Major Chains Announce Dozens Of NJ Store Closings In 2019

The retail apocalypse is hitting New Jersey chains hard in 2019. We're less than three months into the year, and already several big-name retailers have announced their plans to shutter dozens of New Jersey locations.

Chains closing up shop include clothing retailers, shoe stores, department stores and more.

The bleak outlook for many chain retailers isn't new — in 2018 dozens of chains closed stores, including, most notably, Toys R Us and Sears.

Coresight Research, which tracks store closures, says so far in 2019, retailers in the United States have announced 4,287 closings.

Here's a look at the chains with New Jersey locations that have either closed in 2019 or have announced plans to do so:

GYMBOREE

Children's clothing retailer Gymboree filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January. Under the bankruptcy plan, the retail chain will close more than 800 Gymboree and Crazy 8 stores. The company is working to save its 140 upscale Janie and Jack stores. READ MORE.

PAYLESS SHOESOURCE

Payless ShoeSource plans to close all of its U.S. stores as part of a bankruptcy filing. The closings would affect about 2,300 U.S. stores. The company is preparing for going-out-of-business sales at the locations. READ MORE.

FAMILY DOLLAR

Nearly 400 Family Dollar stores will close nationwide this year, while another 200 will be converted to Dollar Tree, which purchased the rival chain in 2015. Other Family Dollars will will keep their name will be stocked with $1 Dollar Tree merchandise and alcohol sections. READ MORE.

JCPENNEY

JCPenney announced in February it will close 15 department stores and nine home and furniture stores this year in addition to three store closures announced in January. The stores that will be shuttered "either require significant capital, are minimally cash-flow positive...or represent a real estate monetization opportunity," the retailer said in a statement. READ MORE.

VICTORIA'S SECRET

Victoria's Secret will shutter 53 underperforming stores in North America this year, the owner of the lingerie chain said. L Brands Inc., which also owns the more successful Bath & Body Works chain, made the announcement as it reported disappointing holiday season sales. READ MORE.

CHARLOTTE RUSSE

Only a month after filing for bankruptcy, the women's clothing company Charlotte Russe has decided to shutter all of its stores and is reportedly in talks to sell its intellectual property. The company said it is partnering with a buyer who has expressed interest in keeping physical "brick and mortar" stores. READ MORE.

SEARS

The gasping retail giant is trying to "streamline" operations, improve its capital position and focus on the most successful stores, according to Sears Holdings. READ MORE.

CARTER'S

The Carter's Store at The Shoppes at Cross Keys closed in February, the store confirmed. The chain specializes in children's clothing. READ MORE.

KMART

Kmart's demise has been ongoing, but additional stores have closed in early 2019. READ MORE.

The news isn't all bad for brick and mortar shops across New Jersey, though.

Many family-owned and independent businesses have either opened or announced plans to open throughout the state region recently, including independent stores and cafes and more.

Learn more about some of those here:

• Rook Coffee Announces Point Pleasant Boro Opening
• Mystic Ginger Apothecary Grand Opening In Gloucester
• Orgreen Poke Open In Westfield
• Grand Opening For Chatham Eatery That Supports Special Needs
• 'The Snooki Shop' Open In Madison
• Longtime Groomer Opening Lacey Dog Salon
• What Businesses Are Coming To Westfield And When?

Do you own a new business opening in New Jersey? Email Tom Davis at tom.davis@patch.com and tell us about it!

With reporting by Kara Seymour