Here are the four major retail chains shrinking their Colorado footprint in February.
1. Macy's
As part of Macy's "Bold New Chapter" strategy to shed 150 underperforming stores nationwide, the retailer has confirmed significant cuts in the Denver metro area.
- Confirmed Closures: The department store at The Shops at Northfield (formerly Northfield Stapleton) in Denver is shuttering. Additionally, the standalone Macy's Furniture Gallery at the Streets at Southglenn in Centennial is closing.
- The Status: Both locations are in the final stages of liquidation. Shoppers can expect deep discounts on fixtures and remaining inventory throughout February as the brand consolidates its presence in its stronger malls, such as Cherry Creek and Park Meadows.
2. GameStop
Video game retailer GameStop is starting 2026 with a significant "fleet optimization" strategy that will close hundreds of stores nationwide. Colorado is taking a direct hit, with seven confirmed closures that wipe out the retailer's presence in several key shopping centers.
- Affected Communities: The closure list is extensive. In Aurora, stores at Hoffman Heights and Quincy Place are closing. Fort Collins loses two locations (Front Range Village and Magnolia St). Other closures include the Citadel Mall in Colorado Springs, Flatiron Crossing in Broomfield, and the Denver Ave location in Loveland.
- The Vibe: For gamers in these hubs, this removes the local option for midnight releases and physical trade-ins, forcing them to drive further or shift entirely to digital downloads.
3. Big 5 Sporting Goods
In a surprise move for the long-standing chain, Big 5 Sporting Goods is shuttering multiple locations in the Denver metro area this month. Signs have appeared on doors announcing the final days for these specific outlets.
- Locations to Watch: The closures are targeting the store on East Iliff Avenue in Denver, the location on South Colorado Boulevard (near Glendale), and the store on Kipling Street in Wheat Ridge.
- The Deal: These stores are currently running "Everything Must Go" sales. The closures remove a reliable, budget-friendly option for youth sports gear and outdoor equipment in these neighborhoods.
4. Big Lots
Following its bankruptcy restructuring, Big Lots is continuing to trim its Colorado portfolio. The latest round of lease rejections and closures is focused on the Senver and Pueblo areas. suburbs
- Confirmed Activity: Locations flagged for closure include stores in Aurora (Hampden Ave), Brighton, Lakewood (Jewell Ave), and Pueblo (Desert Flower Blvd).
- The Reality: February serves as the final liquidation push for these boxes. For residents in Brighton and Pueblo, this removes a primary destination for discount furniture and pantry staples, leaving large vacancies in their respective strip malls.
February 2026 marks a significant contraction for Colorado's retail landscape, specifically along the Front Range. The closure of GameStop locations from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs represents a major shift in how Coloradans buy video games. At the same time, Big 5 Sporting Goods' exit from key Denver neighborhoods removes a long-standing affordable option for families. Meanwhile, Macy's strategic retreat from Northfield and Southglenn, combined with the bankruptcy-driven closures of Big Lots in the suburbs, highlights a broader trend of national chains consolidating into fewer, more profitable locations while leaving "B-tier" centers behind.
