An article with the provocative title of Is a Store Closing Tsunami Ahead? recently appeared in a real estate trade pub, and it definitely got me thinking. Because while the title of the piece might be exaggerated for effect, there are some good reasons to think that store closings will continue — and perhaps even accelerate — in the next six-12 months.

I don’t disagree with the content of the article. In fact, it dovetails one of my posts in this very space from last February. In this edition of Retail Rap, I examine the spread of omnichannel retailing and leasing issues that can lead to the closings of certain stores. I also discuss the challenge that successful brands face when accommodating variety, as well as the balance between brick-and-mortar and online/mobile shopping.

Join me in my latest edition of Retail Rap, and dive into what is leading the continuing stream of store closures.