Remembering Lake Charles Stores That Closed In 2023

This year alone, more than 20 major retailers have announced closures across the US. According to Business Insider experts, this amounts to 2,847 locations gone forever. Stores like Rite Aid, Best Buy, Amazon, and some Walmart chains have closed. It's unfortunate to see these stores go. Many major brands filed for bankruptcy, closing permanently, with others trying to remain open by cutting costs or closing several locations to stay afloat.

The rationales vary on why there were some chain closures this year: Some companies on the brink of closure are navigating bankruptcy proceedings while adjusting store formats, like consolidating locations or updating to meet today's changing shopping trends. Over the past two decades, just in SWLA, so many shops, department stores, and restaurants have closed it's hard to keep up, I'm sad to say.

I often wonder if some of these chains are victims of their online success. In SWLA, many landmark stores, mom-and-pop businesses, and shops were either destroyed in 2020 or struggling to maintain or reopen after two hurricanes and the COVID pandemic. At least a couple of local businesses that closed have moved or are in the process of moving with plans to reopen eventually. However, other companies and store chains were not that lucky.

Below is a list of some stores, businesses, and restaurants that closed in the Lake Charles area in 2023.

O'Charley's

Bed, Bath & Beyond

KFC

Gap

Gap Kids

Le Macaron Lake Charles (now in the mall food court)

The Back Porch

Boombox Frozen Pops and Ice Cream

Bourg Fresh Seafood

Sweet Treats (new location TBA)