The retail landscape across the Free State is shifting rapidly. From the Baltimore suburbs to the Eastern Shore, the familiar storefronts we see in our towns and shopping centers are changing.
While some areas are seeing new growth, many household names are shrinking their footprints. For Maryland shoppers, this means it’s time to use those gift cards and prepare for empty storefronts at local plazas.
Based on recent bankruptcy filings, corporate restructuring announcements, and ongoing “fleet optimization” plans, here are six major retail chains expected to close locations in Maryland this year.
1. Big Lots
This is the biggest hit for many Maryland communities. The Columbus-based discount retailer has been navigating severe financial distress and announced plans in late 2024 to close its remaining locations.
Maryland has already seen numerous closures, but the final wave is expected to wipe out the remaining footprint in the state, including stores in Prince Frederick, Waldorf, and the Baltimore area. Shoppers should expect aggressive liquidation sales at any remaining open locations as the brand winds down its presence in the state entirely.
2. Macy’s
The iconic department store continues its strategy of exiting struggling malls to focus on its “luxury” banner and better-performing sites. Macy’s has confirmed a new round of closures for early 2026 as part of its “Bold New Chapter” plan.
In Maryland, the casualty this year is the location at Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie. As the company focuses on its “go-forward” locations, residents in Anne Arundel County will see this longtime anchor store darken its windows, joining the list of department stores leaving older regional malls.
3. Family Dollar
Dollar Tree, the parent company of Family Dollar, is in the middle of a massive closure of nearly 1,000 stores nationwide. Maryland is feeling the impact, with multiple closures targeting under performing stores.
The closures are targeting locations where theft, maintenance costs, or “market oversaturation” have made profitability impossible. If your local Family Dollar has been struggling with inventory or staffing issues, it may be next on the list as the company finalizes its lease expiration this year.
4. Walgreens
While other pharmacies have left entirely, Walgreens is significantly thinning the herd. The pharmacy giant is in the midst of closing roughly 1,200 stores nationwide to cut costs.
Maryland has already seen closures in areas like Essex and the DC suburbs. The company is focusing on closing locations that are too close to other Walgreens stores or are not profitable enough to sustain rising labor costs. Expect to see more “store closing” signs on corners where there are two pharmacies within a mile of each other.
5. Advance Auto Parts
This major auto retailer is pumping the brakes. Advance Auto Parts announced a plan to shutter over 700 locations nationwide by mid-2026 to stabilize its finances.
With a heavy presence in Maryland, several under performing locations are expected to be on the chopping block. The company is consolidating its footprint to focus on its “Pro” business (selling to mechanics) rather than retail DIY stores, meaning your local store could be consolidated into a nearby hub.
6. Foot Locker
If you buy sneakers at the local mall, you might need to find a new spot soon. Foot Locker is in the middle of a massive pivot, closing as many as 400 under performing stores by 2026.
Their new strategy involves moving away from smaller, older mall-based stores and focusing on larger, experiential “power stores” and stand-alone locations. Expect to see smaller Foot Locker locations in older Maryland malls close their gates this year as the brand shifts its focus to top-tier shopping centers.
Are you seeing stores closing in your neighborhood? Let us know in the comments which closures are affecting your town the most.
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