You got it in one.
Businesses are not being killed off by the economy, nor are they being shut down by prices or trade restrictions, or even tariffs.
Since the late 1980s, corpoate levels have gained an iron fist on companies. Draining them of money and resources. Like the corrupt politicians in our government, using the companies they are supposed to serve as their own personal ATMs. THEY drain the company of life, priorities, business ethics, and intelligent employees.
Corporate executives would rathe syphon a business dry and watch it die a slow, long, horrible death......than to give up thier money laundering and heinous lack of ethics, and work at making a prosperous and long lasting business. Case in point.........Sears. They bled themselves dry and then hung themselves.