You’ve probably noticed just how tough the economy has been lately. Since January, the financial toll is estimated to be a staggering $4 trillion.
With consumers tightening their budgets, retailers across the country are struggling to stay afloat.
Major legacy brands like Forever 21 and Joann Fabrics have begun shutting down operations, Hooters is shifting its strategy following a bankruptcy filing, and even Denny’s is closing some locations as more Americans choose to dine at home.
The restaurant and retail industries are clearly under serious pressure, and there’s no sign of a turnaround just yet.
Each week, more companies are added to the growing list of brands closing underperforming stores. Popular chains like On the Border, Del Taco, and even Dairy Queen are not immune.
This week, Dairy Queen announced another round of closures, citing ongoing drops in sales due to changing consumer spending habits.
As of April 1, 40 Dairy Queen locations in Texas have officially shut their doors. The closures impacted cities including Hemphill, Jasper, Kountze, Huntington, Longview, and Lufkin.
While the company says these shutdowns are tied to one franchise owner and not a broader trend, the timing raises eyebrows in the context of today’s harsh economic reality.
A spokesperson for Dairy Queen clarified that “These closures are related to closures last month by the same franchise owner,” and stressed that “The closures are an isolated event.”
Meanwhile, contents from some of the shuttered stores are already listed in online auctions as the franchise moves to liquidate its assets.
For now, the closures seem limited to Texas, but many are watching closely to see if more locations across the country will follow.
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.