Tag Archives: closing

Sears & Kmart closing update, 12 November 2014: Developers want taxpayers to fund rebuild of abandoned Kmart!

November 12, 2014 Hutchins AAron

Wisconsin losing a 51 years old Kmart in February 2015.

Speaking of Wisconsin, in Waukesha an abandoned Kmart property is being haggled over by property developers and the city. The two greedy property developers are demanding the taxpayers fork over $2.6-million USD to help them rebuild the property! They want $2-million in tax incremental funding up front, and then they want $600-thousand in taxes kicked back to them once the work is done!

update 11 November 2014

Here’s the updated list of U.S. Sears/Kmart store closings that I’ve been compiling since the end of 2011:

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

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

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), Cupertino Sears and Auto Center (number of employees affected not made public, no WARN filed).

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).

Connecticut: Waterbury Big Kmart, Torrington Kmart (73 jobs lost), Enfield Sears Optical (no word on jobs lost).

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

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).

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 going’ down in November (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). 58 Chicago area stores up for lease or sale. By the way, Illinois elected officials gave Sears Holdings/Hoffman Estates a $150 million USD tax break to keep their headquarters in the state. The tax break was not tied to any promise not to close stores.

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).

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).

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).

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

Maine: Lewiston Sears (60 to 70 jobs lost), Presque Isle Aroostook Centre Mall Sears (63 jobs lost).

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).

Massachusetts: North Reading Sears Hardware store closed, lease not renewed, Milford Kmart (80 jobs lost),
Kingston Kmart (73 jobs lost).

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 obvious the last remaining Saginaw Kmart on Gratiot will remain shutdown after its roof collapsed during a snowstorm back in January, 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).

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).

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.

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).

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).

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).

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

New York: Depew (Lancaster?) Kmart (68 jobs lost), Colonie Kmart (72 jobs lost), Fulton Kmart (51 jobs lost), Clifton Park Kmart (74 jobs lost), 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).

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).

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). Also, Van Wert Sears franchise bought out by Kirk Berryman, owner of Computer & Networking Technologies (CNT), who plans on moving the store to a new location.

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

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).

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).

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).

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).

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.

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).

Vermont: Rutland Sears store & Auto Center (65 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 Kmart (at least 50 jobs lost), Wise Kmart (58 jobs lost), Harrisonburg Kmart (79 jobs lost), Wincester Kmart (91 jobs lost), Dale City Kmart (69 jobs lost), Chesapeake Sears and Auto Center (82 jobs lost), Front Royal Kmart (88 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), recently revealed Eau Claire Kmart (93 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)

Business/Economics

Macy’s killing more stores in 2014 than originally announced!

November 11, 2014 Hutchins AAron

11 November 2014 (01:11 UTC-07 Tango)/18 Muharram 1436/20 Aban 1393/19 Yi-Hai 4712

In January 2014, somewhat upscale department store Macy’s announced it was shutting down five stores and killing off 25-hundred jobs! However, a check of actual store closures for 2014 shows more than five stores were/are being shutdown.

It should be noted that Macy’s, like Sears and Kmart, have been shutting down stores for the past few years. By the way, while shutting down stores in the U.S. Macy’s is opening a massive store in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

In the following list, those stores in bold letters were not on the original list of five store closures published by east coast main stream news sources in January.

Arizona: Mesa Macy’s.

California: Pasadena Paseo Colorado mall Macy’s, 116 jobs lost! Interestingly this Macy’s was not covered in the list of ‘five’ closures published by east coast news sources, however, California news sources say this store shows the list actually covered six stores. I wonder why the dominant east coast news sources failed to identify it? In Cupertino, the Vallco Shopping Mall Macy’s was sold off, no word on if the store will be shutdown by the new owner.

Florida: Bradenton DeSoto Square mall Macy’s, 131 jobs affected! Macy’s administrators said some of the jobs were being consolidated into another store.

Kansas: Overland Park Macy’s.

Missouri: Florrisant Macy’s.

New York: Irondequoit Macy’s.

Pennsylvania: West Manchester Township Macy’s, 69 jobs lost.

Texas: One of two Houston Macy’s (Galleria Macy’s), 136 jobs lost!

Utah: Murray Macy’s.

JCPenney closing more stores in 2014 than first announced!

Business/Economics

Sears & Kmart closing update, 11 November 2014: Florida store to be torn down! Radical plan for 2015? Makes bank in Canada, more proof that investors like crashing & burning companies! Montana store being shutdown 2 weeks earlier than planned!

November 11, 2014 Hutchins AAron

Reports (claiming to come from unnamed inside sources) say Eddie Lampert is now so desperate that he has sent out a two page letter to outside ‘holding companies’ for help in consolidating the various accounts of Sears, Kmart, Craftsman, Kenmore, etc. Reports say that apparently Lampert has not involved his senior advisors in this appeal for outside help. Supposedly a new radical plan for Sears-Kmart needs to be in place before February 2015.

Sears Holdings has revealed that its Sears Canada stock sell-off has made the U.S. company $380-million USD. However, it seems not all stock buyers have paid in full, $110-million is still due by 13 November, or they lose their shares. The amount made by the sale is prorated for ‘oversubscription’, this means that demand was higher than the number of shares made available.

Sears Holdings announced they are “redeveloping” their Sears and Auto Center in Aventura, Florida. It involves 4 hectares (12.3 acres) and the tearing down of the existing structure to make a new “open-air village” consisting of smaller stores and even a hotel with double decker parking. They even gave it a new name: Esplanade at Aventura.

The employees of the Great Falls, Montana, Sears discovered they will become unemployed four days before the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, rather than the first week of December. This is because the store is out of merchandise, local news reports say only the store fixtures and a few kitchen appliances remain for sale.

update 07 November 2014

Here’s the updated list of U.S. Sears/Kmart store closings that I’ve been compiling since the end of 2011:

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

Connecticut: Waterbury Big Kmart, Torrington Kmart (73 jobs lost), Enfield Sears Optical (no word on jobs lost).

Delaware: Dover Kmart (at least 72 jobs lost, some reports said 100), Seaford Sears (30 jobs lost), recently revealed 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), recently announced ‘redevelopment’ of Aventura Sears & Auto Center into an “open-air village” (unknown how many jobs affected).

Guam: Sears Hometown Store.

Idaho: Lewiston Sears (at least 60 jobs lost), Rexburg Kmart (63 jobs lost), Chubbuck Pine Ridge Mall Sears going’ down in November (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’.

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).

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

Maine: Lewiston Sears (60 to 70 jobs lost), Presque Isle Aroostook Centre Mall Sears (63 jobs lost).

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).

Massachusetts: North Reading Sears Hardware store closed, lease not renewed, Milford Kmart (80 jobs lost),
Kingston Kmart (73 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).

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).

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

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

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.

Vermont: Rutland Sears store & Auto Center (65 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).

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

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)

Business/Economics

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 05 – 08 September 2014: “I knew it would be bad, but didn’t know it would be horrid!” Rapture killing off mega-church? China kills U.S. recycling jobs! Taxpayer funded Job Corps Center really a child prison camp? Bad management blamed for job killing!

November 10, 2014 Hutchins AAron

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

British empire owned Canadian Too Big to Jail TD Bank canceled their plans to expand into New York and Massachusetts, on top of that there are reports they’ve quietly shutdown 14 U.S. offices over the past two years!

Arizona: Navajo Nation Oil and Gas laid off eight people: “Because of decisions by prior management, the company has incurred significant additional costs and must reduce short-term spending.”-Louis Denetsosie, current CEO

California: Beacon Economics reports that Golden State exports of petroleum and coal products dropped by a third in July. The six county Metrolink is experiencing a crash in riders and revenue. Local news reports say the administrators of the unreliable public transportation service (aka Metro-Late) raised the price to ride so high that many people found it cheaper and more reliable to buy a car and drive to work! In Irvine, British empire Australia based insurance company QBE North America warned it will kill 68 jobs in November. What housing market recovery? Discover Home Loans warned it will kill at least four jobs in November. In Los Alamitos, Aramark Management Services warned it will kill 51 property-facility management jobs in November. In Sacramento, Anthem College shutdown, it’s due to Anthem Educations bankruptcy which is linked to federal law violations. In South San Francisco, legal drugs maker Exelixis warned it will kill at least two jobs in November. In Oceanside, after more than 11 years road construction killed off Ocean Sky Beads. The owner said the new road and sidewalks killed off 75% of her business: “I knew it would be bad, but didn’t know it would be horrid! I lost way too much and can’t make a living anymore here.”-Dee Layden

Florida: It was revealed that Reilly’s Westshore Taphouse shutdown “…due to circumstance beyond our control between the city of Tampa and our landlord.” Kerry’s Nursery lost 51 hectares (128 acres) to foreclosure! The nursery was planning on growing medical marijuana under the recent law, but for some odd reason the state government has yet to approve any applications for growing the potentially money making crop. A family feud in Palm Beach County threatens to put 906 hectares (2240 acres) and five companies into foreclosure! It involves the Scardina family.

Illinois: Another women’s clothing op going down. After six years Le Dress clothing store shutdown, the store owners blamed the landlord for jacking up the rent.

Michigan: In Rochester Hills, the Sweet Spot Candy Shoppe shutdown. In Detroit, New Center’s University Hotel shutdown. The hotel was bought in 1987 for $100-thousand USD, but now owes $83-thousand+ in back due taxes! It was foreclosed, but was mysteriously removed from upcoming auction action.

Missouri: In Florissant, after 95 years (surviving the Great Depression and numerous recessions) Yacovelli Restaurant shutdown. In Saint Louis, California based Hamburger Mary’s shutdown due to the landlord losing “…the building in foreclosure, and the bank is now forcing us out in order to sell the building.”

Nebraska: British empire Canada based Agrium laid off 33 people at their fertilizer and feed factory in Fairbury. They’re shutting down their zinc sulfate ops, local news reports said company administrators refused to say why.

New Jersey: Trump Entertainment Resorts (no longer connected to Donald Trump) now bankrupt busted, for the 4th time! They’ve already killed off 3-thousand+ jobs this year, and their Trump Taj Mahal is rumored to be the next casino to be shutdown! Recycler Green Sky Industries shutdown without warning in Clifton, 100+ people now unemployed with nowhere to go! The company had laid off employees prior to the sudden shutdown. Administrators would only hint that it was caused by new governmental regulations and the fact that the World’s largest buyer of recyclable trash, China, is no longer buying trash from the U.S.!

Ohio: It was revealed that after 45 years Cooper & Kowalski, Toledo’s 4th largest law firm, began shutdown ops back in July.

Oklahoma: In Tulsa, Reasor’s announced they will shutdown a grocery store within the next two months. It could be blamed on Reasor’s takeover of two competing Food Pyramid grocery stores.

Pennsylvania: In Shamokin Dam after 50 years of eats, the owners of Tedd’s Landing restaurant announced they’ll shutdown by November, due to the suck-ass economy. After 10 years Colorado based Graebel Van Lines shutdown their Pittsburg Leetsdale Industrial Park ops.

Rhode Island: In Providence, the Boston Sports Club exercise joint shutdown. It’s part of the New York based vulture capitalist owner’s (Town Sports International Holdings) plan to shutdown at least nine fitness centers.

Tennessee: In Memphis, after 70 years Wiles-Smith Drug Store shutdown, the family owners said they can’t compete with ‘big box’ stores. Bread & Company shutdown their West Nashville restaurant, due to being unable to pay the rent.

Texas: In McKinney, North Texas Job Corps Center shutting down in October, 240 jobs lost! North Texas Job Corps Center sounds like a place to find a job, but local news investigations discovered that people aged 16 to 24 were being abused or doing illegal drugs, and at taxpayer expense! Fluor Federal Solutions killing 79 jobs in October, they’re connected to the evil North Texas Job Corps Center. What housing market recovery? In Temple, maker of laminate products for homes or business, Wilsonart, laid off 57 people: “Today, Wilsonart International announced that it will eliminate certain positions throughout its North America operations as part of a strategic restructuring.”

Washington: God really hates the Seattle based mega-church known as Mars Hill. More job killing as church administrators announced they are consolidating their 15 church operations, and laying off 40% of their employees. Church leaders blame it on declining attendance, a massive drop of several thousand per week since the beginning of 2014! I know what happened; the rapture! And those evil church leaders were left behind!

Wisconsin: Roundy’s shutting down three Pic-n-Save stores, 226 jobs lost in November!

04 September 2014

The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) doesn’t count the hundreds of layoffs involving less than 50 people each, in its mass layoff reports. It also doesn’t count all the little ‘mom & pop’ businesses that shutdown. It doesn’t count people who get a severance for being laid off.

“Our ideals and principles, as well as our national security…That’s what makes America different. That’s what makes us exceptional.”-Barack Obama, 10 September 2013

Business/Economics

U.S. Food Crisis, August 2014: “We’re about to run out of gas!” “We were shocked!” McDonald’s & Jell-O going down?

November 10, 2014 Hutchins AAron

Incomplete list of announced United States food supply shutdowns for the month of August, 2014: Many food suppliers/distributors are consolidating operations and killing jobs due to the collapsing grocery store and restaurant industries, as well as rising costs of food production.

Alabama: In Dothan, after three years Dakota Coffee Works shutdown. The owner blamed skyrocketing costs of operations and crashing sales: “We’re about to run out of gas! Right now it’s doing about 50% of what it needs to do.”-Ron McGhee

California: The new owners of Orange County based 36 years old French restaurant chain Mimi’s Cafe announced they will kill 24 restaurants in Arizona, California, Utah and Florida! Apparently the new hand cut French Fries (which Mimi’s chiefs spent 60 days in France learning how to make!) are so labor intensive that they’re losing money. In Chatsworth, Switzerland based food producer Nestle issued a WARN saying they were killing 353 jobs in October! In Santa Barbara, after 40 years the iconic Circle Bar B dinner theater horse ranch shutdown. In Sacramento, after three years doughnut shop Doughbot shutdown. The two owner-operators said “…these last few years have been…..incredibly difficult. We’re simply burned out.” In San Diego, Stingaree nightclub warned it will shutdown in November, 111 jobs lost! Owners claim it’s only temporarily, for six months of renovations. In Laguna Beach, The House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer warned it will shutdown by the end of October, 58 jobs lost. In Cayucos, after more than 20 years highly praised Hoppe’s Garden Bistro shutdown. In Yuba City, Valley Fine Foods laid off 30 employees. Company officials hope the layoffs will be temporary. In San Francisco, after 22 years Woodward’s Garden restaurant shutdown. For an unknown reason the lease will not be renewed.

Colorado: In Grand Junction, Graff Dairy shutdown. Local news said employees blame the bad economy for a crash in sales.

Connecticut: In Norwalk, after 30 years Cosmo’s Pizza shutdown. The owners say city construction caused a 60% drop in business! After 15 years Anna Donte Italian Restaurant shutdown.

Florida: In North Palm Beach, Panama Hattie’s Seafood House shutdown by the County government, 45 jobs lost. County officials say the restaurant failed to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines for numerous code violations. In Santa Rosa Beach, after only one year Bud and Alley’s restaurant shutdown. In Miami Beach, another restaurant done in by a greedy landowner. Andreas Schreiner of Pubbelly Restaurant Group said their PB Steak restaurant shutdown because “…the rising costs of real estate would not have allowed us to continue to operate PB Steak without raising our prices, which would go against our commitment to our customers, to be a local, everyday eating establishment.”

Hawaii: In Honolulu, after only five months Meatball Hawaii restaurant shutdown with little warning by the greedy property owner, the restaurant owner said “Our lease has been bought out. Today is our last day.”

Illinois: Oak Brook based McDonalds now saying there is no economic recovery! The iconic fast food restaurant told investors that sales are only getting worse! Company officials say their most promising restaurants, in Russia and China, are now under attack by the respective governments, and sales in the U.S. continue to go down! After 100 years (and surviving the Great Depression and numerous recessions) Jelly Belly Candy laying off 66 employees as the company moves its Illinois operations to California. In Chicago, Forever Yogurt shutdown two brand new stores! Company officials blame lawsuits from property owners like General Growth Properties (GGP). Moline based farm equipment maker Deere (formerly known as John Deere) announced they will kill more than 600 jobs in Illinois, Iowa and Kansas! Some inside reports say it’s more like 1-thousand jobs killed! Company officials blame crashing sales. In River North, after only two years the Tavernita restaurant shutdown, without notice. The owners lost their booze license, and allegedly owe hundreds of thousands in unpaid taxes, although restaurant reps claim the taxes were paid. In Streeterville, after a year of promises ‘organic’ grocery store Mrs Green’s Natural Market canceled plans to open a new store. Company officials blamed the bad economy for “timing and logistical” problems. In Schiller Park, despite supposedly making a comeback from bankruptcy, Hostess shutting down a bakery already, 400 jobs lost in October! One union official exclaimed to local news media “We were shocked!” The Schiller Park bakery is credited with creating the Twinkie. In Champaign, Kraft Foods laid off an additional 56 employees. Also, Kraft Foods revealed their inexpensive Jell-O brand is in trouble, with steadily crashing sales. Company officials think it’s because their 100+ years old cheap dessert has no nutritional value. In Hinsdale, after nine years Cosi restaurant shutdown by the property owner, with little notice. News reports say property owner MDC Properties was shutting down all businesses on their Hinsdale properties: “They are de-emphasizing their corporate stores and focusing on their franchises. It’s panning out that way across the country.”-Tim Scott, Hinsdale economic development director

Indiana: In Franklin, Indigo Duck restaurant announced they’re shutting down in September. The family owners blame the death of the founder last year, and the fact that their lease is expiring and they can’t renew. In Indianapolis, the Incredible Buffet and Fun Center shutdown. In Thorntown, reports that Railer’s IGA grocery store shutdown.

Iowa: In Sioux City, after 85 years (and surviving the Great Depression and numerous recessions) the Green Gables restaurant shutdown. The family owners say they cannot survive this so called ‘recovery’. Agricultural equipment supplier Demco Products laid off 26 employees, due to crashing sales. In Waterloo, tractor maker Deere (formerly known as John Deere) killing 460 jobs, due to crashing sales! That’s on top of the previously announced Deere layoffs in Illinois. In Urbandale, the Incredible Buffet and Fun Center shutdown, 75 jobs lost.

Kansas: In Hesston, maker of farming equipment AGCO laid off 24 factory workers and cut the hours for everybody else. It’s blamed on crashing sales. Company officials warned that more layoffs will be forthcoming. Union officials believe 80 more workers will become unemployed.

Maryland: In Hampden, Breathe Bookstore and Cafe shutting down by early October.

Massachusetts: Tewksburry based Market Basket grocery stores killing jobs in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Any striking worker that refuses to come back to work is now fired. In Cambridge, after 39 years the Dolphin Seafood restaurant shutdown. In Mansfield, after 31 years Sweet-N-Crafty Italian ice cream shop shutdown. Local news reports said it was the second oldest business in the area, and had donated a lot of money over the years to the community. In Springfield, JT’s Sports Pub shutdown: “Unfortunately we have not been able to secure a new lease with our landlord so it’s brought an unfortunate end for us. With the casino coming, he has bigger aspirations and feels he could get far more rent.”-Keith Makarowski, owner

Michigan: After 46 years The Wolverine Food & Spirits shutdown. The property was sold to make way for a 24 hours gas station. After five years cooking school Ann Arbor Cooks shutdown. Hard Luck Candy vodka company ceasing operations. Detroit Zen Center restaurant stopped serving lunch due “to lack of interest”.

Minnesota: Food producer Cargill continues to kill U.S. jobs, this time 169 IT jobs will be outsourced to a company in India! The owners of well liked Santorini restaurant shut it down with out notice. The only official statement from the family indicated they were forced to sell out.

Missouri: 66 dairy workers suddenly unemployed after Hazelwood Prairie Farms Dairy laid them off without notice. Company officials say the bad economy is forcing them to change their business ‘model’.

Nebraska: In Grand Island, farm equipment maker CNH Industrial America announced it will kill 238 jobs by November! They blame crashing sales. In Omaha, McKenna’s Blues Booze and BBQ shutdown.

New York: In Salamanca, a Parkview Supermarket grocery store announced it will shutdown in December, 72 jobs lost in time for Xmas. In NYC, Food Emporium #36-719 announced it will shutdown in November, 76 jobs lost. ARAMARK Business Dining Services announced they are shutting down in October, 28 jobs lost.

North Carolina: Peat moss distributor Sun Gro announced it will shutdown in September, 16 jobs lost. Penguin Drive-In restaurant now chapter 11 bankrupt busted. This is the third attempt to file bankruptcy for the restaurant since last year, the first two attempts were thrown out of court. Lowes Food shutting down four grocery stores! Company officials said it’s necessary in order for them to build a fancy new store.

Ohio: In Cincinnati, after only a few months Kiji teppanyaki restaurant shutdown without notice. In Columbus, Pennsylvania based Giant Eagle grocery store on West Fifth and Grandview avenues being shutdown. Company officials did not give a date or explanation. Fruit Growers Marketing Association says don’t expect any peaches in your grocery store: “There’s not much to talk about with the peach crop because, frankly, there isn’t one! There might have been a few farms down south by the Ohio River that weren’t affected, but for the most part this year was a disaster!”-Bill Dodd, Ohio Fruit Growers Marketing Association

It wasn’t just the fruit that was lost: “…as a result of last winter’s frost we lost most of our older peach orchard. We lost the trees themselves!….we lost 60% of our trees….”-Martha Mora, Johnston Fruit Farm

Oklahoma: In Tulsa, Folks Urban Market shutdown. The owner implied it was the greedy property owner saying “…some bad circumstances beyond our control….I’m very upset!” In Oklahoma City, Homeland grocery store shutting down a second store, this time 55 jobs will be lost: “…we could not justify expending capital in this store.”

Oregon: Cooperative Pendleton Grain Growers selling off six AG Supply stores and one Pendleton Automotive Service Center. They hope the stores are sold off by September. Latest news reports say the co-op is not having luck finding buyers, which means a lot of people will become unemployed.

Pennsylvania: In Plymouth Meeting, after 20 years Kansas based Houlihan’s Restaurant and Bar shutdown. Company officials basically said their Plymouth Meeting location wasn’t worth it anymore. In Lancaster, after three years Fork-n-Spoon Cafe shutdown.

Tennessee: Memphis based Fred’s Super Dollar announced they will shutdown 70 stores by the end of 2014, hundreds of jobs lost! Company officials said it’s their way of raising cash to buy up pharmacies! In Jackson, after 43 years Market Fresh grocery store shutdown. In Oak Ridge, after four years Snappy Tomato Pizza shutdown: “We have really tried to hang on; however, things appear to continue to go downhill for us…..Unfortunately, the sales have not been what we need to keep the business going while the new and upcoming retail centers continue to draw business toward the other end of town.”-franchise owners

Texas: In Houston, Haven restaurant shutdown. The owner sold out to competitors, blaming the outrageous rent he was paying. In San Antonio, after five years restaurant Tre Trattoria (aka Tre Downtown) shutdown. In Austin, El Lago Mexican Foods canceled their plans to expand operations and shutdown, even though they were offered tax incentives: “…since we had to move from our old time location in central Austin, we are having big issues to go back in business. We are still trying to get the company up and running again soon. Thank you again and keep your fingers cross.”-company statement

Virginia: In Falls Church, after 38 years Sam’s Farms garden center shutdown by the greedy property owner who is building an apartment complex. In Roanoke, First & Sixth Restaurant shutdown.

U.S. Food Crisis, July 2014

Business/Economics

JCPenney closing more stores in 2014 than first announced! Mitt Romney style venture capitalists in charge!

November 10, 2014 Hutchins AAron

10 November 2014 (01:53 UTC-07 Tango)/17 Muharram 1436/19 Aban 1393/18 Yi-Hai 4712

In January 2014, JCPenney administrators announced they would shutdown 33 department stores across the United States, killing at least 2-thousand jobs. And that was on top of the 14-hundred JC 5 Star Outlet (formerly known as JCPenney Outlet) jobs killed at the end of 2013!

In August there were rumors promulgated by retail analysts that Texas based JCPenney would shutdown 200 or more stores! Then in October JCPenney administrators confirmed they will shutdown even more stores. For proof that investors don’t give-a-crap about jobs, they immediately drove up the price of JCPenney stocks when they heard the news that store shutdowns would continue past the original 33 for 2014.

The new plan calls for reducing the number of JCPenney stores to less than 1-thousand over a five years period. The same plan that Sear Holdings is using is in place; no renewal of leases, and in some cases where lease agreements are what JCPenney considers to be “low rent” they will shutdown the stores and continue paying the remaining lease.

This new shutdown plan comes as an affiliate of Mitt Romney’s vulture capitalist Bain Capital took control of JCPenney; Vornado Realty Trust.

In the following list, those stores in bold letters were not on the list of 33 store closures issued in January.

Alabama: Selma Mall JCPenney.

California: Rancho Cucamonga Arrow Plaza JCPenney. Cupertino Vallco Shopping Mall JCPenney, the mall was sold to a property developer and JCPenney administrators said it’s not worth it to keep the store open, 170 jobs lost!

Colorado: Colorado Springs Chapel Hills Mall JCPenney.

Connecticut: Meriden Square (Westfield Meriden Mall) JCPenney.

Florida: Leesburg Lake Square Mall JCPenney. Port Richey Port View Square JCPenney.

Georgia: Morrow JCPenney will be shutdown between now and 1st quarter 2015. Duluth JCPenney Home Store will be shutdown between now and 1st quarter 2015.

Iowa: Muscantine Mall JCPenney. Des Moines JCPenney will be shutdown between now and 1st quarter 2015.

Illinois: Bloomingdale Stratford Square Mall JCPenney. Forsyth Hickory Point Mall. West Dundee JCPenney will be shutdown between now and 1st quarter 2015.

Indiana: Marion Five Points Mall JCPenney. Warsaw Marketplace shopping Center JCPenney.

Maryland: The Centre at Salisbury JCPenney.

Michigan: Marquette Westwood Mall JCPenney.

Minnesota: Worthington Northland Mall JCPenney.

Mississippi: Gautier Singing River Mall JCPenney. Natchez Mall JCPenney.

Montana: Butte Plaza Shopping Center JCPenney. Cut Bank JCPenney.

North Carolina: Kinston Vernon Park Mall JCPenney. High Point JCPenney will be shutdown between now and 1st quarter 2015.

New Jersey: Burlington Center JCPenney. Phillipsburg Mall JCPenney.

Ohio: Wooster Wayne Towne Plaza JCPenney.

Pennsylvania: Exton Square mall JCPenney. Hazel Township Laurel Mall JCPenney. Washington Mall JCPenney.

Tennessee: Chattanooga Northgate Mall JCPenney.

Virginia: Bristol Mall JCPenney. Norfolk Military Circle Mall JCPenney. Culpepper JCPenney will be shutdown between now and 1st quarter 2015.

Wisconsin: Fond du Lac Forest Mall JCPenney. Janesville Mall JCPenney. Rhinelander Lincoln Plaza Center JCPenney. Rice Lake Cedar Mall JCPenney. Wausau Mall JCPenney. Racine Regency Mall JCPenney, the store was sold for $2.2-million USD (that’s less than what JCPenney had been asking for), to a property developer-speculator, and will shutdown during the 1st quarter of 2015, at least 80 jobs lost.

Washington: The Bellevue Square JCPenney shutdown their 55 years old store, 141 jobs lost! This, despite the fact that the owners of the mall are spending $1.2-billion to bring in more shoppers!

Business/Economics

Sears & Kmart closing update, 07 November 2014: Sears to save self by avoiding taxes, and investors love it! More proof Kmart clothes made in slave labor sweat shops! Mike Myers does Canadian commercial to save Sears! Sears screws over Goodyear for at least $20-million?

November 7, 2014 Hutchins AAron

Wisconsin losing a Sears and Sears Auto Center in February 2015. Sears Holdings sold the property to a New York based company.

Two weeks ago a BBN reader warned that the Oregon City Kmart was going to be shutdown. Now, confirmation from Sears Holdings that a third Portland area Kmart will close in January.

Apparently Eddie Lampert is scheming a new shell game; how to avoid taxes. Reports say he is going to create a new Real Estate investment Trust (REIT) which he will then sell 300 Sears stores to. On paper the new REIT will be the official owner and therefore be responsible for taxes. Sears Holdings will then ‘rent’ the stores back from the new REIT. Investors drove the price of Sears Holdings stock upward by 40% when they heard the plan.

“Sears’ refusal to purchase the remaining inventory of co-branded tires constitutes a breach of the parties’ purchase agreement(s) and a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.”-Goodyear

The iconic U.S. tire-maker, Goodyear, is now suing Sears for $19.5-million USD. Goodyear attorneys claim 219994 tires made specifically for the Sears brands Fuel-Max and Weatherbeater are now wasting space on Goodyear shelves, because Sears refuses to pay for them!

Goodyear attorneys add that Sears has threatened Goodyear with legal action if Goodyear sold the tires to somebody else, this despite the fact that Sears hired a new contracted tire-maker in June!

Goodyear was hired back in January to produce 330-thousand tires for Sears, yet Sears only bought a fraction of them. Goodyear also accuses Sears of improperly discounting the tires they bought!

Sears is also ripping off customers on its Kenmore oven sales. Its latest add says “35% off all other Kenmore cooking….”, but then in smaller print it clarifies that the “35% off all” actually means “20% off……15% off other qualifying appliances with Sears card”. In other words the “35% off all” does not actually apply to “all”.

Anti-2nd Amendment laws failed to stop a stabbing at a Tennessee Kmart. Police say at about 03:00 hours two men, sitting in a car in the the parking lot, began arguing then as the driver tried to drive off the passenger stabbed him multiple times, causing him to crash into a semi-truck. The stabber got away, the stabbie is in critical condition and was arrested by police.

In Wisconsin, a Kmart ‘loss prevention’ employee was arrested for allowing customers to walk away with about $25-hundred worth of merchandise. Police say he was working with specific ‘customers’ to rip-off the store.

The Daily Mail Australia held a contest for best cheap-ass jeans (denim pants), and Australia Kmart’s $7 AUD pants won. However, British empire human rights watchdog Oxfam says those jeans, along with other retailer brand cheap-ass pants, are being made in sweat shops. But Oxfam also warned that just because you buy more expensive jeans doesn’t mean they’re better quality or made in a better working environment: “It’s concerning to see garments at such a low price. It’s not the prices that we should be worried about but it’s whether these companies are respecting workers…..It doesn’t necessarily mean that when we pay $80 for a pair of jeans that workers are paid more….”-Kelly Dent, Oxfam

As an example of slave wage labor, Oxfam said textile workers in Cambodia are paid an average of $100 AUD per month, which is $350 less than what it actually costs to economically survive in the South East Asian country! (from what I remember, the Australian Kmarts are not controlled by Sears Holdings)

In Canada, Canadian comedian Mike Myers has done a commercial to save his brother’s ass! You see, his brother Peter Meyers is a long time Sears employee. The ‘please save my brother’s job at Sears Canada’ TV commercial tries to justify the job killing by saying it’s just about getting more efficient (“…demographically and psychographically alter the trajectory of its business model”). Unfortunately, if you’ve been following the corporate shenanigans you know it’s something more sinister (or inept), and the commercial makes Mike Myers look like a sucker for Sears.

update 30 October 2014

Here’s the updated list of U.S. Sears/Kmart store closings that I’ve been compiling since the end of 2011:

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

Connecticut: Waterbury Big Kmart, Torrington Kmart (73 jobs lost), Enfield Sears Optical (no word on jobs lost).

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

Guam: Sears Hometown Store.

Idaho: Lewiston Sears (at least 60 jobs lost), Rexburg Kmart (63 jobs lost), Chubbuck Pine Ridge Mall Sears going’ down in November (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’.

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).

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

Maine: Lewiston Sears (60 to 70 jobs lost), Presque Isle Aroostook Centre Mall Sears (63 jobs lost).

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).

Massachusetts: North Reading Sears Hardware store closed, lease not renewed, Milford Kmart (80 jobs lost),
Kingston Kmart (73 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), Bozeman Kmart (37 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).

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

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

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).

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.

Vermont: Rutland Sears store & Auto Center (65 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), recently revealed Sheboygan Sears & Auto Center (at least 31 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

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)

Business/Economics

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 04 September 2014: “This is the first phase, there could potentially be additional phases.” Secret Obamacare rule changes kill 340 jobs! Is hope lost for one food bank? No more chocolate? Cabinet & countertop maker calls in the fuzz before firing employees!

November 6, 2014 Hutchins AAron

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California: In San Diego, The Active Network warned it will layoff 47 people in November. In Sunnyvale, subsidiary of taxsucking Boeing, Narus, warned it will kill 17 jobs in November.

Colorado: In Wheat Ridge, after 26 years Gold’s Corner Grocery store shutdown.

Connecticut: In Bridgeport, British empire Scotland (RBS) owned Too Big to Jail Citizens Financial Group killing 126 jobs by the end of October! Operator of homes for mentally and physically disabled people, REM Connecticut, announced they’re shutting down 32 homes by Xmas 2014, 340 jobs lost! The pissed-off administrators directly blamed secret rule changes in Obama Care: “We have recently learned of several changes that negatively impact our level of reimbursement and as a result we’ve made the tough decision that we can no longer continue to provide the level of service that we believe is in the best interest of our clients.”-Paul Catalodo, executive director

Florida: In Miami-Dade County, Too Big to Jail JPMorgan Chase Bank shutting down an office. Bank administrators say they must consolidate operations. In Tampa, One Call Care Management announced they are shutting down their call center between October 2014 and summer of 2015, at least 99 jobs lost. Wounded Warriors considering moving its HQ to a new county, meaning at least 500 jobs will be lost in Duval County! Rival Saint Johns County is offering the greedy supposedly non-profit veterans organization a huge taxpayer funded grant (half a million U.S. dollars!) to leave Duval County.

Indiana: Electronics company Samtec announced they are consolidating operations, no indication how many people will become unemployed.

Iowa: After 83 years (surviving the Great Depression and numerous recessions) Camp Fire Camp Hitaga shutdown, destitute and broke. It’s blamed on raptured (disappearing) campers; at one time the camp had 200 campers per week, but in the past two years the camp was lucky to see 150 campers for the entire summer!

Kansas: Elitist Homestead Country Club now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, in an attempt to stop foreclosure.

Mississippi: The state Department of Education laid off 30 employees without notice, including the boss of the Office of School Improvement. Mississippi DoE spokewoman Patrice Guilfoyle said “This is the first phase, there could potentially be additional phases.”

New Mexico: In Clovis, after 46 years family owned grocery store Stansell’s Thriftway shutdown.

Ohio: Drugs maker Ricerca Biosciences is up for sale and if nobody buys, then at least 200 people will become unemployed! Job culling will begin in October, it’s blamed on crashing sales.

Oklahoma: In Tulsa, after 11 years LaDonna’s Fancy Foods store shutdown.

Pennsylvania: In Hazleton, Archer Daniels Midland killed 90 chocolate maker jobs after being taken over by evil food processor Cargill. Local news reports say the remaining 118 Umpa Lumpas are in limbo as Cargill has made no announcement about what they’re going to do with their newly acquired chocolate factory. Cargill administrators say they are in the middle of a $440-million deal involving taking over food factories around the World. Their plan is to consolidate operations, which means massive layoffs, possibly in the thousands.

South Carolina: In Columbia, hope is lost for the Harvest Hope Food Bank. They have to layoff ten employees, and reduce hours for the other 78. The operators of the po-folks food non-profit claim it’s not because of decreased donations, rather demand for food has skyrocketed, and they had some equipment breakdown which must be repaired.

Texas: What housing market recovery? In Dallas, Riverstone Residential Group announced they will kill 101 jobs by the end of October! It’s blamed on the loss of an apartment management contract. Temple based maker of kitchen cabinets and countertops Wilsonart Laminates laid off 43 employees, without notice: “On my way leaving, they stopped me, and told me that we needed to have a meeting, and they terminated me when we had the meeting.”-unnamed employee interviewed by local TV news

Employees were told about their unemployment as they were leaving work. Local news reports said the gut-less company administrators actually called in police for protection on the day they fired their workers! The company is restructuring their operations to meet crashing demand. The unAmerican Wilsonart is one of many corporations that have off-shored jobs to China.

Virginia: In Fredericksburg, non-profit Mary Washington Healthcare laid off 66 healthcare workers without notice: “This came as a complete shock! Everyone had their mouths open!”-hospital employee who refused to be named by local news media

(obviously healthcare workers haven’t been reading my job losses reports, or they would be well aware of the Obama Care job destruction)

Hospital administrators said they’re also cutting pay for 46 other employees. 157 employees will be transfered elsewhere! Non-profit Mary Washington Healthcare has lost $31-million since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care).

Washington: Denmark based drugs pusher Novo Nordisk announced they’re shutting down their Seattle inflammation research center by November, killing 63 jobs. In Bellevue, JCPenney announced they will shutdown their 55 years old store by November.

01-03 September 2014

“Our ideals and principles, as well as our national security…That’s what makes America different. That’s what makes us exceptional.”-Barack Obama, 10 September 2013

Business/Economics, Idaho

U.S. Food Crisis, June 2014: “When all you can see is the negatives….it’s time to bail out!” It’s only getting worse!

November 4, 2014 Hutchins AAron

Incomplete list of announced United States food supply shutdowns for the month of June, 2014: Many food suppliers/distributors are consolidating operations and killing jobs due to the collapsing grocery store and restaurant industries, as well as rising costs of food production.

Alaska: The Kake Gunnuk Creek hatchery shutdown.

Arizona: In Tempe, after almost 20 years Big Fish Pub shutdown. Local news reports say it is the result of years of disputes between the Pub owners and the property owners. The Pub owners stated in a long letter to their customers that the property owners finally jacked up the rent so high, it was impossible to pay. It’s been revealed that Nellis Management will be shutting down Long John Silver’s restaurants in Arizona. California based Mimi’s Cafe shutdown.

California: Despite being a major agricultural center, El Centro has the second highest rate of unemployment in the U.S., at 21.1%! In Modesto, cereal maker Post announced they’re shutting down in September, 58 jobs lost. In Oakland, Dobake Bakeries announced they will shutdown in August, 221 jobs lost! In Los Angeles, Wolfgang Puck announced it will kill 76 jobs in July. In Palo Alto, a California Pizza Kitchen announced it will shutdown in August, 52 jobs lost. In Beverly Hills, after 27 years the upscale snooty Kate Mantilini restaurant shutdown. In Costa Mesa, S.B. Restaurant revealed they have already shutdown 16 Elephant Bar Global Grill/Wok Kitchen restaurants across the country. The company is bankrupt and hopes somebody can buyout the rest of the restaurants soon, or they’ll all be shutdown. In Lake Forest, dairy flavorings provider Kerry Flavor Systems revealed they will shutdown in September, 85 jobs lost. It might be connected to Kerry’s takeover of Wynnstar Flavors. In Laguna Niguel, Kroger owned Ralph’s grocery store shutting down in July. In Newport Beach, after ten years successful Z Pizza shutdown by the landlord. The property owner refused to renew the lease. In Irvine, Red Brick Pizza forced to shutdown by the same property owners that shutdown Z Pizza. A Denny’s restaurant is being shutdown because the property owner (apparently the same one who shutdown the two pizza joints) refuses to renew the lease.

Florida: After 28 years, Grandy’s restaurant announced they’re shutting down in August. In Broward County the company that runs the local Five Guys burger joints, ASCI Broward, is now chapter 11 bankrupt busted, 120 jobs threatened! It’s blamed on a lawsuit filed by investors. In Orlando and Fort Myers, The Elephant Bar Global Grill shutdown (see California). In Sarasota, upscale golf themed Sam Snead’s American Grill shutting down. Employees were given two weeks notice, but were also “ordered” not to talk to the news media. Emilio and Gloria Estefan’s Bongos Cuban Cafe shutdown. They could not renew the lease.

Georgia: After 27 years upscale snooty elitist Vinings Club restaurant shutdown. The shutdown was revealed by one of the 871 exclusive members. 40 jobs lost, it’s being blamed on financial reasons which forced the sale of the restaurant.

Hawaii: In Kauai, after 98 years the Kojima grocery store shutdown. The family owners blamed decreasing sales and increasing costs of operations. In Maui, after 47 years Buzz’s Wharf restaurant shutdown. The owner blamed the bad economy.

Idaho: In Twin Falls, after only two years of production at the World’s largest yogurt factory Chobani laid off an undisclosed number of employees. Officials say the layoffs are because production quotas were reached (in other words the former employees did their jobs well)! But wait, more layoffs could be in the planning! Chobani officials told local news media that the factory was still using hundreds more employees than they really need. The new factory was designed for 400 employees, but state employment officials estimate there are between 500 and 1-thousand people working the successful operation.

Illinois: In Galesburg, the Long John Silver’s fast fish food joint shutdown without notice, 10 jobs lost. Employees were officially notified the same morning that the restaurant was shutdown. The franchise owner, Nellis Management, said the store was losing money big time. Nellis Management also said sales at their other 31 Long John Silver’s (across four states) began crashing in 2013, and they plan on shutting more stores down as a result. In Northbrook, Swizterland based Nestle’s shutdown their DiGiorno pizza and Jack’s Frozen Pies factory, 66 jobs lost. They are consolidating operations. In Quincy, after 134 years (surviving dozens of recessions and the Great Depression) farm supply store Geo. Keller & Sons shutdown, 21 jobs lost. Family owners said their sales have been crashing for too many years in a row. In Alton, after 37 years White’s Greenhouse and Seasons Garden Center shutdown. In Lakeview, after ten years the Pie Hole Pizza Joint shutdown. The owner blames it on a combination of the purchase of faulty kitchen equipment and the crashing economy: “The last two years have just been really hard.”-Doug Brandt

Iowa: Another Long John Silver’s franchise going down, this time in The Hawkeye State. After 42 years Nellis Management announced they are shutting down at least eight of their Iowa stores (as well as their Illinois stores, reported in a prior Job Losses report). As in Illinois, news reports said Iowa employees were given no notice. Nellis Management claims they’ve suffered as much as 50% drop in sales! They blame a scientific report which dubbed Long John Silver’s the “worst restaurant” in the U.S.

Kansas: In Kansas City, after 58 years Lipari Brothers Thriftway grocery store shutdown. They blame competition from bigger grocery stores. In Leawood, a Hy-Vee grocery store shutdown, however the pharmacy is still open. Company officials wanted to remodel the store but blame city officials for playing games with permits and/or zoning laws.

Louisiana: After 55 years the Piccadilly Cafeteria in the Westmoreland Village Shopping Center shutdown. Does it have something to do with the new Catholic owners of the shopping center, or the new New York based owners of the Piccadilly chain? In New Orleans, gelato shop La Divina Gelateria shutdown. The owners say they are focusing on wholesale ops only.

Maryland: In Baltimore two restaurants, California based Pabu and Lamill, shutdown.

Massachusetts: In Springfield, after 79 years (and surviving the Great Depression) The Student Prince Café & Fort Dining Room shutdown. It was sold off. In Easton, after 60 years McMenamy’s Hamburger House shutdown. The building was sold. In Haverhill, Archie’s Little River Ale House shutdown. In Woburn, Kraft Foods announced they are shutting down a 95 years old food factory in 2016, at least 200 jobs will be lost! Company officials say it’s the only way they can remain “competitive” in the global market.

Michigan: At the Detroit Metro Airport a contract with Chili’s Too, Jose Cuervo Tequileria, Home Team Sports and Starbucks Fountain was ended. If a new contract is not signed 135 jobs will be lost in August!

Minnesota: There are reports that the international food giant General Mills has a secret cost cutting (job killing?) plan in the works, due to crashing sales. After more than 25 years Campus Pizza & Pasta now chapter 11 bankrupt busted. In Minneapolis, after 32 years Falafel King shutdown. The owner sold off the building because he was “tired” of playing the landlord game. Sky Ventures warning it will shutdown six Pizza Huts in June, if there are no buyers. Sky Ventures is bankrupt, the franchise company has already sold off 54 Pizza Huts.

Mississippi: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture 20.9% of Mississippians are unable to buy enough food.

Missouri: In Saint Louis, after 12 years Lemmons Bar & Club shutdown, the owner Mike Gross explained that “When all you can see is the negatives and you can’t see the positives, it’s a good indication that it’s time to bail out!” In Clayton, Brazikat restaurant shutdown. The owner blames bad reviews, however, it turns out the owner is being sued for breach of contract. In Richmond Heights-Saint Louis, after 18 years the troubled Harvest Restaurant shutdown. The owner blamed competition, however, the restaurant had routinely changed ownership for some reason. In Saint Louis, food processor ConAgra killing 130 jobs! It’s blamed on its takeover of Ralcorp. In Kansas City, after only four years Pandolfi’s Deli shutdown.

Nebraska: In Omaha, food processor ConAgra killing 100 jobs! It’s blamed on its takeover of Ralcorp.

Nevada: In Las Vegas, after only four years the West Sahara Firefly Tapas and Kitchen Bar shutdown. In Sparks, after 18 years Scolari’s Food & Drug shutdown, 50 jobs lost. Company officials say the shutdown is meant to “keep the company….viable”.

New Mexico: In Santa Fe, Bumble Bee’s Baja Grill shutdown. In Albuquerque, Maloney’s Tavern shutdown, 25 jobs lost. Apparently the property owner wants to sell off the building.

New York: In New Hyde Park, the Stop & Shop Supermarket announced they’re shutting down in September, 162 jobs lost! Stop & Shop Supermarkets also warned they’re shutting down their Mount Vernon warehouse ops, 239 jobs lost! Also in Mount Vernon, grocery delivery company Peapod killing 239 jobs in September, because they’re moving to New Jersey! In NYC, Rouge Tomate restaurant announced it will shutdown in August, 105 jobs lost! In Corning, World Kitchen warned of mass layoffs at its Pressware dinnerware factory. The Pressware factory started in 1938 making Pyrex, there are reports that this last U.S. owned dinnerware company is being sold off. In Rome, after 33 years B&L Italian Bakery shutdown. In Brooklyn, prepared meals provider Blue Apron laying off 82 people in September. Company officials announced they’re moving to New Jersey. In Yonkers, after only two years Brio Tuscan Grille announced they will shutdown in August, 78 jobs lost. Restaurant officials blame the suck-ass economy.

North Carolina: In Charlotte, after 15 years Miro Spanish Grille shutting down in July. The property owner refused to renew the restaurant’s lease.

North Dakota: What oil boom? In Fargo, after 34 years Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream shutdown. The owner blamed health problems and the bad economy saying his business was no longer “cutting it”.

Ohio: Food processor ConAgra killing 170 jobs! The company is shutting down two popcorn factories. It’s blamed on its takeover of Ralcorp.

Oregon: In Forest Grove, Izgara Middle Eastern Cuisine shutdown. The Jewish owners said they’ve already bought their airline tickets to Florida.

South Dakota: It’s been revealed that Nellis Management will be shutting down Long John Silver’s restaurants.

Tennessee: In Chattanooga, Farley’s & Sathers candy factory laid off 95 Umpa Lumpas, I mean employees. The Chicago based owners (Ferrara Candy) are moving production to candy factories in Illinois. News reports say that over the past five years Ferrara Candy has killed 200 jobs at their Farley’s & Sathers candy factory! In Oak Ridge, the Food Lion grocery store shutdown, 40 jobs lost.

Texas: Near Dallas, a six years old Jakes Hamburgers shutdown. The owners blame the location, and claim most of the employees were moved to other Jakes locations. 7-Eleven selling off 78 convenience stores across the U.S. It’s part of the Texas based company’s new “business model”. In Houston, one of three upscale Brio Tuscan Grille restaurants shutdown without notice. The Saint Genevieve bar was shutdown without notice. They’re reports that many eateries are being shutdown for property re-development. In Austin, Paggi House restaurant shutdown, the owner blames “progress”. Garrido’s restaurant shutdown, the owner wants to try something new.

Virginia: In Stauton, after 77 years Jimmy Anderson’s Food Mart shutdown.

U.S. Food Crisis, May 2014

Business/Economics

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 01 – 03 September 2014: High school drop-outs see 46% decline in wages! School district turns to used car sales? More state & city government ass-holes killing off jobs! “Most of these churches, if you go into them, you see very small congregations…” God’s rapture kills another church?

November 4, 2014 Hutchins AAron

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California: Corporate executive security company, Security Industry Specialist, warned they will kill off 335 jobs in October! San Francisco based legal drugs pusher Exelixis warned it will kill 160 jobs! The company’s drug for a specific type of thyroid cancer failed to work on prostate cancer. More proof the internet is not killing brick-n-mortar stores; Los Angeles based internet women’s clothing company Nasty Gal laid off at least 28 employees. Company officials said it was part of their “vision of the future”. In Burbank, Warner Brothers movie maker trying to kill hundreds of jobs through buyouts! It’s blamed on Aussie Rupert Murdock backing out of his takeover offer, and parent company Time Warner’s (Turner Broadcasting) ordering of massive job culling across all its operations. In Simi Valley, Too Big to Jail Bank of America warned it will kill 36 jobs in October.

Colorado: What housing market recovery? West Metro Fire Rescue is recommending job killing and a 3% pay cut due to voters rejecting a levy that would have increased local tax funding. Fire administrators blame their lack of funding on crashing home values. The ignorant firefighters don’t seem to realize that you can’t squeeze blood from a turnip, in other words the taxpayers are maxed out due to their own crashing revenues and even unemployment! “It’s the economy, stupid!”-attributed to Bill Clinton

Florida: In Myrtle Beach, after only a few years the Celtic themed Tilted Kilt pub shutdown, despite having 17 years to go on their lease! According to local reports the franchisee owner sold out to somebody else, and company administrators refuse comment.

Georgia: Fort Valley University laid off 14 employees due to a 38% crash in enrollment ( what I call Disappearing Student Syndrome, DSS). School administrators said more “tough measures” will follow.

Louisiana: A company connected to the 2010 Gulf (why do so many Canucks and New Englanders pronounce it Golf?) of Mexico oil spill is now chapter 11 bankrupt busted. Matagorda Island Gas Operations was one of four companies accused last year by federal regulators of refusing to comply with an order to hand over documents relating to the 2010 disaster. This bankruptcy might be a way the company is trying to get out of paying fines, because its assets far out way its debts.

Maryland: More proof the internet is not killing brick-n-mortar stores; Zenimax Online Studios killed an undisclosed number of jobs, despite claiming to “invest heavily” in its new online game. In the Port of Baltimore, state administrators killed off plans by CSX Transportation railroad company to use double stacked container cars. CSX has promoted the plan for five years, saying it’s needed to deal with demands for increased freight shipments, which would have created more jobs.

Michigan: Detroit based Compuware was sold off, company administrators warn massive layoffs to follow. Compuware is now owned by California based Thoma Bravo. Detroit Public Schools are so desperate they’re now in the business of selling used cars! Specifically, the school system auctioned off 18 surplus police cars. I couldn’t find any reports on how the school district got a hold of the former cop cars. More proof Michigan is a failed state; the Michigan League for Public Policy reports that overall wages have crashed 10% since 1979. When you break it down by sex and education, low wage earning men saw a whopping 31.2% decline in pay, while adults with no high school diploma saw a 46.3% crash in earnings! God refuses to stop the shutdown of the Saint Louis the King Church in Detroit. Catholic administrators blame crashing membership (rapture?): “Most of these churches, if you go into them, you see very small congregations….The contributions, even when merged with all three churches, are very low, so, you can’t maintain everything.”-John Karpiej, 38 year church goer who was apparently ‘left behind’

Missouri: Noranda Aluminum is killing 200 jobs and halting its expansion of a smelter! Company administrators blame skyrocketing utility costs. They even asked the state utility commission to grant a 25% reduction in their electricity bill, which was denied: “The long-term future of this plant depends on our ability to secure an affordable and competitive power rate.”-Kip Smith, CEO

New Mexico: After 35 years Cottonwood Printing shutdown by the city of Albuquerque, 12 jobs lost. Albuquerque city A-Holes are seizing the property under their Imminent Domain law, so they can build a road.

New York: It was revealed that Obama Care killed jobs with Rural/Metro Medical Services, last month. Company administrators finally notified the state that they were forced to consolidate their medical billing services, killing off at least 68 jobs. In Endicott, Jim’s Formal Wear warned it will shutdown in November, 61 jobs to be lost between December and January. In Bronx, SCO Family of Services’ warned it is shutting down their homeless shelter in November, 27 jobs lost.

North Carolina: I warned back in February that iconic cereal maker Kelloggs was about to launch its job killing operation Project K. Local news reports say Project K has begun with the first victims, numbering 161, to be made unemployed in January! The job killing under Project K is said to last until 2018! Company officials say they’re hopeful they can cut their costs by $475-million over the next four years, meaning they are not optimistic about any economic recovery! North Carolina’s tax breaks for the TV-Movie industry are proving to be a big fail. Producers of the series Banshee are moving to Louisiana, blaming it on the high cost of doing business in the Old North State. State administrators claim they will lose $40-million as a result!

Oregon: In Portland, Produce Row Cafe beer bar shutdown: “It is with a heavy heart that we close Produce Row today for an indefinite hiatus. We understand this is a surprise for many and know that we could not be more grateful for all of your support over the last 40 years.”

Pennsylvania: In Lemoyne, after 18 years Bob’s Bagels & Philly Style Hoagies shutdown.

Rhode Island: Providence Newspaper Guild killed 22 jobs, it’s the result of being taken over by New Media Investment Group. Local news reports said non-Guild positions were killed off as well. After 31 years French restaurant Basil’s of Narragansett shutdown because the greedy property owner refused to reduce the rent. Local news reports say the owners of the restaurant were active in supporting the community.

South Carolina: In Eutaw, after 29 years Chef’s Choice Steakhouse shutdown: “These are difficult times. Financially, steak prices are really high. It is hard to make ends meet. It was a tough decision for us to make.”-Dareen Bell Connor, co-owner

Utah: In Saint George, Iowa based Blue Bunny shutdown an ice cream factory, 100 jobs lost! company administrators claim they must consolidate operations back to Iowa to “remain competitive” in this suck-ass economy.

Virginia: Tysons Corner based newspaper USA Today killed more jobs. This time as many as 70 people rendered unemployed. Company administrators said they are shifting to “self sufficient reporters producing publication ready copy”, which probably means reporters who can handle all aspects of news gathering like being their own assignment editors, camera operators, writers, copy editors, etc. (hey, I’ve done that for almost two decades, working for small market NBC TV affiliates, and now BBN!) In Troutville, after 32 years the Waffle House shutdown. The restaurant owners claim they are moving to a new location that can increase profits, in other words the old property owner wants more rent.

30-31 August 2014

“Our ideals and principles, as well as our national security…That’s what makes America different. That’s what makes us exceptional.”-Barack Obama, 10 September 2013

Blind Bat News

Tag Archives: closing

Sears & Kmart closing update, 12 November 2014: Developers want taxpayers to fund rebuild of abandoned Kmart!

Macy’s killing more stores in 2014 than originally announced!

Sears & Kmart closing update, 11 November 2014: Florida store to be torn down! Radical plan for 2015? Makes bank in Canada, more proof that investors like crashing & burning companies! Montana store being shutdown 2 weeks earlier than planned!

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 05 – 08 September 2014: “I knew it would be bad, but didn’t know it would be horrid!” Rapture killing off mega-church? China kills U.S. recycling jobs! Taxpayer funded Job Corps Center really a child prison camp? Bad management blamed for job killing!

U.S. Food Crisis, August 2014: “We’re about to run out of gas!” “We were shocked!” McDonald’s & Jell-O going down?

JCPenney closing more stores in 2014 than first announced! Mitt Romney style venture capitalists in charge!

Sears & Kmart closing update, 07 November 2014: Sears to save self by avoiding taxes, and investors love it! More proof Kmart clothes made in slave labor sweat shops! Mike Myers does Canadian commercial to save Sears! Sears screws over Goodyear for at least $20-million?

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 04 September 2014: “This is the first phase, there could potentially be additional phases.” Secret Obamacare rule changes kill 340 jobs! Is hope lost for one food bank? No more chocolate? Cabinet & countertop maker calls in the fuzz before firing employees!

U.S. Food Crisis, June 2014: “When all you can see is the negatives….it’s time to bail out!” It’s only getting worse!

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