Nike Inc. closed 11 of its US retail stores in July 2026 alone, part of a broader downsizing effort that affected locations across at least nine states including Florida, according to a report first published by the New York Post.
The closures spanned Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, Maryland, and Kentucky. While the specific Florida location was not named in the report, the state remains a significant market for the sportswear giant. California still has the most Nike locations of any state with 39 stores, despite losing a location at the upscale Santana Row mall in San Jose.
The retail pullback follows Nike’s April 2026 announcement that it was laying off approximately 1,400 employees, mostly in the technology sector, as part of what the company called a reorganization of its global operations. The company said the changes were designed to optimize its supply chain and modernize its technology use to create a more efficient organization.
Nike has been grappling with a persistent sales slump. In its fourth fiscal quarter of 2026, revenue from Nike-brand stores fell 7%. Converse revenue dropped 32%, Nike Direct revenue declined 9%, and Nike Digital revenue fell 12%. Both footwear and equipment categories showed negative growth.
Nike President and CEO Elliot Hill acknowledged the company’s struggles during a June 2026 earnings call. ‘We know we’re not living up to our full potential,’ Hill told analysts.
For South Florida, the closure adds to a shifting retail landscape in the Miami metro area, which has seen both high-profile store openings and closings as consumer spending patterns evolve post-pandemic. Retail analysts say Nike’s pullback could create opportunities for smaller athletic and lifestyle brands to expand in the Miami market.
The Beaverton, Oregon-based company has not disclosed whether additional Florida closures are planned for the remainder of 2026.
