Parents who rely on Carter’s for kids’ clothes may soon have fewer places to shop.
The popular children’s clothing retailer announced plans to close 150 stores across the country this year as it works to stabilize its business after facing financial pressure from higher tariffs and increased operating costs.
The company has not revealed which locations will be impacted, but said closures will happen as store leases expire as part of a broader turnaround strategy.
The Atlanta-based retailer — which also owns OshKosh B’gosh — currently operates 11 Long Island locations, including stores in Commack, Deer Park, West Babylon, Centereach, Patchogue, Levittown, Carle Place, New Hyde Park, Freeport, Oceanside, and Valley Stream.
Following the company’s third-quarter earnings report last fall, then-CEO Douglas C. Palladini said Carter’s had made “meaningful progress” in steadying the business, but noted that higher product costs driven in part by tariffs significantly hurt profitability.
Carter’s had originally planned to close 100 stores over 2025 and 2026, but has since expanded that number to 150 closures, representing roughly $110 million in annual sales.
The retailer has also reportedly cut around 300 corporate positions as part of its cost-saving efforts.
Carter’s is just one of several major retailers shrinking its footprint in 2026.
Industry analysts estimate roughly 1,400 stores will close nationwide this year, with chains like Macy’s, Francesca’s, and Eddie Bauer also announcing reductions. Even convenience giant 7-Eleven is scaling back, with plans to close approximately 645 stores across North America.
The grocery sector is feeling the squeeze as well. Chains like Grocery Outlet and Kroger are trimming locations as rising labor costs, inflation-driven food prices, and the continued shift toward online shopping reshape consumer habits.
