KANSAS - The retail landscape across the Sunflower State is shifting. From the busy shopping districts of Overland Park and Wichita to the quiet main streets of Western Kansas, the familiar storefronts we see in our towns are changing. While some areas like Lenexa are seeing new growth, many household names are shrinking their footprints or leaving the state entirely. For Kansas 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 Kansas this year.
1. 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.
Kansas is seeing specific cuts, with the location in Leavenworth (S. 4th St) marked for closure. The company is consolidating its footprint to focus 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. If you have a warranty on a car battery or part, you should check if your local store is remaining open.
2. Big Lots
The discount furniture and pantry retailer filed for bankruptcy protection and has been aggressively shedding stores to survive. Kansas has been caught in these corrections.
As the company attempts to stabilize its finances, its footprint in the state is vulnerable. Early waves of closures have already impacted the region, and shoppers in Wichita and the Kansas City metro area should be aware that the chain is actively reviewing leases. If a "Store Closing" banner appears at your local branch, expect it to move quickly to a final liquidation sale.
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 Kansas, where Family Dollar often serves as a mini-grocery store for rural towns and urban neighborhoods alike, the impact is significant.
The closures are targeting locations where profitability is down due to inflation, theft, or shipping costs. Underperforming stores in Wichita, Topeka, and rural counties 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 Kansas doesn't have the density of the East Coast, the "optimization" plan is active here.
Walgreens is focusing on closing locations that are not profitable enough to sustain rising labor costs or are too close to other existing stores. Locations in Overland Park and Wichita that face stiff competition from CVS and local pharmacies are being evaluated. The company plans to complete these closures by 2026, leaving fewer options for prescriptions in the state's 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.
Kansas has several older, roadside Denny’s locations, particularly along the I-70 and I-35 corridors. 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 like Towne East Square (Wichita) or West Ridge Mall (Topeka) 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."
