The retail world isn’t just changing—it’s crumbling for some of the biggest names in the game. Once-packed stores are turning into ghost towns, and by the end of 2025, several major retailers will be nothing more than a memory. Whether it’s due to skyrocketing costs, shifting shopping habits, or simply failing to keep up with the times, these brands couldn’t survive the storm.
Some will go out with a whimper, others with a bang—but all of them are shutting their doors for good. Here’s a look at 10 major retailers closing in 2025 and why they couldn’t make the cut.
Amazon Fresh
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Amazon Fresh was supposed to revolutionize grocery shopping—smart stores, no cashiers, and seamless tech integration. But in 2025, Amazon is officially pulling the plug on its struggling grocery chain.
The signs were there. The company recently announced the closing of some Amazon Fresh locations in California and Virginia after deciding the format may not have been right for those areas. Some stores sat half-empty, while others quietly stopped expanding. Shoppers never fully embraced the concept, and traditional grocery chains fought back with their own digital upgrades. Even Amazon’s deep pockets couldn’t keep Fresh afloat.
Forever 21
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Once a staple for budget-friendly fashion, it is officially shutting down in 2025. After surviving bankruptcy in 2019, the brand never fully regained its footing. Changing consumer habits, a shift toward sustainable fashion, and the decline of mall shopping all contributed to its downfall.
While it tried to stay relevant with online sales and global expansion, fast-fashion competitors and resale trends proved too strong. People gravitated toward secondhand marketplaces and eco-friendly brands, leaving Forever 21 struggling to keep up.
Macy’s
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Macy’s has played an important role in American retail for over a century, but in 2025, it’s closing 66 of its locations as part of a new long-term strategy that focuses on the other brands under its portfolio.
Despite efforts to modernize, Macy’s struggled with declining foot traffic and high operating costs. The famous holiday window displays and in-store shopping experience might be becoming a thing of the past.
Dollar General
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Dollar General has been a lifeline for shoppers on a budget, offering affordable groceries, household essentials, and last-minute necessities, especially in small towns and rural areas. However, the company has struggled to keep up with economic pressures and changing shopping habits, leading to widespread closures.
The costs have been on the rise, and so has been the competition. Let’s not forget that there has also been a shift toward online shopping, which has taken a toll. Despite having thousands of locations, many stores saw declining sales. Now, the company is shutting down 96 Dollar General stores and 45 Popshelf stores, while searching for new options to stretch their dollars.
Walgreens
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Walgreens is hitting the brakes on 1,200 stores by 2027, with 500 set to close their doors in 2025. The move comes as the pharmacy giant battles financial woes, including a staggering $3 billion loss, shrinking prescription reimbursements, and fierce competition from online retailers.
CEO Tim Wentworth aims to streamline operations and boost profitability amid industry-wide downsizing.
Joann Fabrics
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A renowned fabric and craft retailer, Joann Fabrics, has announced plans to close all of its approximately 800 stores across the United States. This decision follows the company's filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2025, marking its second bankruptcy filing within a year.
The closures are expected to result in the loss of approximately 19,000 jobs, including 15,600 part-time positions. Liquidation sales have commenced at all locations, with gift cards accepted through February 28, 2025. Returns are not being accepted during this period.
Del Taco
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Del Taco has been a beloved fixture in Colorado's fast-food scene since 2003. But it has recently faced unexpected closures of 18 locations across the state. This sudden move left many fans craving their favorite tacos and burritos, puzzled and seeking answers.
The closures stem from financial challenges faced by Newport Ventures LLC, the franchisee operating these outlets. Despite these setbacks, Del Taco is actively working to reopen the affected locations, aiming to once again serve its loyal Colorado customers.
Domino’s
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You're craving your favorite pizza, but your local spot has unexpectedly closed. This scenario is becoming more common as Domino's Pizza Enterprises, the largest global master franchisee of the Michigan-based chain, plans to close 205 underperforming stores worldwide.
CEO Mark van Dyck emphasized the need for decisive action to reshape the business for long-term success. The company continues to operate over 5,600 locations across the United States, remaining a dominant force in the American pizza market.
CVS Pharmacy
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Pharmacies are a part of everyday life, but even the biggest names in the industry are adjusting to changing consumer habits. CVS Pharmacy is set to close 270 more stores in 2025 as part of a long-term realignment strategy. These closures aren’t due to financial struggles but are driven by population shifts and evolving shopping trends.
Still, CVS reassures customers that 85% of Americans will remain within 10 miles of a store. At the same time, the company is opening 30 new locations, including some inside Target, to serve high-demand areas.
JCPenney
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Strolling through your local mall, you notice a familiar store with its gates drawn and lights dimmed. JCPenney is closing 8 stores by mid-2025. These closures stem from factors like expiring leases and shifting market dynamics. Places affected include malls in Annapolis, MD; Newington, NH; and Charleston, WV.
While some stores are shutting their doors, JCPenney remains committed to serving customers, with over 650 stores nationwide. The company continues to adapt, ensuring customers can still find their favorite styles and home goods.
Big Lots
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If you are looking for deep discounts, you may soon find fewer options as a major retailer is set to shutter hundreds of stores. Big Lots is closing over 300 stores by mid-2025, struggling with financial losses and mounting debt. The company reported a $205 million net loss in early 2024, with long-term debt reaching $573.8 million.
California will see the biggest impact, losing 75 of its 109 stores. While this marks a major shift, around 200 locations will continue operating under new ownership, ensuring bargain hunters still have places to shop.
Denny’s
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Finding a go-to diner for late-night pancakes might soon get a little harder. Denny's is soon going to execute its plan to close its doors at 150 locations by the end of 2025.
Rising costs, shifting dining habits, and aging areas have put pressure on the chain, leading to five consecutive quarters of declining sales. To adapt, Denny's is streamlining its menu and scaling back 24/7 operations to cut costs and improve efficiency.
Foot Locker
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Shoe shopping is about to look a little different as Foot Locker moves forward with its store reduction plan. The retailer is closing 400 locations by 2026, including 275 Foot Locker stores and 125 Champs Sports locations.
Currently, some familiar stores are disappearing, but the company is shifting gears with 300 new “next-generation” stores aimed at creating a more engaging shopping experience. This move is part of Foot Locker’s larger effort to adapt to changing consumer habits and focus on its strongest markets, ensuring it remains a key player in the sneaker industry.
Kohl’s
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Shoppers in 15 states may notice a change as Kohl's closes 27 stores with low profitability by April 2025. This decision affects outlets in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.
Additionally, Kohl's will shut down its San Bernardino e-commerce distribution center in May 2025. These closures represent less than 3% of Kohl's approximately 1,150 stores nationwide. The company assures that affected employees have been offered severance packages or opportunities to apply for other positions within Kohl's.
