Even as the United States economy continues to add jobs, hundreds of retail locations are expected to close this fall as major chains continue restructuring. Store closures this year have generally remained below the levels seen during recent retail downturns, but a growing number of stores are still shrinking their physical footprints in response to changing shopping habits. This, plus higher operating costs and competition from e-commerce, has sparked what will likely be thousands of store closures this year, according to Coresight Research.
For shoppers, that means familiar stores may vanish from their local shopping centers this October and through the fall. The latest round of closures reflects a major shift in American retail. Many chains are no longer pursuing growth through their sheer store count.
Instead, retailers are focusing on their most profitable locations while investing more heavily in e-commerce and loyalty programs. On a larger scale, this mirrors the current economy. While overall employment remains positive, hiring has increasingly shifted toward health care and hospitality.
White-collar sectors and traditional retailers, meanwhile, have struggled with slower growth. The following retail chains have announced store closures for the end of 2026: Macy’s is continuing its multi-year "A Bold New Chapter" turnaround plan, which calls for closing about 150 underperforming stores by the end of 2026. The company has already completed dozens of closures, but there will be additional locations across multiple states.
The retailer is currently investing in its higher-performing stores and luxury brands, according to executives. "In executing our strategy, we continue to review our portfolio and make careful decisions about where and how we invest, including closing underproductive stores and streamlining operations," CEO Tony Spring said earlier this year. "These decisions are not made lightly." The pharmacy chain previously announced plans to close up to 1,200 underperforming locations over several years.
While the pace of closures has slowed following ownership changes, stores will continue to close in multiple states this fall. Starbucks also said it plans to close about 250 underperforming North American cafes as part of its ongoing turnaround strategy in an announcement this month. Kroger said last year it would shut dozens of underperforming grocery locations by the end of 2026 following strategic reviews of its portfolio.
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