The retail sector has been deteriorating over the last two years after recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic when retailers were forced in 2020 to close their doors at the beginning of the pandemic and later reduce customer occupancy in stores once they reopened.

The closures would be the latest in a series of high-profile issues involving national retailers. Earlier this month, fabric and craft chain JOANN announced it was closing 500 stores as part of its bankruptcy proceedings and, earlier in the year, Big Lots said it would shutter hundreds of its locations.

Fast fashion retailer Forever 21 is reportedly exploring a second bankruptcy as it explores strategic options in a challenging environment.

The number of retail store closures is expected to double this year to 15,000, with workers struggling with inflation, stagnating wages and record credit card debt.

Some experts are saying that this is part of a “ retail apocalypse .” And more than 15,000 stores — many of which are popular brands — are expected to be casaulities in 2025.

Google is reportedly preparing to open its first self-owned retail store outside the US, with India as its chosen market following Apple's retail strategy. However, the company must first meet local sourcing requirements before moving forward.

The company currently has five retail stores, all in the US, which sell its products such as Pixel phones, watches and earbuds.