PHOENIX—Ben Smith is chief strategy officer with Surplus Asset Management, an organization dedicated to providing platforms for retailers, wholesalers, individuals and trustees to achieve a maximum return on their assets through online and live auctions. Whether they are renovating, relocating, closing or possess surplus assets, SAM will utilize proven methods to maximize the return. These methods make movement and growth more cost effective and efficient. GlobeSt.com caught up with Smith to discuss how surplus inventory impacts the retail sector.

GlobeSt.com: We are seeing hundreds and hundreds of closures across the country including Radio Shack, Office Depot, Barnes & Noble and Walgreens. If the economy is picking up as we are told it is, what is the reason for so many closures?

Smith: Retail has changed. The web has modified consumer buying, consumer returns, and brick and mortar stores are gearing up to become click and return stores. Also, some formats, like Radio Shack, have been decimated by online experts who provide more product choices at a cheaper price. Because consumers are looking for newer trends, remodels are happening more frequently and more quickly. Those who cannot adapt to this are dying off.