3 Retail Giants Leaving New Hampshire in May 2026

Driven by corporate bankruptcies and a shift toward mixed-use developments, here are the major brands closing their doors this month.

1. Francesca’s

The boutique fashion retailer Francesca’s is in the final stages of a total nationwide liquidation. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2026, the brand has been winding down operations at all of its roughly 450 locations.

• The Impact: New Hampshire is losing its remaining presence in five major retail centers. By the end of May, storefronts will be permanently closed at:
  • The Mall of New Hampshire (Manchester)
  • Pheasant Lane Mall (Nashua)
  • The Mall at Rockingham Park (Salem)
  • Merrimack Premium Outlets (Merrimack)
• The Sale: Clearance events have reached their final phase, with deep discounts on the brand's signature clothing and jewelry as they vacate their mall footprints.

2. Eddie Bauer

Following an unsuccessful attempt to find a buyer during bankruptcy proceedings, Eddie Bauer is completing its exit from the New Hampshire brick-and-mortar market this May. The outdoor apparel giant is transitioning to an online-only and wholesale model to reduce its physical overhead.

• The Impact: The closure affects long-standing locations at:
  • Merrimack Premium Outlets (Merrimack)
  • Settlers Green (North Conway)
  • Tanger Outlets (Tilton)
• What’s Next: For local outdoor enthusiasts, the brand’s departure marks the end of an era for in-person gear testing in the Granite State, shifting the focus to the brand’s digital storefront.

3. Macy’s (Fox Run Mall Finalization)

While Macy’s maintains a presence in Salem, Manchester, and Nashua, the company is finalizing its exit from the Seacoast region this May. This move is part of the "Bold New Chapter" restructuring plan, which involves shuttering 150 underperforming stores nationwide to focus on luxury brands and smaller formats.

• The Impact: The Fox Run Mall location in Newington is in its final days of liquidation.
• The Context: The closure of the Macy’s anchor is a major step in the complete redevelopment of the Fox Run property. The site is currently being prepped for "Seacoast Landing," a massive new mixed-use development that will replace the traditional mall with housing, medical offices, and entertainment venues.

Why the Shift?

New Hampshire’s retail landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation. With the lack of sales tax, the state has long been a shopping destination, but the rise of e-commerce has made large-scale brick-and-mortar footprints harder to justify.

For residents of Merrimack and Newington, these departures are particularly noticeable as major shopping centers pivot away from traditional retail "anchors" and toward residential and experiential spaces. While the loss of these giants is felt by local employees, it opens the door for the next generation of New Hampshire’s commercial developments.