Retailers that may no longer exist in 2009

[omowasu]

There is a lot working against retail - while the overall economy is #1, the ball actually started rolling when gasoline hit 4.00+ and diesel hit 5.00+/gal. That was a surprise for most and caused almost everyone to save in a panic.

Combine that with an ever-growing influence from major Web shops like Amazon (who dont have the brick-and-mortar costs and taxes), and retail is taking several punches. Amazon had their best Christmas ever - most other retailers hurt.

I always wondered where all of these strip malls and crazy retail overbuilding came from - it was a bubble that is bursting with housing. Hopefully there will be some sort of moderation soon or there will be a LOT of empty storefronts.

That said, I dont agree with most of that article. While I can see Sears Holdings hurting, some of the other retailers mentioned will be fine in the long run and many have positive cash flow. It was very speculative...