As the retail landscape continues to evolve post-pandemic, several major retailers are preparing to close stores nationwide in April 2025. These closures span multiple shopping sectors, from department stores to pharmacies, reflecting the ongoing struggles of brick-and-mortar businesses in an increasingly digital world.
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Why These Store Closures Matter
The wave of store closures underscores the challenges retailers face in maintaining physical locations as consumer behavior shifts towards online shopping. The decline of shopping malls and increasing financial pressures on businesses have forced companies to reassess their strategies.
According to real estate firm Green Street Advisors, nearly 25% of America’s largest shopping malls are projected to shut down by 2027. This trend highlights the declining profitability of physical retail spaces, prompting more closures in the years to come.
Which Stores Are Closing in April 2025?
Several major retail chains have announced store closures this month, including:
1. Walgreens
Walgreens is closing three locations in Colorado Springs, contributing to a broader plan to shutter 500 stores nationwide in 2025. This move is part of a larger effort to close 1,200 locations over the next few years.
The company revealed that 25% of its 8,700 U.S. stores are currently unprofitable. Prescriptions from closing locations will be automatically transferred to nearby Walgreens pharmacies.
2. JCPenney
JCPenney, one of America’s most recognizable department stores, has announced the closure of several locations by mid-2025. The affected stores include:
- The Shops at Tanforan, San Bruno, California
- The Shops At Northfield, Denver, Colorado
- Pine Ridge Mall, Pocatello, Idaho
- West Ridge Mall, Topeka, Kansas
- Westfield Annapolis Mall, Annapolis, Maryland
- Fox Run Mall, Newington, New Hampshire
- Asheville Mall, Asheville, North Carolina
- Charleston Town Center, Charleston, West Virginia
While JCPenney has not announced widespread closures, these store shutdowns highlight the brand’s ongoing struggles in adapting to a changing retail environment.
3. Dollar General
Discount retailer Dollar General is also set to close hundreds of stores in 2025. The closures come as the company experiences declining sales and shifting consumer spending habits.
4. Kohl’s
Kohl’s, which operates more than 1,100 stores across the U.S., has confirmed it will close 27 underperforming locations by April 2025.
Former CEO Tom Kingsbury emphasized the importance of these closures, stating:
“As we continue to build on our long-term growth strategy, it is important that we also take difficult but necessary actions to support the health and future of our business for our customers and our teams.”
5. Joann Fabrics
Joann Fabrics, a popular arts and crafts retailer, recently announced it will shut down all stores nationwide in 2025.
With the closures expected to take effect throughout the year, shoppers can anticipate major liquidation sales leading up to the final shutdowns.
Why These Retailers Are Closing Stores
Several key factors contribute to these widespread closures:
- Declining Foot Traffic: Malls and shopping centers continue to see lower visitor numbers, making it difficult for retailers to justify keeping physical stores open.
- E-commerce Boom: More consumers are opting to shop online, reducing the need for brick-and-mortar locations.
- Rising Operational Costs: Rent, staffing, and supply chain costs have all increased, making it harder for retailers to turn a profit.
- Private Equity Influence: Some analysts argue that private equity takeovers have left retailers financially vulnerable.
Retail analyst Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, explains:
“Many of these closures have one thing in common: private equity—or at least something valuable that outside investors want to get their hands on. The failing mall segment is a big part of this too. We’ve got malls across America sitting nearly empty. People just aren’t engaging with the mall experience anymore.”
What Consumers Can Expect Next
With more retailers closing their doors, consumers will likely see:
- More Online Shopping Options: As physical stores shut down, retailers will shift their focus to e-commerce platforms.
- Job Losses in Retail: Store closures mean fewer in-person jobs, though some may transition to online customer service roles.
- Big Clearance Sales: Retailers will offer deep discounts to liquidate inventory before closing stores permanently.
Financial expert Kevin Thompson warns that the shift away from brick-and-mortar stores is accelerating:
“No one’s immune. The companies that pivoted quickly to e-commerce are in better shape, but many big-box names got caught flat-footed as online shopping became the norm.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Retail in America
As April 2025 marks another month of significant retail closures, the broader trend suggests that the future of shopping will be increasingly digital. With fewer physical stores, companies will need to adapt to survive, emphasizing online sales, faster delivery services, and improved digital experiences.
While some retailers may continue to maintain select storefronts in high-traffic areas, the days of expansive mall-based retail appear to be numbered.
As the retail industry evolves, consumers can expect more convenience but fewer opportunities for in-person shopping, signaling the end of an era for many traditional brick-and-mortar stores.