MARYLAND - For Maryland shoppers, 2026 is starting with a noticeable shift in the retail landscape. While the "Retail Apocalypse" of the past decade decimated older malls, the 2026 wave of closures is different. It is hitting profitable chains that are "trimming the fat," as well as beloved mall anchors that have finally run out of time.
From the final days of a department store icon in Glen Burnie to the boutique blackout in Bethesda, here are the 5 major chains shrinking their footprint in Maryland this year.
1. Macy’s (The Marley Station Blow)
The slow decline of the traditional mall anchor has claimed another victim in Anne Arundel County.
- The Closure: As part of its corporate strategy to close 150 underperforming stores by 2026, Macy's has confirmed that its Marley Station Mall (Glen Burnie) location is on the immediate chopping block.
- The Impact: This is a symbolic and economic hit. For decades, this Macy's (originally a Hecht's) was a primary shopping destination for the area. Its departure leaves the struggling Marley Station with yet another massive vacancy, further pushing shoppers toward Arundel Mills.
2. Big Lots (The Southern Maryland Exit)
The discount retailer is pulling back hard, and Southern Maryland is feeling the squeeze.
- The Situation: Following a rocky 2025 involving bankruptcy proceedings, Big Lots is executing a "clean sweep" of its remaining underperforming leases in 2026.
- The Locations: Liquidation sales have been flagged for locations in Prince Frederick and Waldorf.
- The Reality: In these communities, Big Lots wasn't just a place for cheap patio furniture; it served as a vital home goods pantry. These closures leave large "big box" holes in key shopping centers along Route 4 and Route 301.
3. Francesca’s (The Boutique Blackout)
If you shop for trendy clothes in Montgomery County, your options just shrank.
- The News: The Houston-based boutique chain Francesca's is winding down operations significantly in 2026.
- The MD Impact: The chain is closing all 9 of its remaining Maryland locations. This includes the popular storefront at Westfield Montgomery Mall (Bethesda).
- The Vibe: This marks the end of an era for the "fast fashion" boutique model that dominated Maryland malls in the 2010s.
4. Walgreens (The Beltway Pullback)
The pharmacy giant is thinning its herd, specifically targeting the dense suburbs.
- The Trend: Walgreens is in the midst of closing 1,200 stores nationally. In Maryland, the focus is on removing "redundant" stores—locations that are too close to each other or to a CVS.
- The Targets: Closures have been identified in the Essex area (specifically along Eastern Blvd/Marlyn Ave) and scattered locations in the DC suburbs where rent is high and foot traffic has dipped.
- The Risk: For residents in Essex, this limits walk-in access to prescriptions, forcing many to drive further down the pike for basic healthcare needs.
5. Family Dollar (The Baltimore City Correction)
The dollar store density in Baltimore is about to drop.
- The News: Parent company Dollar Tree is closing hundreds of Family Dollar stores to fix profitability.
- The MD Impact: Maryland has nearly 90 Family Dollar locations, with a massive concentration in Baltimore City. Expect to see a wave of closures for the older, smaller storefronts in the city as the brand consolidates.
- The Consequence: In many Baltimore neighborhoods, Family Dollar serves as the de facto grocery store. These closures could worsen existing food deserts, removing a source of pantry staples for residents without cars.
