The 4 Major Retail Closures in Rhode Island This February 2026

The headline story in the Ocean State isn't just about chains leaving—it's about the "Washington Bridge Effect" claiming its most high-profile victim yet, alongside the total exit of a popular mall boutique.

Here is the breakdown of the major retail and dining closures hitting Rhode Island this month.

1. Plant City (Providence)

• The Status: Flagship Location Closure
• The Impact: In a massive blow to the downtown dining scene, Plant City—the world’s largest plant-based food hall—will permanently close its flagship South Water Street location on February 8, 2026.
• Why: This is a direct casualty of the Washington Bridge failure. Ownership cited the "immediate and lasting" drop in foot traffic caused by the highway disruption, which made the business model unsustainable.
• The Silver Lining: The brand isn't vanishing entirely. The Barrington location and the Plant City X drive-thru in Warwick will remain open, as they are less affected by the I-195 bridge chaos.

2. Francesca’s

• The Status: Total Market Exit
• The Impact: The boutique chain known for its eclectic mix of clothing and gifts is reportedly shuttering its remaining physical footprint. Reports indicate that all Rhode Island locations (including those in key hubs like Providence Place) are winding down operations.
• Why: After years of financial instability, the chain is moving to an online-first model. "All Sales Final" signs have been spotted at locations since mid-January, with physical storefronts expected to go dark by the end of this month.

3. Walgreens

• The Status: "Quiet" Contractions
• The Impact: As part of its national plan to close 1,200 stores over three years, Walgreens continues to prune its Rhode Island presence. While a definitive "hit list" remains elusive, locations in Providence and Cranston have seen reduced pharmacy hours and inventory consolidation this month.
• Why: The pharmacy giant is struggling with reimbursement rates and is aggressively cutting costs. Rhode Islanders should be prepared for sudden pharmacy transfers as the company aims to close 500 stores nationally in 2026 alone.

4. CVS Health (Corporate & Retail)

• The Status: Headquarters Shakeup
• The Impact: While your local CVS store likely remains open, the company itself is shrinking in its home state. Following layoffs in December 2025, CVS Health is executing further reductions at its Woonsocket headquarters this quarter.
• Why: The company is cutting $2 billion in costs to stabilize its stock price. While this primarily affects corporate roles, it signals a tightening of the belt that often trickles down to store staffing levels and hours in the chain's home state.

The "Bridge Effect" is Real

February 2026 will be remembered in Rhode Island as the month the Washington Bridge crisis claimed a beloved institution. While the loss of Francesca's is a national trend, the closure of Plant City's flagship proves that the state's infrastructure woes are now causing tangible economic damage to local businesses. Residents should plan for one final visit to South Water Street before Feb. 8th and keep a close eye on their local Walgreens for potential service changes.