The 4 Retailers That Will Close the Most Stores This Year

Get their goods while you still can

Now that the holiday season has ceased, retailers that performed poorly last year may have to cut locations during 2013 to improve margins or reverse losses. For many retailers, it is not a question of if they will cut stores, but when and how many. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the weakest large U.S. retailers and picked those that likely will not be profitable next year if they keep their current location count. Kmart may close 175 to 225 stores as it's been steadily losing their middle-income shoppers to retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target. Barnes & Noble could close 190 to 240 locations as more customers move from print books to digital books. Best Buy could see 200 to 250 stores close as it's been plagued by customers “showrooming” -- looking at products in the store and then purchasing them online. And J.C. Penney could close 300 to 350 stores despite trying to wean customers off of heavy discounting by simply giving them low prices. (NBC News)

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