These 800+ stores are closing across the US in 2026 — check the locations near you

The retail shake-up sweeping the US isn’t slowing down. By the end of 2026, more than 800 stores and restaurants across the country are expected to shut their doors. From department stores to fast-food chains, major brands say efficiency and shifting consumer habits are driving the latest round of closures.

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Why are retailers continuing to close stores?

Retailers and restaurant chains are preparing for another significant wave of closures, extending a trend that gained momentum in 2024 and 2025. Business Insider tracked roughly 4,100 store closures in 2025 alone, while Coresight Research previously projected that about 15,000 retail locations would close that year.


So far, Business Insider has identified approximately 870 planned closures for 2026. Many of the companies involved say the decision comes down to efficiency, cost management, and changing consumer behavior. Several brands are scaling back physical locations to focus more heavily on digital sales and stronger-performing stores, as per a report by Business Insider.

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Which major restaurant chains are shutting locations?

Some of the largest restaurant chains in the US are among those cutting back.

Wendy’s
Wendy’s plans to close around 300 underperforming locations. During a November 2025 earnings call, interim CEO Ken Cook said the closures represent a “mid-single-digit percentage” of the chain’s roughly 6,000 US restaurants. About 5% of those locations are expected to shut down.

Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut announced plans to close 250 underperforming US stores during the first half of 2026. Parent company Yum! Brands said in February that the move is part of a long-term effort to strengthen the brand. The closures account for a small portion of Yum! Brands’ roughly 20,000 locations worldwide, as per a report by Business Insider.

Macy’s
Macy’s revealed in January 2025 that it would close 150 stores through 2026. The goal is to concentrate on its best-performing locations and expand its online experience. At least 66 Macy’s stores closed in 2025, and about 350 locations are expected to remain after the plan is completed.

Carter’s
Children’s and baby apparel retailer Carter’s said in October that it plans to close 150 stores across North America over three years as leases expire. About 100 of those closures are expected by the end of 2026, as per a report by Business Insider.


Kroger
Grocery giant Kroger announced in June 2025 that it would close 60 “unprofitable” stores over 18 months. The company confirmed in September that the process had begun. As of February 2025, Kroger operated 2,731 supermarkets across 35 states and Washington, DC.

Beyond large chains, several specialty retailers are also trimming locations.

Yankee Candle
Newell Brands announced in December 2025 that it will close 20 Yankee Candle stores in the US and Canada beginning in January 2026. The closures were revealed alongside a workforce reduction of more than 900 employees.
“This productivity plan is about taking the next, disciplined step to enhance efficiency, sharpen our strategic focus, and deliver stronger, more consistent performance,” CEO Chris Peterson said in a press release.

REI
Outdoor retailer REI confirmed plans to close three stores in 2026. The first closure will be a New Jersey location in the first quarter, followed by stores in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood and Boston later in the year.
“As markets and customer needs evolve, we must adapt to position the co-op for long-term success,” the company said in a statement.


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Saks Off 5th
Saks Off 5th is set to close 57 stores in early 2026. Nine of those closures were announced last year, with the remaining locations confirmed in January. The outlet brand is part of Saks Global, which also oversees Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman.

Saks Global filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early January. In addition to Saks Off 5th closures, the company is also shutting down five Last Call locations, which operate as off-price Neiman Marcus stores. The Saks Off 5th website, a separate legal entity, is winding down as well.

FAQs

How many US stores are expected to close in 2026?
About 870 store and restaurant closures have been identified so far for 2026.

Which companies are closing the most locations?
Wendy’s plans to close around 300 stores, while Pizza Hut is shutting 250 locations across the US.