MINNESOTA STATE - The retail landscape in the North Star State is undergoing significant changes this spring. Driven by national turnaround strategies and bankruptcy liquidations, several household names are finalizing their departures from Minnesota’s premier shopping centers and local neighborhoods.
From the massive corridors of the Mall of America to the regional hubs in St. Cloud and Rochester, here are the five major retail chains closing doors in Minnesota this month.
1. Macy’s
As part of its "Bold New Chapter" strategy to shutter 150 underperforming stores nationwide by the end of 2026, Macy’s is officially exiting the St. Cloud market. The location at Crossroads Center in St. Cloud is scheduled to lock its doors for the final time this month. This closure follows a series of previous exits in Burnsville and St. Paul, as the company shifts its investment toward its remaining "Reimagine" stores and digital platforms.
2. Francesca’s
The boutique fashion retailer is reaching the finish line of its total nationwide liquidation this April. Following a second Chapter 11 filing, all physical boutiques are being shuttered. In Minnesota, "Going Out of Business" sales are concluding at several high-profile locations, including those at Apache Mall (Rochester) and the Mall of America (Bloomington).
3. Eddie Bauer
Following its bankruptcy filing earlier this year, the outdoor apparel veteran is exiting the physical retail space. Without a buyer to maintain the brick-and-mortar operations, all North American stores are scheduled to close by April 30, 2026. This marks the end of an era for the brand in Minnesota, affecting long-standing locations in Edina (Southdale Center) and the Twin Cities area.
4. Walgreens
The pharmacy giant is continuing its aggressive plan to shutter 1,200 underperforming stores nationwide by 2027. This April, Minnesota is seeing a targeted round of closures, specifically in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud areas. The company is prioritizing the closure of low-traffic sites and locations where leases are expiring, consolidating patient records into nearby modernized hubs.
5. Hooters (Mall of America)
In a major shift for the state's most famous shopping destination, the Hooters restaurant and retail shop at the Mall of America is officially closing this month after 33 years. While not a traditional "retail chain" in the same vein as a department store, the closure represents a significant change in the mall's long-term tenant strategy as it moves toward newer dining and entertainment concepts.
Important Information for Minnesota Shoppers
- Final Liquidations: At Francesca's and Eddie Bauer, discounts have likely reached 80% to 90% as they enter their final weeks. Be aware that all sales at these locations are final, with no returns or exchanges accepted.
- Gift Card Alert: Consumer advocates recommend using any remaining gift cards for Francesca's or Eddie Bauer immediately. Once the final doors lock on April 30, these credits may become void.
- Prescription Transfers: For any closing Walgreens locations, patient records are typically transferred automatically to the nearest surviving branch. Customers are encouraged to use the Walgreens mobile app to confirm their new pickup point before their next refill.
