Many Big Retailers Closing Locations This Year Are Found In Wisconsin

Overall, 2025 was a mixed-to-positive year for the retail industry. According to reports, there was solid overall growth (2.7%–3.7% forecast increase) and record-high investment in physical retail properties ($66.2+ billion).

However, last year also saw many U.S. retail store closures, with estimates ranging from over 8,000 to 15,000 locations shutting down as major chains like Macy's, Kohl's, JCPenney, Nordstrom, Rite Aid, Joann, and Party City adjusted store footprints, filed for bankruptcy, or shifted focus due to e-commerce, inflation, and evolving consumer habits.

Unfortunately, it looks like that trend is continuing in 2026, as many major retailers have already closed locations across the country or have announced closures for later this year.

Several of these big chain stores and restaurants currently have locations in Wisconsin, and time will tell how many of them will close this year. In some instances, it's already happened.

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