Maryland, USA, December 31, 2025
Several major retailers are set to close multiple locations in Maryland by 2026, impacting communities and raising concerns about access to essential goods. Macy’s, Shoppers Food Warehouse, Walgreens, and others have confirmed closures. Local leaders are seeking solutions to mitigate the economic effects and explore options to support residents. The closures reflect broader strategies from these companies to optimize operations amidst changing market conditions.
Maryland Retailers Announce Planned Closures by 2026
Maryland, USA – Several major retailers have announced plans to close multiple locations in Maryland by 2026, impacting communities across the state. These closures are part of broader strategies to optimize operations and focus on more profitable areas.
Retailers Planning Closures in Maryland
- Macy’s: The department store chain plans to close its Security Square Mall location in Baltimore County and the Harford Mall store in Bel Air, Harford County, as part of a nationwide initiative to shutter 150 underperforming stores by 2026. This move aims to streamline operations and enhance the digital shopping experience.
- Shoppers Food Warehouse: United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), the parent company of Shoppers Food Warehouse, has confirmed the closure of four Maryland locations by early November 2025. The affected stores are in College Park, Laurel, Capitol Heights, and New Carrollton. These closures have raised concerns about potential food deserts in the region, prompting local leaders to seek alternative solutions to maintain access to essential groceries.
- Walgreens: The pharmacy chain is continuing a three-year plan initiated in October 2024 to close underperforming stores with expiring leases. While a specific list of closures has not been released, Walgreens operates approximately 70 stores in Maryland, including locations in Towson, Severn, Pasadena, Perryville, Odenton, Laurel, Joppa, Gambrills, and Baltimore. Customers are encouraged to transfer prescriptions and explore alternative options.
- Red Robin: The restaurant chain announced plans to close between 150 and 300 locations by the end of 2026. In Maryland, Red Robin has 11 locations, including in Bel Air, Towson, Owings Mills, Columbia, and Germantown. The company has not specified which locations will be affected.
- Saks Off 5th: The luxury outlet retailer plans to close stores in nine locations, including two in Maryland at Arundel Mills in Hanover and Clarksburg. Specific closure dates have not been announced.
- Wendy’s: Operating 90 fast-food restaurants in Maryland, Wendy’s plans to close between 150 and 300 locations by the end of 2026. The company will work with franchisees to improve the financial success of some restaurants, while others will be shuttered. Specific locations have not been disclosed.
- Yankee Candle: Parent company Newell Brands announced plans to close 20 stores, starting in January 2026. Yankee Candle has 10 stores in Maryland, including locations in National Harbor, Annapolis, Towson, Baltimore, and Bel Air. The company has not specified which stores will be affected.
Implications for Maryland Communities
The planned closures are expected to have significant impacts on Maryland communities, particularly in areas where these retailers serve as primary sources for essential goods and services. Local leaders and residents are expressing concerns about potential economic downturns and reduced access to necessities. Efforts are underway to identify alternative solutions, such as attracting new businesses or supporting existing local enterprises, to mitigate the effects of these closures.
Background Context
Retailers often adjust their operations in response to changing market conditions, consumer behaviors, and financial performance. Store closures are part of broader strategies to focus on more profitable locations and enhance operational efficiency. While these decisions can lead to short-term disruptions, they are sometimes necessary for the long-term sustainability of the companies involved.
In Maryland, the closure of major retailers has prompted discussions about economic resilience and the importance of supporting local businesses. Community leaders emphasize the need for proactive measures to ensure that residents continue to have access to essential services and that local economies remain robust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which Macy’s stores in Maryland are closing?
The Macy’s locations at Security Square Mall in Baltimore County and Harford Mall in Bel Air, Harford County, are scheduled to close as part of a nationwide initiative to shutter 150 underperforming stores by 2026.
What is the reason for the Shoppers Food Warehouse closures?
United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), the parent company of Shoppers Food Warehouse, has confirmed the closure of four Maryland locations by early November 2025. The affected stores are in College Park, Laurel, Capitol Heights, and New Carrollton. These closures have raised concerns about potential food deserts in the region, prompting local leaders to seek alternative solutions to maintain access to essential groceries.
How many Walgreens stores in Maryland are closing?
Walgreens is continuing a three-year plan initiated in October 2024 to close underperforming stores with expiring leases. While a specific list of closures has not been released, Walgreens operates approximately 70 stores in Maryland, including locations in Towson, Severn, Pasadena, Perryville, Odenton, Laurel, Joppa, Gambrills, and Baltimore. Customers are encouraged to transfer prescriptions and explore alternative options.
Which Red Robin locations in Maryland are closing?
Red Robin announced plans to close between 150 and 300 locations by the end of 2026. In Maryland, Red Robin has 11 locations, including in Bel Air, Towson, Owings Mills, Columbia, and Germantown. The company has not specified which locations will be affected.
Are all Wendy’s locations in Maryland closing?
Wendy’s operates 90 fast-food restaurants in Maryland and plans to close between 150 and 300 locations by the end of 2026. The company will work with franchisees to improve the financial success of some restaurants, while others will be shuttered. Specific locations have not been disclosed.
Which Yankee Candle stores in Maryland are closing?
Yankee Candle’s parent company, Newell Brands, announced plans to close 20 stores, starting in January 2026. Yankee Candle has 10 stores in Maryland, including locations in National Harbor, Annapolis, Towson, Baltimore, and Bel Air. The company has not specified which stores will be affected.
Key Features of the Retailers’ 2026 Closure Plans
| Retailer | Number of Maryland Locations Affected | Planned Closure Date | Reason for Closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macy’s | 2 | By 2026 | Part of a nationwide initiative to close 150 underperforming stores |
| Shoppers Food Warehouse | 4 | By early November 2025 | Optimization of regional footprint amid financial challenges |
| Walgreens | Unknown | Ongoing through 2026 | Closure of underperforming stores with expiring leases |
| Red Robin | Unknown | By the end of 2026 | Closure of underperforming restaurants |
| Saks Off 5th | 2 | Not specified | Part of a plan to close stores in nine locations |
| Wendy’s | Unknown | By the end of 2026 | Closure of underperforming restaurants |
| Yankee Candle | 10 | Starting January 2026 | Part of a plan to close 20 stores |
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