In a shocking announcement, a national retailer has declared bankruptcy and revealed that all of its stores nationwide will be closing for good. This sad news is yet another example of the constantly shifting landscape of the retail industry, as stores struggle to keep up with changing consumer tastes and online competition.

The retailer in question has been a fixture in malls and shopping centers across the country for decades, and its familiar logos and storefronts will be sorely missed. Unfortunately, the company has been struggling financially for some time, and with sales falling and debts piling up, it was simply unable to stay afloat.

For shoppers who have grown accustomed to stopping by the retailer’s stores to browse and purchase everything from clothing to home goods, the news of the impending closures will be a huge disappointment. However, the retailer has urged fans to take advantage of the heavily discounted prices that are sure to be available in the coming weeks, as the stores begin liquidating their inventory.

While it’s always sad to see any business go under, the closure of this national retailer has larger implications for the retail industry as a whole. Many experts point to the rise of e-commerce and the changing ways that people shop as the cause of many recent retail bankruptcies and store closings. In an era where online shopping is more convenient than ever, brick-and-mortar stores are being forced to adapt or perish.

Some retailers have found ways to thrive in this new landscape, by focusing on customer experience and creating engaging in-store experiences that can’t be replicated online. Others, unfortunately, have not been as successful in making the transition, and we may see more closures like the one announced by this national retailer in the coming months and years.

While we don’t yet know what the future holds for the retail industry, we can be sure that it will continue to evolve at a rapid pace. Gone are the days when chain stores could rely on their size and reputation to draw in customers. Now, companies must be nimble and adaptable if they want to succeed. And for the employees and loyal customers of this national retailer, the challenge of finding new jobs and new stores to shop at will begin in earnest.