Coresight Research has a dedicated team tracking news about store closures and openings, bankruptcies and management changes. Our Weekly Store Openings and Closures Tracker focuses on department stores and specialty retail, including, but not limited to, softlines, hardlines, consumer electronics,grocery and furniture.

2018 Major US Store Openings and Closures

Year-to-date 2018, the number of US store closure announcements stands at 2,160and the number of store openings is 1,588.

What Is Happening this Week in the US?

Foot Locker Plans to Close Around 110 Stores and Open 40 this Year

Foot Locker plans to close approximately 110 stores this year. “The disruption that has characterized the retail industry recently is not going away,” said company CEO Richard Johnson. “Consumers want experiences, they want cool products and they want it all—fast.” Foot Locker was working to reduce its exposure to “deteriorating” malls, as the retailer worked to rebuild its business and win back customers. On the other hand, the retailer plans to open around 40 new stores this year as it prunes the fleet of underproductive stores.

Non-Store-Closure News

Jim Donald Appointed President and COO of Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies has appointed Jim Donald, former President and CEO of Starbucks, as President and COO of Albertsons Companies, effective immediately. Donald is an experienced retail operator with extensive knowledge of Albertsons Companies, having previously held senior leadership roles at both Albertson’s and Safeway. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Rite Aid from 2008 to 2013.

VF Corp Names Velia Carboni as Its First Chief Digital Officer

VF Corporation, whose brands include The North Face and Timberland, has appointed Velia Carboni to the newly created position of Chief Digital Officer. She will report to VF Chairman, President and CEO, Steve Rendle. Carboni joins VF following a 25-plus year career at Fidelity Investments. She most recently served as Senior VP, Mobile and Emerging Platforms for Fidelity’s personal investing/retail division. “The global retail landscape is evolving at an accelerated pace, driven by the rise of digital technology,” said Rendle. “Velia will lead our digital strategy in a way that fuels growth and enables our brands to build and foster unrivaled connections with consumers worldwide. With more than two decades of experience in digital, emerging technology and consumer analytics, she is the ideal person to lead this important work for VF.”

Coresight Research has calendarized the announcements of store openings/closures, which involves an estimation for some retailers. The Children’s Place will close 300 stores by 2020. Ascena will close between 268 and 667 stores by July 2019, depending on negotiations with landlords. Gap will close 200 stores by 2020. VeraBradley will close 50 stores by 2021. Source: Company reports/Coresight Research

Coresight Research has calendarized the announcements of store openings/closures, which involves an estimation for some retailers. Mackage plans to operate 25 stores across North America in the next five years. Gap will open 270 stores by 2020. Costco has opened net 26 stores for the fiscal year ended September 2017, and plans to open net 25 stores for fiscal year 2018. In June 2017, Aldi announced it was aiming for 900 store openings by end-2022. Source: Company reports/Coresight Research

2017 Major US Store Openings and Closures

Coresight Research has calendarized the announcements of store openings/closures, which involves an estimation for some retailers. Source: Company reports/Coresight Research

Coresight Research has calendarized the announcements of store openings/closures, which involves an estimation for some retailers. Source: Company reports/Coresight Research

2018 Major UK Store Openings and Closures

Year to date in the UK, there have been 76 store closure announcements and 491 store opening announcements.

Coresight Research has calendarized the announcements of store openings/closures, which involves an estimation for some retailers. Monsoon Accessorize announced in 2016 that it will close 141 stores as leases expire over the next five years. Source: Company reports/Coresight Research

Coresight Research has calendarized the announcements of store openings/closures, which involves an estimation for some retailers.  Aldi will complete a 300-store expansion by 2022. Smiggle will open 200 stores by 2019.  Pets at Home will open five stores in fiscal 2017 and 10 stores in fiscal 2018. M&Co will open 60–75 stores by 2022. Footasylum plans to open 8–10 new stores a year. Lidl opens 50–60 stores per year. Greggs plans to open net 110–130 stores this year. Source: Company reports/Coresight Research

2017 Major UK Store Openings and Closures

Coresight Research has calendarized the announcements of store openings/closures, which involves an estimation for some retailers. Source: Company reports/Coresight Research

Coresight Research has calendarized the announcements of store openings/closures, which involves an estimation for some retailers. Source: Company reports/Coresight Research