Some of the largest retail chains in the U.S. just announced that they’re closing dozens of stores and laying off thousands of employees. Two of the brands with the most closures are Macy’s, which is shutting down 14 locations, and JCPenney, with 39 stores closing.

Even worse, business experts say that there is a larger trend of layoffs hitting retailers all across the country.

“I believe that we are on the verge of a number of business failures of specialty retailers as well as some national general retailers which in turn will have a domino effect on those dealing with the retail industry,” stated Chuck Tatelbaum, an expert on business bankruptcy.

“Because of the changes in buying habits of U.S. consumers, as a result of the continuing hesitancy to spend, the 2014 holiday season was not sufficiently successful for many retailers that have either over expanded, fell out of favor or had…