MINNESOTA - Minnesota's retail landscape—home to the nation's largest shopping mall—is facing a significant wave of closures this season. From the Twin Cities to St. Cloud and Duluth, several long-standing apparel giants are winding down their physical footprints. For many Minnesotans, these departures signal a major transition in the State commercial identity as corporate restructurings and liquidations sweep through regional malls.
Here are four iconic clothing retailers shuttering Minnesota locations this spring.
1. Eddie Bauer (9 Locations Statewide)
In a major blow to Minnesota's outdoor-apparel scene, the legendary Eddie Bauer is officially exiting the brick-and-mortar market. Following its bankruptcy filing in February 2026, the brand is transitioning to a digital-only, wholesale-only model. Given Minnesota's deep connection to the outdoors, the loss of these physical storefronts is especially significant.
Inventory liquidation sales are in their final stages, with doors expected to lock for the last time by late spring 2026. The nine Minnesota locations affected include:
- Mall of America (Bloomington)
- Southdale Center (Edina)
- Ridgedale Center (Minnetonka)
- Rosedale Center (Roseville)
- Miller Hill Mall (Duluth)
- Woodbury Lakes (Woodbury)
- Additional sites in Eden Prairie, Eagan, and Albertville Outlets.
2. Macy's (St. Cloud)
As part of its "Bold New Chapter" strategy to shutter 150 underperforming stores nationwide, Macy's has identified its Crossroads Center location in St. Cloud for closure. This move is part of a broader effort to focus investment on higher-performing locations and its smaller-format "Market by Macy's" concept.
Clearance sales at the St. Cloud location began in early 2026 and are expected to wrap up by mid-May 2026. While the brand maintains a strong presence at the Mall of America and Ridgedale, its exit from the St. Cloud market marks a major shift for shoppers in Central Minnesota.
3. Francesca's (All Remaining Locations)
The boutique staple, Francesca’s, is nearing the end of its 25-year run in physical storefronts. Following a second bankruptcy and a loss of investor funding earlier this year, the chain is liquidating all 457 of its boutiques nationwide. The brand, known for its curated and "free-spirited" aesthetic, has struggled to maintain its mall-based model.
Minnesota shoppers are saying goodbye to these neighborhood boutiques in several major hubs, including:
- Mall of America (Bloomington)
- Ridgedale Center (Minnetonka)
- River Hills Mall (Mankato)
- Apache Mall (Rochester)
- Miller Hill Mall (Duluth)
Most locations are expected to be fully vacated by mid-spring 2026, with all sales marked final.
4. Rue21 (6 Locations Statewide)
Teen fashion retailer Rue21 is in the final weeks of liquidating its entire fleet after filing for its third and final bankruptcy. Unlike previous attempts to reorganize, no buyer emerged to keep the physical doors open, leading to a total wind-down of the brick-and-mortar business.
In Minnesota, the brand is closing several community mainstays this spring. Final inventory clear-outs are wrapping up at:
- Eden Prairie Center
- Riverdale Village (Coon Rapids)
- Elk Park Center (Elk River)
- Viking Plaza Mall (Alexandria)
- River Hills Mall (Mankato)
- Medford Outlet Center
The Evolution of Minnesota Retail Hubs
The departure of these clothing icons leaves notable vacancies in Minnesota's premier shopping destinations. However, developers at the Mall of America and regional centers like Ridgedale are already pivoting toward "experiential" tenants—such as upscale dining, luxury fitness centers, and entertainment venues—to breathe new life into these large commercial spaces as the State retail hubs adapt to a digital-first economy.
