These Retail Store Closures Are Coming in 2026

Retail stores have good times and bad, and not every brand comes out on top amid financial hardships. As online shopping markets continue to grow and companies struggle with things like growing debts and shrinking profit margins, several notable store closures are set to sweep through the U.S. in 2026.

Although this isn’t necessarily a death sentence for these brands (it might just be their version of adapting to a changing industry), it could mean that one or more of your favorite stores disappears in the coming months. Here’s a list of 10 well-known retailers that are closing a decent chunk of their locations in the year ahead. 

1. Orvis

The Vermont-based outdoor apparel and gear retailer recently announced that it plans to close 36 stores, including 31 retail shops and all five of their outlet locations, by early 2026. The company says the move is part of a broader effort to focus on its strongest-performing markets and expand its online business. Although consolidating its physical presence, the company emphasized they have no plans of disappearing entirely. Their remaining 33 stores will continue to operate normally.

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2. Foot Locker

Following its May 2025 merger under Dick’s Sporting Goods, around 400 Foot Locker and Champs Sports stores are expected to close by the end of 2026. These closures will focus on underperforming mall-based locations, while the company pivots toward larger, “power stores.” Although Dick’s says it plans to keep the brand alive, many smaller stores (especially in older shopping centers) will be gone by next year.

3. Kroger

The grocery store giant, which goes by other names including Fred Meyer, Ralphs, King Soopers, and Smith’s Food and Drug (depending on what part of the country you live in) announced plans to shutter roughly 60 underperforming stores by the end of 2026. The idea is that the move will help the company “focus on higher-performing markets and streamline their operations” amid ongoing merger efforts with Albertsons. For most shoppers, the impact will depend on how well their local store is performing. Overlapping and low-traffic stores will likely be the first to get the axe. 

4. Walgreens

Walgreens continues to scale back its footprint after announcing plans to close 1,200 stores by the end of 2027. Hundreds of those closures are expected to happen throughout 2026, as the company continues to shutter its underperforming locations. These plans were announced when the company was first purchased by private-equity firm Sycamore Partners in March 2025. Plans haven’t changed much since.

5. Macy’s

Macy’s ongoing restructuring plan will cause around 150 stores to close by 2026, with 66 already gone in 2025. The goal is to streamline operations and invest in better-performing locations. “The punchline here is we’re very pleased with the traction and progress,” said Macy’s chief financial officer Adrian Mitchell in a 2024 interview. The closures are meant to reduce overlap and make room for the company’s smaller-format “Market by Macy’s” stores.

6. CVS

CVS is continuing its long-term plan to close hundreds of underperforming stores as it makes the transition from retail pharmacy chain to a health care services provider. Although most closures were initially announced in 2025, additional locations are expected to close in 2026 as CVS focuses on expanding its MinuteClinic network and adding in-store health care capabilities. 

7. Big Lots

After filing for bankruptcy protection in late 2024 and selling part of its portfolio, Big Lots continues to consolidate its operations under new ownership. Roughly 200–400 stores remain open under the brand, but further closures are expected as the company restructures in 2026. For shoppers, this means some stores will remain open while others may quietly shut their doors during the year ahead. 

8. Joann

After decades as a go-to destination for crafters, Joann announced in February 2025 that it would close all remaining stores and liquidate its inventory. Many locations shut down throughout 2025. However, going-out-of-business sales are continuing into 2026 as the company winds down completely. Their decision to close marks the end of an 80-year era.

9. Claire’s

The accessory chain beloved by teens and tweens everywhere has filed for bankruptcy once again, citing e-commerce competition and shrinking mall traffic. The company has already begun closing stores nationwide, with additional closures expected through 2026. Both Claire’s and its sister brand, Icing, will be downsizing significantly to focus on online sales.

10. GameStop

The video game retailer has continued to struggle with declining in-store sales and increasing online competition. After closing roughly 1,000 stores over the past several years, GameStop is expected to close additional locations in 2026 as leases expire. Although no formal number has been announced, experts expect the company will continue shrinking its footprint as it pivots toward offering more digital gaming and collectibles. 

Keep an Eye Out for Retail Store Closures Near You

The good news? These retail store closures don’t necessarily mean the end of your favorite brands. Many companies simply are shedding unprofitable excess to focus on their strongest stores or improve their digital offerings. It can be inconvenient to lose a nearby store you love. But these cutbacks are ultimately designed to help brands survive (and ideally thrive), well beyond 2026.