The retail landscape in the Commonwealth is facing a turbulent year. While Virginia has been spared some of the worst impacts of the “Retail Apocalypse” in previous years, 2026 is bringing a wave of closures driven by corporate bankruptcies and strategic pivots. From the continued decline of Norfolk’s downtown anchor to the restructuring of Richmond-based giants, familiar storefronts are going dark.
Here is the definitive guide to the major store closures confirmed for Virginia in 2026.
1. The Discount Departure: Big Lots
The Headline: The final wave wipes out the footprint. Locations: Fredericksburg, Manassas, Virginia Beach, and statewide.
Following its bankruptcy filing and failed sale attempts in late 2025, Big Lots is conducting its final “clean sweep” in 2026.
- The Details: While many locations began liquidation sales in late 2025, the remaining stores in Manassas, Fredericksburg, and the Hampton Roads area are finishing their wind-down operations in early 2026.
- The Impact: This creates massive vacancies in strip malls across the state. In many cases, these 30,000+ square foot boxes are difficult to backfill, leaving holes in key shopping centers like the Spotsylvania Courthouse area and Virginia Beach Blvd.
2. The Auto Correction: Advance Auto Parts
The Headline: A major fleet reduction hits home. Locations: Statewide consolidation (List pending).
Although now headquartered in Raleigh, Advance Auto Parts has deep roots in Virginia (formerly based in Roanoke). In 2026, the company is executing a massive plan to close over 500 corporate stores nationwide by mid-year.
- The Strategy: The company is targeting “redundant” stores—locations that are too close to one another. Given the density of Advance Auto locations in Roanoke, Richmond, and Northern Virginia, these markets are expected to see significant consolidation.
- What to expect: Watch for neighborhood locations closing and directing customers to a larger “Hub” store nearby as the company focuses on its professional commercial business over DIY retail.
3. The Mall Limbo: MacArthur Center
The Headline: The slow fade continues. Location: Norfolk.
While not a single “store closure,” the ongoing status of MacArthur Center is the biggest retail story in Hampton Roads.
- The Closures: The mall continues to lose inline tenants as the City of Norfolk (the new owner) evaluates redevelopment plans. Recent departures include Brothers Restaurant and national chains like Rue21 and Lush.
- The Future: With high vacancy rates and the city actively discussing demolition or total repurposing, 2026 is likely the final full year of operation for the mall in its current form.
4. The Flooring Fallout: LL Flooring (Lumber Liquidators)
The Headline: The Richmond-based giant shrinks. Locations: Henrico (Sandston) and select retail units.
The saga of LL Flooring (formerly Lumber Liquidators) has hit a critical phase. After filing for bankruptcy, the company was partially saved by a last-minute buyer, but not without casualties.
- The Closures: While 219 stores were saved, nearly 200 others were marked for closure. This includes a significant reduction in their retail footprint in Virginia.
- Headquarters Impact: The deal involves the sale of their massive distribution center in Sandston, signaling a major shift in how the company operates in its home state.
5. The “Survivor” Update: Macy’s
The Headline: Virginia dodges the bullet (for now). Status: No specific VA closures in the Jan 2026 list.
There is a silver lining for Virginia mall shoppers. Macy’s released its list of 14 store closures for early 2026, and unlike neighboring Maryland (which is losing the Glen Burnie store), Virginia was not on the list.
- The Context: Key locations at Tysons Corner, Short Pump, and Pentagon City remain top performers. However, with the company planning to close 150 stores total by the end of 2026, struggling locations in older malls could still be at risk later in the year.
Summary of 2026 Closures
| Retailer | Location(s) | Impact | Status |
| Big Lots | Statewide | Total Exit | Liquidation Finalizing |
| Advance Auto | Statewide | Fleet Reduction | Mid-2026 Target |
| MacArthur Center | Norfolk | Tenant Exodus | Redevelopment Pending |
| LL Flooring | Statewide | Bankruptcy Closures | Ongoing |
| Family Dollar | Chesapeake/Statewide | Fleet Optimization | Ongoing |
What This Means for Virginia Shoppers
Mall Redevelopment is Key: With Chesterfield Towne Center recently sold to developers and Regency Square actively turning into apartments, the era of the “traditional mall” is ending in Richmond. Expect more construction fences than “Grand Opening” signs. Use Gift Cards Now: If you are holding gift cards for Big Lots or LL Flooring, use them immediately. Bankruptcy proceedings often render these worthless once the liquidation phase ends.
Here is a video about the broader trend of auto parts store closures, which is a major factor in Virginia’s 2026 retail landscape: Advance Auto Parts closing hundreds of stores. This video explains the corporate restructuring behind the massive wave of Advance Auto Parts closures that will affect many Virginia neighborhoods this year.
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