Barnes & Noble, Buc-ee's among retailers opening stores in 2026. See list.
Julia GomezAs we settle into the new year, retailers like Barnes and Noble and Nordstrom Rack, are planning for the future and opening new stores across the country.
Last year, beloved retail giants shut down multiple locations. For example, Macy’s said it planned to shutter around 150 locations.
Other retailers, like the famous craft store Joann Fabrics, closed all of its stores permanently after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to USA TODAY’s previous reporting.
In total, there were around 4,100 store closures in 2025, reported Business Insider.
Despite retailers closing thousands of locations in 2025, some businesses are growing their footprints in 2026.
Here’s what we know so far about companies opening stores this year.
Barnes & Noble to open over 60 stores
Barnes and Noble, one of the largest book sellers in the country, plans to open dozens of locations across 10 states, according to USA TODAY’s previous reporting.
The retailer’s locations will be located in the following states:
- Ohio
- Texas
- Florida
- Illinois
- Colorado
- Washington
- California
- Virginia
- Georgia
- Washington, DC
Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack, a discount store, is also planning on expanding.
In 2026, it will open 14 stores across 10 states and will open in the following cities, according to USA TODAY’s reporting:
- Sarasota, Florida
- Encinitas, California
- Elmwood, Louisiana
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Plymouth, Massachusetts
- Deptford, New Jersey
- Orlando, Florida
- Mansfield, Massachusetts
- Spokane, Washington
- Pompano Beach, Florida
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- Tampa, Florida
- Canton, Ohio
- Rockville, Maryland
Uniqlo opens nearly a dozen locations
Uniqlo, a Japanese clothing brand and store, will also expand in the United States in the new year, according to Retail Dive.
The store will be expanding to the following states:
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Washington
- Washington, DC
Uniqlo will open 11 stores across seven cities, including multiple locations in New York City and Chicago, according to Retail Dive.
BJ’s Wholesale Club
BJ’s Wholesale Club will open around 8 locations in the new year, after opening 12 new locations in 2025, according to USA TODAY’s previous reporting.
The wholesale stores’ new locations will be located in the following cities:
- Foley, Alabama
- Delray Beach, Florida
- Selma, North Carolina
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Forney, Texas
- Grand Prairie, Texas
- Mesquite, Texas
- Southwest Fort Worth, Texas
Buc‑ee’s
More road trips will feature the face of the famous beaver mascot, Buc-ee, as Texas’ flagship gas station and convenience store is set to open three new locations.
The store, famous for its clean restrooms and beaver nuggets, will open new rest stops in the following locations in 2026:
- Huber Heights, Ohio- Opening in April
- Goodyear, Arizona- Opening in June
- San Marcos, Texas- Opening in July
Ollie’s to open nearly 100 stores
Ollie’s, a discount retailer, plans to open 75 stores, Robert Helm, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, said during an earnings call in December.
“Opening new stores remains our highest, the best use of capital,” said Eric van der Valk, Ollie’s president and CEO. “And the investments that we made in accelerating growth really paid off.”
Contributing: Saleen Martin, James Powel, Mike Snider and Gabe Hauari
Julia is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers scientific studies, natural disasters and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected].