NEW HAMPSHIRE - The retail shift hitting New England is making its presence felt in the Granite State this month. Following major announcements from national headquarters, New Hampshire is losing key locations of established department store and luxury off-price retailers. As companies consolidate their footprints to focus on profitability and e-commerce, local shoppers in Newington and Merrimack will see familiar storefronts go dark.
Here are the major retail chains closing doors in New Hampshire this February.
1. Macy’s
As part of its aggressive "Bold New Chapter" turnaround strategy, Macy’s is reducing its presence in New Hampshire to just three remaining locations (Salem, Manchester, and Nashua).
- New Hampshire Impact: The Newington location at The Mall at Fox Run (50 Fox Run Road) is closing.
- The Details: The closure was confirmed in mid-January, with liquidation sales running through February. The decision is part of a broader redevelopment plan for the retail area in Newington, as well as Macy's corporate strategy to close 150 underperforming stores nationwide by 2026.
- What’s Next: This departure marks a significant change for the Seacoast region's retail landscape, leaving the mall without one of its longtime anchors.
2. Saks Off 5th
The luxury off-price retailer Saks Off 5th is undergoing a massive restructuring following the bankruptcy filing of its parent company, Saks Global. The company has announced it will close the vast majority of its stores to pay down debt and refocus on its full-line luxury business.
- New Hampshire Impact: The Merrimack Premium Outlets location is set to close.
- The Details: While a select few stores in major hubs like New York and Florida will remain open, the Merrimack location was not included on the shortlist of surviving stores. Closing sales are expected to begin as early as February 2, offering deep discounts on remaining designer inventory as the brand exits the state.
On the Watchlist: Walgreens & Family Dollar
While specific store lists are often released on a rolling basis, New Hampshire residents should remain alert regarding two other major chains that are actively downsizing across New England.
- Walgreens: The pharmacy chain is in the process of closing 1,200 stores nationally. While specific New Hampshire locations for February have not been publicly named, the company has been quietly shuttering underperforming locations across the Northeast throughout the winter.
- Family Dollar: After announcing the closure of over 1,000 stores, the discount chain continues to wind down operations in various towns. With neighboring Maine seeing closures in Rockland and Old Orchard Beach recently, New Hampshire locations with expiring leases remain vulnerable in early 2026.
