The Chain Stores Revamping Or Closing In Maryland In 2019

MARYLAND — The number of brick-and-mortar businesses in Maryland continues to fluctuate as iconic chains dwindle and newer companies retrench in a bid to survive. Several national retailers announced store closings this summer, with plans to carry out those closings by the end of the year.

Some, like Kmart, are adding to a list of stores already slated for closure. Others, like Bed Bath & Beyond, say they're scaling back retail operations and reinventing themselves as a brand. Unsuccessful stores will be closed as part of the new strategy, according to company officials.

By the time the holiday shopping season arrives, Marylanders can expect fewer chain stores to choose from.

Here's a look at the national retailers that announced store closings in recent months:

Kmart, Sears
Kmart has announced another round of store closings. This time, two in Maryland will be closing by the end of the year. READ MORE.

Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond, the popular home accessories store with 19 locations in Maryland, has a refreshed look coming to some of its stores before Christmas, while underperforming locations might close or be relocated in the near future. READ MORE.

Dressbarn
All Dressbarn stores will be closing by the end of the year, including 22 Maryland locations, the company announced in May. Some locations have already closed. "Customers can continue to shop at Dressbarn in-store and online and use Dressbarn-branded credit cards for purchases," the company said in a statement. READ MORE.

Avenue

The women's clothing store is closing more than 200 locations across the country, including all eight stores in Maryland. READ MORE.

Walgreens
The national pharmacy chain will be closing 200 stores in 2019, the company said in an August SEC filing. A list of locations to close was not released by the company.

Pier 1
The home wares and furnishings chain has plans to close 57 stores by the end of 2019, USA Today reported. A list of locations was not released by the company.

Charming Charlie
Women's fashion accessory retailer Charming Charlie filed for bankruptcy and will close its roughly 260 stores across the country, including five in Maryland. READ MORE.

Other store closings announced this year include 90 Family Dollar locations in the state and 11 Maryland Mattress Firm stores.