Something is moving through the American malls people once relied on—and it sounds like doors being locked.
Stores that were part of daily life for years are shutting down, often without notice and with little acknowledgment. The anchor store that filled your weekends. The pharmacy where you picked up prescriptions. The fast-food counter where you ordered the same meal every week. All disappearing.
So far in 2026, analysts have tracked more than 2,000 planned store closures nationwide, and the figure continues to rise as companies finalize lease exits and restructure. Some closures are calculated pullbacks.
Others are full liquidations. A few mark the end of businesses that have been around for generations.
The reasons aren’t simple. Higher operating costs, changing consumer habits, the steady growth of online shopping, and years of overexpansion are all colliding. What’s happening behind boarded-up storefronts isn’t routine—it’s a sector going through a major shift. Here’s a closer look at the biggest names, what led to these decisions, and what it could mean for your community.
- 7-Eleven (645 stores)
7-Eleven, long known for its constant presence and familiar offerings, plans to close 645 locations in North America during fiscal 2026. Despite opening more than 200 new stores, this will mark the fifth straight year closures outpace openings. The move reflects a shift toward food-focused locations, which generate stronger sales. Older, smaller stores that don’t fit that strategy are being phased out. - Francesca’s (around 400 stores)
Francesca’s, once a fast-growing boutique chain, is shutting down about 400 stores as part of bankruptcy proceedings. A mix of rising online competition, operational missteps, and financial setbacks led to its collapse. With only a small share of sales coming from e-commerce, the company struggled to adapt. Thousands of jobs are expected to be lost.
- Walgreens (up to 1,200 stores over three years)
Walgreens had planned to close 1,200 stores, though that pace has slowed. Fewer than 100 closures are now expected in 2026. The broader issue reflects overexpansion, declining prescription margins, and operational challenges. As stores disappear, concerns are growing about reduced access to pharmacies in some areas. - Wendy’s (about 300 locations)
Wendy’s is closing roughly 5% to 6% of its U.S. restaurants as part of a turnaround effort. The company has struggled with declining sales and is focusing on eliminating underperforming locations so franchisees can concentrate on stronger stores. - Macy’s (150 total closures, 14 in 2026)
Macy’s is moving forward with a plan to shut down 150 underperforming stores by 2026. Fourteen are set to close this year. While the company is investing in upgraded locations, the overall footprint is shrinking as it adapts to changing shopping patterns. - Pizza Hut (250 locations)
Pizza Hut is closing 250 underperforming restaurants as part of a broader strategy to modernize operations. The move comes amid heavy competition and shifting delivery trends.
- Kroger (60 stores)
Kroger plans to close 60 unprofitable stores across the country. In a low-margin industry, even small financial pressures can make locations unsustainable. For affected communities, this often means fewer nearby grocery options. - Saks Off 5th (57 stores)
Saks Off 5th is shutting down 57 locations following its parent company’s bankruptcy filing. The closures are part of a wider restructuring effort across the luxury retail sector. - Carter’s (about 100 stores by end of 2026)
Carter’s is scaling back its physical presence, planning to close about 100 stores by the end of 2026. The brand remains profitable but is adjusting to a customer base that increasingly shops online. - REI (3 stores)
REI will close three locations, including a high-profile flagship store in New York. The decision reflects broader changes in strategy as the company adjusts to shifting customer behavior. - Yankee Candle (20 stores)
Yankee Candle is closing 20 stores as part of a cost-cutting plan. While the brand continues to sell through other retailers, fewer standalone stores will change the in-person shopping experience.
- Grocery Outlet (36 stores)
Grocery Outlet is shutting down 36 underperforming locations, particularly in markets where the company struggled to gain traction. - Apple (3 mall stores)
Apple is closing three stores located in declining malls. The decision highlights the ongoing challenges facing traditional shopping centers.
What this means
If a store you rely on is on this list, it’s worth paying attention. Liquidation sales can offer discounts early on, but inventory disappears quickly, and gift cards may stop being accepted. Local updates are often the best way to track closures.
More broadly, the trend shows no sign of slowing. Rising costs and shifting consumer behavior continue to push retailers to rethink their footprints. For many communities, these closures mean more than inconvenience—they can reshape access to everyday goods and services.