Fossil Group to Close Up to 15 Stores This Year Amid Retail Shift
The watchmaker's planned closures are part of a broader turnaround strategy as shopping centers evolve to include more experiential retail.
Fossil Group plans to close up to 15 of its retail stores by the end of 2026, continuing a trend of downsizing its physical footprint. Seven of these closures have already occurred in the first quarter of the year, which will leave the company with approximately 185 stores globally. This move is part of an intentional turnaround plan, according to Fossil's chief financial officer, Randy Greben.
These closures come as Fossil reported a reduced net loss of $800,000 for its first quarter, a significant improvement from the $17.6 million loss recorded a year prior. Since 2024, the company has already closed more than 100 locations, including 54 in 2024 and 49 in 2025.
The retail landscape is undergoing a transformation, with many mall-based accessory and fashion brands facing similar challenges. Francesca's, a boutique chain, liquidated all of its approximately 400 stores after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February. Claire's also navigated bankruptcy proceedings last year before being acquired by a private equity firm.
According to Adelaide Polsinelli, vice chairman at Compass, these store closures are not necessarily indicative of a widespread mall collapse but rather a