What retailers have recently announced store closures in Wisconsin?
Forever 21 and Joann Fabrics & Crafts are the two most recent big-name department stores to announce nationwide closures this year.
The rash of closures are part of a years-long trend forcing stores across the nation to downsize or shutter operations altogether, in part due to continued economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and popularity of online shopping.
Here's what to know:
Earlier this month, Forever 21 declared bankruptcy and announced it would be winding down operations in the U.S.
Wisconsin's remaining two locations are expected to close by May 1.
More: Wisconsin's remaining Forever 21 stores expected to close, company announces
Joann will close all of its Wisconsin locations as it shutters operations nationwide, the craft retailer announced in February.
More: You can no longer use Joann's Fabrics gift cards at Wisconsin stores or nationwide
Party City announced it was closing all of its locations just before the holidays after struggling to keep up with inflation. The party supplies chain had 11 stores across Wisconsin.
More: Party City is closing all its stores. Here's where they are in Wisconsin.
Last year, Big Lots shut down hundreds of stores nationwide, including most of its 12 Wisconsin locations. It reached a deal with asset liquidation firm Gordon Brothers Retail Partners to sell off most remaining stores in December.
Ollie's Bargain Outlet has since acquired 63 of the former Big Lots stores, including four in Wisconsin.
More: These former Big Lots stores in Wisconsin are now Ollie's Bargain Outlets
The discount chain announced earlier this month it is planning to close 96 Dollar General stores and 45 Popshelf stores during the first quarter of 2025. The list of affected locations is not yet available.
More: Dollar General plans to shut down nearly 100 stores. How many are there in Wisconsin?
Greta Cross, Maia Pandey and Claire Reid contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 2025 Wisconsin retail closures: Forever 21, Joann, Big Lots, and more
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