This story was originally published on Retail Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Retail Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Dive Insight: The 2024 merger of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus Group was meant to provide scale and synergies by combining the forces of America’s three biggest luxury department store names. In a court filing Tuesday, Saks Global Chief Restructuring Officer Mark Weinsten acknowledged what several observers have noted for months, that the tie-up ...

Core Insights - The Raley's Companies is closing two grocery stores in California due to expiring leases and performance reviews, impacting approximately 95 employees [4][5][6] Company Overview - Raley's was established in 1935 and has expanded to operate over 235 locations across seven states and four Tribal Nations, employing more than 20,000 people [2] - The company operates under multiple banners, including Raley's, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods, and others [3] Store Closures - The Raley's store in Roseville, California, will close on January 27, 2026, after 34 years of service, affecting around 45 employees [4] - The Nob Hill Foods store in Mountain View, California, will also close, impacting approximately 50 employees [5] Community Impact - The company reassures the Roseville community that it will continue to operate several nearby locations and encourages customers to shop at those stores [7] - Raley's expresses gratitude to its loyal customers and emphasizes its commitment to the community despite the closures [8]

Core Insights - Howard's Appliance, a nearly 80-year-old retail chain, has abruptly closed all its Southern California stores with minimal notice to employees and no communication to customers, leaving many orders unfulfilled [5][12] - The company has not filed for bankruptcy as of December 6, 2025, which means it is still legally obligated to fulfill customer orders or provide refunds [4][6][9] - Customers who have paid for items but not received them may face challenges in recovering their funds, as they become unsecured creditors in the event of bankruptcy [3][6] Company Closure Details - The closure affects approximately 17 locations across Southern California, with employees notified of their termination on December 4, 2025 [12] - The company's website was inaccessible as of December 6, 2025, indicating a complete shutdown of operations [7] - The closure follows a history of previous store closures due to weak sales and a strategic shift towards newer locations [12] Customer Impact and Guidance - Customers are advised to collect receipts and proofs of purchase to prepare for potential disputes with banks or credit card companies regarding unfulfilled orders [6] - If the company has not filed for bankruptcy, it remains responsible for fulfilling orders, and customers may pursue legal action if necessary [6] - Warranties for purchased items may still be honored if issued by the manufacturer, but typically die with the company unless other agreements are in place [6]