The Chain Stores Revamping Or Closing In NoVA, DC In 2019

VIRGINIA — The number of brick-and-mortar businesses in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., 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, you can expect fewer chain stores to choose from.

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

Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond, the popular home accessories store with 26 locations in Virginia and two in the District of Columbia, 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 28 Virginia 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 three stores in Virginia. READ MORE.

Walgreens
The national pharmacy chain will be closing 200 store 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 eight in Virginia. READ MORE.