1514 ET - The softlines industry's store closures continue, with a closure rate of 3.7% in the fourth quarter, compared with 4.2% in the third quarter, UBS analysts say in a note. The data equates to 96 stores closing quarter-over-quarter, leaving the industry with 79,842 stores at the end of December, the analysts say. Off-price retailers continue to have the largest store growth, while clothing and footwear remains the most challenged category, the analysts say. (kelly.cloonan@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 20, 2026 15:14 ET (19:14 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.