The retail landscape in the Empire State is shifting dramatically in 2026. While New York City often sees a constant churn of storefronts, this year brings a specific wave of “fleet optimization” from national chains that affects the suburbs as much as the boroughs. From the final days of an Upstate mall anchor to the “grocery wars” claiming victims in Brooklyn, the map is being redrawn.
Here is the definitive guide to the major store closures confirmed for New York in 2026.
1. The Anchor Loss: Macy’s
The Headline: The end of the line for a Buffalo icon. Location Closing: Boulevard Mall (Amherst).
The most significant mall news of early 2026 is the confirmation that Macy’s will shutter its location at the Boulevard Mall in Amherst.
- The Details: Listed among the 14 stores Macy’s is closing nationwide in early 2026, this location has been a staple for Western New York shoppers for decades.
- The Bigger Picture: This closure effectively signals the end of the Boulevard Mall as a traditional shopping center. The site is currently the focus of a massive “de-malling” redevelopment plan to turn the property into a mixed-use “town center” with housing and open-air retail. The departure of Macy’s accelerates this transition from enclosed mall to walkable neighborhood.
2. The Grocery Correction: Stop & Shop
The Headline: A major Brooklyn location goes dark. Location Closing: Flatbush (Brooklyn)…