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

Hurricane Harvey shutdown 31% of fuel refineries in the United States, retail prices for fuel in the eastern half of the U.S. expected to skyrocket.  Refined fuel originally destined for Europe is being diverted to the east coast of the U.S.

RTTNews: U.S. New Home Sales Unexpectedly Plunge 9.4% In July

Pasadena Star-News: Just wait; it’s going to get worse, said Victor Sahn, a bankruptcy attorney…..“I think we’ll continue to see extreme pressure and more failures of second- and third-tier malls. These vacancies are setting the stage for a possible real estate industry correction or crash. If there is a downturn … I really think it will be Armageddon.”

PBS Newshour: Can online shopping absorb traditional retail workers?

Moody’s Investor Service revealed what I’ve been saying for years; internet retail is highly overrated.  In fact, so called retail giant Amazon is not a giant at all, accounting for only 10% of all U.S. retail sales!  Walmart and Costco are still the retail kings.

Please note the number of mom-n-pop brick-n-mortar shops that announced their shutdowns on social media.

Alaska: PenAir now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, then suddenly canceled all Pacific Northwest flights.

 California: According to Statista The Golden State leads the country in most bankruptcy filings, going by court records from June 2016 to June 2017.   In Tehachapi, hardware store Henry’s Home for Less shutting down after 25 years so the owner can work for the Together Men’s Ministry.  Electronics retailer Best Buy shutting down its store in Auburn, in time for Halloween.  In Reseda, after 57 years local arts supporter Continental Art Supplies shutdown so the owner can retire.  Meridian Sports Clubs California issued a shutdown WARN for its Los Angeles location, 65 jobs gone by the end of September.  In Riverbank, after 70 years men’s clothier Landon’s shutdown so the owner could return to farming before officially retiring.  RMR Financial shutting down its Los Gatos office in time for Halloween.  FedEx Cross Border halting ops in Carson, by Halloween.  What automotive industry recovery?  Euromotors Concord-Audi shutting down its operations in Concord,83 jobs gone by Halloween.

Colorado: In Sterling, Famous Footwear shutting down its store in the High Plains Shopping Center, by mid-September.

Connecticut: Too Big to Jail British empire based Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) issued yet another layoff WARN, this time ten people in Stamford unemployed in time for Halloween.  In Enfield, garden center L.R. Hawthorne and Son (Hawthorne’s Agway) announced on Facebook “Unfortunately it’s not good news. I’m sorry to say that after 50 plus years Hawthorne’s Agway will be closing its doors for good at the end of August.”  Local news media revealed the garden center was sold to a corporation based in Massachusetts.   In Wilton, after 29 years DeLuca Hardware shutdown: “We had wished someone else would’ve taken it over. It didn’t work out that way, but that’s OK, and now we’re going to have a close out.”-Juliano DeLuca

Florida:  Sunrise based smelly retailer Perfumania went chapter 11 bankrupt and is shutting down 64 stores.  Ritz Ybor chapter 7 bankrupt dead, the live music venue now has a new owner.

Hawaii:  What automotive industry recovery?  After 74 years auto-shop Saiki Motors shutdown, the owner saying he wants to retire while he still can: “Since I can still walk and all that, I want to travel.”-Albert Saiki

Chubbuck, Idaho, Walmart blames skyrocketing crime for halting 24 hours operations!

Idaho: The Walmart in Chubbuck has joined other Walmarts around the U.S. in ceasing its 24 hours of being open to the public.  This comes after months of using contracted security guards to try and stop skyrocketing shoplifting.  They were able to stop the theft of about $20-thousand USD worth of merchandise in just one week.  But even recent transplant to Chubbuck, Nancy Hurley, says crime has skyrocketed in the tiny (about 14-thousand people according to recent Census Bureau data, down from 18-thousand in late 1990s) east Idaho city: “When we first moved here about 12 years ago, there seemed to be very little crime, but now it’s really picked up with the drugs and the shoplifting and stuff, so it is concerning.”-interviewed by KPVI

Related: CHUBBUCK WALMART QUIETLY SETTLES DISCRIMINATION LAWSUITS! MORMON MANAGERS ACCUSED OF EMPLOYING WHIPPING BOYS?

Bye bye, Pocatello Meineke!

Blind Bat News reader ‘Catherine’ discovered the less than three years old Meineke auto repair shop, near the Westwood Mall in Pocatello, secretly shutdown.  Just ten months ago a local news paper declared the Meineke repair shop “ranked among the best performing franchises in the nation” with the “seventh best net sales-volume in the nation.”   ‘Catherine’ reported there was a note taped to the door apologizing for the sudden shutdown, but no reason for it was given.   In the sparsely populated town of Oldtown, after 23 years Ben Franklin Variety (formerly known as Sprouse-Reitz prior to the 1990s) shutdown.  The now former store manager told local news media their busiest day was the last day of business.  Clothier Filson issued a shutdown WARN for its store in Post Falls, 45 jobs gone by the end of October.

Illinois: Hard Rock Hotel Chicago issued a shutdown WARN, 184 jobs gone by Thanksgiving!  Northbrook based Allstate suddenly laid off 5-hundred claims adjusters across the U.S. as part of a new plan to basically let customers ‘do-it-themselves’! Iconic Oak Brooke based Ace Hardware has been shutting down brick-n-mortar stores due to lack of sales, but for its second quarter of 2017 Ace Hardware reported an amazing 61% increase in online sales.  But in seeming contradiction to its brick-n-mortar shutdowns, Ace Hardware also admitted that 93% of online orders are actually picked up at one of its brick-n-mortar stores!  In Monticello, after 21 years Pearls and More Jewelry announced on Facebook it is shutting down, partly due to “…the financial situation.”  What automotive industry recovery?  Auto parts shop Carquest shutting down its 40 years old Joilet location.  Local news media reported the store was a privately owned auto parts store until 2001 when it was taken over by Carquest, then in 2013 Advance Auto Parts took over the Carquest-General Parts corporation.   In Wheaton, after 47 years Tom’s Service Station shutdown, the owner sold out to a property developer.

Indiana: In Muncie, after 31 years The Towne Boutique suddenly shutdown due to the poor health of the owner.

Iowa:  What housing market recovery? California based Too BIg to Jail Wells Fargo continues killing jobs, this time 40 Home Mortgage employees in Des Moines laid off.  JCPenney issued a shutdown WARN for its Fort Dodge store, 52 jobs gone in time for Halloween.

Kansas: In Salina, Dillard’s shutting down its Central Mall store in time for Xmas blaming “Performance….as well as many other things.”

Kentucky: In Louisville, after 65 years J Carlton Knotts Shoes announced on Facebook that  “J Carlton Knotts Shoes will be closing at the end of August.”

Louisiana: In Lafayette, after 58 years Cal’s Western Store shutdown.

Maryland: What housing market recovery?  First Potomac Realty Trust issued a layoff WARN, 72 jobs gone by October as a result of being taken over by Government Properties Income Trust.

Massachusetts:  After almost five decades Newton Yellow Cab shutdown.  Ignorant local news media tried to blame Uber and social media, however, employees said local government regulations are what finally killed off the taxi company.

Michigan: In Cheboygan, after 30 years women’s clothier Billies shutdown with the owner saying “For 15 years I didn’t have a day off, I didn’t have a vacation.”  In Lansing, after 77 years Hazen Lumber shutdown.  In Bridgeport,  after 23 years hobby shop Junction Valley Railroad announced on Facebook “Due to declining sales, we are being forced to close the Hobby Shop Doors! 
Our final day open will be October 31, 2017!”

Minnesota: In Saint Paul, after more than five decades the Midway Pro Bowl shutting down due to the lease being ended early, in fact all the businesses in the Midway shopping center shutting down and being replaced by a 20-thousand seat soccer (football) stadium!

Missouri: In Columbia, after 21 years Tucker’s Fine Jewelry shutting down due to the owner not wanting to renew the lease.

Nebraska:  In Kearney, after 22 years Wilke True Value hardware shutting down when the inventory is gone.

Nevada: Goodwill of Southern Nevada now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.

New Hampshire:  ‘Christian’ founded Sam’s Club suddenly shutdown its membership warehouse store in Manchester, 130 jobs gone!  Local news media reported it was a shock to employees and dues paying customers.

New Jersey: Command Security eliminated 113 jobs! 

New York: In Merchanicville, after 70 years DiSiena Furniture shutting down in time for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday season, due to “personal reasons”.  In East Rochester, after 50 years video store Hyatt’s shutdown.  What automotive industry recovery?  Arroway Chevrolet shutting down its Mount Kisco dealership, 80 jobs gone by the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving. At JFK Airport, TPS Parking Management-The Parking Spot shutting down, 71 jobs gone between November 2017 and January 2018.  Elitist River Club of New York issued a shutdown WARN, 60 jobs gone in time for Thanksgiving.   Lion Re:Sources eliminating 154 jobs by Xmas!

North Carolina: Branch Banking And Trust (BB&T) shutting down its office in Fallston, in time for Xmas.  Safety Express Courier Service went chapter 7 bankrupt.  Mooresville based Lowe’s suddenly announced it will eliminate all in-house delivery driver jobs across the U.S. as part of a plan to outsource jobs!  Since October 2016, Lowe’s has already outsourced more than 3-thousand-1-hundred jobs! 

Ohio: Cincinnati based Macy’s hired a former ebay executive and ramped up job killing, this time 1-hundred merchandising employees getting the axe!  In January, Macy’s announced it was skyrocketing layoffs to 10-thousand, about 6-thousand more than what was announced in 2016!  Direct marketing company Suarez Corporation Industries now chapter 11 bankrupt busted blaming the 2008 recession, and then in 2014 the owner got caught breaking a federal law (witness tampering).  Since then the owner spent money trying to appeal the conviction and now realizes there is not enough money to cover “…costs to do….direct mail and online advertisements.”  More proof the ‘Vinyl Come-Back’ is a lie, in Athens, after 40 years Haffa’s Records shutting down in September, blaming “the way people absorb media these days”.

Pennsylvania:  In State College, after 41 years Kranich’s Jewelers shutting down when the inventory is gone.

Tennessee: In Morristown, after 53 years clothier Kathryn’s shutdown, local news media pointed out that even back in the 1960s-70s people thought women’s dresses were too expensive, at only $17.99 full retail!

Texas: Preliminary estimates say Hurricane Harvey wiped out at least 40-thousand homes, and that’s just in the city of Houston.  Many homeowners did not live in flood zones and so did not have flood insurance.  Mortgage companies are now threatened as many homeowners who don’t have flood insurance will stop making payments on their home loans.  

Utah: In Provo, after 53 years laundromat Wash Hut shutdown, sold-off to a property developer.

Vermont: In Rutland, after only two years at its Diamond Run Mall location LaFlamme’s Furniture Mall shutdown due to high operating costs.  Local news media said the furniture store moved into a vacated JCPenney space in 2015.  In Burlington, after four years clothier Spellbound forced to shutdown by rent of more than $6-thousand-5-hundred per month, plus insurance and utilities of about $1-thousand-5-hundred per month!  Also in Burlington, clothiers The North Face, The Fitting Curve and Lole shutdown, with similar complaints!  Local news media say local administrators blame the high cost of rent and insurance on skyrocketing crime.  A local property manager told local news media “Personally I’ve never seen so many spaces open.”

Virginia: In White Hall, after 131 years Wyant’s Store shutdown.  In Falls Church, after only two years The Gun Dude shutdown, the announcement was made on its website. In Powhatan, after 20 years successful frame shop Complete Picture shutdown, the owner explaining “I want to concentrate on my art.”

Washington: Too Big to Jail California based Wells Fargo issued a shutdown WARN for its Vancouver ops, 72 jobs gone in October.  Adult’ chain-store Peekay now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, blamed on massive debts incurred while buying-out competitors and on becoming a publicly traded company in 2015.  In Spokane, after 20 years Replay Music shutdown, the owner saying “…the most challenging was when the economy took a dip in ’08 and it never really seemed to recover…”   After 23 years Vintage Rabbit Antique Mall forced to shutdown due to a city of Spokane road construction project: “I really feel like the city killed my business.”-Jan Richart

Wisconsin: In Wisconsin Dells, after 23 years All-Time Sports shutdown with the building sold to another local business, so the owners can retire.  In Madison, game/toy store Woops! shutting down in September, the owner says she is struggling to balance family and work.  In Ashland, after more than 40 years the Elle Stevens Hallmark Store shutdown.

U.S. RETAIL/BANKING/SERVICE SECTOR COLLAPSE, JULY 2017: “SHIT’S BLEAK….” “I’M JUST GETTING OUT OF THIS BEFORE I’M FORCED OUT!”

SEARS KMART DEATH SPIRAL, August 2017: “A SWEEPING REDEVELOPMENT”

U.S. INDUSTRIAL/MINING/LOGISTICS LAYOFFS, August 2017: “GUT-WRENCHING DECISIONS”

Dumbing Down the U.S.A., August 2017: “WE MOVED QUICKLY AND QUIETLY.”

U.S. HI-TECH/COMMUNICATIONS BREAKDOWN, August 2017: “WE HAVE TOO MANY PEOPLE”

U.S. government shenanigans, August 2017: “EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY”

U.S. food crisis, August 2017: “HISTORIC LACK OF PATRONAGE”

ObamaCare ACA death spiral, August 2017: “HAS OUTLIVED ITS USEFUL LIFE”

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

BARBARIANS SACKING ROME: FOREIGN LANDLORDS NOW CONTROL THE ‘AMERICAN’ DREAM!

GREAT RENEGER: TRUMP ALLOWS 15,000 MORE LEGAL MIGRANTS INTO U.S.!

Arkansas: Christian founded Bentonville based Walmart suddenly laid off an undisclosed number of HQ employees in the name of “creating efficiencies”.  In Keo, after 50 years Morris Antiques announced on Facebook they shutdown.

 California:  In Fresno, mini-golf joint Boomers shutdown because “We lost our lease”.  In Newport Beach, after seven decades Bay Arcade shutdown by new owners who’re spending millions to turn it into a donut shop.  San Francisco based Too Big to Jail Wells Fargo laying off 70 executives as part of a bigger plan to eliminate thousands of jobs across the U.S.  Too Big to Jail Bank of America shutting down its offices in Lakeport and Ukiah in November.  In San Ramon, Bank of the West eliminating 54 jobs by mid-September.  San Francisco based clothier Gymboree announced the shutdown of 350 stores across the U.S., thousands of jobs lost, click here to see the list.  Vernon based True Religion Apparel now chapter 11 bankrupt busted blaming crashing sales, at least 27 stores across the U.S. shutting down.  Clothier BCBG Max Azria issued a mass layoff WARN for its Vernon ops, 492 jobs gone by September (don’t blame the internet, they offer free shipping on their website)!    Interviewing Service of America issued a shutdown WARN for its Alhambra ops, 66 jobs gone by mid-September.  The Ritz-Carlton shutting down its location in Half Moon Bay by mid-September.  Build-A-Bear Workshop issued a shutdown WARN for its Anaheim location, 99 jobs gone by mid-September.   Ebisu Marketing-Hotei Marketing issued a shutdown WARN for its Los Angeles operations, 116 jobs gone by September!   Sports marketing company Competitor Group couldn’t compete and issued a shutdown WARN for its San Diego ops, 145 jobs gone in November!

Colorado: In Sterling, JCPenney shutdown its store in the High Plains Shopping Center.  Payless Shoesource also shutdown a store in Sterling, along with two other Payless stores across the state.

Connecticut: In Unionville, after 143 years (!) Parsons Paint & Hardware shutdown, the family owners blaming it on “hardware burnout”.  British empire based Too Big to Jail RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) issued yet another layoff WARN, this time 23 jobs gone in September.

Florida:   More than 80 years old formal wear retailer Alfred Angelo went chapter 11 bankrupt busted and shutdown all its stores across the U.S. without warning, pissing off thousands of customers waiting for paid orders to be filled!  In Daytona Beach, after 59 years the last local bowling alley Bellair Lanes shutdown.  PHH Mortgage Corporation eliminating 15 jobs in Jacksonville by October.  British empire based Too Big to Jail HSBC issued a shutdown WARN for its ops in Brandon, 197 people laid off on top of the 357 laid off in April!  Outdoors store Gander Mountain eliminating 119 jobs by the end of August!

Hawaii: In Pearl City, Pictures Plus Interiors shutting down in August.

No more “well loved by customers” pawn shop on Yellowstone Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho.

Idaho: It was discovered that 50 years old, ‘well loved by customers’ (according to Facebook postings) Shamrock Rare Coins (aka Amy’s Shamrock Coins) pawn shop secretly shutdown, even the official website is offline.   Mitt Romney co-founded wunderkind Staples announced it will shutdown its Pocatello store in August, falsely blaming “customers” for shopping online.

Illinois: What housing market recovery?  In Bridgeview, after 40 years Advantage Carpets Plus Colortile shutdown, the owner says he is only semi-retiring because his wife doesn’t want him to fully retire.  In Chicago, after more than ten years Permanent Records shutting down so the owners can focus on their newer operations in California.  Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino laid off 20 people due to crashing revenue.  In Hinsdale, after 53 years York Barber Shop shutdown, the owners complained “There’s too much competition. It used to be there were barbershops and beauty shops and that was it. There weren’t all these unisex places.”  

Iowa: In Waterloo, after 104 years (!) Robin’s Surplus shutting down in September: “….we’ve been gradually decreasing in business over the last 10 years. We’ve noticed the decline, based on internet sales. I even polled my kids and asked where the bought all the Christmas stuff and the bought it on the internet.”-Gary Ritter, co-owner

Kansas: In Parsons, after four decades Sullivan Furniture shutdown due to family health problems.  After only two years in the Wichita Mall clothing store Foggy Bottom shutdown, no reason given.

Louisiana: In Lafayette, after 15 years flower shop The Gardenaire shutdown, the owners will focus on wholesale saying “We just can’t compete….People don’t come in like they used to. It’s just changing times.” 

Maryland: Laurel based Rent-A-Wreck of America now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, blaming it on a never ending lawsuit with the company’s founder.  In Hagerstown, Bon-Ton shutting down when the lease expires, 55 jobs lost by February 2018.  After 32 years non-profit arts & crafts operation Baltimore Clayworks went chapter 7 bankrupt and shutdown after a deal to sell the financially struggling operation fell through. In Havre de Grace, Stirling Bridge Jewelry and Gifts shutting down, saying on Facebook “For a variety of reasons, foremost being the rapid decline of business in downtown Havre de Grace and the mass exit of numerous other businesses during this last year, Stirling Bridge Jewelry & Gifts will be relocating to Delaware….”  First Potomac Realty Trust issued WARNs for two locations, 72 jobs gone by October.

Massachusetts: Boston based Too Big to Jail Fidelity Investments continues killing jobs, this time hundreds of employees were suddenly laid off!  It was also reported that Fidelity Investments  bribed (buyouts) 1-thousand-5-hundred employees to quit! Boston based shoe and clothing retailer Nader-The Tannery now chapter 7 bankrupt busted.

Michigan: In Detroit, after 124 years (!) the country’s oldest hat retailer Henry the Hatter shutting down due to a greedy landlord.

Minnesota: In Red Wing, after 27 years Al’s Antique Mall shutdown, the owner saying “The whole customer has changed and it’s a new generation. What you once thought was rare is now on ebay.”  In Granite Falls, after 38 years Willie’s Corner Store shutting down in August because nobody wanted to buy it: “This was very disappointing to think that no one wants to continue what you have been doing for years to keep Willies alive.”-Penny Krogstad, co-owner

Montana: In Great Falls, after more than 25 years Hobby Land shutdown, the owner said she was ready to retire.

Nebraska: In Lincoln, Bishop Heights True Value hardware store shutting down, saying on Facebook the store “just (does) not have the sales we need to continue operating.” 

New Hampshire: In Dover, after only four years, and even moving to a newer location with cheaper rent/utilities, Spun Records shutting down in August due to lack of sales.  I guess all that main stream news media (fake news) hype about records making a comeback was just hype.

New Mexico: In Albuquerque, after 34 years Grandma’s Music and Sound shutdown, the owners told local news media the risks of retail now outweigh the rewards.

New York: At JFK Airport, Command Security lost its contract with FedEx, 46 jobs gone by the end of August.   Also at JFK, DAL Global lost its contract with Virgin Airways, 49 jobs gone by the end of October.  Courtyard by Marriott LaGuardia Hotel shutting down, 144 jobs gone by October!  Commercial bank contractor Gannett National Shared Services eliminating 31 jobs by the end of October.  Conduent Business Services eliminating 59 jobs by the end of September.  In Brooklyn-NYC, after more than seven years hangout joint The Rock Shop shutdown, the manager saying “Rent’s too high, taxes are too high. Too much development happening on Fourth Avenue!”  In Rochester, after 29 years Lakeshore Record Exchange shutting down in September, the owner says more people listen to music than ever before, just not in the format he sells.  Sports venue Yard Sports Village-Warwick Yard now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  In Buffalo, after 25 years clothier Urban Leisure and Luxury shutting down by the end of August because the owners want out of the retail industry.  In Pearl River, after more than 60 years Mel’s Army-Navy Center shutdown due to the owner not finding a buyer: “People don’t want to get into the retail industry anymore. The store was doing fine, but no one was really looking to take it over.”-Chris Frawley, owner

North Carolina: High Point based Dynamic International Airways now chapter 11 bankrupt busted due to lawsuits.  Non-profit animal rescue op Duke’s Animal Haven shutdown “Due to circumstances beyond our control…….effective immediately.”   In Chapel Hill, DSI Comedy Theater shutting down by the end of August, due to the owner being accused (but never charged) of sex crimes.  In Washington, after four years The Blue Crab Monograms and Gifts shutdown because the owner got a job as a high school teacher.

Ohio:  In Painesville, after 23 years Grande Designs Floral shutdown officially so the owner can retire, but local news media discovered the store, and inventory, is now “bank owned” and for sale.  In Kettering, after 39 years clothing store Elan shutdown due to family health problems.  In Fostoria, after 25 years Steinacker & Sons Ace Hardware shutdown, the owners lamenting “Unfortunately, we just couldn’t keep it going.”

Oregon: In Portland, after 15 years Newspace Center for Photography suddenly shutdown due to the discovery that the non-profit art gallery was broke!  After five years the Action/Adventure Theatre shutdown saying “It’s become increasingly difficult for small arts spaces like ours to survive in Portland and while we are heartbroken that this city has to lose yet another venue, we can no longer shoulder the financial burden of maintaining our theater.”  A writer for The Portland Mercury reacted to the sudden shutdowns of two art venues by saying “Shit’s bleak, you guys.” 

Pennsylvania: Stauffers of Kissel Hill shutdown its 53 years old shop in Oregon Pike saying it was too small to compete with big-box.  In Pittsburgh, baby furniture store Good Night Baby shutdown without warning, the owner told a local news TV channel that he was on vacation, however, a note taped to the door stated the store was closed due to “market conditions”.  Local news media reported dozens of customers were still waiting for orders that they already paid for.   In Philadelphia, after 52 years Snyderman-Works Galleries sold-off and shutting down so the owners can retire.  In Erie, after 55 years Fisher Jewelers shutting down when the inventory is gone.  Silver Creek County Club shutting down by September.

Texas:  Katy based Academy Sports & Outdoors suddenly laid off 1-hundred people, blaming it on “the changing needs of our customers”!  Stage Stores shutting down its 47 years old Bealls store in Corpus Christi, in September, because of the greedy landlord (Trademark Properties).  In Brownsville, after 110 years (!) R.H. Lackner’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts shutting down, the owners blaming declining customers from Mexico: “The Mexican business has been a factor. It used to represent about half our business. I don’t see it coming back.”-Bobby Lackner

Virginia: In Danville, after 71 years M&M Furniture shutdown so the owner could retire.  In Waynesboro, after 30 years Valley Framing Studio and Gallery shutdown, the owner saying “It’s about time to enjoy life…”   Nordstrom shutting down its 15 years old store in Dulles Town Center because “…we feel we can serve our customers better at our other area stores and online.”

Wisconsin:  In Wauwatosa, after 93 years Daly’s Pen Shop  shutdown with the owner warning other mom&pop retailers by saying “I’m just getting out of this before I’m forced out!”  In the same city Bartz’s party store suddenly shutdown as part of a corporate plan to shift to online sales only.

U.S. RETAIL/BANKING/SERVICE SECTOR COLLAPSE, JUNE 2017: “WE HAVE A STORE CLOSURE INITIATIVE”, “RETAIL IS PRETTY MUCH GONE!”

SEARS KMART DEATH SPIRAL, JULY 2017: “WHERE DID ALL THIS MONEY GO?” “THAT’S THE END OF THE GAME.”

U.S. INDUSTRIAL/MINING/LOGISTICS LAYOFFS, JULY 2017: “BUSINESS HAD DECLINED SINCE 2008″

Dumbing Down the U.S.A., July 2017: “OF ALL THE MONEY WE SPEND ON EDUCATION, LESS THAN 32% GOES TO TEACHERS.”

U.S. HI-TECH/COMMUNICATIONS BREAKDOWN, JULY 2017: “EVERYONE IS SHELL-SHOCKED!” 61% CRASH IN PROFITS!  

U.S. government shenanigans, July 2017: “THEY GAVE ME NO REASON FOR CLOSING IT”

U.S. food crisis, July 2017: “WE ARE CLOSING……WE HAVE NO CHOICE”

ObamaCare ACA death spiral, July 2017: 250-THOUSAND JOBS KILLED! “REGRETTABLY, THERE IS NO END IN SIGHT”

OBAMA LEGACY: DEATH OF ‘OUTDOORS’ STORES, AND DON’T BLAME THE INTERNET!

OBAMA LEGACY: U.S. APPAREL INDUSTRY DEATH-SPIRAL “I HAVE NO CLUE. IT JUST DOESN’T SEEM TO BE WORKING…”

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

Don’t blame the internet: “A lot of the smaller retailers are struggling and the whole retail industry is configuring itself differently these days. It’s not just happening to smaller businesses, it’s happening to larger ones, too. New factors are coming in. How do I pay for my product, it’s not just money anymore and it’s not just a credit card. The consumers have a whole bunch of different choices that go beyond the product and I think small businesses are in a position where they’ve got to react to that.”-Thomas Abbott, Business Administration/International Business at Post University, Connecticut

Alabama: In Athens, after 56 years Collins Supply shutdown due to the heirs not being interested in running the family business.  In Tuscaloosa, after 65 years Barton’s Nursery & Gifts shutdown, the family landscaping business will continue.  In Jasper after 54 years Bull Building Supply shutdown, the owners blaming health problems and no family heirs to take over the business.

 California: Cost Plus World Market shutting down its San Diego store on 4th Avenue by the end of June, local news reports say no reason was given.  In Sacramento, after more than 80 years Taber Furniture shutdown because “The priorities have changed…..it’s not what it used to be……the customer base is diminished.”  In Anaheim, Anabella Hotel shutting down 121 jobs lost, supposedly being replaced with yet another hotel!  In Glendale, after four years live music nightclub Complex shutdown with only a few days notice and no explanation.  San Francisco based Too Big to Jail Wells Fargo shutting down an additional 450 offices by 2019.  Banc of California issued layoff WARNs, 40 people losing their jobs by July.  ‘Residential asset manager’ Kondaur Capital Corporation eliminating 55 jobs in mid-July.  In Burbank, Warner Music issued a layoff WARN, 19 jobs gone by the end of July.  JCPenney issued shutdown WARNs for stores in Richmond and Orange, 177 jobs lost by the end of July!  Bankrupt Los Angeles based clothier B & B Bachrach asked the court for permission to shutdown 12 stores.

Colorado: Donation funded Ellicott Wildlife Rehabilitation Center ran out of money and will shutdown in June.  Local news reports say it’s one of several animal rehab centers to shutdown.

Connecticut: In Woodbury, after more than 30 years Gepetto’s Toys shutting down when the inventory is gone.   JCPenney notified the state it is shutting down its store in Milford, 89 jobs gone by the end of July.   Walmart shutting down its operations in Bristol, 114 jobs gone by mid-July!

Florida:  In Jacksonville, after 35 years Soccer Stop forced to shutdown when corporate giant Nike suddenly halted all shipments to the family owned store! Nike refuses to explain why.   LA Fitness suddenly shutdown its Hide Park Village location, unconfirmed rumors (dating back a couple of years) say it’s being replaced with a grocery store.  What auto industry recovery?  Car dealer Nice Cars chapter 11 bankrupt busted due to sales crashing by $9-million USD from 2014 to 2016!  Once British empire based-but-now co-owned by China, Too Big to Jail HSBC notified the state it would eliminate jobs in Brandon.

Idaho:  In Boise, after 45 years of six to ten hour days, six days per week, the surviving co-owner of Bow Wow Auto Parts shutting it down so she can retire.

Illinois: The Fayette County Bank failed, the FDIC turned assets over to United Fidelity Bank.  In Chicago, after 40 years Tipre Hardware forced to shutdown by the property owner/developers who want to build a massive apartment complex. International law firm Seyfarth Shaw laid off 40 people.   After eight years Cat & Mouse Game Store in Bucktown shutting down so the owners can focus on their store in West Loop.  Star Center Mall chapter 11 bankrupt busted and it’s blamed on “the City of Marion regarding disputed bonds.”  After six years Wee-Peats Kids Resale (no it doesn’t mean they re-sell children) clothing store shutdown.  Don’t blame the internet (they had a Facebook page), the owner says she’s moving to Alaska.  In Jacksonville, Kirlin’s Hallmark shutting down its Lincoln Square Shopping Center gift store by mid-June, “primarily due to declining sales.”  In Decatur, Lincoln Square Theatre suddenly shutdown.  The operators told local news media that they are trying to come up with ideas to help re-open the 1-hundred years old theater.  Bloomington based insurance company State Farm shutting down 11 offices across the U.S. as part of its plan to consolidate operations.   In Rock Island, the last Barkan’s shutdown after 71 years.  Local news media said at one time the family owned clothier was so popular they had four stores.  JCPenney issued shutdown WARNs for its Centerpointe Mall and Peru Mall stores, 174 jobs lost by the end of July!

Indiana: In Plymouth, after 64 years the owners of Tri-Way Drive-In begging for donations to keep the outdoor movie theater from shutting down, blaming it on the cost of upgrading to digital projectors.   In Richmond, after 78 years Veech’s toy store shutting down: “Many factors have led to the decision to close the store, including a significant drop in sales over the past year-and-a-half, which has been experienced by many stores across the nation. A number of independent toy stores have closed in this past year due to these retail trends. We, too, have not been able to weather this precipitous change in sales volume.”

Iowa: In Cedar Rapids, after 19 years Planet X Fun Center suddenly shutdown, it was announced on the company’s website without explaining why.  Premier Linen & Drycleaning  issued a shutdown WARN for its Dubuque  location, 86 jobs lost by mid-June.

Kentucky: 78 years old music venue Renfro Valley Entertainment Center laid off 12 people “Effective immediately” due to the suck-ass local economy.

Louisiana: First NBC Bank failed, FDIC turned assets over to Whitney bank.  After 13 years bridal shop Bustles and Bows shutting down mid-July. In New Orleans, after 53 years the Maple Street Book Shop shutdown for the second time saying “We’re not sure what we’ll do next, but we’ll always keep fighting the stupids. We hope that you will too.”

Massachusetts: In Northhampton, after 12 years clothier Ci Ci Boutique shutting down by the end of June.  Bankrupt Eastern Mountain Sports shutdown its Hyannis store.

Michigan: 37 years old boat shop Landman Sales sold to pay for the owners’ retirement.

Minnesota: Retail giant Target laid off 40 HQ employees, local news reports say employees were given only a week to find another job within the company.  The sudden layoffs were blamed on a 4th quarter in a row of crashing sales (and Target sells online).  Uniform rental company G&K Services issued a shutdown WARN for its corporate HQ, 232 jobs lost as a result of being taken over by a competitor!

Montana: Junk jewelry seller Claire’s shutting down its 25 years old store in the Butte Plaza Mall, by the end of June.

Nebraska: In Kimball, after 52 years LorRon’s Department Store shutdown, the owner saying she needs a “retirement/career change”.

New Jersey:  ‘Popular’ Mountain Creek Resort now chapter 11 bankrupt busted under new ownership, however, the new owners blame the previous owners for the bankruptcy.  In Newark, Total Airport Services issued a WARN, 74 jobs lost by July.   Bankrupt California based clothier B & B Bachrach shutting down its Lawrence Township store by August.

New York: Elitist clothier Michael Kors reported a net loss of $27-million USD and will now shutdown as many as 125 stores, thousands of jobs lost!  Clothier Banana Republic shutting down its store in the Walden Galleria, by the end of June.  Women’s clothier New York & Company suddenly shutdown its popular Forrest Hills store, customers speculated that the rent was too high.  In NYC, Landmark Sunshine Cinema being forced to shutdown by 2018 because the property has been sold to some greedy property developers.  The Cinema owners said they tried to buy the property, with the intent to serve booze to movie goers, but the benevolent city of New York refused them a booze license.   ‘Automated online marketplace’ Merchant Cash and Capital issued a shutdown WARN for its NYC ops, at least 74 jobs lost by August.  In NYC, nightclub operator Webster Hall Entertainment has been sold, 267 jobs affected!   Aircraft Service International lost its contract with JFK Airport, 378 jobs affected by the end of July!  In White Plains, Executive Jet Management issued a shutdown WARN, 54 jobs gone by mid-August.  What real estate recovery? Nationstar Mortgage issued a shutdown WARN for its Elma location, 179 jobs gone by the end of August!   Public Service Insurance issued a shutdown WARN for its NYC location, dozens of jobs affected by mid-August. Walmart shutting down its store in Niskayuna, 102 jobs gone by between July and August!  Non-profit Rides Unlimited of New York/Nassau/Suffolk shutting down due to sale of assets to a bus company, 213 jobs affected!

Ohio:  After 90 years Yellow Cab of Cleveland shutting down within 60 days, officially due lack of qualified taxi drivers.  Huntington Bancshares laying off 129 people in connection to its 2016 take-over of a competitor!  Columbus based clothier Express shutting down all 17 stores in Canada.

Oregon: Florida based Holiday Retirement (aka Holiday AL Management, HolidayTouch.com) notified the state that it will shutdown its corporate office in Lake Oswego, no reason given, about 1-hundred jobs gone by the end of the year!

Pennsylvania: After 1-hundred years of elitist snobbery, ‘social club’ Pittsburgh Athletic Association is now chapter 11 bankrupt busted due to lack of money, due to lack of rich members!  Moon Township based Dick’s Sporting Goods eliminating 1-hundred more jobs despite a small increase in sales!  In Byrn Mawr, after 33 years profit making Pun’s A Wonderland of Toys shutdown ’cause the owner wanted to retire while he was still ahead.  In Frackville, the 40 years old Schuylkill Mall notified its remaining tenants that within 90 days the mall was shutting down.  Reading China and Glass shutting down its store in the VF Outlet Center due to the greedy property owner’s plan to re-develop the shopping center.  Too Big to Jail Bank of America issued a layoff WARN for its Allegheny Center Mall office, 112 jobs lost by July!   JCPenney issued a shutdown WARN for its King of Prussia Plaza store, 118 jobs lost by the end of July!

South Carolina: A 30 years old bookstore ironically called Rainy Day Pals forced to shutdown due to flood damage that occurred in 2015. Owner Calvin Lyles described his failed efforts to repair the store by saying that financially “You can’t stop the bleeding.”  Brigadoon Discount Golf in Surfside Beach shutting down.

Texas:  In College Station, after 32 years Lippman Music shutting down in July, the owner saying the landlord’s plan to jack up the rent is a sign to retire.

Virginia: Bath & Body Works shutting down its store in the Bristol Mall, by June.  In Carytown,  after ten years clothier Eurotrash shutdown due to the owners moving to Texas.  After 72 years McDonald Garden Center shutting down so the owners can focus on their new concept satellite ‘garden market’ stores “…because lifestyles are changing and business is changing rapidly.”

Washington: After 70 years Furney’s Nursery suddenly shutdown because the “…property has become very, very valuable over the years, so they got an offer they couldn’t refuse.”

Wisconsin: Guaranty Bank-Best Bank in Georgia & Michigan failed, 170 offices shutting down, the FDIC turned assets over to First Citizens Bank & Trust.  Online-mail order company Colony Brands issued a shutdown WARN for its distribution center, 113 jobs gone by 2018 due to the greedy landlord!

U.S. Retail/Banking/Service sector April 2017:   “…GREED, ARROGANCE AND JUST PURE DECEITFULNESS.”

SEARS KMART DEATH SPIRAL, MAY 2017: “THE OTHER STORES ARE FULL UP. THERE’S NOWHERE FOR THEM TO GO.”

U.S. MINING/INDUSTRIAL/LOGISTICS LAYOFFS, MAY 2017: “SIGNIFICANT DOWNTURN IN BUSINESS”

U.S. HI-TECH/COMMUNICATIONS BREAKDOWN, MAY 2017: “TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT”

U.S. FOOD CRISIS, MAY 2017: “..SALES DROPPED OVER 30%..” “IT’S GOING TO BE A BIG DOWNFALL…”

OBAMACARE ACA DEATH SPIRAL, MAY 2017: “UNSUSTAINABLE FOR OUR COMPANY”

DUMBING DOWN THE U.S. OF A., MAY 2017: “THIS IS VERY TROUBLING, THE WORST I’VE EVER SEEN IT!”

U.S. government shenanigans, May 2017:  OPERATION DARK STORE SHIFTS TAX BURDEN TO CASH STRAPPED INDIVIDUALS!