4 Major Chains Closing Doors in the Baltimore Region This February 2026

From the total collapse of a high-tech grocery experiment in the suburbs to the loss of major mall anchors in Woodlawn and Bel Air, here is what is closing in the Baltimore region this month.

1. Macy's (Security Square & Harford Mall)

• The Status: Confirmed Closures
• The Scoop: The most visible blow to local retail comes from department store giant Macy's. As part of its corporate strategy to shutter 150 "underperforming" locations, two major Maryland anchors are going dark.
• Security Square Mall (Woodlawn): This closure is a critical hit to a mall that has already struggled with vacancies for years.
• Harford Mall (Bel Air): A longtime staple for Harford County shoppers, this location is also on the final cut list.
• The Impact: Liquidation sales are in their final stages, and these massive empty boxes will pose a significant redevelopment challenge for both Baltimore and Harford Counties.

2. Amazon Fresh

• The Status: Total Statewide Exit
• The Date: February 1, 2026
• The Scoop: In a stunning reversal, Amazon is pulling the plug on its physical "Amazon Fresh" grocery stores across the entire state of Maryland.
• The Impact: While heavily concentrated in the D.C. suburbs (Chevy Chase, Gaithersburg, White Oak), the shockwave is felt across the region. These stores, which featured "Just Walk Out" technology, failed to gain sufficient traction against established giants such as Giant Food and Wegmans.
• The Twist: As in Pennsylvania, Amazon has indicated that some of these relatively new buildings could be converted into Whole Foods Markets later in 2026, but in February, they will remain dark.

3. Rite Aid

• The Status: Final Market Departure
• The Scoop: The long, slow exit of Rite Aid from Baltimore City and County is reaching its conclusion. Following its bankruptcy restructuring, the pharmacy chain has moved from "strategic cuts" to a near-total exit.
• The Impact: Neighborhoods that relied on Rite Aid as a primary convenience store—particularly along corridors like Reisterstown Road—are now losing a key essential service. Residents should verify their prescription transfers immediately, as many files are being automatically moved to nearby Walgreens locations.

4. Family Dollar

• The Status: Neighborhood Contractions
• The Scoop: The ripple effects of Dollar Tree Inc.'s massive national downsizing continue to hit Baltimore neighborhoods. Several Family Dollar locations in the city, particularly in West Baltimore, are winding down operations this month as leases expire.
• Why: The company is aggressively shedding stores that aren't profitable, leaving some communities with fewer options for budget-friendly household staples.

February 2026 is defined by the loss of the "middle ground" in Baltimore retail. Macy's departure removes the traditional department store anchor for two counties. At the same time, the exit of Amazon Fresh shows that high-tech gimmicks can't replace the loyalty locals have to their traditional grocery chains. Residents in Woodlawn and Bel Air, in particular, should prepare for significant changes to their local mall landscapes.