The retail industry is constantly changing. Large department stores like Macy’s need to make difficult choices. Sales are sluggish, and consumers tend to prefer online or other channels. Macy’s announced a large-scale store reduction plan. This plan is part of its’ Bold New Chapter ‘philosophy, aimed at helping them concentrate and better develop during difficult times.
The core of this plan is to close a large number of stores. Macy’s will close approximately 150 underperforming stores in early 2027. This means that about one-third of the stores will be reduced. Afterwards, only about 350 stores will be retained. The company leadership knows that closing stores is not an easy task. But they believe it is necessary to focus on the stores with the best customer response.
The first part of the plan has already begun. Macy’s has listed 66 stores that are about to close. Many of these stores were originally planned to close at the end of February. The clearance sale started as early as January. Shoppers can enjoy significant discounts before permanent closure. The first part includes regular Macy’s stores, furniture stores, and Backstage specialty stores.
1. **Philadelphia: Center City**: This store has a special history and has stood for twenty years. There is also a famous Vanamaker organ in the store. This historic store is also included in the first batch of closed stores. It was originally planned to close on a Sunday, leaving only a few hours for customers.
The closure of the Philadelphia Center City store and other listed stores is mainly due to Macy’s wanting to concentrate resources. CEO Tony Spring said, “The closure of underperforming Macy’s stores is to allow us to focus our resources on those with potential for growth.” Although the Philadelphia store was highly favored, it failed to meet the funding goals needed to sustain operations and became one of the few stores.
2. **Brooklyn Downtown: 422 Fulton St.**: This store has a long history and has been in operation for nearly thirty years. According to reports, Macy’s took over this building in 1995. That was originally the Abraham and Strauss department store.
The closing time of this Brooklyn time-honored brand is expected to be roughly the same as other stores on the list. Its history as the location of the first Abraham&Straus department store also adds some background to this situation. This indicates that the scale of traditional department stores in urban areas is shrinking. This decision is in line with Macy’s plan to close weak links and strengthen the company’s financial situation.
3. **Massapequa: Sunrise Mall**: The first batch of 66 stores to close also includes Macy’s located at the Sunrise Shopping Center in Massapeca, New York. It is located at 400 Sunrise Shopping Center. This store is also an iconic location in New York. According to local reports, the store closed shortly after the news came out.
Including Sunrise Mall stores in the first batch of closures means that the store’s early performance was poor. Closing stores in shopping centers such as Sunrise indicates a decrease in foot traffic in suburban shopping centers. Macy’s, like many other department stores, is facing the same dilemma. The company’s’ Bold New Chapter ‘plan perfectly addresses these changes.
For customers of Sunrise Mall stores on Long Island, its closure means losing a familiar place. But Macy’s stated that closing these stores is necessary so that the company can focus its funds and time on other ‘forward facing stores’.
4. **Mesa: Superstition Springs Center**: Macy’s in Mesa, Arizona will also be closed. It is located in the center of Superstition Spring at 6535 Southeast Avenue.
For residents near the Superstition Spring Center, the evacuation of Macy’s may have an impact on the shopping center. Large stores are usually the backbone of shopping centers. But Macy’s has made it clear that this move has strategic significance. As part of its’ Bold New Chapter ‘plan, Macy’s is working hard to restore’ sustainable, profitable sales growth ‘.
5. **Los Angeles: Downtown LA Plaza**: Including this store, even in big cities, if the goal cannot be achieved, it will close down. This is just one of the few stores currently closed in California.
The closure of the downtown plaza store in Los Angeles is closely related to Macy’s grand plan. They are divesting inferior assets and investing funds in better stores. The problems faced by the retail industry in New York City, including changes in consumer habits, may have affected the performance of this store. Closing this store and other stores will help Macy’s operate more smoothly.
As one of the first 66 stores to be included in the list, the Los Angeles City Center Plaza store will begin a clearance sale in January. These promotional activities will last for approximately 8 to 12 weeks, in order for the company to clear all stores before the official closure.