Noteworthy business closures in Tacoma for 2024

In recent months, business closures significantly altered the business landscape in Tacoma. Notable among these is the unexpected shutdown of a local kitchen cabinet maker, leaving employees and clients surprised.

Moreover, some national retailers like Big Lots and Jack in the Box are retracting their presence in the region due to financial struggles and operational realignments. These closures, part of broader corporate strategies often involving bankruptcy or footprint consolidation, highlight challenges such as inflation and changing consumer behaviors.

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.

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

NO. 1: 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. By Ed Andrieski

NO. 2: 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

Big Lots celebrated its grand reopening into the larger Kmart space at Tahoma Vista Shopping Center last fall. By PMF Investments

NO. 3: RETAILER FURTHER SHRINKS PIERCE COUNTY PRESENCE TO 1 SITE. HERE’S WHAT’S STAYING, GOING

Big Lots, in early August report, announced revised plans to potentially more than double expected closures nationwide. | Published August 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

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

An abandoned car rests on blocks inside the fenced-off parking lot of a closed Jack in the Box restaurant at 6702 Sixth Ave. in Tacoma on Nov. 13, 2024. By Craig Sailor

NO. 5: FROM HOT TACOS TO HOT MESSES: JACK IN THE BOX LOCATIONS CLOSE ACROSS TACOMA, LAKEWOOD

Four locations in Tacoma quickly have become eyesores. | Published November 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor 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. 6: 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

NO. 7: CLOSED TACOMA CONVENIENCE STORE HAS BECOME AN EYESORE. WHO’S RESPONSIBLE FOR CLEANUP?

The property has attracted transients, graffiti and litter, nearby business owners say. | Published December 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Cameron Sheppard

NO. 8: SO LONG, BIG LOTS? TACOMA AMONG WASHINGTON SITES FACING GOING-OUT-OF-BUSINESS SALES

Retailer announces that previously announced buyout deal unlikely to be completed. Six stores remain in Washington state. | Published December 19, 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.