@fpw-- Government has no control over how many people are let go or how many stores close. Government can give incentives (lower taxes, land) for a business to stay in an area, employ a certain amount of people, bring in tourist etc. Government can also make regulations so that businesses sell safe products, don't pollute the environment etc. But businesses are in business to make money for investors (shareholders). In the case of SHC the majority shareholder is one-- Eddie Lampert.
And while I like to get tax cuts as much as the next person the only people that have ever given me a job and a pay check is the government or a business.
If you want government to control all business this is called socialism or communism. Look at history to see how that has worked out. Capitalism while not perfect is still the best idea around. Let the market decide.