These major retailers are expected to close nearly 3,000 stores this year

If you've been following Clark.com lately, you may have noticed that 2017 hasn't been a good year for some retailers that many people know and love.

With stores big and small announcing sweeping closures, it can be hard to keep up with the changes.

On the radio show, Clark explained that the retailers on this list are closing stores because they’re not giving people what they want in terms of things like price, fashion and selection.

As a result, shoppers are increasingly turning to online and discount merchants for better deals.

“The reality is that America has been overstored. We have far too many retail locations, shopping centers and branches of different chains,” Clark said. “But stores that are meeting your needs with low prices will continue to thrive.”

In the meantime, here's our list of major retailers that are closing stores in 2017:

»RELATED: Toy store closing all locations, including Butler County store

Department stores

JCPenney - 138 stores 

JCPenney has announced that it plans to close nearly 140 locations across the country, many in rural areas.

JCPenney CEO Marvin Ellison said at a conference in early January that the department store chain would have to shut down some of its nearly 1,000 stores, so this announcement was expected.

Here's a list of the 138 locations that will be closing in June.

Macy’s - 68 stores 

Macy's plans to close about 15% of its locations amid a challenging retail environment.

The retailer revealed in August 2016 that it would close 100 of its 730 stores to concentrate on better-performing locations to “elevate their status as preferred shopping destinations.”

In a January 4 news release, Macy's announced 68 of the closures. Of the 68, three have already closed, 63 were scheduled to shut down in early 2017, and two will be closed in mid-2017.

The company plans to close approximately 30 additional stores over the next few years.

Here's a list of the store closings we know about so far.

Sears & Kmart - 150 stores 

Could the end be near for Sears and Kmart?

In a March 21 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Sears Holdings issued a warning that it may not be able to stay in business unless it can come up with more cash.

In January, Sears Holdings announced plans to close 150 unprofitable Sears and Kmart locations, and sell its Craftsman business. The company also initiated a restructuring program to save $1 billion a year.

HHGregg - 88 stores

HHGregg, the retailer that sells electronics, appliances and furniture, will close 88 stores by mid-April and shut down three distribution centers.

About 1,500 jobs will be cut as a result of the downsizing, the company said. Here's a complete list of the 88 stores that will be shut down.

For the full list of closings, go to clark.com. 

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