Black Friday approaches with fewer bargain-hunting options nationwide

By Stacy M. BrownNNPA Newswire Senior National CorrespondentAs Black Friday approaches, shoppers across the United States prepare for the holiday shopping rush against widespread retail closures. More than 2,000 stores are set to shut their doors by the end of 2024, with 13 major retail chains accounting for a total of 2,055 closures. The shakeup reflects a retail landscape grappling with changing consumer habits, financial pressures, and shifting strategies.Family Dollar tops the list, closing at least 600 locations this year. The chain’s decision is part of a broader trend among large retailers reassessing their footprints to focus on profitability. While some, like Walmart and TJX (the parent company of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls), are also closing underperforming locations, they plan to open new stores in more lucrative markets.Pharmacies have also seen significant reductions. CVS is in the final stages of its three-year plan to close 900 stores, citing demographic changes and new shopping patterns. Rite Aid has announced another 77 closures, adding to the 150 stores it shuttered last year as part of its bankruptcy restructuring. Walgreens, meanwhile, has announced plans to close 1,200 stores over the next three years, though those closures won’t begin until 2025.The restaurant sector has...