Category Archives: Business/Economics

“unprecedented brick and mortar retail disruption”: U.S. retail/banking/service sector collapse, February 2018

Incomplete list of U.S. retail/banking/service sector job loss WARNings and store shutdowns made or announced in February 2018:

British empire United Kingdom based luxury clothier Charlotte Olympia now chapter 11 bankrupt busted in the United States, blaming an “unprecedented brick and mortar retail disruption” affecting its stores in California, Nevada and New York.  But don’t blame online sales because there is an Official Charlotte Olympia Online Store.

Germany based Deutsche Bank suddenly began eliminating hundreds of jobs globally, including jobs in the United States, as part of a plan to impose ‘cost discipline’ due to crashing revenues.

Arizona: In Phoenix, antique store/vendor rental space Zinnias shutdown.

 California: In Modesto, after 23 years Buy Right shutdown for its second and possibly final time, and for the second time it’s because a greedy landlord kicked them out, this time the owners of the popular thrift store did not say they were looking for a new location. Local Modesto news media reported a sudden increase in landlords jacking up rent.  Prudential-Jackson National Life Insurance laid off 161 people in El Segundo, admitting the layoff was planned back in August 2017!  Los Angeles based retailer of those dumb-ass looking wide leg jeans, JNCO Jeans, shutting down all nationwide ops when the inventory is gone (the company actually died several years ago, but some idiot tried rebooting it in 2017). In San Diego, after 125 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) iconic Jessop Jewelers shutdown.  In San Francisco, after 28 years Costumes on Haight shutting down in March, the new manager blames increased operating costs.  Calexico JCPenney shutting down by mid-May.  WP Payroll Management issued a shutdown WARN for its Los Angeles location, 113 jobs gone by May!  The Ritz-Carlton issued a temporary shutdown WARN for its Truckee location, 236 jobs gone mid-April!  In Anaheim, Gateway One Lending and Finance eliminating 24 jobs by April.  In the City of Industry, Artistree laying off 104 people by April!  What automotive industry recovery? Car dealer Infiniti of Riverside issued a shutdown WARN, 25 jobs gone by the end of March.   What housing market recovery?  Apartment manager Irvine Company suddenly laid off 63 employees, and reclassified 17 positions according to news reports (their official WARN says 80 jobs gone), as part of its plan to refine “long-term apartment communities”.

Colorado:  Prudential-Jackson National Life Insurance shutting down its 20 years old tech center in Denver, 370 jobs gone! 

Florida:  In Tampa, Prudential-Jackson National Life Insurance eliminating 41 jobs mid-March.  In Saint Petersburg, Transamerica Life Insurance eliminating 465 jobs by mid-April!

Georgia: In Macon, after 40 years Chi-chester’s Gifts shutdown due to crashing sales.

Idaho: After 40 years the owners of the two Porter’s Crafts & Frames stores (in Rexburg and Idaho Falls) forced to retire due to health problems, they’re trying to get a friend from New Jersey to buy the Rexburg property, the stores are shutting down when the inventory is gone.

Illinois: Lord & Taylor shutdown its clothing store in the Oakbrook Center, and is shutting down its store in Westfield Old Orchard Mall in April.  Sandburg Mall JCPenney shutting down by mid-May.  In Geneva, after ten years Antiques on State shutting down in April, due to crashing sales.  Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down six of its Carson’s stores and one Bergner’s, in total 4-hundred jobs gone by May!  In Normal, after 47 years Guitar World shutdown, the owner saying even music lessons have been affected by the internet: “We went from over 105 lessons when we came here nine years ago, to 30 or less. So I mean, the market is changing, the people who are doing this have changed. So it’s what you have to do with all online, God bless the internet.”-Jim Bland

Indiana: Walmart issued a shutdown WARN for its store in Rushville, 95 jobs gone by mid-April.  Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down five of its Carson’s stores, in total 306 jobs gone by the end of April!

Iowa: Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down two of its Younkers stores.  Too Big to Jail Goldman Sachs issued a shutdown WARN for its Cedar Rapids office, 39 jobs gone by May.  Also in Cedar Rapids, Transamerica Life Insurance eliminating 863 jobs by mid-April!   What housing market recovery?  In Des Moines, Nationwide-Mortgage eliminating 54 jobs by April.

Kentucky: Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down the Elder Beerman store in Paducah.  Also in Paducah, New York & Company Outlet shutdown.

Maryland:  Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down its store in Hagerstown.  In Baltimore, Transamerica Life Insurance eliminating 55 jobs by mid-April.

Massachusetts: Clothier Artwear shutting down in March, the owner stated “Retailers have been hit hard this year. I can’t predict what 2018 will bring and so I have decided that I cannot keep the store open any longer.”

Michigan:Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down the Elder Beerman store in Adrian, a Younkers in Marquette and a Carson’s in Benton Harbor (Bon-Ton did not indicate how many jobs lost in its official WARN).

Minnesota: Eagan based Sun Country Airlines suddenly eliminated 350 ground crew jobs by outsourcing them to a cheapo contractor, Sun Country workers had one week to beg the contractor to hire them (at less pay and probably no benefits, for the same work)!  Viking Plaza JCPenney shutting down by mid-May.  Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down the Herberger’s Clearance Center store in Maplewood, 20 jobs gone in April.  In West Duluth, after 35 years Video Vision shutdown.  Toys R Us issued a shutdown WARN for its store in Roseville, 30 jobs gone in April.

Missouri: Hampton Village Plaza JCPenney shutting down by mid-May.

Montana: In Billings, Big Bear Sports Center is now officially dead.  It’s been shutdown since November because a man drove his SUV into the store, then began trading gunshots with police.  Police used tear-gas, and water and gas lines in the store were damaged, the suspect was killed.  The store owners were hoping to repair the store but apparently it’s not going to happen.

New Hampshire: Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down its store in Concord.

New Jersey: Hotel operator Wyndham Worldwide Operations eliminating 134 jobs in Parsippany, mid-April! Walmart shutting down its Route 22 Readington (Branchburg) store, 149 jobs gone by mid-April, due to “financial performance”!  Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down its store in Phillipsburg.  Garden State Plaza JCPenney shutting down by mid-May.  After more than 30 years the family owned gun shop known for supporting local charities, Sportsman’s Rendezvous, shutdown, the family is moving to Florida.   After 27 years, and three location changes, The Big Little Railroad Shop shutdown due to the sudden collapse of the sale of the store: “I had been working with someone for at least a year-and-a-half who was going to purchase the store. I’d work two days, he’d work three and vice versa, and all of the sudden on Memorial Day, he just walked out of here.”-Jen Lush, co-owner

New Mexico: Gertrude Zachary shutdown its antique store In Albuquerque, but the owners claim a new type of store will take its place.

New York: NYC based Barnes & Noble eliminating an undisclosed number of cashiers and digital product associates, due to crashing sales.  Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down its stores in Massena, Watertown and Queensbury.  In Brooklyn, Horseman Antiques shutting down due to the building being sold-off for $18-million USD.  Toys R Us-Babies R Us issued shutdown WARNs for six stores, at least 285 jobs gone between mid-March and mid-April!  Sterling National Bank issued mass-layoff WARN for multiple locations, at least 140 jobs lost between April and Xmas!  California based GAP shutting down its Banana Republic corporate operations in NYC,  112 jobs lost due to consolidation ops back to California!

North Carolina: Charlotte based Japanese Toyota NASCAR driving BK Racing now chapter 11 bankrupt busted due to $8-million USD of debt. Charlotte based retailer Belk suddenly laid off 58 managers across the U.S.  In Durham, sexist female boutique Liberation Threads shutdown after a year, the owners saying “…as we move into 2018, there’s a sea change happening.” 

Ohio: Non-profit tenant advocate Cleveland Tenants Organization shutdown due to lack of funding.   In Greenville, after 25 years Club 7 Sports up for sale, the owners want to retire.  Knox Village Square JCPenney shutting down by mid-May.  In Columbus, after more than 40 years Romanoff’s Classic Tuxedos shutting down.  Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down its Elder Beerman store in Defiance, 41 jobs gone.  In Cleveland Heights, after 27 years toy and joke store Big Fun shutting down when the inventory is gone, the owner bemoaned “I call Amazon our kryptonite…. they need to shop local.”

Oklahoma:  Washington Park Mall JCPenney shutting down by mid-May.

Oregon: Nordstrom shutting down its 37 years old store in the Salem Center Mall, 130 jobs gone by April!

Pennsylvania: In Narberth, after 105 years (surviving The Great Depression and several recessions) Ricklin’s Hardware shutdown so the owners can retire.   Janitorial service company Compass Group eliminating six jobs in April.  Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down eight of its stores!  Macy’s issued a shutdown WARN for its Homestead store, 94 jobs gone by mid-April.  Limerick Furniture and Mattress shutting down its store in the Fairgrounds Square Mall, due to increased competition and increased operating costs.  After 40 years, Dave Phillips Music & Sound shutdown its Allentown location blaming internet shopping.  In Exton, Transamerica Life Insurance outsourcing 192 jobs by mid-April!  Administrators claim in-house employees were offered jobs with the contractor at the same pay, having personally experienced outsourcing of some of my past jobs I find that hard to believe.

South Carolina: What housing market recovery?  Created out of the 2008 financial meltdown Movement Mortgage suddenly laid off 75 people, administrators blamed the sudden layoffs on ‘improvements’ to their lending process.

Texas: In Houston, after 16 years music venue Walter’s Downtown suddenly shutdown.

Utah: Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down its Herberger’s store in Logan.

Vermont: Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down its store in South Burlington.

Virginia: Clothier PacSun shutting down its store in the River Ridge Mall, in May.  Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down its Elder Beerman store in Vienna.

Washington:Cascade Mall JCPenney shutting down by mid-May.

West Virginia: Shoe seller Finish Line shutting down its store in the Charleston Town Center.   Speaking of Charleston Town Center, it is now under control of a real estate group after the original owners defaulted on a $100-million USD loan.

Wisconsin: Prudential-Jackson National Life Insurance laid off an additional 23 employees in Appleton.   In Manitowoc, after 67 years LLoyd’s Photo & Digital shutdown, the owner lamenting “…our bread and butter was prints.”  Chapter 11 bankrupt Bon-Ton shutting down six of its Younkers stores, two Boston Stores and an Elder Beerman! In Mequon, after 27 years Xenia Gallery shutting down in March.

Wyoming: in Cheyenne, after 49 years City News and Pipe Shop shutdown, the owners say the crash in magazine and newspaper sales is a final sign that it’s time to retire.  In Casper, Seconds on First Street shutdown after 16 years of consignments.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

OBAMA LEGACY: U.S. APPAREL INDUSTRY DEATH-SPIRAL

U.S. RETAIL/BANKING/SERVICE SECTOR COLLAPSE, January 2018: “THERE’S A FEELING OF LOSS…MAYBE I’LL GO GET A REAL JOB.”

SEARS KMART DEATH SPIRAL, February 2018: “MONOTONOUS”

U.S. INDUSTRIAL/MINING/LOGISTICS LAYOFFS, February 2018: “NO REASONABLE OPTION BUT….DEACTIVATION”

Dumbing Down the U.S.A., February 2018:“PORCH MONKEY”

U.S. HI-TECH/COMMUNICATIONS BREAKDOWN, February 2018: “I DIDN’T MAKE A LOT OF MONEY….”

U.S. government shenanigans, February 2018: “I NEED TO PAY HIGHER TAXES.”

U.S. food crisis, February 2018: “I’M NOT SURE WE CAN SUPPORT ALL THESE STORES. OBVIOUSLY, WE CAN’T.”

ObamaCare ACA death spiral, February 2018: “WE ARE IN VERY CHALLENGING TIMES.”

DRUGS, THE AMERICAN WAY, FEBRUARY 2018: “TEACHING KIDS ABOUT THE HARM OF DRUGS…DOESN’T REALLY WORK.” 

“no reasonable option but….deactivation”: U.S. industrial/mining/logistics layoffs, February 2018

Incomplete list of U.S. Mining/Industrial/Logistics job loss/shutdown announcements made in February 2018.

Alabama: Vogue International shutting down its Phenix City warehouse, 150 jobs gone by the end of April!

Alaska: In Prudhoe Bay, 261 unionized oil jobs lost as British empire British Petroleum suddenly switched to a non-union contractor!

 California:  MV Transportation issued a shutdown WARN for its operations in Stockton, 73 jobs gone in April.  Netherlands based CEVA Logistics eliminating 11 Stockton jobs in April.  Kane Warehousing eliminated 48 jobs in Oxnard.  Mining service company Broadspectrum Downstream Services issued a layoff WARN for its ops in Benicia, 92 jobs gone by April.  British empire based Rolls-Royce halting aircraft engine service ops in Oakland, at least ten jobs gone by April.  What automotive industry recovery? Zodiac Seats revealed it eliminated 279 jobs when it shutdown its factory in San Bernardino County, in January!  In Chino, furniture maker Elite Leather Company eliminating 88 jobs by April.  In Clovis, Schneider Electric eliminating 33 jobs by the end of march.

Connecticut: Stamford based envelope maker Cenveo now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.

Illinois: In Somonauk, Imperial Marble suddenly laid off 79 people due to loss of contract.  Japan based freight company MOL issued a layoff WARN, 89 jobs gone between March and Xmas.  Japan based freight company NYK eliminating 67 jobs in March.  Germany based Siemens issued a shutdown WARN for ops in West Chicago, 2-hundred jobs gone in April due to “relocation”!

Indiana: Germany based delivery/logistics company DHL eliminating 511 jobs in Greenfield! It’s due to Walmart taking over part of DHL’s ops in May.  AES-Indianapolis Power & Light eliminating 1-hundred jobs and asking for a rate increase, blaming the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act!  American Commercial Barge Lines-Jeffboat conducted a phase-2 layoff, 226 jobs suddenly gone, due to ongoing crashing sales!

Iowa:  Procter & Gamble shutting down its factory in Iowa City, at least 5-hundred jobs lost to a new factory in West Virginia!

Kansas: Procter & Gamble shutting down its 113 years old factory in Kansas City, at least 280 jobs lost to a new factory in West Virginia!

Maryland:  Janitorial service company Compass Group eliminating five jobs in April.

Michigan: In Benton Harbor and Saint Joseph, Whirlpool admitted it is eliminating jobs. One news report said the layoffs began in January, however, I did not find any official WARN on the state Workforce Development Agency website.  What automotive industry recovery?  Belgium based exhaust system maker Bosal Industries-Georgia issued a WARN, 77 jobs gone in April due to Fiat-Chrysler’s new Jeep design.  Local news reports indicated the company got local tax breaks.  Janitorial service company Compass Group eliminating 396 jobs due to the shutdown of a General Motors (GM) factory!

Minnesota: WestRock-Rochester notified the state that 28 jobs will be eliminated, date to be determined.

New York:  Texas based construction engineering company Flour eliminating 85 jobs in Poughkeepsie, in May, despite reporting increased revenues.  Also in Poughkeepsie, Plant Engineering Services blaming Flour for forcing it to eliminate 21 jobs Homer Logistics suddenly laid off 148 people in Albany and NYC! Germany based Siemens shutting down and selling off its Power Generation Service in Wellsville, 250 jobs gone by 2020!  Furniture maker Harden Furniture issued a shutdown WARN for its factory in McConnellsville, 172 employees affected!

North Carolina: Massachusetts based L.S. Starrett shutting down and selling off its tool factory in Mount Airy, 30 jobs gone as part of downsizing started two years ago, due to ongoing crashing sales.  Iconic gun maker Remington now chapter 11 bankrupt busted due to crashing sales and a ass-hole lawsuit blaming it for school shootings.

Ohio: Fiat-Chrysler eliminating 852 jobs at its Jeep factory in Toledo, in preparation for retooling for a new pick-up version of the Jeep! In connection, Jeep body supplier KUKA shutdown factory ops as a result, killing 344 jobs!  Janitorial service company Compass Group eliminating 14 West Chester jobs due to the shutdown of a General Motors (GM) factory!  AES-Dayton Power & Light eliminating 60 jobs in April.  Fastener maker The Cold Heading eliminating 52 jobs in June.   Self-adhesive maker Ritrama eliminating 48 jobs in April.

Oklahoma: SandRidge Energy suddenly laid off 80 people, “As part of the company’s previously announced commitment to reduce go-forward costs…”  Shale oil driller Ascent Resources Marcellus Holdings now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.

Pennsylvania:  Luxembourg based ArcelorMittal eliminating 125 jobs in Conshohocken, by mid-April, due to crashing demand for U.S. made steel!  In Pittson, Kane Warehousing eliminating 89 jobs by May.  Dover Corporation-Pump Solutions Group issued a shutdown WARN for its factory in North Wales, 63 jobs gone between April and Xmas. Clothing maker Global Brands Group issued a shutdown WARN for its factory in Plymouth Meeting, various layoffs taking place between April and Xmas.  Heat resistant products (refractories) maker Harbison Walker International issued a shutdown WARN for its factory in Claysburg, 88 jobs gone in April.

Texas:  Lone Star State based Direct Energy, WTU Retail Energy and CPL Retail Energy being affected by its British empire based parent company’s (Centrica) plan to eliminate 4-thousand jobs by 2020!  Centrica blames it on “weak” financial results in United States.  Fieldwood Energy now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, yet interestingly, on the same day of its bankruptcy filing it made a $700-million USD purchase.  France based Vallourec Drilling Products eliminating 150 jobs! 

Virginia: What housing market recovery? After 25 years MGT Construction Management now chapter 7 bankrupt and “transferring projects to other construction firms for completion.”  GE Power eliminating 42 jobs at its Salem train factory, in March. This follows two years of getting employees to retire early.  It’s blamed on crashing sales.

Washington:  In Kent, bankrupt Connecticut based envelope maker Cenveo suddenly laid off 62 people. 

West Virginia: FirstEnergy selling off/shutting down its coal fired power plant, 190 jobs lost due to “…recent federal and West Virginia decisions leave FirstEnergy no reasonable option but to expeditiously move forward with deactivation…”

Wisconsin: Netherlands based cargo strap maker Cordstrap halting production in GrandView Business Park, 36 jobs gone by July, however, company administrators claim they’ll replace production with a distribution center.  Cable maker Southwire shutting down its customer service center in Pleasant Prairie, 80 jobs gone due to work being moved out-of-country to British empire Canada.  JCPenney shutting down its customer service and distribution center in Wauwatosa, 670 jobs gone by Summer!  Home decor maker Uniek issued a layoff WARN, 58 jobs gone by the end of April.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Mining/Industrial/Logistics layoffs, January 2018: “MARKET CONDITIONS” BLAMED ON POPULATION DEATH SPIRAL!

50-thousand+ jobs killed in one year!: Sears Kmart death spiral, March 2018

Albany Business Review: Shopping mall ViaPort Rotterdam (Rotterdam Square) suing Sears for half-a-million in back due rent!

Hardware Retailing: Sears Continues to See Dropping Sales and Revenue

Kankakee Daily Journal: Sears Logistics now Innovel

Chicago Tribune: Sears slashed more than 50,000 jobs last year!

CNNMoney: Sears downgraded to default status

The Real Deal: Half of vacant Santa Monica Mega Sears store sold for $50-million USD, to pay off mortgage and fund redevelopment

Chief Investment Officer: Sears Holdings gets $440-million loan to pay employee retirement fund

Newsday: Local Business owner, forced out by Sears Auto Center closure

Chief Investment Officer: Court Orders Inquiry into Sears Canada Dividend Payment

Media Post Communications: Federal Trade Commission loosens terms of 2009 settlement that restricted Sears’ ability to sell products through mobile e-commerce apps

WLS-TV: Sears under scrutiny after customer complaints and product disputes

Alaska: In Juneau, the Sears Hometown reverted to corporate ownership after the franchise owner quit, it’s now for sale.

California: Taxpayers are the new owners of the vacant Highland Kmart as they will be funding the construction of a new high school on the property. The school will be operated by taxpayer funded San Bernardino Public Charter School, Real Journey Academies.

Colorado: Ohio based mall owner-operator Washington Prime just bought the Sears store and Auto Center in Aurora (see Ohio below).

Florida:  RD Management-University Mall is the new owner of the still active 43 years old Sears store, which sold for $7-million USD.  Local news media says RD Management has plans to ‘revamp’ the building, marking “a significant milestone in the transformation of the entire University Mall site.”  The mall will be renamed Uptown.  Public feedback forces changes to redevelopment plans for vacant Neptune Beach Kmart.

Indiana: WFIE reporting that the Evansville Sears has been listed for sale, for a paltry $3-million USD. The store is shutting down in April.

Iowa: Ohio based mall owner-operator Washington Prime just bought the Sears store and Auto Center in Sioux City (see Ohio below).

Kansas: Local news media discovered that the Lenexa Point Sears Outlet store will shutdown, local realtors announced that the store front will be “available” on 01JUL2018.   

New Jersey: It’s been confirmed, the Paramus Park Mall Sears store and Auto Center will shutdown by Spring 2019, to be redeveloped into a grocery store and movie theater (a smaller Sears Appliance store will remain).  Without warning the Brick Big Kmart is being shutdown, it was revealed when Store Closing Sale signs were posted.  Local news media reported that no official shutdown date was made public.

New York: A former Sears employee accused of stealing $8-thousand USD from the Arnot Mall Sears store.  State taxpayers are funding the demolition of the now city taxpayer owned vacant Kmart plaza in Binghamton, as part of the Restore NY taxpayer rip-off operation.  Three other cities are also getting millions in state taxpayer funding to demolish commercial properties now owned by city taxpayers. 

North Carolina: In Wilmington, the owners of the Independence Mall revealed their plan to demolish and redevelop the entire mall, including the still active Sears operation.  Local news reports stated that the planned The Collection at Independence shopping-“village lifestyle” plaza does not list the currently active Sears store and Auto Center as one of the future tenants.   In July 2017, Eddie Lampert sold the Independence Mall Sears store and Auto Center to New York based Rouse Properties for $10-million USD.

Ohio: Columbus based mall owner-operator Washington Prime just shelled out $28.5-million USD buying four Sears stores and their related Sears Auto Centers, including the Sears store and Auto Center in Columbus.  Local news media reported that the four stores and auto centers will be redeveloped, however, Washington Prime says it signed new leases with Sears worth $1.25-million which give Sears an easy out if it wants to shutdown; just give 30 days notice.

Pennsylvania: Taxpayer funded MaST charter school is offering to buy the still active Middletown Sears store for $9.6-million USD.  MaST’s plan is to kick out Sears to make room for up to 1-thousand-275 students, if their plan is approved by the local school district and taxpayers.

Tennessee: The Thompson Lane Sears Outlet/Home Services & Repair sold to C.B. Ragland for $13-million USD.

Texas: Ohio based mall owner-operator Washington Prime just bought the Sears store and Auto Center in Longview (see Ohio above).

Virginia: Regency Mall owner The Rebkee Company, along with Thalhimer Realty Partners, just spent $3-million USD buying eight acres of the now vacant Sears store property in Richmond.  The mall owner claims it has new tenants lined up for the Sears store, which shutdown last year.  Local news media reports that a Sears “subsidiary” still owns three acres of the property, including the vacant Auto Center, but that it is currently under “negotiations”.

Washington: Sears Holdings suddenly selling off six active locations in The Evergreen State.  The 48 years old Lacy Sears store, the 47 years old Tukwila Sears, Union Gap Sears, two Sears operations in the Spokane area, and the Spokane Kmart.  

Wisconsin: Taxpayers of Greendale being raped of $2.2-million USD as their ‘elected’ leaders use taxpayer money to turn a former Southridge Mall Sears store into the unAmerican  anti-Constitution Dick’s Sporting Goods!  UnAmerican city leaders claim taxpayers will ‘recover’ the tax incremental financing by 2030, via increased property taxes on the property, but my lifetime of taxpayer experience shows your exalted leaders will find many other ways to jack-up your taxes between now and 2030.  Taxpayers in La Crosse might become the new owners of a vacant Kmart store, currently the property is valued at $4-million.  Apparently the plan is to turn the vacant lot in more residential housing, at taxpayer expense.

SEARS KMART DEATH SPIRAL, FEBRUARY 2018: “MONOTONOUS”

“market conditions” blamed on population Death Spiral! : U.S. Industrial/Mining/Logistics layoffs, January 2018

Incomplete list of U.S. Mining/Industrial/Logistics job loss/shutdown announcements made in January 2018.

Trulia reports that overall housing rents across the United States jumped an average of 19.6% since the end of 2012, even though the majority of working class people saw no increase in pay.

Alabama: Warren Buffet owned clothing maker Fruit of the Loom laid off 72 people at its Russell Brand’s factory in Alexander City.  Local news media reported that ever since Warren Buffet bought the operation (in 2006) there have been continuous layoffs, at one time there were more than 1-thousand people working at the factory, now there’s less than 5-hundred.

 California: Menasha Packaging shutting down its Bloomington location, 25 jobs gone in February.  Zodiac Pool Systems issued a shutdown WARN for its Vista location, 67 jobs gone in October.  Brinderson-Tesoro Martinez Refinery eliminating 94 jobs on March.  Brinderson also eliminating 256 jobs in Wilmington!

Colorado:  Boulder based Star Wars/robot toy maker Sphero eliminating 45 jobs, and shifting to educational products, due to lack of holiday sales of its robot toys.

Connecticut: Southport based Sturm-Ruger laid off 50 gun-making employees at undisclosed locations across the U.S.  It was blamed on a combination of low sales and “employee performance”.

Florida: Texas based ‘outdoor products’ maker Plano Synergy eliminating 104 jobs in Tarpon Springs, by the end of May!

Idaho: In Lewiston, Clearwater Paper announced it will layoff 1-hundred people in May, due to “market conditions”!

Illinois: The Plastics Group issued a shutdown WARN for its factory in Willowbrook, 105 jobs gone starting in March!   Box maker Pactiv issued a shutdown WARN for its Bolingbrook factory, 101 jobs gone in March!  What automotive industry recovery? Germany based Daimler issued a shutdown WARN for its truck parts distribution center in Chicago, 52 jobs gone by the end of March.

Indiana: What automotive industry recovery?  Truck maker Autocar suddenly laid off 70 employees due to crashing sales.   MV Transportation issued a shutdown WARN, 142 jobs gone by the end of March!  Trump’s buddy Carrier continues killing jobs, this time 215!  Supposedly it’s the last round of layoffs connected to Carrier moving some production to Mexico.

Iowa: In Nevada, DuPont eliminating 28 jobs in March.  Germany based Siemens eliminating 202 jobs in Fort Madison, by the end of March!

Kentucky: Kentucky Electric Steel shutting down its factory in Ashland, 113 jobs gone in March!

Louisiana: State Department of Revenue accusing three companies of tax evasion; Elliott Roofing Services, Antunez Painting and Extreme Cars and Trucks.  The companies allegedly avoided payroll taxes by calling their in-house employees ‘independent contractors’.  Nuclear power plant pipe maker CB&I eliminating 163 jobs due to Entergy’s plan to eliminate 123 jobs at the Riverbend nuclear power plant!

Minnesota: Sweden based home appliance maker Electrolux shutting down its factory in Saint Cloud, about 9-hundred jobs gone in 2019, due to consolidation ops!

Mississippi: What construction industry recovery?  Nucor-Kirby Building Systems eliminating 1-hundred jobs due to consolidation of some production to Tennessee!

Missouri: What automotive industry recovery?  Harley Davidson shutting down its factory in Kansas City, 8-hundred jobs gone in Spring 2019!

Nevada: What construction industry recovery? Finished steel products maker Nucor shutting down its American Buildings factory, at least 1-hundred jobs lost to operations in Utah!

New Jersey: Japan owner shipping company MOL eliminating 32 jobs in Woodbridge.  What automotive industry recovery?  Japan owned Toyota-NYK eliminating 75 jobs in Secaucus.

New York:  General Electric (GE) laid off 130 people as part of the larger plan to kill 12-thousand jobs globally!

North Carolina: After getting $475-thousand local tax dollars in incentives Absolute Plastics issued a layoff WARN eliminating 1-hundred of its 150 jobs due to crashing sales!  PRC Industries issued a layoff WARN for its Spruce Pine location, 1-hundred jobs gone by March!  In Indian Trail, RSC Chemical Solutions eliminating 65 jobs between March and the end of June.

Ohio:  Deutschland (Germany) based delivery service DHL outsourcing 229 jobs in Lima, by March!  Fremont Plastic Products shutting down its factory, 185 jobs gone starting in March! What automotive industry recovery?  Chrysler-Fiat-Jeep parts maker Toledo Molding & Die shutting down its North Toledo factory, 120 jobs gone by Spring 2019, due to the shutdown of Jeep Wrangler production!  Korea based Hyundai-Mobis eliminating 572 jobs at its Toledo/Lucas factory, between April 2018 and April 2019!

Oklahoma: More layoffs from oil company Chesapeake Energy, in a surprise announcement 4-hundred employees learned they are soon to be jobless!  Company administrators also revealed they’ve sold-off 25% of its oil wells in an attempt to pay-down debt.

Oregon: General Distributors shutting down its ops in Oregon City, 165 jobs gone!

Pennsylvania: MEPCO issued shutdown WARNs for its coal mines in Green County, 370 jobs gone starting in March!  The largest east coast refinery, Philadelphia Energy Solutions, now bankrupt busted due to federal government imposed Renewable Energy Credit (RIN) which cost the refinery $217-million USD in 2017.  Dover Corporation-Pump Solutions Group issued a shutdown WARN for its North Wales ops, 63 jobs gone between April and December.  Denmark based climate control parts maker Danfoss shutting down its factory in Chambersburg, 70 jobs gone right before Xmas 2018!  Johnson & Johnson issued a ‘phase 2’ shutdown WARN, 34 jobs gone in March.  Pittsburgh Glass Works issued a shutdown WARN for its Creighton location, 61 jobs gone by the end of June.  John Middleton Company issued a shutdown WARN for its tobacco factory in Limerick, 118 jobs gone in April!  Ryder Integrated Logistics eliminating 136 jobs in February!

Texas: Irving based toilet paper and disposable diaper maker Kimberly Clark announced plans to shutdown ten factories worldwide, killing-off 5-thousand jobs over the next year-and-a-half!  Kimberly Clark administrators blame their efforts to reduce costs by $550-million USD, by 2022, on the U.S. population Death Spiral (not enough babies being born).  Offshore rig operator Maersk Drilling laying off 84 people in March, due to loss of contract.  Oil transporter First River Energy now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  New York based petroleum company Hess eliminating 3-hundred jobs in Texas, in an attempt to make a profit for the first time since 2014!

Virginia:  Railroad company Norfolk Southern shutting down its Roanoke dispatch center, 56 jobs affected by consolidation ops.

Washington:   Paper and wood construction products maker Georgia Pacific shutting down its ops in Camas, 243 jobs gone by May!  Tacoma experienced the highest rent increases of any U.S. city in 2017, by 8.8%.  

Wisconsin: Texas based toilet paper and disposable diaper maker Kimberly Clark shutting down two factories, 610 jobs gone by Spring 2019!  Family run Flambeau River Papers suddenly laid off 82 people saying “Paper prices in the commodity grades have really gone down while pulp prices have gone up.”  Bankrupt busted Real Alloy Recycling shutting down its aluminum melting factory in Mount Pleasant, 40 jobs gone.  Illinois based ACCO Brands shutting down its Pleasant Prairie distribution center, 26 jobs gone by the end of May due to a 35% crash in net income.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Mining/Industrial/Logistics layoffs, December 2017:NEVERENDING “BUSINESS SLOWDOWN”

“There’s a feeling of loss…Maybe I’ll go get a real job.”: U.S. Retail/Banking/Service sector collaspe, January 2018

Incomplete list of U.S. retail/banking/service sector job loss WARNings and store shutdowns made or announced in January 2018:

Trulia reports that overall housing rents across the United States jumped an average of 19.6% since the end of 2012, even though the majority of working class people saw no increase in pay.

Arkansas: Bentonville based Walmart revealed the truth behind their pay raises and bonuses, by suddenly shutting down dozens of Sam’s Clubs and Walmarts killing thousand of jobs, plus announcing intentions to layoff 1-thousand corporate level employees between now and the end of 2019!  Bankrupt Toys R Us shutting down two stores statewide.

 California: Building maintenance contractor ABM Industry issued several shutdown WARNs, 365 jobs gone by the end of March!  Absolute Screenprint shutting down its ops in Brea, 170 jobs gone in March!  In Fresno, after 68 years Herb Bauer Sporting Goods shutting down when the inventory is gone, due to increased competition from ‘big-box’ national chain stores.  Too Big to Jail San Francisco based Wells Fargo shutting down an additional 8-hundred offices across the U.S. by 2020.  Bank execs officially blaming it on ‘Americans’ reducing the use of banking services, but analysts believe it’s blow-back for the bank getting caught massively ripping off its customers.  Bankrupt Toys R Us shutting down stores in Emeryville and San Jose, 113 jobs gone by April!  It should be noted the stores were not listed on the recent nationwide shutdown list.  Dollar Loan Center eliminating 41 jobs by the end of March.  Montage Hotels and Resorts temporarily shutting down its Beverly Hills ops, 54 jobs gone by the end of March.   StandardAero Business Aviation Services issued a shutdown WARN for its Los Angeles ops, 63 jobs suddenly gone.  Accounting company Vasquez issued a shutdown WARN for its Corona office, 53 jobs gone in March.  Market research company Ipsos Interactive Services issued a shutdown WARN for its Fresno office, 88 jobs gone in March.  Macy’s issued shutdown WARNs for stores in Fresno, Laguna Hills and Los Angeles, at least 436 jobs gone by mid-March! In Orangevale, iconic Wild Sports shutting down, the owners forced to retire due to ‘big box’ and online competition coupled with California’s police-state anti-gun laws.   In Moraga, after eight years New Rheem Theatre shutdown due to increasing costs to maintain the 61 years old building, plus undisclosed rent which is more than $5-thousand per month, plus utilities averaging $5-thousand per month: “It’s tough to run a building of that age on the amount of people that come through the theater. The numbers don’t work.”-Derek Zemrak, theater operator

Colorado: In Denver, after 16 years Mile High Doggie Daycare shutdown and unable to refund money to customers who ‘pre-paid’ for services, the owners blame the lack of sales on the city’s gentrification of the area.

Connecticut:  Retail service company Daymond Worldwide suddenly shutdown its Stamford ops, more than 50 jobs gone. After 19 years industry recognized RR Model and Hobby Supply shutting down so the owner can retire.

Delaware: Too Big to Jail Capital One sold 1-million retail brokerage accounts to E-Trade, and will eliminate an undisclosed number of jobs in Wilmington as a result.

Florida: Jackson National Life Insurance-National Planning Holdings eliminating 60 jobs by the end of 2018.  Along with several Sears, Kmart and Sam’s Club shutdowns, Macy’s issued a shutdown WARN for its store in downtown Miami, 161 jobs gone by the end of March!  In Jupiter, after 33 years Kretzer Piano shutting down in February, the owner lamenting “It’s iPads and kids doing techy things…..the days of gathering around the piano and singing are kind of gone.”  Harbor Community Bank eliminating 1-hundred jobs due to being taken over by CenterState Bank!  Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services eliminating 117 jobs at the end of March!

Georgia: In LaGrange, after 45 years Crockett Brothers towing shutdown due to the 70 years old owner’s health problems.  In Athens, for a second time Junkman’s Daughter’s Brother eclectic junk store shutting down, this time due to the rent being jacked-up by 56%, and the property being secretly listed as for sale.  The owner said he isn’t going to look for another location, he’s taking it as a sign to retire.

Hawaii: After nine years Central Guns and Ammo shutdown its brick-n-mortar store to focus on internet sales. Monthly gun classes will continue.

Idaho: California based Cost Plus World Market (aka World Market) suddenly shutdown its store in Nampa.  Bon Ton owned Herberger’s announced it will exit its Pine Ridge Mall location, in Chubbuck, when the inventory runs out. It’s part of Bon Ton’s plan to shutdown dozens of stores in 2018.

Illinois: Bankrupt Toys R Us shutting down seven stores statewide.  Champaign based Hobbico (formerly Don Anderson’s Great Planes Model Distributors and Bruce Holecek’s Tower Hobbies, and current owner of the iconic Revell brand) laying off 332 people, and is now chapter 11 bankrupt busted and for sale, blaming “an increasingly competitive industry, market headwinds and a series of one-off events with key suppliers.”  In Wheaton, after five years women’s clothier Bella Roba shutting down at the end of February, due to owner getting married.  In Barrington, after 29 years Pasquesi Home and Garden suddenly shutdown.  Ascena Retail Group owned Loft shutdown its Champaign’s Market Place Mall store, as part of a plan to shutdown  hundreds of Ascena Retail Group owned stores stores across the U.S.   At the O’Hare Airport, ABM Aviation issued a mass layoff WARN, 481 jobs gone by March! Just Ducky shutdown its five years old Plainfield store, local news media say at one time there were several Just Ducky stores across the state.  California based Cost Plus World Market (aka World Market) suddenly shutdown two  stores in the Chicago area.

Indiana: Bankrupt Toys R Us shutting down two stores statewide.  In Lafayette, after 60 years Trader Horn Boot Center shutdown, blaming internet competition.  (when it comes to shoes I don’t understand the internet excuse, because shoe sizes have changed so much over the decades, even between manufacturers, that the only way I can buy shoes is by trying them on in a old fashioned store)

Iowa: Washington based investment company CUNA Mutual Group outsourcing 35 jobs in Waverly in an attempt to reduce operating costs. In Mason City, after 50 years the Hallmark gift shop shutting down by the end of February.  Tradehome Shoes shutdown its Mason City, Southbridge Mall location due to crashing sales over the past few years.  Bankrupt Toys R Us shutting down two stores statewide.

Kentucky: Bankrupt Toys R Us shutdown its Simpsonville location.  In Bardstown, American Greetings eliminating 150 jobs in March, due to lack of demand for greetings cards!

Louisiana: In Shreveport, after 68 years Sun Furniture shutdown so the owner can retire.

Maine: In Lewiston, the 50 years old Goodwill thrift store shutdown because sales are too low.

Maryland:  Ascena Retail Group owned Ann Taylor suddenly shutdown its Towson Town Center store as part of a plan to shutdown  hundreds of Ascena Retail Group owned stores across the U.S.  Ignorant local news media blamed internet competition, but then reported that you can still buy Ann Taylor clothing through its online Infinite Style service.  Urban Outfitters suddenly shutdown its Harborplace location, no explanation.  Local news media reported that there are only two Urban Outfitter locations left in the state.  In Bel Air, after 15 years Two Sisters Gallery American Fine Craft & Jewelry shutdown so the owners can retire.

Massachusetts: In Needham, after 46 years Taylor’s stationery and party supply store shutting down by March, so the owners can retire. In Attleboro, after 117 years  (surviving The Great Depressions and numerous recessions) Highland Country Club now chapter 7 bankrupt busted, being liquidated to pay the debts. ‘Off price’ retailer Stein Mart shutting down its Westboro store as soon as the inventory is gone, due to crashing sales in 2017.  Zoots Dry Cleaning chain suddenly shutdown and went chapter 7 bankrupt dead, the bankruptcy judge ordered the chain to re-open 18 locations so customers can get their clothing.  The owners of Zoots said efforts to sell the dry cleaning service failed.

Michigan: Bankrupt Toys R Us shutting down six stores statewide.  In Muskegon, after 24 years Carol’s Bridal and Tuxedo shutdown due to family health problems.  In Detroit, after 70 years iconic Doll Hospital & Toy Soldier Shop shutdown, the owners admitting that even though they beat-out the ‘big-box’ competition they just couldn’t “adapt” to online competition.

Minnesota:  In Duluth, after 35 years the last Video Visions shutdown, news media say at one time there were six stores, the owners proudly stated “We were the first video rental store in Duluth and we’re the last.”  Bankrupt Toys R Us shutting down four stores statewide.  Edna based Regis owned SmartStyle Salons shutting down 6-hundred stores located inside Walmarts across the U.S.

Missouri: In Normandy, after 113 years (surviving The Great Depressions and numerous recessions) Schulte Hardware & Supply shutdown, the owner blamed internet competition.  Bankrupt Toys R Us shutting down four stores statewide.  American Girl shutdown its doll store in the Chesterfield Mall, due to financial problems.  To prove to you how many customers still shop the old fashioned way, and refuse to shop online, they started a petition to keep the store open because they didn’t want to drive three hours to the nearest American Girl store! 

Nebraska: Bankrupt Toys R Us shutdown its Omaha location.  What housing market recovery? In Lincoln, after five years low cost second-hand building material seller Eco Store shutdown due to not being able to renew the lease.  The owner hopes to find another location.

Nevada: No luck as Lucky Dragon suddenly began halting casino and restaurant ops in Las Vegas, hundreds of jobs suddenly gone!  Apparently Lucky Dragon is now focusing on hotel ops only.

New Jersey: What housing market recovery? Mortgage company PHH Home Loans eliminating 78 jobs by mid-March, due to a venture deal with a competitor, and a $45-million USD settlement concerning fraudulent foreclosures.   JCPenney  shutting down its 60 years old Westfield Garden State Plaza location by March, 144 jobs gone!  In Lodi, iconic Party Box shutting down so the owners can retire.   Bankrupt Toys R Us shutting down three stores statewide.   Hollywood Speedway & Hobbies shutdown by a mysterious fire, which also damaged next door Sharp Elevator and Atlantic Protective Pouches.

New Mexico: In Albuquerque, House of Football shutdown, the owner said it was due to sales taking a huge dump after NFL players began protesting the National Anthem! In Nob Hill, gift shop Beeps shutdown, the 70 years old owner said sales are still good but she wants to retire.   New Jersey based Bed, Bath & Beyond shutting down its store in Paseo by the end of February.  Its part of a Bed, Bath & Beyond plan to shutdown stores as their leases expire.

New York: Clothier Zara shutdown its first flagship store in NYC, as a result of a $15-million USD lawsuit by the greedy landlord against Zara.  After only ten months kids clothier MMKidz shutting down its Great Neck location when the inventory is gone, the Great Neck Plaza Business Improvement District admitted the local economy is in the dumps by saying “it would have been a surprise if they made it.”   In Greece, Alfred Angelo wedding store suddenly shutdown, the money made from the two day going out of business sales was donated to charity. Also in Greece, after 91 years Blanchard Florist shutdown, with the owners blaming the internet.  In Clay, children’s clothier Justice shutdown its Great Northern Mall store.  In East Syracuse, utility service Osmose moving work to other locations, affecting 101 jobs!  In Amherst, Dave’s All-Season Store forced to shutdown by the landlord who revoked the lease.  Bankrupt Toys R Us shutting down five stores statewide, at least 250 jobs gone by mid-April!  Sterling National Bank eliminating more than 1-hundred jobs across the state by the end of 2018!  Contract manager Sykes Enterprises issued a shutdown WARN for its Amherst location, 89 jobs gone by the end of March.  Payment processor First Data Remitco issued a shutdown WARN for its Staten Island location, 64 jobs gone in September. Blue Ridge Capital issued a shutdown WARN for its NYC ops, 55 job gone by the end of March.

North Carolina: California based background check company HireRight shutting down its Charlotte location, 93 jobs gone in September.  After ten years Ciel Gallery shutting down by the end of February.  After 21 years the Charlotte Art League being forced to move due to a greedy property developer.  British empire United Kingdom based ‘professional services’ Aon Hewitt issued a layoff WARN for its Charlotte location, 76 jobs gone by March.

Ohio: In Cleveland Heights, after 27 years Big Fun Toys announced on facebook that it will shutdown this Summer.   After 69 years specialty shop The Villager (formerly Mariemont 5 Cents to $1) shutdown due to the owner not being able to renew the lease.  In Rocky River, after eight years Local Artistree shutdown blaming a shift in the maker community.  Macy’s issued a shutdown WARN for its Cincinnati/Hamilton store, 104 jobs gone by the end of March!  On top of that, Cincinnati based Macy’s announced it will continue shutting down stores through 2018, plus eliminate 5-thousand jobs!  End of year holiday sales rose by a piddly 1.1%, including Macy’s online sales!  Bankrupt Toys R Us shutting down four stores statewide.  In Boardman, after 62 years Adamas Jewelry and Gifts shutdown so the owner can retire.    Dover Business Services eliminating 48 jobs by June.

Oklahoma:  Ascena Retail Group-Ann Taylor suddenly shutdown its Tulsa store as part of a plan to shutdown hundreds of Ascena Retail Group owned stores across the U.S.  Ignorant local news media blamed internet competition, but then reported that you can still buy Ann Taylor clothing through its online Infinite Style service.  Bankrupt Toys R Us shutting down two stores statewide.

Pennsylvania: New York based, but British empire Canada owned,  department store Lord & Taylor suddenly killed 202 e-commerce fulfillment jobs in Wilkes Barre, due to e-commerce ops being moved elsewhere!  In York, after 20 years “the biggest O gauge dealer in Pennsylvania” B&E Junction Electric Trains shutting down in February so the owner can retire, don’t know if you can blame the internet because the owner has his own website (www.stevenheffnerart.com).  In Titusville, after more than 45 years Tarr’s Country Store and Florist shutting down mid-February.  Bankrupt Toys R Us shutdown its Erie location.    In Honesdale, after three decades Country Dawn shutdown, the owners lamenting “It’s different times, different times than it was.”

South Carolina: Burlington (formerly Burlington Coat Factory) shutting down its Columbia Place Mall store in March.  The Tanger Outlets Eddie Bauer in North Charleston shutdown.   Banana Republic in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre shutdown.  Mister Don Shoes and Dance in South Windermere Shopping Center shutdown.  Antiques Market suddenly shutdown its Mount Pleasant location due to the landlord refusing to renew the lease.

South Dakota: Bankrupt Toys R Us shutdown its Rapid City location.  Clothier Glik’s suddenly shutdown its Northridge Plaza store due to lack of sales, the landlord was shocked saying “It was very sudden. We had no idea.”  Family Dollar shutdown its store in Brookings, the district manager told local news media “We are just told that that store is closing, and we just oversee that. This is one of several that are closing, but there are so many that open and close. They relocate them, close them.”

Tennessee: In Franklin, after more than ten years ThriftSmart shutdown as part of consolidation plans that the operators hope will provide better funding for charities.  Hallmark shutdown its 43 years old gift shop in the Northgate Mall, and its gift store at the Hamilton Place Mall.

Texas: In Amarillo, after 51 years Duncan & Boyd Jewelers shutting down so the 70 years old owner can retire.  Blockbuster shutdown its last video store in The Lone Star State, in Edinburg.  Bankrupt Toys R Us shutting down five stores statewide.  After spending big bucks the past two years building 21 new stores, women’s clothier A’gaci now chapter 11 bankrupt busted and shutting down 49 stores, admitting it “spread the organization too thin”.  What automotive industry recovery?  After almost 24 years the Honda of Houston motorcycle dealership shutdown, with no explanation.  However, weeks after the shutdown announcement it was revealed that Honda of Houston was sold to Drake Powersports, who will supposedly continue operations  in that location as Honda of Houston.  In Corpus Christi, Cinemark Dollar Cinema shutdown, local news media say the owner Cinemark refused to respond to their questions.  In Austin, Bobalu Cigar Company suddenly shutdown, the owner blaming “deteriorating situation and terrible neglect by the City of Austin”.

Virginia:  After less than two years Todd’s Hobbies shutdown, the owner saying “The clientele that I have are predominantly in the retired community. They appreciate having a store handy. The younger segment of the population that are into model railroading I think are much more comfortable with buying online.”  In Gretna, Nett’s Nest thrift store shutting down by March, due to the owner’s health problems.  Ocracoke Station, the only fuel station on Ocracoke Island, suddenly shutdown because the owner was unable to pay a back due fuel bill due to health problems that resulted in hospitalization.  Hallmark gift shops in the Towers Shopping Center, the Tanglewood Mall and the Valley View Mall all suddenly shutdown, one local news source said inquiries as to why they shutdown were not answered.   In Richmond, after 41 years  W. Hirsch Oriental Rugs shutdown, so the owner can go to Puerto Rico to help relatives deal with hurricane recovery.  In Lynchburg, after more than 1-hundred years (surviving The Great Depressions and numerous recessions) Sheard’s Beauty Shop shutdown due to new city parking rules which drive away customers: “Why would they pay to park here when they can go to the mall?”-Mamie Branham, owner

Washington: In Seattle, after 42 years Zanadu Comics shutdown its last store, at one time there were three, the upset owner blames the un-recovered recession saying “There’s a feeling of loss……Maybe I’ll go get a real job.”  State Farm shutting down two call centers in Tacoma, 8-hundred jobs gone by the end of 2018!  Tacoma experienced the highest rent increases of any U.S. city in 2017, by 8.8%.

Washington DC: After 84 years iconic Johnson’s Florists and Garden Center shutdown: “This closure is a direct result of the significant increase in rent and other related fees of occupancy imposed upon us by the building’s owner. Despite months of earnest negotiation we have been unable to arrive at a mutual understanding with our landlord.”

Wisconsin: Department store Younkers issued shutdown WARNs for its stores in Appleton and Wausau, 138 jobs gone in March!  Bankrupt Toys R Us shutting down two stores statewide.  France based ‘body care’ store L’Occitane en Provence suddenly shutdown its seven years old Hilldale Shopping Center location.  Local news reports say L’Occitane en Provence began shutting down its U.S. locations in 2017.  Olympia Resort and Conference Center shutdown without warning, causing more than 60 people to become jobless and organizations scrambling to find a new place to hold their events.  Local news reports say organizations found out about the shutdown from laid-off employees.  It turns out the Conference Center is part of a lawsuit and has been up-for-sale for some time.    In Milwaukee, after ten years Jokerz Comedy Club suddenly shutdown.  In Delafield, after eight years Bittersweet Gifts and Accessories shutdown, the owners saying “Retail is quickly changing, and we feel it is time for us to change as well.”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

OBAMA LEGACY: U.S. APPAREL INDUSTRY DEATH-SPIRAL

U.S. RETAIL/BANKING/SERVICE SECTOR COLLAPSE, December 2017: “DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS”

SEARS KMART DEATH SPIRAL, JANUARY 2018: 103+ NEW STORE SHUTDOWNS ANNOUNCED! 

U.S. INDUSTRIAL/MINING/LOGISTICS LAYOFFS, January 2018: “MARKET CONDITIONS” BLAMED ON POPULATION DEATH SPIRAL!

Dumbing Down the U.S.A., January 2018:“LET’S PISS IN HIS MOUTH.”

U.S. HI-TECH/COMMUNICATIONS BREAKDOWN, January 2018: “TOUGH CHALLENGES THAT WE CAN NO LONGER IGNORE”

U.S. government shenanigans, January 2018:SEX & DRUGS = THE AMERICAN WAY!

U.S. food crisis, January 2018: “IT’S TIME TO ADAPT OR DIE”

ObamaCare ACA death spiral, January 2018:“INADEQUATE MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT RATES”

Walmart, Bloody Walmart!

Incomplete list of Walmart-Sam’s Club notices of store shutdowns and job slaughtering, most taking place between January and mid-April 2018, note that not all closing stores reported job loss numbers:

Alaska: Two Anchorage Sam’s Clubs, 348 jobs gone! Fairbanks Sam’s Club, 177 jobs gone! 

Alabama: Irondale Sam’s Club, 136 jobs gone!

Arkansas:  Bentonville based Walmart eliminating at least 1-thousand corporate level jobs between now and the end of 2019!

Arizona: Casa Grande Sam’s Club.  Chandler Sam’s Club.  Scottsdale Sam’s Club. Prescott Valley Walmart.

 California: City of Industry Sam’s Club.  Rowland Heights Sam’s Club, 158 jobs gone! San Fernando Sam’s Club, 178 jobs gone! Stanton Sam’s Club, 158 jobs gone! Sylmar Sam’s Club.  Sacramento Sam’s Club and Walmart, 521 jobs gone!

Connecticut:  Orange Sam’s Club, 155 jobs gone! Manchester Sam’s Club, 151 jobs gone!

Florida: Fern Park Sam’s Club, 173 jobs gone! Lantana Sam’s Club, 191 jobs gone! Tampa Sam’s Club, 148 jobs gone!

Georgia: Marietta Walmart, 69 jobs gone. Lithonia Walmart, 83 jobs gone. Dekalb Sam’s Club, 196 jobs gone!

Illinois: Batavia Sam’s Club, 150 jobs gone! Matteson Sam’s Club, 166 jobs gone! Moline Sam’s Club, 155 jobs gone! Naperville Sam’s Club, 170 jobs gone! Romeoville Sam’s Club, 167 jobs gone! Streamwood Sam’s Club, 191 jobs gone! Wheeling Sam’s Club, 138 jobs gone! 

Indiana: Rushville Walmart, 95 jobs gone. Goshen Sam’s Club, 110 jobs gone! Two Indianapolis Sam’s Clubs, 309 jobs gone! 

Kansas: Walmart shutting down its ‘health and wellness’ service center in Derby, 104 jobs gone by August!

Louisiana: Baton Rouge Sam’s Club.

Maryland: Owings Mills Sam’s Club, 169 jobs gone! 

Massachusetts: Worcester Sam’s Club.

Michigan: Farmington Hills Sam’s Club, 158 jobs gone! Lansing Sam’s Club, 172 jobs gone!

Minnesota: Moorhead Sam’s Club. Saint Louis Park Sam’s Club.   Edna based Regis owned SmartStyle Salons shutting down 6-hundred stores located inside Walmarts across the U.S.

New Hampshire: Seabrook Sam’s Club.

New Jersey: Budd Lake Sam’s Club,144 jobs gone! Linden Sam’s Club, 187 jobs gone!  Princeton Sam’s Club, 196 jobs gone!  Branchburg Walmart, 149 jobs gone by April!

New York:  Jamestown Sam’s Club, 114 jobs gone! Two Rochester Sam’s Clubs, 292 jobs gone! Syracuse Sam’s Club, 151 jobs gone! 

North Carolina: Lumberton Sam’s Club, 149 jobs gone!  Morrisville Sam’s Club, 187 jobs gone! 

Ohio:Cincinnati/Hamilton Sam’s Club, 143 jobs gone! Loveland/Clermont Sam’s Club, 142 jobs gone! 

Puerto Rico: Barceloneta Sam’s Club.  Bayamón Sam’s Club. Humacao Sam’s Club.

Tennessee: Memphis Sam’s Club, 162 jobs gone!  Nashville Sam’s Club, 132 jobs gone!  

Texas: Two Houston Sam’s Clubs.  New Caney Sam’s Club.  San Antonio Sam’s Club.

Virginia:  Norfolk Sam’s Club, 140 jobs gone!  Richmond Sam’s Club, 163 jobs gone! Roanoke Walmart Neighborhood Market , 72 jobs gone. 

Washington: Auburn Sam’s Club, 168 jobs gone! Renton Sam’s Club, 179 jobs gone! Seattle Sam’s Club, 148 jobs gone!

Wisconsin: Madison Sam’s Club, 129 jobs gone!  West Allis Sam’s Club, 165 jobs gone!

“monotonous”: Sears Kmart death spiral, February 2018

Sears Hometown/Appliance and Outlet stores got a $40-million USD loan from Gordon Brothers Finance Company.

ABC Action News: 5 months later family still waiting for their new Sears installed bathroom.

Chicago Tribune: Sears threatened to sue state over tax credit dispute

USA Today: Trump tax cut boosts Sears to profit, but sales slide continues

Finally, a mainstream news media source realizes that the excuse of blaming brick-n-mortar store shutdowns on internet competition might be bullshit, blame “the poverty rate”.

Canadian creditors demand to know what Eddie Lampert did with huge sums of money he got right before Sears Canada went bankrupt!

Yet again, Sears Holdings borrowed money from it’s leader, Eddie Lampert; $210-million USD this time. 

Arizona: The Show Low Kmart shutting down its pharmacy operations by the 12th of February, as part of the plan to shutdown the Show Low Kmart by April.

California: In Redding, the owner of Mount Shasta Mall (Rouse Properties) got approval from the city council to shutdown the Sears store (which is also owned by Rouse Properties) and split it up into six smaller store spaces.   

Florida: An Ocala Kmart employee was caught stealing $6-thousand USD in cash over several months.  She said she did it to feed her child.  The judge must’ve had sympathy because her bond was set lower than the amount of cash she stole, cops say she had a grand total of 70-dollars in her possession.

Idaho: It was revealed to me that Sears Holdings was still paying rent on its vacant (shutdown at the end of 2014) Pine Ridge Mall location, in Chubbuck.  However, the lease finally expired at the end of 2017 and now the mall owners are renting the huge space as a temporary storage unit for Walmart’s store remodeling ops taking place across eastern idaho.

Illinois: Despite never ending shutdowns and layoffs, Sears Holdings claims it is still eligible for $14.8-million USD in state taxpayer credits.  A fine example of corporate welfare!  As Catholic schools across the U.S. continue to be shutdown, the Catholic Church is doing something radical; they’re moving one of their existing schools inside a vacant Waukegan Kmart!  The Catholic school was slated to shutdown due to not being able to repair its crumbling building, but a local fundraiser generated $17-million USD to pay to move the school into the Kmart building.  To show you how miraculous that is, the residents of Waukegan make up 75% of Lake County’s poverty level population!

Indiana: The planned re-opening of the Kokomo Sears Auto Center is now canceled, local news media reported that no reason was given.

Nevada: In Reno, Sears Holdings spin-off Seritage Growth Properties has submitted a plan to city administrators to have the existing Meadowood Mall Sears store shutdown and split-up into three smaller store spaces.  The only reason given for the impending shutdown of the Sears store is that it is “monotonous”!

Utah: Taxpaying residents are pissed about what the West Valley City leadership want to do with the abandoned Kmart property; turn it into yet another apartment/housing development: “We have so many apartments already in the area. It feels like West Valley wants to see if they can pack more people in…  It’s hard to even get out of the neighborhood.”-Brittani Martin

Sears Kmart death spiral, January 2018: 103+ NEW STORE SHUTDOWNS ANNOUNCED!

“death by a thousand cuts”: U.S. Retail/Banking/Service sector collapse, December 2017

Incomplete list of U.S. retail/banking/service sector job loss WARNings and store shutdowns made or announced in December 2017:

More proof that the claim that the internet is killing off brick-n-mortars is bullshit as European brick-n-mortar owner Unibail-Rodamco announced it is willing to spend $15.7-billion USD taking over British empire Australia based U.S. commercial brick-n-mortar owner Westfield, for the purpose of building even more brick-n-mortar operations!  And as I’ve been saying since 2012, this whole brick-n-mortar shutdown thing is a False Flag by REITs (Real Estate Investment Trust). 

According to Fung Global, 2017 experienced far more U.S. store shutdowns than store openings; 6-thousand-885 announced store shutdowns versus 3-thousand-443 announced store openings.

Chapter 7 bankrupt Calypso St. Barth shutting down all remaining stores in New York, Georgia, Massachusetts, Colorado, California, Florida, Arizona, Maryland and South Carolina.  Don’t blame the internet, the women’s clothier has a website; www.calypsostbarth.com.

The world’s second largest clothing retailer, Sweden based H&M, announced it will shutdown stores in 2018, including in the United States, due to crashing global sales. H&M also plans to sell its clothing on China based online site Tmall.

Arizona: In Phoenix, after six decades Los Olivos Hand Car Wash shutdown, the land is being re-developed into housing.

 California: The Fresno Bee reporting that at least 40 businesses in the Fresno area shutdown in 2017, saying “…2017 was the year of closures.”   The Tribune reported that at least 11 businesses shutdown in San Luis Obispo County in 2017.  In Alameda, after more than eight decades Doumitt Shoes shutdown its last store. In San Bernardino, after 42 years Westway Western Wear shutting down once the inventory is gone, after a failed attempt to sell the popular business. In Chico, after 20 years Herreid Music shutdown, the owner blamed online competition, even though people who bought their instruments online ended up coming to him for help setting up the instruments.  What housing market recovery?  San Francisco based Too Big to Jail Wells Fargo continues killing mortgage jobs, this time at least 60 mortgage division employees suddenly laid off.   Sherman Oaks based luxury real estate developer Woodbridge Group of Companies now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, due to a possible $1-billion USD worth of investor fraud.  RMR Financial revealed it shutdown its Los Gatos office, 17 jobs gone.  In Burbank, Warner Music revealed it laid off 43 people months ago.  Fitness center Crunch issued a shutdown WARN for its Redwood City location, 48 jobs gone by the end of January 2018.

Connecticut:  Danbury based corporate ‘relocation’ service company Cartus asking U.S. employees to voluntarily quit as it “aligns its global workforce with business realities.” 

Florida: At least 20% of Harbor Community Bank’s employees will become jobless after competitor CenterState Bank completes its take-over in January 2018.  CD International Enterprises, a company focused on doing business with China and the U.S., is now chapter 7 bankrupt dead and being liquidated.  In Lakeland, after 30 years of selling U.S. made gifts Brooke Pottery shutting down in January 2018, so the owners can retire. In Tampa, Jackson National Life Insurance eliminating 62 jobs by February 2018.  What housing market recovery?  Mortgage banking firm Walter Investment Management now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, blaming three years of losses and more than $800-million USD of debt.

Suddenly shutdown the Wednesday before Xmas!

Suddenly shutdown the Wednesday before Xmas!

Idaho:  In Chubbuck, the local office of temporary employment agency Personnel Plus shutdown without warning just days before Xmas.  Sometime after Xmas a sign was posted saying it was “closed indefinitely”

"Closed indefinitely"

“Closed indefinitely”

 Insiders told me the temp agency suddenly lost all its Pocatello/Chubbuck area ’employer clients’, and that of all the Personnel Plus offices throughout Idaho the Chubbuck (officially, and incorrectly, referred to as their Pocatello) office was the only one that had consistent trouble finding temp work for its employees.   California based clothier GAP shutting down its 15 years old Old Navy store in Twin Falls, in January 2018,  as part of a plan to shutdown 2-hundred stores.   The Huckleberry Jam Festival two day music event will not return for 2018, due to lack of attendance (organizers claim they’ll return when they’ve figured out how to actually make money off it).  One local news outlet pointed out that there were other music events going on around the same time, indicating that maybe there are too many music venues for sparsely populated Idaho.

Illinois: Washington Federal Bank for Savings failed, its assets were turned over to Royal Savings Bank.  In Schaumburg, the Recreational Equipment Inc store shutting down in January 2018, the surprise announcement was made on the company’s website.  In Waukegan, after 40 years Midwest Bicycles and Billiards shutdown, so the owner can retire (and because nobody else in the family wanted to keep the popular business running). In Barrington, after three decades Fresh Flower Market shutdown so the owner can retire.  After six decades Wilmette Jewelers shutting down in January 2018, so the owner can retire.  Luxury department store Lord&Taylor shutting down its Westfield Old Orchard Mall location, 119 jobs gone in April 2018!

Indiana: In Valparaiso, after 42 years Engstrom Jewelers shutdown, the owner saying he is focusing on real estate because “There’s been a lot of consolidation. The strong have grown stronger, and the weak have grown weaker.”  In Zionsville, after 27 years Avalon Jewelers shutting down its brick-n-mortar store to focus on internet sales.  In Muncie, after 42 years Brinkman’s Children’s Shoes shutdown so the owner can retire.  God powerless to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ Saint Vincent de Paul thrift store in South Bend, as part of an new alliance with competitor Goodwill.  Local news media reported that in the 1990s thrift stores raked in huge profits, but in the past ten years thrift store sales have crashed.  The South Bend Saint Vincent and Goodwill joined forces to deal with crashing sales.  You know you’re in a depression when people can’t even afford to go shopping at a second hand store.

Iowa: In Dubuque, unique coffee/beer shop and movie house Mindframe Theaters/Molly’s Silver Screen Canteen shutdown due to the greedy landlord, and crashing movie attendance.  On Facebook the owners of the last independent theater in town said ticket sales are at their lowest point, and the property owner wants a bigger theater chain (which could theoretically pay bigger rent) to take-over the location.   Ohio based Nationwide Insurance suddenly laid off 30 people in Des Moines.  In Iowa City, after four decades the owner of University Camera announced it’ll shutdown by the end of May 2018, saying “The summer was pretty bleak. August and September when students came back, we should have done better. October, things literally fell off the cliff…” and describing the entire U.S. economy as “death by a thousand cuts”.   California based GAP and GAP Kids/babyGAP stores in Valley West Mall shutting down by the end of January 2018, as part of a plan to shutdown 2-hundred stores.

Kansas: In Manhattan, after more than 20 years gift shop Kansas Kollection shutting down when the inventory is gone, so the owners can retire.  California based clothier GAP shutting down its GAP Outlet store in the West Ridge Mall, as part of a plan to shutdown 2-hundred stores.

Louisiana:  California based clothier GAP shutdown its Mall of Louisiana store, as part of a plan to shutdown 2-hundred stores.    Coastal Staffing now chapter 11 bankrupt busted after failing to pay more than 1-hundred temp workers for hurricane relief work in Texas: “I have a one year old daughter at home that has to eat.  That’s why I came here.  I came here to make money and they don’t want to pay me the money that I worked for!”-Meagan Williams

Maine: After 15 years Bart & Greg’s DVD Explosion! shutdown.

Maryland: Beltsville based sport apparel chain Sports Zone Elite now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, despite also selling online (sportszoneelite.com). In Smithsburg, after 136 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Cavetown ACE Home Center shutdown due to being sold to a local competitor, who will move from its current smaller location into the bigger Cavetown location.

Massachusetts: Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Tribal Council suddenly laid off employees working on the new casino project, as well as suddenly shutdown a gaming office, due to lack of funding and massive debts.  What housing market recovery?  Randolph Savings Bank suddenly laid off an undisclosed number of employees in an effort to reduce its mortgage division costs by $1.1-million USD.  Despite declining mortgages the bank claims it is still in growth mode.  The new owner of RadioShack,  Kensington Capital Holdings, shutdown 16 corporate owned stores, leaving only 28 corporate owned stores for 2018.   News reports say more than 1-thousand RadioShack stores shutdown in 2017! 

Minnesota: In Minneapolis, Treehouse Records shutdown, the owner saying he’s ready to “do something else with my life.”

Missouri: In Cape Girardeau, after 72 years Hutson’s Fine Furniture and Mattress shutting down when the inventory is gone. The owners say they’re still figuring out what to do with the property, but it’ll be based on “marketing options”JCPenney shutting down its 70 years old store in the Hampton Village Plaza, by the end of January 2018.  After 17 years Pigg’s Pets shutdown, in the name of ‘progress’, local news media said the owner was responsible for starting the Pacific Police Department’s canine unit.  Gold’s Gym shutdown its 40 years old Westport location in Kansas City, local news media reported that customers suspected it was coming because the gym wasn’t being maintained.

Mississippi: Bed, Bath & Beyond shutting down its store in Meridian, once enough of the inventory is gone, as part of a plan to shutdown 1-hundred stores due to crashing sales.

Nebraska: In Omaha, after 26 years of selling U.S. made art White Crane Gallery shutdown.  After 71 years iconic Canfield’s Sporting Goods suddenly shutdown, the owners gave a list of reasons.

New Jersey: After 35 years Gregory’s Hallmark gift store in Paramus shutting down, the mom-n-pop owners blaming it on a combination of the next door Sears shutting down and on never ending property re-developments (gentrification).  Local news media confirmed that the 1990’s were the Golden Years for U.S. retail as Gregory’s Hallmark alone claimed $2-million in yearly sales!   Bankrupt vulture capitalist REIT owned Toys R Us announced it will shutdown at least 1-hundred stores in 2018 (apparently this does not include the 25 store shutdowns in the United Kingdom), due to a 15% crash in holiday sales.  Heavy construction equipment seller Giles & Ransome eliminating 67 jobs in Hammonton, by February 2018.  France based luxury retailer Louis Vuitton eliminated six jobs in Atlantic City.

New York: Public Service Insurance Company told the state that it is shutting down its NYC office, but gave the date for shutdown as “to be determined” Hutchin Hill Capital-Portfolio Management issued a mass layoff WARN for its NYC office, 121 jobs gone by the end of February 2018!  Warner Music issued a shutdown WARN for its NYC office, a second phase of layoffs in March 2018, with shutdown by September 2018.   California based clothier GAP shutting down its Staten Island Mall store in February 2018, as part of a plan to shutdown 2-hundred stores.  NYC based clothier J.Crew shutting down 39 stores by the end of January 2018, after reporting a $161-million USD loss for the first nine months of 2017 (don’t blame the internet, they have a website).  NIKE issued a shutdown WARN for its massive NYC store, 357 jobs gone by March 2018!   In Waterloo, clothier Tally-Ho Trading Post shutdown due to a failed attempt to sell it.  Kenneth Reeve Apparel announced its shutdown with computer printouts taped to the windows.   After 34 years iconi Skaneateles Furs shutdown so the owner can retire.   Xeno Zero game store suddenly shutdown.  New York LaGuardia Airport Marriott hotel issued a shutdown WARN, 140 jobs gone by February 2018, supposedly due to remodeling!

North Carolina: In Chapel Hill, Grimball Jewelers and Twig both shutdown.  In Greensboro, Mechelle’s Boutique shutting down in January 2018, the owner says she is going “to work less” by focusing on internet sales only.

Ohio: Cosmetics pusher New Avon issued a shutdown WARN for its Springdale product returns ops, 55 jobs gone by March 2018.

Oklahoma: After 109 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Sand Springs Flowers shutting down mid-January 2018, oh but wait! There is a Santa! After news broke out, that the iconic flower shop was shutting down, a Secret Santa stepped up and bought the shop with the promise to keep it open. Turns out the buyer was wanting to own a flower shop for some time.

Oregon: In Portland, Kroger owned Fred Meyer shutting down its store on Southeast Foster and 82nd, by the end of January 2018.  For some reason the Fred Meyer Fuel Center will remain open.  The last Blockbuster in Portland shutdown, local news media said the only reason the brick-n-mortar video store lasted so long is because internet streaming in the area really sucks.

Pennsylvania: After 38 years Carol Schwartz Gallery shutdown so the 75 years old owner can retire.  In New Cumberland, after 78 years West Shore Theatre shutdown.  In Beaver Falls, the manager of a local Dollar Tree reported that the store is being shutdown, no reason was given by corporate.   In Paoli, after 60 years Main Line Electric shutting down, the owners will focus on selling L-E-Ds at a different location.  Embassy Suites Pittsburgh Airport issued a shutdown WARN, 1-hundred jobs gone by February 2018!

South Carolina: In Charleston, after 134 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions, and even a fire which destroyed the building in 1987) clothier Bluestein’s shutting down when the inventory is gone, the owner says the past ten years have been the worst.

South Dakota: In Sioux Falls, Unglued Gift Shop shutting down one of its two stores, in January 2018, due to lack of sales.

Tennessee: ‘Upscale’ ThriftSmart shutting down its Franklin location as soon as the second-hand inventory is gone.  Don’t blame the internet, they have a website ( www.thriftsmart.com).

Texas: Houston based Mattress FIRM announced it will shutdown 2-hundred stores across the U.S., as their leases expire.  One news report said you could figure out which store was being shutdown by looking at the ‘store locator’ on the company’s website.  Houston based retail chain charming CHARLIE now chapter 11 bankrupt busted and will shutdown 1-hundred stores.  Mostyn Law Firm shutdown offices in Austin and Beaumont six days before Xmas, supposedly in connection to the owner’s suicide.  In Lubbock, after 67 years Spears Furniture shutting down in January 2018, the owner lamenting “Everything was locally owned in the ‘50s and’60s….Now very few of them are left anymore.”

Virginia: Furniture seller Schewels shutting down its 120 years old Lynchburg store in January 2018, saying sales didn’t justify having two locations.   In Williamsburg, after 27 years Bassett’s Christmas Shop shutdown, no reason given.  In Roanoke, after 95 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) iconic Sam’s Uniforms suddenly shutdown due to a failed attempt to sell it, employees are shocked.  In Richmond, after more than 40 years W. Hirsch Oriental Rugs shutdown: “Our children are grown. I want to free myself up from retail so I can better assist my family in Puerto Rico, post-Hurricane Maria.”-Sally Irizarry Hirsch

Wisconsin: Big Lots shutting down its Kenosha store once the inventory is gone, no reason given.  New Comfort Furniture and Mattress suddenly shutdown its Cherry Point Mall store, all remaining items were donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

U.S. RETAIL/BANKING/SERVICE SECTOR COLLAPSE, November 2017: “THE DREAM HAS ENDED….THE GOOD GUYS DON’T ALWAYS WIN.”

SEARS KMART DEATH SPIRAL, December 2017

U.S. INDUSTRIAL/MINING/LOGISTICS LAYOFFS, December 2017:  NEVERENDING “BUSINESS SLOWDOWN”

Dumbing Down the U.S.A., December 2017:“GRADUATION WAS TODAY. DOORS ARE CLOSING. LOCKS HAVE BEEN CHANGED.”

U.S. HI-TECH/COMMUNICATIONS BREAKDOWN, December 2017:“IN THE INTERESTS OF SECURITY AND EFFICIENCY”

U.S. government shenanigans, December 2017:“IT’S NOT JUST A ONE-YEAR BLIP…DECLINES CONTINUE TO GET BIGGER…”

U.S. food crisis, December 2017:  “WE GAVE IT A SHOT, IT JUST DIDN’T WORK.” “WE’RE LITERALLY WORKING FOR NOTHING.”

ObamaCare ACA death spiral, December 2017:“THE REALITY OF OUR INDUSTRY’S ECONOMICS: FLAT OR DECLINING GOVERNMENT REIMBURSEMENT RATES COUPLED WITH RISING COSTS.”

GREAT RENEGER: OFF-SHORING OF U.S. JOBS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL INVESTOR MORALE IMPROVES!

DESTROY U.S. DOLLAR: U.S. PUPPET MASTER ISRAEL TO CREATE DIGITAL MONEY! Bans cash?

Neverending “business slowdown”: U.S. Industrial/Mining/Logistics layoffs, December 2017

Incomplete list of U.S. Mining/Industrial/Logistics job loss/shutdown announcements made in December 2017.

 California: Alstyle Apparels shutting down its Anaheim Distribution Center, 81 jobs gone by February 2018.  Taxsucking Northrop Grumman issued layoff WARNs, 133 jobs gone by February 2018!  Taxsucking Chemring Energetic Devices suddenly shutdown its operations in Torrance, 63 jobs gone.  Toy maker Mattel suddenly laid off 70 people in El Segundo. Logistics company Kalstar eliminating 44 jobs in Oxnard by the end of January 2018.  Los Angeles based wood fiber products company Rentech now chapter 11 bankrupt busted and selling off its Fulghum Fibres and New England Wood Pellet operations.  Oil giant Chevron issued a mass layoff WARN for its  San Joaquin Valley Business Unit, 3-hundred jobs gone between now and the end of 2018!  Packaging company WestRock Converting issued a shutdown WARN for its Moreno Valley operations, 76 jobs gone by the end of February 2018.  What automotive industry recovery?  Zodiac Seats killing more jobs, this time 76 jobs gone as it shuts down its operations in Rancho Cucamonga.

Colorado: Fort Collins based bicycle maker Niner Bikes now chapter 11 bankruptcy busted and for sale.  Administrators said the bankruptcy was the “cleanest and fastest” way to sell the company.

Connecticut: Petroleum company Noble Americas Corporation issued a WARN saying at least 84 people lost their jobs after Xmas, due to the company’s sale to Switzerland based Vitol.  God powerless to stop ‘his’ Knights of Columbus from shutting down their printing operations in New Haven, 36 ‘christian’ jobs lost to outsourcing.

Florida: Gulf Power Company warning of an as-yet-to-be-determined number of layoffs due to ‘corporate realignment’.

Illinois: Plastic packaging company Bemis eliminating 52 jobs by the end of March 2018.  Saint Mary’s Cement eliminating 41 jobs in January 2018, due to “business slowdown”.

Indiana: What automotive industry recovery?  Auto interior parts maker Janesville Acoustics shutting down its factory in Richmond by August 2018, layoffs begin in February.

Iowa: DuPont Pioneer suddenly laid off an undisclosed number of employees, as a result of the DuPont-Dow Chemical merger.  Local news media reminded taxpayers that state leaders gave DuPont $17-million USD as an incentive to maintain 2-thousand-6-hundred jobs in the state.

Kentucky: CLARCOR shutting down an air filter factory, 120 jobs gone by February 2018 due to production being moved to Indiana!

Michigan:  What automotive industry recovery? Ford continues eliminating U.S. jobs this time by demanding 150 Michigan factory workers accept bribes to voluntarily quit (buyouts), blaming it on a surplus of vehicles (lack of U.S. sales)!

Minnesota: 3M shutting down its filter factory in Eagan as part of a global plan to exit the filtration market, 150 Minnesota jobs, and 430 jobs elsewhere, gone by the end of 2018!

New York:  News reports say California based Sanmina is killing more than 161 jobs at its factory in Owego, by March 2018 due to “…current demand levels.”  ReEnergy wood-chip fired power plant in Lyonsdale shutting down due to the expiration of its contract with New York State Energy and Research Development Authority.

North Carolina: Schizophrenic HAECO Americas announced it is laying off an undisclosed number of people at its aircraft interior (Cabin Solutions) factories, yet at the same time claims its opening a new operation that will employ 5-hundred people.

Ohio: After more than 1-hundred years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Union Metal shutting down, eliminating at least 339 jobs starting the week before Xmas and running through 2018!  Technical Consumer Products issued a WARN, 34 jobs gone in February 2018 due to a merger.  What automotive industry recovery?  Findlay based Cooper Tire suddenly laid off 80 people due to crashing U.S. sales of tires.   Administrators said global sales are up.  Autolite Spark Plug shutting down its factory in Fostoria, the remaining 62 jobs gone by mid-2018.  Local news media reported that in the 1990s the spark-plug factory employed 1-thousand people!

Pennsylvania: Packaging company D&W Fine Pack issued a shutdown WARN for its Hatfield ops, 180 jobs gone by March 2018!

South Dakota: Ohio based wind turbine blade maker Molded Fiber Glass Companies shutting down its factory in Aberdeen, 4-hundred jobs gone by February 2018!

Texas: Petroleum company Noble Americas Corporation issued a WARN saying at least 67 people lost their jobs after Xmas, due to the company’s sale to Switzerland based Vitol.  Cobalt International Energy now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.

Virginia:  Merrifield based Aero-X Golf-Polara Golf now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Mining/Industrial/Logistics layoffs, November 2017: “OUR EFFORT TO FIND A FINANCIAL FUTURE…HAS NOT SUCCEEDED.”

103+ new store shutdowns announced! Sears Kmart death spiral, January 2018

Sears Holdings ends the month of January by suddenly laying off 220 corporate level employees!

KUTV 2News: Sears takes woman’s money for new appliances then shuts down without delivering! 

PRNewswire: Sears Holdings now begging investors to buy its ‘distressed debt’!

Times Colonist: Sears Canada under investigation for massive dividend payout 

KSDK: Kmart being sued for failing to pay for 19 HVAC units in Missouri 

To start off the New Year, Sears Holdings just sold-off its Pompano Beach, Florida, store for $11.75-million USD.

The 190-thousand square feet store is, apparently, still operating.  There are reports the huge Sears store and Auto Center will be chopped up into smaller retail spaces.   It was bought by the owner of the Pompano Citi Centre mall, Sterling Organization (which bought the mall in 2012).

It was also revealed that in 2017 Sears Holdings sold 235 active Sears and Kmart stores to its evil spawn Seritage Growth Properties, for the purpose of ‘redeveloping’ those properties.

Now add at least 103 store shutdown announcements for 2018! 64 Kmart stores and 39 Sears stores will shutdown between the end of January and the end of April.

Don’t say it’s the decline of brick-n-mortar stores a the hands of the internet, as many local news media report that several soon to be vacant Sears locations have already lined up new brick-n-mortar stores, or have been sold-off to REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) groups who have big plans to change the way you shop at brick-n-mortars.  In other words, dying Sears and Kmarts (and other big name chain stores) are being replaced with even more stores.

Alaska: Anchorage Sears (67 jobs gone).

Arizona: Tolleson Kmart, 27 years old Show Low Kmart (54 jobs gone by April).

Arkansas: Cabot Kmart.

California:  Ontario Kmart (79 jobs gone), Redding Kmart (72 jobs gone), Cudahy Kmart (117 jobs gone), plus two other Kmart locations! Westminster Sears (88 jobs gone), Brea Sears (72 jobs gone), Valencia Sears (67 jobs gone), San Jose Sears (76 jobs gone), plus three other Sears locations!  Local news media in the Bakersfield area report that the shutdown of the Taft Kmart “will have a major impact on the small community”Apparently the Taft Kmart is THE main source of local tax revenue, and jobs, for Taft.

Colorado: Colorado Springs Kmart on North Nevada Street.

Delaware: The 54 years old Sears store and Auto Center in Wilmington.

Florida: Brandon Kmart (85 jobs gone), Ocala Kmart (64 jobs gone), plus one other Kmart.   Boca Raton Sears store and Auto Center (82 jobs gone).

Georgia: Three Kmarts.  Centerville Sears.

Idaho: Twin Falls Sears, Coeur d’Alene Sears.

Iowa: Red Oak Kmart. Urbandale (Des Moines) Kmart (59 jobs gone by April).  Waterloo Sears. 

Illinois: Three Kmarts. Three Sears locations.

Indiana: Indianapolis Kmart on East Thompson Road (44 jobs gone), Bloomington Kmart.  Evansville Sears Auto Center.

Kansas: Wichita Kmart on South Broadway Street, Paducah Kmart.

Louisiana: Mandeville Kmart.

Maine: Bangor Sears.

Maryland: Crofton Kmart, Salisbury Kmart.  Oops, Sears filed a shutdown WARN for its Westfield Montgomery Mall store, then suddenly retracted it saying it was a mistake. The WARN said 73 people would be laid off in March, but news reports say Sears Holdings claims to have signed a new lease. It should be noted that the British empire Australia based owners of the mall, Westfield Group, is selling its U.S. commercial properties to European based Unibail-Rodamco, which plans on redeveloping those properties. 

Massachusetts: Burlington Sears on Middlesex Turnpike.

Michigan: Richmond Kmart, Greenville Kmart.  Sears Holdings sold its partially vacant Kmart building in Jackson, however, the sale is forcing the Auto Lab auto repair shop (which was still leasing space in the building) to shutdown. 

Montana: Helena Kmart, Butte Kmart.

Nevada: Las Vegas Kmart, North Las Vegas Kmart.

New Hampshire: Rochester Kmart.

New Jersey: Toms River Sears.

New Mexico: Raton Kmart, Tucumcari Kmart.

New York: Plattsburgh Kmart (67 jobs gone by April).  Hicksville Sears store and Auto Center (200 jobs gone), Kingston Sears store (42 jobs gone).

North Carolina: Five Kmarts.

North Dakota: Devils Lake Kmart.  Bismarck Sears.

Ohio: Warren Kmart (more than 133 jobs gone by April).  Local news media confirmed that the Cambridge Kmart is shutting down in April (88 jobs gone), despite it not being on the official shutdown list.

Oklahoma: Enid Kmart.

Oregon: Portland Sears, Springfield Sears.

Pennsylvania: Franklin Kmart (79 jobs gone), Philadelphia Kmart on Aramingo Avenue (52 jobs gone), plus eight other Kmarts!  Philadelphia Sears on Bustleton Avenue (103 jobs gone), plus two other Sears locations.

South Dakota: Rapid City Sears.

Tennessee: Three Kmarts.

Texas: Portland Kmart.  Three Sears locations.

Utah: Ogden Sears.

Vermont: Rutland Kmart.

Virginia: In Richmond the Kmart on Nine Mile Road shutdown this month.

Washington: Chehalis Kmart.  Three Sears locations.

West Virginia: Three Kmarts.

Wisconsin: Green Bay Sears (43 jobs gone), Brookfield Sears (59 jobs gone).

SEARS KMART DEATH SPIRAL, DECEMBER 2017 (list of shutdowns since 2011): “THE LAST THING WE WANT TO SEE IS THE MALL FAIL AND THIS THING GO SOUTH!”