Here are four iconic clothing retailers shuttering Arkansas locations this spring.
1. Rue21 (All Locations)
In one of the most significant hits to teen fashion this year, the Pennsylvania-based Rue21 is liquidating its entire store fleet after filing for its third and final bankruptcy. Unlike previous attempts to reorganize, the brand failed to find a buyer to keep its physical doors open, leading to a total wind-down of its North American footprint.
Arkansas is losing its remaining presence in regional shopping hubs this spring. Final inventory clear-outs are wrapping up at locations including:
- McCain Mall (North Little Rock)
- Pinnacle Hills Promenade (Rogers)
- Central Mall (Fort Smith)
- The Mall at Turtle Creek (Jonesboro)
Most stores are expected to be completely dark by late May 2026.
2. Express (Little Rock & Fayetteville)
Following its high-profile Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, fashion staple Express is narrowing its footprint to focus on its most profitable sites and its “Express Edit” boutique model. As part of a nationwide strategy to stabilize its finances, the company identified nearly 100 underperforming stores for immediate closure.
In Arkansas, the restructuring has targeted the State largest metropolitan shopping centers. Inventory clear-outs have been underway throughout the spring, with doors expected to lock for the last time by mid-May 2026 at:
- Park Plaza Mall (Little Rock)
- Northwest Arkansas Mall (Fayetteville)
3. Eddie Bauer (Multiple Locations)
The outdoor apparel pioneer Eddie Bauer is officially exiting the brick-and-mortar market this season. After the entity operating the brand’s physical stores failed to secure a bidder at auction during bankruptcy proceedings, the decision was made to shift to a digital-only model…