While some areas are seeing new growth, many household names are shrinking their footprints or leaving the state entirely. For Montana 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 Montana this year.
1. Advance Auto Parts (and Carquest)
This is the most significant hit for many rural Montana communities. The auto parts giant announced a massive restructuring plan to shutter over 700 locations nationwide by mid-2026.
In Montana, this hits hard because of the chain's ownership of Carquest. With over 20 locations spread across the state—from Anaconda and Glasgow to Whitefish—the "optimization" of their footprint risks local access to parts. The company is consolidating its network to focus on larger hubs, meaning some independent or smaller corporate-owned stores in the state are expected to close this year.
2. Big Lots
The discount furniture and pantry retailer filed for bankruptcy protection and has been aggressively shedding stores to survive. Montana has already felt the sting of these cuts.
Stores in Great Falls and Helena were marked for closure in the initial bankruptcy waves. As the company attempts to stabilize its finances, the remaining footprint in the state remains vulnerable. Shoppers looking for bargain patio furniture or home goods should expect aggressive liquidation sales at affected locations.
3. Family Dollar
Dollar Tree, the parent company of Family Dollar, is in the middle of a massive closure of nearly 1,000 stores nationwide. In Montana, where Family Dollar often serves as a mini-grocery store for small towns, the impact is significant.
The closures are targeting locations where profitability is down due to inflation, theft, or shipping costs. Rural locations and underperforming stores in the Billings and Missoula outskirts are under review. If your local store has been struggling with inventory or staffing, it may be next on the list as the company finalizes its lease expirations this year.
4. Walgreens
The pharmacy giant is in the midst of closing roughly 1,200 stores nationwide to cut costs. While Montana doesn't have the density of the East Coast, the "optimization" plan is active here.
Walgreens is focusing on closing unprofitable locations that cannot sustain rising labor and shipping costs. Locations in Billings and Missoula that face stiff competition from CVS and local pharmacies are being evaluated. The company plans to complete these closures by 2026, leaving fewer prescription options in the State major hubs.
5. 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.
Montana has several older, roadside Denny's locations, particularly near major highway exits in Butte and Billings. These aging units are at risk, as the company shifts focus to high-volume, modernized restaurants. The 24-hour diner you rely on during a road trip might be serving its last Grand Slam soon.
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. This puts locations in regional hubs, such as Rimrock Mall (Billings) or Southgate Mall (Missoula), on the watch list. Expect to see smaller sneaker shops in the state close their gates this year as the brand concentrates on major metropolitan "power stores."
