400 stores to be closed. Many layoffs, it'll get worse. My advice for the associates:
- Get Ready
- Network
- Start looking for new positions, your store will likely close
- No hard feelings, it's just business, stores close all the time
- Chin up, other stores will open, retail will never go away
- rue21 was good, you will find something better
- rue21 is not the only chain closing, do your research before you start applying for jobs
Now, look at what's going from the geographical perspective as it relates to store closings, everyone is affected and rue21 is closing stores evenly. So, take that in consideration, you will not be safe.
What you want to do, if you want to stay in retail is the following:
- Focus on companies that have good customer service
- Focus on upscale retailers or deep discount retails (e.g., TJX)
- Focus on retailers that do 'digital' right - they invest and care about digital, they will have to be good in this in order to survive
All the best!