Tag Archives: closings

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 01 – 03 January 2015: More British empire Canadian companies killing U.S. jobs! Property owner kills off Barnes & Noble! Chick fil-A kills off Macaroni Grill!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Obama Care will reduce doctor’s Medicaid reimbursements by 52.4%, beginning 01 January 2015!

Too Big to Jail United Bank announced it will shutdown offices in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

California: In Bakersfield, Canada based oil industry company Ensign Energy Services revealed it laid off 700 people back on 15 December 2014!   In Walnut Creek, baseball themed McCovey’s restaurant shutting down. The owners say they are trying to relocate near a real major league baseball stadium, if they can afford the rent.  Boeing issued a WARN saying 23 people in Long Beach will be laid off in March.  Arrogant and bankrupt busted GT Advanced Technologies is now demanding a bankruptcy judge allow millions of dollars in bonuses to be paid to the failed executives of the failed company!   More than 800 jobs were lost when Apple canceled its contract with GT Advanced!  Yogurtland shutdown their Roseville frozen yogurt store, it has something to do with the location.

Florida:  In Plantation, the Fashion Mall chapter 7 bankrupt busted and now up for sale.  The mall has been vacant since 2007!

Illinois: In Chicago, Castle (Excalibur) nightclub shutdown.  After 26 years Soapy’s laundromat being shutdown by greedy property developers.

Hawaii: The Children’s Place clothing store in the GGP owned Ala Moana Center announced it will shutdown in February.  Store administrators say they couldn’t afford to renew the lease.  GGP is spending at least $600-million USD remodeling the Sears store into smaller spaces.  I’ve worked for GGP and know how outrageous their rents are.  They don’t just charge a simple ‘rent’, they can charge for utilities and they also ask for a percentage of sales.

Maryland: In Annapolis, after 44 years Laurance Clothing shutdown.

Michigan: The last two libraries of the Wayne County Library system threatened with shutdown.  The communities of Ecorse and Taylor say they will follow the other former library system members and go independent, in order to save money.

Minnesota: In Saint Paul, Work Out World was evicted by its landlord, for failure to pay rent.  After more than 50 years the White Bear Bowl bowling alley shutdown, due to crashing revenues ever since 2008, and supposedly the property owner sold the land to a nursing home company.  American Bank bankrupt busted and sold off to Deerwood Bank.  Barnes & Nobel shutdown its 20 years old Saint Paul Highland Park book store, not because the store wasn’t making money.  The store was shutdown by the greedy landlord.  Barnes & Noble administrators are looking for a new home: “We are diligently working on a new store offering…There’s nothing immediate. In fact, I can honestly tell you, we have not selected any locations for a new store offering, but we’ll probably look to that by the middle of 2015”-David Deason

Missouri: Texas based Romano’s Macaroni Grill forced to shutdown all their Saint Louis restaurants, and one in Columbia, due to greedy property owner!  Employees had no warning and were all notified on the day of the shutdowns by phone calls!  It turns out the property owner made a secret deal with evil Christian Chick fil-A back in September!  In Kansas City, the County Club Plaza lost three stores: Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft and Pottery Barn Kids.  The Oak Park Mall reports the Ann Taylor store is shutting down.

Montana:  In Billings, the Mongolian Grill shutdown, local news reports say nobody at the restaurant would talk to them.

North Carolina: Vegetable dehydrator McCall Farms of Wilson issued a WARN saying it will shutdown in February, affecting as many as 285 permanent and seasonal jobs by the end of March!  The Carolina Mattress Guild now chapter 7 bankrupt busted and liquidating.  Griggs Properties now chapter 7 bankrupt busted.

Ohio: Perrysburg Township began laying off police, blaming cash strapped taxpayers for rejecting a $3-million police levy in November. In Westerville, service provider for government-sponsored benefits programs such as the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, Medicare and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Maximus issued a WARN saying 70 people will become jobless due to the failure to win an Obama Care contract.

Oregon: Ochoco Lumber shutdown their 2nd shift at their Malheur Lumber plant, just seven months after starting up the 2nd shift.  About 90 jobs affected.  Administrators admit they overestimated sales.  Ochoco Lumber had also sold off $18.5-million of their land to pay for upgrades to their Malheur Lumber factory.

Tennessee: In Nashville, after 18 years Fiddle & Steel Guitar Bar shutdown.  The property was sold off to a hotel developer.

Texas: In San Antonio, it was announced that a Sprouts grocery store would shutdown in March.  In Rockwell, after only two years in their new location KE Cellars Winery shutdown: “We tried to make it work, but with so many sources of wine all over, road construction, a slow economy and everything Murphy could throw at us, it is just time for us to say we tried.”-owners

Vermont: After 42 years the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant shutdown.

Virginia:  Minnesota based Famous Daves BBQ announced it’s getting the hell outta Richmond!  All three stores already shutdown and the properties are up for sale!  Administrators say their restaurants never made enough money in Richmond.  In Galax, after 91 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) Vaughan Furniture shutdown due to crashing sales.

Washington: Biotech company Dendreon chapter 11 bankrupt busted and about to be auctioned off in February.

Wisconsin:  The U.S. Postal Service confirmed it will shutdown four processing centers in the first half of 2015, more than a hundred jobs lost!

30-31-december-2014: “The rent is crazy high here!”

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.

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 30 – 31 December 2014: “The rent is crazy high here!” More U.S. job killing by British empire Canada! Honorable U.S. company refuses tax deal after killing jobs!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Alabama: After 60 years Graysville Tire Store shutdown.

Arizona: 350 people lost their jobs at the Mineral Park Copper Mine!  The owner of the mine, Canada based Mercator Mineral Park Holdings, went bankrupt in August.  However, administrators for Mohave County are freaking out because there was apparently no warning about any mine shutdown: “In the last 16 years, this is probably one of the biggest layoffs that we will be reacting to for one company.”-Susie Parel-Duranceau, community services director

“It would have been nice if we would have been given some advanced notice, so we could be preparing for it.”-Buster Johnson, county supervisor, explaining to local news that the Canadian company gave them no warning of layoffs

California:  HomeStreet Bank issued a WARN saying they will shutdown their Covina office in February, 66 jobs lost.  In Folsom, after only two years Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill shutdown without explanation.  At Vandenberg AFB, Exilis issued a WARN saying they will layoff 125 people in January 2015!  In Mountain View, once again Symantec issued WARNs saying more people will lose their jobs.

Florida: At Patrick AFB, Exilis issued a WARN saying they will shutdown by April 2015, at least 211 jobs lost!

Pine Ridge Mall food court (The Courtyard), zombified Orange Julius and Mario’s Pizza have finally died off. The obligatory pretzel joint moved to center court. Mrs. Powell’s, Dairy Queen, the corn dog place and others all died within the past few years.

Idaho: In Chubbuck, Mario’s Pizza and Orange Julius announced they will shutdown their Pine Ridge Mall stores in 2015. Local TV station KPVI said company administrators told them the economy was so bad in the Pocatello/Chubbuck area that it wasn’t worth keeping the decades old pizza joint and juice blender open any longer.

Maine: In Farmington, after 159 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) Trask Jewelers shutdown.  The current owner, who wants to retire, was unable to find a new owner.

Mississippi: In Jackson, the Bounce Castle in the Westwood Mall shutdown.  The pissed off owners blame the landlords and the bad economy: “The rent is crazy high here! People don’t come in when it’s 70 degrees outside, either. We didn’t have any option……I didn’t know until the first of December. I was still trying to negotiate with the mall.”-Tony Crego

New Jersey: The Spencer’s humorous adult themed gift-shop  announced it will shutdown their Phillipsburg Mall store in January.  In Hoboken, after 78 years Helmers’ Restaurant shutdown. Reports say the German themed restaurant has been in financial trouble ever since a fire in 2006. The property owner has reportedly rented out the space to a new tenant at $15-thousand per month!  Rumors that after 15 years Stanley’s Prime Meat Market shutdown.

New York: In Hauppauge, Olympus issued a WARN saying they’re shutting down their camera repair ops in April 2015, at least 41 jobs lost.  In Hicksville, U.S. Postal Service contractor Pitney Bowes issued a WARN saying between 60 and 85 jobs will be affected by their March 2015 shutdown of their Presort Services.  More Obama Care destruction as mental health service provider The Pederson Krag Centers issued a WARN saying they will shutdown by March 2015, at least 90 jobs lost. In Angola, abrasives maker Flexovit said the collaspe of their roof (by snow storms) forced them to layoff 63 employees.

North Carolina: In Fayetteville, after 57 years Vick’s Drive-In restaurant shutdown by the North Carolina Department of Transportation to make way for the rerouting of the nearby Rowan Street bridge.  In Willmington, Golden Corral all you can eat at the Monkey Junction shutdown without notice on 29 December. Local news reports said company administrators wouldn’t talk to them, but an employee said sales had crashed.

Ohio:  In Lakewood, the World of Beer bar shutdown, apparently with no explanation. In Hilliard, after only two years the Auddino’s Bakery & Cafe on Fishinger Boulevard shutdown. The bakery owners say the property owners didn’t promote the business as promised.  After 118 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) E.T. Paul Tire Company shutdown, ironically by the state Department of Transportation to make way for a new road!

South Carolina: Sears Holdings announced they will shutdown their 40 years old Easley Kmart in January, 62 jobs lost.

Virginia: In Vinton, after 32 years Holden’s Country Store shutdown.  The owner blames bad health.

Wisconsin: Chart Energy & Chemicals laid off 55 people at its La Crosse factory, blaming crashing sales.  The honest company administrators also announced they will not take advantage of a property tax rebate deal recently offered by the city, because it involved expanding operations not laying off employees: “Chart has a long history in La Crosse and we remain committed to the community.”-Jim Fischman, honorable Chart Industries administrator

24-29-december-2014: Coke Kills 2-thousand jobs!

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.

 

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 24 – 29 December 2014: Coca-Cola eliminates 2-thousand jobs!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Alabama: After 30 years Ballard Stamp & Copy shutdown, the owner said it was “just time” to retire.

California: At Vandenberg AFB, L3 Engineering issued a WARN saying they will shutdown in February 2015, at least 91 jobs lost.  In Sacramento, designer ‘art’ toy store Dragatomi shutdown their brick-n-mortar store and will sell over the internet only.

Connecticut:  Hearst Media eliminated 72 jobs at the Hartford Courant, in an effort “to lower costs, without impact to our readers and advertisers as we navigate a rapidly changing digital frontier.”

Florida: At Patrick AFB, L3 Engineering issued a WARN saying they will shutdown by March 2015, at least 136 jobs lost! Funky Monkey restaurant chain now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  It’s partly blamed on Orlando businessman Nik Patel, who is facing criminal fraud charges.  Patel’s Mingo restaurant was subleasing from Funky Monkey.  Other Funky Monkey restaurant locations are suffering from crashing revenues due to nearby construction projects.

Georgia: Atlanta based Coca-Cola announced it must kill off 2-thousand jobs in the United States, before the end of January 2015! Company administrators say the U.S. economy is so bad they’re forced to cut $3-billion USD by 2019!

Indiana: In New Albany, Aunt Artie’s Antique Mall announced it will shutdown its brick-n-mortar store and sell over the internet only.

Maine: Mitt Romney’s wunderkind Staples announced it will shutdown its Presque Isle Aroostook Centre Mall store by February 2015.

Massachusetts: Westfield State University shutdown its Downtown Art Gallery. Apparently the university was responsible for promoting local arts but now is unable to, the city of Westfield is supposedly taking on the responsibility.  In New Bedford, PharmaHealth shutdown two pharmacies in connection to the deadly meningitis outbreak that began with compounding centers in the area.

Missouri: In order “to realign the workforce, to improve profitability, and support new growth market opportunities” SunEdison Semiconductor announced they will eliminate 120 jobs by Summer 2015!  In Columbia, the Marconi Grill shutdown without notice. A local news source discovered it when they spotted moving vans at the property. Reports said a few months ago it was rumored the restaurant would close, but employees said it was for remodeling. Those loyal employees are now eating crow, as competing restaurants are now being flooded with applications from former Marconi Grill employees.  In Florissant, after 95 years (surviving the Great Depression and numerous recessions) Yacovelli’s Restaurant to shutdown on New Year’s Day.

New Jersey: Woodbridge Developmental Center, a home for people with developmental disabilities, announced it will shutdown on New Year’s Day, 333 patients affected, 622 jobs lost!  Regenerative-medicine company Tengion now chapter 7 bankrupt busted and liquidating.  It’s blamed on massive debt and lack of investor support.

Ohio: Cobenick Studios/CS Gallery announced they will shutdown in January 2015, due to the greedy landlord jacking up the rent.

Pennsylvania: The School District of Philadelphia shutdown the Walter Palmer Leadership Learning Partners Charter School.

Tennessee: After 20 years, the Hixson Toys R Us announced it will shutdown in January 2015, at least 24 jobs lost.

Texas: In Midland, after more than 40 years Miz B’s Books shutdown.

19-23-december-2014: “now we must….close forever.”

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.

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 19 – 23 December 2014: “We tried our best! There just isn’t enough cash…” More job killing landlords! More revolving door employment shell games by the Too Big to Jails! “We had a great ride, but now we must….close forever.”

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

Arizona: After 29 years the Actors Theatre of Phoenix shutdown due to constricted cash flow, and tickets that were already sold off will not be refunded: “We made a lot of changes, and some things did improve, but it wasn’t enough. When we started putting all the numbers next to each other, it became clearer and clearer that this was a math problem. The cost structure of supporting professional artists is no longer something that Actors Theatre was able to do.”-Matthew Wiener, artistic director

Arkansas: North Little Rock library laying off 11 people.  Incompetent ‘elected’ and appointed administrators admitted they grossly underestimated the cost of expanding the library!

California:  Jamba Juice revealed it will layoff 23 people (including three senior vice presidents) at its Emeryville support center in 2015. Company administrators say the economic situation is forcing them to reduce costs.  In Anaheim, Norco Delivery issued a WARN saying 93 people will become jobless in February 2015.  Taxsucking Boeing issued several WARNs (again) saying at least 170 people across California will become jobless in February 2015!   OfficeMax-OfficeDepot issued a WARN saying the Menlo Park OfficeMax will shutdown in February 2015, at least 71 jobs lost.  In San Francisco, once again the evil British empire based U.S. taxsucker BAE Systems issued a layoff WARN saying 192 people will become unemployed in January 2015!

Connecticut: Provider of turbine engines to airlines and military, Pratt & Whitney announced they will furlough most of their salaried employees in 2015!  The furloughs will take place in April, May, July, September, October, November and December.  Company administrators admit they don’t expect any ‘recovery’ soon: “We won’t see the benefits of our new programs for a few years.”-Ray Hernandez

Florida: Naples based Beasley Broadcast Group laid off more than 12 employees.  Employees said there was no notice.  Does it have something to do with the recent takeover of seven North Carolina radio stations?

Hawaii: Mark’s Hallmark at Kahala Mall shutdown despite making $1-million USD per year! Hallmark administrators say it’s still not enough money!  It might have something to do with the high rent: “We love being here, but you have to make the economics work.”-Jim Cox, Mark’s Hallmark

Slow death of Chubbuck's Carmike Cinema 7, as of December 2014. It 1st opened in 1990 by Excellence Theaters, becoming Carmike 7 in 1998 who then sold it off in August 2014.

Slow death of Chubbuck’s Carmike Cinema 7, as of December 2014. It 1st opened in 1990 by Excellence Theaters, becoming Carmike 7 in 1998 who then sold it off in August 2014.

Idaho: In Chubbuck, the demolition of the 24 years old Carmike Cinema 7 is slowly underway.  Rumors are spreading that it will be replaced by an Olive Garden.  I’ve been hearing that Olive Garden rumor since 1996, I’ll believe it when I see it!

Maryland: After nearly 70 years plastic container maker Hedwin announced they are shutting down their Baltimore ops by 2017, and moving to Delaware.  300 jobs will be lost in Maryland!

Massachusetts: Gateway Schools threatening to reduce parent-teacher days or seven teachers will get laid off! School administrators are struggling with how to deal with funding cuts of about $200-million!

Michigan:  In Ann Arbor, after 26 years Falling Water Books & Collectables shutdown due to the greedy landlord jacking up the rent.

Minnesota: The Northern Star Bank failed, being taken over by the FDIC who then turned over the bank’s assets to BankVista.

New York: In NYC, lottery company GTECH issued a WARN saying they will shutdown by the end of January 2015.  At least 31 jobs lost due to losing the state lottery contract.  In Saint Johnsville, foam filter maker Opflex Environmental Technologies issued a WARN saying their landlord is evicting them, which will result in 51 jobs lost.  Too Big to Jail First Niagara began advertising to hire 200 people, the exact number of people they also announced are being laid off in 2015!  Bank administrators said it’s all part of the banking industry’s “strategic” growth plans.  Hauppauge based law firm Binder & Binder now chapter 11 bankrupt busted.  It made millions of dollars every year by suing Social Security, yet is now in debt by as much as $50-million!  The bankruptcy filing shows administrators plan on eliminating 566 jobs over the next two years!  In Binghamton, after more than 85 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) MacLennan’s Flowers shutdown: “The area’s gone from a manufacturing base to a retail base, and that’s a big difference in paychecks.”-Scot MacLennan, 3rd generation owner

Pennsylvania:  New Freedom based 90 years old (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) sports store Shenk & Tittle shutting down all its Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia stores, saying “We had a great ride, but now we must say goodbye and close forever.”  In Kingston, after more than four years the owners of Vanderlyn’s Restaurant announced that New Year’s Eve is their last day of operations. They said they need more “family time”.  In Centre County, after nearly 100 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) the Mount Nittany Inn shutdown. The restaurant has been for sale for the past three years, but nobody wants to buy.  A co-owner blames the lack of ‘recovery’ and evil Too Big to Jail banks: “We tried our best! There just isn’t enough cash flow….”-Nancy Silvis

Rhode Island: Central Coventry Fire District now officially bankrupt busted after administrators and employees failed to solve a budget crisis: “The cost of the fire district has risen beyond the willingness of the taxpayers to pay, and now bankruptcy is the only means available to restructure the district’s operations and obligations to restore it to fiscal solvency and stability for the future.”-Lincoln Chafee, state governor

Virginia:  After only seven months Dash Kitchen & Carry restaurant shutdown! The owners admitted they were ignorant of the bad economy saying “…we misjudged the demand for it in that market and failed….Dash will either be sold ….or will be reimagined…”   In Virginia Beach, after 39 years the owner of pet store Animal Jungle announced he will shut it down by January 2015.  In Richmond, the co-owner of ‘adult themed’ Tiki Bob’s club announced they will shutdown in February 2015, blaming competition and lazy city administrators: “After 16 years we’ve hit the end! You see all the great food and stuff going on in Richmond. There’s no more room for just a club anymore. I’ve waited a year for the city to get the ballpark. I can’t wait any longer….I don’t know if I want to put another 200-300k in the bottom without the city doing anything down here.”-Erik Brockdorff

Washington: East Pierce Fire and Rescue failed to reach a deal with the union to alleviate a $1-million shortfall.  Seven positions will now be eliminated.  Administrators say the economy has not recovered as evidenced by crashing local tax revenues, which have fallen 30% over the past five years!

Wisconsin: Concrete company Ojibwa Ready Mix now chapter 7 bankrupt busted and liquidating.

16-18-december-2014: “I’ve never seen such incompetence.”

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.

 

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 16 – 18 December 2014: “In all my years, I’ve never seen such incompetence…” Obama kills off another polysilicon factory!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California:  Safeway announced they will shutdown one of their Vons grocery stores in Hemet by January 2015, at least 55 jobs lost.  Only a year after ‘expanding’, Berkeley founded Peet’s Coffee & Tea shutdown all six Ohio shops, plus three in Pennsylvania and two in Michigan, without warning! 70 jobs lost, company administrators said only that those stores “…are not performing to our sales expectations and didn’t have a promising future…” Peet’s also shutdown seven former Caribou Coffee House stores in August, killing off 150 jobs!

Michigan: What automotive industry recovery?  In Ann Arbor, the 51 years old motorcycle/snowmobile dealer Nicholson’s announced they are shutting down.  Local news reports said no reason is being given, and they’re confused because sales reps claim vehicle sales have “been great!”  

Minnesota: After only nine months Boneyard Kitchen and Bar shutdown, some customers told local news that they were not happy with the menu items.

Missouri: Aramark Healthcare Support Services warned they will render 100 people jobless at the Saint Louis University Hospital in February 2015!

New Hampshire: Eastern Mountain Sports warned it will eliminate 41 corporate-call center jobs, and relocate other employees by May 2015.  The bad economy is forcing them to consolidate corporate and warehouse jobs.

New Jersey: Commercial light bulb maker Kurt Versen issued a WARN saying they will shutdown their Westwood factory beginning February 2015, at least 102 jobs lost!  Company administrators blame the property owner for refusing to renew the lease.

New York: In Bronx, education evaluator Institutes of Applied Human Dynamics issued a WARN saying they will shutdown in March 2015, at least 44 jobs lost.

Ohio: After 60 years Ruppel’s Art & Paint Supply shutdown on Xmas eve. The owner said he can no longer compete with ‘big box’ stores who actually carry less of a selection than he did, nor the internet.   The city of Brook Park continues to kill jobs.  16 people will become unemployed by January 2015, and city officials warn the city could go bankrupt.  Apparently the general fund is $3-million USD in the hole! The article I read never once explained why the city is so broke, but quoted a former mayor as saying “In all my years, I’ve never seen such incompetence in council members.”

Oregon: In Portland, after 35 years the Hunan Restaurant shutdown “Due to personal health issues”.

Pennsylvania: Manitowoc Crane Care revealed they laid off under 100 people at their Antrim Township factory.  Back in February they laid off 260 employees! Company administrators blame crashing sales: “The continuing decline in the rough-terrain and boom truck markets in North America and Latin America have continued to negatively impact our crane segment performance.”

Tennessee:  After 17 years the GollyWhoppers sandwich shop announced they’re shutting down the day before Xmas.  ServiceMaster laid off 61 people from its Memphis HQ.  Dickson Quad/Graphics issued a WARN saying they will shutdown in March 2015, at least 115 jobs lost!  They blame it on the death of the USA Weekend newspaper.  Hemlock Semiconductor announced they will finally kill off their less than six years old Clarksville polysilicon factory.  The factory was idled in 2013, eliminating 400 jobs!  Company administrators blamed the same things that Hoku administrators in Pocatello, Idaho, blamed for their ‘death’: Crashing polysilicon prices and Obama regime imposed tariffs on U.S. polysilicon products sold to China!  Free market advocates said it’s proof that giving corporations huge tax incentives don’t work: “The Hemlock debacle is living proof that corporate welfare has no place in Tennessee. Taxpayers should not be forced to unwillingly invest in private companies, especially those in volatile markets, through corporate welfare schemes.”-Justin Owen, Beacon Center

Washington: Spokane based Spokane Rock has laid off 45 people from its asphalt division.  Spokane Rock also has operations in Idaho.

13-15-december-2014: Two Great Depression survivors killed off by this ‘recovery’! 

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.

As January goes, so goes the stock market…..

31 January 2015 (22:58 UTC-07 Tango 30 January 2015)/10 Rabi ‘ath-Thani 1436/11 Bahman 1393/12 Yi-Chou (12th month) 4712

“It was a rough day on the market, in almost every sector. Do you believe the adage ‘As January goes so goes the rest of the year’?”-Sue Herera, Nightly Business Report

“…we’re just gearing up for the volatility for 2015….what hasn’t happened that will likely happen to cause volatility, and that’s the Fed raising short term rates. It’s going to happen….

…banks have just been hammered in January…what we’re lining up for, for the next couple of months with banks is the results of some stress tests…and if rates rise…”-James A. Cox III, financial analyst, Nightly Business Report interview 30 January 2015

No more Kate Spade? Upscale women’s clothing chain dumps middle class operations!

31 January 2015 (21:40 UTC-07 Tango 30 January 2015)/10 Rabi ‘ath-Thani 1436/11 Bahman 1393/12 Yi-Chou (12th month) 4712

Upscale Kate Spade announced it is shutting down all its two years old mid-scale Kate Spade Saturday women’s stores as well as all of its Jack Spade men’s stores!

Kate Spade will focus on its luxury elitist stores, Kate Spade New York, and sell its men’s line on the internet (they claim they’re going to sell specialized tailored men’s clothing over the internet as well).

Analysts say Xmas sales sucked so bad for Kate’s mid-scale stores that it’s proof the middle class doesn’t have any money to spend, that’s why Kate is now focusing on its rich elitist target audience.

No more Jones New York! Yet another women’s clothing store goes down!

31 January 2015 (21:27 UTC-07 Tango 30 January 2015)/10 Rabi ‘ath-Thani 1436/11 Bahman 1393/12 Yi-Chou (12th month) 4712

The new owners of the women’s clothing chain Jones New York Outlet revealed they are busted and will shutdown all 127 stores across the United States and Canada!  They will end Jones New York wholesale operations as well.

Last year Jones New York Outlet was taken over by three years old vulture capitalist Sycamore Partners.  Amazingly the new owners claim they will see if they can find new markets for the name-brand: “We recognize that the Jones New York brand is important to many loyal customers, and we are pursuing strategic alternatives for the brand.”-Andrew Hede, Interim Chief Executive Officer

U.S. Job Losses & Store Closings, 13 – 15 December 2014: “There’s been a decline…” Two Great Depression survivors killed off by this ‘recovery’!

Incomplete list of publicly announced layoffs & shutdowns:

California: MFS (Massachusetts Financial services) issued several WARNs saying they are eliminating jobs across the Golden State, at least 200 jobs lost by February 2015!  Uniform and food service contractor Aramark issued several WARNs saying they are shutting down ops across the Golden State, at least 570 jobs lost!  Pleasanton Safeway headquarters will layoff at least 26 people by 13 February 2015, due to the takeover by Cerberus owned Albertsons.

Florida: Just one day after warning of layoffs in California, Orlando based iconic SeaWorld revealed it has already eliminated 311 jobs at all 11 of its sealife amusement parks!

Idaho: In Post Falls, office furniture maker Kimbal International issued a WARN saying they will shutdown beginning in February 2015, at least 251 jobs lost!

Illinois: In Chicago, anti-2nd Amendment Pepsi laid off an undisclosed number of North America Nutrition (Gatorade, Quaker, Tropicana) employees. Pepsi also extended its cost cutting plan (originally to end in 2014) to 2019, saying the economy is so bad it now needs to cut $8-billion USD in expenses!  In Springfield, after 114 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) LaBonte’s Luggage & Gifts shutdown: “Luggage is highly competitive, and the trend with younger people is buying online, especially with many luggage manufacturers having their own websites selling directly to the customer.”-Art Silver, owner

Indiana: What automotive industry recovery? Truck maker Navistar International announced they’re shutting down their Indianapolis foundry by the summer of 2015, at least 180 jobs lost!  Company administrators say the suck-ass economy is forcing them to get their parts from a cheap-o-contractor instead of making them in their own foundry!  Greedy stockholders love the idea!

Maine: In Bangor, after 142 years (surviving the Great deflationary Depression and numerous recessions) Bacon Printing Company shutdown.  Company administrators said the final straws were increasing utility costs and building maintenance costs.

Massachusetts: Non-profit Masonic Health System warned of layoffs at its Overlook Life Care Community, and as a result of its sale of its failed Overlook Health Care operation.

Michigan: In Monroe, after 17 years the Dollar & Up store shutdown, the owner blaming the lack of ‘recovery’: “There’s been a decline in spending. People used to buy on impulse, and when the economy went down, people started to be more careful on what they bought.”-Amir Ameen

New York: For profit Utica School of Commerce stopping almost all classes at its Oneonta campus in Spring 2015! At least nine jobs lost due to DSS. Clinton Community College warned of layoffs due to DSS  (what I call Disappearing Student Syndrome).  NYC based bratty & bankrupt teenage girl’s clothing chain store dELiA*s announced they will shutdown all 92 stores!

Tennessee: The Toys R Us located near Knoxville Center Mall announced it will shutdown in January 2015, at least 28 jobs lost.

11-12-december-2014: “Everybody wants to know, ‘Is there anything we can do?’ and there is nothing.”

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.

Death of dELiA*s

30 January 2015 (14:44 UTC-07 Tango)/09 Rabi ‘ath-Thani 1436/10 Bahman 1393/11 Yi-Chou (12th month) 4712

New York City based bratty & bankrupt teenage girl’s clothing chain store dELiA*s is dead!

Store shutdown list:
2000 Riverchase Galleria Hoover AL 35244
3030 Plaza Bonita Rd National City CA 91950
1151 Galleria Blvd Roseville CA 95678
194 Buckland Hills Drive Manchester CT 06040
1201 Boston Post Rd Milford CT 06460
150 Christiana Mall Newark DE 19702
23106 Fashion Drive Estero FL 33928
2368 East Sunrise Blvd Ft. Lauderdale FL 33304
10300 Southside Boulevard Jacksonville FL 32256
8201 South Tamiami Trail North Sarasota FL 34238
5701 Sunset Drive South Miami FL 33143
10300 West Forest Hill Blvd Wellington FL 33414
2112 North Point Circle Alpharetta GA 30022
3333 Buford Drive Buford GA 30519
400 Ernest Barrett Parkway Kennesaw GA 30144
101 Jordan Creek Parkway West Des Moines IA 50266
2428 Fox Valley Center Aurora IL 60504
627 East Boughton Road Bolingbrook IL 60440
205A Yorktown Mall Lombard IL 60148
5 Woodfield Shopping Center Schaumburg IL 60173
122 Hawthorn Center Vernon Hills IL 60061
14511 Clay Terrace Blvd Carmel IN 46032
49 West Maryland St. Indianapolis IN 46204
1975 Southlake Mall Merrillville IN 46410
6401 Bluebonnet Blvd Baton Rouge LA 70836
250 Granite Street Braintree MA 02184
75 Middlesex Turnpike Burlington MA 01803
50 Holyoke St. Holyoke MA 01041
1245 Worcester Street Natick MA 01760
999 S. Washington Street North Attleboro MA 02760
210 Andover Street Peabody MA 01960
1516 Annapolis Mall Annapolis MD 21401
10300 Little Patuxent Parkway Columbia MD 21044
825 Dulaney Valley Rd Towson MD 21204
663 Stillwater Avenue Bangor ME 04401
364 Maine Mall Road South Portland ME 04106
17420 Hall Road Clinton Township MI 48038
3700 Rivertown Pkwy S.W. Grandville MI 49418
27666 Novi Road Novi MI 48377
270 North Garden Bloomington MN 55425
43 Chesterfield Mall Chesterfield MO 63017
2092 Independence Center Independence MO 64057
7101 NW 86th Terrace Kansas City MO 64153
6801 Northlake Mall Drive Charlotte NC 28216
3320 Silas Creek Parkway Winston-Salem NC 27103
310 Daniel Webster Highway Nashua NH 03060
99 Rockingham Park Blvd Salem NH 03079
400 Commons Way Bridgewater NJ 08807
1750 Deptford Center Rd. Deptford NJ 08096
100 Menlo Park Road Edison NJ 08837
112 Eisenhower Parkway Livingston NJ 07039
4403 Black Horse Pike Mays Landing NJ 08330
1 Garden State Paramus NJ 07652
301 Mt. Hope Ave Rockaway NJ 07866
2165 Willowbrook Mall Wayne NJ 07470
1 Crossgates Mall Road Albany NY 12203
1 Walden Galleria Cheektowaga NY 14225
630 Old Country Rd Garden City NY 11530
450 Smith Haven Mall Lake Grove NY 11755
261 Miracle Mile Drive Rochester NY 14623
2655 Richmond Ave Staten Island NY 10314
125 Westchester Ave White Plains NY 10601
1734 Military Road Niagara Falls NY 14304
2740 Palisades Center Drive West Nyack NY 10994
26300 Cedar Road Beachwood OH 44122
81 Chestnut St. Beavercreek OH 45440
1500 Polaris Parkway Columbus OH 43240
136 Easton Town Center Columbus OH 43219
428 South Park Center Strongsville OH 44136
160 N. Gulph Road King of Prussia PA 19406
130 Montgomery Mall North Wales PA 19454
100 Robinson Center Drive Pittsburgh PA 15205
250 Lehigh Valley Mall Whitehall PA 18052
127 Providence Place Providence RI 02903
2000 Coastal Grand Circle Myrtle Beach SC 29577
4670 Merchants Park Circle Collierville TN 38017
7600 Kingston Pike Knoxville TN 37919
2760 N. Germantown Parkway Memphis TN 38133
2615 Medical Center Parkway Murfreesboro TN 37129
3811 S. Cooper Street Arlington TX 76015
11200 Lakeline Mall Drive Cedar Park TX 78613
8687 North Central Expressway Dallas TX 75225
490 Cedar Sage Drive Garland TX 75040
1700 Cottonwood Creek Highland Village TX 75077
2200 South 10th Street McAllen TX 78503
6121 W. Park Blvd Plano TX 75093
331 Grand Avenue East Southlake TX 76092
11800 West Broad St. Richmond VA 23233
2561 McMenamin St Hampton VA 23666
4301 W. Wisconsin Ave Appleton WI 54913
5770 North Bayshore Drive Glendale WI 53217
2015 Charleston Town Center Charleston WV 25312