said they have to consider laying off 161 people!  They’re short $22 million!  Willingboro School District wants to layoff nine teachers and raise property taxes.

In California, the Benicia Unified School District wants to layoff at least seven people.    Laguna Beach Auto Supply & Hardware shut down.  Owners said they no longer had the time or enough money to hire enough staffing to keep the business going.  After more than 20 years in business, the Bike Empire in Poway closed down: “I’ve been losing money the last four years. The economy hit us heavy. It’s like someone unplugged the business.”-Tim Gill, co-owner

In Georgia, after 41 years Everybody’s pizza in Atlanta closed down.  The owner blamed the bad economy for making him realize it was time to retire.

What was that about a recovery for the automobile industry?  In Alabama, Shiloh Industries closing its Anniston car parts factory.  Company officials say it just cost them too much to keep the factory open.  66 jobs lost.  In Auburn, a Winn Dixie grocery store closed down.

Grama’s Goodies bakery closes in Virginia.  The owners failed to pay their rent due to lack of sales.

In North Carolina, the Academy of Cosmetology closed down.  The owners said they ran out of money, and the management company they hired to run the academy quit without notice.  The Crab Tree Tavern closed after at least 70 years in business.  The owner, Sharon Kloucek, said “We’re seeing fewer customers and the overhead’s high.” 

In Kansas, Miller’s Five Diner shut down after 49 years in business.

The Higgins Armory Museum, in Massachusetts, closing down in December.  The nearly 80 years old museum couldn’t raise enough money to stay open.

In Illinois, after 88 years of operation Erday’s men’s clothing store shut down.

 

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 07 March 2013. California & Schools get hit hard, again! Thousands more laid off! God mad at U.S.A.

New York Post reported that J.C. Penney laid off 1500 people across the United States!  According to the Business Insider, even more layoffs are planned, as an inside source said that J.C. Penney store managers were shown a ‘secret’ video that told them to prepare to run the stores with even less employees!

In New York, Rapid-American bankrupt.  Company officials blame asbestos related personal injury lawsuits.  The Bruckner Bar and Grill shut down, owners blame damage from hurricane Sandy and a landlord that doesn’t want to abide by his own lease.  The Mahopac Falls Elementary School being closed: “The reason we are closing the building is not because of the budget, but because of the changing demographics.”-Raymond Cote, Board of Education President

Too Big to Jail Citadel Securities laid off 30 people in Illinois.  The IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union closed its Abingdon branch.  In Chicago, 80 to 129 schools are on the chopping block! The Commission on School Utilization actually questioned if that was logistically possible. It’s being blamed on Chicago Public School‘s $1 billion shortfall!

Another Christian school closed down.  Saint Raphael in Arkansas: “The reasons are many but the bottom line is I can’t justify going into huge debt for so few students and families when the overall needs of the parish are so great.”-Pastor John Connell

In California, the Windsor School District warned up to 50 employees of possible layoffs.  The school is short $2.8 million.  Officials blame cuts to state funding.  Too Big to Jail Bank of America laying off 57 people in Rancho Cordova.  In San Francisco, Tommy Toy’s Cuisine Chinoise restaurant shut down.  The owners blamed demographics and not being able to renew their lease.  In Chico, Wakefield and Sons Glass out-o-business.  Owners blamed the bad economy.  And medical imaging company, Digirad, announced an undisclosed number of layoffs, as part of their efforts to make the company “lean”.  The Ethan Allen home furnishings store in Strawberry, closed down.  The owner of the building said Ethan Allen officials decided not to renew the lease and gave no reason why.  Apparently they were the only furniture store in the area.  Beauty Store & More, in Petaluma, closed down.  After 24 years of operation the owners said they gave in to increased competition.

In Florida, Biovest International bankrupt.  The drug company is trying to get rid of $44 million USD in debt.  The Kmart in Bonita springs closed down, 67 people out-o-work.  The Pasco County School District was put on notice by the state, because of poor performing schools.  Teachers and school administrators were told they would have to reapply for their jobs.  Apparently the school district is not a good place to teach: “We know that the characteristics of the school, the high poverty, the high minority and it’s location have made it hard for us to maintain staff there. There’s been an almost 50 percent turnover in staff.”-Tammy Rabon, Supervisor for teachers and learning

Too Big to Jail Chase Home Mortgage laid off 550 people in Florence, South Carolina!  That’s on top of the 330 jobs cut since last year.  And in more ironic news, the Department of Employment and Workforce laid off more employees, for the third time in the past six months!

In Monett, Missouri, Dairy Farmers of America is closing their milk operation by September, and will layoff 86 people.  They blame declining sales.

Kae Robin & Company, in Maryland, closed because the owner wanted to retire.  Constellation Books shut down, the owner said it’s painfully clear the U.S. economy is not going to recover soon enough for her.

In Massachusetts, the Cape Cod Hospital will close its endoscopy center by fall. At least 20 employees to be laid off.  You can blame Obama/Romney Care for reduced reimbursements for services rendered.  The not for profit Westboro Gallery closed down.  The operators said people just stopped buying art.  And Panera Bread, in Arlington Heights,  closed down.  Company officials did not want to renew the lease.

In New Jersey, the New Milford Jewish Center shut down.  Officials blamed it on the increasing number of Americans turning away from the Judeo/Christian God: “We’re like every other church and synagogue in New Jersey. It’s a common disease.”-Ralph Gerber, Congregation Beth Tikvah

Too Big to Jail PNC Financial Services Group announced they will close 200 offices across the U.S.  Possibly thousands of people will be laid off!

In Hawaii, real estate investment company 1250 Oceanside Partners now bankrupt.  They are $500 million in debt.  And Sam Choy’s Breakfast, Lunch & Crab restaurant shut down. The parent company, Good Eats, did not want to renew the lease.  50 people out-o-work.

So much for recovery in the automotive industry, General Motors eliminates 3rd shift at a factory in Flint, Michigan.   104 people out-o-work!  Meekhof Lumber shutting down in June.  If there’s any recovery to the home construction market, the owners of the 56 years old company are not seeing it.

In Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Gibble’s Food grocery store announced they will be laying off employees.  Company officials did not give a number.  Railroad products manufacturer McConway & Torley, closed down their Kutztown factory, and laid off 130 people!

The Alaska Railroad laid off 54 employees, due to crashing revenue since 2011.  Company officials say their biggest drop in revenue comes from declining freight shipments. The railroad was also hit by a stupid Federal Transit Administration clerical error, which cost them millions of dollars.

In Louisiana, the state stopped bridge toll operations at the Crescent City Connection in New Orleans, ending 31 jobs.

After 20 years in business, the Godfather’s Pizza on East 10th in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, closed down.

Business/Economics, International

World War 3, Japan Economic Front: Biggest ever loss for Sharp!

14 May 2013 (12:45 UTC-07 Tango)/04 Rajab 1434/24 Ordibehest 1391/05 Ding-Si (4th month) 4711

“We need to say goodbye to the Sharp that we knew….”-Kozo Takahashi, Sharp executive vice president

Continued crashing LCD TV sales dragging Japan’s Sharp to its death?

Company officials said they lost a record $5.4 billion USD for the last Japanese year (April 2012 to March 2013), much more than they estimated!  And that’s after Sharp sold office buildings, cut salaries and laid off 5400 people!

There will be changes made to the executive board, a new deal with South Korea’s Samsung, and efforts to extended existing loans and get new ones, are part of the electronic company’s plans for recovery.

Somehow company officials think Sharp will actually make a profit this year!

Business/Economics, U.S.

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 06 March 2013. No more Wendys? Teachers laid off & property taxes raised!

In New Mexico, Murray Hotel bankrupt.  The company owns the Silver City Murray Hotel, which was opened in 1938.  Company officials blame debt.

In Hawaii, Marriott is selling its Waikoloa Beach resort, affecting 315 employees!

In Nebraska, the Great Platte River Road Archway now bankrupt.  The history museum blames dwindling attendance on the bad economy.   However, many people say the Archway is difficult to get to, and critics say it’s more a theme park than museum.

T-Mobile lays off more than 100 people at its Bellevue, Washington,  headquarters!  The layoffs are a result of the merger with MetroPCS.  In 2012 T-Mobile cut 4200 jobs!

It was revealed that Greensboro College, in North Carolina, will layoff six employees.  Officials said the layoffs will help them end the school year in the black.

In New York, the Ramapo Central School District laying off 33 people, and ending summer school, field trips and the family resource center.

In New Jersey, the Bloomfield Board of Education introduced a budget that would see 86 teachers laid off. Class size will be increased by 40 students per one teacher.  The budget also increases the average homeowner’s property tax by $278 per year!  Also, BAE (a United Kingdom based government contractor) lays off an undisclosed amount of people at their Wayne operation.   BAE claims it has nothing to due with government spending cuts.

Managers of the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri, are asking an undisclosed number of the 2600 employees to volunteer for layoffs.  Company officials say mandatory layoffs could also be upcoming.  They insist the layoffs are not connected to government spending cuts.

In Oregon, the Umatilla Chemical Agent Disposal Facility laying off 117 employees!  It’s claimed all the chemical weapons at the facility have been destroyed.

In California, Circor Aerospace is closing its Sylmar operation, laying off 51 people.  Officials say it’s part of its consolidation plans.

IBM moving hundreds of Minnesota jobs to Mexico.

Tooele County, Utah, lays off 23 employees from the Parks and Recreation and Building Maintenance divisions.  It’s being blamed on the Deseret Peak Complex, which opened in 1999, and has been subsidized with taxpayer funds to the tune of $1.5 million USD every year.  Apparently it was hoped the entertainment/recreational Complex would become self supporting.

In Clarksville, Tennessee, Too Big to Jail Bank of America closing its 215 Legion Street office on 17 May. That’s according to local media who were notified by bank employees, however BofA officials refused to comment.

In Georgia, Comcast cable closing its Augusta call center.  68 to 78 people out-o-work.  Company officials said it was part of their plans to “….provide more specialized customer support.”  In Thomaston, Clearwater Paper shutting down its tissue converting and distribution facility. 150 people out-o-work! It’s part of their consolidation plans. In Covington, Wain & Co. Hair Design closed after 30 years in operation.

Publishing company, RR Donnelley & Sons going out of business in Ohio.  170 employees jobless!  Company officials blame the “changing market” and bad economy.

In Pennsylvania, historic Benkovitz Seafood shut down without notice or explanation.

In Arizona, the Bamboo Club Asian Bistro closed down because they could not renew their lease.

Wendys burger officials say because of the bad economy they will close 130 restaurants!  This despite the apparent success of their restaurant remodeling program. Officials claim that the restaurants that were remodeled have seen sales increase an average of 25%.  Perhaps that’s not enough?

 

Business/Economics, Idaho, International, Technology, U.S.

Capitalist Commodity Markets to blame for Pocatello’s Hoku Polysilicon near abandonment!

08 May 2013 (09:49 UTC-07 Tango)/27 Jumada t-Tania 1434/18 Ordibehest 1391/29 Ding-Si (3rd month) 4711

The massive, and expensive (to local tax payers), Hoku Materials polysilicon factory sits idle and unfinished in Pocatello, Idaho.

Red Neck right wingers like to point the finger at President Obama, saying ‘I told you so’ concerning ‘clean energy’ projects, but the reason for the demise of many solar power companies is actually the capitalist commodity market system and government interference.

Polysilicon prices have crashed and burned since construction started on the 50 American football fields long factory.  It just isn’t worth it to produce the stuff used in solar power panels.  In 2008 polysilicon was worth $400 per kilogram, it’s now crashed to a paltry $20.50!

Hoku Materials ghost town factory, Pocatello, Idaho. 50 football fields long at a cost of at least $400 million.

Hoku Materials ghost town factory, Pocatello, Idaho. 50 football fields long at a cost of at least $400 million.

The ‘experts’ got everything wrong.  They thought the high petroleum prices would drive societies into the arms of clean energy companies, but the problem is that so many clean energy companies started production that soon there was a glut of polysilicon on the market, even before the construction of Pocatello Hoku plant was close to being finished.

Then add to that the trade wars between China, the U.S. and European Union.  Eventually, the Obama administration jacked up tariffs so high on Chinese polysilicon companies that it wasn’t worth it to do business in the U.S.  By then Hoku Corporation (the parent of Hoku Materials) had become Chinese owned, due to financial problems (including Hoku Materials not being able to pay its construction contractor, JH Kelly, or pay its Idaho utility bills, so many times that both threatened to seize the property).

By the middle of 2012 the unfinished $400 million USD Pocatello polysilicon factory was moth balled, staffing reduced to just 30 people, with rumors of liquidation in bankruptcy court.  By the end of 2012, the Chinese company that bought into Hoku (Tianwei) was getting blasted in the Chinese media for buying a pig in a poke.  According to former Hoku Corporation CEO, Scott Paul, Tianwei invested “….more than $129 million of its own capital in Hoku, and they have provided for another $244 million in debt financing from banks in China.”

Now back to the ‘experts’.  In February 2013, ‘experts’ predicted that polysilicon prices had bottomed out.  They were wrong!  Prices had hit $21 per kilogram, and polysilicon producers said there was no reason to produce anymore until the price went up over $25.

In March 2013, British media reported that prices had crashed 50% compared to the same time last year.

In April 2013, another report said that polysilicon prices could continue to crash because of the anti-free market tariffs imposed by the major players; China, South Korea, European Union and United States.  And, the ‘experts’ again said prices had bottomed out.  The average price at the end of April 2013 was $20.50.

So where does that leave Hoku Corporation’s Hoku Materials factory in Pocatello?  Optimistic officials with the Bannock Development Corporation (a County level organization that worked hard to bring Hoku to Pocatello, including huge local tax breaks) think that anytime now Hoku will start production: “It’s a wait and see thing, depending on the market……Basically, [Hoku Corp.] needs to fire up the plant when it’s ready to go.”-John Regetz, Bannock Development

Sounds like the local development folks aren’t communicating with Hoku.  The latest statement from the company indicates that bankruptcy and liquidation is the only option being considered: “….exploration of potential restructuring at Hoku Materials and Hoku Corporation is ongoing, with no formal update at this time.”-Hoku Corporation statement

“Restructuring” is code for bankruptcy/liquidation.  So no Mister Regetz, it sounds like Hoku is not planning to “fire up the plant”.

Green/clean energy just doesn’t make big enough profits for the crony capitalist system.  Another case in point is the recent announcement by BP (British Petroleum) that it will abandon it’s wind power operations near Idaho Falls, Idaho, as well as its wind and solar projects across the United States.

Also, don’t forget the artificial reduction in demand created by all those government tariffs.

The answer is that clean energy projects need to be run like a non-profit co-op, but the problem is that crony capitalists don’t like that and will do everything they can to prevent that from happening (’cause contrary to their propaganda, they do not like competition, especially if it’s from a non-profit).

More on the demise of Hoku Materials:

Hoku deregisters with SEC

Hoku downward spiral

Hoku restructuring

Hoku to be finished off

U.S. tariffs nail in the coffin for Hoku

Good & bad news for Hoku

Hoku better get its rear in gear

Hoku beggars China

Hoku going under

Hoku begs

More trouble for Hoku

Hoku starts operations(?)

Hoku ended before it starts

Investigation puts the brakes on Hoku

Hoku ongoing delays

Hoku turning to China

Business/Economics

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 05 March 2013. Gas stations going down!

Hemlock Semiconductor announced that the 400 layoffs in January are now permanent!  They blame the bad economy.

In Illinois, FreightCar America laid off 242 people!  The city of Oglesby laying off six employees because of budget cuts.

In Saint Louis, Missouri, 120 employees of the Yellow Pages laid off!  More people around the country will be laid off this year, as the company is moving production to India.

In Ohio, the Cincinnati Public School District laid off 70 administrators.  School officials blame lack of funding.

Dearborn Heights District 7, Michigan, closed Madison Elementary School.  Officials blame lack of funding.

In California, the Desert Sands Unified School District wants to layoff 27 employees.  School officials blame the cuts on a $1.2 million USD shortfall.  The Paso Robles School District wants to layoff 15 employees. School officials blame lack of funding and declining enrollment. In Los Angeles, the Key Club shut down.  In Sacramento, three J.R’s Texas Bar-B-Que restaurants shut down.  Company officials blamed declining revenue.  Northrup Grumman laying off 800 people!  The government contractor is consolidating operations in anticipation of funding cuts.

Bell Helicopter laid off 15 “surplus” employees in Texas.

In Jacksonville, Florida, Lender Processing Service laid off 37 people.  Company officials blamed it on changes in the mortgage industry.

Hillsdale, New Jersey, Blockbuster video store closed.

The Irish Shop in Pennsylvania, closed down. Hanover Direct ending operations in York County. At one point more than 500 people were employed!

In Tucson, Arizona, Brio Tuscan Grille shut down.  Company officials said the restaurant never met sales expectations.

New York based Hess Corporation closing down 1400 fuel stations in 18 states!  Company officials say gas stations are not profitable, and they will focus on refining fuel.

 

Business/Economics

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Indiana & Washington losing Sears! Virginia Kmart closing!

04 May 2013 (23:15 UTC-07 Tango 03 May 2013)/23 Jumada t-Tania 1434/14 Ordibehest 1391/25 Ding-Si (3rd month) 4711

After 80 years in operation, the East Wenatchee Sears in Washington will be closed down.  59 people out-o-work.

In Indiana, the Sears located at the Richmond Square Mall is closing.  49 jobs lost.  The Sears store first set up shop in that area in 1928!

After 36 years of operation the Kmart on East Little Creek Road in Norfolk, Virginia, will close.  Sears Holdings is trying to get out of the lease contract early. 77 employees let go.

Here’s the updated list of Sears/Kmart store closings since the end of 2011:

Arizona: Scottsdale Sears/Great Indoors, Chandler Sears/Great Indoors.

Alabama: Gadsden Kmart (50 jobs lost), Mobile Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Auburn Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Anniston Kmart (no word yet on how many jobs lost).

California:   El Monte Sears (at least 40 jobs lost. Damien Arrula, El Monte’s economic development director, said the store manager had lied about what was going on: “The general manager of the store had just indicated to me that they were remodeling.”), two San Diego Sears (at least 80 jobs lost), Pleasant Hill Kmart (more than 50 jobs lost), Torrance Kmart.

Colorado:  Broomfield Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Glenwood Springs Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lone Tree Sears/Great Indoors, Longmont Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Pueblos’ South Side Kmart (52 jobs lost),  Denver Kmart (number of jobs lost have not been made public at this time, but could be at least 40).

Georgia: Macon Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Buford Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Douglasville Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Atlanta Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Columbus Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Jonesboro Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Cartersville Kmart (74 jobs lost).

Guam:  Sears Hometown Store.

Florida: Fernandina Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Callaway Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Orange City Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost),  Deland Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Stuart Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), West Palm Beach Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Port St. Lucie Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Crystal River Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), New Smyrna Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Saint Augustine Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Pompano Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost),  Jacksonville Kmart on 5751 Beach Boulevard (71 jobs lost), second Kmart in Jacksonville on 4645 Blanding Boulevard (83 jobs lost), Ocoee Sears (102 jobs lost), Pensacola Kmart on Airport Boulevard closed in 2011, Pensacola Kmart on Mobile Highway closed in February 2013 (69 jobs lost),  Pensacola Kmart on East 9 Mile Road will close in May (73 jobs lost), Hialeah Kmart (67 jobs lost), Bonita Springs Kmart (67 jobs lost), Mount Dora Kmart (100 jobs lost), Lake Mary Kmart.

Hawaii: Honolulu Sears (owned by GGP, 372 jobs lost!!!).

Vacant bedroom/bathroom section.

One corner of the half vacant Chubbuck, Idaho, Sears. No official closing announcement was made.

Idaho: Lewiston Sears (at least 60 jobs lost).  No official announcement, but it’s painfully obvious the Chubbuck Sears going’ down. Or, maybe it’s preps for Shop within a Shop?

Indiana:  Anderson Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Saint John Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Indianapolis Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), recently revealed Richmond Sears (49 jobs lost).

Illinois:  Alton Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Melrose Park Sears parts and repair center (50 jobs lost), Zion Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Oak Lawn Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), McHenry Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Peru Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lombard Sears/Great Indoors (at least 40 jobs lost), Fairview Heights Kmart (81 jobs lost), Freeport Kmart (45 jobs lost), Pontiac Kmart (more than 47 jobs lost), Homer Glen Kmart (82 jobs lost), Streator Kmart (45 jobs lost), Lombard Kmart (70 jobs lost).  Naperville Kmart (98 jobs lost), Calumet Sears (164 jobs lost). 58 Chicago area stores up for lease or sale.  By the way, Illinois elected officials gave Sears Holdings/Hoffman Estates a $150 million USD tax break to keep their headquarters in the state.  The tax break was not tied to any promise not to close stores.

Iowa:  Cedar Rapids Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Davenport Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Burlington Kmart (50 jobs lost), Coralville Sears (94 jobs lost, this is a store sold to GGP earlier in the year).

Kansas: Lawrence Sears (at least 40 jobs lost).

Kentucky: Middlesboro Sears (in September 2012 the Sears store re-opened under independent ownership, official grand re-opening scheduled for November), Winchester Kmart (back in May, Rankin Paynter bought out what was left of the inventory and gave it to charity), Hazard Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost).

Maine: Lewiston Sears (60 to 70 jobs lost).

Maryland: Ellicott Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Gaithersburg Sears/Great Indoors.

Michigan: Novi Sears/Great Indoors, Brighton Sears Grand/Essentials,  Harper Woods Sears Full line, Monroe Sears Full line, Adrian Sears Full line, Washington Township Kmart, Chesterfield Kmart, Woodhaven Kmart, Flint Kmart (46 jobs lost), Gaylord Kmart (48 jobs lost).

Minnesota: Willmar Kmart, Duluth Kmart, New Hope Kmart, White Bear Lake Kmart, Bemidji Kmart.

Mississippi: Jackson Sears Full line, McComb Sears Full line, Columbus Sears Full line.

Missouri: Lee’s Summit Sears Grand/Essentials, Saint Louis Sears Full line, High Ridge Kmart (59 jobs lost).

Montana: Missoula Kmart (50 jobs lost).

New Hampshire: Nashau Sears Grand/Essentials, Keene Sears Grand/Essentials.

North Carolina: High Point Sears, Moorehead Sears, Rocky Mount Sears, Statesville Sears, Durham Kmart (79 jobs lost), Asheville Kmart (53 jobs lost),  West Smithfield Kmart (59 jobs lost), Winston-Salem Kmart (69 jobs lost), Hendersonville Kmart (58 jobs lost).

North Dakota: Jamestown Kmart (45 jobs lost).

New Jersey:  Lawnside Kmart (about 80 jobs lost).

New Mexico: Las Cruces Kmart (58 jobs lost).

New York: Depew (Lancaster?) Kmart (68 jobs lost).

Ohio: Chagrin Falls Kmart, Springfield Kmart, two Toledo Kmarts, Medina Kmart, Columbus Kmart, Columbus Sears/Great Indoors, Zanesville Sears (67 jobs lost), Trotwood Kmart (71 jobs lost).   Also, Van Wert Sears franchise bought out by Kirk Berryman, owner of Computer & Networking Technologies (CNT), who plans on moving the store to a new location.

Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Sears (98 jobs lost, GGP owned, GGP wants a $2 million sales tax rebate, claiming it’s needed to offset capital investments needed to bring the space up to the standards for potential new tenants).

Oregon: Roseburg Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Tualatin Kmart Center (new property owner from California is tearing everything down for new shopping center, so far no indication the Kmart will be part of the new shopping center), Milwaukie Kmart (61 jobs lost).

Pennsylvania: Upper Darby Sears Full line, Pottstown Sears Full line, Pittsburgh Kmart, Wilkins Sears, Warminster Kmart (85 jobs lost), Shippensburg Kmart (46 jobs lost), Moon Kmart (143 jobs lost).

South Carolina: Sumter Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Orangeburg Sears (57 jobs lost), Columbia Kmart on Fort Jackson Boulevard in 2012, Columbia Kmart on Bush River Road in 2009, Columbia Kmart on St Andrews Road (66 jobs lost), Irmo Kmart (no info on how many jobs lost),  both Greenville Kmarts (140 jobs lost between the two).

Tennessee: Antioch Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Cleveland Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Oak Ridge Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Hendersonville Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Morristown Sears (about 70 jobs lost), Clinton South Kmart.

Texas: Two Sears parts and repair centers closing in The Woodlands (117 jobs lost), rebuild center in Garland (58 jobs lost), Farmers Branch Sears/Great Indoors, Houston Sears Great/Indoors.

Virginia: Norfolk Sears (at least 40 jobs lost),  Midlothian Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Richmond Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lynchburg Sears (84 jobs lost), Fairfax Kmart (no word on how many jobs lost), Christiansburg Sears (59 jobs lost), recently revealed Norfolk Kmart on East Little Creek Road (77 jobs lost).

Washington: Walla Walla Sears Full line (in August 2012, it was reported that an independent owner of Sears Hometown stores will open a store in Walla Walla), Lacey Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Kelso Sears (47 jobs lost), Lakewood Kmart (59 jobs lost), Bellingham Sears (92 jobs lost),  Seattle Kmart (85 jobs lost), recently revealed East Wenatchee Sears (59 jobs lost).

West Virginia: Oak Hill Kmart (59 jobs lost).

Wisconsin: West Baraboo Sears (at least 40 jobs lost, local village officials say the store generated 3% of local tax collections), Rice Lake Kmart (about 71 jobs lost).

On top of that, Sears Holdings sold stores to General Growth Properties (GGP), of which it has been reported that most of those stores will be closed.

Here’s the list of 11 Sears stores now owned by GGP:

Iowa: Coral Ridge Mall (it’s official the Sears is closing, see above), and Mall of the Bluffs

Texas: The Woodlands Mall (this does not involve the two repair centers being closed by Sears)

Florida: West Oaks Mall

Utah: Fashion Place, and Provo Towne Centre (note the evil British empire way of spelling town & center. Due to a favorable lease agreement the GGP owned Provo Sears will continue to stay open under Sears Holdings management)

Oklahoma: Quail Springs Mall (it’s official, the Sears will be closed, see above)

Hawaii: Ala Moana Center (will be closed, see above)

Washington: Bellis Fair Mall (Bellingham store, see above)

Minnesota: Apache Mall

Illinois: Market Place Shopping Center

Business/Economics

World War 3, U.S. Economic Front: Job losses & store closings 04 March 2013. Thousands more laid off! Schools keep getting hit!

Soho Shoes in North Carolina closed.  It’s because the parent company, Urban Hype, now bankrupt.  The company claims they have zero assets and nothing but debt.

Illinois based YTB International now bankrupt.  The company has had many problems, such as declining sales and a lawsuit by the California attorney general.  Also, at least seven Illinois companies announced more than 1200 people being laid off!  Those companies are Ball Metal Beverage, General Cable, John Costigan Residential Center, L3 Electrodynamics, NanoInk, Vie de France Yamazaki and Portola Packaging.

The Katonah-Lewisboro School District, in New York, is laying off 11 employees, and jacking up local taxes by 5%.  School officials say it’s the only way to balance next year’s school budget.

The Liberty Academy Charter School in Jersey City, New Jersey, closed down.  School officials blamed lack of academic performance.

In California, the Manhattan Beach Unified School District announced that it is forced to take drastic action because of millions of dollars in budget shortfalls and funding cuts.  In Los Angeles, the Playa Rivera restaurant closed down.  Most people considered the restaurant a success, but apparently the owners had much higher expectations and considered it a failure.  In San Francisco BioWare (a division of video game maker EA) shut down, 30 people out-o-work.  In Sacramento, the big pub Pyramid Alehouse closed down due to the bad economy.  80 employees laid off.

The news source Daily Voice closed down its Massachusetts locations.  At least 11 employees laid off.  An unnamed former employee said company officials led them on to think nothing was wrong with the company: “The news came really out of nowhere, considering the emails that were reassuring that we’re fine.”

In Connecticut, Minnesota-based uniform rental and linen supplier AmeriPride ended its Hartford operations. At least 55 employees laid off.

In Alexandria, Virginia, decor and furniture store Bizim Collection closed down.  The owners are leaving the United States.

In Florida, J.C. Penney closing its West Palm Beach store.  125 people laid off!

Mining equipment manufacturer Joy Global closing its Millersburg, Kentucky, factory in October. 150 people will be let go!  The company has been closing other factories, and blames it on crashing demand for their products.

Texas based Tesoro oil company shutting down its Kapolei, Hawaii refinery.  It’s selling it off along with 31 Hawaiian gas stations.  Company officials say its no longer worth it to refine fuel for the Hawaiian market.  210 employees out-o-work!

 

 

Business/Economics

World War 3, Economic Front: U.S. job losses & store closings 02-03 March 2013. More proof God can’t stop the economic crash!

Snuffer’s Restaurant bankrupt in Texas.  Company officials blame mounting debt financing due to the bad economy.  The company was founded in 1978.

California’s Vallejo School Board considering laying off 46 employees.  They already laid off 115 employees last year!  They blame funding cuts.  Also, Corinthian Colleges shutting down its WyoTech, West Sacramento campus.  The automotive tech education center is being sold.

In Illinois, after 51 years of education Chicago Height’s Saint Kieran Christian school shutting down. It’s one of five schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago closing due to millions of dollars in budget cuts, and a drastic decline in enrollment.  Many families reporting that they can’t afford the $4000 to $5000 tuition (gee, god can’t help out?). The other schools being closed are Saint Gregory the Great High School, Saint Bernardine Elementary School, Saint Helena of the Cross Elementary School and Saint Paul-Our Lady of Vilna Elementary School.

New Jersey’s Newark Public Schools laid off 129 employees!  School officials said they were way overstaffed, unions are crying foul.

In Virginia, Alleghany County School Board closing two elementary schools. Officials blamed a 25% drop in enrollment and a $1.5 million USD shortfall.

In Minnesota, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis laid off eight people.  The layoffs are blamed on a half million dollars budget shortfall.

In Pennsylvania, in Wayne the Cream & Sugar coffee shop closed down.  Death in the family being blamed.  In Lancaster, the Weis Markets grocery store shut down. 45 employees affected.  Officials said the store was no longer “economically feasible.”

In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the Margaux restaurant shut down without explanation.

Wicked Gelato in Farmington, Maine, closed.  The owner no longer has the time, now that she’s going to school to become a nurse.

After 40 years, the Ali Baba Time Out Deli closed in Knoxville, Tennessee.   The 69 years old owner said businesses is good, but he wants to retire.  Apparently nobody wants to take over the successful eatery.

In Moultrie, Georgia, Dalton’s Chicken closed down.  The Dalton family has been running successful restaurants for more than 50 years, and they say it’s time to retire.  Just like above, nobody wanted to take over?