North Carolina shoppers will soon notice more empty storefronts as retail closures continue to rise nationwide.
A recent Business Insider analysis of six major retail chains projects that over 2,000 stores will shut down in 2025, surpassing last year’s numbers.
This trend is reshaping North Carolina’s retail landscape, with well-known chains reducing their presence in cities like Charlotte and Raleigh.
Analysts at UBS predict an even steeper decline, estimating up to 45,000 store closures across the U.S. by 2029.
Small businesses and local retailers are expected to face the most pressure, significantly altering commercial areas across urban and rural parts of the state.
Retail Stores Closing in North Carolina in 2025
Party City
All Party City locations are closing nationwide, including:
- Raleigh – 8081 Brier Creek Pkwy
- Greensboro – Wendover location
- Charlotte – Tyvola Square (5407 South Boulevard)
Joann Fabrics
Six Joann Fabrics locations in North Carolina are shutting down:
- Asheville – 80 S Tunnel Rd Suite 30
- Hendersonville – 1800 Four Seasons Blvd
- Goldsboro – 625 N Berkeley Blvd
- Morganton – E132 Morganton Heights Blvd
- Mooresville – 221 Norman Station Blvd
- Rocky Mount – 572 Sutter’s Creek Blvd
Forever 21
Nine Forever 21 locations in North Carolina are holding liquidation sales before closing:
- Carolina Place (Pineville)
- Crabtree Valley Mall (Raleigh)
- Cross Creek Mall (Fayetteville)
- Jacksonville Mall (Jacksonville)
- Concord Mills (Concord)
- Streets at Southpoint (Durham)
- Four Seasons Town Centre (Greensboro)
- Hanes Mall (Winston-Salem)
- Northlake Mall (Charlotte)
Big Lots
Big Lots has shuttered 66 stores in North Carolina following its bankruptcy filing. However, some locations may reopen under new ownership by North Carolina-based Variety Wholesalers.
JCPenney
One JCPenney store in the state is closing:
- Asheville Mall
Kohl’s & Macy’s
Both chains are downsizing nationwide, with Macy’s set to close 66 stores as part of its restructuring plan. Specific North Carolina locations have not yet been announced.
These closures reflect ongoing struggles in the retail sector, driven by the rise of e-commerce and shifting consumer habits.
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