More than 800 US retail stores and restaurants are scheduled to close by the end of 2026, marking a continuation of the retail sector's ongoing contraction. Major chains like Wendy's, Pizza Hut, and Macy's are leading the closures, citing the need to focus on profitable locations and online growth. Wendy's plans to shut 300 underperforming locations, representing roughly 5% of its US footprint. Pizza Hut will close 250 stores as part of a brand acceleration strategy. Macy's, which already closed 66 stores in 2025, aims to reduce its physical footprint by 150 locations by 2026 to invest more in e-commerce. These closures follow a significant wave of retail shutdowns tracked in 2024 and 2025, with Coresight Research predicting approximately 15,000 closures for the entire year. The trend reflects a fundamental shift away from brick-and-mortar retail towards digital channels, forcing companies to adapt their real estate strategies to survive.

The closures are part of a broader industry pullback driven by changing consumer habits and intense competition. Companies are forced to consolidate their operations, closing locations that fail to generate sufficient revenue. This consolidation allows chains like Macy's to concentrate resources on their strongest stores and online platforms. The impact extends beyond individual retailers, affecting local economies and real estate markets where these stores operate. While the closures represent significant losses for communities, they are seen as necessary for the long-term viability of these brands in a rapidly evolving retail environment.

The total number of closures identified so far for 2026 stands at approximately 870, underscoring the scale of the ongoing transition. This wave builds on the 4,100 closures tracked in 2025, indicating a sustained effort by retailers to streamline their physical presence. The trend is unlikely to abate soon, as companies continue to reassess their store portfolios in response to sustained shifts in consumer spending towards online and off-price channels. The focus remains on optimizing profitability through a leaner, more digitally-focused operational model.

Quick Fact: Wendy's plans to close 300 underperforming US locations.