Here are the five major retail chains shrinking their footprints—or leaving the state entirely—in 2026.
1. Big Lots
The Headline: A near-total exit from the Hoosier State.
While Big Lots began struggling in 2024, 2026 marks the final chapter for the discount retailer in Indiana. Following a collapse in its “bargain hunt” business model and failed restructuring attempts, the chain has moved to liquidate the vast majority of its remaining Indiana portfolio.
- Impact: The closures are widespread, affecting both major metros and smaller communities. Confirmed dark locations include stores in Franklin, New Haven, and New Albany, with Indianapolis and Fort Wayne seeing their remaining footprint wiped out.
- The Vibe: For many rural Indiana towns, Big Lots was a primary destination for furniture and pantry staples, leaving a gap that higher-priced competitors are unlikely to fill.
2. Value City Furniture
The Headline: A shock liquidation for a furniture staple.
In a surprising development for 2026, the parent company of Value City Furniture has initiated a liquidation phase that impacts its Indiana operations heavily. Known for being a budget-friendly option for families, the chain is winding down operations across the state.
- Affected Areas: Central Indiana is taking the hardest hit. The “Store Closing” banners are already up, signaling the end of an era for a brand that has been a fixture in Indiana living rooms for decades.
- Timeline: Most locations are running final liquidation sales through the spring, with complete closures expected before the mid-year mark.
3. LL Flooring (formerly Lumber Liquidators)
The Headline: The final nail in the floorboards…