Retail store closures up 23% this year

Retail store closure announcements this year are outpacing 2018's numbers, with 4,810 stores having closed so far -- a 23% increase over the same period last year. "[Retailers are] either filing for bankruptcy or even the ones that are still operating are looking to reduce their store footprint to be more efficient, to invest in their online channel," said Ana Lai, senior director and analytical manager at S&P Global Ratings.

National Real Estate Investor online (3/14)