Local

Five major exits showcase retail challenges Pierce County faced in 2024

Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

Business closures in 2024 highlighted the ongoing challenges within the retail and manufacturing sectors in Pierce County. Multiple companies, from a Tacoma-based kitchen cabinet maker to a national furniture chain, made abrupt exits, leaving employees and customers alike in uncertainty. The abrupt shutdowns, such as with Founders Choice Cabinets + Countertops, often leave workers and clients scrambling for alternatives.

Similarly, companies like Harbor Custom Development faced liquidation under bankruptcy, revealing deep financial instability. These closures underscore the broader economic strain affecting diverse industries, from retail chains like American Freight to specialized sectors.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

This aerial from Harbor Custom Development’s online project page shows Pacific Ridge Apartments, 8445 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma.

NO. 1: LOCAL BUILDER’S BANKRUPTCY PLAN INCLUDES SHEDDING APARTMENT BUILDINGS ACROSS SOUTH SOUND

The plan still must be approved by a U.S. bankruptcy judge. | Published February 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

The closed Founder’s Choice Cabinets & Countertops showroom in Tacoma, Washington, shown on Thursday, March 21, 2024.

NO. 2: ABRUPT CLOSURE OF TACOMA CABINET MAKER COMES AS SURPRISE TO WORKERS AND AREA CUSTOMERS

The business ended operations March 7. Final work is said to be in process of completion. | Published March 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

A Hobby Lobby store as seen in Denver. A Sept. 3 opening for the area’s newest Hobby Lobby in Puyallup has been pushed to Sept. 10.

NO. 3: SOURCE: CENTRAL TACOMA’S HOBBY LOBBY STORE WILL SOON CLOSE

Merchandise will be sent to other stores. | Published April 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor

Permits filed with the City of Tacoma indicate a new Crunch Fitness coming to Sixth Avenue Plaza in Tacoma’s West End.

NO. 4: FORMER TACOMA SEARS OUTLET STORE WILL CLOSE AMID SECOND BRAND’S NATIONAL SHUTDOWN

Store that became American Freight swept up in that chain’s nationwide closing of stores amid parent company’s bankruptcy. | Published November 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

Advance Auto Parts announced this week it was closing hundreds of stores. A state notification Friday indicates several Western Washington locations are included in that plan.

NO. 5: ADVANCE AUTO PARTS PLAN TO SHRINK NUMBER OF STORES IN U.S. INCLUDES WESTERN WASHINGTON

State notification says 100 employees affected; layoffs set to start early next year. | Published November 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.