NEW HAMPSHIRE - As the "Great Retail Realignment" of 2026 continues, the Granite State is feeling the impact of national corporate shifts. From the Seacoast to the Merrimack Valley, several major chains are adjusting their physical presence this March as they navigate bankruptcy filings and modernization strategies.
Here is the breakdown of major retail changes affecting New Hampshire shoppers this month.
1. Anchor Shifts: Macy’s
Macy’s is moving forward with its national "Bold New Chapter" initiative, which involves shuttering underperforming locations to reinvest in its most profitable "Go Forward" stores.
In New Hampshire, the Fox Run Mall location in Newington is the primary focus of these closures. With the mall itself slated for significant redevelopment, this Macy’s location is entering its final liquidation phase. Once the Newington store closes its doors, Macy’s will be left with only three physical locations in the state: Manchester (Mall of New Hampshire), Nashua (Pheasant Lane Mall), and Salem (Mall at Rockingham Park).
2. The Discount Vacuum: Big Lots
Following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy and subsequent acquisition, Big Lots is aggressively trimming its real estate portfolio. The discount chain has been selling off leases across New England to stabilize its finances.
While some New Hampshire stores like those in Derry and Rochester have remained on the "safe" list in previous rounds, the Claremont and Nashua locations have faced significant uncertainty. Liquidation sales at targeted underperforming stores are expected to wrap up this spring as the company transitions to a leaner operating model.
3. Boutique Liquidation: Francesca’s
A staple of New Hampshire's major malls for years, the women’s boutique Francesca’s is undergoing a total brand liquidation. Following its second bankruptcy filing in early 2026, the company has announced it will close all remaining physical boutiques nationwide.
Shoppers at the Mall at Rockingham Park and the Pheasant Lane Mall will likely see "Going Out of Business" signs throughout March. Unlike some retailers who are merely downsizing, Francesca’s is expected to exit the physical retail market entirely by late spring.
4. Outdoor Apparel: Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer is currently operating under bankruptcy protection with a deadline of April 30, 2026. Unless a last-minute buyer emerges to keep the physical storefronts open, the brand is prepared for a total liquidation of its brick-and-mortar assets.
New Hampshire enthusiasts of the brand should keep a close watch on the Merrimack Premium Outlets and Settlers Green locations. March represents the final full month for shoppers to use gift cards and loyalty rewards before the projected April shutdown.
Why the Shift in the Granite State?
The retail movement in New Hampshire reflects broader national trends, but with a few local nuances:
- Mall Redevelopment: Locations like the Fox Run Mall are transitioning away from traditional retail toward mixed-use spaces (residential and professional), forcing even healthy anchors to relocate or close.
- The Second-Hand/Discount Pivot: As chains like Big Lots struggle, the market is seeing a surge in extreme-value and second-hand retailers, which are often taking over the large footprints left behind.
- Inventory Purging: March is traditionally a "clearinghouse" month where retailers flush out winter stock. For companies in financial trouble, this clearance often doubles as a final liquidation.
Important Note: For any stores in active liquidation (specifically Francesca’s and Eddie Bauer), consumer protection experts recommend using gift cards immediately. Bankruptcy courts often set "bar dates" after which these cards lose all cash value.