Zumiez, the popular teen apparel retailer that has helped define skate culture for nearly 50 years, plans to close 25 stores in 2026. However, the company has made it clear that the decision was not due to poor performance, but rather a shift in strategy as shopping habits change.
It’s the location that matters, not the brand
Zumiez was founded in 1978 as “Above the Belt” and has since become one of the most well-known specialty retailers in the United States. It became a popular part of mall culture, especially among teenagers and young adults.
CEO Richard Brooks clearly explained the reasons for the closure.
“I think what we’re seeing in the U.S. is really the last leg of a series of malls in the low-end C- and D-type malls where we’ve traditionally been able to make some money, but now they’ve gotten to the point where they’re no longer working,” he said. According to the Wall Street Journal.
Simply put, Zumiez isn’t abandoning its retail business, it’s simply exiting locations that are no longer performing well.
Where does the closure occur?
Of the 25 stores to close, 20 are in the United States and five are in Europe.
Meanwhile, Zumiez plans to open five new stores in North America in 2026, indicating that their focus is on better locations rather than reducing their overall presence.
As of February 28, 2026, Zumiez owned:
- 560 stores USA
- 45 in Canada
- 28 Australia
- 83 Europe
- 716 stores worldwide
What do the numbers say?
according to their reportt, Zumiz was not in financial trouble. In fact, its numbers suggest the company is in a strong position. According to its fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter earnings report, full-year sales increased 4.5% to $929.1 million. The company also posted a net profit of $13.4 million, a big improvement from the previous year’s net loss of $1.7 million.
According to the Wall Street JournalIn the fourth quarter alone, net sales increased 4.4% compared with the same period last year, and comparable sales increased 2.2%. Full-year U.S. sales also rose 5.5%, according to the company’s 10-K filing.
Zumiez expects to lose approximately $12 million in sales due to store closures in 2026. However, the company still believes overall sales will increase slightly, signaling confidence in its plan to focus on stronger, better-performing store locations.
Wider issues facing malls
Zumiez has managed the changing retail market better than many other brands. According to KTLATraffic in small shopping malls has yet to fully recover since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many retailers are struggling, with Forever 21 closing all of its stores, Claire’s filing for bankruptcy and Eddie Bauer moving to an online-only model.
However, Zumiez is only closing weaker stores, suggesting it is adjusting wisely and staying strong.
