Consumer spending slump triggers retail bankruptcies.(Industry Briefings)

Music Trades, June, 2008

Tightening credit markets and increasingly cautious consumers have taken a heavy toll on retailers in the past six months. The Sharper Image, Lillian Vernon, Levitz furniture, Wickes Furniture, Bombay, Fortunoff jewelers, Harvey Electronics, and Linen's & Things have been among the more prominent retailers to head to bankruptcy court this year.

Other retailers have been hard hit but are still standing, include Foot Locker, which will close 140 stores in the next six months; Ann Taylor, which will close 117 locations; and Zales ...