Macy’s announces closure of 14 stores nationwide
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Macy’s, the iconic American department store chain, is closing 14 locations across 12 states in an ongoing effort to streamline its retail footprint and focus on long‑term growth. These closures are part of the company’s “Bold New Chapter” strategy, a three‑year plan initially announced in early 2024 that aims to shutter approximately 150 underproductive stores while reinvesting in higher‑performing locations and digital capabilities.
The 14 stores slated to close in early 2026 span the country, including several in the Northeast, where five Macy’s locations will shut their doors by the end of the year. Macy’s said it plans to run clearance sales at the affected stores beginning in mid‑January, with these sales expected to last around 10 weeks as inventory is reduced ahead of closure.
Northeast locations among those impacted
The Northeast has been hit particularly hard in this round of closures, with five Macy’s stores listed for shutdown. These include:
- Newington, New Hampshire at Fox Run Road
- Livingston, New Jersey at Eisenhower Parkway
- Ramsey, New Jersey at Interstate Shopping Center
- Amherst, New York at Niagara Falls Boulevard
- Tarentum, Pennsylvania at Pittsburgh Mills Circle
The closures in this region are part of Macy’s attempt to concentrate resources on stores that demonstrate stronger performance and customer engagement. Macy’s spokespersons have emphasized that across all locations slated for closure, employees have been notified and are being offered support including transfer opportunities and severance, where applicable.
Other stores closing across the country
Outside the Northeast, Macy’s is closing stores in other regions as part of the same effort to refine its store portfolio. Among the affected locations are:
- La Mesa and Tracy, California
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Glen Burnie, Maryland
- Grandville, Michigan
- Saint Cloud, Minnesota
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- Tukwila, Washington
These closures reflect Macy’s broader shift in strategy as physical retail faces continued pressure from changing consumer behavior, including growth in e‑commerce and evolving shopping patterns.
Part of a larger transformation strategy
Macy’s “Bold New Chapter” strategy, first unveiled in February 2024, outlines a plan to close around 150 underperforming stores by the end of 2026 while investing in roughly 350 go‑forward locations. The strategy is intended to help the company achieve sustainable, profitable growth by concentrating on stores that deliver stronger performance and by reallocating capital toward online and digital enhancements.
This latest wave of closures follows a significant reduction in 2025, when Macy’s closed 66 stores under the same strategy. Despite the ongoing shutdowns, the company continues to operate several hundred outlets nationwide and has also said it plans to expand select brands and retail concepts in the coming years.
Ceo Tony Spring said Macy’s is making purposeful decisions about its portfolio and is focused on enhancing the shopping experience both in stores that remain open and on digital platforms. Macy’s leadership emphasized that the actions are not taken lightly but are necessary to adapt to the evolving retail landscape.
Impacts on employees and local communities
As Macy’s shutters these 14 locations, the company has said it is offering affected employees options that include transfers to other stores, severance packages, and outplacement support. Though specific employment figures have not been released for this round of closures, previous waves have resulted in layoffs at some locations, particularly in New Jersey where two stores that closed in late 2025 led to nearly 90 job losses.
Local communities around the affected Macy’s stores have expressed concern over the economic impact of the closures, especially in areas where the department store serves as a major retailer and mall anchor. Such closures often contribute to broader challenges in shopping centers already contending with declining foot traffic and evolving consumer habits.
The larger trend in retail footprint reduction
Macy’s restructuring is part of a larger trend in the retail sector, wherein traditional brick‑and‑mortar chains are reducing store footprints in response to the growth of online shopping and shifts in consumer expectations. Analysts note that many major retailers are undertaking similar portfolio optimizations to focus on profitability and invest in digital infrastructure, omnichannel capabilities, and experiential retail.
As this latest round of Macy’s closures moves forward, the company said customers in affected markets can still shop at other nearby locations or online. Macy’s continues to emphasize investment in digital platforms and store innovation as key elements of its long‑term strategy.
Sources