"Retailers are gearing up for another wave of store closures. It's shaping up to be the continuation of a retail pullback that Business Insider tracked in 2024 and 2025. Major chains, from department store Macy's to grocery chain Kroger, have already announced multiyear closure plans that extend into 2026, as have some niche stores. Many companies, such as Macy's, are closing their physical stores to invest more resources into their online businesses."
"Carter's, one of North America's biggest children's and baby apparel retailers, said in October that it plans to close 150 stores across the region over the next three years as leases expire, including about 100 by the end of 2026."
"In January 2025, Macy's said it planned to close 150 locations through 2026, allowing it to focus on its best-performing locations and online experience. After the closures are complete, there will be about 350 Macy's stores left. Macy's closed at least 66 stores in 2025."
Major retail chains are continuing a multiyear program of store closures that stretches into 2026, driven largely by efficiency and investment in online channels. Hundreds of locations are slated to close, including significant reductions from Carter's, Macy's, and Kroger. Retail data firms reported thousands of closures in 2024–2025 and predicted elevated closure figures for the period, while early 2026 plans already account for roughly 270 announced store shutdowns. Companies cite unprofitable stores and lease expirations as causes, and many expect to consolidate physical footprints to focus resources on stronger stores and e-commerce operations.
Read at Business Insider
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