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Nearly 300 Retail Stores Set to Close Through 2026 as Chains Press Multi-Year Pullbacks

Companies say the goal is efficiency, with investment moving to e-commerce plus flagship locations.

Overview

  • Business Insider has identified roughly 270 planned closures so far for 2026, spanning Macy's, Kroger, Carter's, Yankee Candle, Saks Off 5th, and REI.
  • Macy's is executing a plan to shutter about 150 locations through 2026—after closing at least 66 in 2025—to concentrate on better-performing stores and online sales.
  • Kroger is eliminating 60 unprofitable supermarkets over about 18 months beginning in 2025, a process the grocer says is underway.
  • Newell Brands will start closing 20 Yankee Candle stores in January 2026 and will cut more than 900 jobs as part of a productivity plan, according to the company.
  • Additional 2026 reductions include roughly 100 Carter's closures by year-end, nine Saks Off 5th locations, and REI stores in New Jersey, New York's SoHo, and Boston, with cuts concentrated in weaker markets.