The retail landscape in the Free State is facing a turbulent start to the year. Following a national trend of “fleet optimization” and bankruptcy restructuring, 2026 brings confirmed departures of major department store anchors and a final wave of closures for discount giants. From the demolition of a Gaithersburg landmark to the loss of a key anchor in Glen Burnie, Maryland’s shopping districts are in transition.
Here is the definitive guide to the major store closures confirmed for Maryland in 2026.
1. The Major Anchor Loss: Macy’s
The Headline: Another blow to Marley Station. Location Closing: Marley Station Mall (Glen Burnie).
The most significant specific closure announcement of early 2026 involves Macy’s. As part of its corporate strategy to close 150 “underproductive” stores by the end of 2026, the retailer confirmed it will shutter its location at Marley Station Mall.
- The Details: Clearance sales began in mid-January, with the store expected to go dark permanently before the end of the first quarter.
- The Impact: This departure leaves JCPenney as the sole traditional department store anchor at Marley Station, a mall that has struggled with high vacancy rates for years. While the mall has found some success with non-traditional tenants (like a gym and cinema), losing Macy’s is a substantial hit to its retail draw.
2. The Discount Exodus: Big Lots
The Headline: The final wave wipes out the footprint. Locations Closing: Prince Frederick, Waldorf, and remaining Baltimore Metro sites…