It’s no secret that retailers were having a difficult time even before the pandemic struck. But the months-long closure of malls and stores coupled with record unemployment has accelerated the decline for many brick-and-mortar locations.
Other companies have also fallen on hard times among economic unrest and restrictions on being in enclosed public places.
The following companies with a Massachusetts presence have filed for bankruptcy this year:
Chuck E. Cheese
Bad news for the Mouse: CEC Entertainment, the parent company of kids’ pizza paradise Chuck E. Cheese, filed for bankruptcy this week. On Friday USA Today reported 34 locations will be closing, including ones in Danvers, Leominster, Natick and Springfield.
Gnc
GNC filed for bankruptcy Thursday and will close perhaps more than 1,000 locations, including at least six in Massachusetts. The vitamin and supplement chain is closing locations at malls and shopping centers in Auburn, Danvers, New Bedford, North Attleboro, Springfield and Walpole.
Modell’s
The family-owned sporting goods retailer, founded in 1889 and known for its “Gotta go to Mo’s” jingle, carved out a niche by selling local teams’ jerseys and equipment for youth leagues. But in March it declared it was filing for bankruptcy and closing all 153 stores in the northeast.
J.C. Penney
J.C. Penney filed for bankruptcy on May 15. The department store giant said it will close more than 200 of its 846 stores over the next two years. Nine Massachusetts locations were spared in a June round of closures, but they could be targeted in future closures.
Pier 1
Pier 1 Imports announced in June it was closing hundreds of stores, including in Braintree, Danvers, Framingham, Plymouth and Woburn. The retail chain said up to 450 locations — about half of its total — would be closed to “better align its business with the current operating environment.”
J. Crew
J.Crew Group, Inc., which owns the J.Crew and Madewell brands, filed for bankruptcy protection in May. The clothing retailer operated 15 locations in Massachusetts.
Neiman Marcus
Shortly after J. Crew filed for bankruptcy, luxury department store chain Neiman Marcus followed suit.
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