Out Of Business: What Businesses Closed In 2019 In Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL— Although the nation's economy is on an upswing in many categories, that did not keep many businesses from closing in Birmingham. Whether the business closed altogether or just closed one or two locations, there were several Birmingham area stores and restaurants that will not be open in 2020.

Here are some of the businesses that closed in the Birmingham metro during 2019:

Sears, Hoover

The Sears store at Riverchase Galleria, one of the company's large format stores, closed in late October, according to the company. The Riverchase Sears was one of 26 locations that shut its doors for good as part of yet another round of closures.

Western Supermarkets, All Locations

The Birmingham-based grocery store chained announced in January of 2019 that it was closing all of its stores — after 70 years in business in the area.

McMillan's Big & Tall, Hoover

One of Birmingham's longest running local clothing store chains announced the closure of its last store in 2019. McMillan's Big & Tall closed its Galleria location in December.

Johnny Rockets, The Summit

One of the first restaurants in The Summit shopping center closed in September. Johnny Rockets announced it has closed its Summit location, after more than two decades at the shopping center.

Forever 21, Leeds

The retail chain Forever 21 is closing 178 stores across the country as part of its bankruptcy proceedings. The apparel retailer released a list in October of these nearly 180 locations and it includes two stores in Alabama.

Romano's Macaroni Grill, The Summit

A long-standing restaurant at The Summit closed its only Alabama location in November as Romano's Macaroni Grill announced the closing Nov. 7.

Charlemagne Record Exchange, Birmingham

Although not a chain or franchise, Charlemagne Record Exchange was a legend among music lovers in Birmingham. The store, which had been open in 5 Points South since 1977, announced it would close by the end of the year.

Whistling Table, Forest Park

A restaurant in Birmingham's Forest Park neighborhood closed its doors in October, as the owner and operator of Whistling Table on Clairmont Avenue has decided to focus his business on catering.