You are looking at only two companies, not a representative sample of retailers. ANF, for example, has multiple "strikes" but they're still around. Retailers only become vulnerable to takeovers when investors lose confidence in management's competence. All other industries are equally ruthless.
In general the US still has a surplus of retail space. There will probably be more major bankruptcies in the next few years, which is fine. Let them die and more innovative companies will take their place.
In general the US still has a surplus of retail space. There will probably be more major bankruptcies in the next few years, which is fine. Let them die and more innovative companies will take their place.