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4 Major Retail Chains Closing Doors in Idaho This February 2026

Austyn Kunde
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4 Major Retail Chains Closing Doors in Idaho This February 2026IDAHO - The "retail winter" is hitting the Gem State hard. February 2026 brings a wave of closures that spans from the Treasure Valley to the Panhandle, marking the end of the road for both mall staples and long-standing outlet destinations.


4 Major Retail Chains Closing Doors in Idaho
4 Major Retail Chains Closing Doors in Idaho

Here are the four major retail chains shrinking their Idaho footprint in February.

1. GameStop

The Headline: A sharp reduction in Nampa and Post Falls. Video game retailer GameStop is starting 2026 with a significant "fleet optimization" strategy that includes closing over 400 stores nationwide. Idaho is taking a direct hit in this wave, with confirmed closures in both the northern and southern parts of the state.



2. Eddie Bauer Outlet

The Headline: The final goodbye for the Boise Factory Outlets. It is the end of an era for the Boise Factory Outlets. After years of decline and vacancy, the remaining tenants are finally vacating to make way for the property's demolition and redevelopment. The Eddie Bauer Outlet—one of the last holdouts—is closing its doors for good.

3. Francesca's

The Headline: The boutique chain exits the malls. The women's clothing boutique Francesca's is executing a massive pullback in 2026 following financial restructuring. Reports indicate the chain is shuttering its brick-and-mortar operations, impacting its prime Idaho locations.



4. Forever 21

The Headline: A fast-fashion giant leaves Boise Towne Square. In a major blow to the teen retail scene, Forever 21 is exiting the Idaho market. Following a new bankruptcy filing, the fast-fashion retailer has flagged its massive Boise Towne Square location for closure.


Idaho FlogFebruary 2026 marks a significant turning point for Idaho retail, defined by the collapse of "mall culture" staples. The exit of Forever 21 and Francesca's leaves noticeable gaps in the State premier shopping centers (Boise Towne Square and The Village at Meridian). Simultaneously, the closure of GameStop locations in Nampa and Post Falls reflects the broader shift to digital gaming. Finally, the shuttering of the Eddie Bauer Outlet is perhaps the most symbolic, serving as the final nail in the coffin for the Boise Factory Outlets and clearing the way for new industrial development.