NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE - New Hampshire's retail landscape is entering a season of notable change. As the "retail apocalypse" continues to push national brands toward digital-first models or total liquidation, several household names are winding down their physical operations in the Granite State. For local shoppers, these closures represent more than just the loss of tax-free shopping destinations—they mark the end of long-standing retail traditions in some of the State most prominent malls.
Here are four iconic clothing retailers shuttering New Hampshire locations this spring.
1. Eddie Bauer (Multiple Locations)
In a major blow to New Hampshire's outdoor-loving community, the legendary Eddie Bauer is officially exiting the brick-and-mortar market. After the entity operating the brand's physical stores failed to find a buyer during bankruptcy proceedings earlier this spring, the decision was made to shift the century-old brand to a digital-only model.
New Hampshire is losing its entire physical presence, with inventory liquidation sales wrapping up at several key sites. Doors are expected to lock for the last time by late May 2026 at locations including:
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The Mall at Rockingham Park (Salem)
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Pheasant Lane Mall (Nashua)
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Tanger Outlets (Tilton)
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Settlers Green (North Conway)
2. Rue21 (All Locations)
In one of the most significant hits to teen fashion this year, the Pennsylvania-based Rue21 is liquidating its entire store fleet after filing for its third and final bankruptcy. Unlike previous attempts to reorganize, the brand failed to secure a buyer to keep its physical doors open, leading to a total wind-down of its North American footprint.
With locations in several regional shopping centers, New Hampshire is losing a community mainstay for young shoppers. Final "Going Out of Business" sales are expected to wrap up by late spring 2026 at:
- The Mall at Rockingham Park (Salem)
- Pheasant Lane Mall (Nashua)
- The Mall of New Hampshire (Manchester)
3. Francesca's (All Remaining Locations)
The boutique staple Francesca's is reaching the end of the road for its storefronts. Following a second bankruptcy filing and the sudden loss of investor funding earlier this year, the chain is liquidating all 457 of its boutiques nationwide. The brand, known for its curated, free-spirited aesthetic, has struggled to maintain its mall-based model amid rising digital competition.
New Hampshire shoppers are saying goodbye to these neighborhood boutiques in several major hubs. "Going Out of Business" signs have been a fixture throughout the spring, with locations at the Mall at Rockingham Park, Pheasant Lane Mall, and Merrimack Premium Outlets expected to be fully vacated by mid-May 2026.
4. Macy's (Newington)
As part of its "Bold New Chapter" strategy—a plan to shutter 150 underperforming stores nationwide by the end of 2026—Macy's has officially exited its location at The Mall at Fox Run in Newington.
The closure is part of a broader redevelopment of the site, which has been in the works for several years. While the store began its final clearance sales earlier this year, the site handover and the space's total vacation were finalized this spring. This leaves New Hampshire with only three remaining Macy's locations (Salem, Manchester, and Nashua), signaling a significant retreat from the Seacoast retail market.
The Evolution of New Hampshire Retail
The departure of these clothing icons leaves notable vacancies in New Hampshire's premier shopping destinations. However, the vacancy also brings opportunity; developers at the Mall at Fox Run and in major hubs like Nashua are already looking ahead. Many of these spaces are being scouted for "experiential" and community-focused tenants—ranging from entertainment centers and medical suites to upscale dining—as the Granite State retail hubs adapt to a digital-first economy.
