Retailers Race to Expand in 2026: Openings Surpass Closures

**Coresight Research** is a leading research and advisory firm specializing in **retail and technology disruption**[4]. Headquartered at 1359 Broadway in New York City, the company operates with approximately 63 employees and generates approximately $13.3 million in annual revenue[2]. ## Core Mission and Services The organization provides **future-focused analysis and consulting** to companies navigating the intersection of retail, technology, and fashion[1]. Coresight Research delivers data-driven insights designed to help retail clients accelerate innovation and growth while staying competitive in rapidly evolving markets[2][4]. The firm maintains a particular specialization in the China market, offering proprietary research and data that addresses regional and global retail trends[3][5]. ## Leadership and History Led by **Deborah Weinswig**, Coresight Research has established itself as a trusted advisor for leading companies globally[1]. The firm underwent a strategic rebranding initiative under compressed timelines, during which the team developed its current name, brand identity, and organizational narrative while maintaining quality standards[1]. ## Strategic Partnerships and Growth The company has demonstrated growth through strategic collaborations, including a notable partnership with NextRivet, a digital innovation consultancy specializing in retail real estate. Together, they launched **CoreRivet**, a service empowering retail and real estate executives with actionable insights and cutting-edge technologies to drive sales growth and operational efficiencies[2]. ## Funding and Market Position Coresight Research has secured less than $5 million in total funding across two funding rounds, reflecting a relatively lean capital structure for a research firm[2]. Despite modest funding, the organization has positioned itself as the leading research and advisory firm in its niche, serving major corporations seeking to understand and capitalize on retail-technology convergence trends.

Macy's, Inc. is a leading American department store company operating iconic retail brands including Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Bluemercury. It serves millions of customers by offering a broad assortment of apparel, accessories, cosmetics, and home products aimed at helping consumers express unique styles and celebrate special moments, both in-store and online[4]. Founded in 1858, Macy's has a long history as a retail pioneer, becoming one of the largest department store chains in the United States. Despite its storied past, Macy's has faced significant challenges over the past decade. Sales peaked at $28.1 billion in 2014 but declined to around $22.3 billion by the mid-2020s amid the "retail apocalypse," driven by competition from e-commerce giants like Amazon and discount retailers such as Target. The company experienced declining customer service scores and lost key brand partners like Ralph Lauren and Nike, which removed their products from Macy's shelves due to inadequate store presentation[1]. In early 2024, Tony Spring took over as CEO and initiated a strategic turnaround focused on retail fundamentals: improving customer service through better staffing, enhancing in-store experiences with attractive product presentation, and refreshing brand assortments. This plan also includes streamlining the store footprint from 449 to about 350 locations, concentrating investments on 125 priority stores, and bolstering e-commerce capabilities[1]. By the second quarter of 2025, Macy's reported net sales of $4.8 billion, surpassing guidance, and saw its best comparable sales performance in three years, signaling progress in its turnaround[3]. From a financial perspective, Macy's is managing supply chain complexities, including tariffs on goods sourced from China, which accounted for about 20% of product origin in 2024. The company expects digital sales to comprise over one-third of net sales in 2025, reflecting its ongoing pivot toward omnichannel retailing[2]. Macy’s commitment to blending traditional

Kohl's Corporation is a major American department store retail chain with over 1,165 locations across 49 U.S. states, excluding Hawaii. Founded in 1927 by Polish immigrant Maxwell Kohl in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company evolved from a single grocery store to a department store chain by 1962. Ownership changed hands multiple times, including British American Tobacco's control in 1972 and a public offering in 1992. Headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Kohl's became the largest U.S. department store chain in 2012, surpassing JCPenney, and ranked as the 23rd-largest U.S. retailer by revenue in 2019[1]. Kohl’s operates as a leading omnichannel retailer, integrating physical stores, its website, and mobile app to serve over 60 million customers. It focuses on delivering great products, value, and customer experience, aiming to support families’ real-life moments. Kohl’s reported total revenues exceeding $16 billion, operating more than 1,100 stores and contributing over $875 million to communities. Despite recent challenges reflected in a 4-5% year-over-year decline in net sales during early and mid-2025, the company emphasizes its commitment to long-term shareholder value through a curated product assortment and enhancing its omnichannel capabilities[2][3][4][5]. Leadership has recently experienced turnover, with Michael Bender as Acting CEO as of May 2025, following the brief tenure of Ashley Buchanan and predecessor Tom Kingsbury. Kohl’s continues to adapt strategically to retail market pressures by focusing on value, quality, and seamless customer experiences both online and in-store[1][5]. Notably, Kohl’s success lies in balancing tradition with innovation, leveraging its extensive footprint and technological platforms to maintain relevance in a competitive retail landscape. The company’s integration of technology and community engagement highlights its evolving role as a retailer committed to customer convenience and social impac

Carter's, Inc. (NYSE: CRI) is **North America's largest branded marketer of apparel exclusively for babies and young children**, offering high-quality, affordable clothing through brands like Carter's, OshKosh B'gosh, and Skip Hop.[1][2][3][5] Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company generates over **$2.8 billion in annual revenue** via a multi-channel model: 1,000+ retail stores, e-commerce, wholesale partnerships with giants like Target, Walmart, and Macy's, and international sales.[4][5] Founded in **1865** by William Carter in Massachusetts, it began with hand-knit mittens before pivoting in the 1950s to children's wear, introducing innovations like the 'Jiffon' neck for easy dressing.[1][2] The Carter family sold it in 1990; it went public in 2003. A pivotal **2005 acquisition** of OshKosh B'gosh for $312 million expanded its portfolio to include durable playclothes for toddlers up to size 14.[2][4] Exclusive lines like "Just One You" for Target followed, capturing 25% of U.S. newborn-to-toddler and sleepwear markets as of 2019.[2] Key achievements include ranking **#1 baby apparel brand** (28% market share for ages 0-12 months), earning "Best Affordable Organic Baby Clothes" from Glamour in 2023, and operating a massive 1-million-square-foot distribution center in Braselton, Georgia, since 2012.[2][3] Despite declining birth rates, Carter's grew its baby/toddler market share in 2024 through innovations like the sustainable **Little Planet** (2021) and supersoft **PurelySoft** lines.[4] Today, with **5,000-10,000 employees**, Carter's targets Gen Z parents

## Overview Walgreens is a cornerstone of American pharmacy and retail, recognized for its extensive network of drugstores and its pivotal role in community health. Today, it operates as part of Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), a global leader in healthcare, pharmacy, and retail, serving millions of customers daily across the United States, Europe, and Latin America[1]. WBA’s portfolio includes well-known brands such as Walgreens, Boots, Duane Reade, No7 Beauty Company, and Benavides, with over 12,000 retail and healthcare locations and approximately 311,000 team members worldwide[1]. ## History Founded in 1901 by Charles R. Walgreen Sr. in Chicago, Walgreens pioneered innovations that shaped modern pharmacy, including the introduction of the malted milkshake and the self-service drugstore model in the 1920s[2]. By 1929, the chain had expanded to 525 stores, cementing its reputation for accessibility and convenience[2]. Over the decades, Walgreens led in safety (child-resistant prescription containers) and technology, becoming the first major chain to connect all pharmacies via satellite in 1984 and launching its digital presence with Walgreens.com in 1999[2]. The company’s ability to adapt—offering multilingual prescription labels and expanding immunization services during public health crises—has kept it at the forefront of pharmacy innovation[2]. ## Key Achievements Walgreens’ growth into a global conglomerate saw it become the largest retail health, pharmacy, and daily living destination in the U.S. and Europe[1]. It was once a Dow Jones Industrial Average component, reflecting its corporate stature and market influence[4]. The company has been recognized for its commitment to disability inclusion, scoring 100% on the Disability Equality Index in fiscal 2024[1]. Its purpose—“to create more joyful lives through better health”—

**CVS Health: A Leader in Healthcare Solutions** CVS Health is a leading health solutions company that has been transforming the healthcare landscape by providing accessible, affordable, and personalized care to millions of consumers. Founded in 1963 as a single pharmacy in Lowell, Massachusetts, CVS has grown into a health giant with over 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics, and a leading pharmacy benefits manager serving approximately 87 million plan members[4]. **What CVS Does** CVS Health offers a wide range of services, including retail pharmacy operations, health insurance through Aetna, and pharmacy benefits management via CVS Caremark. The company is dedicated to improving access to care, lowering costs, and enhancing patient outcomes through its integrated model and technology-driven services[1][3]. **Key Achievements and Current Status** CVS has made significant strides in healthcare innovation. In 2025, it reported strong financial performance with total revenues increasing by 8.4% to $98.9 billion in the second quarter[2]. The company has also raised its adjusted earnings per share guidance for 2025 to $6.30 to $6.40, driven in part by improvements in its Aetna insurance business[5]. Notably, CVS is investing $20 billion over the next decade to enhance interoperability and deliver a more consumer-centric health experience[6]. **Notable Aspects** - **Interoperability Goals**: CVS aims to solve healthcare interoperability challenges by integrating health tech systems, a goal that could revolutionize the industry if achieved[6]. - **Diversity and Inclusion**: The company is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring its workforce reflects the communities it serves[1]. - **Technological Advancements**: CVS uses mobile apps and digital platforms to connect consumers with healthcare services, making healthcare more accessible and convenient[1].

**JOANN Fabrics** was an American specialty retail chain that specialized in fabrics and arts and crafts supplies, serving creative enthusiasts, DIY hobbyists, and fiber artists across the United States.[5] ## History and Founding JOANN's story began in 1943 when German immigrant families—the Reichs and Rohrbachs—opened the Cleveland Fabric Shop in Cleveland, Ohio.[1] The business emerged during World War II to meet demand for affordable fabric and sewing materials as home crafting surged due to wartime resourcefulness.[1] The company incorporated as Cleveland Fabric Shops, Inc. in 1951 and adopted the "Jo-Ann" name in the 1960s, derived from the daughters of the founding families: Joan Zimmerman and Jacqueline Ann Rosskamm.[1][5] ## Growth and Expansion The post-war crafting boom of the 1950s and 1960s positioned JOANN as a primary destination for quilting, embroidery, and sewing supplies.[1] By 1969, the company went public on the American Stock Exchange under the name Fabri-Centers of America, Inc., operating 169 stores across twenty-eight states.[4] Strategic acquisitions accelerated growth, including the 1994 purchase of Cloth World (342 stores) when Fabri-Centers operated 655 locations.[2][5] A 1997 acquisition of House of Fabrics further expanded the chain, which was rebranded as JOANN Stores Inc. in September 1998.[3] ## Peak Performance and Evolution By the 1980s, JOANN had become a household name with over 800 locations nationwide.[2] The company expanded beyond fabrics to include yarn, scrapbooking

**Party City** is the leading American chain of party supply stores, specializing in decorations, costumes, tableware, novelties, and Halloween items, operating as the largest retailer in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.[1][4][5] Founded in 1986 by Steve Mandell in East Hanover, New Jersey, with an initial $125,000 investment, the 4,000-square-foot store addressed a fragmented market dominated by small shops lacking comprehensive selections. Mandell's sales rep background in party goods fueled his vision for a one-stop superstore, emphasizing Halloween early on for quick success.[1][2][3][5] Franchising accelerated growth: the first franchise opened in 1989, reaching 11 stores by 1990, 58 by 1993, and 258 by the mid-1990s.[3][4][6] Key milestones include incorporation in 1990, the first company-owned store in 1994, and going public in 1996 with $48.5 million in revenue.[3][6] Acquisitions transformed it: sold to AAH Holdings (Amscan owner) in 2005 for vertical integration, followed by Party America (2006), Factory Card & Party Outlet (2007), Party Packagers (2011, Canada expansion), iParty (2013), and MG Novelty (2017).[2][4][5] By then, it ran over 750 outlets under brands like Party City, Halloween City, and Toy City, headquartered in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.[4][5] Currently, as New AmScan PC LLC (formerly Party City Holdco Inc.), it remains a dominant player despite retail headwinds like e-commerce competition, leveraging licensing deals and a vast network.[5][8] Notable aspects include its franchising-to-owned-store pivot, North American dominance, and resilience through public trading, delisting, and re

**Dollar General** is America's largest small-box discount retailer, offering affordable everyday essentials like household goods, snacks, and health products primarily in rural and suburban areas across 47 states.[3][7] Its **convenience-driven model**—small stores every few miles with **everyday low prices** and about 25% of items at $1 or less—targets budget-conscious shoppers in underserved communities.[2][3] Founded in 1939 by J.L. Turner and son Cal Turner Sr., the company began as J.L. Turner and Son Wholesale, a dry-goods operation born from Depression-era store liquidations, with each investing $5,000.[1][2][4][6] After shifting to retail, the game-changer arrived in 1955: Cal Sr. converted Turner's Department Store in Springfield, Kentucky, into the first **Dollar General** on June 1, pricing every item at $1 or less, inspired by "Dollar Days" promotions.[1][2][3][8] This resonated instantly, converting other stores and hitting $5 million in sales across 29 locations by 1957.[2][3] Key milestones include going public in 1968 with $40 million in sales[2][3], and explosive growth under third-generation leader Cal Turner Jr. (1977–2002), reaching 6,000 stores and $6 billion in revenue.[2][3] J.L. Turner died in 1964, but the family's ethos of hard work and customer service endures.[2][4] Today, Dollar General boasts **over 19,000 stores**, cementing its dominance in discount retail.[3] Achievements like rapid expansion and resilience through economic shifts highlight its savvy strategy: limited SKUs for efficiency, strategic rural placement, and a "Serving Others" mission.[7] Notable aspects include tech adaptations like digital inventory displays to boost repeat visits, though it face

Aldi is a global discount supermarket chain originally founded in Germany in 1946 by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht. The name Aldi is a contraction of "Albrecht Diskont." The business split into two legal entities in 1960: Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd, each operating independently but sharing the brand's core discount philosophy. Aldi operates over 13,000 stores across 18 countries, making it a major player in global grocery retail[4]. In the United States, Aldi has rapidly become the third-largest grocery chain by store count, with 2,567 stores as of August 2025, surpassing competitors like Publix and Kroger[2]. Its U.S. journey began in 1976 with a store in Iowa City. Since then, Aldi has focused on expanding through a mix of new store openings and conversions of acquired chains, such as Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets, acquired in 2024 via Southeastern Grocers. In 2024, Aldi opened nearly 120 new stores, then set a record in 2025 with plans to open over 225 stores, aiming to reach about 3,200 U.S. stores by 2028[1][2][3][4]. Aldi's business model centers on offering high-quality products at low prices, with about 90% of its items being private label, enabling significant cost savings. Its 2025 Price Leadership Report highlighted an average 36% savings compared to other grocery chains, helping consumers combat inflation while maintaining quality and convenience[3][5]. Aldi also emphasizes sustainability, operating 700 stores with natural refrigerants and committing to eliminate polluting refrigerants by 2035, positioning itself as an environmentally conscious leader in grocery retail[3]. Leadership transitions in 2025 include Atty McGrath, a 20-year Aldi veteran, becoming CEO of Aldi U.S., succeeding Jaso

**Marshalls** is a leading U.S. off-price retailer specializing in family apparel, home fashions, footwear, beauty, and accessories at **20-60% below** department store prices, owned by TJX Companies as part of the Marmaxx group alongside TJ Maxx.[1][2][4] Founded in **1956** in Beverly, Massachusetts, by Alfred Marshall and entrepreneurs, it pioneered the self-service department store model amid postwar economic booms and suburban growth. By sourcing manufacturers' post-season, overrun, and close-out stock, Marshalls offered branded "designer" goods at deep discounts, revolutionizing retail with its "Brand Names for Less" ethos. Within a decade, it became the nation's top off-price chain, thriving through 1970s recessions as shoppers sought value.[1][2][3] Key achievements include hitting **$2 billion in sales by 1990** with 398 stores across 38 states, reaching its **1,000th U.S. store in 2015**, and expanding to over **1,100 stores** by 2025 in 49 states, Puerto Rico, and 61 Canadian locations since 2011. Acquired by TJX in **1995**, it formed the largest off-price apparel and home décor retailer. Innovations like Shoe MegaShops (2005 onward) and an **e-commerce site in 2019** (marshalls.com) boosted accessibility.[1][2][4] Today, Marshalls thrives as a TJX division, with buyers scouring globally for trends in an ever-changing inventory. Its slogan, "Get the good stuff," underscores quality focus, distinguishing it from outlets via opportunistic buying. Community efforts support vulnerable families, aligning with TJX's value-driven culture—over 36% of managers have 10+ years tenure.[1][4][6] Notably, Marshalls tailors merchandise locally, expanded men'

The Kroger Company, founded in 1883 by Bernard “Barney” Kroger in Cincinnati, Ohio, has grown from a single grocery store into one of the largest and most influential supermarket chains in the United States. Starting with a $372 investment and a simple motto—“Be particular. Never sell anything you would not want yourself”—Kroger revolutionized retail by prioritizing quality, innovation, and customer service. His early innovations included in-store bakeries and butcher shops, setting a new standard for grocery shopping. Kroger’s history is marked by significant milestones. In 1916, the company pioneered self-service shopping, transforming how customers interacted with stores. By 1930, it operated nearly 5,600 stores, demonstrating rapid expansion and market dominance. The company continued to innovate, becoming the first U.S. grocery retailer to test electronic scanners in 1972. Over the decades, Kroger expanded its offerings to include pharmacies, drive-through services, and mail-order prescriptions, adapting to changing consumer needs. Today, Kroger operates more than 2,700 stores across 35 states, with annual sales exceeding $100 billion. It is recognized not only for its scale but also for its commitment to technology and sustainability, investing in digital platforms, automated fulfillment centers, and fresh food accessibility. The company’s recent announcement to merge with Albertsons, pending regulatory approval, signals its ambition to further strengthen its position in a competitive market. Kroger’s enduring success lies in its blend of tradition and innovation, rooted in Barney Kroger’s original vision. As it continues to evolve, Kroger remains a leader in shaping the future of grocery retail, making it a compelling subject for business and technology enthusiasts.