6 Charts to Summarize the 'Retail Apocalypse' in 2018

2018 was more of the same for the demise of retail businesses in the United States.

1 minute read

December 31, 2018, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Christmas Shopping

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David Montgomery presents six infographics that illustrate the ongoing "retail apocalypse."

"One year after rounds of store closures by J.C. Penney and Macy’s, 2018 brought shutdowns by Sears and Toys “R” Us—not to mention Mattress FirmBon-TonAbercrombie & Fitch and more," writes Montgomery.

But just listing closures fails to capture the scope of the retail apocalypse. This is a job fit for infographics that describe the trend in terms of square footage, total sales, online sales vs. offline sales, retail sectors, and the stock market.

Friday, December 28, 2018 in CityLab

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