'Apocalypse': Big retail shuttering at record pace

The White House may continue to insist the economy is on an upward path with full recovery very near, but retail tells a different story, with so many big box outlets shuttering or poised to shutter, business watchers are predicting an "apocalypse" is imminent.

And as retail goes, so go the jobs.

The blog Natural News reported popular outlets like Abercrombie & Fitch, Barnes & Noble, Chico's, Children's Place, Coach, Fresh & Easy, Gymboree, JCPenney, Macy's, Office Depot, Pier One and Pep Boys are just a handful of corporations that have announced permanent closings of some stores.

Business groups see 2015 as a crucial year to watch.

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"Many others are names as soon-to-be casualties in what some news sources are now referring to as the coming 'retail apocalpyse,'" Natural News said. "The Economic Collapse Blog pins 2015 as a significant 'turning point' for the U.S. economy, ominously warning that at least 6,000 retail store locations are expected to close this year based on company announcements. Many American consumers are already witnessing the birth pangs of this retail apocalypse as brick-and-mortar department, specialty, and even food shops close their doors for good."

The ray of sunshine is that Americans are still shelling out big bucks for their technological gadgets, including iPhones and smart devices, the blog Shtfplan.com reported. But that's probably not enough to keep the retail sector alive.

Business Insider pointed to the collapse of Gap as indicative of what's coming for others: "Gap once ruled the retail world. But today America's largest apparel retailer is closing a quarter of its stores and laying off hundreds of workers after disappointing sales. Gap's closures are indicative of a larger trend in American retail."

National Real Estate Investor, meanwhile, says a lot of retailers in the red are holding off until the end of the year to announce closings, hoping to cash in on a big revenues perk from holiday shoppers.