Twice As Many Stores In The U.S. Are Expected To Close In 2025

 

Twice as many retail stores will close in the U.S. this year than were shuttered last year, and many more stores will close than open, according to Coresight Research.

KEY FACTS

Retailers will close up to 15,000 stores this year, more than double the 7,325 closures in 2024 and breaking the closure record set in 2020 during the pandemic.

Retailers are projected to open only 5,800 stores, slightly less than the 5,970 opened last year, but representing a widening gap favoring closings over openings.

Retailers have announced three-times more store closures this year compared to the same time last year and about 30% fewer openings.

To date, retailers have announced over 2,000 closures, with bankrupt Party City (738 closing) and Big Lots (601) leading the field, followed by Walgreens Boots Alliance (333), 7-Eleven (148), Macy’s (51) and Kohl’s (27).

Some 1,000 store openings in 2025 have been announced, topped by Aldi (170 new stores), followed by JD Sports (124), Burlington Stores (104), jewelry retailer Pandora (61), bookstore chain Barnes & Noble (60) and Dollar General (60).

Unpredictable retail bankruptcies typically account for the largest number of closures, and last year, the number of bankruptcies doubled over those in 2023, up from 25 to 51 in 2024.

CRUCIAL QUOTE

“Inflation and a growing preference among consumers to shop online to find the cheapest deals took a toll on brick-and-mortar retailers in 2024. We continue to see a trend of consumers opting for the path of least resistance. Not only do they want the best prices, but they also have no patience for stores that are constantly disorganized, out of stock, and that deliver poor customer service,” said Coresight CEO Deborah Weinswig in a statement.

DISCOUNTERS OFFER A HEDGE AGAINST INFLATION

Inflation-weary consumers are shifting their buying habits. Discount outlets are expected to post the highest number of new stores this year, such as Dollar Tree, which is pivoting from its Family Dollar banner after closing over 700 FD stores last year, and Dollar General, that has already announced 60 openings. Ironically, discount stores led in both store closures, i.e. bankruptcies of 99 Centers Only Stores and Big Lots, as well as in store openings in 2024. Big-box discounters will expand too. Walmart plans to add 30 stores this year and Costco will expand by 14. In the grocery sector, Aldi continues to lead in openings, adding 170 stores this year after 121 openings last year. Grocery Outlet followed with 55 openings last year.

MORE ONLINE SHOPPING MEANS MORE CLOSED STORES

Shoppers continue to gravitate toward the convenience and price advantage of online shopping. In 2019, non-store retail represented 21% of retail, excluding motor vehicles and motor parts, gasoline stations and food service. Now it stands at 29%, having advanced from 28% last year, according to the Census Bureau. Thus, many past and planned closures are adjustments or right-sizing of retailers’ physical footprints. Coresight also calls out increased e-commerce competition from Chinese-based off-price online platforms Shein and Temu as they expand into non-apparel offerings and capture sales from mass merchants and other category retailers.

PHARMACY DESERTS

CVS Health with 586 closures accounted for the second largest number of closings last year. In addition, Rite Aid shuttered 408 stores, and Walgreens Boots Alliance closed 259, leading Coresight to warn of “pharmacy deserts” emerging in parts of the country to the benefit of mass merchants and grocery chains with pharmacy departments.

HOME RETAIL FOOTPRINT CONTINUES TO SHRINK

So far this year, no home and office retailers have announced closures, but that may be because so many closed over the last two years: 1,679 in 2023 and 1,307 in 2024. Bankrupt furniture retailer Conn’s had the third highest number of closings last year at 553, and bankruptcies also led to American Freight closing 353 and LL Flooring, now rebranded as Lumber Liquidators, closing 213 stores. However, a handful of home retailers have announced openings in 2025, including five by Beyond (the old Bed Bath and Beyond brand), three for both Febal Casa and Hästens, two Perigold stores and one Home Depot.

SHIFTING LANDSCAPE IN APPAREL

The apparel, footwear and accessories sector experiences significant churn year after year. It accounted for the third largest number of closures last year (1,383) after discount stores and home retailers, and added the second-largest number of openings, totaling 1,478, mainly in the off-price sector. In 2024, bankruptcies of Rue21 and Express led to 543 and 105 store closures, respectively. Foot Locker also shuttered 118 stores last year, and it has announced eight more planned closures this year.

TANGENT

The social-media fueled “No-Buy” or “Underconsumption” trend is gaining ground as consumers seek to take back control of their spending and pay off debt. The concept is to strike certain purchases off one’s purchase list, such as swapping a morning Starbucks coffee with a home brew, do-it-yourself whenever possible, buy only what is needed, and if a purchase must be made, to try to buy it second hand. People can see and feel the benefits almost immediately, the Wall Street Journal reports.

BIG NUMBER

Through the third quarter of 2024, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported household debt is at an all-time $17.94 trillion high, including mortgage debt at $12.79 trillion, credit card debt of $1.17 trillion and auto loans at $1.64 trillion.

RETAIL IN CONSTANT STATE OF FLUX

GlobalData’s Neil Saunders said it’s too soon to call it another “retail apocalypse.” The large number of store closures expected in 2025 and that happened last year are primarily a survival of the fittest phenomenon. In addition, some retailers have brick-and-mortar “dead wood” that needs clearing out. “This is a healthy thing, and it does not follow that all of retail is in a bad way. At the end of this process the vast majority of sales will still be made through physical stores. I see this as an adjustment rather than some kind of calamity,” he said.

Abia State Recruiting Teachers Here is the Link

In line with the administration's commitment to improving the quality of education, Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is spearheading a comprehensive teacher recruitment drive to address the shortage of educators in our primary and secondary schools. 

This initiative reflects our dedication to enhancing the state's education system and ensuring that every child has access to quality learning opportunities.

 Under the leadership of the Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, this recruitment process aims to engage highly qualified and passionate individuals who will contribute to molding students into future leaders equipped to meet the challenges of a modern society. 

At least 5,000 teachers will be recruited as part of this effort, focusing on bridging gaps in critical subject areas and maintaining appropriate teacher-to-student ratios. This bold step is not just an investment in our schools but also in the future of our children and the socio-economic growth of the state. By equipping our schools with skilled educators, we are laying a solid foundation for academic excellence and lifelong success.

FOCUS AREAS

The recruitment process focuses on core subjects like
1. English Language { Comprises : English Language }
2. Mathematics { Comprises : Mathematics, Additional Mathematics }
3. Basic Science { Comprises : Basic Science }
4. Basic Technology { Comprises : Basic Technology }
5. Agricultural Science { Comprises : Agricultural Science, Fisheries, Crop Science }
6. Biology { Comprises : Biology }
7. Chemistry { Comprises : Chemistry }
8. Physics { Comprises : Physics }
9. Information Technology { Comprises : Computer Science, Computer Education, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Data Processing }
10. Geography { Comprises : Geography }
11. Physical and Health Education { Comprises : Physical and Health Education }
12. Economics { Comprises : Economics }
13. Accounting { Comprises : Accounting, Financial Accounting }
14. Literature { Comprises : Literature }
15. Igbo Language { Comprises : Igbo Language }
16. French { Comprises : French }
17. Government { Comprises : Government }
18. Robotics and Artificial Intelligence { Comprises : Robotics and Artificial Intelligence }
19. Catering Craft { Comprises : Catering Craft }
20. Motor Vehicle Maintenance Works { Comprises : Motor Vehicle Maintenance Works }
21. Electrical Electronics { Comprises : Electrical Electronics }
22. Wood Work { Comprises : Wood Work, Upholstery }
23. Garment Making { Comprises : Garment Making, Fashion Design, Leather Goods Manufacturing }
24. Building Construction { Comprises : Building Construction }
25. Welding and Fabrication { Comprises : Welding and Fabrication }
26. Plumbing { Comprises : Plumbing }
27. Paint Production and Painting { Comprises : Paint Production and Painting }
28. Commerce { Comprises : Commerce }
29. Religious Studies { Comprises : Religious Studies, C.R.S, I.R.S }
30. Business Studies { Comprises : Business Studies }
31. History { Comprises : History }
32. Cultural and Creative Arts { Comprises : Cultural and Creative Arts, Fine Arts }
33. Civic Education { Comprises : Civic Education }
34. Social Studies { Comprises : Social Studies }
35. Home Economics { Comprises : Home Economics }
36. Marketing { Comprises : Marketing }
37. Dyeing and Bleaching { Comprises : Dyeing and Bleaching }
38. Further Mathematics { Comprises : Further Mathematics }
39. Prevocational Education { Comprises : Prevocational Education }
40. Health Science { Comprises : Health Science }
41. Animal Husbandry { Comprises : Animal Husbandry }
42. Music { Comprises : Music }
43. Home Management { Comprises : Home Management }
44. Food and Nutrition { Comprises : Food and Nutrition }
45. Technical Drawing { Comprises : Technical Drawing }
46. Solar Technology { Comprises : Solar Technology }
47. Leather Works { Comprises : Leather Works }
48. Computer Craft { Comprises : Computer Craft }
49. RTV - Electronics { Comprises : RTV - Electronics }
and other critical areas where there are identified gaps.

Method of Application

1. Click on the 'START APPLICATION' button at the bottom of this page.

2. You will be redirected to the Bio-Data page, where you are required to fill in your personal details and select the POST APPLIED FOR/SUBJECT AREA OF INTEREST. Ensure that the post you are applying for is related to your course of study at the First Degree level.

3. When completing the Bio-Data page, ensure that your MOBILE NUMBER and EMAIL ADDRESS are accurate, functional, and accessible to you, as your User ID and Password will be sent through them.

4. Please truthfully indicate any Disability or Special Needs you may have to ensure adequate provisions are made for you throughout the recruitment process.

5. Ensure you upload a clear and RECENT PASSPORT PHOTOGRAPH.

6. Once you have completed the Bio-Data page, click on the 'SAVE AND CONTINUE' button.

7. Upon successfully submitting your Bio-Data, an SMS and an email containing your User ID and Password will be sent to you.

PLEASE NOTE: Your User ID and Password will also be displayed under the registration status on the application page. If you do not receive both the email and SMS notifications after completing the registration process, kindly send an email to jobs@mobse-abiastategov.ng, stating your telephone number in the email.

8. After successfully completing and submitting the Bio-Data, you will be redirected to the Academic Qualification page. Here, you are required to provide details of your Primary (Basic), Secondary (Post-Primary), and Tertiary education qualifications. Please note the following:

- a. For Primary and Secondary qualifications, if you attended more than one school at either level, provide only the name of the school from which you obtained the certificate being stated in this application.

- b. For Tertiary education qualifications, state your FIRST DEGREE qualification first before adding the additional qualifications you deem necessary. Click on the 'ADD TERTIARY EDUCATION' button to add the qualifications. It will appear in the panel below. When you are done, click the 'NEXT' button to submit and proceed.
NB: Submitting multiple entries for tertiary qualifications is allowed.

9. After completing the Qualifications page, you will be required to state your NYSC STATUS and UPLOAD THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS as indicated. Once completed, click on 'COMPLETE APPLICATION'.

10. When you click the 'COMPLETE APPLICATION' button, a summary of all the details you have entered will be displayed for your review before final confirmation.

11. If you discover any mistakes during the review, click on 'SAVE & EXIT'. Log in using your User ID and Password to make corrections and save your changes.

12. After submitting your application, you have a grace period of 336 hours (14 days) to revise any submitted information. This grace period may be shorter if your submission is made less than 24 hours before the application process closes.

13. Applications that are started but not completed before the application process closes will be discarded. Click on the Link below to get Started Immediately

https://jobs.mobse-abiastategov.ng/

I have Busy Schedule and need help with the form filling email the following Agency.

emonvision4success@gmail.com

Why Is Elon Musk Attacking USAID? How Partisan Politics Made Foreign Aid Agency Suddenly So Controversial

 

Billionaire Elon Musk said early Monday that President Donald Trump agreed to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)—which he cannot legally unilaterally do —as the foreign aid agency has become embroiled in partisan controversy thanks to right-wing claims it supported “radical” causes that remain unsupported or debunked.

Musk said on an X Spaces conversation early Monday he “went over” the “USAID stuff” with Trump and “[the president] agreed that we should shut it down,” after Trump told reporters Sunday about USAID, “It’s been run by a bunch of radical lunatics, and we’re getting them out, and then we’ll make a decision [about its future].”

USAID is the primary federal agency providing foreign aid to countries around the world, and has been under siege by the Trump administration in recent days amid rumors Trump wants to move it under the State Department, with staff being cut, its website shut down and Trump freezing nearly all foreign aid, while staffers from Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) already accessing and scrutinizing the agency’s classified data.

Musk and other Trump officials have claimed USAID is staffed by Democrats and supports left-wing causes, with Musk repeatedly criticizing the agency on social media and claiming in his X Spaces conversation Monday the agency is “incredibly politically partisan” and has supported “radically left causes throughout the world including things that are anti-American.”

Trump advisor Stephen Miller also claimed on CNN that “98%” of the agency’s staff donated to former Vice President Kamala Harris or other Democratic candidates in the November election, while Trump’s envoy for special missions Richard Grenell claimed former USAID head Samantha Power “used [taxpayer] money to fund crazy radical programs and far Left activists” and State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce posted a thread of what she called “unjustified” foreign aid spending.

Neither the claims of USAID staffers donating to Democrats or “radical” funding have proven true, and other GOP claims also have been debunked, such as the Trump administration’s claim the agency sent $50 million worth of condoms to Gaza.

DID USAID SPEND $50 MILLION ON CONDOMS IN GAZA?

No. Trump and his administration have claimed the Biden administration spent $50 million on “condoms in Gaza,” with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt calling the expenditure a “preposterous waste of taxpayer money” and using it to justify the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid. Trump even ramped up the accuations Monday, telling reporters Musk had found evidence of $100 million worth of condoms going to Hamas. There is no evidence to support the White House’s claims. The Washington Post notes the Biden-era State Department signed a $50 million deal for healthcare in Gaza but that did not include supplying any condoms, and while USAID did send $60.8 million in contraception and condoms to other countries in fiscal year 2023, none of those shipments were sent to Gaza. The first Trump administration also sent contraception and condoms abroad through USAID, the News Literacy Project first noted, sending $51.5 million worth of contraceptives in 2018 and $39.1 million in 2019.

WHAT DOES USAID SPEND ITS FUNDS ON?

USAID spent more than $43 billion in fiscal year 2023 providing aid to approximately 130 countries, according to the Congressional Research Service. The biggest recipient of USAID’s funding has been Ukraine, which CRS noted has received more than $46 billion since its war with Russia began in February 2022, followed by Ethiopia, Jordan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Syria. The agency’s mission has consistently received bipartisan support in the past, and The Washington Post noted in 2017 military leaders also view the agency as essential because it helps to prevent foreign wars that the U.S. could otherwise have to step in to help with. USAID provides funding to combat issues like poverty and disease, as well as provides strategic assistance for foreign conflicts and supports developing countries’ economic growth. Former officials with the agency have suggested cuts to its funding will impact ongoing issues like international Ebola outbreaks, the bird flu epidemic and worldwide HIV treatment and prevention.

HAS USAID DONE ANYTHING WRONG?

Trump officials and Musk’s concerns about USAID are primarily based on partisan concerns, rather than any actual wrongdoing by the agency. The Office of the Inspector General that oversees USAID has said in recent reports the agency does have some room for improvement, citing issues with ensuring the United Nations and other organizations inform USAID of any misconduct within the groups its funding, failures by the UN and other groups to provide the inspector general’s office with information to help its investigations, and jurisdiction issues making it hard for USAID to sue any foreign organizations that misuse its funds. The inspector general also argued USAID needs a better system to identify whether the groups it’s funding have any ties to terrorist groups or “corrupt actors,” after House Republicans expressed concern in 2023 that the agency’s humanitarian aid being sent to Gaza could be sent to groups with ties to Hamas.