Stores Closings on Pace to Triple From 2016

Analysts at Fung Global Retail & Technology are predicting that 9,452 retail stores will be closed by the end of 2017. If that prediction holds true, that would represent a 361 percent increase in store closings compared to last year. If the current rate of store closings continues through the end of the year, 2017 numbers are expected to surpass the highest rate on record when 6,164 stores closed in 2008 during the Great Recession.

However troubled the retail industry may seem, not all retailers are closing stores or going bankrupt. Below is a list put together by Penn Live of five retailers opening the most new stores and five other retailers shuttering the most doors in 2017.

Opening Stores:

1. Dollar General: 1,290 stores
2. Dollar Tree: 650 stores
3. Aldi: 400 stores
4. TJX: 111 strores
5. Ulta: 100 stores

Closing Stores:

1. RadioShack: 1,000 stores
2. Payless: up to 800 stores
3. Ascena Retail Group: up to 667 stores
4. Gymboree: up to 450 stores
5. Rue 21: 400 stores