PENNSYLVANIA - As May 2026 unfolds, Pennsylvania is navigating a period of significant economic transition. While the state’s spring blossoms are in full swing, several high-profile closures and layoffs are set to take effect this month, spanning sectors from retail and logistics to healthcare and media.
Here is a breakdown of what is closing across the Commonwealth this May.
Major Industrial and Logistics Closures
The logistics sector, a cornerstone of the Pennsylvania economy, is seeing notable shifts as companies consolidate operations.
- Saks & Company (Pottsville): In a major blow to Schuylkill County, the Saks distribution facility is scheduled to close throughout May (May 3–31), affecting 435 employees.
- Federal Express Corporation (Pittston): FedEx is shuttering its facility in Luzerne County effective May 2, impacting 63 workers.
- Lineage Logistics (East Pottsville): This facility is initiating layoffs for 208 employees effective May 27.
- PharmaCann, Inc. (Olyphant): The cannabis operator is closing its Lackawanna County location on May 20, affecting 60 employees.
Retail and Food Service Shakeups
The "brick-and-mortar" squeeze continues as national brands re-evaluate their physical footprints.
- Macy’s: As part of a national plan to close 80 stores by the end of 2026, Pennsylvania locations are on the list for phased closures this spring.
- Eddie Bauer: Following a failure to find a buyer during bankruptcy, liquidation sales for the state’s 11 locations are expected to conclude or reach final stages this month.
- Francesca’s: Stores at the Lehigh Valley Mall, King of Prussia, and Tanger Outlets Hershey are undergoing going-out-of-business sales.
- Wendy’s & Pizza Hut: Both chains have flagged underperforming Pennsylvania locations for closure in the first half of 2026, with many leases expiring this May.
Healthcare and Professional Services
Critical community services are also facing a difficult month due to funding challenges and restructuring.
- Bradford Regional Medical Center (McKean County): A significant closure for the region, the center is slated to close between May 2 and May 17, affecting 238 healthcare workers.
- Liberty Home Choices (Philadelphia): This home care provider is closing its Philadelphia facility on May 24, a move that impacts 615 employees.
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The historic media outlet has a closure or significant layoff effective date of May 4 for its Corliss Street location, affecting 171 staff members.
Public Holiday Closures
In addition to permanent business shutters, Pennsylvanians should account for standard holiday closures.
-
Memorial Day (Monday, May 25): All state and local government offices, post offices, and most banks will be closed. In Philadelphia and other major cities, expect the closure of health centers, L&I district offices, and the Free Library system.
Note on WARN Notices: Under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, many of these companies were required to provide 60 days' notice. If you are an affected employee, check with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for resources regarding unemployment benefits and rapid response job training.
