Key Highlights
- Macy’s plans to close 14 stores across 12 states in early 2026 as part of its “Bold New Chapter” program.
- The closures are expected to begin with clearance sales starting mid-January and lasting about 10 weeks.
- This move is part of Macy’s strategy to reallocate resources, prioritize investment in certain locations, and strengthen the brand.
- Macy’s had first announced its plan for the “Bold New Chapter” program in February 2024, aiming to close 150 underperforming stores by the end of 2026.
The Macy’s Closure Announcement: A Strategic Reallocation
In a significant move towards optimizing its retail footprint, Macy’s Inc. has announced plans to close 14 department store locations across 12 states by early 2026. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing “Bold New Chapter” program, which seeks to enhance Macy’s competitive edge in an ever-evolving retail landscape. The decision reflects a broader trend among major retailers as they navigate through economic challenges and changing consumer behaviors.
Stores Shutting Down
The affected locations include:
- California: La Mesa (Grossmont Center), Tracy (West Valley Mall)
- Georgia: Atlanta (Northlake Mall)
- Maryland: Glen Burnie (Marley Station Mall)
- Michigan: Grandville (RiverTown Crossings)
- Minnesota: Saint Cloud (Crossro Center)
- New Hampshire: Newington (Mall at Fox Run)
- New Jersey: Livingston (Livingston Mall), Ramsey (Interstate Shopping Center)
- New York: Amherst (Boulevard Mall)
- North Carolina: Raleigh (Triangle Town Center)
- Pennsylvania: Tarentum (Frazer Heights Galleria)
- Texas: Corpus Christi (La Palmera Mall)
- Washington: Tukwila (Furniture Clearance Center)
Timeline and Process
The closures will take place after clearance sales, which are scheduled to commence in mid-January and last approximately 10 weeks. This process is designed to clear out remaining inventory efficiently while minimizing disruption for customers.
A spokesperson from Macy’s confirmed that the company is committed to supporting impacted colleagues during this transition. “We first communicated directly with Macy’s colleagues at impacted locations and are supporting them through the transition, including transfer opportunities where available and severance and support where applicable,” said a representative in an emailed statement shared with Nexstar.
Contextual Analysis
The move by Macy’s is reflective of broader trends in the retail industry. Major retailers like Kroger, Foot Locker, and Carter’s are also planning store closures in 2026, citing underperformance or financial difficulties exacerbated by factors such as tariffs. These closures highlight a strategic reallocation of resources to focus on high-performing locations and smaller-format stores, a trend seen among many leading retail chains.
Macy’s had initially announced plans for its “Bold New Chapter” program in February 2024 with the goal of closing 150 underperforming stores by the end of 2026.
At that time, Macy’s stated it would prioritize investment in approximately 350 go-forward locations and expand small-format stores to strengthen its market position.
As of February 2024, Macy’s operated around 480 namesake department stores. The current store count stands at 424 after an initial round of closures announced in early 2025.
Conclusion
The closure plans by Macy’s underscore the evolving retail landscape and the challenges faced by traditional brick-and-mortar retailers in adapting to changing market dynamics. While these moves may impact local communities, they are part of a broader strategy aimed at optimizing operations and enhancing customer experiences.