The retail landscape across the Buckeye State is shifting rapidly. From Cleveland to Cincinnati, the familiar storefronts we see in our towns and suburban shopping centers are changing.
While some areas like the Columbus suburbs are seeing new growth, many household names are shrinking their footprints. For Ohio 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 Ohio this year.
1. Rite Aid
This is the biggest hit for many Ohio communities. The Philadelphia-based pharmacy chain has been navigating a difficult bankruptcy process that began in late 2023. Unlike a simple downsizing, reports indicate a complete wind-down of operations in the state.
Ohio has already lost dozens of locations, and the remaining stores are expected to shutter in 2025. Ohioans who rely on Rite Aid for prescriptions should immediately check with their local pharmacist about transferring records to nearby CVS, Walgreens, or Kroger pharmacies before the doors lock for good.
2. Big Lots
This one hits close to home—literally. Headquartered in Columbus, Big Lots has been a staple for Ohio bargain hunters for decades. However, the company is facing severe financial distress and has closed numerous locations across the state, including stores in the Mahoning Valley and Central Ohio.
While a last-minute deal could save some locations, the future of the brand is uncertain. Shoppers should expect aggressive “going out of business” sales at many locations and a significantly smaller presence in the state by the end of the year.
3. Macy’s
The iconic department store continues its strategy of exiting struggling malls to focus on its “luxury” banner. Macy’s has confirmed plans to close roughly 150 underperforming stores nationwide over a three-year period.
Ohio has already seen casualties, including the locations at The Mall at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek and Franklin Park in Toledo. As leases come up for renewal this year, more anchor spots in Ohio’s older regional malls remain vulnerable to closure.
4. Family Dollar
Dollar Tree, the parent company of Family Dollar, announced a massive closure of nearly 1,000 stores nationwide. Ohio is feeling the impact, with confirmed closures in Cleveland (Collinwood and Ohio City neighborhoods), Deerfield, and Bellevue.
The closures are targeting underperforming stores where theft, maintenance costs, or “market oversaturation” have made profitability impossible. If your local Family Dollar has been struggling with inventory or staffing, it may be next on the list.
5. Walgreens
While Rite Aid is leaving entirely, Walgreens is significantly thinning the herd. The pharmacy giant is in the midst of closing roughly 1,200 stores nationwide to cut costs.
Specific Ohio locations have already been marked for closure, including stores in Garfield Heights and Reynoldsburg. 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.
6. TGI Fridays
The casual dining sector has been struggling, and TGI Fridays has been hit harder than most. The chain recently closed dozens of underperforming locations abruptly across the Midwest.
Ohio has confirmed closures as the brand attempts to stabilize its finances after filing for bankruptcy protection for its corporate-owned stores. Diners in suburban Ohio should call ahead before planning a Friday night out, as some locations have shut down with little to no warning.
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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