Cartography of all the company's mattress stores

The proliferation of Mattress Firm stores has come to an end now that the company has filed for the protection of bankruptcy and announced the first of what will be hundreds of store closures.

In Houston, the company has 18 stores on the block, among its large portfolio of at least 138 stores in the greater metropolitan area.

Most of the shops on the verge of closing are within walking distance of sister shops. There are four near Texas 249 and Cypress Creek Parkway. At Pearland, there are three along Broadway near Texas 288. Three others are clustered at the intersection of Gulf Freeway and Bay Area Boulevard.

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A spokeswoman said the Houston-based retailer would announce new store closures in the next 45 to 60 days.

The first 200 fences are located in the United States.

Nancy Sarnoff covers real estate for the Chronicle and welcomes the Loop in a podcast.