Retailers are filing for bankruptcy at a staggering rate - and these 17 companies could be the next to default

AP

There are more retail bankruptcies on the horizon.

• Moody's Investors Service has identified 17 retailers that have the highest risk of defaulting or filing for bankruptcy.
• The list includes PetSmart, Neiman Marcus, and J.Crew.
• Just two months into 2019, four retailers have already filed for bankruptcy: Payless ShoeSource, Charlotte Russe, Gymboree, and FullBeauty Brands.

The fallout from the retail apocalypse is far from over.

Just two months into 2019, four retailers have already filed for bankruptcy, including Payless ShoeSource, Charlotte Russe, Gymboree, and FullBeauty Brands.

Ratings agencies are expecting more defaults in the coming months.

"As the US retail industry emerges from one of its worst multi-year default cycles yet, companies are getting ready for a second, though less virulent round among smaller, weaker names," analysts for Moody's Investors Service wrote in a February 21 report.

The report identified 17 retailers that have the highest risk of defaulting or filing for bankruptcy: