Popular retail chains and pharmacies continue to shutter their brick-and-mortar locations at a rapid pace. The pace of store closures has nearly doubled since 2024. According to Coresight Research, 15,000 retail locations closed in 2025, compared to 7,325 locations in 2024.
This year, Walgreens will close just under 100 locations. Originally, the pharmacy giant predicted that it would close 1,200 locations by 2027. Although Walgreens has reduced the number of stores it plans to close, it is still shutting down its headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois, and its distribution center in Houston, Texas. In a statement to Fast Company, a company spokesperson confirmed that they are laying off 469 employees in Illinois and 159 employees in Texas.
Americans will also continue to see more shuttered locations in their local malls. Macy’s announced it is closing 150 "underproductive locations" as part of a three-year turnaround strategy. The latest round of closures includes 14 stores across 12 states: California, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington.
Saks’ Global is also taking a similar approach to its retail footprint. In February, the luxury retail company announced in a press release that they will “focus on profitable locations with the highest growth potential.”
Nearly 60 underperforming Saks Fifth Avenue stores will close throughout early 2026, including locations in Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Francesca’s, another mall favorite, is closing down all of their locations after 25 years in business. The women’s clothing boutique filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early February 2026 and is shuttering its 457 boutiques across 45 states.
Other chains are also facing similar difficulties. Children’s clothing retailer Carter’s will shut down 100 locations this year, with more closings to come in the next 3 years. In a press release, Carter’s CEO and President Douglas Palladini pointed to higher tariffs as a contributing factor to declining profitability.
Popular restaurant chains will also be closing down in 2026. Pizza Hut announced it will shut down 250 stores in the next few months, but a full list of locations is not yet available. Wendy’s also plans to shut down around 300 of its 6,000 locations. A list of locations has not yet been released, but on a February earnings call, interim CEO Ken Cook said they are focusing on underperforming locations and examining store closures on a store-by-store basis.
Grocery chain Kroger’s also recently announced plans to shut down 60 locations over the next 18 months. This includes Kroger’s stores located in California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.