The retail industry continues to change rapidly as consumers shift more spending online and companies adjust to rising operating costs. While some retailers are expanding, others are shrinking their footprints or closing locations altogether. In 2026, several well-known chains are expected to continue store closure plans that could affect communities across the United States.
1. Big Lots
Big Lots has faced significant financial challenges in recent years, leading to hundreds of store closures and restructuring efforts. While the brand continues operating in some markets, many locations have already shut their doors.
Shoppers who relied on Big Lots for discount furniture, home goods, and seasonal items have seen fewer stores available as the company focuses on surviving in a highly competitive retail environment.
Why Closures Are Happening:
Declining sales Increased competition Rising operating costs Ongoing restructuring efforts
2. Walgreens
Walgreens has announced plans to reduce its store footprint as consumer shopping habits evolve. While the company remains one of the largest pharmacy chains in the country, many underperforming locations are being evaluated for closure.
The company has cited profitability concerns and changing healthcare market dynamics as reasons for its store reduction strategy.
Why Closures Are Happening:
Underperforming locations Cost-cutting initiatives Changing pharmacy industry trends Increased online competition
3. Rite Aid
Rite Aid has struggled financially for years and has already closed numerous stores across the country. The company continues to review its retail network as part of broader efforts to improve long-term viability.
Many communities have seen local Rite Aid locations disappear, particularly in areas where multiple pharmacy competitors exist.
Why Closures Are Happening:
Financial restructuring Bankruptcy-related adjustments Reduced profitability Market competition
4. Macy's
Macy's continues implementing plans to close selected stores while focusing investment on higher-performing locations. The department store chain has been reducing its footprint as shopping patterns increasingly shift toward online channels.
While flagship locations remain important to the company, many traditional mall stores face uncertain futures.
Why Closures Are Happening:
Lower mall traffic E-commerce growth Real estate optimization Focus on top-performing stores
5. JCPenney
JCPenney has undergone major restructuring efforts and continues evaluating store performance throughout the country. Although the company has stabilized compared to previous years, some locations remain vulnerable.
Older shopping malls often experience the greatest impact when anchor stores such as JCPenney close.
Why Closures Are Happening:
Mall traffic declines Real estate consolidation Competitive retail landscape Performance-based evaluations
6. Family Dollar
Discount retailers have experienced mixed results despite economic uncertainty. Family Dollar has announced plans affecting hundreds of locations as the company attempts to improve profitability and streamline operations.
Some communities may lose convenient access to low-cost household essentials as closures continue.
Why Closures Are Happening:
Store performance issues Strategic restructuring Rising labor costs Competitive pressure
7. CVS Pharmacy
Like other pharmacy chains, CVS continues reviewing underperforming stores as part of broader healthcare-focused initiatives. While the company remains financially strong, some retail locations may not fit future business plans.
The shift toward healthcare services and digital prescriptions has altered how customers use physical stores.
Why Closures Are Happening:
Store optimization plans Changing healthcare delivery Increased digital services Local market overlap
8. Foot Locker
Foot Locker has been adjusting its retail strategy by closing select stores and investing in new concepts. The company continues adapting to changes in athletic footwear shopping habits.
Direct-to-consumer sales from major brands have increased competition for traditional sneaker retailers.
Why Closures Are Happening:
Brand distribution changes Lower traffic at some locations E-commerce growth Store modernization efforts
9. Kohl's
Kohl's remains a major retailer, but certain locations have faced closure as the company seeks greater efficiency. Performance varies significantly by market, leading management to make selective adjustments.
Consumers continue to shop at Kohl's, but the retailer faces pressure from both online competitors and discount chains.
Why Closures Are Happening:
Market-specific performance Cost reduction efforts Competitive pressures Shifting consumer behavior
10. Sears
Although once one of America's largest retailers, Sears now operates only a small fraction of its former store count. Remaining locations continue to face uncertainty as the company struggles to maintain relevance in the modern retail landscape.
For many consumers, Sears has become one of the most recognizable examples of retail decline.
Why Closures Are Happening:
Years of declining sales Reduced market share Limited store network Strong competition
Why So Many Retailers Are Shrinking
Store closures don't always mean a company is going out of business. In many cases, retailers are focusing on stronger locations while investing more heavily in online shopping, delivery services, and digital experiences.
Companies are also responding to higher labor costs, changing consumer habits, and evolving real estate strategies. As a result, many brands are operating fewer stores while attempting to maintain or grow overall revenue.
What Shoppers Should Expect in 2026
Retail closures are likely to remain a major trend throughout 2026 as companies continue evaluating store performance. Consumers may notice fewer locations for some familiar chains, especially in aging shopping centers and lower-traffic areas.
While some stores are disappearing, new concepts, discount retailers, and online-focused businesses continue to emerge. For shoppers, the retail landscape is changing—but opportunities to find products, deals, and services remain plentiful as companies adapt to the future of shopping.