Macy’s to Close 14 More Stores in Early 2026 as Part of ‘Bold New Chapter’ Push to Cut About 150 Locations
Macy’s Inc. plans to close 14 additional underperforming stores in early 2026 as part of its ‘Bold New Chapter’ strategy, moving toward roughly 150 closures by year-end to reallocate resources to stronger stores and online channels.
Key takeaways
- Macy’s confirmed 14 more closures in early 2026, mainly Q1, as part of its “Bold New Chapter” plan to close roughly 150 underperforming stores by year-end close roughly 150 underperforming stores by year-end.
- Reported affected locations include Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie, Maryland and sites in California, Georgia, Minnesota and other states; media lists were reported by outlets including Fox Business and The Daily Record.
- Clearance sales begin mid‑January and run ~10 weeks; impacted staff are being offered transfers, severance and outplacement support (The Daily Record; Axios).
- Strategy focus is on investing in roughly 350 “go‑forward” stores and digital channels after prior rounds that included 66 closures in 2025 (Macy’s press materials).
Main content
Strategy and rationale
Macy’s describes the closures as part of its ongoing Bold New Chapter plan unveiled in 2024. The company says it will shutter underperforming locations to free up capital and staff for higher-return investments in remodeled and “go‑forward” stores. Macy’s highlights investments in store design, staffing and customer experience as key drivers for stronger performance at prioritized sites (Macy’s press materials; The Daily Record).
“These decisions are targeted and not made lightly,” CEO Tony Spring wrote in an internal memo dated Jan. 8, 2026, emphasizing prioritization of high-impact store reimaginings and improved service.
Company spokespeople say Macy’s will aim to preserve community presence where possible by encouraging transfers to nearby locations and focusing closures only on underperforming stores (The Daily Record).
Recent financial performance
Macy’s reported mixed results in recent quarters. For Q3 fiscal 2025, comparable sales rose 2% overall, with go‑forward stores up 2.3% and remodeled stores up 2.7% — Macy’s called it its strongest Q3 in three years — while net sales fell 2.3% to $4.7 billion, reflecting earlier closures and traffic challenges (The Daily Record).
Analysts and managers point to gains at remodeled stores as supporting the logic of concentrating investment. Macy’s also continues to expand smaller-format stores (about one-fifth the size of a traditional department store), having added 21 such locations since an early pilot (The Daily Record).
Store closure details and timing
The announced wave lists 14 closures mainly in the first fiscal quarter of 2026. Clearance sales are slated to begin mid-January and run about 10 weeks — a typical liquidation window to clear inventory while offering final markdowns to shoppers (The Daily Record; Axios).
Reported affected locations include:
- Macy’s at Marley Station Mall, Glen Burnie, Maryland (reported closure).
- Grossmont Center, La Mesa, CA; West Valley Mall, Tracy, CA (reported).
- Northlake Mall, Atlanta, GA (reported).
- Crossroads Center, St. Cloud, MN (reported).
- Additional planned closures were reported in Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington (The Daily Record; Business Insider).
Note: Media outlets published full lists for the 14 stores, but Macy’s has not confirmed every site; company press materials and filings remain the authoritative source (Macy’s press materials; Axios).
Employee and operational impacts
Macy’s says impacted employees have been notified and will be offered transfer opportunities to nearby locations where feasible, along with severance pay and outplacement services. The company has not disclosed exact job-loss numbers for this round (The Daily Record).
Operationally, Macy’s plans continued supply‑chain and online reorganization to support the remaining fleet, aiming for improved stock flow, customer service and premium offerings at select stores (Macy’s press materials).
Broader retail context
Macy’s move is part of a wider wave of store closures and footprint reshaping across U.S. retail as chains pursue leaner, more profitable networks and stronger online offerings. Industry trackers report nearly 300 U.S. store closures across multiple retailers in 2026 as companies rebalance real estate and digital investments (The Street; Business Insider).
Macy’s prior rounds included 66 closures in 2025 and other reductions as the company adapts to competition and shifting shopper habits (Macy’s press materials).
Implications for The World
Economic impact
As a prominent U.S. retail chain, Macy’s reductions can ripple through supplier relationships and commercial real estate. Vendors may see reduced orders, and mall owners could face lower foot traffic and downward pressure on rents when anchor tenants depart (Macy’s press materials; The Daily Record).
Political consequences
Local officials often face questions about job support, retraining and repurposing vacated retail space. In communities such as Glen Burnie, Maryland, leaders may need to act quickly to reuse space and support displaced workers (The Daily Record).
Social effects
Department stores can serve as social hubs; closures remove local shopping options for people with limited mobility or internet access. Macy’s transfer offers and outplacement services will assist some workers, but concentrated job losses may still require community support (The Daily Record).
Cultural relevance
Macy’s cultural role — from holiday events to long-standing retail presence — means store shrinkage changes how communities engage with the brand. Observers see the pivot toward smaller, curated stores and digital channels as part of a larger consumer shift (Macy’s press materials).
Practical applications for readers worldwide
Shoppers should expect final clearance sales starting mid‑January at affected locations. Suppliers and landlords should assess exposure and plan for demand shifts. Local governments can use this transition to plan job support and adaptive reuse of retail space (The Daily Record; Axios).
Reporting and sources
This report draws on company statements and news accounts, including Macy’s press materials, coverage in The Daily Record, reporting from Fox Business, liquidation details from Axios, local reporting at Bring Me The News, aggregated lists at Business Insider, and industry context from The Street.
Preserved URLs in source material:
- Macy’s Inc. press release
- The Daily Record: Macy’s Maryland store closure 2026
- Fox Business: list of closures
- Axios: liquidation timeline and list
- Bring Me The News: St. Cloud report
- Business Insider: 2026 store closures
- The Street: retail closure tracking
Note: All original facts, information and URLs above are preserved from source material.
