More Than 2,000 Stores Are Set To Close Across The US In 2026. Here’s The List

Customer receiving a striped shopping bag from a cashier at a clothing store counter

Summary:

  • Thousands of US stores to close by 2026 to adjust to changing consumer behavior and increasing expenses.

  • 7-Eleven plans to close over 2,000 stores by 2026 due to rising e-commerce and shifting consumer trends.

  • Francesca’s, Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, Macy’s, Eddie Bauer, and Kroger among many retailers shutting down stores for efficiency and profitability.

Thousands of stores in the United States will have been closed by 2026, in an attempt to adapt to new consumer behaviour by retailers. Among the greatest retail transformations are the increasing expenses, online growth, and reorganizing efforts.

Retail Shakeup

Woman holding a Mastercard credit card while shopping online on a laptop with a floral dress visible

The retail trend of closing over 2,000 stores in the United States is expected to be closed by the year 2026, a long-term retail trend due to the increase in e-commerce and new trends in consumer behavior.

7-Eleven Cuts

7-Eleven convenience store with parked cars and large branded sign in a suburban area

In its effort to have a national view on efficiency and a changing customer demand, 7-Eleven will shut down hundreds of stores that are not performing well and will make investments in new stores.

Francesca’s Exit

francesca's clothing store entrance with mannequins in dresses and a BOGO free clearance sale sign

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It is estimated that Francesca will close all the remaining stores based on financial restructuring, which will entirely change the business to a more digitally oriented business model.

Wendy’s Changes

Wendy's fast food restaurant exterior with logo and glass windows showing interior seating area.

Wendy will close the restaurants, not generating profit, in its home business to invest in more profitable locations to make its operations and profitability more efficient in the long-run.

Pizza Hut Shift

Pizza Hut restaurant building with red roof and illuminated interior at sunset.

It is highly possible that Pizza Hut would have to cut down on its dine-in service and concentrate on delivery and carry-out service as the fad fades and the less conventional restaurant experience becomes the rage.

Macy’s Plan

Macy's store entrance with holiday decorations and mannequins dressed in festive clothing above.

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Macy is on a multi-year project of shutting down its stores and focusing on the stores that have been performing well, and putting in more effort in the digital and high-end retail project.

Eddie Bauer Impact

Eddie Bauer retail store exterior with large signage and window displays of outdoor clothing and gear.

The redesign of Eddie Bauer should lead to the net number of physical stores being reduced, which also displays the issues with the industry in general and the use of the e-commerce platform.

Kroger Moves

Kroger and Pick 'n Save grocery store entrance with water bottles and outdoor chairs displayed outside.

As the competition has dynamic trends in the grocery industry, revising the way the industry operates, Kroger will have to close down some of its nonperforming stores, thereby enabling it to have an easy ride running its business and concentrating on the better markets.

More Brands Affected

Shoppers walking and browsing clothing and shoes inside a Target store with red signage and carts.

The movement of change is also expected to be common amongst the various arms of the retail industry, as other retailers, such as clothes and specialty stores, are also likely to shut down.

Why It Matters

Three shopping bags with American flag design on a table inside a retail store.

 

These shutdowns are a sign of a major reconsideration of the retailing industry, where the emergence of digital, economic, and evolving demands of consumers are reorganizing the way Americans shop in the nation.

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