It hasn’t been a good year for some chain stores, many of which were serious competitors in retail and restaurants.
All of these chain stores and restaurants will have fewer locations by the end of 2026.
For some, the process started well before Jan. 1, 2026. Wendy’s, for example, moved forward with a plan in late 2025 to begin closing hundreds of restaurants. The list is long enough that Wendy’s will continue shutting down locations well into 2026.
The same goes for Starbucks, which announced in 2025 that it would begin to strategically close hundreds of locations, continuing into the following year.
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But it’s not like either of those chains is disappearing for good. Others certainly are in 2026.
We weren’t even two weeks into the year when Value City Furniture announced it would begin a liquidation sale at all locations. Every store is expected to close by the end of 2026. Saks Global filed for bankruptcy in January before announcing plans to close nearly 65 stores.
Here is a look at what to expect from each of these chains facing challenges and closures this year.
Chains That Are Closing or Have Closed Locations in 2026
The list of chains that have closed locations or have plans to shutter stores later in 2026 continues to grow at a rapid pace.
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll
Chains That Are Closing or Have Closed Locations in 2025
The list of chains that have closed locations or have plans to shutter stores later in 2025 continues to grow at a rapid pace.
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll