MISSISSIPPI - The retail landscape in the Magnolia State is seeing a series of notable departures this spring. While Mississippi has historically maintained a stable brick-and-mortar presence, the combination of national bankruptcy liquidations and corporate restructuring is leading several major brands to finalize their exits.
From the Gulf Coast to the Delta, here are the five major retail chains closing doors in Mississippi.
1. Big Lots
Following its ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy process and a failure to secure a buyer for its underperforming sites, Big Lots is in the final stage of its liquidation. While a new ownership group has stepped in to save some locations nationwide, several Mississippi stores identified as "low-productivity" are reaching their final day of operation this month. Shoppers in Southaven and D'Iberville should look for final "Going Out of Business" signs as these locations prepare to vacate by April 30.
2. Francesca’s
The boutique fashion retailer is reaching the end of its total nationwide liquidation this April. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time, the company is shuttering all of its approximately 450 stores. In Mississippi, final inventory blowouts are concluding at several mall-based locations, including:
- Northpark (Ridgeland)
- Turtle Creek Mall (Hattiesburg)
3. Walgreens
The pharmacy giant is continuing its aggressive plan to shutter 1,200 underperforming stores nationwide by 2027. This April, Mississippi is seeing a targeted round of closures specifically in areas where the company is consolidating older, low-traffic branches into larger, modernized hubs. While the company has not released a comprehensive list, local branches with expiring leases in the Jackson and Gulfport areas are among those slated to cease operations this month.
4. Saks Off 5th
As part of a massive luxury retail consolidation, Saks Global is closing nearly all of its "Off 5th" discount locations to focus on its high-end flagship stores. This move marks a significant retreat for the brand in the Southeast. Shoppers will see the final markdowns and eventual closure of the outlet presence in the Greater Jackson area this month as the brand shifts its focus to a digital-first luxury model.
5. Express
Following its bankruptcy filing and subsequent restructuring, the fashion retailer Express is "right-sizing" its physical footprint to focus on top-performing flagship stores and digital growth. As part of this move, the brand is exiting several secondary mall markets in Mississippi. Notable closures reaching their final day of operation this month include the location at Northpark in Ridgeland, as the company streamlines its operations.
Important Information for Mississippi Shoppers
- Final Liquidations: At Big Lots and Francesca’s, discounts have likely reached 80% to 90% as they enter their final weeks. Be aware that all sales at these closing locations are final, with no returns or exchanges accepted.
- Gift Card Alert: Consumer advocates recommend using any remaining gift cards for Francesca’s or Big Lots immediately. Once the final doors lock on April 30, these credits may become void or much more difficult to redeem.
- Prescription Transfers: For any 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.
