by New York, New York — Traditional brick-and-mortar retail continues to face mounting pressure as inflation, shifting consumer habits, and rising operating costs reshape the industry. After a difficult 2025 that saw major names like Joann Fabrics, Party City, and Rite Aid scale back or disappear from communities, 2026 is already shaping up to bring another wave of closures across retail and dining.
Several national chains — spanning clothing, groceries, pharmacies, and restaurants — have confirmed plans to close stores in the coming year as part of long-term restructuring strategies. While the exact locations are still being determined in many cases, executives say the moves are aimed at trimming underperforming locations and refocusing on profitable markets.
Here’s a breakdown of what retailers and restaurants have already announced for 2026.
Carter’s
Children’s clothing retailer Carter’s announced in the third quarter of 2025 that it plans to close roughly 150 stores over three years. About 100 locations are expected to shut down during 2025 and 2026, with the remaining 50 closures stretching into 2028.
Company leadership cited the financial impact of new tariffs on imported goods, noting that duties significantly increased operating costs. As of December 2025, Carter’s still operated 776 U.S. stores, though that footprint will shrink steadily under the plan.
Foot Locker
Shoe retailer Foot Locker is also expected to see closures in 2026 following its acquisition by Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Dick’s executive chairman Ed Stack said the company is taking steps to close underperforming stores and reduce unproductive inventory as part of a reset heading into 2026. While no official number has been released, Foot Locker previously signaled that up to 400 stores could close between 2023 and 2026, suggesting more shutdowns are likely next year.
Kroger
Grocery giant Kroger announced earlier this year that it plans to close about 60 stores over an 18-month period. Interim CEO Ron Sargent said the closures would be spread across the country, though specific locations have not yet been named.
Kroger currently operates more than 2,700 stores nationwide, and company officials emphasized that the closures represent a small percentage of its total footprint.
Macy’s
Department store chain Macy’s remains in the middle of a large-scale restructuring. The company is working toward closing 150 underperforming stores by the end of 2026, a plan first announced in 2024 under its “Bold New Chapter” strategy.
Macy’s has said it intends to reinvest in stronger-performing locations while continuing to grow its Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury brands, which executives described as outperformers.
Red Robin
Casual dining chain Red Robin has been reassessing its restaurant portfolio. Earlier this year, the company said it was considering closing up to 70 underperforming restaurants, though improved sales allowed that number to be reduced to around 50 locations.
While closures are expected to occur gradually through 2030, some restaurants are likely to shut down during 2026 as part of that broader plan.
REI
Outdoor retailer REI confirmed it will close three major locations in 2026, including its flagship New York City store.
The New York City and Boston locations are scheduled to close in late 2026, while the Paramus, New Jersey store will shut down earlier in the year. REI said the decision reflects changing customer needs and long-term planning for the co-op’s future.
Walgreens
Pharmacy chain Walgreens is continuing a three-year plan to close about 1,200 U.S. locations, which began in October 2024.
Company officials said closures would focus on poor-performing stores, particularly those with expiring leases or owned properties. Walgreens has pointed to retail theft, rising costs, and increased online shopping as major factors behind the downsizing.
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Wendy’s
Fast-food chain Wendy’s is also evaluating its footprint. Interim CEO Ken Cook said the company is considering closing between 150 and 300 restaurants by the end of 2026.
Cook noted that some locations no longer align with the brand or meet financial expectations. In certain cases, Wendy’s plans to work with franchisees to improve performance, but other restaurants are expected to close permanently.
What This Means for Shoppers and Workers
While many of these closures will roll out gradually, the announcements signal continued challenges for physical retail spaces heading into 2026. Shoppers may see fewer locations in certain neighborhoods, while workers in affected stores could face uncertainty as companies rebalance their operations.
Industry analysts say the trend underscores a broader shift toward smaller store footprints, e-commerce growth, and selective reinvestment, rather than a full retreat from physical retail.
Which of these closures are you seeing already in your area, or which stores would you miss most if they shut down? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
