The list of once thriving companies dragged under by Puerto Rico's long-running recession and the tightening of the bank credit spigot keeps growing longer. The recent demise of Rigual Inc., a popular wholesale/retailer of floral and party supplies based in a quiet San Juan neighborhood for 61 years, is just one more example of how the ongoing economic climate can undo decades of success and hard work by management and employees.
Collective Brands Inc., parent company of discount shoe chain Payless ShoeSource, will be closing 475 “underperforming and low-volume, non-strategic stores,” including an unspecified number in Puerto Rico, the company announced Wednesday upon reporting shaky second quarter results.
Borders Group, parent of the U.S. mainland’s once-dominant book retailer, is marking the final chapter of its 40-year history by seeking the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s approval Friday to sell itself off to a liquidator, a decision that is expected to immediately trigger a going-out-of-business sale that will wrap up sometime in September.