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Store closings continue to define the retail landscape in 2025, with the pace of shutdowns showing no signs of slowing. In a previous post, we covered this changing landscape and how it’s been marked by a significant turning point: for the first time since 2020, store closures outnumbered openings. Major names like Macy’s, Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, Foot Locker, and Best Buy are among the notable brands that have already announced plans to close some or all of their stores, per MSN.
Now, two more well-known chains are joining the ranks of those scaling back. The first of these chains is Advance Auto Parts, a nationwide auto parts retailer who has announced plans to close around 700 stores by mid-2025. The second chain, At Home, a Texas-based furniture and home décor retailer, has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy and will be closing 26 stores across the country.
So, what does this mean for the state of retail in 2025, and what does this mean for you? In this article, we’ll answer these questions by taking a deeper look at these closures, highlighting what this trend means for retailers nationwide.
For decades, Advance Auto Parts has been one of the most recognizable retail chains for car parts and accessories. With thousands of locations across the U.S. and beyond, it has long been a familiar presence in communities nationwide. Now, however, as a part of a larger repositioning strategy, they are set to close at least 500 corporate stores, and exit another 200 independent locations, according to this article by the Detroit Free Press.
To carry out this realignment, in addition to the store closings, Advance Auto plans to overhaul their supply chain. The company will consolidate its distribution network into 12 larger facilities by 2026, introduce 60 new market hub locations by 2027, and refine its shipping routes in an effort to cut costs and raise productivity. Financial pressures are a key driver of these moves: in 2024, Advance posted a net operating loss of $713.3 million (7.8% of sales), while its adjusted operating income was just 0.4%, down slightly from the year before. According to the Detroit Free Press, company leaders believe that streamlining operations and focusing on core retail performance will help them return to steady, profitable growth in the years ahead.
At Home, a Texas-based furniture and home décor superstore chain, has long been recognized for its giant warehouse-style locations stocked with everything from couches to seasonal decorations. Over time, it became a popular one-stop destination for shoppers looking to outfit their homes on a budget. But in June 2025, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and confirmed plans to close 26 stores across the U.S. by the end of September, USA TODAY reported.
In their article, USA TODAY points to a number of challenges At Home is facing to explain these closings: rising inflation, increased borrowing costs, and higher tariffs that have driven up import expenses. The company has already shut down six locations in the past year, and as part of the restructuring, control of At Home will shift to a group of hedge funds and investment firms based in New York and San Francisco. Although the brand still operates a large number of stores nationwide, this wave of closures highlights the mounting difficulties faced by big-box retailers in today’s retail environment. The challenges motivating these closures are consistent for retail vendors across the retail sector.
When looking at the closures of Advance Auto Parts and At Home, it’s important to recognize that they are part of a larger pattern already reshaping the industry. As we noted in our previous post on 2025 closings, we have seen store closures outpacing openings, with brands across multiple sectors reducing their physical footprints. While these headlines may appear bleak, the broader truth is that retail is not disappearing—it’s shifting. Value-focused and experience-driven brands continue to open stores, while many others scale back or right-size in response to changing consumer behaviors, higher operating costs, and increased competition from e-commerce.
If you’re opening a new store or closing in the face of global market changes, our team can assist in making the process more efficient, cost-effective, and strategic.
