STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — It was a rough year for big-box brands and major department stores, with many U.S. retail chains announcing significant store closures or filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy over the past 12 months. Blaming the brick-and-mortar shrinkage on declining foot traffic, shifting shopper habits and inflation, many of the companies claim change is necessary in this current retail landscape.

And as the convenience of online shopping overpowers the in-store experience, the downsizing marches on.

Here’s a closer look at which retailers recently reinvented themselves, and which permanently disappeared:

Macy’s

In February 2024, Macy’s announced it would close more than 100 stores as part of its “Bold New Chapter” regrowth strategy. In early 2025, the retailer made good on that promise, shutting down a total of 66 locations. The company’s Staten Island Furniture Gallery, located at 98 Richmond Hill Rd. in New Springville was part of that initial chop.

Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts announced plans to close 523 corporate and 204 independent locations as part of what it called a “strategic plan to improve business performance.” The brand’s Port Richmond store, located at 2060 Forest Ave., was part of those closures, shutting its doors in March.

JCPenney

Department store retailer JCPenney shuttered at least eight stores in 2025, including locations in California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, North Carolina, New Hampshire and West Virginia. The company attributed the closures to “expiring lease agreements, market changes and other factors.”

Forever 21

Trendy fast-fashion retailer Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy in March and officially closed all its stores about a month later. Brad Sell, chief financial officer for the brand, noted that the company was “unable to find a sustainable path forward, given competition from foreign fast-fashion companies … pricing and margin, as well as rising costs, economic challenges impacting our core customers, and evolving consumer trends,”

Dollar General

In an effort to optimize store performance after a decrease in profits, Dollar General announced in March it would close 96 stores throughout the country, and shutter 45 of its pOpshelf locations before year’s end. The discount chain operates over 19,000 stores across 48 states, including two on Staten Island, which were not affected by the closures.

Walgreens

Walgreens, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States, announced in October 2024 it would close approximately 1,200 locations over the next three years, made good on those downsizing claims in 2025. According to the company’s website, 29 of its retail stores across the country shuttered in May.

Rite Aid

Rite Aid, the embattled pharmacy chain that first filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2023, officially shuttered all its stores nationwide in October, ending a 62-year-run as a staple in the U.S. pharmacy industry.

Citing slumping sales and a Justice Department complaint alleging excessive fills of opioids as the cause, the chain had closed hundreds of stores over the past two years, including both Staten Island locations in New Springville and Eltingville.

Claire’s

More than 200 Claire’s and Icing locations closed in 2025, including stores in every New York City borough except Staten Island. According to a bankruptcy filing, the retailer, which specializes in ear piercings, accessories, and fashion for teen and tween girls, sought Chapter 11 protection in the wake of declining foot traffic, shifting consumer behavior, and mounting debt.