Category Archives: Business/Economics

Business/Economics, Idaho

Idaho screws over firefighters! Scott Walker reigns supreme as layoff king! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 21 – 22 December 2015

Alaska:  Snow Goose Restaurant and Sleeping Lady Brewery shutting down after being sold to a competitor.

California: In Laguna Woods, the Albertsons-Safeway owned Vons grocery store shutting down in January 2016, officially blaming the greedy landlord.  ITT issued a shutdown WARN for its Perris office, at least 18 jobs lost by February 2016. In Bakersfield, C&J Well Service issued a layoff WARN, 161 people jobless by February 2016! KVS Transportation issued a layoff WARN, 111 people jobless by February 2016! In Foothill Ranch, clothier The Wet Seal laying off 20 employees by February 2016.  In Santa Clara, Marvell Semiconductor eliminating 13 jobs by February 2016.  In San Mateo, Sony Mobile eliminating 80 jobs in February 2016.  Medical vascular care company Abbott Vascular shutdown their Redwood City ops, 144 people now jobless!   In Sonoma, El Darado Hotel & Kitchen issued a shutdown WARN, 113 employees will become unemployed in February 2016!   Sun Edison eliminating 20 jobs by February 2016.

Connecticut:  In Wallingford, after 25 years Furniture Solutions shutting down after Xmas, blaming radically changing buying trends.

Idaho:  Avista Utilities jacking up both electricity and natural gas rates for its Gem State customers.  The increase was approved by the evil Idaho Public Utilities Commission.  It’s been revealed that the incompetent Idaho ‘lawmakers’ spent $715-thousand of your tax dollars fighting legal cases to prevent ‘gay marriage’!  Guess what, don’t fight a fire if you’re expecting to be paid by the state! It’s been revealed that The Gem State lawmakers do not normally pay firefighters hired at the last minute to fight wildfires! This year state ‘lawmakers’ have agreed to pay last minute local fire fighting hirees 65% of what is considered “standard rate” for contracted firefighters!  The rip off artist known as Your Health Idaho ObamaCare enforcer is being cut loose from federal funding. For 2016 Your Health Idaho is expected to fund itself, which guarantees rates will go up.  And for more proof Idaho lawmaker’s version of ObamaCare is evil: “Students and their families are also facing steep increases in prices for policies offered on the state exchange, with average prices for a minimal coverage ‘bronze’ plan exceeding $200 per month.”-from staff report recently presented to Idaho Board of Education

Illinois: In Chicago, the 25 years old event center Redmoon Theater shutdown without warning saying “There is no funding model for this civic and social artistic vision…..” 

Massachusetts:  Brockton based office furniture supplier W.B. Mason laying off 2-hundred people right before Xmas!  Administrators admitted it was the result of their takeover of 13 competitors!

New Jersey:  After 140 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Kirby Bros animal feed and supply store shutting down after Xmas.  The owners blame ‘Global Warming’ saying the warmer weather allows farmers to graze their livestock longer, obviating the need for feed.  Japan based drugs pusher Daiichi Sankyo issued a WARN saying 24 people will be laid off in February 2016.

New York:  In New Dorp, a 16 years old Wendy’s burger joint shutdown without warning.  News reports say employees were telling customers the greedy landlord would not agree to a new affordable lease.  NRG Energy issued a shutdown WARN for their Huntley Generating Station, 72 jobs lost by June 2016.  Switzerland based Credit Suisse Securities issued a mass layoff WARN for their NYC employees, 307 jobs affected by March 2016!

North Carolina:  Legal software company LexisNexis is eliminating at least 2-hundred jobs over the next five years!  How many of those job losses will take place in North Carolina is important because in 2012 state ‘lawmakers’ gave LexisNexis $9-million USD in tax breaks in exchange for creating 350 new jobs by 2017.

Ohio: Lakewood Hospital being shutdown in favor of a smaller clinic operation.

Pennsylvania: The GAP and GAP Kids shutting down their Palmer Park Mall clothing stores in January 2016.  In Montgomery, Conair issued a WARN saying 44 people will become jobless by the end of February 2016. What automotive industry recovery?  In Lehigh, Westport Axle issued a WARN saying 50 people will be laid off by February 2016.  In Lackawanna, Master Halco issued a WARN saying 50 people to become unemployed in February 2016.

South Carolina: In Simpsonville, JB’s Barbeque forced to shutdown due to the owner’s head injuries.

Texas:  In Atascocita, after 24 years Gifts & Silver shutting down in January 2016.

Washington: What construction industry recovery?  Omak Wood Products issued a shutdown WARN, 184 employees unemployed in February 2016!   Hoquiam Plywood Products issued a layoff WARN, 90 people jobless in February 2016.

West Virginia: In Charleston, after 51 years the Fas-Chek grocery store shutdown, blaming competition.

Wisconsin:  Manitowoc Cranes shutting down its Port Washington operations, 80 jobs lost by August 2016.  2015 is on its way to being the biggest year for layoffs under Right to Work you over govna Scott Walker’s reign of terror, more than 12-thousand jobs lost, and that’s going just by the official WARNs!

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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

Business/Economics

“….all companies need to create real business.” Too Big to Fail banks killed by Oil Industry! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 14 – 20 December 2015

Prestigious France based Le Cordon Bleu shutting down all 16 schools in the United States! In the past decade graduates have been accusing the 115 years old cooking school of ripping them off, saying school recruiters lied about how much a cook can be paid after graduating. The U.S. Department of Education agrees and is ending federal student loan funding for Julia Child’s alma mater.

Arizona: Phoenix based The Room Store now bankrupt busted and will conduct mass layoffs by February 2016.  At least 10 stores could be shutdown, it’s blamed on crashing sales.

Arkansas: In Little Rock, the Brown Sugar Bakery shutdown, the owners said brick-n-mortar stores don’t work anymore and will try running a bakery out of a food truck.  After 30 years Silvek’s European Bakery shutting down in March 2016.   Sweet Love Bakery shutting down in January 2016, the owner blames lack of holiday sales: “Normally December we make enough money to float us through that slow time. This year we just weren’t seeing the same orders.”-Kelli Marks (normally they have 6-hundred cookie/cupcake orders for December, but this year only about 1-hundred orders were placed!)

California:  Texas based Halliburton laid off 16 more Bakersfield oil industry workers.  In San Francisco more evidence the internet is not recession proof, internet furniture seller One Kings Lane laid off 89 employees.  Administrators said it was the only way they “…can further accelerate the pace at which we innovate and execute on behalf of our customers and vendors while continuing to meet our financial goals.”

Connecticut:  In Manchester, after 67 years the Optical Style Bar shutting down after Xmas.  The retiring owner said his three adult children are not interested in taking over the business.  What housing market recovery?  Stamford based Seaboard Properties now bankrupt busted after two of the owners discovered their books were being cooked: “Recent events caused …..to become increasingly concerned that the operations and finances of the company were not as they had been represented…..”-company statement

Florida:  In Tallahassee, Proof Brewing shutting down their Tennessee Street location, the owners want to focus on just one brewing operation at a time.  So much for ObamaCare; health insurance company Preferred Medical Plan issued a layoff WARN saying they lost so many customers that they must now eliminate 162 jobs in February 2016!  In Port Saint Louis, Teacher’s Pet and More education supply store shutting down due to nobody wanting to take over the 30+ years old business.

Illinois: In Chicago more evidence the internet is not recession proof, internet advertising company Centro laid off 29 employees.   CEO Shawn Riegsecker admitted corporate America is bullshitting everybody about profits and said “We’re at a moment where all companies need to create real business.”  The company that owns The Dispatch and Rock Island Argus newspapers is moving printing ops to Iowa, at least 18 jobs lost.

Iowa: In Des Moines more evidence the internet is not recession proof, electronic payment company Dwolla eliminated 12 jobs, and like most corporations, said it’s necessary for “growth”.   Farm vehicle maker Deere (John Deere) continues to kill jobs, this time 45 people in Waterloo will be let go in January 2016.  In Boone, after 116 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) Eckstein’s Jewelry shutting down after Xmas.  The current owners blame crashing sales.  In Newton, Don’s Town & Country appliance repair shop shutdown after more than 40 years of service.

Kansas: In Hillsboro, Nancy’s Fashions shutdown after 27 years.  The Kansas Aviation Museum is drastically reducing operating hours for 2016, resulting in at least two people losing their jobs.   Wichita based Spirit AeroSystems is bribing its Kansas and Oklahoma employees to quit or retire early.  Administrators would only say it’s necessary “…to meet the current needs of our business.”

Kentucky:  In Saint Matthews, The Feed Bag shutdown after 28 years of yummy Reubens.  The property was sold, the owner said it was time to try something new.  In Louisville, after 35 years the Parent-Teacher Store & Toys Too shutting down in 2016, blaming crashing sales and skyrocketing operating costs.

Maine: In Augusta, Stacy’s Hallmark gift store shutting down after 43 years.  The family owners revealed sales have been crashing and burning for several years now.

Massachusetts:  24 years old Nantucket based Island Airlines shutdown without warning.   In Ware, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ Saint Mary’s School after 91 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) of education.  It’s blamed on what I call The Rapture, I mean what I call Disappearing Students Syndrome (they’re down to just 32 students).

Michigan:  East Jackson School District announced they must layoff six teachers due to unexpectedly low student enrollment.

Minnesota: In Aurora, Zup’s Food Market forced to shutdown in January 2016, the owner Jim Zupancich bemoaned the crashing mining industry “We did everything we could. We’ve really been fighting this since May…..      ……a bundle of things that led to the closing, including LTV Mining near Hoyt Lakes shutting down in 2000/2001, with 1,500 employees losing their jobs. Then about a year ago, Mesabi Nugget shuttered for at least two years if not permanently. Meanwhile, now only half of the six taconite mines on the Range are operating, and about 2,000 mine workers are unemployed!” 

In Winona, the 65 years old West End Bait shop shutting down after Xmas, the property was sold-off.

Nebraska: In Fremont, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ First Christian Church after 125 years of service (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions).  The property is for sale and there are indications that competition from other churches done them in (so much for ‘christian’ charity and brotherly love).

New York: Community Papers now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, it affects 21 newspaper operations across The Empire State!  Too Big to Jail Citigroup will begin eliminating at least 2-thousand jobs in January 2016!  The latest reports blame huge money losses from loans to the oil industry! The town of Hamburg eliminating 29 jobs and blaming it on ObamaCare!  ObamaCare (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) resulted in jacking up healthcare costs for the city so much that the only way they can pay for it is to eliminate jobs!

North Carolina: In Asheboro, after 43 years Southern Wholesale shutting down before Xmas.  In Elkin, after 25 years Carol’s Wedding Shop shutting down after Xmas, due to the owner’s health problems.

North Dakota: Yet another Fargo business going down, Garden Hut shutdown, the owner blamed climate change (mild winters & major flooding in Spring) for destroying his sales.

Ohio: In Dayton, the Denny’s restaurant shutdown without warning, the administrators were not happy with the lack of sales.   In Windham, after 35 years the Sparkle Market grocery store shutdown, the owner blamed declining local population for his declining sales.  What automotive industry recovery? Titan Tire (GoodYear) issued a layoff WARN saying at least 130 employees will become unemployed by February 2016!  Administrators say the outlook for industrial tire sales in 2016 is bad!  The city of Lorain eliminating 40 jobs, mainly cops and firefighters.  City administrators blame crashing tax revenues for a $2.3-million USD shortfall, the crashing tax revenues are the result of major employers conducting mass layoffs/shutdowns.  In Colerain Township, the Big Lots overpriced discount store shutting down.  Their lease is expiring and they weren’t able to find a better location so they’re shutting it down.   In BeaverCreek, Stride Rite shutting down their Greene Town Center shoe store by March 2016.  In Findlay, after 60 years Groman’s Music shutting down, the owner lamented “The world has changed, and I haven’t changed with it.”  Lakewood Hospital Foundation shutting down their Thrifty Peddler resale shop after Xmas.  Administrators said “circumstances change”.

Oklahoma: Tulsa based oil company New Gulf Resources now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.

Pennsylvania: What automotive industry recovery, what construction industry recovery? In McConnellsburg, construction vehicle maker JLG notified 55 contracted employees of layoffs in January 2016.  It’s connected to parent company Oshkosh’s declining sales.  North Carolina based truck maker Mack will eliminate 4-hundred Lower Macungie Township jobs in January 2016!  In DuBois,  after more than 50 years Ben Rossi Jeweler shutting down after Xmas.  Trib Total Media shutting down newspapers The Valley Independent and The Daily News after Xmas, 87 jobs lost.  In Dickson, the Ethan Allen furniture store shutting down in February 2016.

South Carolina: Century Aluminum continues to kill jobs, this time their Berkeley County potlines being shutdown, resulting in an undisclosed number of layoffs right before Xmas.

South Dakota: In Sioux Falls, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ Christian Center School (after 35 years of service) at the end of this school year.  Administrators would only say to news media that they prayed a lot.

Tennessee: In Knoxville, after 34 years The Lunchbox restaurant shutdown.  In Union, Deb ‘n Heir kids clothing store shutting down after 55 years.  When asked why he didn’t have barcodes on his merchandise the owner proved the new tech age is actually dumbing people down when he responded “Most of it I just kept in my head.”

Texas:  Irving based oil company Magnum Hunter Resources now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, claiming $1.4-billion USD of debt!  Houston based oil industry tool maker Cameron International issued a layoff WARN saying 55 people will be let go by February 2016.

Virginia: Coal mining giant Alpha Natural Resources continues killing jobs, this time 138 people in Raleigh and Boone counties learned they were being laid off right before Xmas!  British empire based U.S. tax-sucking BAE laid off 160 people at its Norfolk shipyard!  Last month BAE laid off 185 people.  In Lynchburg, the Odd Fellows retirement home shutting down due to violations of state licensing standards.

Wisconsin: In Madison, God refuses to stop the shutdown of ‘his’ British empire based Salvation Army Thrift Store.  Administrators said it was not worth it to renew the lease.

12-13 December 2015:  oil industry is full of shit, hands out $100,000 bonus to all employees! 

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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

Business/Economics

Proof the oil industry is full of shit, oil company hands out $100,000 bonus to all employees! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 12 – 13 December 2015

In France, the evil COP21 resulted in an agreement touted as saving the environment.  If you read the fine print it’s really about forcing the general public to buy the new Rockefeller controlled ‘alternative’ energy products.  For proof the COP21 deal is False ask yourself why both pro-climate change and anti-climate change activists were outside the convention protesting the deal?  (yeah, the mainstream news media never showed you that)

Alabama:  Birmingham based steel company O’Neal Manufacturing Services shutting down its Birmingham operations, 180 jobs lost!  They’re moving operations to North Carolina.

Arizona: In Phoenix, restaurant operator Gallagher’s now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, five restaurants threatened.

California:  In San Diego, Connecticut based tax-sucker United Technologies issued a shutdown WARN , 31 jobs lost by the end of January 2016.  In Rancho Cordova, medical device maker Volcano began another round of layoffs, 60 people now unemployed.  News reports said at one time there were almost 7-hundred Volcano employees, but estimates it’s now less than 1-hundred. In San Jose, North Carolina based communications company CommScope issued a shutdown WARN, 90 jobs lost by February 2016.   In Mountain View, computer security company Symantec continues to kill jobs, this time they laid off 44 employees.   In Los Angeles, P.F. Chang’s Bistro issued a shutdown WARN, 86 jobs lost in January 2016. Also in Los Angeles, Cedar-Sinai Medical Center issued a layoff WARN, 57 jobs lost by February 2016.  Schneider National Carriers issued layoff and shutdown WARNs saying 75 Californians will lose their jobs by February 2016.  Santa Fe Distributing finally issued three shutdown WARNs for their shutdown of operations back in November, at least 63 jobs lost.

Connecticut: Administrators of Hartford based taxpayer rapist United Technologies warned employees that they will cut $1.5-billion USD in costs in 2016 (meaning jobs).

Delaware: Wilmington based DuPont revealed it will eliminate 5-thousand jobs right before its merger with Dow Chemical!

Illinois: What housing market recovery?  In Geneva, after 40 years home improvement store The Country Store shutting down, the owners indicated that ever since the 2008-09 crash sales never recovered.

Indiana: Indianapolis based drugs pusher Eli Lilly announced it will charge $11-thousand 430 USD per month for its new cancer drug, so much for ObamaCare!

Maryland: News reports say that so far for December announced layoffs in the state are at 3-thousand 277!

Michigan: Detroit Public Schools selling off 16 schools and eliminating bilingual jobs!  News reports indicate that the elimination of bilingual personnel could led to students being taken out of school, which will further reduce funding for the dip-noodle school district.   Evil Detroit based Ford is already jumping in-line with the new COP21 agreement and will spend $4.5-billion USD on producing 13 different electric vehicles which you will be forced to buy in 2020.  Restaurant Taylor Amigo’s shutting down after Xmas, the owner said the lease was up and the building was too big for the amount of business he does.

Minnesota: In Minneapolis, after 26 years Origami restaurant shutting down two days before Xmas.  After six years Loring Kitchen & Bar shutting down this week.  After 11 years Franklin Street Bakery shutdown.

Nevada:  In Las Vegas, White Cross Market shutting down this week.  The current owners said they tried to bring the iconic grocery store back from the dead, but the economy won’t allow it.

New York: In Syracuse, Danzer’s Restaurant shutting down before Xmas, an employee said it’s because of the owners bad health.

Tennessee: Clothier Gap shutting down their Mall at Johnson City store in January 2016.

Texas:  Houston based oil company Hilcorp Energy just proved the whole oil industry shutdown and masses of layoffs are bullshit; they gave everyone of their employees a $100-thousand USD bonus!  Why?  Administrators say their company is making BooKoo bucks off their doubled oil output, while other companies slashed production!

Vermont: Waterbury based coffee roaster Keurig Green Mountain has been sold-off, for $13.9-billion USD.  The new owner, JAB, could eliminate even more jobs.

West Virginia: Martin’s Food & Drugs shutting down three stores as soon as their leases expire sometime in 2016, 357 jobs lost!  This is telling because local news reports say Martin’s is the top grocery store, for sales, in West Virginia.

11 December 2015: “It’s going to be devastating…” Federal court rules Idaho hospital illegal! “I hate to close….but what can you do?” 

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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

Business/Economics, Idaho

“It’s going to be devastating…” Federal court rules Idaho hospital illegal! “I hate to close….but what can you do?” : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 11 December 2015

Alabama:  In Tuscaloosa, after 24 years Rug Gallery shutting down, the owner said under these economic conditions “…it’s the right thing to do.”  

California:  Los Angeles based clothier Kitson shutting down all 17 stores in California, Nevada and Oregon!  Also in Los Angeles, Runway Two Five claims they’re temporarily shutting down in January 2016, 73 jobs lost.    In Costa Mesa, 3M division Ceradyne shutting down in February 2016, 65 jobs lost.  In City of Industry, Bay Valley Foods issued a shutdown WARN, 62 jobs lost in February 2016.  In Pleasanton, YP Advertising issued a layoff WARN, 68 jobs lost in February 2016.  Oil service company Brinderson revealed it eliminated 207 jobs last week!

Delaware: In Newark, after 65 years Abbott’s Shoe Repair up for sale.  The owner lamented none of his heirs wanted to learn the craft, he also joked about being a slave laborer for his father: “Back then, there were no child labor laws about a father paying his son. He could pay me whatever he wanted, and if you weren’t his son, you made a dollar an hour.”-Phil Abbott

Florida:  34 years old Miami based gun dealer Samco Global Arms now chapter 7 bankrupt busted and liquidating.  Too Big to Jail American Express issued a WARN for its Saint Petersburg insurance ops, 124 jobs lost in February 2016!

Idaho: College of Southern Idaho revealed that 30% of its student body are still in High School!  The imbecilic Idaho Board of Education realizes that it’s a sign of a ‘significant’ change in college student body demographics (you think?).  What this really shows is a mass exodus of traditional college age students from Idaho!  A federal court has ordered the sale of Saltzer Medical Group.  Corrupt Boise based Saint Luke’s Health System took over Nampa based Saltzer, but a federal judge ruled the takeover violated anti-trust laws.  Saint Luke’s has 12 months to sell-off Saltzer.   New York (get a rope!) based New Media Investment Group has taken over the Idaho Business Review.

Illinois: US Steel eliminating 2-thousand jobs as it idles its Granite City foundry after Xmas!  Administrators blame unfair competition in the global economy.  Food giant General Mills shutting down their West Chicago factory, 444 jobs lost by Summer 2016!  Gate Gourmet lost its contract with United Airlines at O’Hare International Airport, 821 jobs affected!  Black Hawk College warned it must eliminate jobs to cover a $1.5-million shortfall.

Maryland: Calvert Investments eliminating 41 jobs just so it can double its assets over the next five years.

New York:  God refuses to stop ‘his’ College of Saint Rose from laying off 23 people after Xmas.  NYC based Allure magazine warning its employees of pending layoffs. Publics New York (formerly Kaplan Thaler) warned employees of layoffs to hit right before Xmas. Administrators said they’ve had a “good year” but admitted they think the U.S. economy is only getting worse, thus the layoffs.  In Utica, Too Big to Jail Bank of America issued a WARN for its Shared Service Operations Unit, 234 jobs lost by July 2016!  Too Big to Jail Morgan Stanley issued a mass layoff WARN for all its New York locations, 358 jobs lost starting in March 2016!  Capsys issued a shutdown WARN for its
Brooklyn Navy Yard ops, 54 jobs lost in March 2016. In Batavia, the Müller Quaker Dairy shutdown and sold-off, 2-hundred people laid off!  Local news sources hope the new owner (Dairy Farmers of America) will get operations going again soon.

Pennsylvania: In Pottstown, after 94 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) The Very Best hot dogs-hamburgers-steaks  joint shutdown.  In Sharon, after 70 years the Army-Navy surplus store shutdown.  In Carmichaels, oil company Halliburton laid off 21 people.  FMC eliminating 74 jobs in Erie, administrators blame the petroleum industry.  After 20 years, Mapes Manoa Hardware shutting down by the end of January 2016: “I hate to close. It’s a nice area, nice people. I was happy, but what can you do? It’s not profitable.”-J. Raymond Benner

Utah: In Logan, Sports Authority shutting down the day before Xmas.  It’s part of the company’s plans to shutdown dozens of stores across the U.S.

Virginia:  In Bluefield, Mitt Romney co-creation Staples shutting down, mayor Don Harris bemoaned “It’s certainly going to make an impact on the whole area. It’s going to be devastating for us. Hopefully, somebody else might move in.”

Washington: In Seattle, Aramark Sports & Entertainment issued a shutdown WARN, 71 jobs lost after Xmas.

Wisconsin: Iconic Harley Davidson motorcycles laying off 250 people by the end of the month!  It’s blamed on the suck-ass economy.  Mil-3 Precision Machining being liquidated, the last of the employees were laid off in November.  Owner Rich McNett blames the suck-ass economy: “There was just no way I could even make break even anymore…It just got slower and slower and slower…”

09 -10 December 2015: “We’re leaving because we have to.” Internet company loses “90% of our revenue”! 

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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

Business/Economics, Idaho

“We’re leaving because we have to.” Internet company loses “90% of our revenue”! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 09 – 10 December 2015

According to industry analyst Challenger, Gray & Christmas, 2015 will be the worst year for mass layoffs since 2009!  They blame the petroleum industry.

Arizona: American Meat Company shutting down their 62 years old Tucson store after Xmas.  Administrators blamed a “combination” of issues.  Sierrita Mining shutting down in 2016. Conflicting news reports say between 450 and 1-thousand jobs lost! They blame crashing and burning copper prices, but hope there’s a price rebound by 2018.

California:  More proof you Brick-n-Mortar ops can’t blame the internet for your problems; it’s been revealed that Palo Alto based internet advertising company PubMatic eliminated 150 jobs since October! Administrators blame crashing ad sales, in fact they admitted they lost “90% of our revenue”!    More mass layoffs for San Jose based networking computer maker Cisco.  An unnamed inside source revealed to FierceEnterpriseCommunications that Cisco laid off an additional 120 people last week!  In El Paseo, after 30 years DeLuca Jewelers shutdown due to the death of both owners in 2014.  None of the heirs thought it was worth it to continue the business.

Florida:  In Gainesville, Swift Cycle shutting down on Xmas Eve.  The owner said he’s moving out west, hoping to work in the residential construction industry.

Georgia: In Jonesboro, after 68 years Dean’s Barbeque shutting down after Xmas due to skyrocketing pig meat prices and a family feud.  In Columbus, after 20 years a Hallmark gift store shutting down as soon as everything is sold.

Idaho: Kevin Settles, the owner of three successful Bardenay restaurant and distillery operations, decided to exodus The Gem State with his fourth op.  Why? “I would like to operate in a state that doesn’t have a state control system. I have three licenses in three areas and even then it isn’t a stable investment. There is always the chance you lose it to a violation and then who knows when you will get another.”  Gee, and our exalted ‘conservative’ republican ‘lawmakers’ have always led us to believe they’re against such state controls.  Settles is moving to Colorado.  In Ammon, the optimistic city leaders went running to the local news media with “the biggest booming” business news ever!  They’re getting a Kneaders cafe, Popeyes chicken (there’s already at least one nearby in next door Idaho Falls) and a  Rita’s Custard and Ice.  Yep, the same ol same ol, service sector jobs that are totally reliant on manufacturing sector jobs, which they don’t got.

Illinois: Hagel Metal Fabrication shutdown last week, without warning, 80 jobs lost.  No explanation was given, state regulators investigating.

Indiana: In Bloomington, after 12 years award winning Restaurant Tallent shutting down, the owner wants more time with his family.  Clothier Gap shutting down their Eastland Mall store in January 2016.   In the Circle Centre Mall, Gap and GapKids shutting down in January.  Also, the American Greetings gift store shutting down, no date given.

Maine: Clothier Gap shutting down their Maine Mall store in January 2016.

Missouri:  God refuses to stop ‘his’ Evangel University from using attrition to eliminate 44 jobs by next school year.  33 faculty and staff have already been forced into early retirement.

New York:  Evil Switzerland based drugs pusher Novartis issues a 7th phase shutdown WARN for its Suffern factory.  The final 60 employees to be laid off between March and September 2016.    Briarcliffe College issued a shutdown WARN, 294 jobs lost by December 2018!  What real estate industry recovery? In NYC, RCS Capital (Realty Capital Securities) issued a shutdown WARN, 79 jobs lost by March 2016.

North Carolina:  College apartment complex operator Campus Crest shutting down their HQ and eliminating 70 jobs by February 2016. Campus Crest is being sold-off.   In Weaverville, Arvato Digital services shutting down their 32 years old CD-DVD ops, 120 jobs lost!  Administrators said “We still have customers, but not enough….”

North Dakota:  Despite selling-off its oil operations, MDU Resources says it must continue to cut costs, including eliminating a total of 24 jobs.  They warned of more layoffs after January 2016.  In Fargo, Abode Decor & Gift shutting down after Xmas.  News reports made it sound like they were being kicked out in favor of a business that’s willing to pay more rent.

Ohio: What automotive industry recovery? After announcing the end of 734 jobs in Virginia, Volvo Trucks to eliminate about 3-hundred jobs when it shuts down its parts warehouse near Lewis Center!  The plant shutdown was planned back in 2013, but won’t be completed until March 2016.

Pennsylvania: Univest, “growing company with deep ties to its local communities”, has admitted that jobs will be lost once they’ve completed selling their soul to Fox Chase Bancorp.

Vermont: Pottery Barn shutting down its Burlington Town Center store, in January 2016.  Administrators would only say “A number of factors…” forced them to shutdown.

Virginia:  Gas company Range Resources laying off 55 employees, and revealed it is in the process of selling-off its assets.  Paisley Gifts shutdown: “Our lease is up in January and right now we don’t have a place that’s a good fit for our business to go to. We’re not leaving here because of a negative response…. We’re leaving because we have to.”-Cheryl Paisley

Wisconsin:  Gas company Chart Industries eliminating 105 jobs at its La Crosse operations, after Xmas!

07 -08 December 2015: God bankrupt! Charities forcing taxpayers to ‘donate’! ObamaCare fails to rape-in the profits!

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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

Business/Economics, Idaho

God bankrupt! Charities forcing taxpayers to ‘donate’! ObamaCare fails to rape-in the profits! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 07 – 08 December 2015

California: El Segundo based children’s computer tablet maker Fuhu now bankrupt busted and being sold-off to rival Mattel.

Florida:  Fast food chain Bojangles shutdown all eight Sunshine State locations!  Local news reports say the franchise owner suddenly ‘bailed’!  In West Palm Beach, non-profit Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League Thrift Store shutting down because next door construction is consuming the only parking lot!  In Miami, PCH Communications (formerly Commonground/MGS) laid off at least 62 employees without warning.  The Illinois based company was forced to shutdown by “…Circumstances beyond the agency’s control, namely the adversarial relationship between the holding company, PCH Communications, and their lender Fifth Third Bank have caused this major disruption. The entire agency was completely surprised by the bank’s actions.”

Idaho:  Some good news that’s actually bad news; Corporation for National and Community Service ranks Idaho in 2nd place in the country for volunteerism.  Why is that bad?  Because it’s a freakin’ sign of how many people are suffering you Gem State rock heads! 68% of Idahoans help their struggling neighbors through ‘informal volunteering’!   (Blind Bat News is brought to you by such informal charity by a tiny number of Idahoans, because Blind Bat News makes no money from advertising, and nobody wants to use the ‘donate’ button for some reason. If you guys donate maybe Blind Bat News could become a real threat to mainstreamer news sources.)

Illinois: Rock Valley College eliminating 30 jobs due to the failed state ‘lawmakers’ failing to come up with a budget.  In Quincy, after 12 years Roly Poly sandwich shop shutting down after Xmas, no reason given.

Iowa: Insurance company Transamerica warned of mass layoffs in 2016.  It’s part of their ongoing consolidation operations.  They’ve already consolidated 14 division into two, eventually there will be only one!

Michigan:  Health insurance giant Blue Cross Blue Shield warned of massive layoffs across the state.  The insurance industry created ObamaCare is failing to rape-in the profits because smart and healthy ‘Mericans who don’t need health insurance know it’s a fucking ripoff and are protesting with their wallets by refusing to sign up!  Blue Cross Blue Shield says as a result they must cut $300-million USD in Michigan jobs by 2018! 

Minnesota: The Christian God is weaker than the God known as Money as the Catholic Diocese of Duluth now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  Of course it doesn’t help that its godly priests were caught raping children!!!  The Christian God must now fork over $8.4-million USD to settle sex crimes lawsuits, and of course that money is actually coming from the stupid blind faith sheeple of the wolf in sheep’s clothing church.

Montana: After 62 years Hi Line Cleaners in Chester shutdown.

New York: Too Big to Jail Morgan Stanley killing at least 1-thousand 2-hundred jobs in 2016!  Also in NYC, ancient internet company AOL eliminated 1-hundred jobs due to its takeover of evil cell phone company Verizon!  Reports say more AOL-Verizon layoffs are in the works.  PCH Communications (formerly Commonground/MGS) laid off at least 28 employees without warning.  The Illinois based company was forced to shutdown by “…Circumstances beyond the agency’s control, namely the adversarial relationship between the holding company, PCH Communications, and their lender Fifth Third Bank have caused this major disruption. The entire agency was completely surprised by the bank’s actions.”

North Carolina:  Philips shutting down their Henderson light bulb factory, 50 jobs lost by September 2016. Local news reports say it’ll be the second Philips factory to be shutdown in North Carolina.

Ohio: In Columbus, after 28 years the Wall Street Nightclub shutting down after Xmas, blaming “Financial stress from declining business and deteriorating building conditions were compounded by the loss of parking with condo development in the neighborhood and the loss of third party production companies.”

Pennsylvania: Another false ‘charity’ in money trouble, Easter Seals laid off 22 HQ employees because the state ‘lawmakers’ failed yet again to come up with a taxpayer funded budget.  A true charity doesn’t rely on forcing taxpayers to ‘donate’ by asking ‘lawmakers’ to rape taxpayer funding!  In Richland Township, Concurrent Technologies laying off 30 people after Xmas.  Company administrators say it’s the only way they can stay “competitive” in this suck-ass global economy.

Tennessee:  An eight years old tax-sucking company with an evil sounding name that might possibly be involved in smuggling Afghan heroin, Vanquish Worldwide, eliminated ten administrative jobs. They blame the loss of a major government contract (U.S. Central Command’s National Afghan Trucking [NAT] logistical support contract, now you see the heroin trafficking connection).  Vanquish administrators admitted they were billing U.S. taxpayers $25-million USD every year for their Afghan trucking ops: “This is part of the government contracting process…..especially with large contracts and NAT is the largest ever in Afghanistan….!”-Dawn White, marketing manager

In Nashville, after 19 years Noshville Delicatessen shutting down after Hanukkah. The entire city block has been taken over by an evil property developer.

Washington:  Seattle Weekly laid off six people.  Because of the suck-ass economy they’re contracting out (freelancing) their jobs.

West Virginia: In Morgantown, after 20 years Jane V. Jewelers shutting down after Xmas.

Wisconsin:  The Gap clothing store in the Fox  River Mall shutting down in January 2016.  After 55 years Edwardo’s Ristorante di Pizza shutdown, when asked why he gave no explanation the owner would only say “I didn’t want to discuss night after night why we were closing.” 

05 -06 December 2015: “…sales are down to 2005 levels…costs are at 2015 levels.” 

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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

Business/Economics, Idaho

“…sales are down to 2005 levels…costs are at 2015 levels.” More ‘green’ energy shutdowns! Novartis caught illegally pushing drugs in Idaho, again! : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 05 – 06 December 2015

Alabama: In Trussville, ObamaCare administrators have cut off funding for the Golden Living Center, forcing it to shutdown after New Year’s Day, at least 111 jobs lost!  In Opelika, cafe The Overall Company shutdown, word is that a temporary coffee shop will take its place while the building is being re-purposed.

Arizona: After 42 years the Harkins Camelview 5 movie theater in Scottsdale shutting down next week.  The Fashion Square 7 movie theater already shutdown.  Both owned by the same company who swears they will build an even bigger “luxury” movie theater to replace the two old theaters.

California: San Francisco’s iconic Magnolia Gastropub and Brewery now chapter 11 bankrupt busted. The dip noodle administrators blame it on their expansion creating the Magnolia Dogpatch & Smokestack BBQ restaurant.  Gee if only individuals could file bankruptcy on the grounds of being stupid.  In Santa Rosa, after 23 years the privately run animal shelter and children’s summer camp McDonald Ranch shutting down because evil A-hole city administrators revoked their license to operate.  The owners are looking for homes for everything from guinea pigs to horses.  They’re now forced to sell the property.

Florida: In Longwood, VIP Petcare issued a WARN saying 12 people will be laid off by the end of January 2016.

Georgia: Macy’s shutting down their North DeKalb Mall store by the end of January 2016.

Idaho: Switzerland based drugs maker Novartis paid $390-million USD to settle U.S. charges of kickbacks to pharmacies that pushed Novartis’ drugs into Medicaid and Medicare patients.  This is just a slap on the wrist as the money has to be split between at least 40 states.  For The Gem State a piddly $52-thousand will come from that pot.  By the way, this isn’t the first time Novarits got caught being a criminal in Idaho, back in 2010 they paid the state $350-thousand for basically the same thing, bribing healthcare providers for pushing their drugs!  Idaho ‘lawmakers’ continue to rape taxpayers, and again it involves lawsuits but this time the tax payments came from an little known fund.  The Legislative Legal Defense Fund has shelled out more than $275-thousand over the past three years to hire private attorneys to fight cases involving sage grouse and ObamaCare.

Kansas: Spain based renewable ethanol refiner Abengoa suddenly shutdown their Hugoton operations, laying off 50 people without warning.  Abengoa is now bankrupt busted, considered the biggest bankruptcy in Spain’s history!

Michigan:  Detroit Medical Center eliminating at least 125 jobs!  Administrators blame ObamaCare for forcing them to “achieve efficiencies across our system”.  They laid of 127 people last year.  Kent City Community Schools shutdown their elementary school, blaming water service problems.  In Grand Rapids, Montello Meat Market shutting down their two years old Downtown location.  No reason given.  After 14 years Monte’s Lounge shutdown, the property is being re-purposed.   Farm industry company GSI Manufacturing announced they will shutdown their Calhoun County factory in March 2016, the new owners are moving operations to Illinois, 70 jobs lost.  In Howell, after at least 90 years (surviving The Great Depression and numerous recessions) clothier Swann’s shutting down as soon as the inventory is gone: “There’s more going out than coming in, and you can’t run a business if you can’t make a profit.”-Pam Shaw, owner

New Jersey: In Edison, Cosmetic Essence issues a WARN saying 1-hundred people will become unemployed by the end of January 2016!  It’s all thanks to their “technology innovations” at their distribution center.

New York: More proof the internet is not immune to shutdowns, NYC based free music site Songza being shutdown in January 2016 by its new owner Google Play.  In Pleasantville, after 41 years mom-n-pop Try and Buy toy store shutting down on Xmas Eve: “Our sales are down to 2005 levels and our costs are at 2015 levels.”-Barry Schwartz, co-owner

North Carolina: The Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts shelling factory shutting down by February 2016, at least 81 jobs lost.  The owner, Archer Daniel Midlands, blames the suck-ass economy (“market conditions”).

Oregon: In Portland, after two years Levant restaurant shutting down after the Gregorian New Year’s.

Pennsylvania:  Food service contractor Sodexo issued a WARN saying 72 people in Wilkes-Barre will become jobless by July 2016.  In Duryea, Nanny Rose Day Care shutdown without warning.  News reports say parents had to suddenly leave work to pick up their kids.  However, local news media discovered that parents had filed a complaint with state regulators saying the day care op was not feeding their children.  Employees said they were straight up threatened by an attorney: “The phone just rang and they stood there with the phone, and that was a lawyer, and they said that if we say anything this is going to go further. I was shaking. I really was. I’m just shaking.”-employee I won’t name

Texas: In Fort Worth, Trinity Bicycles shutdown without warning.  News media discovered the popular shop had been shutdown the week before the U.S. Thanksgiving.  The owner is refusing to comment.  Giant corporation General Electric is demanding local taxpayers kickback some money for the GE Manufacturing Solutions train factory in Fort Worth, under the Triple Freeport Exemption which burdens those who do pay taxes!  The vacant ACH Child & Family Services property is now for sale.  California based cookware and furniture seller Williams Sonoma shutting down their Arlington upholstered furniture factory in January 2016, 85 jobs lost.  Rush Overland shutting down their Abilene factory, blaming the oil industry, 50 jobs lost after Xmas.  British empire Canada based oil company Flint Energy shutting down ops in Kilgore and Victoria after Xmas, 86 jobs lost. 

Vermont: In Burlington, after 23 years Bella Boutique shutdown, the owner said she’s pursuing a different business venture.

Washington DC: After only one year Native Foods Cafe shutdown both their DC locations, administrators refused to say why.  Maybe it’s ’cause they’re ‘vegan’.

West Virginia: In South Charleston, Saint John Heart and Hand Day Care shutdown blaming “government regulations and the economy”.

04 December 2015: “THIS CONSTRUCTION HERE JUST SLAUGHTERED US…!” “…WE HAVE NOT MADE ONE PENNY OF PROFIT…”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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

Business/Economics

“This construction here just slaughtered us…!” “…we have not made one penny of profit…” : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 04 December 2015

California: In San Francisco, Roosevelt Tamale Parlor shutdown due to the owner’s “health issues” (so much for ObamaCare).  In Mission Viejo, five years after making a “comeback” Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour shutting down after the Gregorian New Year’s Day.

Georgia: In Decatur, after two years Sobban restaurant shutting down so the owner can focus on his restaurant in Atlanta.

Hawaii:  The Children’s Place in the Windward Mall shutting down after Xmas.  No explanation by administrators, but it’s a clothing store so it should be obvious.

Illinois:  The Sugar Mama Bakery shutting down their Bloomington store, to “be more efficient”.  Japan based train maker Nippon Sharyo eliminating an additional 60 jobs in February 2016.  They already killed off 181 jobs due to problems with their prototype!  In Lakeview, after 39 years The Alley counterculture store shutdown, the pissed-off owner Mark Thomas says “This construction here just slaughtered us….somebody walked in and made an offer I just could not say no…”

Iowa: The Gap, GapKids and babyGap stores in the Kennedy Mall shutting down after Xmas.  They’re clothing stores, so it should be of no surprise.  What automotive industry recovery? Commercial Vehicle Group shutting down their Edgewood factory and moving production to Mexico.

Maryland: Giant Food shutting down their prescription drugs distribution center, 90 jobs being lost to a contractor.

Michigan: Bain Capital affiliated Toys R Us shutting down their 45 years old Southfield store after Xmas.

Minnesota: In Saint Cloud, SNAP Fitness shutting down after Xmas.

Nebraska: In Lincoln, after 23 years music venue Knickerbockers shutting down, the owners blaming it on a property development conspiracy by city administrators: “…we kind of got the impression the city was very interested in this happening.”-Chris Kelley, co-owner

New Jersey: After 70 years Mattson’s Family Market shutdown, the owners blamed competition by corporate grocery stores.

New York:  In Ulster, Sports Authority shutting down the day before Xmas.  Local news media said administrators refuse to explain, it’s a sportings goods store so it should be obvious.  In Ridgewood, after 17 years 1/2 Price Kids clothing shop shutting down after Xmas.  After 57 years the suck-ass economy killing-off Slaterville Volunteer Ambulance Service.  It will cease ops after Xmas due to lack of volunteers. In Glen Falls, after only one year Rare Earth Wine Bar shutting down after Xmas because “…we have not made one penny of profit and it’s simply time to throw in the towel.”

Oregon: After 14 years Hood River Sewing & Vacuum shutdown: “I would have liked to have sold, but I put the word out and in the industry the consensus is that stores like this, unless they’re a lot bigger, just don’t sell. Based on talking to vendor reps and other owners I know, I decided to close.”-Eileen Utroske, co-owner

Pennsylvania:   Strawberry Patch Hallmark card store shutting down after Xmas.  Woods n Water furniture and pool store shutting down next week, due to the owner’s health problems.

Tennessee: Dupont shutting down the last of their Chattanooga  factories after Xmas.

Virginia: Taxsucker Newport News Shipbuilding laying off an additional 7-hundred people in February 2016, blaming decreased spending by a broke U.S. government!

Wisconsin: After 132 years (surviving The Great Depression and several recessions) Ashland Jewelers shutting down after Xmas.  Bank Mutual shutting down four locations, as well as suspending its employee retirement plan!  Administrators say the economy is so bad they need to cut costs by at least $1-million USD per year!   

01-03 December 2015:  “Before Christmas…we’re all going to lose our jobs!”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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

Business/Economics, Idaho

“Before Christmas…we’re all going to lose our jobs!” Evil Mormon MTC kicked out of Washington? Cabela’s for sale? : U.S. Job Losses & Closings 01 – 03 December 2015

 

Georgia:  Savannah based (and owned by tax-sucking General Dynamics) aircraft maker to the elites Gulfstream eliminating 1-thousand 1-hundred jobs across the U.S.!  Administrators said it was the result of their “evaluations” of where the U.S. economy is heading (down the shit-hole).

Idaho:  Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows the average income for Idahoans is crashing and burning!  The U.S. Census Bureau also reports an increase in poverty in the State nicknamed The Gem State!   

According to the Idaho Department of Education more than 60 school districts saw decreasing enrollment, even though the overall statewide enrollment levels were up from last year.  For unknown reasons School District 2 (West Ada) is seeing the lion’s share of enrollment increase, far outpacing the next four districts with the top enrollment.

In Nampa, after 28 years the facility for ‘troubled girls’ Syringa House shutting down because the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare stopped sending them ‘troubled girls’.

 The idiot ‘conservative lawmakers’ screwed over the taxpayers again!  The Idaho Supreme Court has ruled that taxpayers must pay the Coeur d’Alene Tribe about $57-thousand USD concerning competition from Round Eye operated horse racing casinos.  An earlier court ruling shut those equine gambling ops down.

Illinois:  Richland Community College laying off staff and refusing to pay MAP grants to students, blaming the failed state ‘lawmakers’ for failing to come up with a budget!

Iowa: Alliant Energy shutting down its Dubuque power plant by June 2017.

Massachusetts:  3D Systems shutting down in the Boston Weak state and eliminating 85 jobs, calling it a “strategic decision”.  After 40 years popular Yenching restaurant shutdown without warning, no explanation just a ‘thank you’ note taped to the door.

Nebraska: Sterling based outdoor adventure store Cabela’s is looking for a new owner, reports say a major stockholder (Elliott Management) is disappointed in continued declining sales and wants to bail.

Nevada: Las Vegas based comic publisher and toy maker Wizard eliminating much coveted jobs with its Wizard World convention ops!  Administrators say the suck-ass economy is forcing them to run their conventions as “efficiently as possible”.

New Mexico: In the city who has the most corrupted cops (according to the U.S. Department of Justice), the Albuquerque Journal eliminated eight customer service jobs, that’s just over half of the customer service positions.  Kroger shutting down their Smith’s grocery store in Socorro, 66 jobs lost in January 2016.

New York:  What construction industry recovery?  Pre-fab building maker FC Modular issued a WARN warning that they might shutdown their Brooklyn Navy Yard ops in February 2016, 194 jobs could be lost!  Too Big to Jail Sterling National Bank issued a layoff WARN,  nine people losing their jobs by March 2016.

Ohio: Zanesville based recycler Axion International chapter 11 bankrupt busted and selling its assets.  In Eldina,The Master’s Touch Floral shutting down after Xmas.  The owner admitted she doesn’t have enough sales to hire more employees, which would make her job much easier, so she’s giving up after 18 years.   Chester Packaging issued a shutdown WARN, 79 jobs lost by April 2016.

Pennsylvania:  Drugs pusher Philidor Rx Services finally revealed to state administrators that they shutdown, back on 23 November, 262 jobs lost!  Bemis Healthcare Packaging shutting down in January 2016, no job numbers given.  Illinois based food maker Mondelēz International issued a WARN for their Philadelphia ops, 251 jobs to be lost!  Food maker Cargill issued shutdown WARNs for three operations in Lititz, 125 jobs lost in January 2016!  At the end of November train car maker ACF issued a WARN saying 181 people will lose their jobs, now local news reports say it’s actually more than 3-hundred jobs being eliminated sometime in January 2016!  PA Media group eliminated seven jobs, blaming grocery chain stores for ending their Sunday Edition advertising.

Texas:   In Fort Worth, Forest Park Medical Center chapter 11 bankrupt busted and for sale.  After eliminating more than 10-thousand oil field jobs this year, Houston based Schlumberger warned that 2016 will be just as bad saying more jobs will be lost due to “expected reduced activity”.  In El Paso, after 123 years (surviving the Great Depression and numerous recessions) Union Fashion shutting down after Xmas.  It’s blamed on the suck-ass economy.

Virginia: What automotive industry recovery?  Sweden based Volvo announced it will eliminate 734 jobs at their truck factory in Dublin, starting in February 2016!  Local news report said that back in September Volvo execs promised the gov’na they would be hiring more people!

Washington:  The evil Utah based Mormon for profit “facilities” operator Management & Training Corporation issued a shutdown WARN for its Sedro Woolley op, 90 evil taxpayer funded jobs lost at the end of January 2016 (good riddance!).  Redmond based Microsoft eliminating 60 jobs in Israel, claiming it will bring those jobs back home to the U.S. of A.

Washington DC:  More proof ObamaCare (Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act) is a big fail; yet again the cost of paying for healthcare went up, to a record $3-trillion USD in 2014!

West Virginia: In Wierton, the Ponderosa Steakhouse shutting down before Xmas, 30 jobs lost due to new property owners: “I love my job here, and I love my customers. Before Christmas, you know, we’re all going to lose our jobs!”-Shari Stillwagoner, employee

Wisconsin: D&S Manufacturing laid off 26 people, blaming the suck-ass global economy: “In the industry we serve, there’s competition from all over the world now. It’s global, there’s no question … It’s very competitive and it’s getting more challenging.”-John Barkley, vp

28-30 November 2015: More ‘Green’ companies bite the eco-dust! More taxpayer rip-off artists!

U.S. Food Crisis, November 2015: “I sit at night and I worry that…this time somebody got shot…”

WARN=Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification

Former employees who receive severance are not counted as unemployed

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

Business/Economics

Sears Kmart update 01 December 2015: Corporate cannibalism in Canada!

In Canada:  The New Glasgow Highland Square Mall Sears shutting down in September 2016.  The lease will not renewed.    The Sears Home Store in Saskatoon shutting down in April 2016.    The lease will not be renewed.  Sears Canada revealed they’ve sold two distribution centers for a grand total of $108.5-million CAD.  Interestingly, Sears Canada will continue to use one of those distribution centers.  What this means is they are desperate for cash and are engaging in what I call corporate cannibalism.  (Sears hires another executive known for corporate cannibalism!)

In Mississippi, U.S.A.: Foolish Anniston city leaders are considering spending taxpayer dollars to ‘repurpose’ the vacant Kmart property.  They’ll pay up to $3-million USD in rebates to anybody who can make it work!

Other Sears & Kmart news involves Massachusetts and New jersey, here’s the updated list of U.S. store closings that I’ve been compiling since the end of 2011:

Arizona: Scottsdale Sears/Great Indoors, Chandler Sears/Great Indoors. Recently revealed Arrowhead Towne Center Sears sold-off then rented back! Chandler Fashion Center Sears sold-off then rented back!

Alabama: Gadsden Kmart (50 jobs lost), Mobile Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Auburn Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Anniston Kmart (no word yet on how many jobs lost), Birmingham Eastwood Kmart (70 jobs lost), Decatur Mall Sears (91 jobs lost), Fort Payne Kmart, Northport Kmart (68 jobs lost), Dothan Sears (68 jobs lost), Huntsville Kmart (73 jobs lost), Sears Store and Auto Center at the Bel Air Mall in Mobile (more than 100 jobs lost).

California: El Monte Sears (at least 40 jobs lost. Damien Arrula, El Monte’s economic development director, said the store manager had lied about what was going on: “The general manager of the store had just indicated to me that they were remodeling.”), two San Diego Sears (more than 80 jobs lost), Pleasant Hill Kmart (more than 50 jobs lost), Torrance Kmart, Fairfield Kmart (63 jobs lost), Lampert owned OSH taken over by Lowe’s home improvement in bankruptcy court, at least 17 of 99 stores to be closed down (935 jobs lost!), Rancho Cordova Kmart (97 jobs lost), San Clemente Kmart/Sears/Kmart on Camino de Estrella (58 jobs lost), placed on an official hit list in 2011 the Oceanside Kmart on College Boulevard finally being shut down, Banning Kmart (91 jobs lost) recently revealed that Sears Holdings is still paying rent on the abandoned property, Laguna Hills Mall Sears, San Diego Mid-City Kmart (73 jobs lost), Hemet Kmart (77 jobs lost), Oakland Sears repair center (75 jobs lost), San Mateo Kmart (82 jobs lost to an apartment building connected to public transportation), Hesperia Kmart building sold at a loss to a vulture capitalist REIT, no word on if the Kmart will be shutdown. Customers complain that the Kmart employees have a bad attitude, gee I wonder why? Yuba City Kmart (63 jobs lost), Rocklin Kmart (at least 63 jobs lost, the store had just posted “Now Hiring” signs), San Leandro Kmart (102 jobs lost), San Jose Mercury News says the El Centro Kmart to shutdown in January, the website Foursquare says the Covina Kmart is now shutdown (other sources say it will shutdown in December), Cupertino Sears and Auto Center (98 jobs lost), somebody posted on yelp* that the Diamond Bar Kmart was shutting down in December (confirmed by Armijo Newspapers), Westfield Topanga Sears (122 jobs lost), it looks like the Blythe Kmart is being slowly shutdown despite denial by Sears Holdings. San Mateo Kmart being demolished to make room for 599 unit apartment complex, as part of the the Hayward Park Caltrain Station project. Atwater Kmart (74 jobs lost), Los Banos Kmart (67 jobs lost).

Colorado: Broomfield Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Glenwood Springs Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lone Tree Sears/Great Indoors, Longmont Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Pueblos’ South Side Kmart (52 jobs lost), Denver Kmart (number of jobs lost have not been made public at this time, but could be at least 40), Colorado Springs Kmart at Powers and Palmer Park boulevards (57 jobs lost), Fort Collins Sears (67 jobs lost), Denver-Cherry Creek North Sears store & Auto Center (66 jobs lost).

Connecticut: Waterbury Big Kmart, Torrington Kmart (73 jobs lost), Enfield Sears Optical (no word on jobs lost), Wallingford Sears Appliance & Hardware (employees say the shutdown was a surprise, I guess they don’t read Blind Bat News), Wallingford Sears Appliance & Hardware (at least 13 jobs lost).

Delaware: Dover Kmart (at least 72 jobs lost, some reports said 100), Seaford Sears (30 jobs lost), Claymont Kmart (87 jobs lost).

Florida: Fernandina Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Callaway Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Orange City Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Deland Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Stuart Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), West Palm Beach Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Port St. Lucie Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Crystal River Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), New Smyrna Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Saint Augustine Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Pompano Beach Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Jacksonville Kmart on 5751 Beach Boulevard (71 jobs lost), second Kmart in Jacksonville on 4645 Blanding Boulevard (83 jobs lost), Ocoee Sears (102 jobs lost), Pensacola Kmart on Airport Boulevard closed in 2011, Pensacola Kmart on Mobile Highway closed in February 2013 (69 jobs lost), Pensacola Kmart on East 9 Mile Road will close in May (73 jobs lost), Hialeah Kmart (67 jobs lost), Bonita Springs Kmart (67 jobs lost), Mount Dora Kmart (100 jobs lost), Lake Mary Kmart, Panama City Beach Kmart (54 jobs lost), Winter Park Kmart (100 jobs lost), Niceville Kmart (59 jobs lost), Winter Haven Kmart (92 jobs lost), Palm Bay Kmart, Oakland Park Kmart (112 jobs lost), Clearwater Sears Auto Center (21 jobs lost), Zephyrhills Kmart (70 jobs lost), Winter Springs Kmart (69 jobs lost), Naples Kmart (72 jobs lost), New Port Richey Kmart (58 jobs lost), ‘redevelopment’ of Aventura Sears & Auto Center into an “open-air village” (unknown how many jobs affected), Kmart on Northeast 108 Street being annexed by Miami Shores, Sears Holdings threatens to shutdown Kmart as a result of higher local taxes. The property that’s home to an operating Kmart, on South Green Bay Road in Racine, was foreclosed by the local Sheriff and sold-off for $2.5-million, no word on what the new property owner will do with it. Fort Myers Kmart (67 jobs lost). Dicks Sportings Goods subleasing space in an existing Sears store in Palm Beach Gardens.

Georgia: Macon Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Buford Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Douglasville Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Atlanta Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Columbus Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Jonesboro Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Cartersville Kmart (74 jobs lost), Hiram Kmart (53 jobs lost), Marietta-East Cobb Kmart, Warner Robins Kmart (77 jobs lost), Coweta County Kmart distribution center (164 jobs lost), one of the last two North Augusta Kmart to be torn down by new property owner from Canada, Sears Holdings denies the Kmart will shutdown.

Guam: Sears Hometown Store.

Hawaii: Honolulu Sears (owned by GGP, 372 jobs lost! GGP spending $573-million chopping it up into smaller store spaces), Kauai Sears (41 jobs lost), Iwilei-Honolulu Kmart for lease (no confirmation of store closing).

Idaho: Lewiston Sears (at least 60 jobs lost), Rexburg Kmart (63 jobs lost), Chubbuck Pine Ridge Mall Sears shutdown by the end of October/beginning of November 2014 (the remaining 28 jobs lost). Across the street, in Pocatello, the property where the Kmart is located has a “pad site available” sign, posted ever since the Kmart bankruptcy. The Kmart building takes up most of the ‘pad’. Latest news from inside sources say Sears Holdings will not comment on any plans to expand the small amount of Craftsman products already being sold at the Kmart, or shift the Kenmore products line, from the closing Chubbuck Sears to the Pocatello Kmart. In fact all plans for the Pokey Kmart are in a ‘holding pattern’.

Illinois: Alton Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Melrose Park Sears parts and repair center (50 jobs lost), Zion Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Oak Lawn Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), McHenry Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Peru Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lombard Sears/Great Indoors (at least 40 jobs lost), Fairview Heights Kmart (81 jobs lost), Freeport Kmart (45 jobs lost), Pontiac Kmart (more than 47 jobs lost), Homer Glen Kmart (82 jobs lost), Streator Kmart (45 jobs lost), Lombard Kmart (70 jobs lost), Naperville Kmart (98 jobs lost), Calumet Sears (164 jobs lost), two Sears stores in Grand Crossing area of Chicago (247 jobs lost!), Mount Vernon Sears (68 jobs lost), Moline Sears (at least 60 jobs lost), Homewood Kmart (185 jobs lost), Belvidere Kmart (91 jobs lost?) revealed is now a perpetual closing sale Kmart At A Discount store, Champaign’s Market Place Mall Sears (56 jobs lost), Sterling Kmart (60 jobs lost), Montgomery Kmart (81 jobs lost), Mattoon Sears (more than 40 jobs lost), Chicago Sears on North State Street (160 jobs lost), Chicago Sears Craftsman Experience store, Galesburg Sears (46 jobs lost), White Lake Township Kmart (42 jobs lost), Orland Park Sears Appliance, Collinsville Kmart (84 jobs lost), Crystal Lake Kmart (at least 77 jobs lost), Danville Sears store & Auto Center (63 jobs lost), Forsyth Sears store & Auto Center (45 jobs lost), Peoria Kmart (73 jobs lost), Forest Park Kmart (107 jobs lost), Chicago Sears on North and Harlem avenues, supposedly it’s being replaced (most likely at taxpayer expense) with a new building and it will become a Sears-Mariano’s store, Bloomington Kmart (79 jobs lost), Hoffman Estates Headquarters 100 jobs eliminated, another 15 corporate jobs eliminated elsewhere, Chicago-Wicker Park Kmart (106 jobs lost), abandoned Market Place Mall Sears location to be occupied by Dick’s Sporting Goods and Field & Stream. 58 Chicago area stores up for lease or sale. North Mayfair Kmart (99 jobs lost), Chicago Kmart at 5033 North Elston Avenue (99 jobs lost). By the way, Illinois elected officials gave Sears Holdings/Hoffman Estates a $150 million USD tax break to keep their headquarters in the state. The tax break was not tied to any promise not to close stores.

Indiana: Anderson Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Saint John Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Indianapolis Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Richmond Sears (49 jobs lost), South Anthony Kmart (70 jobs lost), Fort Wayne Kmart on South Anthony Boulevard (70 jobs lost), FairOaks Mall Kmart, Logansport Sears (43 jobs lost), Muncie Kmart (59 jobs lost), Fort Wayne Kmart on Coliseum Boulevard North (69 jobs lost), Decatur Kmart (49 jobs lost), Indianapolis Kmart on Madison Avenue (131 jobs lost), Indianapolis Kmart on Washington Street (139 jobs lost), Bedford Kmart (62 jobs lost), Indianapolis (Evansville) Sears & Auto Center at Washington Square Mall (91 jobs lost), Greenwood Kmart (78 jobs lost), Plymouth Kmart (68 jobs lost), Bloomington Sears to be replaced by Whole Foods grocery store.

Iowa: Cedar Rapids Kmart on 16th Ave (at least 40 jobs lost), Davenport Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Burlington Kmart (50 jobs lost), Coralville Sears (94 jobs lost, this is a store sold to GGP earlier in the year), Cedar Rapids Kmart on Collins Road NE (56 jobs lost), Mason City Kmart (50 jobs lost), Clive Kmart (at least 49 jobs lost), Ames Kmart (44 jobs lost), Fort Dodge Sears (no job loss numbers made public, yet. The Auto Center was secretly shutdown in September), 56 years old Mason City Sears & Auto Center (more than 100 jobs lost).   Davenport Kmart (59 jobs lost), Belvidere Kmart (67 jobs lost).

Kansas: Lawrence Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Merriam Kmart-then Sears-then Kmart (jobs lost unknown), Wichita Sears store & Auto Center (103 jobs lost), Manhattan Sears & Auto Center (number of jobs lost were never revealed).

Kentucky: Middlesboro Sears (in September 2012 the Sears store re-opened under independent ownership, official grand re-opening scheduled for November), Winchester Kmart, Hazard Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lexington Fayette Mall Sears (114 jobs lost!), Newport Kmart (81 jobs lost), Cannonsburg Sears and Sears Auto Center (no employee info given), Louisville Dixie Highway Kmart/Sears/Kmart shutdown and now being taken over by Kroger basically to sell the same crap the old Kmart did! Madisonville Kmart (39 jobs lost), Owensboro Sears store & Auto Center (52 jobs lost).

Louisiana: Slidell Sears (77 job lost), Gretna Kmart (94 jobs lost), Metairie Kmart secretly sold off, no word if it will be shutdown, Laplace Sears Hometown Store.

Maine: Lewiston Sears (60 to 70 jobs lost), Presque Isle Aroostook Centre Mall Sears (63 jobs lost), Aroostook Centre Mall Sears Auto Center leased out to VIP Tires & Service.

Maryland: Ellicott Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Gaithersburg Sears/Great Indoors, Landover Sears rebuild & call center (115 jobs lost), Baltimore Kmart on Wabash Avenue (107 jobs lost), Parkville Kmart (102 jobs lost), California Kmart (71 jobs lost), Sears Hometown Store in Perryville.

Massachusetts: North Reading Sears Hardware store closed, lease not renewed, Milford Kmart (80 jobs lost), Kingston Kmart (73 jobs lost).   Braintree Kmart on Grossman Drive shutting down.  Also, the Braintree South Shore Plaza Sears store is renting out an entire floor to Ireland based Primark.   Even with the lease to Primark there is still 4-thousand square feet of vacant space in the Sears store.  The Sears at the Auburn Mall shutdown on Black Friday due to electrical fire.  The store was experiencing electrical problems, an investigation is underway.  

Michigan: Novi Sears/Great Indoors, Brighton Sears Grand/Essentials, Harper Woods Sears Full line, Monroe Sears Full line, Adrian Sears Full line, Washington Township Kmart, Chesterfield Kmart, Woodhaven Kmart, Saginaw Kmart on Bay Road, Flint Kmart on Dort Highway (46 jobs lost), Gaylord Kmart (48 jobs lost), Sterling Kmart (58 jobs lost), Bloomfield Township Kmart and Sears, Bad Axe Kmart (61 jobs lost), Ypsilanti Township Kmart (83 jobs lost), Petoskey Kmart (45 jobs lost), Saint John’s Kmart (48 jobs lost), White Lake Township “Store of the Future” Kmart (42 jobs lost), Grand Blanc Kmart (49 jobs lost), Lapeer Kmart (56 jobs lost), Southgate Kmart (155 jobs lost), Detroit’s Telegraph Road Kmart (115 jobs lost), Waterford Township Sears (no word on how many jobs lost), Rochester Hills Kmart (77 jobs lost), ‘perfect Kmart town’ of Port Huron Kmart (188 jobs lost), Flint Kmart on Miller Road (81 jobs lost), Burton Kmart (85 jobs lost), Madison Heights Kmart (179 jobs lost), it’s now official the last remaining Saginaw Kmart (on Gratiot Road) will remain shutdown after its roof collapsed during a snowstorm back in January 2014 (Sears Holdings claims only 18 people worked there at the time of the collapse!), Ann Arbor Kmart (59 jobs lost), Iron Mountain Kmart (54 jobs lost), Bangor Township Sears aka Bay City Mall Sears, the Auto Center was already secretly shutdown some time ago (at least 47 jobs lost), Big Rapids Kmart (about 50 jobs lost). Vacant Wyandotte Sears Auto Center is being renovated at a cost to taxpayers of $1-million & 20-thousand, plus 15 years worth of tax breaks valued at $2-million! Shakopee Kmart distribution center shutdown and sold-off for $17-million in 2013, now it’s finally getting a new tenant; snowmobile and electric cart maker Polaris Industries will rent out a fraction of the building to use as their new parts warehouse. The Kmart Plaza in Sandusky sold to “A group of investors”, no word on what will happen to the Kmart store.

Minnesota: Willmar Kmart, Duluth Kmart, New Hope Kmart, White Bear Lake Kmart, Bemidji Kmart, Monticello Kmart, GGP owned Sears Auto Center in the Apache Mall closed (10 jobs lost), the entire Sears store in the Apache Mall being sold off, Fergus Falls Kmart (40 jobs lost), Fergus Falls Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Alexandria Kmart (46 jobs lost), Grand Rapids Kmart (61 jobs lost), Seritage is selling off three Sears Auto Centers in Minnetonka, Brooklyn Center and Saint Paul, Marshall Kmart (57 jobs lost), Oakdale Kmart (77 hourly wage employees losing their jobs, unknown how many salaried employees will become unemployed), Winona Kmart (67 jobs lost), Minneapolis city officials trying to shutdown profit making Nicollet Avenue Kmart, to make way for a new road. Anoka Kmart (47 jobs lost), Blaine Kmart (60 jobs lost), Burnsville Kmart (62 jobs lost), Waite Park Kmart (57 jobs lost), Northeast Minneapolis Sears Hometown & Outlet store now for sale, Coon Rapids Sears Hometown & Outlet store now for sale.

Mississippi: Jackson Sears Full line, McComb Sears Full line, Columbus Sears Full line, Gautier Sears (71 jobs lost), Waveland Gulfport Kmart (32 jobs lost), Pass Road Gulfport Kmart (52 jobs lost), Pascagoula Sears at the Singing River Mall, Olive Branch distribution center (unknown how many jobs lost).

Missouri: Lee’s Summit Sears Grand/Essentials, Saint Louis Sears Full line, High Ridge Kmart (59 jobs lost), Ellisville Kmart (55 jobs lost), Springfield Kmart on South Campbell Avenue (60 jobs lost), South Belt Kmart (64 jobs lost), Florissant Kmart (100 jobs lost), O’Fallon Kmart (76 jobs lost).

Montana: Missoula Kmart (50 jobs lost), Great Falls Kmart (closed “until further notice” due to fire, 63 jobs on hold), Great Falls Sears store & Auto Center (65 jobs lost) due to great sales (ironically) the shutdown date has been moved from 07 December 2014 to 23 November, Bozeman Kmart (37 jobs lost), Missoula Sears store and Auto Center (57 jobs lost).

Nebraska: Grand Island Kmart (55 jobs lost), Omaha Kmart near West Maple Road (50 jobs lost).

Nevada: Sparks Kmart distribution center (100 jobs lost).

New Hampshire: Nashau Sears Grand/Essentials, Keene Sears Grand/Essentials, Portsmouth Kmart (30 jobs lost), Claremont Kmart (59 jobs lost).

New Jersey: Lawnside Kmart (about 80 jobs lost), Howell Kmart (57 jobs lost), Berlin Kmart, Dover Kmart (92 jobs lost), Randolf Kmart (91 jobs lost), Paramus Kmart (74 jobs lost), Closter Kmart (102 jobs lost), Vineland Kmart (74 jobs lost).  After 18 years Sears Holdings shutdown their Roselle Sears Hardware store due to “landlord issues”. 

New Mexico: Las Cruces Kmart (58 jobs lost), Albuquerque Kmart on Central SW (80 jobs lost), Rio Rancho Kmart (59 jobs lost).

New York: Lindenhurst Sears Hardware, North Babylon Sears Hardware, Hauppauge Sears Hardware, Depew (Lancaster?) Kmart (68 jobs lost), Colonie Kmart (72 jobs lost), Fulton Kmart (51 jobs lost), Clifton Park Kmart (74 jobs lost) now revealed to be turned into a Town Center with more than 200 apartments at an estimated cost of $50-million, Latham Kmart (61 jobs lost), East Greenbush-Rensselaer Kmart (70 jobs lost), Tonawanda Sears Appliance and Hardware, Bronx Sears (91 jobs lost), BBN reader reported that the Ithaca Sears and Auto Center shutdown and one month later it’s been officially confirmed (at least 37 jobs lost), DeWitt Kmart (92 jobs lost), Auburn Sears (51 jobs lost), Massena Sears and Auto Center (51 jobs lost), Staten Island Mall Sears leased out to Ireland’s Primark, Bay Shore Sears and Sears Auto Center (144 jobs lost), New Hartford Sears & Auto Center (109 jobs lost), Lancaster Kmart sold for $1.7-million to Dave’s Christmas Wonderland. Herkimer Sears Hometown, Saranac Lake Sears Hometown the ‘independent’ co-owners said Sears Holdings forced them to shutdown. Melville Appliance Repair Division (31 jobs lost).

North Carolina: Cary Kmart (71 jobs lost), High Point Sears, Moorehead Sears, Rocky Mount Sears, Statesville Sears, Durham Kmart (79 jobs lost), Asheville Kmart (53 jobs lost), West Smithfield Kmart (59 jobs lost), Winston-Salem Kmart (69 jobs lost), Hendersonville Kmart (58 jobs lost), South Ashville Kmart on Hendersonville Road, Raleigh Kmart (88 jobs lost), Garner Kmart, Cleveland County mall Sears (56 jobs lost), Charlotte Kmart (89 jobs lost), Conover Kmart (74 jobs lost), Raleigh Kmart on Capital Boulevard (53 jobs lost), High Point Kmart (71 jobs lost), Boone Kmart (41 jobs lost), Greensboro Kmart (96 jobs lost), Gastonia Sears store & Auto Center (65 jobs lost), Kinston Kmart (64 jobs lost), Cary Sears (66 jobs lost), Greensboro Kmart distribution center (130 jobs lost), Greenville Kmart (75 jobs lost), Kinston Sears Hometown Store shutdown with little notice, Lexington Sears Hometown Store.

North Dakota: Jamestown Kmart (45 jobs lost), Dickinson Kmart (41 jobs lost, despite a “Now Hiring” sign on the front of the store).

Ohio: Chagrin Falls Kmart, Springfield Kmart, two Toledo Kmarts, Medina Kmart, Columbus Kmart, Columbus Sears/Great Indoors, Zanesville Sears (67 jobs lost), Trotwood Kmart (71 jobs lost), Austintown Sears auto parts and service on Interstate Boulevard, London Kmart (no word on number of jobs lost), Trotwood Sears (67 jobs lost), Westlake Kmart/Sears (at least 57 jobs lost), Xenia Kmart (at least 57 jobs lost), Norwalk Kmart (52 jobs lost), Blue Ash Kmart (77 jobs lost), Northwood Sears at Woodville Mall (36 jobs lost), Conneaut Kmart (43 jobs lost), Anderson Township Kmart (71 jobs lost), Brooklyn Kmart (200 jobs lost), Columbus Lockbourne Industrial Parkway Sears distribution center (200 jobs lost), also in Columbus, Sears Product Rebuild-Call Center (112 jobs lost), Marion Sears Auto Center (at least nine jobs lost), Springfield Kmart #3767 (68 jobs lost), Fairborn Kmart (66 jobs lost), Solon Sears & Auto Center (at least 53 jobs lost), Tiffin Sears Hometown Store. Also, Van Wert Sears franchise bought out by Kirk Berryman, owner of Computer & Networking Technologies (CNT), who plans on moving the store to a new location. Fairlawn Sears Appliance & Hardware, Macedonia Sears Appliance & Hardware, Lorain Sears Appliance & Hardware, Elyria Sears Appliance & Hardware, North Olmsted Sears Appliance & Hardware, Sheffield Village Sears Appliance & Hardware, Akron Sears Appliance & Hardware.

Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Sears (98 jobs lost, GGP owned, GGP wants a $2 million sales tax rebate, claiming it’s needed to offset capital investments needed to bring the space up to the standards for potential new tenants), Shawnee Sears (31 jobs lost), Sand Springs Kmart (52 jobs lost), Muskogee Sears (60 jobs lost), Enid Sears and Auto Center (at least 38 jobs lost), Tulsa BigKmart (51 jobs lost).

Oregon: Roseburg Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Tualatin Kmart Center (new property owner from California is tearing everything down for new shopping center, so far no indication the Kmart will be part of the new shopping center), Milwaukie Kmart (61 jobs lost), Coos Bay Kmart (25 jobs lost), Bend Sears (48 jobs lost), Klamath Falls Kmart (64 jobs lost), Albany Kmart (64 jobs lost), Portland Sears Homes Services (no notice), Albany Sears (57 jobs lost), in October a BBN reader warned that Oregon City Kmart was being quietly shutdown, confirmed on 06 November 2014 by Sears Holdings (70 jobs lost). Ontario Kmart (55 jobs lost).

Pennsylvania: Upper Darby Sears Full line, Pottstown Sears Full line, Pittsburgh Kmart, Wilkins Sears, Warminster Kmart (85 jobs lost), Shippensburg Kmart (46 jobs lost), Moon Kmart (143 jobs lost), Bethlehem Township Kmart (62 jobs lost), Philadelphia Gallery Mall Kmart (120 jobs lost), Philadelphia Kmart on Orthodox Street and Castor Avenue (169 jobs lost), Levittown/Middle Township Kmart (87 jobs lost), Waynesboro Kmart (43 jobs lost), Sanatoga-Lower Pottsgrove Kmart (65 jobs lost, the store was also advertising for new hires!), West Mifflin Sears store & Auto Center (88 jobs lost), Rochester Kmart (78 jobs lost), Frazer (Pittsburg Mills Mall) Sears and Auto Center (97 jobs lost), Bloomsburg Sears (57 jobs lost), Frackville Sears and Auto Center (84 jobs lost), North Cornwall Township Sears (51 jobs lost), King of Prussia Sears and Auto Center (no word on number of jobs lost), Lebanon Sears (51 jobs lost), Scotland Chambersburg Mall Sears and Auto Center (62 jobs lost), the upper level of the Willow Grove Mall Sears store to be leased by Primark, King of Prussia Sears store leased out to clothing retailer Primark, East Towne Mall Kmart (51 jobs lost), Frackville Kmart in the Skuylkill Mall (80 jobs lost), Mount Pocono Kmart (66 jobs lost), Fairless Hills Sears Hardware. Granite Run Mall shutdown, meaning the Sears and Sears Auto Center now apparently on a month to month (possibly day to day) lease are soon to follow. Brookhaven Kmart (89 jobs lost).

Puerto Rico: Vega Baja Kmart (206 jobs lost).

South Carolina: Sumter Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Orangeburg Sears (57 jobs lost), Columbia Kmart on Fort Jackson Boulevard in 2012, Columbia Kmart on Bush River Road in 2009, Columbia Kmart on St Andrews Road (66 jobs lost), Irmo Kmart (no info on how many jobs lost), both Greenville Kmarts (140 jobs lost between the two), Mount Pleasant Kmart (43 jobs lost), Harbison Sears & Sears Auto Center in the Columbiana Centre mall (97 jobs lost), Aiken Sears & Sears Auto Center (at least 54 jobs lost), Inlet Square Mall Kmart (50 jobs lost), West Ashely Kmart (69 jobs lost), Myrtle Beach Kmart (59 jobs lost), Easley Kmart (62 jobs lost).

South Dakota: Spearfish Kmart (51 jobs lost), Sturgis Kmart (57 jobs lost).

Tennessee: Antioch Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Cleveland Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Oak Ridge Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Hendersonville Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Morristown Sears (about 70 jobs lost), Clinton South Kmart, Franklin Cool Springs Galleria Sears (92 jobs lost), Memphis Hickory Ridge mall Sears (job loss data not revealed), 48 years old Nashville Kmart on Nolensville Pike to close by January 2014 (57 jobs lost), Franklin Kmart (33 jobs lost), Dickson Kmart (65 jobs lost), talks in progress to end lease for Bellevue (Nashville) Center Mall Sears, Nashville Bellevue Center Sears & Auto Center (at least 44 jobs lost).

Texas: Two Sears parts and repair centers closing in The Woodlands (117 jobs lost), rebuild center in Garland (58 jobs lost), Farmers Branch Sears/Great Indoors, Houston Sears Great/Indoors, Dallas Sears home appliance parts distribution center (77 jobs lost), Simon Property Group owned McAllen Sears store & Auto Center (so far no word on how many jobs will be lost), recently revealed Palestine Sears Hometown (franchise owner quit to work as assistant manager at a local Dollar General).  Wichita Falls Sears (56 jobs lost right before Xmas).

Utah: Murray Sears (for some reason Mormon controlled news media in Utah never reported the closure, but they reported that the building was demolished), Orem Kmart (no details reported), Woods Cross Kmart (54 jobs lost), Provo Kmart demolished in anticipation of yet another AtHome furniture store.

Vermont: Rutland Sears store & Auto Center (65 jobs lost),  South Burlington Kmart (66 jobs lost).

Virginia: Norfolk Sears (at least 40 jobs lost), Midlothian Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Richmond Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Lynchburg Sears (84 jobs lost), Fairfax Kmart (no word on how many jobs lost), Christiansburg Sears (59 jobs lost), Norfolk Kmart on East Little Creek Road (77 jobs lost), Manassas Kmart (71 jobs lost), Stafford Sears Hometown, Newport News-Denbigh Kmart (at least 50 jobs lost), Wise Kmart (58 jobs lost), Harrisonburg Kmart (79 jobs lost), Winchester Kmart (91 jobs lost), Dale City Kmart (69 jobs lost), Chesapeake Sears and Auto Center (82 jobs lost), Front Royal Kmart (88 jobs lost), Pembroke Mall Sears renting out part of their store to DSW & Nordstrom Rack, Sears Holdings say they’re still looking for a “third tenant” for their occupied space. The current nearby Sears Auto Center will be rented out to REI. Colonial Heights Kmart (113 jobs lost), Virginia Beach Hilltop Square Shopping Center Kmart (82 jobs lost).

Washington: Walla Walla Sears Full line (in August 2012, it was reported that an independent owner of Sears Hometown stores will open a store in Walla Walla), Lacey Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost), Kelso Sears (47 jobs lost), Lakewood Kmart (59 jobs lost), Bellingham Sears (92 jobs lost), Seattle Kmart (85 jobs lost), East Wenatchee Sears (59 jobs lost), Puyallup Kmart (51 jobs lost), Oak Harbor Kmart (68 jobs lost), Sodo Sears and Sears Auto Center (79 jobs lost), Everett Kmart (65 jobs lost), Marysville Kmart (at least 40 jobs lost).

West Virginia: Oak Hill Kmart (59 jobs lost), Morgantown Kmart (100 jobs lost), Bluefield Sears store & Auto Center (64 jobs lost).

Wisconsin: West Baraboo Sears (at least 40 jobs lost, local village officials say the store generated 3% of local tax collections), Rice Lake Kmart (about 71 jobs lost), Brookfield Kmart (56 jobs lost), Racine’s Regency Mall Sears (52 jobs lost), Fort Atkinson Kmart (51 jobs lost), Greenfield Kmart (107 jobs lost), Portage Kmart (78 jobs lost) and Hales Corner (129 jobs lost), Chippewa Falls Kmart (79 jobs lost), Menomonie Kmart (at least 50 jobs lost), Ashwaubenon Kmart recently revealed now owned by Green Bay Packers, will be torn down (80 jobs lost), Shawano Kmart (55 jobs lost), Fond du Lac Sears (42 jobs lost), Glendale Sears store & Auto Center (86 jobs lost), Janesville Kmart (70 jobs lost), Glendale Sears Rebuild center (67 jobs lost), Sheboygan Sears & Auto Center (at least 31 jobs lost), Eau Claire Kmart (93 jobs lost), Plymouth Kmart (59 jobs lost before Xmas), Sheboygan Sears Rebuild Center (30 jobs lost), Wauwatosa Kmart (103 jobs lost).

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

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

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

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

Florida: West Oaks Mall

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

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

Hawaii: Ala Moana Center (closed, see above)

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

Minnesota: Apache Mall (see update above, GGP will close Sears store by 2014)

Illinois: Market Place Shopping Center (see update above, GGP closing store)