These CA Retail Stores Could Shutter In 2026 As Business Closures Continue

Several national retail chains operating in California have already announced plans to close stores in 2026, adapting to a shift in consumer preferences toward e-commerce and a broader industry trend toward downsizing physical footprints to focus on digital growth and efficiency.

Overall, nearly 300 U.S. chains have already announced store closures in 2026, according to research by Business Insider.

Here’s a look at stores in California that could close.

Carter’s, one of the biggest baby and children’s apparel retailers in North America, said in October it would shutter 150 stores over the next three years, with 100 closures by the end of October. It’s unclear which of Carter’s 90-plus stores in California are affected. Stores are located all across California, including in Anaheim, Culver City, Fresno, Sacramento, and Calexico.

Dick’s Sporting Goods, which acquired Foot Locker in 2025, said in a November earnings call that it would “clean out the garage” by shuttering underperforming stores. Dick’s did not say which of its stores that also include Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, WSS and Japanese sneaker brand atmos. The chain not disclose specific stores targeted for closure. In California, Foot Locker has 73 stores.

Kroger said in June that it would close 60 “unprofitable” stores across the United States through 2026. Kroger did not reveal a full list of store closures. In California, the grocery giant operates Ralph's and Food 4 Less. Those stores have several locations across Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.

Macy’s, which has 79 stores in California, announced plans in January 2025 to close 150 stores through the end of 2026 to focus on its best-performing locations and improve the digital experience. At least 66 stores closed in 2025, including nine in California.

REI told Business Insider that it will shutter three stores, beginning in the first quarter of 2026, with the closure of a store in New Jersey. In late 2026, stores in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood and Boston are expected to close. California has 33 REI stores that are not affected by the outdoor outfitter’s plans.

Red Robin said in March it would close 70 underperforming restaurants in 2025, but said in November that improvements allowed it to cut the list of pending closures to 50. The closures are expected to take place by 2030. In California, the fast casual gourmet burger restaurant has 55 locations. It’s unclear if any of them will be closed.

Saks Off 5th, a luxury outlet retailer with discounted designer brands, plans to close stores in nine locations. In California, Saks Off 5th has 12 stores, including in Los Angeles, Camarillo, Milpitas, San Diego and Petaluma.

Walgreens is continuing a three-year plan that began in October 2024 to close underperforming stores whose leases are expiring. The chain did not release a list of stores to be closed. Walgreens has more than 250 stores in California.

Wendy’s, which operates 294 fast-food restaurants in California, plans to close between 150 and 300 locations across the country by the end of 2026. In some cases, the company will work with franchisees to improve the financial success of the restaurant, but others will be shuttered.

Yankee Candle parent company Newell Brands said in December that it would close 20 stores, starting in January 2026. The company also said it was laying off about 900 employees. Yankee Candle has three stores in California, but can also be found across several authorized dealers across the Golden State, including Target and Walmart.