ILLINOIS STATE - The retail landscape in the Prairie State is undergoing a significant transformation this spring. Driven by national bankruptcy liquidations, corporate restructuring, and a transition to digital-first models, several household names are finalizing their departures from Illinois shopping centers and local neighborhoods.
From the high-traffic corridors of Chicago to the suburban hubs of Aurora and Skokie, here are the five major retail chains closing doors in Illinois this month.
1. Eddie Bauer
Following a bankruptcy filing and a failed auction process earlier this year, the operator of Eddie Bauer’s physical stores is liquidating its entire North American footprint. All brick-and-mortar locations are scheduled to cease operations by April 30, 2026. This marks a major shift for the 106-year-old brand as it pivots to an online-only model. Illinois is losing numerous long-standing locations, including those at:
- Chicago (State Street)
- Aurora (Chicago Premium Outlets)
- Skokie (Old Orchard)
- Oak Brook (Oakbrook Center)
2. Walgreens
As part of a massive multi-year plan to shutter 1,200 underperforming stores by 2027, Walgreens is continuing to trim its Illinois footprint. This April, the Deerfield-based company is targeting several "low-traffic" pharmacies where leases are expiring. While a full list of addresses is often withheld until final weeks, the company has recently confirmed significant job cuts at its Deerfield headquarters and Chicago corporate offices, signaling a broader retreat from its traditional physical presence in its home state.
3. Macy’s
Macy’s is entering the final stage of its "Bold New Chapter" strategy, which involves closing 150 underperforming stores nationwide to focus on its top-tier "Reimagine" locations. Following the previous closure of its Springfield store, the chain is finalizing the exit of at least one additional regional department store in Illinois this month. These moves are part of a larger plan to modernize the remaining fleet while investing heavily in the Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury brands.
4. Big Lots
Following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and ongoing reorganization, Big Lots is finalizing the closure of several remaining underperforming sites in Illinois. While a new deal may save some locations, those identified as "low-productivity" are reaching their final liquidation dates this month. Shoppers in the Chicago area and Central Illinois should look for final clearance sales as the company vacates its larger warehouse-style storefronts by April 30.
5. Express
Following its bankruptcy reorganization and subsequent acquisition, Express is "right-sizing" its mall-based presence to focus on high-traffic flagship stores and digital growth. This month, the brand is exiting several secondary mall markets in Illinois. Notable closures reaching their final day of operation include the Lincolnwood Town Center location and the Fairview Heights (St. Clair Square) store, as the company streamlines its operations.
Important Information for Illinois Shoppers
- Final Liquidations: At Eddie Bauer and Big Lots, discounts have likely reached 70% to 90%. Be aware that all sales at these closing locations are final, and no returns or exchanges will be accepted.
- Gift Card Alert: Consumer advocates recommend using any remaining gift cards for Eddie Bauer or Express immediately. Under the terms of the liquidation, gift cards for Eddie Bauer may no longer be honored in-store after mid-month.
- Prescription Transfers: For closing Walgreens locations, patient records are typically transferred automatically to the nearest surviving branch. Customers are encouraged to use the Walgreens mobile app to confirm their new pickup point before their next refill.
