We thought 2016 was a rough year for retailers, but the store closure announcements from top brands haven't stopped in 2017. There have been so many lately that it’s actually hard to keep track of which retailers are going out of business, which are closing stores, and which are shifting their focus to online sales.

Why is this happening? The retail landscape is changing. Online retail is exploding, and many stores have found their brick and mortar locations just aren't bringing in revenue like they used to. Some brands have decided to close just their underperforming stores, but others, like The Limited, have completely shut down operations.

It's our job here at Brad's Deals to know all the latest retail news, but even we were having trouble keeping up with all the store closing announcements. So we decided to make a running list of retailers who are closing down stores, which we will update as more news comes in.

If your favorite retailer is on the list, we suggest using up any gift cards you may have from them ASAP. I still think about the $50 gift card I lost when a small boutique in my town closed – and that was when I was in high school!

Here are 26 stores and restaurants that are closing (or have already closed) locations in 2017:

• Abercrombie & Fitch - Closing 60 locations.
• American Apparel - Closing down all 110 stores
• BCBG - Closing 120 stores, but keeping the mini-stores inside Macy’s open. You can also shop this brand at retailers like Bloomingdale’s, Lord and Taylor.
• Bebe - Closing all 168 retail locations, will still sell merchandise online.
• Chico’s - Closing 150 locations.
• Crocs - Closing 160 stores.
• CVS - Closing 70 locations although there are still more than 9,500 locations in operation, with more opening in the future.
• Family Christian Stores - Closing all 240 stores and shutting down shop after 85 years in business.
• GameStop - Closing 150 stores.
• Gander Mountain - Closing 32 stores.
• Gordmans - Closing about 100 stores.
• Guess - Closing 60 stores.
• HHGregg - Closing 88 stores
• JC Penney - Closed 138 stores. See the full list here.
• Kmart and Sears - Closed 108 Kmart stores and 42 Sears stores in 2017. Check out the full list here. Keep an eye on this one: Sears and Kmart have closed about 60 percent of their locations since 2011, it's not looking good for them.
• Macy’s - Closed about 100 stores. See the full list here. They are also making more changes in many locations to better compete with discount outlets. So, you may be able to get your own shoes and makeup without waiting for a sales associate.
• Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill and Carraba’s Restaurants - Closing 43 locations.
• Payless Shoe Source - Closing 400 stores, check out the full list here.
• Radio Shack - Closed about 200 stores, just 1,300 remain open.
• Rue21 - Closing 400 stores.
• Staples - Closing 70 stores.
• The Children’s Place - Planning to close 300 locations by 2020.
• The Limited - Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closed all of its 250 stores. They have also closed their online site.
• Vanity - Closing all stores.
• Wet Seal - Closing all stores.
• Whole Foods - Closing nine stores (but opening six).

Will you be sad to see any of these retailers close up shop? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!