Several clothing stores are planning expansion across America in 2026.
Newsweek compiled a list of retailers that have already announced new store openings in the new year, and shoppers in several states will benefit from the new locations.
Why It Matters
Consumers have largely reeled in spending amid concerns over tariffs, inflation and widespread economic uncertainty.
However, some clothing brands have forged ahead and planned successful expansions anyway, showing both strategic market precision and optimism when it comes to the sales ahead.
What To Know
Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack has already announced a spree of new store openings for 2026. The 21 announced locations include:
- Knoxville, TN
- Sarasota, FL
- Deptford, NJ
- Mansfield, MA
- Williamsburg, VA
- Canton, OH
- Tampa, FL
- Elmwood, LA
- Encinitas, CA
- Plymouth, MA
J.H. & Sons
A South Dakota-based specialty men’s clothing store is adding a new store to its lineup, opening up shop in the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri. There are other stores in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Omaha, Nebraska; and Edina, Minnesota.
“As we looked at opportunities to grow our retail footprint, Country Club Plaza was at the top of our list,” J.H. & Sons owner Jeff Halberstadt said in a statement. “The Plaza’s history and reputation as a regional shopping destination make it the ideal home for our next store.”
Uniqlo
Uniqlo, a Japanese casual wear and accessory store, is also expanding its footprint in the United States. Eleven more stores are slated to open in seven cities in spring and summer 2026, the company previously told Fast Company.
This includes four new units in New York City, with others arriving in Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
“Uniqlo is leading this movement in the U.S. They’ve built a true private-label model, controlling everything from fabric production to design to the point of sale,” Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. “This full vertical integration gives them a huge advantage in consistency, quality, and pricing. Expect more retailers to follow this playbook in 2026, offering private-label products that feel premium but come at a much lower cost to consumers.”
The brand currently operates 78 stores in the U.S.
What People Are Saying
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: “While so much focus in 2025 has been on the struggles of retail due to inflationary pressures weighing heavily on consumers, there have been bright spots. Some discount and lower cost retail stores have seen an increase in revenue as cash-strapped customers are looking for deals.”
Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: “One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is consolidation. Larger retailers are acquiring smaller brands that may be struggling, often at discounted valuations. The other major shift is the rise of private-label, affordable clothing lines as brands combine reasonable prices with higher-quality merchandise. By controlling their own supply chains, these companies can react faster to market demand and keep costs in check.”
What Happens Next
Beene said discount stores have specifically been able to plot growth going into 2026 amid broader economic pressures.
“In 2026, at a time when some businesses will be scaling back, others like Uniqlo and Nordstrom Rack will be adding locations to take advantage of this growing trend,” Beene said. “It could also have a domino effect of sorts, as other retailers may look to cut back their own pricing in order to better compete.”
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