10 Big-Name Stores That Have Closed in the Past Decade

Fry’s

This well-known electronics retailer disappeared overnight in February 2021, after being in for over 40 years in business. The chain is famous for its crazy and creatively themed stores, and it also fought very hard against behemoths such as Amazon and Best Buy. Also, it seems that Fry’s cited the pandemic as one of the main reasons why they suddenly shut down.

Century 21

Losing this incredible discounter was probably a blow to the wide majority of thrifty New Yorkers, especially since it succeeded to overcome the fact that its Lower Manhattan flagship was severely damaged on 9/11.

However, it seems that Covid-19 turned out to be a more formidable foe, as it left shoppers wondering why the designer duds they met here went away. LUCKILY, some folks out there believe there might be a comeback in the cards, as the chain opened in South Korea and wants to reopen in the United States, too.

Lord & Taylor

Lord & Taylor is the nation’s oldest and finest department store. However, it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy two years ago and decided to shut down all its stores, which was exactly the opposite of what it promised. The plan was to maintain some locations open. Liquidation sales on all 38 stores officially ended when the chain’s storied 194-year run.

Catherine’s

One of the nation’s famous plus-size retailers, Catherine’s, had to deal with a major blow the moment its parent company, Ascena, filed for bankruptcy in 2020. Ascena closed all the stores as part of its reorganization, deciding to focus only on Lane Bryant, Loft, and Ann Taylor instead. FullBeauty, which is a company that has many other plus-size brands, bought Catherine’s and is now in charge of the online store.

Stein Mart

Discounter Stein Mart was on the verge of being sold to a private equity firm after the pandemic hit. The plan was supposed to be a turnaround one. Stein Mart required government aid to stay in the business for the wide majority of 2020 but eventually filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing “significant financial distress”, that was caused both by Covid-19 and its customers changing their buying habits. All 300 stores are now closed.