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

The retail shakeout sweeping the US isn’t slowing down. More than 800 stores and restaurants across the country are expected to close their doors by the end of 2026. Big brands, from department stores to fast food chains, say efficiency and changing consumer habits are driving the latest round of closures.

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Why do retailers continue to close stores?

Retailers and restaurant chains are preparing for another wave of significant closures, extending a trend that is gaining momentum in 2024 and 2025. Business Insider is tracking nearly 4,100 store closings in 2025 alone, while Coresight Research previously predicted that nearly 15,000 retail locations would close that year.
So far, Business Insider has identified nearly 870 planned closures for 2026. Most of the companies involved say the decision comes down to efficiency, cost management and changing consumer behavior. Many brands are downsizing their physical locations to focus more on digital sales and stronger-performing stores, according to a report by Business Insider.

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Which major restaurant chains are closing their locations?

Some of the largest restaurant chains in the U.S. are among those making cuts.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s plans to close nearly 300 underperforming locations. During the November 2025 earnings call, interim CEO Ken Cook said the closures represented a “mid-single-digit percentage” of the chain’s approximately 6,000 U.S. restaurants. Approximately 5% of these locations are expected to close.

pizza hut
Pizza Hut announced plans to close 250 underperforming U.S. stores in the first half of 2026. Parent company Yum! Brands said in February that the move was part of long-term efforts to strengthen the brand. Closings account for a small portion of Yum! According to Business Insider’s report, the brands have approximately 20,000 locations worldwide.

Macy’s
Macy’s announced in January 2025 that it would close 150 stores by 2026. The aim is to focus on the best performing locations and expand the online experience. At least 66 Macy’s stores will close in 2025, and approximately 350 stores are expected to remain after the plan is completed.

Carter’s
Children’s and baby clothing retailer Carter’s said in October that it plans to close 150 stores in North America within three years as leases expire. Nearly 100 of these closures are expected to occur by the end of 2026, according to a report from Business Insider.

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

Beyond major chains, a variety of specialty retailers also establish slaughter locations.

Yankee Candle
Newell Brands announced in December 2025 that it would close 20 Yankee Candle stores in the United States and Canada, effective January 2026. The closures come as the workforce is reduced by more than 900 employees.
“This productivity plan is about taking the next disciplined step to improve efficiency, sharpen our strategic focus, and deliver stronger, more consistent performance,” CEO Chris Peterson said in a press release.

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

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Saks Off 5.
Saks Off 5th will close 57 stores in early 2026. Nine of those closures were announced last year, and the remaining locations were 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’s 5th closing, the company is also closing five Last Call locations that operated as off-price Neiman Marcus stores. The Saks Off 5th website, which is a separate legal entity, is also closing.

FAQ

How many stores are expected to close in the US in 2026?
It has been determined that approximately 870 stores and restaurants will be closed so far for 2026.

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