Retailers You Won’t Be Seeing In Wisconsin In 2019

WISCONSIN -- 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 all 10 in Wisconsin.

Sears/K-mart

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. A couple of Sears/Kmart locations in Wisconsin are included in the closures, including the Sears in Janesville and the K-Mart in Cudahy.

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.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s announced in November that it planned on closing 20 stores by the end of February. Luckily, although a couple stores in Illinois and one in Minnesota closed, do-it-yourself enthusiasts were spared any closures here in Wisconsin.

Bon-Ton Stores

The Wisconsin company, which operated department stores under names like Bergner’s, Carson’s and Boston Store, closed all of its stores in 2018. There were 13 Bon-Ton stores in Wisconsin that closed in 2018.

Other Notable Closures

The Sam's Club in West Allis closed in January 2018.

The Sendik's Grocery Store in West Milwaukee closed in April 2018 after less than two years of operation.

Hayek's Pharmacy in Shorewood closed after 100 years in business.

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