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Get ready for a retail boom in 2026. Even though the economy is seemingly at a standstill and recent closures have made headlines, some of your favorite warehouse clubs and discount stores are poised to expand over the next year.
Which fan favorites are opening new locations in the next few months? We scoured the Internet for all the info you need on the most popular chains that could be coming to a town near you. So if you're looking for more ways to save money on groceries, everyday essentials, home goods, hardware, and more, here are seven brands with expansion plans.
Costco
The iconic warehouse club is poised to open several new locations in the second half of 2026. Currently, the retailer has plans to expand its footprint in New York, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, Georgia, California, and Missouri.
Based on members' reactions to Costco's list of store openings, the new additions are more than welcome. On the Costco subreddit, user Designer_Ad_2023 posted, "Southeast WI needs more Costcos bad. The new Berlin one is a mad house. Executive hours Saturday at 8:55 parking lot is completely full," and Redditor glowdirt gushed, "OMG Finally Albany gets a Costco!"
Sam's Club
Sam's shoppers may feel a twinge of disappointment at the warehouse club's 2026 opening list. Sadly, the retailer has only confirmed plans to debut four new stores (most likely in California, Tennessee, and Texas). But that doesn't mean you won't see upcoming additions in 2027.
In 2025, Sam's revealed plans to open 30 new locations over the next few years. While the company did not provide information on specific sites, executives did share that this is a 15-store-per-year growth strategy.
BJ's Wholesale Club
BJ's Wholesale Club is growing at a rapid pace. In May, the retailer touted the addition of 25 to 30 new clubs every two years, including 12 in 2026. Per the brand's press release, Kentucky, Florida, and Indiana will all get new stores.
Executive Vice President, Strategy and Development, BJ's Wholesale Club, Bill Werner, said, "We are committed to growing our footprint in both new and existing markets to bring the value of a BJ's Wholesale Club to even more members."
Werner continued, "Coming off the strong results of our 2025 openings, the team is excited to execute our 2026 class, deliver value, and take care of families who depend on us in these communities."
Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree is both opening and closing stores this year. The discount retailer is converting 630 existing stores to the new multi-price format. This departure from the iconic $1.25 plan isn't exactly a welcome change. And by the end of 2026's first quarter, nearly 5,900 locations will use this strategy.
But prices aren't the only changes this company is making this year. Dollar Tree will shutter 75 stores, while also opening approximately 400 new locations across the U.S. in 2026. As of now, there is no information on specifics.
Dollar General
Like Dollar Tree, discount chain Dollar General is gearing up for a banner year with a wave of new store openings. According to reports, the retailer plans to expand its footprint into rural markets and open nearly 450 U.S. stores. Along with the stateside openings, Dollar General will add 10 new stores in Mexico.
Chief Financial Officer at Dollar General, Donny Lau, told investors on the company's third-quarter 2025 earnings call, "Our first priority is investing in the business including our existing store base, as well as other high-return growth opportunities such as new store expansion, remodels, and other strategic initiatives."
Nordstrom Rack
In January, the affordable off-price clothing retailer announced plans for two new Pennsylvania stores (in the fall of 2026). Gemma Lionella, President of Nordstrom Rack, said, "We're excited to grow our footprint in these regions and introduce customers to the Nordstrom experience." The stores are located in Exton and Media, Pennsylvania.
While this was the first announcement of the new year, Nordstrom Rack has since revealed plans to launch locations in New Jersey, Alabama, Ohio, California, Colorado, Michigan, Texas, Washington, Illinois, Georgia, Missouri, and Utah in the future as well.
Aldi
Aldi is known for everyday low prices and a sizable selection of specialty store-brand items. Back in January, the budget-friendly grocery retailer publicized plans to open over 180 stores across 31 states in 2026.
Atty McGrath, Aldi U.S. CEO, said, "One in three U.S. Households shopped at Aldi this past year, and in 2026 we're focused on making it even easier for customers to shop our aisles first." McGrath added, "That means bringing Aldi to even more neighborhoods, upgrading our website, and planning additional distribution centers to keep our shelves stocked with the products our shoppers love."
Bottom line
Keep in mind, national rollouts happen gradually. That means the stores on our list may not open at the same time. If you're not sure which retailers could have new locations in your area, contact the retailer directly for more information.
With the growing number of discount stores and warehouse clubs across the country, shoppers are looking for practical ways to save. How can you keep more cash in your wallet? Here are a few helpful tips: Swap brand-name products for private-label generics (like Member's Mark and Kirkland Signature), buy only what you can reasonably use in bulk, and use apps/websites to score extra deals.
FAQs
Which states are getting their first Aldi store in 2026?
Maine and Colorado. Aldi is opening its first Maine store in the Portland area, which makes Maine the chain's 40th state. Colorado is a bigger push: Aldi plans at least 50 stores in the Denver and Colorado Springs markets over the next five years. Both are part of a plan to open more than 180 stores across 31 states in 2026 and reach 3,200 U.S. locations by 2028.
Can you shop at a warehouse club without a membership?
Not for free. Sam's Club sells a guest pass that adds a 10% service fee to your purchase, and BJ's issues a one-day pass with a 20% surcharge that it will credit toward a membership if you join within seven days. Costco does not offer a day pass or a trial membership.
Which states still don't have a Costco?
Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Wyoming are the only three without a single warehouse. All three rank low on population or population density, which is the main filter Costco uses when it evaluates a site. None of them appear among the openings announced so far this year.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 12 ways to pocket up to $300.
- Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
- 10 little weird hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Learn how to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
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