Store Expansion News: March update
Retailers and restaurants alike made headlines in March with store expansion plans and new formats.
Here are the major stories as reported by Chain Store Age, starting with the most recent.
•CVS opens first of nearly 20 pharmacy-only stores planned for 2026 CVS Health has opened the first of nearly 20 pharmacy-only, “apothecary-style” CVS Pharmacy locations it plans to open this year. Located in Chicago’s West End neighborhood, the new concept aims to help bridge gaps in care and make it easier for community members to access medications, immunizations and other health care services, according to the company.
•Five Below sales, earnings surge as comps jump 15.4%; to open 150 stores The tween- and teen-focused value retailer said its fourth-quarter results included its strongest holiday performance since becoming a public company. Five Below plans to open 150 new stores in 2026, the same as it did last year. It currently operates nearly 2,000 stores in 46 states.
•Bob's Discount Furniture targets 500-plus stores by 2035 In its first earnings call since going public via an IPO in February, the furniture retailer reiterated its ambitious growth plans. President and CEO Bill Barton told analysts that the company has strong pipeline visibility, with plans to open approximately 20 new stores in 2026. Bob’s is targeting more than 500 total locations in the next decade.
•Family Dollar to pilot new store format; gives 2026 outlook The extreme discounter said it is advancing new store growth initiatives, including the development of an extra-small box store format designed to expand its presence in dense urban markets. Family Dollar expects to pilot the new format in 2026, with the goal of supporting unit growth beginning in 2027 and beyond.
•Meijer opening three stores in May, including grocery format — here’s where The Midwest discount giant will open three new stores on May 6, including one under its Meijer Grocery banner. The 47,000-sq.-ft. grocery store will be located in the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills, in the company’s home state of Michigan. It will be the third Meijer Grocery store in Michigan, complementing the company's 125 supercenters and market format stores throughout the state.
•Dollar Tree Q4 sales up 9%, traffic falls; to open 400 stores The discounter opened 402 new stores in fiscal 2025, and converted or added about 2,400 stores to its multi-price format. Dollar Tree plans to open approximately 400 new stores in its current fiscal year, with capital expenditures at $1.1 billion to $1.2 billion.
•Apparel retailer Windsor plans 15 new locations, ‘comprehensive’ store updates In addition to opening 15 new stores in the near future, the young women’s apparel brand is planning comprehensive store updates, encompassing windows, fixtures, cash wraps and fitting rooms. Founded in 1937 in Southern California, Windsor operates nearly 350 stores nationwide.
•Costco tops estimates; eyes 28 new openings, with 30-plus in ‘coming years’ On the company’s most recent earnings call, executives said Costco expects to have 28 net new openings in its current fiscal year, and is targeting 30-plus new openings annually in the “coming years.” Capital expenditures are expected to reach $6.5 billion for the year.
•Marco's Pizza eyes 80-plus new stores for 2026 The Ohio-based pizza chain is planning to open more than 80 new stores this year, surpassing last year’s total of more than 60 new locations. Marco’s says that in 2026, it will expand into new territories while continuing its development across domestic and international markets.
•Uniqlo opening three NYC stores — here’s where As part of its 2026 expansion, the Japanese apparel retailer opened a store on Fifth Avenue near Bryant Park on March 6, and a location in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn on March 20. Uniqlo touched down in Manhattan's Union Square neighborhood on April 3.
