A major discount retailer is closing several stores across the U.S. this year, but the moves don’t necessarily signal a broader retreat.
The company has been evaluating which locations make sense for its evolving retail strategy as it looks at smaller store formats and new opportunities in markets where other retailers have pulled back.
Founded in 1976, The TJX Companies (TJX) is a leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions, operating TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Homesense, and Sierra in the U.S.; Winners, Homesense, and Marshalls in Canada; TK Maxx and Homesense in Europe; and TK Maxx in Australia.
TJ Maxx closes stores in 2026
TJ Maxx has closed at least four stores in 2026, according to Inc.
The locations include:
- Gilbert, Arizona: 4075 S. Gilbert Road
- Boston, Massachusetts: 360 Newbury Street
- Silver Spring, Maryland: 8661 Colesville Road
- Cumberland, Maryland: 1262 Vocke Road
TJX’s real estate strategy involves reviewing how and where it uses its store footprint, while also pursuing smaller formats and new locations in densely populated urban areas and rural markets where department stores have closed.
Why TJX is closing locations
TJX has been reassessing its store portfolio while becoming more flexible about where it opens locations, taking into account factors such as population and density.
“We have experienced strong comp growth for so many quarters that we are seeing the ability to put stores closer together than we thought before,” TJX CFO John Klinger said during the company’s latest earnings call.
Klinger also discussed the company’s use of smaller-format stores, which allow TJX to expand in densely populated urban areas.
The strategy gives TJX more flexibility as it evaluates individual locations while continuing to look for opportunities to expand its overall store base.
TJX continues to grow, despite store closures
The individual closures have taken place even as TJX continues to expand its overall physical footprint.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2027, the company reported:
- Net sales: Climbed 5% year over year
- Consolidated comparable sales: Increased 4%
- Diluted earnings per share: Rose 24% to $1.36
During the fiscal quarter ended Aug. 1, 2026, TJX increased its total store count by 23 locations to 5,285 stores and grew total square footage by 0.4% compared with the prior quarter.
TJX has said it plans to accelerate store openings to 4% beginning next year, with a long-term goal of growing its global store base to 7,500 locations across its retail banners in the countries where it currently operates.
The store-count growth shows that the closures are occurring alongside a broader strategy of evaluating individual locations while pursuing new markets and formats for expansion.
Retailers that have closed stores nationwide
TJX is not alone in reassessing its physical footprint. Several major retailers have closed stores or announced additional shutdowns as they adjust to changing consumer demand and shifting market conditions.
Here’s some of my previous coverage of recent store closures:
- Victoria’s Secret: Closed 38 locations between Jan. 31 and Aug. 1, 2026, as part of its turnaround plan.
- Zegna Group: Closed 14 stores during the first half of fiscal 2026 to focus on directly operated stores.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: Closed 113 stores across its portfolio during fiscal 2026 through the second quarter as it reviews “unproductive assets.”
