What lies ahead for 2026? It’s a mixed bag in the retail world. While over 8,000 chain stores closed in 2025, some retailers are still optimistic and planning to expand. Amid rising costs and uncertainty, new opportunities are emerging.
For instance, Dollar General stands out as a leader in new store openings. They aim to open 483 new locations across the U.S. this year, adding to their impressive total of over 20,900 outlets nationwide. Research from Coresight, reported by CNBC, highlights Dollar General as the top franchise for growth in 2026.
Another retailer making significant strides is Aldi. This German supermarket plans to open 168 new stores in 31 states. Aldi has been expanding rapidly since it first entered the U.S. market 50 years ago, gaining fast popularity, especially post-COVID.
The success of Dollar General and Aldi shows that consumers are prioritizing affordability in today’s inflationary environment. Shoppers are gravitating toward discount retailers to stretch their budgets.
But it’s not just grocery stores in the spotlight. Tractor Supply Company is also on the move. They plan to add 100 locations this year. As noted by Forbes, Tractor Supply has become a retailer to watch, focusing on gardening, pet supplies, and a loyal customer base.
Barnes & Noble is joining the expansion trend too, with plans for 60 new stores, which is nearly a 10% increase from their current 667 locations. Just a decade ago, the company faced potential bankruptcy. Now, through a renewed focus on personalized shopping experiences, they’ve turned their fortunes around, as reported by PBS.
Other players like Target, Dollar Tree, and Casey’s are also slated to open new locations this year, showing a mixed retail landscape where some brands are thriving.
However, not everyone is sharing in the success. GameStop has announced plans to close 467 of its 2,100 stores, while women’s fashion retailer Francesca’s will shut down all 457 stores it operates. Walgreens, too, plans to close 350 locations out of 7,960.
This shift illustrates the retail industry’s highs and lows. Some brands are successfully adapting to changing consumer habits, while others are struggling to keep up. Notably, a recent survey indicated that 54% of consumers prefer shopping at discount retailers during economic uncertainty, highlighting the market’s evolving preferences.
As we look forward to 2026, the retail landscape will likely continue to reshape itself, influenced by consumer demand and economic factors.
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