U.S. Bankruptcy Tracker: Virus Shatters Retail Holiday Hopes

A spike in coronavirus infections through the U.S. holiday shopping season could trigger more bankruptcies from retailers, even after the biggest surge in Chapter 11 filings on record this year.

Retail businesses, already squeezed by changing consumer habits and the rise of online behemoths like Amazon and Walmart.com, are required to follow state and federal regulations to curb the spread of the virus during what’s normally the busiest buying period of the year. After the traditional Black Friday and Christmas shopping sprees, some may opt to file for bankruptcy if they don’t bring in enough cash to survive.

“Retailers that ...