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Why are Ikea and Costco expanding as other retailers close stores and lay off staff?

Apr 21, 2023
Opening new stores may be a way for some retailers to position themselves for both a downturn and a recovery.
Someone who once shopped at Crate & Barrel may now feel more comfortable on an Ikea budget, which could partially explain the retailer's expansion plan.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

A look at why retailers may be closing so many stores

Jan 21, 2020
Are retailers shedding space because they have too much or because they're not giving customers the best store experience?
People walk through a nearly empty shopping mall in March 2017 in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Where traditional retail stands heading into 2020

Jan 9, 2020
Some retailers are announcing store closures. Do holiday season sales have anything to do with it?
Macy's is set to close some stores after a tough year. Above, a Macy's store in Chicago.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

The party balloon business rises, even without helium

May 10, 2019
After all, air is free.
A Party City store is seen on May 10, 2019 in Miami, Florida.  Party City announced that it will shutter 45 stores in 2019 due to a global helium shortage.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Sears teeters on the edge of bankruptcy

Oct 10, 2018
The company is more than $5.6 billion in debt.
Customers shop at Chicago's last remaining Sears store on May 3, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

How a mall-turned-public park saved downtown Columbus

Oct 12, 2017
The redevelopment project helped attract $400 million in investment and thousands of new residents.
Columbus Commons hosts more than 200 events a year, including a Harvest Fair on September 30, 2017. 
Marielle Segarra/Marketplace

US retail is hurting, and your mall is probably feeling it

May 16, 2017
Brick-and-mortar stores are plagued by closures and job loss post-election.
People walk through a nearly empty shopping mall in Waterbury, Connecticut. 
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.