Retailers You Won’t Be Seeing In Minnesota In 2019

TWIN CITIES, MN — 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.

Also read: Businesses, Stores That Closed In Minnesota: 2018 List

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 eight in Minnesota.

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.

Five Sears/Kmart locations in Minnesota are included in the closures.

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 Minnesota, eight Mattress Firm locations were affected.

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.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s announced in November that it planned on closing 20 stores by the end of February. One Minnesota store was impacted by the closures.

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. As a result, Minnesota will lose all 18 of its Herberger's stores and its two Younkers locations thanks to the bankruptcy of the retailers' parent company.

Photo: 'Store Closing' sign is posted in a Toys R Us store January 10, 2006 in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Vornado Realty Trust, which bought the company last year, announced on Monday, January 9, 2006 that Toys R Us is closing 87 stores including this location, twelve of them will reopen as Babies R Us locations. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)