MISSOURI STATE - The retail landscape in the Show-Me State is shifting as we enter the second quarter of 2026. A combination of national bankruptcy liquidations and corporate restructuring has led to a series of high-profile departures across Missouri. From the urban centers of St. Louis and Kansas City to the growing communities in the Ozarks, several major brands are finalizing their exits.
Here are the five major retail chains closing doors in Missouril.
1. Big Lots
Following an ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy process and a failure to secure a buyer for its underperforming sites, Big Lots is in the final stage of liquidating its Missouri footprint. Multiple locations are scheduled to cease operations by April 30, 2026. Final "Going Out of Business" sales are reaching their peak at:
- Independence (S. Noland Rd)
- Jefferson City (Missouri Blvd)
- Kansas City (Washington St)
- St. Joseph (N. Belt Hwy)
- St. Louis (Lemay Ferry Rd and Christy Blvd)
2. Macy’s
As part of its "Bold New Chapter" strategy to shutter 150 stores nationwide by the end of 2026, Macy’s is officially exiting several prominent Missouri malls this month. These closures are part of a pivot to focus on high-performing "Reimagine" stores and small-format concepts. The Missouri locations reaching their final day of operation in April include:
-
Kansas City (Metro North Mall)
-
St. Louis (South County Mall)
3. Walgreens
The pharmacy giant is continuing its aggressive plan to shutter 1,200 underperforming stores by 2027. This April, Missouri is seeing a cluster of closures specifically in areas with high store density. In the St. Louis area, the branch at Chambers Road and Halls Ferry Road is finalized for closure, with prescriptions being moved to nearby modernized hubs. Additional "low-traffic" sites in the Kansas City region with expiring leases are also slated to close by the end of the month.
4. Express
Following its bankruptcy filing and subsequent acquisition by a new investor group, Express is "right-sizing" its physical footprint. While the brand is maintaining a presence in top-tier Missouri malls, it is exiting several secondary markets this month. Shoppers will see final closures at select outlets and mall-based stores in Springfield and Chesterfield as the company shifts its focus toward a digital-heavy retail model.
5. Carter’s
The children’s apparel retailer is in the middle of a multi-year plan to shutter 150 underperforming stores across North America. Missouri is seeing a targeted reduction in its storefronts this April as the company trims its mall-based presence to improve overall productivity. Several locations in suburban St. Louis and Kansas City are expected to complete their inventory blowouts and lock their doors by April 30.
Important Information for Missouri Shoppers
- Final Liquidations: At Big Lots and Express, discounts have generally reached the 70% to 90% range. Be aware that all sales at these closing locations are final, with no returns or exchanges accepted.
- Gift Card Deadlines: Consumer advocates recommend using any remaining gift cards for Big Lots or Francesca’s (which is also finalizing nationwide closures) immediately. Once the final doors lock on April 30, these credits may become void.
- Prescription Transfers: For closing Walgreens locations, patient records are typically transferred automatically to the nearest surviving branch. Customers should use the Walgreens mobile app to confirm their new pickup point before their next refill.
