MARYLAND - The retail landscape in Maryland is undergoing a turbulent transition as we move through 2026. Following a national trend of fleet optimization and restructuring, several major department stores and discount giants are confirming departures and finalizing closures this year. Driven by a consumer shift toward e-commerce and a broader industry strategy to downsize physical footprints, nearly 300 U.S. chains have announced store closures for 2026.
2026 Fall Retail Closings in Maryland: What Stores Are Leaving?
Here is a look at the major closures reshaping Maryland's shopping districts.
Department Stores and Mall Exits
The most noticeable shift in Maryland's retail real estate is the retreat of major anchor stores and the physical transformation of aging malls.
- Macy's: As part of a corporate initiative to shutter 150 "underproductive" stores by the end of 2026, Macy's is shrinking its footprint to focus on best-performing locations and digital growth. In Maryland, the Marley Station Mall location in Glen Burnie was slated to close early in the year, dealing a substantial hit to the mall's retail draw and leaving JCPenney as its sole traditional department store anchor. Another Macy's location in Towson was also listed for closure in 2026.
- Foot Locker: Following its acquisition by Dick's Sporting Goods in 2025, Foot Locker is aggressively closing smaller, older-format stores located in aging regional malls across the state. The brand is consolidating its inventory at high-traffic hubs such as Arundel Mills and Towson Town Center.
- Lakeforest Mall: While it officially closed its doors to the public previously, 2026 marks the physical demolition of the Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg. The site is slated for total redevelopment into a mixed-use community, representing the largest-ever removal of retail square footage in Montgomery County.
Discount Giants and Pharmacies
The footprint of discount retailers and local convenience stores is also shrinking across Maryland's suburbs.
- Big Lots: After a tumultuous period of bankruptcy filings and failed buyout attempts, Big Lots is conducting a final "clean sweep" of its remaining stores in 2026. Aggressive liquidation sales are affecting the final wind-down locations in Prince Frederick and Waldorf, leaving large-box store vacancies in Southern Maryland.
- Walgreens: The pharmacy chain is in the midst of a massive three-year nationwide reduction plan. Targeting unprofitable stores or those with expiring leases, Walgreens is closing locations in Essex and parts of the D.C. suburbs, forcing residents to transfer prescriptions to other providers.
Dining and Specialty Retail
- Wendy's and Red Robin: Fast-food and casual dining brands are also trimming their portfolios. Wendy's plans to close 150 to 300 locations nationwide by the end of 2026. Red Robin is similarly executing a plan to close underperforming restaurants.
- Yankee Candle: Parent company Newell Brands announced plans to close 20 stores starting in January 2026. The candle company operates 10 stores across Maryland, including locations in Annapolis, Baltimore, and National Harbor.
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