Here are the retailers who declared bankruptcy this year

Nearly a dozen retailers – including department store chains and shoe brands – have filed for bankruptcy protection so far this year, closing most of their stores or even all.

The pace is slower than last year when more than 20 retailers, including Toys R Us, Hhgregg and Gymboree, filed for bankruptcy protection. But it's no less painful for employees and homeowners who find themselves stuck in the middle of the retail landscape that continues to evolve.

On Friday, Mattress Firm became the latest company to embark on this path, as the largest mattress retailer in the United States struggles to reduce its footprint by more than 3,000 stores. It is originally planned to close up to 700 sites, and about 200 stores should be shut down as soon as "a few days". The company, owned by Steinhoff International Holdings, has announced its intention to complete a prepackaged restructuring within 45 to 60 days.

The closures of Mattress Firm, Toys R Us and other failed brands only add to the glut of vacant retail real estate in the United States.

A new report from real estate research firm Reis, released earlier this week, indicates that US shopping center vacancy rates climbed to 9.1 percent in the third quarter, their highest level in seven years. The group said the closures by Bon-Ton and Sears Holdings were behind most of the rise in empty storefronts. Sears, which has already closed hundreds of sites, has a large debt payment to pay on October 15, which could lead the company out of business if it does not find a way to restructure its business.

Toys R Us, meanwhile, could see another day. His bankruptcy auction has recently been delayed, with a group of hedge funds planning to restart the business in search of Toys R Us and Babies R Us brands.

According to a list established by Moody's, retailers at risk of not paying back their loans – and thus could be forced to declare bankruptcy – include 99 Cent Only stores, Charlotte Russe, Guitar Center and Payless ShoeSource, which have already filed an application for protection against bankruptcy but later emerged after the closure of more than 600 stores. Listed below are the retailers who have filed for bankruptcy protection so far this year, some of which have already managed to emerge.