Take a peek at these retail store closures for 2025 – including JoAnns, Forever 21, Big Lots, Party City, and more?!
Major Retail Store Closures & Reopenings in 2025
The retail world is going through major changes in 2025, and it’s affecting shoppers across the country. From beloved craft stores and fashion chains to pharmacies and big-box retailers, companies are rethinking their future—whether that means shutting down, filing for bankruptcy, or making a bold comeback.
Whether you're trying to plan your next shopping trip or hunting for liquidation deals, this updated list of retail store closures, reopenings, and transitions will help you stay one step ahead. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest retail changes happening now—and what they might mean for you.
1. WeightWatchers (WW)
WW International, known as WeightWatchers, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to eliminate $1.15 billion in debt and reposition itself for long-term growth. The move is supported by a majority of its lenders and aims to reduce the company’s total debt from $1.6 billion to approximately $465 million, cutting annual interest payments by half.
Despite the bankruptcy proceedings, WeightWatchers will continue operations without disruption to its 3.4 million members. The company expects to emerge from bankruptcy within 40 to 45 days.
The company has faced challenges due to the rising popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which have impacted demand for traditional weight-loss programs. In response, WeightWatchers acquired the telehealth platform Sequence in 2023 to offer prescription-based weight-loss solutions, leading to a 57% increase in clinical subscription revenue year-over-year.
2. Big Lots (Acquired by Variety Wholesalers)
- Status: Bankrupt & Reacquired
Variety Wholesalers acquired 219 Big Lots stores. The first 9 stores reopened on April 10, 2025, with plans to reopen the remaining 210 stores in phases through early June. Think family apparel, electronics, and closeout deals galore!
Reopened locations include:
- Tennessee: 1041 S Riverside Dr, Clarksville | 744 Nashville Pike, Gallatin | 220 Dickson Plaza Dr, Dickson
- Kentucky: 1342 Indian Mound Dr, Mount Sterling
- Louisiana: 755 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie
- Mississippi: 2605 W Main St, Tupelo | 5778 Hwy 80 E, Pearl
- North Carolina: 1432 E Dixie Dr, Asheboro
- Virginia: 2911 Hershberger Rd NW, Roanoke
3. JOANN
- Status: Second Bankruptcy in a Year
One of the biggest heartbreaks—JOANN is closing all retail locations. Craft lovers, stock up now if you haven’t already!
UPDATE: We recently heard that Burlington will be buying up over 45 of the Joann store locations. What are your thoughts about that?
4. Forever 21
- Status: In Bankruptcy
Stores and the website are still open (for now), but they’ve stopped accepting gift cards and store credits. A full phase-out of U.S. stores is likely on the horizon.
5. Dollar General & pOpshelf
- Status: Strategic Closures
As part of a company-wide optimization, 96 Dollar General stores and 45 pOpshelf locations will close. Some pOpshelf stores will convert to DGs.
6. Kohl’s
- Status: Downsizing
27 underperforming Kohl’s locations are closing this year. Most of their 1,100+ stores remain unaffected.
7. Party City
- Status: Massive Downsizing
Only 29 Party City stores will remain open. The company is refocusing on digital and profitable locations, and currently revamping their online website. Big party supply clearances are underway!
8. Walgreens
- Status: Major Closures Ahead
Up to 25% of stores could be shut down, beginning with 500 locations this year alone.
9. JCPenney
- Status: 8 More Closures
This longtime retail staple is closing more doors in a continued effort to streamline.
10. Macy's
- Status: Phasing Out 150 Stores
Part of their “Bold New Chapter” plan, Macy’s is shuttering underperforming stores while investing in stronger locations.
🔍 Other Retailers on the Chopping Block:
- Advance Auto Parts: 727 stores closing
- Bargain Hunt: All 91 locations
- Denny’s: 100 closures
- Dollar Tree: 370 closures
- GameStop: Significant closures expected
- Hudson’s Bay Company: Final 6 stores to liquidate
🎯 What This Means for Shoppers?
Store closures might mean fewer places to shop, but also more opportunities to save big. Liquidation sales, remodeled stores, and new concepts are popping up as brands evolve. If you’re a loyal customer of any of these chains, now’s the time to check your local listings and see what’s changing near you.
Have you noticed any of these stores closing in your area? Let us know what’s happening in your neck of the woods!
I only wish there was a Hobby Lobby near me. There are a few quilt shops, but I use a lot of flannel for my baby blankets, and quilt shops don’t typically carry flannel. And quilt shops are more expensive.
Bummer~maybe one will pop up near you soon!
Quilt shops are more expensive because the quality of the fabric is much higher. I worked in a quilt shop for 8 years. Just remember, you get what you pay for. Also, quilt shops do carry flannels, if yours doesn’t, ask them if they could carry them. We had lots and lots of flannel in our shop.
Their card making department used ot be wonderful! Not so anymore! If you blink you will miss it!
I lov shopping at Joanne for stickers, cardstock and even seasonal items. If church Sunday school class needed any kind of crafts I knew I could always find it at Joann’s. I don’t like shopping on line so hopefully Burlington will keep selling crafts because we have enough clothing shops
Such a bummer that Joann’s is closing. 🙁 I hope you can keep finding what you need, Jana!
Agree with the need for fabrics! Even Joann’s changed over the years. I miss discussing fabric options and pattern questions with the ladies who knew all about sewing. I honestly have no use for Burlington as it now is.
I so agree with you Rose. I live in a small town and Hobby Lobby is the only place to buy fabric now.
Since Burlingtons is taking over Joanns, will they become a fabric retailer? WE NEED A FABRIC RETAILER LIKE JOANNS! Many of us still sew and need a reliable retailer that offers a variety of quality fabric and notions. With Joanns closing our choices are extremely limited. SOMEONE needs to fill the fap!
We aren’t sure exactly, but we would love to see them offer fabric. It’s so hard to shop for fabric online. Until we find out, I’m getting mine at Hobby Lobby. 🙂
I’m not excited about the fabric at Hobby Lobby. There’s very little variety and I’m not sure about the quality. Bring in more quality fabric for us sewists and quilters. Help!
I think Hobby Lobby has a great selection and good pricing. Do you think that all their stores have it or may there be some stores with limited availability. I’m in Staten Island, NY.