It's not entirely accurate to say the retail apocalypse remains in full swing. Though plenty of stores are still closing, a handful of chains are expanding again. Total consumption, as measured in dollars, is actually on the rise.
One segment of retail remains under siege, though: the department store. Interestingly, the format's troubles span the full income/lifestyle spectrum. Department stores ranging from value-oriented J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP) to middle-ground names like Macy's (NYSE: M) or Dillard's (NYSE: DDS) to the more affluent-minded Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN) all continue to struggle.