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The retail industry is facing a turbulent 2026, with numerous well-known brands announcing significant store closures amid ongoing financial challenges. After a tough year marked by widespread shutdowns, the trend shows no signs of easing.
Macy’s recently revealed plans to close 14 stores across 12 states, part of a broader strategy to shutter 150 locations by the end of the year. This move is aimed at focusing resources on their strongest stores and expanding online sales. Similarly, Saks Global has filed for bankruptcy, triggering concerns among industry experts about further retail casualties ahead.
Retail analyst Neil Saunders noted that rising operational costs are driving many companies to streamline their businesses by closing underperforming stores. “This pattern will likely continue into 2026 as retailers strive for greater efficiency,” Saunders said.
The impact is widespread, affecting a variety of sectors, from clothing and department stores to food franchises. Business Insider reports over 1,500 store closures this year alone, including brands like Francesca’s and Wendy’s.
Here’s a look at some of the major closures planned for 2026:
Francesca’s: The fashion retailer is closing all roughly 400 of its locations nationwide. After filing for bankruptcy protection in 2020 and being acquired by TerraMar Capital and Tiger Group, the company is now winding down operations entirely.
Pizza Hut: Yum! Brands confirmed plans to close 250 underperforming Pizza Hut outlets in the U.S. during the first half of 2026 as part of a larger restructuring effort.
Wendy’s: Interim CEO Ken Cook announced that about 5-6% of Wendy’s 6,000 U.S. restaurants-approximately 300 locations-will be closed, primarily in the first half of the year.
Kroger: The grocery giant began shutting down 60 unprofitable stores nationwide, a process announced in mid-2025 and continuing into 2026.
Macy’s: Along with the 14 stores slated for closure early in the year, Macy’s plans to close a total of 150 locations by the end of 2026, leaving about 350 stores in operation.
Carter’s: The children’s apparel company is set to close 150 stores over three years, with around 100 scheduled to close by the end of this year.
Saks Off 5th: The off-price luxury retailer will shut down 57 stores early in 2026, continuing a downsizing effort started last year.
Yankee Candle: The company will close 20 stores across the U.S. and Canada this year.
REI: The outdoor retailer plans to close three locations, beginning with a New Jersey store in early 2026, followed by stores in New York City and Boston later in the year.
Neiman Marcus: Alongside Saks locations, several Neiman Marcus stores have also been shuttered amid financial restructuring.
Torrid: The plus-size clothing retailer closed 151 stores by the end of 2025 and plans to close the remaining locations in the first half of 2026.
Apple: In April, Apple announced it would close three stores located in struggling shopping malls in Connecticut, California, and Maryland by June.
7-Eleven: The convenience store chain revealed plans to close 645 stores across North America during fiscal year 2026. Remaining locations will undergo transformations to focus more on food offerings, with some converting to wholesale fuel stores.
These closures reflect a challenging retail climate, marked by shifting consumer habits, rising costs, and increased competition from e-commerce. As businesses continue to adapt, the landscape of American retail in 2026 will look very different from previous years.