PENNSYLVANIA - While the "Great Restaurant Purge" of 2026 is making waves in the food world, Pennsylvania’s retail landscape is undergoing an even more dramatic shift this March. From legendary mall anchors to the pharmacies on every corner, the "Retail Apocalypse" has entered a new, aggressive chapter in the Keystone State.
PENNSYLVANIA - While the "Great Restaurant Purge" of 2026 is making waves in the food world, Pennsylvania’s retail landscape is undergoing an even more dramatic shift this March. From legendary mall anchors to the pharmacies on every corner, the "Retail Apocalypse" has entered a new, aggressive chapter in the Keystone State.Here are the three major retail giants shuttering locations across Pennsylvania this March 2026.
1. Macy’s: The "Bold New Chapter" Cuts Deep
Macy’s is in the middle of a massive three-year turnaround plan, and Pennsylvania is bearing the brunt of the "Bold New Chapter" strategy. The goal is to shutter 150 underperforming stores by the end of 2026, and the first major wave of this year’s cuts is happening right now.
- The Big Loss: The Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills in Tarentum is officially losing its Macy’s anchor this March.
- The Trend: Once the crown jewel of regional malls, Macy’s is abandoning "B-tier" and "C-tier" malls to focus on high-end flagship stores and their new small-format "Market by Macy’s" concepts. If you haven't seen a crowd in your local Macy's lately, it’s likely on the list for the next round of closures.
2. Rite Aid: The Final Countdown for PA’s Homegrown Hero
It’s a tough year for the Camp Hill-based pharmacy chain. After filing for a second bankruptcy, Rite Aid is now liquidating its remaining footprint. Pennsylvania, which once boasted the highest density of Rite Aid stores in the country, is seeing hundreds of stores close this month.
- The Numbers: Over 340 Pennsylvania locations have been slated for closure or sale to competitors like CVS.
- The Impact: This March, many "legacy" Rite Aid stores in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and small towns across the state are transitioning to CVS or simply boarding up. For many Pennsylvanians, this isn't just a store closure; it’s the end of a brand that was born right here in our backyard.
3. Eddie Bauer: The Total North American Exit
In a shocking move for outdoor enthusiasts, the retail operator for Eddie Bauer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February and has immediately begun liquidation sales.
- The Pennsylvania Casualties: All standalone Eddie Bauer retail and outlet stores—including those in major hubs like the King of Prussia Mall and Pittsburgh’s Ross Park Mall—are liquidating inventory throughout March.
- The "New" Model: The brand isn't disappearing entirely, but its physical stores are. The company is pivoting to a "digital-first" model, meaning you’ll have to buy your winter parkas online or at wholesale partners rather than visiting a dedicated storefront.
The "PA Retail Squeeze"
Why is this hitting the Keystone State so hard this March?
- The Mall "Death Spiral": When an anchor like Macy's leaves, it often triggers a clause in smaller stores' leases that allows them to leave, too. We are seeing a "domino effect" in Pennsylvania malls this quarter as anchors vanish.
- The 2016 Lease Cliff: A huge number of commercial retail leases in PA were signed in 2016 for 10-year terms. As they come up for renewal this March, many chains are reviewing 2026 rent prices and simply handing back the keys.
- Consolidation over Competition: With companies like Dick's Sporting Goods (headquartered in Coraopolis) acquiring competitors like Foot Locker, they are "cleaning house" this March by closing overlapping or underperforming stores to avoid competing with themselves.
