Staples is shuttering 13 U.S. locations in 2026, including a Frederick, Maryland store that closed March 6, 2026, while O’Brien’s Market, a California grocer, is ending 49 years of operation with its final two stores closing by October 4, 2026. Both moves reflect broader retail shifts toward e-commerce and changing consumer habits.
Staples’ Strategic Shift: Retail Realignment in 2026
Staples, the office supply giant, is trimming its physical footprint as it pivots to e-commerce and B2B services. By January 2026, the company had reduced its U.S. store count from 929 to 916, a 13-location decline over four months. Notable closures include the Frederick, Maryland store at 5557 Urbana Pike, which shut March 6, 2026, after a run of over two decades, and the Goleta, California location, which is saying goodbye in August 2026 after nearly three decades. The chain is also exiting Long Island’s Levittown, where a Sprouts store will replace the Staples location by August 28, 2026.
Staples Is Closing More Stores in 2026
Additional closures in 2026 include stores in Astoria, New York; Bayside, New York; Chicopee, Massachusetts; and Whitehall Square, Pennsylvania, at 2180 MacArthur Rd. Circana noted that Staples remains a major player with roughly 900 U.S. stores, though the office supply market is shrinking slightly. The $11 billion industry is adapting to digital workflows, with Staples focusing on online sales and business-to-business services.
The Staples closure in Waterville, Maine, known for being home to Colby College, occurred in April 2026. In its place, an urgent care clinic and a primary clinic set up operations, proving that the location remains viable for other types of businesses. The renovated spaces are set to open at the end of 2026. The Frederick, Maryland store’s vacant space has been filled by budget retailer Burlington’s, bringing up to 75 jobs with it. The chain’s decision to exit certain locations follows a gradual downsizing strategy, with Staples emphasizing the need to focus on profitable or essential stores.
O’Brien’s Market: A Legacy Closing After 49 Years
Classic California grocery chain closes last stores after 49
O’Brien’s Market, a family-run California grocery chain, is closing its last two stores after 49 years. The chain, which operated three locations in California’s Central Valley, will shut down its Dale Road store in Modesto by October 4, 2026, and the Roseburg Ave. location by September 26, 2026, depending on negotiations with potential buyers. The closures affect 117 employees, with the company describing the decision as the most difficult due to the chain’s longstanding community ties.
The Modesto stores, which once included a Riverbank location sold to Cost Less Food Company in July 2024, are offering up to 24% off during a company-wide retirement party.
Customers expressed nostalgia on Facebook, with one writing, I will miss O’Brians store so much! The deli, having fresh brewed coffee with a donut or croissant, then shopping for essentials [especially] on a rainy day was just delightful for me. [Thanks] for the memory,
another added, Time flies, end of an era.
A third commented, I too am going to miss O’Brien’s been going there forever.
The closures mark the end of an era for Central Valley shoppers, who relied on O’Brien’s for local produce and personalized service. The chain’s decision aligns with broader retail trends, as Grocery Outlet also closed 36 stores nationwide, including eight in California. O’Brien’s Markets employs 117 workers who are set to lose their jobs by October. The two locations getting the boot: 4120 Dale Road and 839 W. Roseburg Ave. The grocery stores said the Dale Road store will close down by October 4, 2026 “but no sooner.” The Roseburg spot may potentially remain open as a notice was given to The Modesto Focus alerting employees to a potential, outside buyer. If the deal goes through, the purchaser could hire the existing employees. If the talks fail, the store will shut by September 26.
California grocery chain closes all stores after 49 years
Retail Evolution: What’s Next for Shoppers?
The closures highlight a retail sector in flux, where physical stores face pressure from online shopping and evolving consumer preferences. For Staples, the shift reflects a strategic focus on digital and B2B services, while O’Brien’s Market’s exit underscores the challenges of maintaining profitability in a competitive grocery market. Shoppers are now navigating a landscape where convenience and cost are paramount, with many turning to online platforms or alternative retailers like Sprouts and Burlington.
For communities losing long-standing businesses, the closures signal both disruption and adaptation. In Frederick, Maryland, the former Staples site will host a Burlington store, while Modesto’s O’Brien’s locations may see new ownership. The retail sector’s transformation is accelerating, with companies forced to innovate or exit. As these stories unfold, the question remains: how will consumers adapt to a retail world increasingly shaped by digital convenience and corporate realignment?
