CALIFORNIA - California’s massive retail sector is facing a wave of high-profile departures this spring. From the premier shopping centers of the Bay Area to the sprawling malls of Southern California, several legendary clothing brands are in the final stages of winding down their physical operations. For many Golden State shoppers, these closures mark the end of long-standing traditions in some of the state's most iconic retail corridors.
Here are three iconic clothing retailers shuttering California locations this spring.
1. Express (16 Locations Statewide)
Following its high-profile Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, the fashion staple Express is narrowing its footprint to focus on its "Express Edit" boutique model and top-performing sites. California has been hit the hardest by this restructuring, with the retailer identifying 16 locations across the state for immediate closure.
Liquidations are in their final stages, with doors expected to lock permanently by late spring 2026. Key California shopping centers losing their Express stores include:
- The Shops at North County (Escondido)
- Fashion Island (Newport Beach)
- Westfield Topanga (Canoga Park)
- Union Square (San Francisco)
2. Rue21 (19 Locations Statewide)
In one of the most significant hits to teen fashion this year, Pennsylvania-based Rue21 is liquidating its entire fleet of stores after filing for its third and final bankruptcy. Unlike previous attempts to reorganize, the brand failed to find a buyer to keep its physical doors open, leading to a total wind-down of its North American footprint.
With 19 locations across California, the impact is widespread throughout the Central Valley and Southern California. Final "Going Out of Business" sales are wrapping up at locations including:
- Northridge Mall (Salinas)
- Towngate Circle (Moreno Valley)
- Travis Boulevard (Fairfield)
- Turlock & Vacaville regional centers
3. Eddie Bauer (Multiple Locations)
The outdoor apparel pioneer Eddie Bauer is officially exiting the brick-and-mortar market this spring. After a bankruptcy filing in February 2026, the entity operating the brand's physical stores failed to secure a bidder at auction. While the brand itself will continue as an online-only entity, all 175 of its physical shops—many of which have been California staples for decades—are closing.
Final inventory sales and equipment removal are slated to conclude by late May 2026. For California residents who relied on the brand for technical gear, the loss of locations in major hubs like Sacramento, San Jose, and Southern California outdoor malls marks the end of a physical retail era.
A Changing Tide for California Malls
The departure of these clothing giants leaves significant vacancies in California’s premier shopping destinations. However, the vacancy also brings opportunity; developers in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are already pivoting toward "experiential" tenants—such as luxury fitness clubs, medical suites, and high-end dining—to breathe new life into these large commercial spaces as the state's retail hubs adapt to a digital-first economy.