COVID has claimed companies both big and small over the past several months. Most recently, our favorite quirky Danish store—Flying Tiger—announced they would be closing all 13 of their U.S. locations. On Oct. 14, the popular New York City variety store chain, with a few other locations littered throughout Massachusetts and New Jersey, announced via Facebook that its stores would be closing by the end of the year.
The store has a cult-like following in the U.S., but it's popular worldwide: Flying Tiger has 950 stores across the globe. In the U.S., the chain had a short but meaningful life, having touched down in the states just five years ago.
"For the past 5 years, we have loved providing everyday magic for thousands of people in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. We have built an amazing team of store colleagues. We have had our ups and downs but have always felt the love from our customers ... and that love is reciprocated," the store's parting message reads. Many somber customers commented on the Facebook post, mourning the store and celebrating it as a bright spot for shopping that will be dearly missed.
Flying Tiger cites the challenges of the past seven months as the reason they must say goodbye to their U.S. locations. In the post, they encourage anyone with a gift card to put it to use before Nov. 20, 2020.
This is only the latest coronavirus retail casualty. Read on for more stores that have closed due to COVID, and for businesses on the brink, These Beloved Stores Could Be Next to Close in Your Town.
1 | Lord & Taylor
ShutterstockThe iconic department store's financial challenges began long before COVID. In an effort to salvage the stores, the chain was sold to Le Tote in 2019. However, that wasn't enough to save the Lord & Taylor, especially with the added hardships brought on by the pandemic. The company announced they would be going out of business after filing for bankruptcy on Aug. 27. And for more stores closing up shop, check out these Beloved Strip Mall Stores You May Never See Again.
2 | Century 21
ShutterstockCentury 21 co-CEO Raymond Gindi said that despite having survived other hardships, including the devastating impact of 9/11, the New York-based chain had to close as a result of COVID. On Sept. 10, Century 21 announced they had filed for bankruptcy and would be shutting down all 13 locations. And for another shopping loss, This Beloved Store From Your Childhood Is Closing 200 Locations.
3 | Stein Mart
iStockOn Aug. 13, Stein Mart, which is over a century old, announced they would be closing all of their 280 stores across 30 states. The popular discount store filed for bankruptcy as a result of "the combined effects of a challenging retail environment coupled with the impact of the coronavirus," Stein Mart CEO Hunt Hawkins said in a statement. And to learn about another recent loss, This Mall Mainstay May Be Closing a Store Near You.
4 | Pier 1 Imports
ShutterstockPier 1 Imports was one of the earlier stores to collapse under the weight of COVID. The curated home goods store announced they filed for bankruptcy in mid-May and would be closing all 540 stores. And for more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter.
