Closing Time: 6 Major Retail Chains Closing Doors in New Jersey This Year

From the shuttering of iconic mall anchors in North Jersey to the potential final exit of discount giants, here are 6 major retail chains closing doors in New Jersey this year.

1. Macy’s

The department store giant is shedding 150 stores nationwide as part of its "Bold New Chapter" strategy, and New Jersey is taking a direct hit in the first quarter of 2026.

• The Impact: Two major locations have been confirmed for closure:

  • Livingston: The store at Livingston Mall (112 Eisenhower Parkway) is closing, a significant blow to a mall that has struggled with vacancies in recent years.
  • Ramsey: The store at the Interstate Shopping Center (225 Interstate Shopping Center) is also shutting down.

• The Timeline: Liquidation sales began in January, with the final doors expected to lock by March 2026.

  
  
  

2. Big Lots

The situation for Big Lots in New Jersey has turned dire. After filing for bankruptcy and closing stores like the Cherry Hill location in late 2025, the future of the remaining fleet hangs by a thread.

• The Impact: Reports from early 2026 indicate that the retailer has issued layoff notices for its 16 remaining New Jersey stores, effective February 28, 2026.
• The Shift: While a last-minute buyer could theoretically save some locations, the filings suggest a total wind-down of the brand's presence in the state is imminent. Shoppers holding gift cards should use them immediately.

3. REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)

In a surprising move for the outdoor co-op, REI is scaling back its footprint in one of New Jersey's busiest retail corridors.

• The Impact: REI has announced plans to close its store in Paramus, NJ.
• The Context: Paramus is often considered the retail capital of the state, making this exit particularly symbolic. The company cited the need to "return to growth" and optimize its real estate portfolio, mirroring similar urban closures in New York City and Boston. The closure is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

4. Stop & Shop

The regional grocery giant is in the middle of a painful "right-sizing" effort. After closing 10 New Jersey stores (including locations in Edison, Howell, and Phillipsburg) recently, the cuts are bleeding into 2026.

• The Impact: The Stop & Shop on Route 9 in Toms River has been identified for closure in Spring 2026.
• The Reason: The company is shedding "underperforming" stores to focus on remodeling and lowering prices at its profitable locations.
• The Fallout: This leaves a large vacancy on a busy stretch of Route 9 and forces loyal customers to shift to competitors like ShopRite or Aldi.

5. Walgreens

Walgreens is executing a massive three-year plan to close 1,200 stores, and New Jersey's density means it is seeing frequent closures as the chain eliminates overlapping coverage.

• The Impact: Several locations have been flagged for closure in the 2026 fiscal cycle, including stores in Lincroft (Newman Springs Rd), Asbury Park (Main St), and Clinton (Old Hwy 22).
• The Trend: The pharmacy chain is moving away from a "store on every corner" model. Patients at these locations should expect automatic prescription transfers to the nearest surviving Walgreens or Duane Reade.

6. Rite Aid

Following its second bankruptcy filing, Rite Aid's presence in New Jersey has decimated.

• The Impact: The chain is in the final stages of a massive portfolio sale. Early 2026 closures included locations in Neptune and Sicklerville, with many others being auctioned off to competitors or developers.
• The Reality: For many New Jerseyans, Rite Aid is effectively exiting the market. If you still have a local store open, be prepared for a potential conversion to another brand or a sudden closure notice as the bankruptcy proceedings conclude.