VERIFYING a viral post about nationwide store closures [Video]

The economy is a central focus every election cycle, and the 2024 presidential election is no different. 

One post spreading over multiple social media networks paints a bleak portrait of the U.S. economy by implying recent store closures by national chains, including Walmart, Starbucks, Kroger and Bank of America. The post also points out that some of the chains have focused their closures in “blue” states.

Multiple VERIFY readers asked if this post is accurate.

THE QUESTION

Does this viral post accurately list recent store closures by national brands?

THE SOURCES

THE ANSWER

While some of the numbers in the post are accurate, others are outdated, missing context, misleading or simply inaccurate.

WHAT WE FOUND

The viral post lists alleged recent store closures for 25 national chains while sarcastically commenting, “all because the economy is so …