Retail is changing fast — and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years for store closures, downsizing, and restructuring across the United States.

From department stores and clothing retailers to grocery chains and specialty brands, many companies are closing underperforming locations as they shift toward online shopping, smaller store footprints, and cost-cutting strategies.

Below is a complete, fact-checked list of retailers confirmed to be closing stores, liquidating locations, or restructuring operations in 2026, plus additional companies you may not have seen listed elsewhere.

Major Store Closures Announced for 2026

Amazon Fresh

– All Amazon Fresh grocery stores are expected to close by February 1, 2026

– Amazon is shifting focus to Whole Foods and grocery delivery

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Francesca’s

– Closing all 450+ boutique locations across the U.S.

– Company entered full liquidation Going-out-of-business sales began January 2026

– Closures will happen gradually as inventory sells out

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Saks OFF 5TH

– 57 stores closing nationwide. See list of locations closing here

– About 12 locations expected to remain open

– E-commerce site winding down

– Closures tied to Saks Global bankruptcy restructuring

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Neiman Marcus Last Call

– All outlet stores closing

– Brand consolidating operations under parent company restructuring

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Macy’s

– Up to 150 underperforming stores closing by the end of 2026. List of locations closing here

– Includes stores closed in 2024, 2025, and 2026

– Part of Macy’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan

– Macy’s flagship and higher-performing locations will remain open

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Carter’s

– Approximately 100 stores closing by the end of 2026. See list of locations closing here

– Part of a larger plan to close about 150 locations total

– Focus shifting toward e-commerce and wholesale partnerships

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Walgreens

– Up to 1,200 stores closing nationwide by 2027

– Hundreds of closures occurring in 2026

– Walgreens currently operates about 8,000 locations

– Estimated 6,800 stores will remain after downsizing

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Kroger

– About 60 underperforming grocery stores closing by the end of 2026. More details here

– Closures follow failed Albertsons merger

– Kroger will still operate approximately 2,670 stores nationwide

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REI

– 3 stores closing in 2026 Paramus, NJ SoHo, New York City Boston, MA. More details here

– REI will continue operating roughly 190+ stores nationwide

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Foot Locker

– Approximately 400 stores closing by the end of 2026

– Includes Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Kids Foot Locker locations

– Focus shifting away from mall-based stores

– Estimated 2,100+ stores will remain worldwide

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Allbirds

– All U.S. retail stores closing by the end of 2026

– Brand transitioning to online and wholesale sales only

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American Eagle Outfitters

– About 35 underperforming stores closing in 2026

– Includes American Eagle and some mall-based locations

– Company will still operate over 1,100 stores worldwide

Additional Retailers Downsizing or Restructuring in 2026

These brands have confirmed restructuring or continued store reductions, even if exact numbers vary by region:

CVS Pharmacy

– Continuing multi-year store optimization

– Hundreds of locations closing nationwide through 2026

Gap Inc.

( Gap • Old Navy • Banana Republic • Athleta )

– Ongoing closure of underperforming mall locations

– Continued downsizing expected into 2026

JCPenney

– Select store closures continuing

– Focus on stronger mall partnerships and online sales

Best Buy

– Closing select big-box stores

– Increasing outlet, pickup, and online fulfillment strategy

GameStop

– Continued closure of low-performing stores

– Emphasis on digital gaming and collectibles

Express

– Ongoing store closures following restructuring

– Brand shifting toward smaller footprint stores

rue21

– Bankruptcy restructuring continues

– Many remaining stores closing gradually

Forever 21

– Select U.S. store closures

– Focus on online sales and international licensing

TGI Fridays

– Closing multiple U.S. locations

– Corporate restructuring underway

Ruby Tuesday

– Continuing closures following earlier bankruptcy filings

Denny’s

– Closing select franchise locations

– No nationwide shutdown announced

Wendy’s

– Franchise-level closures of underperforming restaurants

– Corporate stores remain operational

Starbucks

– Closing select urban and low-traffic cafes

a Opening drive-thru and pickup-only locations elsewhere

Not all closures mean bankruptcy.

Many retailers are:

– Closing underperforming stores

– Reducing mall exposure

– Transitioning to smaller formats

– Investing more heavily in online shopping –

– Consolidating real estate costs

Most companies listed above will continue operating, just with fewer physical locations.

Summary: 2026 Retail Landscape

Closing or Liquidating

– Francesca’s (all stores)

– Amazon Fresh (all stores)

– Allbirds (all stores)

– Neiman Marcus Last Call (all outlets)

Downsizing & Restructuring

– Macy’s

– Carter’s

– Walgreens

– Kroger

– REI

– Foot Locker

-,American Eagle

– Gap brands

– CVS

– Best Buy

-GameStop

– Express

– Forever 21

Final Thoughts

2026 marks one of the largest retail reset periods in U.S. history.

While thousands of stores are closing, many brands are not disappearing — they are adapting to:

rising rent costs declining mall traffic increased online shopping changing consumer behavior

Shoppers can expect major clearance sales, store-closing discounts, and inventory liquidations throughout 2026 as retailers reshape the future of brick-and-mortar shopping.