As the headquarters for major brands like Big Lots, Express, and Victoria’s Secret, Ohio has long been a retail command center. But in 2026, the call is coming from inside the house. The “Retail Apocalypse” has hit the Buckeye State with a specific vengeance, driven not just by national trends, but by the collapse of local giants and the hollowing out of regional malls.
Here is the breakdown of the retail shakeup hitting Ohio in 2026.
The Hometown Heartbreak: Big Lots
The most significant story of 2026 is the rapid shrinking of Big Lots. Headquartered in Columbus, the discount retailer’s bankruptcy filing has triggered a massive…..