Here are the five major retail chains shrinking their footprints in North Carolina this year.
1. Macy’s
The Headline: A major blow to Raleigh’s retail corridor.
Part of its “Bold New Chapter” strategy to shutter 150 underperforming locations nationwide, Macy’s has confirmed significant cuts that directly impact the Triangle. The most notable confirmed casualty for early 2026 is the anchor location at Triangle Town Center in Raleigh.
- Impact: The departure leaves a massive vacancy at Triangle Town Center, a mall that has already faced struggles with occupancy.
- Timeline: Clearance sales are expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2026, after which the location will go dark permanently.
2. Big Lots
The Headline: A massive retreat from Charlotte suburbs and the Mountains.
Following bankruptcy restructuring, the discount furniture and home goods retailer is executing a widespread exit from the state. North Carolina is bearing a heavy brunt of these closures, with the chain identifying dozens of locations for closure in 2026.
- Affected Areas: The closures are sweeping, hitting suburban hubs like Concord, Gastonia, and Mooresville in the Charlotte metro area.
- Rural Impact: Beyond the cities, rural connectors like Lenoir, Albemarle, and Boone are losing these locations, which often served as primary furniture and home decor options for local residents.
3. Advance Auto Parts
The Headline: The Raleigh-based giant cuts back on home turf…