Remarkable Retail

Retail Apocalypse 2.0? Store Closures to More Than Double—What’s Next?

Episode Summary

The retail landscape is facing seismic shifts—store closures are predicted to be up dramatically this year, major players are downsizing, and economic uncertainty is putting decision-makers on edge. In this episode of Remarkable Retail, Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis dissect the latest retail data, breaking down whether we’re facing a "retail apocalypse" or a necessary market correction--and what retailers need to be focused on right now.

Episode Notes

The retail industry is once again in flux, with store closures predicted to more than double this year, leaving many to wonder: is this a retail apocalypse or just a market correction? In this compelling episode of Remarkable Retail, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis dive deep into the state of physical retail, exploring the reasons behind the latest surge in store closings, the impact of e-commerce growth, and what it all means for retailers, brands, and consumers in 2025.

Backed by fresh data from Coresight Research, Michael and Steve break down which retailers are expanding, which are contracting, and why. With 15,000+ store closures projected for 2025, the conversation covers everything from the collapse of the unremarkable middle to the rise of value-driven retail (think TJX and Dollar Stores) and the resilience of luxury retail. They analyze how major economic uncertainties—tariffs, inflation, consumer confidence, and shifting shopping behaviors—are influencing retail strategies.

Key discussion points include:

• The “Retail Apocalypse” Myth: Is physical retail actually in decline, or is the landscape simply evolving?
• Who’s Thriving Amid the Closures? Off-price retailers like TJ Maxx, warehouse clubs, and specialty brands continue to expand, proving that physical stores still have a critical role in today’s retail ecosystem.
• E-Commerce vs. Brick-and-Mortar: While online shopping keeps growing, it’s not the death knell for stores—brands like Warby Parker, Sephora, and Aritzia are doubling down on physical retail.
• Strategic Store Closures vs. Brand Decline: Why some retailers are pruning their store networks to optimize profitability while others are collapsing due to outdated business models.
• The Role of Retail in Customer Acquisition: How brick-and-mortar locations remain essential for brand discovery, experiential shopping, and omnichannel success.

With exclusive insights from leading retailers and industry experts, this episode provides a roadmap for navigating today’s turbulent retail landscape. Whether you’re a brand leader, an industry analyst, or a retail enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into what’s really happening in the world of brick-and-mortar retail in 2025.

Tune in now and stay ahead of the retail transformation!

#RetailTrends #RetailApocalypse #StoreClosures #Ecommerce #BrickAndMortar #RetailStrategy #RetailNews #ConsumerTrends #RetailInnovation #Retail2025 #RetailGrowth

Thanks to Deb Weinswig and  Coresight Research for providing data on store openings and closings.

Steve will be back on stage at Shoptalk coming up in Las Vegas at the end of March. Listeners can save on registration by using our discount codes below:

For Retailers & Consumer Brands go here and use code RBREMARK549
For General Admission go here and use code GAREMARK1399

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