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A relocation expert explains the red flags that could save you money, stress, and your belongings

March 12, 2026

• Moving are on the rise: Fraudsters often lure customers with low quotes, then inflate the price after belongings are already loaded onto the truck.
  

• Watch for key red flags: Experts say vague contracts, large upfront deposits, unbranded trucks, and movers who wont provide a not-to-exceed estimate are warning signs.
  

• Do your homework before booking: Checking licenses, reading reviews, and documenting everything can help protect youand make it easier to act if something goes wrong.
  

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Moving is already one of lifes most stressful events and unfortunately, scammers know it.

As more Americans relocate for work, family, or lifestyle changes, fraudsters are finding new ways to take advantage of people during the process. In fact, a 2025 survey found that 57% of adults encountered some type of scam in the past year, and moving-related fraud is becoming increasingly common.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Bill Mulholland, founder of Agoyu and a relocation expert with more than 25 years of experience in the industry, to learn about how these schemes have grown more sophisticated in recent years.

What are the warning signs?

Mulholland broke down some of the ways that consumers can spot moving .

The most common moving scam is to start with a low quote to get your business and after your belongings are loaded onto the moving truck, the price suddenly skyrockets, he said.

Scammers rely on vague contract language, claiming hidden fees for things like stairs or long carries. The worst part? They often wont give you a final price until after everythings packed, leaving you stuck. Most hold your items hostage until you pay the inflated price.

Know the lingo to avoid

Another key thing to be skeptical of: movers who wont give you not-to-exceed estimates.

The not-to-exceed part is the key, Mulholland said. If the estimate says that it can change, or if the mover demands a large upfront non-refundable deposit, thats a huge red flag.

Never sign a blank or incomplete contract and be cautious if the company doesnt have a physical address or proper licenses. If the truck isnt branded or looks like a rental, thats another sign somethings off.

Other things to ensure before booking a moving company:

• Check that the company is licensed and registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and FMCSA if moving across state lines.
  

• Search for the company on Yelp, Google Reviews, and on the Better Business Bureau.
  

• Avoid movers demanding large upfront deposits or cash only.
  

• Ensure the company has a physical address and proper credentials. Doing your research up front can help you avoid falling victim to a scam.
  

What to do if youre involved in a moving scam

If you find yourself caught in a moving scam, hope isnt lost. Mulholland shared his best tips:

• Document everything by taking photos, saving messages and keeping all the contracts.
  

• Contact your local authorities and report the company to the FMCSA or your states consumer protection agency.
  

• Look to leave online reviews on Google or Yelp to warn other consumers.
  

• If payments were made, dispute the charges with your bank or credit card company.
  

The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering your losses and preventing the scam from continuing, he said.

Dont leave anything to chance

Mulhollands biggest piece of advice when moving: dont leave anything to chance.

Moving is one of the most stressful events in life, and unfortunately, scammers prey on that vulnerability, he said. With the right precautions, you can avoid most of the risks and make your move a smooth one. At the end of the day, being proactive and informed is your best defense against .

Discount chains and value retailers are driving the growth

March 12, 2026

• 
  Retail isnt dyingits shifting. More than 900 stores are set to open in 2026, even as weaker locations close.
  
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  Discount chains are leading the growth, with Dollar General (450 stores) and Aldi (180 stores) driving much of the expansion.
  
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  More store openings could mean better deals as retailers compete harder for budget-focused shoppers.
  

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More than 900 new retail stores are expected to open across the U.S. in 2026, even as many chains continue shutting down underperforming locations.

So far, retailers have announced more than 1,200 store closures for 2026, following over 4,100 closures in 2025. However, while some brands are shrinking their footprints, others are aggressively expanding. This is especially true with discount chains and value-focused retailers.

Heres a look at the biggest store expansions planned for the year.

Discount chains are leading the growth

Several of the fastest-growing retailers right now are discount chains that focus on value and what many consider bargain shopping.

It makes perfect sense as consumers continue to tighten their budgets due to quickly rising gas prices and ever-looming inflation worries that still linger.

Dollar stores, discount grocers, and off-price retailers are opening new locations across the country in an effort to capture those value-focused shoppers.

These retailers plan the most new stores

According to company announcements and industry reports, these chains are planning some of the largest expansions in 2026:

• Dollar General: 450 new stores
• Aldi: 180 new grocery stores
• Ollies Bargain Outlet: 75 stores
• Barnes & Noble: 60 stores
• Dollar Tree: 33 stores
• Target: 33 stores
• Costco: 28 stores
• BJs Wholesale Club: about 2530 stores across 20252026
• Kroger: 14 new grocery stores
• Nordstrom Rack: At least 13 stores
• Uniqlo: 11 stores
• L.L. Bean: 8 stores
• Walmart: 5 new stores in early 2026

Altogether, these expansions alone account for over 900 planned openings.

Aldi is one of the fastest-growing grocers

Discount grocer Aldi plans to open more than 180 new stores across 31 states by the end of 2026.

With the expansion, Aldi expects to operate nearly 2,800 U.S. locations, moving closer to its long-term goal of 3,200 stores.

The chain has gained popularity for its private-label products, smaller stores, and consistently lower grocery prices.

Dollar General continues its aggressive expansion

Dollar General is opening the largest number of locations, with plans for 450 new stores this year.

The company has built its growth strategy around smaller stores in rural communities and underserved areas, where shoppers tend to have fewer retail options.

Even bookstores are opening again

In a surprising turnaround for brick-and-mortar retail, Barnes & Noble plans to open 60 new stores.

The company credits its resurgence to a strategy that gives local booksellers more control over store selections and merchandising.

What this means for shoppers

Many of the retailers expanding the fastest right now are discount stores, warehouse clubs, and value-focused grocers.

That trend suggests consumers are continuing to prioritize lower prices and everyday deals, especially for groceries and household items.

For shoppers, new store openings can also bring more competition and potentially lower prices, particularly when discount chains enter a new market.