While some areas are seeing new growth, many household names are shrinking their footprints or leaving the state entirely. For New Mexico 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 New Mexico this year.
1. Conn's HomePlus
This is the most significant hit for New Mexico shoppers looking for furniture and appliances. The Texas-based retailer filed for bankruptcy and announced a plan to wind down its operations entirely.
The impact here is massive. The company confirmed the closure of all its New Mexico locations, including its three stores in Albuquerque, the Santa Fe location, and the store at the Mesilla Valley Mall in Las Cruces. "Going out of business" sales have been clearing out inventory, leaving large vacancies in these central shopping districts.
2. Big Lots
The discount furniture and pantry retailer filed for bankruptcy protection and has been aggressively shedding stores to survive. New Mexico has been specifically targeted in these cuts.
Multiple locations have been marked for closure, including the Albuquerque stores on Coors Blvd NW and Montgomery Blvd NE, which appear on the liquidation lists. Shoppers who frequented these spots for bargain home goods should expect aggressive clearance sales as the brand significantly reduces its local footprint.
3. Walgreens
The pharmacy giant is in the midst of closing roughly 1,200 stores nationwide to cut costs. New Mexico is currently experiencing a wave of these closures.
The company has identified underperforming locations in Albuquerque and Los Lunas for closure. Walgreens is targeting stores that are not profitable enough to sustain rising labor costs or are located too close to other existing branches. If your local pharmacy is on the list, you will likely receive a notification that your prescriptions will be transferred to a nearby store.
4. 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 New Mexico, where Family Dollar often serves as a vital general store for rural communities and city neighborhoods alike, the impact is being watched closely.
The closures are targeting locations where profitability is down due to inflation, theft, or shipping costs. Stores in the Albuquerque metro area and outlying rural counties are under review. If your local store has been struggling with consistent inventory shortages, it may be next on the list as the company finalizes its cuts this year.
5. 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.
New Mexico is expected to feel the impact as the company consolidates its footprint. The strategy involves focusing on its "Pro" business (selling to mechanics) rather than retail DIY stores. This means smaller, redundant locations in the state could be consolidated into nearby hubs, particularly in saturated markets like Rio Rancho or Las Cruces.
6. 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.
New Mexico has a high concentration of Denny's locations, particularly along the I-25 and I-40 corridors. The company has stated it is focusing on high-volume, modernized restaurants, putting older roadside units at risk. The 24-hour diner you rely on during a late-night road trip might be serving its last Grand Slam soon.
