The Ongoing Retail Apocalypse

Which Brick-and-Mortar Stores Are Closing or Staying Open?

The retail industry has been in turmoil since the COVID-19 pandemic, with many well-known chains struggling to keep their doors open. Some have shut down entirely, while others are downsizing in an effort to survive. Here’s an updated list of major retailers, breaking down which are closing permanently, closing some stores, and which are staying open despite financial troubles.

Stores That Are Closing Permanently

Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts

• Status: Closing all stores (Liquidating)

• Details: The company filed for bankruptcy in early 2025 due to $615 million in debt. All 800 stores are closing, and liquidation sales are currently underway. However, customers are upset that Jo-Ann is refusing to accept gift cards.

99 Cents Only Stores

• Status: Closed all stores permanently

• Details: In April 2024, the discount chain announced it would be shutting down all 371 locations, citing financial struggles from the pandemic, inflation, and shifting consumer demand.

Party City

• Status: Closing all corporate-owned stores

• Details: Party City filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2023. While franchised locations and Canadian stores (owned by Canadian Tire) remain open, all corporate-owned U.S. stores will be closed by February 28, 2025.

Stores That Are Closing Some Locations

Walgreens

• Status: Closing 1,200 stores over the next three years

• Details: Announced in late 2024, the pharmacy chain is downsizing due to regulatory pressures and rising operational costs.

Macy’s

• Status: Closing 150 stores as part of a restructuring plan

• Details: Macy’s is cutting underperforming locations to focus on stronger markets, with sales expected to decline in 2025.

Big Lots

• Status: Closing 700+ stores, keeping some open

• Details: The retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024, initially planning to shut down all locations. However, a last-minute deal with Variety Wholesalers, Inc. will keep up to 400 stores open. Despite this, many locations—including some in Broome County, NY—have already closed.

Dollar Tree & Family Dollar

• Status: Closing 1,000 stores (including 370 Family Dollar and 30 Dollar Tree locations)

• Details: After reporting a $1.7 billion loss in Q4 2024, Dollar Tree is shutting down struggling locations to cut losses.

Red Robin

• Status: Closing 70 locations when leases expire

• Details: The restaurant chain suffered a $32.4 million loss in late 2024 and is cutting underperforming stores.

CVS Health

• Status: Closing 270 stores in 2025

• Details: After shutting down 800 stores in the last three years, CVS is continuing to shrink its footprint, refocusing on pharmacy services rather than full-scale retail.

Forever 21

• Status: Closing up to 200 stores, possibly filing for bankruptcy

• Details: The fast-fashion retailer is struggling to stay afloat and may enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy, though its international locations remain open.

Rite Aid

• Status: Closing nearly 100 stores

• Details: The pharmacy chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023 and has nearly disappeared from Michigan and Ohio. More closures are expected.

Stores That Are Staying Open (For Now)

While these stores have struggled financially, they are not shutting down entirely:

✅ Hobby Lobby – No announced closures, remains a strong competitor in the crafts market.

✅ Michael’s – Still operating, with strong online and in-store sales.

✅ Walmart & Target – Closing some underperforming locations, but overall growth remains stable.

✅ TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods – Continue to thrive with their discount model.

So, What’s Next for Retail?

With major brands disappearing or downsizing, it’s clear that brick-and-mortar retail is still in trouble. E-commerce is thriving, and businesses that fail to adapt are shutting down. Expect more closures, bankruptcies, and store overhauls in the coming years.

Have any of your favorite stores closed? Let us know in the comments!

Yella Beezy Back in the Headlines- Arrested and Charged!

Yella Beezy Back in the Headlines—Is There More to the Mo3 Beef and That Car Wash Tragedy Than We Thought?

Whew child, Dallas is heating up again and not just because of the weather. So let’s get into it, because the streets are whispering loudly and I’ve been sipping this tea for a minute.

So, rapper Yella Beezy—yes, that Yella Beezy—is once again making headlines after being arrested. Now, while details around this particular arrest are still murky (we’re waiting on the official word), what really got folks talking is how this ties back into the long-standing tension with Mo3, who tragically lost his life in broad daylight back in 2020 on I-35. Y’all remember that chaos, right?

Now, to be fair—Yella Beezy has denied any involvement in Mo3’s death. But people have always speculated that their beef ran deeper than music. Fans have pulled up interviews, lyrics, IG lives… you name it. Allegedly, things got personal long before Mo3 was gunned down, and Beezy’s name has floated around in whispers ever since.

But here’s where it gets even wilder.

There’s talk—allegedly—of a possible connection between the whole Mo3 situation and that devastating car wash shooting, where a known gambler and his young daughter were killed execution-style. That incident shook everyone. It seemed random at first, but folks in the know claim it might be linked to some street-level retaliation and territory disputes.

Now I’m not saying Beezy is directly connected to that—but the rumor mill is spinning out of control. Some claim that certain associates in these circles may have been involved with both Mo3 and the car wash victims. You know how small the streets are; people share crews, enemies, even business ties. Allegedly.

And don’t even get me started on the whispers about Trapboy Freddy, a known affiliate of Beezy, who’s also had his share of legal drama. People been putting two and two together, but let’s be real—sometimes 2+2 equals a whole lot of speculation.

All I know is, when artists’ names keep popping up in these violent tragedies, you can’t help but raise an eyebrow. Beezy’s legal issues just keep stacking, and whether it’s a coincidence or karma catching up, the streets are definitely watching.

Let’s see what comes out in court, but trust and believe—this story is far from over. And if any more names start popping up linked to Mo3, the car wash slaying, or Beezy’s current arrest? Whew. Dallas might never be the same.

Stay tuned, ‘cause I’ll be watching every twist, turn, and tea drop.

All about Bianca Censori-West? Life Outside of Kanye

The Bold Architect Redefining Fashion, Fame, and Design

Bianca Censori was born on January 5, 1995, in Melbourne, Australia, is an accomplished architect and model. 

As a Capricorn, Bianca is associated with qualities such as ambition, practicality, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility. 

Bianca is one of three daughters born to Alexandra and Elia “Leo” Censori. Her paternal grandparents emigrated from Giulianova, Italy, to Australia in 1960 with their five children.  

She has two sisters, Angelina and Alyssia her family has maintained a relatively low public profile. However, her relationship with Kanye West has brought them into the spotlight, leading to increased media attention. 

Bianca holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from the University of Melbourne. She has worked as an architectural designer, including a position at Kanye West’s Yeezy brand. 

Before her architectural career, Bianca founded a jewelry company called Nylons, showcasing her entrepreneurial and creative talents. Her aunt played a significant role in nurturing her love for design by exposing her to various forms of art, film, and architecture during her childhood. 

Before her relationship with Kanye West, Bianca Censori was in a long-term relationship with Nick Forgaine, a Melbourne-based businessman who owns a café and factory. Their relationship lasted six years, beginning when they were both 21, and ended around the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. 

Forgaine has spoken positively about Censori’s ambitions and talents, noting that she always aspired to live in America and pursue a career in architecture. He expressed support for her relationship with West, stating that if Bianca is happy, he is happy for her. Despite their breakup, reports suggest that Censori and Forgaine have remained in contact, maintaining a supportive relationship. 

Bianca and Kanye West reportedly married in a private ceremony in December 2022. Their relationship has attracted media attention, especially due to their public appearances and Bianca’s fashion choices. 

Bold Fashion Statements: 

Known for her daring fashion sense, Bianca made headlines at the 2025 Grammys by wearing a sheer, transparent slip dress that garnered significant media attention. These facets of Bianca Censori’s life highlight her multifaceted career and the public interest surrounding her personal and professional endeavors.

YouTube Shadow-ban: Are You Silently Punished? Uncover Causes & Solutions

Ever feel like your YouTube videos are shouting into a void? Suddenly, views drop, engagement plummets, and you vanish from search results. You might be facing a YouTube shadowban, a silent penalty that can cripple your channel. Think of it as a secret courtroom, where your content's visibility is quietly reduced. Let's delve into this perplexing world and find out how to break free.

What is a YouTube Shadowban?

Simply put, it's when YouTube limits your video's reach without notifying you. Your content disappears from search, recommendations, and even your subscribers' feeds. It's like your channel is stuck in a digital purgatory, all because of potential (or perceived) violations of community guidelines or algorithmic triggers.

Why Does YouTube Shadowban Channels?

After analyzing hundreds of affected channels, we've identified key triggers. Remember, these aren't hard scientific facts, but rather observations based on extensive experience:

• Community Guideline Violations: Hate speech, misleading content, inappropriate material – anything that clashes with YouTube's rules can lead to a shadowban.
• Spam Behavior: Excessive commenting, repetitive uploads, or fake engagement flags YouTube's algorithm.
• Misleading Content: Sensationalized thumbnails, clickbait titles, or shocking content that disappoints viewers can hurt your channel.
• Copyrighted or Blocked Content: Repeatedly uploading copyrighted or world-blocked videos raises red flags.
• Channel Changes: Drastic shifts in channel name, country, language, or content category can trigger spam detection.
• Deleting Numerous Videos: Rapidly removing multiple videos can reset your channel's history and ranking, signaling suspicious activity.
• AdSense Issues: Problems with your linked AdSense account, especially using penalized accounts or specific payment methods, can cause review.
• Account Associations: Using the same IP, phone number, or computer as a penalized account can affect your channel.
• User Complaints: Constant reports from viewers can lead to penalties.
• Incomplete Channel Information: Missing banners, descriptions, or country details can raise concerns.
• Inactive Channels: Long periods of inactivity can result in gradual shadowbanning.
• Technical Glitches: Sometimes, it’s simply a bug in YouTube's system.

How Do You Know If You're Shadowbanned?

• Sudden View Drops: A noticeable and consistent decline in video views.
• Reduced Engagement: Fewer comments, likes, and shares.
• Search Visibility Issues: Your videos are hard to find in search results.

How to Avoid or Lift a Shadowban?

• Follow the Rules: Adhere strictly to YouTube's community guidelines.
• Engage Authentically: Build genuine connections with your audience.
• Review Your Content: Regularly check for potential violations.
• Contact YouTube Support: If you believe you’ve been unfairly penalized, appeal to YouTube.

Questions Answered:

• How long does it last? Shadowbans can last for months, depending on the severity.
• Can you remove it? Yes, by correcting issues and contacting support.

Navigating YouTube's algorithm can be tricky, but understanding shadowbans is crucial. By staying informed and following best practices, you can protect your channel and keep your content visible.

Future vs. Gorgeous Doll: The Plot Thickens – TikTok Shadowbans and Five-Year Secrets!

Future and Gorgeous Doll: A Messy Love Triangle?

Remember Gorgeous Doll? The Instagram model who accused Latto of assault? Well, she's back in the headlines, and this time, it's with none other than rapper Future.

In a now-viral audio clip, Gorgeous Doll appears to be on the phone with Future, who repeatedly denies knowing her. "I don't know you, bruh. I don't even know you," Future says in the recording.

Gorgeous Doll is claiming they had a five-year relationship and that Future is trying to silence her with legal threats. She's also hinting at taking him to court and potentially exposing him for using her for inspiration in his music.

This Gorgeous Doll and Future saga is turning into a full-blown soap opera! 

In one of her latest posts, she claims that Future is actively trying to silence her, and get this – she says he's reporting her TikTok posts! Yeah, you heard that right. Apparently, every time she tries to drop some truth bombs on TikTok, her posts mysteriously vanish or get flagged. She's convinced it's Future's team trying to shut her down. "He's trying to control the narrative," she said in a recent live stream. "But I won't be silenced."

And get this, she's not just talking about a fling. She's insisting they had a full-blown five-year relationship! Five years, people! That's a serious chunk of time. She's hinting at receipts, too, saying she has messages, photos, and even videos to back up her claims.

But here's where it gets even juicier: Gorgeous Doll is alleging that Future used details of their relationship as inspiration for his music, without giving her any credit. She's talking about taking legal action, not just for the alleged harassment, but also for intellectual property theft. Can you imagine the courtroom drama?

She is also claiming that she has been threatened by people working for Future, and that she is afraid for her safety. She claims that the "I don't know you" phone call was an attempt to discredit her, and that she will continue to tell her story. Writing a book was also teased by the former stripper turned content creator.

The internet is buzzing, of course. Some are calling her a clout chaser, while others are convinced she's telling the truth. One thing's for sure, this story has legs, and Gorgeous Doll is making it clear she's not going anywhere.

For me, something is missing from this story. Why is Gorgeous Doll so angry after 5 years? 

What does she want from future?

Tell me what you all think?  

Is Gorgeous Doll telling the truth? Is this just another publicity stunt or a desperate attempt for fame? 

Drop your thoughts in the comments!