Mexican Retailers Shut Stores After CJNG Violence

Major retail and department store chains in Mexico announced indefinite closures and reduced operating hours following a surge in violence and looting across several states. The disruption follows a federal military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Feb. 22, 2026, which resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

In the hours after the operation, retailers reported widespread unrest, including roadblocks, vehicle arson and coordinated attacks on commercial establishments. The private sector responded by activating security protocols, with several major companies suspending operations in Jalisco, Guanajuato and Guerrero.

Departmental and Specialized Retail Closures

El Palacio de Hierro,  a leading luxury department store chain, was among the first to announce the full closure of its branches in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and Leon, Guanajuato. The company also suspended its pickup module in Acapulco, Guerrero, as violence spread beyond Jalisco.

In an official statement, the retailer emphasized that safety remains its priority. “For El Palacio de Hierro, ensuring the safety of our employees, customers and visitors is our priority,” the company said, adding that it will remain “attentive to how the situation evolves in order to resume operations once conditions normalize.”

IKEA closed its Guadalajara Expo location, citing “security issues in the state of Jalisco” as the reason for the indefinite suspension. Several shopping centers in the Guadalajara metropolitan area — including Andares, Midtown, La Perla and Galerías Santa Anita — also announced through social media that they would remain closed until further notice.

Adjustments in the Auto-Service and Financial Sectors

Walmart de México y Centroamérica (Walmex) said it would adjust operating hours at select Walmart, Bodega Aurrerá and Sam’s Club stores. The company did not provide a detailed list of affected branches or a reopening timeline, but offered WhatsApp-based updates for customers to check local service status.

Although Walmex did not disclose the full extent of damage, Jalisco state authorities confirmed that a Bodega Aurrerá store in the municipality of El Salto sustained significant damage. Local media also reported temporary preventive closures of Walmart-owned stores in Acapulco, Guerrero.

Grupo Coppel announced that all its stores in Jalisco would remain closed starting Monday, Feb. 23. “We will closely monitor the local situation and resume operations as soon as appropriate conditions are in place,” the company said. Coppel directed customers to its digital platforms, which remain operational for financial services and e-commerce.

Damage to Convenience and Service Chains

The convenience store segment reported the most extensive physical damage. According to the Jalisco state government, at least 69 OXXO stores were damaged or looted across Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tlajomulco de Zuñiga, Juanacatlan and the Altos Sur region.

The unrest also affected the pharmaceutical and restaurant sectors. Farmacias del Ahorro reported impacts at several Tlaquepaque locations, while the Multicenter El Salto shopping plaza — home to Coppel, Bodega Aurrerá and Vips — was also targeted.

Restaurant chain Bisquets Obregón announced the closure of several branches nationwide due to “the situation currently being experienced in some regions.” Affected locations include Morelos, Leon, Puebla and Playa del Carmen.

Security and Government Response

Federal and state authorities deployed additional security forces in an effort to restore order. Jalisco officials reported the arrest of 25 individuals — 11 for alleged participation in violent acts and 14 for suspected looting and robbery.

Despite the numerous corporate closure announcements, Mexico’s Security Cabinet stated on social media that commercial activity in major cities was proceeding. “It is known that some stores were burned in specific locations, which are already being addressed by the authorities,” the cabinet said, adding that “commercial activities are developing regularly.”

However, the widespread decision by private companies to keep stores closed underscores a gap between official security assessments and corporate risk evaluations.

Economic and Operational Impact

The timing of the unrest presents significant operational challenges for retailers. Companies are assessing property damage and inventory losses, while the closure of physical locations in Jalisco — one of Mexico’s most economically active states — could weigh on quarterly revenues if disruptions persist.

Retailers have emphasized “digital resilience,” encouraging customers to use apps and online platforms to offset the loss of in-store sales. However, for auto-service chains and convenience stores that depend on high-volume foot traffic and essential goods, prolonged closures pose a critical bottleneck in local supply chains.