While some areas like Meridian are seeing new growth, many household names are shrinking their footprints or leaving the state entirely. For Idaho shoppers, this means it’s time to use those gift cards and prepare for empty storefronts at local plazas.
Based on recent bankruptcy filings, corporate restructuring announcements, and ongoing "fleet optimization" plans, here are six major retail chains closing locations in Idaho this year.
1. Rite Aid
This is the most significant hit for many Idaho communities. The pharmacy chain has been navigating a severe bankruptcy process. Unlike a simple downsizing, this has been a massive reduction in the state.
Idaho has lost multiple locations in recent months, with confirmed closures impacting Caldwell, McCall, and several spots in Boise and Meridian. In many cases, prescription files have been sold to nearby CVS or Walgreens locations. If you still see a Rite Aid sign up in your town, check its status immediately, as the "store closing" list changes weekly.
2. Macy’s
The iconic department store continues its strategy of exiting struggling malls to focus on its best-performing sites. Macy's has confirmed a new round of closures as part of its "Bold New Chapter" plan.
In Idaho, the major casualty is the location at Silver Lake Mall in Coeur d'Alene. This closure leaves the state with just one remaining Macy's location (Boise Towne Square). For residents of North Idaho, this marks the end of an era for traditional department store shopping in the region.
3. Big Lots
The discount furniture and pantry retailer filed for bankruptcy protection and has been aggressively shedding stores to survive. Idaho has been hit hard by these cuts.
Stores in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, and Lewiston were marked for closure, following earlier closures in the Boise area. Shoppers looking for bargain patio furniture or home goods should expect aggressive liquidation sales at these locations as the brand wipes out a significant portion of its local footprint.
4. 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 to stabilize its finances.
Idaho is seeing specific cuts, with locations in Coeur d'Alene, Meridian, and Rexburg marked for closure or sale. The company is consolidating its footprint to focus on its "Pro" business (selling to mechanics). This means your local DIY store could be consolidated into a nearby hub, leaving an empty box in the auto strip.
5. LL Flooring
Formerly known as Lumber Liquidators, this flooring retailer is closing its doors entirely. After failing to find a buyer during its bankruptcy process, the company announced a total liquidation of all stores nationwide.
This affects the locations in Boise and Idaho Falls. Homeowners who were planning renovations should know that "all sales are final" and installation services have ceased. The storefronts will go dark once the remaining inventory is sold off.
6. Walgreens
While Rite Aid has been the headline story, Walgreens is quietly thinning its own herd. The pharmacy giant is in the midst of closing roughly 1,200 stores nationwide to cut costs.
Idaho has not been immune, with closures already impacting the Boise area (Federal Way). The company is focusing on closing locations that are too close to other Walgreens stores or are not profitable enough to sustain rising labor costs. If you live in a town with two Walgreens within a mile of each other, it is highly likely one will shutter this year.
