ALABAMA STATE - The retail landscape in Alabama is seeing a significant shift this spring. As we move into April 2026, a combination of national bankruptcy liquidations and corporate restructuring is leading several major brands to finalize their departures from the state's shopping centers and neighborhoods.
From the busy malls of Birmingham and Huntsville to the growing communities in Mobile and Montgomery, here are the five major retail chains closing doors in Alabama this month.
1. Big Lots
Following its ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy process and a failure to secure a buyer for several underperforming sites, Big Lots is in the final stage of liquidating its Alabama footprint. Multiple locations are scheduled to cease operations by April 30, 2026. Final "Going Out of Business" sales are reaching their peak at several sites, including:
- Andalusia (Covington Mall)
- Auburn (Opelika Rd)
- Dothan (Montgomery Highway)
- Hoover (Montgomery Hwy)
- Montgomery (Atlanta Hwy)
2. Francesca’s
The boutique fashion retailer is reaching the finish line of its total nationwide liquidation this April. Following a second Chapter 11 filing, all physical boutiques are being shuttered. In Alabama, "Going Out of Business" sales are concluding at several high-profile mall locations, including those in Birmingham (The Summit), Huntsville (Bridge Street Town Centre), and Mobile (The Shoppes at Bel Air).
3. Walgreens
The pharmacy giant is continuing its aggressive plan to shutter 1,200 underperforming stores nationwide by 2027. This April, Alabama is seeing a targeted round of closures, specifically in areas with high store density where older, low-traffic pharmacies are being consolidated into larger, modernized hubs. Residents in the Birmingham and Mobile areas are among those seeing local branches cease operations this month as the company trims its footprint to improve profitability.
4. Winn-Dixie
In a major shift for the local grocery scene, Winn-Dixie is finalizing its exit from the Alabama market this month. Following the acquisition by Aldi and a strategic rebranding effort, the remaining Winn-Dixie locations in the state are being shuttered or converted. The final two locations in Birmingham (Inverness Corners and Montevallo Rd) are scheduled to close their doors by the end of the month, marking the end of the brand's 60-year presence in the city.
5. 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 month, the "Off 5th" presence in Alabama is being phased out as the brand retreats to focus on a digital-first luxury model. Shoppers in the Birmingham area will see the final markdowns and eventual closure of this designer-discount outlet.
Important Information for Alabama 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 should check the store's mobile app or call their local pharmacist to confirm the new pickup location before their next refill.