Number of U.S. Retail Store Closings Jumped in 2019.<br />Despite the economy remaining strong, American retailers continued to <br />struggle this year.<br />Figures from Coresight Research show that just over 9,300 stores shut down.<br />Compared to 2018, that is <br />an increase of nearly 60 percent.<br />With 2,100 closings, Payless accounted <br />for the biggest amount.<br />In second was Ascena Retail with 781 <br />and then Gymboree with 749.<br />Other chains that shut down <br />over 500 locations include <br />Charlotte Russe and Fred's.<br />The industry's struggles are expected to continue mainly due to online shopping.<br />According to UBS, online purchases <br />will climb to 25 percent of <br />all retail sales by 2026
