So now, the pace of closures, logically, is slowing. Some of that is because many large chains that were on bankruptcy watch such as Sears, Payless and Ann Taylor parent Ascena Retail have already filed over the last two years. A bankruptcy filing often means store closures ahead. Only 10 retail companies have filed for bankruptcy this year, Moody's said in an August 13 research report, compared with nearly 70 last year and 25 to 35 in the four years prior.