Based on recent bankruptcy filings, corporate restructuring announcements, and ongoing "fleet optimization" plans, here are six major retail chains expected to close locations in Oregon this year.
1. Fred Meyer (Kroger)
This is the one that has Oregonians most concerned. Kroger, the parent company of the beloved PNW staple Fred Meyer, announced plans to close 60 underperforming supermarkets nationwide in 2026 to "streamline operations."
This comes on top of the massive uncertainty surrounding the proposed merger with Albertsons (Safeway). While the specific "closure list" is kept quiet until the last minute, analysts warn that overlapping markets—like Portland and Eugene, where Fred Meyer and Safeway sit blocks apart—are the most vulnerable to divestitures or shutdowns.
2. Advance Auto Parts
The auto parts giant is pumping the brakes harder than almost any other retailer this year. Advance Auto Parts announced a massive restructuring plan to shutter over 700 locations nationwide by mid-2026.
Oregon is seeing the impact, with underperforming stores in the Portland Metro and Willamette Valley areas marked for closure or sale. The company is consolidating its footprint to focus on its "Pro" business (selling to mechanics) rather than retail DIY stores. If you have a warranty with them, check if your local store is remaining open.
3. Macy’s
The iconic department store continues its "Bold New Chapter" strategy. After already closing notable locations like the ones at Streets of Tanasbourne (Hillsboro) and Salem Center last year, Macy's has confirmed a final round of closures for 2026.
The company is exiting struggling malls to focus on its best-performing sites. Oregon’s remaining mall anchors—specifically in areas with declining foot traffic—remain on the "watch list" as leases come up for renewal.
4. Denny’s
"America's Diner" is getting harder to find. The chain announced a plan to close roughly 150 underperforming locations nationwide to strengthen its financial health.
Oregon has a high concentration of older, roadside Denny’s locations, particularly along the I-5 corridor. Several of these aging units are at risk. The company has stated it is focusing on high-volume locations, meaning the quiet, 24-hour diner you visited in college might be serving its last Grand Slam soon.
5. Walgreens
The pharmacy giant is in the middle of a massive three-year plan to close roughly 1,200 stores nationwide. While Rite Aid has already exited the state due to bankruptcy, Walgreens is now thinning its own herd.
Oregon is a prime target for these corrections because the I-5 corridor is heavily saturated. Closures have already impacted the Portland area, and the company is targeting locations that are too close to each other. If you live in a town with two Walgreens within a mile of each other, it is highly likely one will shutter this year.
6. Foot Locker
If you buy sneakers at the mall, you might need to find a new spot soon. Foot Locker is in the middle of a massive pivot, closing as many as 400 underperforming stores by 2026.
Their new strategy involves moving away from smaller, older mall-based stores and focusing on larger "power stores." Expect to see smaller Foot Locker locations in Oregon’s regional malls close their gates this year as the brand shifts its focus to top-tier shopping centers like Washington Square.
