The chill in Western New York this February isn't just from the lake effect. The region’s retail landscape is taking a significant hit this month with the confirmed loss of a major mall anchor in Amherst and the departure of a beloved burger spot in Allentown.
From national bankruptcies to the end of a local manufacturing era, here is what is closing in the Buffalo region this month.
1. Macy’s (Boulevard Mall)
- The Status: Confirmed Closure
- The Scoop: The death knell for the Boulevard Mall as we knew it has officially rung. As part of Macy's national plan to shutter 150 "underperforming" stores, the Amherst location is one of 14 stores nationwide going dark in early 2026.
- The Impact: Liquidation sales are in their final stages this month. This closure leaves the Boulevard Mall without its most significant remaining anchor, accelerating the site’s eventual transition into a mixed-use "town center" development.
- Why: The location was flagged as less profitable compared to the chain's other regional stronghold at the Walden Galleria.
2. Allen Burger Venture (ABV)
- The Status: Permanent Closure
- The Scoop: In a shock to the Allentown dining scene, Allen Burger Venture (ABV) has grilled its last patty. The popular burger and craft beer bar announced it would cease operations at the end of January, meaning its doors are officially locked as February begins.
- The Reason: Ownership cited the challenging economic climate for independent restaurants, including rising food costs and shifting dining habits in the neighborhood.
- The Vibe Loss: ABV was a staple for "gourmet" burgers before the trend saturated the market, and its loss leaves a prime storefront on Allen Street empty.
3. Value City Furniture
- The Status: Total Liquidation
- The Scoop: The "Going Out of Business" signs are up. Value City Furniture is closing its remaining Western New York locations, including the stores in Amherst and Cheektowaga.
- The Impact: This is part of a wider corporate restructuring. February is likely the last chance for bargain hunters to grab deeply discounted sofas and dining sets before the showrooms are vacated entirely.
4. Rite Aid
- The Status: The Final Fade-Out
- The Scoop: The Philadelphia-based pharmacy chain’s bankruptcy saga is reaching its conclusion in Buffalo. While many locations closed in 2025, the remaining "zombie" stores in the city and suburbs are winding down operations this month.
- The Locations: This affects scattered locations across Buffalo (South Park Ave, Elmwood) and the surrounding suburbs.
- Action Item: If your prescription is still at a Rite Aid, assume the store will not be there by spring. Transfer your files to Wegmans or Tops Pharmacy immediately to avoid disruptions.
February 2026 is a month of heavy transition for Buffalo. The loss of Macy's effectively ends the traditional era of the Boulevard Mall, while the closure of Allen Burger Venture is a sobering reminder of how difficult the post-pandemic years remain for local restaurants. Meanwhile, bargain hunters have one last month to pick over the remains of Value City Furniture.