6 Retail Store Closures In 2025 To Watch

Retail landscapes are shifting dramatically as major chains announce widespread store closures for 2025. Driven by financial pressures, underperforming locations, and strategic pivots to digital and healthcare services, companies like Walgreens, CVS, Macy’s, and others are shuttering hundreds of brick-and-mortar sites. This gallery breaks down the key closures, their reasons, timelines, and tips for consumers to adapt and save money amid the changes.

1. Walgreens: 1,200 Stores Closing by 2027, 500 in 2025

Walgreens, a pharmacy giant with over 8,000 U.S. locations, is undergoing its largest restructuring in history. The company plans to close approximately 500 underperforming stores in fiscal year 2025, contributing to a total of 1,200 closures by the end of 2027. CEO Tim Wentworth emphasized that these moves target ‘underperformers’ to create a ‘healthier store base,’ amid ongoing financial struggles including debt and competition from online pharmacies.

• Timeline: 500 closures in 2025 FY (ending August 2025), ramping up to full 1,200 by 2027.
• Affected Areas: Primarily urban and rural underperformers; exact lists released quarterly.
• Impact on Shoppers: Reduced access to prescriptions, but Walgreens promises seamless transfers to nearby stores.

Consumers can stock up on deals during going-out-of-business sales, where discounts often reach 50-70% on health products, cosmetics, and snacks. Monitor Walgreens’ app for clearance alerts to maximize savings before closures hit your area.

This table illustrates the phased approach, allowing Walgreens to manage inventory liquidation without overwhelming supply chains.

2. BuyBuy Baby: Pivoting to Digital, Abandoning Physical Stores

Once a go-to for baby gear, BuyBuy Baby faced bankruptcy in 2023, selling its IP to Dream on Me for $15.5 million while leaving 120 stores vacant. A brief revival saw 11 stores reopen in November 2024, but the company has now decided to go digital-first, closing all physical locations to focus on e-commerce.

• Timeline: All remaining stores (11) closing imminently in 2025.
• Reasons: High operational costs post-bankruptcy; e-commerce growth outpaces retail.
• Shopper Tips: Hunt for liquidation sales on strollers, cribs, and toys—expect 40-60% off.

New parents should transition to BuyBuyBaby.com for competitive pricing and free shipping on orders over $35. This shift mirrors broader retail trends toward online sales, which surged 15% in baby products last year.

3. Advance Auto Parts: 727 Stores Shuttering by Mid-2025

Auto parts retailer Advance Auto Parts announced the closure of 727 locations by mid-2025 to streamline operations. With over 4,700 stores nationwide as of late 2024, CEO Shane O’Kelly called this ‘prudent’ for long-term health, citing oversaturation and slowing auto repair demand.

• Timeline: Complete by June 2025.
• Affected: Mostly standalone and low-volume stores; chains like Carquest included.
• Savings Opportunity: Battery, oil, and tool blowouts at up to 75% off during closures.

DIY mechanics should check store locators for nearby closures and compare prices with competitors like AutoZone. Post-closure, remaining stores may see improved inventory.

4. Macy’s: 150+ Stores Closing Through 2026

Iconic department store Macy’s is accelerating closures, now planning 150 stores through 2026, up from 50 by end-2024 (now 55). CFO Adrian Mitchell reported strong ‘traction and progress,’ focusing on high-performing locations amid declining mall traffic.

• Timeline: 55 in 2024-2025; 95 more by 2026.
• Focus: Underperforming malls in the Midwest and Northeast.
• Deals: Massive sales on apparel, home goods—up to 80% off luxury brands.

Shoppers can use Macy’s Star Rewards for extra discounts during liquidation. The chain’s shift to experiential retail means fewer but better stores.

5. Family Dollar: 970 Stores Gone (600 in 2024, 370 in 2025)

Discount chain Family Dollar, known for ubiquitous small-format stores, announced 600 closures in March 2024, with another 370 in 2025, totaling nearly 1,000. Factors include reduced SNAP benefits, thin margins, and competition from dollar stores like Dollar General.

• Timeline: 370 additional in 2025.
• Impact: Hits low-income areas hardest, reducing convenience access.
• Tips: Stockpile household essentials at 50%+ off; pivot to Dollar Tree alternatives.

With 8,000+ stores remaining, Family Dollar consolidates to profitable sites. Communities may see pop-up competitors fill voids.

6. CVS: 300 Stores Closing to Boost Healthcare Focus

Pharmacy leader CVS plans to close about 300 underperforming stores in 2025, reallocating resources to MinuteClinic expansions for vaccines, flu treatments, and primary care. This supports a healthcare pivot amid pharmacy reimbursement pressures.

• Timeline: Throughout 2025; no full list yet.
• Areas: Duplicate locations in dense markets.
• Perks: Prescription transfers seamless; sales on beauty, OTC meds.

CVS’s strategy enhances services at survivors, potentially lowering costs long-term for patients.

Why Are These Closures Happening? Broader Retail Trends

These aren’t isolated; they reflect the ‘retail apocalypse’ with e-commerce rise (Amazon up 10% YoY), inflation squeezing margins, and shifting consumer habits. Closures target unprofitable sites, enabling reinvestment in digital and services. Good news: Brands endure, often stronger.

• Financial restructuring for profitability.
• Digital migration (e.g., BuyBuy Baby).
• Oversupply in saturated markets.

How to Save Money During Retail Closures

Turn closures into opportunities:

• Liquidation Hunts: Use apps like Flipp for 70%+ off alerts.
• Price Matching: Competitors honor closing store prices.
• Online Shifts: Free shipping thresholds lower during transitions.
• Local Impacts: Check city announcements for affected ZIPs.
• Alternatives: Walmart, Target filling gaps with expanded aisles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What stores are closing in 2025?

Walgreens (500), Advance Auto Parts (727), Macy’s (55+), Family Dollar (370), CVS (300), BuyBuy Baby (all physical).

Will these chains disappear entirely?

No—closures trim fat; most retain thousands of stores or go online.

How do I find closing stores near me?

Visit brand websites, apps, or local news; lists update monthly.

Are there deals during closures?

Yes, expect 50-90% off in phases: clearance, then fixtures.

What’s the impact on jobs?

Thousands affected; retailers offer transfers and severance.

Keep an Eye Out for Retail Store Closures Near You

Monitor your favorites—closures signal deals but change shopping habits. By adapting to digital options and hunting sales, you can save big while retailers rebound. Stay ahead in 2025’s evolving retail world.

This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider your own situation, or speak with a licensed adviser, before acting on it.