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Across the Fence:  don't buy gift cards from:  |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 13 2008 : 7:41:11 PM
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Hi Farmgirl sisters,
I got this in email and thought I'd share.
Clark Howard the consumer reporter suggests not giving gift cards at all this year. If the business goes under, the card will be no good - and that will just be money down the drain.
Take a look at who is closing besides Richmond’s Circuit City:
Ann Taylor closing 117 stores nationwide A company spokeswoman said the company hasn't r evealed which stores will be shuttered. It will let the stores that will close this fiscal year know over r the next month
Eddie Bauer to close more stores.
Eddie Bauer has already closed 27 shops in the first quarter and plans to close up to two more outlet stores by the end of the year.
Cache closing stores.
Women's retailer Cache announced that it is closing 20 to 23 stores this year.
Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Catherine’s closing 150 stores nationwide The owner of retailers Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Catherine’s Plus Sizes will close about 150 underperforming stores this year. The company hasn't provided a list of specific store closures and can't say when it will offer that info, spokeswoman Brooke Perry said today.
Talbot’s, J. Jill closing stores.
About a month ago, Talbot’s announced that it will be shuttering all 78 of its kids and men's stores. Now the company says it will close another 22 underperformi ng stores. The 22 stores will be a mix of Talbot’s women's and J. Jill, another chain it owns. The closures will occur this fiscal year, according to a company press release.
Gap Inc. closing 85 stores.
In addition to its namesake chain, Gap also owns Old Navy and Banana Republic . The company said the closures - all planned for fiscal 2008 - will be weighted toward the Gap brand.
Foot Locker to close 140 stores
In the company press release and during its conference call with analysts today, it did no t specify where the future store closures - all
planned in fiscal 2008 - will be. The company could not be immediately reached for comment
Wickes is going out of business
Wickes Furniture is going out of business and closing all of its stores, Wickes, a 37-year-old retailer that targets middle-income customers, filed for bankruptcy protection last month.
Goodbye Levitz / BOMBAY - closed already.
The furniture retailer, which is going out of business. Levitz first announced it was going out of business and closing all 76 o f its stores in December. The retailer dates back to 1910 when Richard Levitz opened his first furniture store in Lebanon, PA. In the 1960s, the warehouse/showroom concept brought Levitz to the forefront of the furniture industry. The local Lev itz closures will follow the shutdown of Bombay.
Zales, Piercing Pagoda closing stores.
The owner of Zales and Piercing Pagoda previously said it plans to close 82 stores by July 31. Today, it announced that it is closing another 23 underperforming stores. The company said it's not providing a list of specific store closures. Of the 105 locations planned for closure, 50 are kiosks and 55 are stores.
Disney Stores owner has the right to close 98 stores. The Walt Disney Company announced it acquired about 220 Disney Stores from subsidiaries of The Children's Place Retail Stores. The exact number of stores acquired will depend on negotiations with landlords. Those subsidiaries of Children's Place filed for bankruptcy protection in late March. W alt Disney in the news release said it has also obtained the right to close about 98 Disney Stores in the U.S. The press release didn't list those stores.
Home Depot store closings (E. Brunswick, Rt 18 just put up their closing sign).
ATLANTA - Nearly 7+ months after its chief executive said there were no plans to cut the number of its core retail stores, The Home Depot Inc. announced Thursday that it is shuttering 15 of them amid a slumping U.S. economy and housing market. The move will affect 1,300 employees. It is the first time the world's largest home improvement store chain has ever closed a flagship store for performance reasons. Its shares rose almost 5 percent. The Atlanta-based company said the underperforming U.S. stores being closed represent less than 1 percent of its existing stores. They will be shuttered with in the next two months.
CompUSA (CLOSED) clarifies details on store closings Any extended warranties purchased for products through CompUSA will be honored by a third-party provider, Assurant Solutions. Gift cards, rain checks, and rebates purchased prior to December 12 can be redeemed at any time during the final sale. For those who have a gadget currently in for service with CompUSA, the repair will be completed and the gadget will be returned to owners. http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9834177-7html.
Macy's - 9 stores
Movie Gallery - 160 stores as part of reorganization plan to exit bankruptcy. The video rental company plans to close 400 of 3,500 Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video stores in addition to the 520 locations the video rental chain closed last fall.
Pacific Sunwear - 153 Demo stores
Pep Boys - 33 stores
Sprint Nextel - 125 retail locations New Sprint Nextel CEO Dan Hesse appears to have inherited a company bleeding subscribers by the thousands, and will now officially be dropping the ax on 4,000 employees and 125 retail locations. Amid the loss of 639,000 postpaid customers in the fourth quarter, Sprint will be cutting a total of 6.7% of its work force (following the 5,000 layoffs last year) and 8% of company-owned brick-and -mortar stores, while remaining mute on other r umors that it will consolidate its headquarters in Kansas. Sprint Nextel shares are down $2.89, or nearly 25%, at the time of this writing.
J.C. Penney, Lowe's and Office Depot are scaling back.
Ethan Allen Interiors: The company announced plans to close 12 of 300+ stores in an effort to cut costs.
Wilson’s the Leather Experts - 158 stores
Pacific Sunwear will close its 154 Demo stores after a review of strategic alternatives for the urban-apparel brand. Seventy-four underperforming Demo stores clos ed last May.
Sharper Image: The company recently filed for bankruptcy protection and announced that 90 of its 184 stores are closing. The retailer will still operate 94 stores to pay off debts, but 90 of these stores have performed poorly and also may close.
Bombay Company: (Freehold Mall store closed) The company unveiled plans to close all 384 U.S.-based Bombay Company stores. The company's online storefront has discontinued operations.
KB Toys posted a list of 356 stores that it is closing around the United States as part of its bankruptcy reorganization. To see the list of store closings, go to the KB Toys Information web site, and click on Press Information.
Dillard's to Close More Stores. Dillard's Inc. said it will continue to focus on closing underperforming stores, reducing expenses and improving its merchandise in 2008. At the company's annual shareholder meeting, CEO William Dillard II said the company will close another six underperforming stores this year.
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
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britchickny
True Blue Farmgirl
1048 Posts
Angie
Port Orange
Florida
1048 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2008 : 03:08:47 AM
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Yes, Linen's & Things and Pfalztcraft (?) store closing in the Rochester NY area too.
ANGIE
"Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance" JUDE 1:2
http://www.pinkroomponderings.blogspot.com/ |
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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JenniferJuniper
True Blue Farmgirl
359 Posts
Jennifer
New Hampshire
USA
359 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2008 : 06:30:24 AM
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Linda, I have sent this along to everyone on my personal email list. A quick scan of the names made me realize how much of them have offshored manufacturing of their products too.
Farmgirl Sister #204 |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2008 : 06:34:20 AM
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Goody's, a clothing store here, is also closing down several stores in this area, and my mom said even in Savannah they're closing some of their stores,too.
Thanks for posting this b/c I give my parents g/c all the time. They love to shop.
Kris |
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4741 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4741 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2008 : 06:34:48 AM
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Wow, all those job loses! How terrible for everyone. Thanks for the heads up though.
Years ago my late grandmother gave all of us gift cards for a restaurant that closed for good on Christmas! I couldn't believe how rotten the owners were, selling cards when they knew they were closing the place down.
Dawn in IL |
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palmettogirl
True Blue Farmgirl
571 Posts
sue
camden
south carolina
USA
571 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2008 : 06:41:24 AM
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| yes, things really are in sad shape. does anyone know about the linens & things closing....i mean when they will close their doors for good? around here, they are taking 20% off mostly everything in the store, hopefully i don't sound too terrible, but, i want one of those kitchenaid mixers and they are $300.00....i figured that when they get to around 50% off i'll see if there are any left. |
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Bellepepper
True Blue Farmgirl
1207 Posts
Belle
Coffeyville
KS
USA
1207 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2008 : 07:16:04 AM
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| I am truly sorry for the people that work at these stores. I am no expert but I could see this comming. The mega shopping street in Tulsa is 2 full miles of malls and shops. Sams, Lowes, book stores, Old navy, everything. The traffic is terrible. I have often wondered how in the world all these businesses stay in business. This recession or what ever they are calling it has not been going on but for a few months and look at the businesses fold. Not only were they working on credit, the customers are living on credit. When it comes right down to it, no one NEEDS anything from Linens and Things or the Gap or Foot Locker. On the other hand, Sue, I hope you get that Kitchenaid Mixer at a real good price! |
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mima
True Blue Farmgirl
1573 Posts
1573 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2008 : 07:24:04 AM
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How very heartbreaking for so many people. Thank you for the list. Our family decided this year not to exchange gifts-unless its homemade and donate what we would have spent for Christmas to Doctors without Borders-a small donationn can feed 5 starving children Plumpynut for a month! Much better than any gift!!!!!!
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2008 : 07:30:56 AM
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The job loss is staggering, I'm so terribly sorry for all of these poor people. It is sobering to see how bad the economy is and will likely get worse before it turns around.
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Mud Hen Queen
MJ's Heirloom Maven's Librarian
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Brew Crew
True Blue Farmgirl
676 Posts
Molly
Arizona
676 Posts |
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BarefootGoatGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1495 Posts
Corrine
North Carolina
USA
1495 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2008 : 08:25:13 AM
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Yes, this is sad and a bit frightening, but it could help institute a move back to the family run/town square type economy we all miss. If we are stay active as the economy starts to come back in a few years we could make a possitive change.
What we write today slipped into our souls some other day when we were alone and doing nothing.
-Brenda Ueland
http://quilandneedle.blogspot.com/
http://musingandmuttering.blogspot.com |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2008 : 08:40:41 AM
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I really thought farmgirls would want to have this information...yes, it's scary and sad for workers. The manufacturers are probably out of country but workers in the store are probably regular Americans, don't ya think?
Our country needs prayer for sure!!!
Linda in Scranton, PA
farmgirl #71
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Yes! I live in the Scranton, PA "The Office" TV show is based on! LOL LOL
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homemom
True Blue Farmgirl
1593 Posts
Ruth
Warwick
RI
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2008 : 08:46:22 AM
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This is so sad for all the employees of these companies. I feel so bad. It is a difficult and scary time right now. People are having a hard time making ends meet everywhere. I just hate that the billionaires of Wall Street met with some committee yesterday and were treated wonderfully. They even said that though their taxes are much less of a percentage than ours it is fair to not raise them. This is why we are in the trouble we are in. Just my 2 cents.
Ruth
Living the farm life in my heart.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Ruth
http://farmgirlinmyheart.blogspot.com/ |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2008 : 08:50:04 AM
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Linda thank you for the head's up, I do buy gift cards sometimes and this information is good to know ahead of time.
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Mud Hen Queen
MJ's Heirloom Maven's Librarian
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BarefootGoatGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1495 Posts
Corrine
North Carolina
USA
1495 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2008 : 09:39:31 AM
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linda,
i wasn't trying to make you feel bad for posting...it is good information to know. it just seems like everybody gets so depressed talking about the economy and i wanted to point out that sometimes we can use bad to create good. i was trying to encourage everyone, not make you feel bad.
corrine
What we write today slipped into our souls some other day when we were alone and doing nothing.
-Brenda Ueland
http://quilandneedle.blogspot.com/
http://musingandmuttering.blogspot.com |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Nov 14 2008 : 12:20:49 PM
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I don't feel bad for posting...I feel good for passing along information that is important to Farmgirls. The comments here have been very good. I do believe that there is more good in our world than there is bad...this is because I believe in God and God loves us and takes care of us.
This generation is just different....not better or worse, in my opinion.
Going back to the good old days is a great idea. Handmade, hand done and done by locals. Look at it this way: we could be more encouraged to go green!
Linda in Scranton, PA
farmgirl #71
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Yes! I live in the Scranton, PA "The Office" TV show is based on! LOL LOL
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country lawyer
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
1022 Posts |
Posted - Nov 15 2008 : 08:11:12 AM
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| Thanks for the heads-up on the gift cards! |
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wild daisy
True Blue Farmgirl
503 Posts
Madelynne
Billings
Montana
USA
503 Posts |
Posted - Nov 15 2008 : 11:18:35 AM
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Thanks for the heads up. I did not realize so many companies are having trouble right now. Sometimes we only think about our selves. I got thinking about all the regular employees that will be out of a job. How low with this economy go? Who knows.
We do need to try and help the economy ourselves. The rule of supply and demand. I won't be buying a lot of trinkets for Christmas but making things such as Christmas table runners and place mats etc. I even have my younger sister and my son going in with me together for a family history book for my father. I might not be spending as much as previous years but a little bit helps all around.
Madelynne |
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Betty J.
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Betty
Pasco
WA
USA
1403 Posts |
Posted - Nov 15 2008 : 11:30:42 AM
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I've never said it publically, but I've always thought that outsourcing would come back to bite those doing it in the tush. You get what you pay for. I sound like an old cynic and sometimes I believe that I am. It saddens me to see how greedy some of our businesses have gotten. It is great to grow and enlarge, but not to scam the folks who create a living for you. Since things have gotten so tight, my Christmas was going to be gift cards--well maybe not. Thanks for the heads up!
Just my two cents worth.
Betty in Pasco |
Edited by - Betty J. on Nov 15 2008 11:31:39 AM |
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LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
Posted - Nov 15 2008 : 12:15:03 PM
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Linda, I'm so glad you posted this. I copied your post and e-mailed it to several of my friends.
It's hard for me to say whether the businesses are more to blame or the consumers. The businesses seek to give the consumers what they ask for. I think though that more often than not big business tries to tell us that we need something when we don't. I mean, really, is it more helpful for me to have a little round robot wander around the house sucking up dirt or for me to get off my duff and push a vacuum cleaner or broom around the house? The first costs $$ in purchase price and upkeep. The second costs calories and builds muscle (I hope). And when those first came out (the robots, not the brooms) I knew I had to have one! Thank goodness they were too expensive for us at the time and it never happened.
There are a lot of people I know who live within their means and aren't materialistic. Unfortunately there are a lot more that buy, buy, buy and don't even realize what they're doing - just "keeping up with the Joneses", ya know. I've been working at simplifying and I find that the more things I cut out, the happier I am. Less stress, more appreciation for the things I have, more time for people.
I agree with Betty too that outsourcing didn't seem reasonable from the get go. To expect people to pay for product but not provide them with the jobs to provide them with income just doesn't seem sustainable. Kind of like cheap food vs. organic. You get what you pay for - empty calories vs. nutrition and health.
That's my two cents worth - with interest!
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311 |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Nov 15 2008 : 12:25:50 PM
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thanks for the responses....and comments are all great
Linda in Scranton, PA
farmgirl #71
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Yes! I live in the Scranton, PA "The Office" TV show is based on! LOL LOL
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Across the Fence: don't buy gift cards from: |
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don't buy gift cards from:
