As the Internet continually plays a larger and larger role in our lives, online shopping is slowly taking priority over shopping in physical stores. This is especially true when it comes to the many retail items readily available on Amazon.com. The result of this growth in Internet shopping is a significant surge in retail closures. However, there may be some benefits to small businesses facing the necessary potential of filing for bankruptcy in Mankato, MN.0
Behm Law Group, Ltd. attorneys will work to help any business filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but in the coming months, financial situations may change for some.
In 2016, several retail giants announced their steps towards filing for bankruptcy, and many other companies planned to close a large number of their outlet locations, making 2017 the year where the effects of these closures will show their true colors.
Who is filing for bankruptcy and/or closing?
Over 70 major US retailers announced plans to close high numbers of store locations and several of these companies filed for bankruptcy in the last few months. Among these retailers, Macy’s, Sears, Kmart, CVS, Kohl’s, and Walmart will close 30-100 store locations each, with more to be announced over the rest of the year. Mall-oriented stores like American Eagle, The Children’s Place, Aeropostale, and Finish Line are also working through plans to close locations over the next few years.
Of these retailers, several have declared bankruptcy in the past year, and others are entering into full-on bankruptcy in the next month.
Why are they closing?
While online shopping has added to the neglect of physical retail stores over the past 10 years, it’s not necessarily where the root of the problem lies. The fact is that the US retail market is oversaturated. The big retail companies had a long heyday before the Internet poked its head in the door, but in the early 2000s, the decline for large retail companies had already begun. The popularity of mall and retail shopping quickly decreased as the Internet offered more variety within the same categories of retail, wholesale, other cost-effective options, and specialty products. Because each store closure spirals even further shutdowns for each retailer, the process may cause a rapid plummet in the next few years.
How can this benefit small businesses?
Because so many large retailers are in the process of reducing their store footprint, there is more and more space opening up to smaller businesses. Not only do these openings include physical store space, but they also include more spaces on the market for the unique products small businesses specialize in that may be difficult to find online or in the remaining large retail outlets.
While small businesses can look forward to openings in the coming future, the changing market could affect companies of all sizes. Behm Law Group, Ltd. can offer legal advice and assistance for any small business or individual considering filing for bankruptcy in Mankato, MN. For more information, contact us at (507) 387-7200.
