Yet another retail store in Pennsylvania is closing its doors.
A popular store in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has advised customers that after thirty-three years of serving the community, it is set to close its doors.
Kathy's Hallmark, one of over 1400 Hallmarks stores across the United States, will close on June 19.
The owner, Kathy, took to Facebook to announce the news and explain the abrupt closure.
"Our 33 years have provided me with the opportunity to meet many wonderful people. I am truly grateful for all your support. We were presented with an unreasonably high rent increase (almost 600percent) that is forcing us to go out of business"
The store has now launched a 70% off all stock sale.
Customers were shocked by the news, and Kathy's Hallmark page was flooded with comments of support and appreciation.
The retail apocalypse
Kathy's Hallmark is the latest retail store to close in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania based bridal retail David’s Bridal has filed for bankruptcy and is laying off over 9000 staff as it closes stores nationwide.
Over the last two months, Bed Bath & Beyond, Party City, and Tuesday Morning have filed for bankruptcy, while other major retailers such as Walmart and Macy's have closed stores. There are predictions over 50,000 will close by 2028. According to Insider, already in 2023, "nearly two-dozen companies have already announced layoffs impacting hundreds, sometimes thousands of employees."
Your thoughts
Do you believe it is fair for a landlord to increase rent by such a large amount? Should there be more financial support offered to longstanding businesses?
Please leave your thoughts in the comments below and share this article on social media so more people can join the discussion.
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