The global fashion retailer H&M has announced that it will close two of its large New York City stores by January 2026. The closures are part of H&M’s broader strategy to shutter about 200 underperforming stores worldwide.

Stores Affected & Closure Timeline

The stores slated for shutdown are located at 18 Church Street (near the World Trade Center) and 150 E. 86th Street (Upper East Side). Combined, these two locations represent about 55,000 square feet of retail space that will be vacated.

Some long-time shoppers say they frequent these stores for affordable clothing and quick essentials; they expressed surprise and disappointment at the news. According to a post on a local community forum:

That store was so clutch, would always grab last minute needs on a budget.

Conclusion

As H&M reassesses its footprint heading into 2026, the question now is whether more retail exits will follow, and how New York’s retail landscape will continue to evolve in response.