Here is the definitive guide to the major store closures confirmed for New Mexico in 2026.
1. The Pharmacy Loss: Walgreens
The Headline: Albuquerque and Los Lunas lose neighborhood locations. Locations: Albuquerque and Los Lunas (Specific units pending).
The most immediate confirmed cuts for 2026 come from Walgreens. As part of the Deerfield-based chain's plan to close roughly 1,200 stores nationwide, New Mexico has been explicitly named in the early 2026 closure wave.
- The Details: Locations in Albuquerque and Los Lunas have been flagged for closure. The company is targeting stores that are effectively "cannibalizing" each other (located too close together) or those with lower profitability.
- The Impact: This creates potential "pharmacy deserts" in parts of Valencia County, forcing residents to travel further or switch to competitors like CVS or Smith's for their prescriptions.
2. The Discount Fallout: Big Lots
The Headline: The bankruptcy "clean sweep" hits the Duke City. Locations: Albuquerque (Coors Blvd NW, Montgomery Blvd NE).
Following its bankruptcy proceedings, Big Lots is aggressively shrinking its footprint in the Southwest.
- The Closures: Two major Albuquerque locations—465 Coors Blvd NW and 9500 Montgomery Blvd NE—were identified in the closure filings.
- The Status: These 30,000-square-foot boxes are part of the chain's massive retreat. If you see "Store Closing" banners at these locations in early 2026, expect a rapid liquidation process (usually 8–10 weeks) before they go dark permanently.
3. The Mall Transformation: Winrock Town Center
The Headline: The "Mall" is officially gone; the "Town Center" rises. Location: Uptown Albuquerque.
While not a simple "store closure," 2026 marks a pivotal year for Winrock Town Center. The transition from a traditional indoor mall to an open-air mixed-use district is accelerating.
- The Shift: Rather than seeking new department store anchors to replace long-gone giants, developers are pivoting toward "experiential" tenants.
- The Future: Expect construction to continue on the new Winrock Park area and the addition of residential units. The "closure" here is of the old mall concept itself, as the property finalizes its identity as a neighborhood with a park, medical offices, and dining rather than a pure retail hub.
4. The Rural Retreat: Family Dollar
The Headline: Small towns face a general store shortage. Locations: Statewide (Rural and Urban neighborhoods).
Parent company Dollar Tree Inc. is continuing its massive closure of nearly 1,000 Family Dollar stores nationwide. In New Mexico, where the chain often serves as a primary grocery stop for rural communities, the impact is significant.
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The Trend: Leases expiring in 2026 are being scrutinized. Underperforming locations in rural counties are at high risk of closing, leaving residents with fewer options for pantry staples and household goods.
5. The Dining Crash: Denny's
The Headline: The "Grand Slam" footprint shrinks. Locations: Statewide (Underperforming units).
Denny's has announced plans to close 150 of its lowest-performing restaurants by the end of 2025/early 2026.
- The Context: With many older Denny's locations in New Mexico showing their age, the state is expected to see a handful of closures.
- The Replacement: These standalone restaurant buildings are prime real estate for fast-growing coffee chains (like Dutch Bros) or chicken concepts (like Raising Cane's), which are actively expanding in the Albuquerque metro area.
6. The "Survivor" Update: Macy's
There is good news for shoppers at Coronado Center. Macy's released its list of 14 store closures for early 2026, and unlike neighboring Texas (which is losing a Corpus Christi store) and Colorado, New Mexico was not on the list.
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The Takeaway: This suggests that the Macy's at Coronado Center remains a strong performer, safeguarding its status as a critical anchor for Albuquerque's busiest mall.
What This Means for NM Shoppers
Pharmacy Records: If you use a Walgreens in Los Lunas or Albuquerque, pay attention to notices at the pharmacy counter. Prescriptions are often transferred automatically to the next closest store, which might be miles away. Winrock's New Vibe: Don't go to Winrock looking for a traditional mall walk. The future there is about dining, parks, and high-end living, effectively removing a massive chunk of "traditional retail" square footage from the city's inventory.
