younkers is closing

i read the Minneapolis paper in the breakroom today and the death of former first lady Barbara bush wasn't the only notable news to me. it was also how the owner of younkers department stores would be closing all locations soon. growing up in iowa, i often heard about younkers even if i, or my family, didn't shop there as much as other stores. i had to check the Wikipedia article to be reminded of all of the brand names that will close up shop with them. this includes carson's (or carson pirie scott), Bon-ton (the flagship), Bergner's, boston store, elder beeman, and herberger's. living in suburban Chicago, i was familiar with carson's. the article spoke of the company dating its history back to 1854, this would be under the carson's name. all but one of these seven brands go back to the 19th century, all eventually acquired by bon-ton. living in Minnesota, i am more familiar with the herberger's brand. i went online and saw there are 7 locations in the twin cities metro area, including st. paul (university avenue), Roseville, and Maplewood. i know the new ulm store is notable to me as well, as it is the anchor store at that town's mall. and it was tough to see how most of the mall was empty store fronts, except for that one department store. so now i will have to see if it works to buy anything at the upcoming liquidation sales. it will all be about what i need of course. when it is a clothing store, i know i don't shop for clothes much. reading the article from the paper, and Wikipedia, further, it reminded me of warning signs that they weren't doing well. there was mention of filing for bankruptcy in February, explaining the liquidation sale i shopped at for a carson's store in Schaumburg when i visited suburban Chicago last month. another was the low stock price, something like 4 cents when the liquidation announcement was made. also how the company hadn't turned a profit since 2010. but i find it hard to say online retailers like amazon are why. i think it is more like discount stores such as target and Walmart. some things i won't buy online, and clothing is one of them. i often write this off as 'economic darwinism', where the strong survive. but i still hate seeing empty storefronts wherever i go.
   at work i scored 135 tests, so up from the previous day. i had another 'alert paper', so just my second, but my neighbor said he hasn't had any yet. it was nice to go perform tonight as well, especially seeing airway there. he said he would try to make it more often. still trying to make an end run on a password issue when applying for jobs with the state. in one voicemail i said i may have to take care of it in person next week, hard to handle when i can only call about it during breaks. and their office is not open on weekends.