NEBRASKA - The retail landscape across the Cornhusker State is shifting. From the busy intersections of Omaha's Dodge Street to the shopping districts in Lincoln and the quiet main streets of the Panhandle, the familiar storefronts we see in our towns are changing.
While some areas like Gretna are seeing new growth, many household names are shrinking their footprints or leaving the state entirely. For Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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.
Nebraska is seeing specific cuts, with the location in Scottsbluff (West 27th Street) 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, check whether your local store is still open.
2. Big Lots
The discount furniture and pantry retailer filed for bankruptcy protection and has been aggressively shedding stores to survive. Nebraska has been caught in these corrections.
Shoppers in Lincoln and Omaha have seen "Store Closing" signs go up as the company attempts to stabilize its finances. The Lincoln location on O Street was among those flagged in early rounds of cuts. As the bankruptcy process continues, the remaining footprint in the state remains vulnerable to sudden closure announcements.
3. Joann (Jo-Ann Fabrics)
This is a significant loss for Nebraska's crafting community. The fabric and craft giant has struggled financially for years, leading to a wave of store closures across the country.
In Nebraska, the location in Omaha (West Center Road) was marked for closure. For many residents, these stores were the primary destination for sewing supplies and seasonal decor. With these closures, local crafters are left to rely on online orders or smaller local shops for their materials.
4. Family Dollar
Dollar Tree, the parent company of Family Dollar, is in the middle of a massive store-closure program that will affect nearly 1,000 stores nationwide. In Nebraska, where Family Dollar often serves as a mini-grocery store for rural towns, the impact is significant.
The company has identified underperforming locations for closure, specifically targeting stores hurt by inflation and shipping costs. The store in Gering was identified in closure lists, and other places in 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 cuts this year.
5. Walgreens
The pharmacy giant is in the midst of closing roughly 1,200 stores nationwide to cut costs. While Nebraska 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 Omaha and Lincoln that face stiff competition from CVS, Hy-Vee, and local pharmacies are being evaluated. The company plans to complete these closures by 2026.
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.
Nebraska has several older, roadside Denny's locations, particularly near major highway exits along I-80. 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.