ALASKA - The retail landscape across the Last Frontier is shifting. From the busy corridors of the Dimond and 5th Avenue Malls in Anchorage to the shopping hubs of Fairbanks and Juneau, the familiar storefronts we see in our towns are changing.
While some areas are seeing new growth, many household names are shrinking their footprints or leaving the state entirely due to the high cost of logistics and shifting corporate strategies. For Alaska 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 Alaska this year.
1. Walgreens
The pharmacy giant is in the midst of a massive plan to close roughly 1,200 stores nationwide to cut costs. Alaska is a prime target for these corrections due to the exceptionally high cost of shipping inventory and staffing in the state.
Walgreens is focusing on closing locations that are not profitable enough to sustain these rising operational costs. Locations in Anchorage and Wasilla are under review, particularly those that face stiff competition from Fred Meyer and local stalwarts like Carrs-Safeway. If you rely on a specific Walgreens for your prescriptions, keep an eye on your local branch, as the company plans to finalize these cuts throughout 2026.
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, aiming to close 150 stores by the end of 2026.
In Alaska, all eyes are on the location at the 5th Avenue Mall in Anchorage. As the company focuses on its "luxury" banner and consolidates its presence in the Lower 48, industry analysts warn that remote locations with high overhead—like the one in Anchorage—remain vulnerable to sudden closure announcements as the lease renewal period approaches.
3. Advance Auto Parts (and Carquest)
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.
In Alaska, where the brand often operates through Carquest locations in rural hubs (from Soldotna to Fairbanks), this restructuring is significant. The company is consolidating its network to focus on larger distribution hubs. This means smaller, independent, or redundant locations in the state could see their affiliation end or their doors close this year as the corporate strategy shifts.
4. 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 the spotlight on the location in the 5th Avenue Mall. As the brand prioritizes "power stores" in major Lower 48 metropolitan areas, standard mall locations in remote markets such as Alaska are under review for potential closure.
5. Eddie Bauer
The outdoor apparel retailer, a longtime staple for Alaskans needing gear for the elements, has been quietly reducing its physical footprint. Reports from early 2026 indicate a wave of lease exits and store closures across the U.S.
The location at the 5th Avenue Mall in Anchorage faces uncertainty as the brand shifts its focus to online sales and wholesale partnerships. Shoppers should be aware that "store closing" sales have been popping up at locations nationwide, and the Alaska store may not be immune to this year's cuts.
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.
Alaska has a few key Denny’s locations, including those in Anchorage and Fairbanks. While these spots are popular with tourists and locals alike, the company is shifting focus to high-volume, modernized restaurants and cutting ties with older units that require expensive renovations. The 24-hour diner you rely on for a late-night meal might be serving its last Grand Slam soon.
