The “Retail Reset” is hitting the Tar Heel State hard this year. While North Carolina remains a booming market for new business, 2026 has brought a wave of closures from legacy brands that are “trimming the fat.” From the loss of a major department store anchor in the capital to the massive reduction of a Charlotte-area favorite, the retail map is being redrawn.
Here is the definitive guide to the major store closures confirmed for North Carolina in 2026.
1. The Anchor Loss: Macy’s
The Headline: A major blow to Raleigh’s retail corridor. Location Closing: Triangle Town Center (Raleigh).
The most significant mall news of early 2026 is the confirmed closure of the Macy’s at Triangle Town Center. As part of the department store’s “Bold New Chapter” strategy to close 150 underperforming locations, this Raleigh anchor was named in the January 2026 cut list.
- The Impact: This departure leaves Triangle Town Center in a precarious position. Macy’s was a primary draw for the mall, which has struggled with vacancies in recent years.
- The Timeline: Clearance sales are currently active, with the store expected to go dark permanently by the end of the first quarter.
2. The Discount Collapse: Big Lots
The Headline: A massive retreat from the Charlotte suburbs and the Mountains. Locations: Concord, Gastonia, Mooresville, Winston-Salem, Boone, and statewide…