Story perspectives

Retail Shakeup: 5,500 New Stores Amid 7,900 Closures

2/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Coresight Research projects U.S. store openings in 2026, led by value retailers.
Retailers are expected to close about 7,900 stores in 2026, a 4.5% decline from 2025, and open about 5,500 new locations, up 4.4%, with Saks Global and LKM Convenience filing for bankruptcy this year.
GameStop and Francesca's are among major closures.
Affluent consumers have maintained spending despite inflation.
Experts warn of tightening real estate demand as store construction costs rise.

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Story summary

Coresight Research projects U.S. store openings in 2026, led by value retailers.
Retailers are expected to close about 7,900 stores in 2026, a 4.5% decline from 2025, and open about 5,500 new locations, up 4.4%, with Saks Global and LKM Convenience filing for bankruptcy this year.
GameStop and Francesca's are among major closures.
Affluent consumers have maintained spending despite inflation.
Experts warn of tightening real estate demand as store construction costs rise.