TENNESSEE STATE - The retail landscape in the Volunteer State is facing a season of significant turnover this spring. As we move into April 2026, a combination of national bankruptcy liquidations, corporate restructuring, and the rise of e-commerce has led several major brands to finalize their departures from Tennessee’s shopping centers.
From the busy corridors of Nashville and Memphis to the regional hubs in Knoxville and Chattanooga, here are the five major retail chains closing doors in Tennessee.
1. Big Lots
Following an extensive Chapter 11 bankruptcy process and the subsequent collapse of several potential sale agreements, Big Lots is in the final stages of liquidating its remaining Tennessee footprint. Multiple locations are scheduled to cease operations by April 30, 2026. Final "Going Out of Business" sales are reaching their conclusion at several sites, including:
- Knoxville (N. Broadway St, Chapman Highway, and Seven Oaks Dr)
- Hermitage (Lebanon Pike)
- Millington (US Hwy 51 N)
- Chattanooga (Gunbarrel Rd)
- Franklin (S. Royal Oaks Blvd)
2. Francesca’s
The once-popular women’s boutique chain is finalizing a total nationwide liquidation this month. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time, the company is shuttering all of its approximately 400 remaining stores. In Tennessee, "Going Out of Business" sales are reaching their final days at several high-profile mall locations, including those in Nashville (Mall at Green Hills), Franklin (CoolSprings Galleria), and Knoxville (West Town Mall).
3. Walgreens
The pharmacy giant is continuing its multi-year "Footprint Optimization Program," which aims to shutter 1,200 underperforming stores by 2027. This April, Tennessee is seeing a targeted round of closures specifically in urban and suburban areas where older, low-traffic branches are being consolidated into nearby modernized hubs. Residents in the Greater Memphis and Nashville areas are among those seeing local branches cease operations this month as the company trims its high-density market presence.
4. Macy’s
Macy’s is entering the final stage of its "Bold New Chapter" strategy, which involves closing 150 underperforming stores nationwide by the end of 2026. While the brand is investing heavily in its "Reimagine" stores and small-format concepts, its secondary-market department stores are being phased out. At least one regional anchor in the Tennessee market is finalized for closure this April as the company reaches approximately 80% of its total closure goal.
5. Express
Following its bankruptcy reorganization and subsequent acquisition, Express is "right-sizing" its physical footprint to focus on top-performing flagship stores and digital growth. While the brand is maintaining a presence in some major Tennessee hubs, it is exiting several key markets this month. Shoppers will see final closures at select mall-based stores in Franklin (CoolSprings Galleria) and Nashville, as the company streamlines its operations to improve overall profitability.
Important Information for Tennessee Shoppers
- Final Liquidations: At Big Lots and Francesca’s, inventory markdowns have likely reached 80% to 90% as they enter their final weeks. Be aware that all sales at these closing locations are final, and no returns will be accepted.
- Gift Card Alert: Consumer advocates recommend using any remaining gift cards for Big Lots or Express immediately. Once the final doors lock on April 30, these credits may become void or much more difficult to redeem.
- 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.
- Local Hardware Closure: In addition to these national chains, the historic Harpeth True Value Home Center in Franklin is also scheduled to close its doors permanently on April 1, 2026, after more than 53 years in business.
