MICHIGAN - The "retail apocalypse" narrative has evolved into a "retail optimization" strategy for 2026, but the result for Michigan shoppers is the same: empty storefronts and "Store Closing" banners. From the corridors of Detroit to the malls of Grand Rapids, national chains are scaling back operations in the Mitten State this year.
Here are the five major retail chains shrinking their footprints in Michigan in 2026.
1. Macy's
The Headline: A major anchor leaves Grand Rapids hanging.
As part of its "Bold New Chapter" initiative to close 150 underperforming stores nationwide, Macy's has included a major Michigan location in its 2026 cut list.
- Confirmed Closure: The RiverTown Crossings location in Grandville (just southwest of Grand Rapids) is set to shutter.
- The Impact: This is a significant blow to the mall, leaving a massive vacancy that is difficult to fill in the current economic climate. Clearance sales are already underway, with the store expected to go dark permanently by the end of the first quarter.
2. GameStop
The Headline: A sharp contraction for the video game giant.
In a move to cut costs and pivot toward digital sales, GameStop is executing a rapid closure of 17 locations across Michigan in early 2026. The closures span from Metro Detroit to the Capitol region.
- Affected Areas: High-traffic locations identified for closure include stores at Woodland Mall (Kentwood), Eastwood Town Center (Lansing), and Cranbrook Village (Ann Arbor).
- The Shift: This wave of closures targets physical locations that are in close proximity to other GameStop stores, forcing gamers to drive further or switch entirely to digital downloads.
3. Advance Auto Parts
The Headline: The "Hub" strategy hits West Michigan hard.
Advance Auto Parts is in the middle of a massive restructuring plan involving the closure of over 500 corporate stores nationwide. Michigan, with its high density of auto parts retailers, is seeing significant consolidation in 2026.
- Locations to Watch: Confirmed closures include the store on Columbia Ave in Battle Creek and the location on 28th Street SW in Wyoming.
- Strategy: The company is moving away from having a store on every corner to focusing on larger "hub" locations that serve professional mechanics, leaving DIY car enthusiasts in these neighborhoods with fewer immediate options.
4. Big Lots
The Headline: The final sweep of the suburbs.
Following its bankruptcy proceedings, Big Lots is continuing its aggressive retreat from the Michigan market. While many stores closed in late 2025, the "lease rejection" phase is claiming more locations in 2026.
- Confirmed Closures: Recent filings have flagged locations in Burton (Court St) and Shelby Township (23 Mile Rd) for liquidation.
- The Vibe: Shoppers in these areas can expect steep discounts on furniture and home goods as the chain liquidates inventory to pay off creditors, with these storefronts likely remaining empty for the foreseeable future.
5. Walgreens
The Headline: Deepening the "Pharmacy Desert" crisis.
With Rite Aid having already exited the Michigan market entirely, the pressure was on Walgreens to fill the gap. Instead, Walgreens is executing its own closure plan (targeting 1,200 stores nationally), which is hitting Michigan's urban and rural centers in 2026.
- The Reality: Rather than specific "named" closures, Walgreens is quietly closing underperforming neighborhood stores in Detroit and rural counties where prescription volume is low.
- The Consequence: This is creating significant "pharmacy deserts" where residents—particularly seniors—now have no pharmacy within walking distance, forcing them to rely on mail-order services or transportation to further competitors like CVS or Meijer.
