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14 Companies That Could Be Gone by the End of 2026

Some brands are facing closures, bankruptcy, shrinking sales, and layoffs in 2026.

By Amanda Machado , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated April 16, 2026

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That store you always go to? It might not be there by the end of the year. Across the country, well-known brands are buckling under the weight of inflation, changing consumer habits, and debt they can no longer outrun. For many of them, 2026 isn't just another tough year. It's the year that decides whether they make it out the other side.

For consumers, especially those looking to prepare themselves financially and withstand economic downturns, understanding which companies are struggling could help them make smarter spending decisions and avoid disruptions. Here are well-known businesses facing serious challenges this year.

iRobot

iRobot, the company behind the Roomba, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in late 2025 after years of declining demand and intense competition from cheaper robot vacuums. Failed acquisition plans and mounting losses forced the company into restructuring, which raised doubts about its long-term independence and ability to eliminate some money stress. The restructuring plan became effective in January of this year, and Picea acquired 100% of iRobot's equity. Its new financial picture remains to be seen.

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Target

Target has faced multiple quarters of sluggish sales growth as inflation-weary shoppers cut back on discretionary spending. Inventory missteps and fierce competition from Walmart and other companies have weighed heavily on profits, forcing leadership to rethink pricing and merchandising strategies.

Claire's

Claire's continues to struggle with declining mall traffic and shrinking teen accessory demand. The company filed for bankruptcy in August 2025, as lease costs rose and sales stagnated. Claire's was later acquired by Ames Watson in a nearly $140 million deal that included up to 950 stores. Furthermore, the court confirmed Claire's Chapter 11 plan, and the Bankruptcy Court then entered a final decree closing certain of the Chapter 11 cases. However, the retailer's ability to get fully back on track is yet to be determined.

Family Dollar

Family Dollar was sold to Brigade Capital Management and Macellum Capital Management for just over $1 billion. It closed hundreds of stores under its previous parent brand Dollar Tree following declining sales and restructuring, making its long–term viability an open question if conditions don't improve.

Porsche

Porsche warned that restructuring costs associated with the realignment of its product and expenses from U.S. tariffs strategy could squeeze earnings. According to a press release from the company, the group operating profit in 2025 fell from 5.64 billion euros to 413 million euros. This could be a sign that even luxury automakers aren't immune to economic headwinds.

REI Co-op

In January 2025, REI announced it would be shutting its Experiences business amid softening sales, signaling that even outdoor lifestyle brands are contending with consumers cutting back on discretionary purchases. As a result, 428 employees were laid off, and the company has previously stated hopes of working toward profitability.

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Walgreens

According to the Advisory Board, Walgreens reported a net loss of $8.6 billion in 2024, which was almost triple the amount from a year prior. Walgreens was acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners for roughly $10 billion last August, ending its nearly century-long reign as a publicly traded business, and plans to close dozens of locations in 2026.

The pharmacy chain has struggled with reimbursement pressures and theft concerns, putting its long-term brick-and-mortar strategy in jeopardy and its future uncertain in 2026.

GameStop

GameStop reported a net profit of $4.184 billion for fiscal year 2025, a significant increase from the previous year's $1.313 billion, though annual revenue was $3.63 billion, down from $3.82 billion. The massive profit figure is largely driven by investment gains (including Bitcoin holdings). However, revenue still declined, so there is the core concern about shrinking sales.

Forever 21

Forever 21 shut down all brick-and-mortar stores in the U.S. after filing for bankruptcy again. While the brand hopes to survive online, years of declining mall traffic and fast-fashion competition have severely weakened its once-dominant retail presence.

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7-Eleven

7-Eleven's U.S. locations have faced declining foot traffic and revenue. Store closures and franchisee disputes have increased, with hundreds of locations being shuttered in the past two years, raising concerns that even convenience retail like 7-Eleven may struggle if inflation continues to squeeze everyday spending.

Torrid

Torrid, once a standout in plus-size fashion, has reported falling sales, and in 2025, the company announced plans to close 30% of its brick-and-mortar locations. That's approximately 180 stores. While most of these closures are complete, the company is now focusing on 2026 as a turnaround year. However, only future financial reports could confirm whether this is successful.

Foot Locker

In recent quarters, Foot Locker has reported net losses and declining sales, and has plans to close several underperforming stores amid declining mall traffic and weaker sneaker demand. These closures come amidst the acquisition by Dick's Sporting Goods in September. Increased competition from direct-to-consumer brands has cut into profits, forcing the retailer to overhaul its store strategy.

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Procter & Gamble

Even major consumer goods firms aren't immune. After more than a year of reporting declining sales, Procter & Gamble announced plans to reduce its workforce by up to 7,000 jobs as part of a broader restructuring that highlights margin pressures from tariffs and global cost increases.

Bottom line

Watching familiar companies struggle can be unsettling, but it's also a reminder to stay flexible with your spending habits. Exploring smarter ways to save money on essentials and adjusting where you shop could help protect your budget if closures affect your favorite retailers.

Finding a way to keep more cash in your wallet, especially during uncertain economic times, could make a meaningful difference as you shop this year.

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