U.S. retailers plan more than 1,200 store openings in 2026 as discount chains expand

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2026 U.S. retailer store openings

Highlights

Dollar General plans 450 new store openings in 2026, leading U.S. retailers in expansion while Aldi targets 180 additional locations to approach 2,800 stores by year-end.
American Eagle Outfitters anticipates $250 million to $260 million in 2026 capital expenditures for 35 new stores and 60 remodels, signaling confidence in brick-and-mortar growth.
BJ’s Wholesale Club, Kroger, Nordstrom Rack, and Uniqlo collectively aim to open over 63 stores in 2026, indicating continued investment in physical retail despite wider industry downsizing.

According to Business Insider, Dollar General outlined the largest 2026 buildout, with CEO Todd Vasos telling analysts on a Dec. 4 earnings call that the chain plans to open 450 new stores. Vasos said the company does not feel compelled to rush to fill empty retail space left by competitors, calling out that rivals are not opening many locations. Aldi also announced more than 180 new stores across 31 states by the end of 2026 as it marks its 50th anniversary year in the U.S. The grocer said the expansion would bring it close to 2,800 stores by year-end, in line with its longer-term goal of 3,200 locations by the end of 2028.

Several other retailers provided targets tied to earnings calls, statements, or press releases for 2026 openings. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet said on a December earnings call it is targeting 75 new stores for fiscal 2026 after strong 2025 foot traffic and openings. Barnes & Noble is set to open 60 new stores in 2026 and attributed momentum to a decentralized strategy, according to Fox Business, which cited a company statement. American Eagle Outfitters’ Aerie and Offline brands plan 35 new stores and 60 remodels, and CFO Mike Mathias told analysts the company expects 2026 capital expenditures of $250 million to $260 million to help finance the changes.

What the openings signal for U.S. retail

Big-box and grocery operators also signaled continued investment in physical footprints despite wider industry downsizing. BJ’s Wholesale Club CEO Bob Eddy told analysts on March 5 that the company aims to end 2026 with 25 to 30 new clubs, including those opened in 2025, and said performance across sales, membership, and profit has been above expectations. Kroger has confirmed plans to break ground on 14 new stores in 2026, after telling investors in 2025 that it expected store openings to increase by 30% in the current year. Nordstrom Rack, via a series of press releases published in 2024 and 2025, announced plans to open at least 13 new stores in spring and fall 2026 in states including Massachusetts, New Jersey, Virginia, and California. Uniqlo is expected to add 11 U.S. stores in 2026, including two flagships in Chicago and San Francisco, according to an announcement obtained by Retail Dive. It also quoted U.S. CEO Fuminori Adachi on the milestone for growth and customer connection.

Outside retail-only formats, brands, and restaurant operators also highlighted brick-and-mortar as a growth lever. L.L. Bean said in a Dec. 9 announcement it plans a major retail expansion in 2026, including eight new stores that would bring its nationwide count to 76, with chief retail officer Greg Elder describing physical retail as essential to its strategy. In restaurants, The One Group Hospitality said a Dec. 29 agreement secured development rights to 10 Benihana or Benihana Express locations, with two expected to open in 2026 and the remainder over the next seven years. Across categories, the mix of openings points to continued demand for value, convenience, and membership-led savings, even as many retailers prioritize digital investments and rationalize underperforming locations.

We previously reported on the growing push by U.S. states to restrict what items can be bought with SNAP benefits after receiving USDA waivers. The changes, rolling out on staggered timelines from 2024 through 2028 with a larger wave slated for 2026, target categories such as soda, energy drinks, candy, and other sweetened products, raising point-of-sale compliance and shopper guidance challenges for retailers.

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