In 2019, These Major Retailers Will Cease To Exist In Connecticut

The beloved chain Toys R Us was likely the most high-profile retail closure in 2018, but it’s one of just many stores that you won’t be seeing in 2019.

According to Coresight Research, U.S. retailers have announced 5,436 store closures in 2018, as of Dec. 19. Coresight’s research shows that the number of store closures in 2018 is far lower than the closures in 2017. In 2017, there were 8,139 store closures and 4,231 openings, according to Coresight.

We’ve compiled a list of major store closures announced in 2018. Stores may have already closed or will shutter in 2019.

Toys R Us

After much speculation about the company’s future, Toys R Us announced in March 2018 that it would be shutting down its operations in the U.S., closing 735 stores. The iconic toy store closed all of its U.S. locations over the summer, including these last seven in Connecticut: Danbury, Manchester, Milford, Norwalk, Waterbury, Waterford, and West Hartford.

Sears

The Illinois-based company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October, announcing the closure of 142 unprofitable locations. The 142 stores slated for closure when Sears filed for bankruptcy aren’t the only Sears/Kmart locations the company is shuttering. At least 46 locations were already set to close by the end of November. Yet another round of closings announced by the company in November included 40 stores set to close in February 2019, according to USA Today.

The Sears in Milford, Waterford, Waterbury, and Meriden will all close. The only Sears to remain in Connecticut in 2019 is Danbury and Manchester. Kmart announced it would close its Milford store but the retailer will still have stores remaining in Vernon and Watertown.

Mattress Firm

The Houston-based retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October. When filing for bankruptcy, the company said it planned to close 200 stores in the immediate future and in total planned for up to 700 closures. In November, the company said it was moving forward with an optimized store footprint of approximately 2,600 stores. In Connecticut these six stores were selected for closure: Branford, Bristol, Newington, Orange, Tolland, and Wethersfield.

Brookstone

Brookstone also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018. The company said it was hiring liquidators to close its roughly 100 remaining mall locations. Brookstone said it hopes to keep open 35 remaining airport stores. Brookstone at the time had locations in Danbury, Waterford and at Mohegan Sun casino.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s announced in November that it planned on closing 20 stores by the end of February including its Orange, Conn. location.

Sam's Club

Two Sam's Club locations in Connecticut, Orange and Manchester, both abruptly closed for good in January.

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