Aldi acquires three Big Lots locations: expands its presence with the purchase of closed stores as the retailer gains momentum

Aldi Food Market exterior representing the three former Big Lots stores purchased in multistate acquisition

Discount grocer Aldi has finalized the purchase of three former Big Lots locations, marking another key development in Big Lots’ post-bankruptcy restructuring. This acquisition comes less than a year after Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 in September 2024 and announced plans to shut down hundreds of stores. Big Lots first sold the leases of … Read more

Mass closures at Walmart in 2025: six states face permanent supermarket exits this year

Entrance of a Walmart Supercenter with “Welcome to your Walmart” banner, illustrating stores slated to close in six U.S. states in 2025.

The renowned retailer is set to close a number of its branches, leaving some communities without local Walmart supermarkets. This decision is already sparking questions among shoppers and employees alike. Walmart’s new wave of closures continues a trend that began three years ago, affecting regions such as California and Georgia. Although the company remains a … Read more

A popular restaurant that has been in business for decades files for bankruptcy and Chapter 11, citing problems with rent

Cherry Hill Mall entrance sign with red header and list of anchor stores including Macy’s, Nordstrom, JCPenney, Old Navy, Crate & Barrel.

In a renewed attempt to stabilize finances, this family-owned eatery at Cherry Hill Mall seeks creditor protection once more. The Bistro at Cherry Hill, known for its U-shaped counter in the Macy’s wing of Cherry Hill Mall, is once again navigating the complexities of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This marks the second time in eight years … Read more

Second bankruptcy hits hard: Rite Aid announces major job cuts at Philly office

Rite Aid employees in yellow shirts protest outside Philadelphia store after second bankruptcy triggers nearly 600 layoffs

Rite Aid has announced it is laying off 595 workers who report to its Philadelphia headquarters, as the company files for bankruptcy for the second time in 17 months. The drugstore chain revealed its decision in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) to Pennsylvania officials, intensifying concerns for employees and their families. The layoffs … Read more

Confirmed: Walmart says goodbye to five California locations this year

Exterior of a Walmart store with shoppers at the entrance—one of five California locations scheduled to close by 2025.

A new wave of closures raises concerns among residents and local businesses. Walmart has confirmed the permanent shutdown of five stores in California, targeting locations in San Diego, El Cajon, West Covina, Fremont, and Granite Bay. This move comes amid ongoing inflationary pressures across the country, as well as tariff policies that have influenced corporate … Read more

Farewell to the historic amusement park that is closing its doors after more than 20 years: home to one of Six Flags’ oldest roller coasters

Children playing in the Splashwater Falls water play area at Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has announced the permanent closure of its Bowie, Maryland park, home to one of the oldest roller coasters in the company’s lineup. The final day for thrill-seekers is set for November 2, 2025, marking the end of a cherished local landmark. The soon-to-be-shuttered Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in Bowie … Read more

May ushers in fresh wave of store shutdowns for top retail chains

Collage of storefront signs for JCPenney, Saks Fifth Avenue, Rite Aid and Family Dollar illustrating major May closures

A fresh round of store closures is rolling out this month, affecting renowned retailers from coast to coast. Department stores, iconic mall brands, and specialty shops are either cutting back on select locations or shutting down entirely, citing changing consumer habits and corporate restructuring. Who might feel the impact? Anyone who relies on physical shopping … Read more

Farewell to the beloved Mexican restaurant chain after 20 years full of flavor: it will serve its last meal on May 18

Grilled burrito cut in half showing rice, beans and vegetables next to a cup of guacamole in a takeout container

After two decades of serving upscale Tex-Mex, the end arrives for Fernando’s Mexican Cuisine. Fernando’s Mexican Cuisine, a Texas-based chain known for refined nachos, fajitas, and margaritas, is officially shutting down both its Dallas-area locations. This decision comes after 20 years of service and has surprised many longtime customers who appreciated the chain’s more sophisticated … Read more

Nation’s largest fast-food chain shutters hundreds of U.S. restaurants amid ongoing downsizing

Exterior of a Jack in the Box fast-food restaurant, highlighting nationwide closures during the 2024-2025 downsizing wave.

In 2024 alone, hundreds of restaurants owned by this popular fast-food giant closed down, with thousands more disappearing since 2016. Many consumers are now concerned about the ongoing trend, as additional closures loom in 2025. Is your favorite location next on the list? The past year proved harsh for numerous chains, with several announcing major … Read more

End of an era: PepsiCo to close Hudson Valley snack plant and cut 300 jobs

PepsiCo Liberty New York plant entrance sign with Frito-Lay logo on snowy day ahead of May 2024 closure

Food and beverage giant PepsiCo will soon shut down its Liberty, New York, manufacturing plant, causing concern among hundreds of employees who face looming layoffs. Local officials and community groups are already stepping in to offer support. Nearly 300 individuals who work at the Liberty facility, known for producing PopCorners snacks, will lose their positions … Read more

End of an era: Forever 21 to shutter all 354 U.S. stores following bankruptcy filing

Customers wait outside a Forever 21 store in a shopping mall following the announcement that the company is closing its 354 stores in the United States due to bankruptcy.

Forever 21, a familiar name in American retail, has officially announced that all 354 of its leased stores in the United States will close by May 1. Some branches have already begun the process, causing concern among shoppers nationwide. The closures come on the heels of a bankruptcy filing, with company leaders citing rising costs … Read more

Farewell to a mall mainstay: JCPenney set to close seven U.S. locations by May 25

JCPenney storefront sign on shopping mall exterior

The century-old retailer is set to shutter additional locations by May 25, marking another blow to traditional shopping malls. As JCPenney battles changing consumer habits, many wonder if this iconic chain can survive the challenges still on the horizon. For over a hundred years, JCPenney has served as a go-to destination for clothes, home décor, … Read more

The closure of 50 stores belonging to this popular clothing chain in the United States has been confirmed

Interior of a Fossil retail store with handbags, backpacks and watch displays ahead of the brand’s 50 U.S. store closures

Fossil, a popular brand known for watches, handbags, and other fashion accessories, is taking a dramatic turn after a 19% dip in global sales. Instead of making temporary changes, the company aims to restructure from the ground up and pivot toward the online marketplace. In this bold move, Fossil plans to shut down 50 brick-and-mortar … Read more

Goodbye to the Merck factory: closure of the plant confirmed, with gradual layoffs affecting 163 employees

Merck logo outside Riverside Pennsylvania plant slated for closure and 163 layoffs

Pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturer will end operations at the Riverside site next year, launching three rounds of job cuts. Merck has officially revealed that it will shut down its pharmaceuticals plant in Riverside, Pennsylvania, with 163 employees expected to lose their positions. The company’s statement indicates that the first two rounds of layoffs are scheduled between … Read more

Goodbye to the Pepsico factory: 300 jobs will be lost and the plant will close permanently

PepsiCo sign outside Liberty NY PopCorners plant slated for May 2025 closure and 300 layoffs

The impending closure will begin in mid-May, leaving hundreds of local employees concerned about their future and the community’s economic stability. Close to 300 people will lose their jobs in the coming months when food and beverage giant PepsiCo permanently shuts down its Liberty facility, a plant that has produced PopCorners snacks and served the … Read more

Century-old Laurel Grocery Company shuts down after 103 years: more than 100 workers lose jobs

Laurel Grocery Company sign on warehouse exterior in London, Kentucky

Community members and officials in Laurel County, Kentucky, react to the surprising shutdown of a longstanding local icon. Laurel Grocery Company (LGC) has been a familiar name in Laurel County since 1922, but now it is closing its doors and leaving more than 100 people without jobs. Former employees describe the decision as completely unexpected, … Read more

Biotech downturn claims another victim with sweeping Mural Oncology layoffs

Scientist in protective gear working with glassware inside Mural Oncology’s laboratory fume hood during cancer-drug research

The Massachusetts-based firm faces difficult decisions after clinical trial disappointments, raising concerns across the industry. Mural Oncology confirmed Wednesday that it will eliminate about 104 positions, representing roughly 90% of its workforce. The announcement comes in the wake of unsuccessful clinical trials for its melanoma and ovarian cancer treatments, which failed to meet key targets. … Read more

Farewell to the iconic steakhouse that loses its kosher certification, leaving dozens of workers unemployed and its loyal customers without a place to dine

Empty dining room of Genesis Steakhouse in Houston after kosher certification was revoked, leading to its April 30 closure

Genesis Steakhouse and Wine Bar will officially close its doors on April 30 after 12 years in Houston. Restaurant owner Jason Goldstein shared that a revoked kosher certification triggered a rapid decline in business, making it impossible to continue operating under the current circumstances. Why the sudden closure of this longtime kosher establishment has stirred … Read more