5 Major Retail Chains Announce Closings in Maryland April 2026

Here are the 5 major retail chains scaling back or closing their doors in Maryland this month.

1. Macy’s: The "Marley Station" Farewell

As part of its "Bold New Chapter" strategy, Macy’s is moving forward with its plan to shutter 150 underperforming stores by the end of 2026. For Maryland shoppers, the biggest blow this month is the finalization of the exit from a longtime suburban staple.

• The Maryland Impact: The Macy’s at Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie is expected to conclude its final clearance sales this April.
• The Why: The company is pivoting toward smaller, boutique-style formats and its luxury segments, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury, which have shown stronger growth. This leaves Marley Station without its primary anchor, accelerating the mall's transition toward mixed-use redevelopment.

2. Saks Fifth Avenue: A Luxury Retreat

In one of the most significant blows to Maryland’s high-end retail scene, Saks Global—the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus—is shuttering several iconic locations as it moves through its 2026 bankruptcy restructuring.

• The Maryland Impact: The Saks Fifth Avenue at The Collection in Chevy Chase (Friendship Heights) is officially finalizing its closure plans. While the doors will remain open for final sales through late May, the "end of an era" notices have officially been posted this April.
• The Strategy: Corporate leadership is focusing on a "digital-first" luxury experience, which has led to the closure of nearly two dozen locations nationwide this spring. For Friendship Heights, this marks the loss of a foundational luxury anchor.

3. Big Lots: The Final Liquidation

After years of financial turbulence and a failed "going concern" sale in late 2024, the final remnants of Big Lots are disappearing from the Maryland map this April.

• The End of an Era: All 21 remaining Maryland locations—including stores in Bowie, Glen Burnie, Prince Frederick, and Waldorf—are reaching the conclusion of their "everything must go" sales.
• The Fallout: For many local residents, this was the primary destination for furniture and extreme-bargain home goods. By the end of this month, the familiar orange-and-black signs will be a thing of the past across the state.

4. Eddie Bauer: A Total Brick-and-Mortar Exit

Following a bankruptcy filing in early 2026, the operator of the outdoor apparel giant Eddie Bauer announced it would shutter all physical retail locations after failing to find a buyer.

• The Status: Locations at major Maryland centers—including Mall in Columbia, Westfield Annapolis, and Arundel Mills—are officially wrapping up liquidation this month.
• The Shift: The brand is transitioning to an e-commerce and wholesale model. Gift cards are no longer being accepted at physical stores as of early March, and Maryland hikers and outdoor enthusiasts are finding only empty shelves as the month progresses.

5. Walgreens: The Pharmacy Optimization

Walgreens continues its multi-year "optimization program," with another wave of Maryland closures hitting this April. The chain is shuttering approximately 1,200 stores nationwide to combat declining reimbursement rates and labor shortages.

• The Impact: Residents in Baltimore and surrounding suburbs are seeing the impact as older, underperforming locations reach the end of their leases.
• The Why: The chain is shifting its focus toward larger "primary care" healthcare hubs and high-volume digital fulfillment rather than the traditional neighborhood corner drugstore.

Why Is This Happening in Maryland?

Maryland presents a unique challenge for major retailers in 2026. While the state remains one of the wealthiest in the country, several factors are accelerating these exits:

1. The Rise of "Micro-Fulfillment": Retailers are realizing that massive, centralized storefronts are less efficient than smaller, automated hubs. Many brands are choosing to service Maryland's dense population through high-speed delivery rather than high-rent real estate.
2. The Digital Luxury Pivot: affluent shoppers in Montgomery County and the Baltimore suburbs are increasingly opting for personalized, AI-driven online styling, reducing the need for massive flagship department stores.
3. Real Estate Reimagining: In areas like Glen Burnie and Chevy Chase, the land beneath these stores is often worth more as luxury residential units or medical offices than it is as traditional retail.

Note: Because many of these closures are location-specific or franchise-dependent, it is recommended to check the official store app or local news reports before heading out to use any remaining rewards points or gift cards this month.