More and more retail stores are closing in New Jersey.

You don't have to drive very far in New Jersey to notice a once thriving retail storefront now sitting empty, boarded up with a large "CLOSED" sign hanging from the door.

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Shopping centers with vacant buildings and stores in malls with "GOING OUT OF BUSINESS" signs are sadly all too common in this state.

So many stores closed for good in New Jersey in 2023, including Bed Bath & Beyond and Christmas Tree Shops. Two of my favorite stores.

I was so upset when they both closed. Sadly, more retail stores will shut down this year as well.

Sam Elliot / Townsquare Media
Sam Elliot / Townsquare Media
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A once very popular sports store in New Jersey is the latest to soon close.

Shoppers walking into Champs Sports at the Ocean County Mall were met with a sign reading, "Yes, we are closing. We will be closing January 2024."

They're having a big "going out of business" sale with 50 percent off.

Champs Sports was founded back in the early 80's.

It sells all sorts of sporting goods including, apparel, equipment, footwear, and accessories.

According to Wikipedia, as of 2019, there were more than 500 stores throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mainly located in malls.

Sam Elliot - Townsquare Media
Sam Elliot / Townsquare Media
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According to an article on CNN, 125 Champs Sports stores throughout the country will be closing in 2024.

Its parent company Footlocker is planning to close 400 stores within the next 2 years.

The article talks about the company's plan to close underperforming stores inside malls and focus on larger standalone stores.

I used to enjoy going to the Champs Sports store at the Cherry Hill Mall, but haven't been there in many many years.

Restaurants that closed in New Jersey During 2023

Here are some of the restaurants that closed their doors around New Jersey in 2023 listed alphabetically. Did your favorite restaurant close in 2023? Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

Gallery Credit: Dan Alexander