As holiday revelers put the finishing touches on their gift lists, some of the stores where they've been shopping may face a rough new year ahead. The number of U.S. retail and apparel companies at potential risk of defaulting on their debts or seeking bankruptcy court protection continues to grow, according to an analysis by rating agency Moody's for USA Today. The list surpasses levels reached during the last recession and may signal worsening financial struggles in 2018. Facing competition from online retail giants Amazon and Walmart along with low levels of cash, companies such as Sears and Kmart owner Sears Holdings, preppy apparel retailer J. Crew Group, teen accessories seller Claire's Stores and nearly two dozen other retailers had some of the lowest credit ratings issued by Moody's as of mid-December. Read more at USA Today.