Even as the countdown begins toward the next time the Dow Jones average hits 10,000, the number is turning up in a more disturbing context - business closures.
Grant Thornton, a business and industry consulting group, estimates as many as 10,000 businesses across the country could close by the end of the year.
We have an example here as covered by News 2: the closing of a thrift store in Manchester, Tennessee.
There are a variety of reasons: more consumers are shopping online, they are choosing generic and private-label products over name brands, and they are less loyal as they search for bargains. There's more in the Business Journal.
There are some signs of hope as reported by the Tennessean, which focused on the small businesses near Nashville West, that feared for their survival and, so far, have weathered the storm.
You can get the full Grant Thornnton report on the challenges facing businesses and possible solutions, here. And in Middle Tennessee, small business owners can seek help and advice to best ensure their survival from the Tennessee Small Business Development Center.
Newschannel 5's take on this rather eye-opening report is up above.
Read what people have to say about this story:
