It’s been a surprisingly strong year for New Store Openings in USA in 2025, as we are experiencing a time when many stores are closing and traditional retail has lots of challenges. Companies are expanding in physical presence from organic grocery chains to luxury furniture brands, beauty, and fashion retailers. The growth is reflective of renewed interest in an in-person shopping experience amongst consumers, stronger local markets in key regions, and a changing way by which retailers think about convenience and accessibility.
Whole Foods Expands with Smaller Stores and Major City Focus
In 2025, Whole Foods continues its national expansion with another round of New Store Openings in USA in 2025, including a distinct approach to urban shopping. It has opened six new stores so far this year, five of them in the U.S. Others are new locations in Las Vegas, Nevada; Falls Church, Virginia; Boca Raton, Florida; Doylestown, Pennsylvania and their second in New York City which will launch as part of the new Whole Foods Market Daily Shop format in the East Village. Their first UK store since 2014 was opened sixth international store in London.
And it’s the smaller size that sets the Daily Shop stores apart (adaptable to a fast-paced, urban lifestyle). They are shops that offer quick high quality meals and essentials without the grocery shopping feeling. In June, the chain plans to open another Daily Shop in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, and the company is building stores in St. Charles, Illinois, and Miami, Florida. Whole Foods’ new locations are a further step in its quest to reach more customers in ways they shop today.
IKEA Invests Big in U.S. Market with New Locations
This year is showing as a major one for IKEA in the American retail scene. The company, which is backed by $2.2 billion in investment, said that it planned several New Store Openings in USA in 2025. The company wants to serve more U.S. consumers with a combination of big-box stores and smaller ‘Plan and Order’ locations. The stores designed for the Plan and Order are supposed to make it easier to plan and buy the furniture and pick up online, and the bigger ones have all of the IKEA showroom experience.
In 2025, new Plan and Order locations will open in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Beaverton, Oregon, and Hunt Valley, Maryland. Meanwhile, in McAllen, San Marcos, and Dallas, Texas, three full-size IKEA stores will open. Even more confirmed is that two more Plan and Order stores will be opening in 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona, and Rockwall, Texas. The recent additions to IKEA’s service point roster show the company’s desire to get closer to U.S. customers by improving accessibility, shopping experience, and fulfillment speed.
Bath & Body Works Focuses on Gen Z with Updated Stores
Bath & Body Works is still one of the most resilient beauty retail brands. In 2025, the company is undertaking a strategic transformation not just in the sense of opening more stores, but also in redesigning stores to resonate with the younger shopper. The brand is introducing its new Gingham+ store design, which is already on over 1,850 stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. This has a more Gen Z look and feel that is more visually appealing, with modern layouts and curated experiences.
Most new stores are being opened outside of traditional shopping centers, and the company is moving away from malls. The brand has posted similar performance in 2024 by opening 106 new stores, mostly in off-mall locations, and closing 61, mostly in malls. At a time when young, urban shoppers spend the bulk of their time elsewhere, outside of malls, this off-mall strategy is set to continue until 2025.
Bob’s Discount Furniture Responds to Demand for Budget-Friendly Options
Bob’s Discount Furniture is one of the many big names creating a buzz in 2025. Because it delivers practical and attractive furniture within budget, the brand has been increasing its growth while others in the industry report slowing down. Bob’s continues to bring in many shoppers at most of its more than 180 stores because it is easy on the wallet, and shopping there is simple.
IKEA is planning to open more locations in 2023 since demand for affordable household items is growing. It was recently reported that Bob’s Welding saw more visitors in early 2025, even with IKEA suffering a drop. Thus, even though luxury brands are feeling the squeeze, Bob’s is still a good choice for people wanting to buy things in person at a discount.
Lululemon and Nordstrom Compete in High-Traffic Retail Spaces
For those businesses looking ahead, Lululemon Athletica and Nordstrom appear to be at the top of the fashion sector in terms of performance and chances for growth in 2025. This year, Lululemon, which has nearly 400 stores, has achieved a higher rate of customer visits compared to Nike and Adidas. People looking after their health and those who follow trends like the brand and New Store Openings in USA in 2025, mainly in busy shopping spots.
The company, which is currently being taken private in a $6.25 billion transaction, is also focusing on recovering and improving its business. Although department stores have found it tough recently, Nordstrom managed to increase its number of store visits in the first quarter of 2025. The company is going to increase the number of Nordstrom Local stores, which are smaller and more individually designed. Customers will enjoy services like shopping advice and the chance to pick up online products.
Build-A-Bear and Sur La Table Prove Specialty Retail Still Has Room to Grow
Build-A-Bear Workshop is another specialty brand having a strong year. The toy retailer plans to open at least 50 new stores in 2025. After a record-breaking year in 2024, Build-A-Bear continues to attract families and children with its unique in-store experience. Even as toy stores face online competition, Build-A-Bear proves that interactive, emotion-driven retail still holds power.
Kitchenware brand Sur La Table, which filed for bankruptcy during the COVID-19 pandemic, is also making a comeback. With about 47 stores, it has shown signs of recovery through a modest increase in foot traffic. The company is focused on delivering high-quality cooking products and experiences in-store, and its return is seen as an example of how specialty retail can rebound with the right strategy.
