Summary
A significant number of retail and restaurant chains in the U.S. plan to close stores in 2026. Major retailers like Francesca's, Macy's, and Kroger are reducing locations due to high costs and a shift to online shopping. Several food chains such as Wendy's and Pizza Hut will also close underperforming outlets.
Key Facts
- Analysts estimate that nearly 7,900 U.S. stores will close in 2026.
- Francesca's will shut down all its roughly 400 U.S. locations after declaring bankruptcy.
- Macy's will close up to 150 stores as part of a longer downsizing plan by the end of 2026.
- Carter's plans to close about 150 low-profit stores, with 100 closures in 2026.
- Kroger will close around 60 underperforming supermarkets nationwide by 2026.
- Wendy's will close approximately 300 U.S. restaurants in the first half of 2026.
- Pizza Hut plans to close about 250 locations in early 2026 under a strategy named "Hut Forward."
- Papa John's expects to shut down around 200 older, franchise-owned restaurants in 2026.
