The retail market has no nostalgia. Just because a brand has been around for decades, or even a century, doesn’t guarantee it will continue beyond 2026. In the coming year, we may see the death of both Sears and K-Mart, two historic brands that helped define American retail. It’s almost unfathomable to think that Sears, … Read more
Everyone has a piece of candy from their childhood that they may not have seen for a few years. Not so much a personal favorite for me, but Coffee Nips remind me of my grandparents’ house as my grandmother always had a stash of them. This is not a product you see very often on … Read more
Usually, when a retailer is in financial trouble, seasoned observers see the signs. A month before JCPenney filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, for example, regular shoppers noticed that inventory was thin. You might see the shirt, shoes, or pair of pants you wanted, but it would only be available in less common sizes. That’s because … Read more
Most pet owners pamper their pets and will go to almost any extreme to ensure they live long and healthy lives. Our 18-year-old house cat, for example, needs thyroid medication twice a day, which has to be handled with care because it can’t be touched. We put on gloves, use disposable bowls, crush it in … Read more
In 1993, Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss, then just Shoshanna Lonstein, became a tabloid darling because she dated Jerry Seinfeld at the height of his sitcom fame. This was before you were famous on social media, but essentially she was one of the first influences and turned the fame of her four-year relationship into a successful career … Read more
The spirits industry has faced economic problems since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, which continues to grow. Reasons cited for financial difficulties include the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, rising operational costs caused by inflation, falling demand for alcoholic beverages and legal issues. A parade of distilleries went to bankruptcy court in 2025, … Read more
When companies file for bankruptcy, it’s often not because they don’t have positive cash flow. Bankruptcies can happen simply because a company can’t generate the cash it needs to service its debt. In many cases, if you took on that debt, the business itself would actually be successful. That’s the argument, Andy Wiederhorn, CEO of … Read more
A new year is often meant to symbolize a new beginning, but for one of America’s most recognizable casual dining brands, 2024 offered the opposite. Instead of renewal, the year was marked by financial problems, bankruptcy and a significant loss of its domestic and international footprint. Founded in 1965 in New York City, this restaurant … Read more
Hearing about restaurant closings has become more common, but the news often hits hardest when old establishments close their doors. These restaurants are much more than places to eat; many have become prominent pieces in their communities, tied to years of local memories and traditions. Even well-established chains have not been immune to this troubling … Read more
When buying something from a chain that has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, it’s important to get possession of the item before handing over any cash. When Badcock Furniture filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, my wife and I looked at couches and found one we liked. However, they would not sell us the floor sample … Read more