WeightWatchers Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy (Over $1 Billion in Debt)

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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)

• Status: Officially filed for bankruptcy, as of May 6th

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!