The retail world keeps evolving, and America’s most iconic chain of department stores, Macy’s, is no different. With its “Bold New Chapter” initiative, first unveiled in 2020 and still evolving ever since, Macy’s is charting a bold course to reinvent itself as a shopping era of new-style. This approach isn’t just one of cutting costs it’s one of imagining how a legacy department store can thrive in a world where customers increasingly demand seamless blends of online and in-store experiences, but also continue to respect the brand’s heritage.
Macy’s current and former CEOs, Jeff Gennette and Tony Spring, have been candid about the need for change. In 2020, Gennette talked about streamlining operations to “drive cost savings, get teams more closely aligned, and cut duplicate work.” Fast forward to January 2025, and Spring reiterated the vision, saying that closing underperforming stores allows Macy’s to invest in stores and formats that resonate with consumers today. It’s a tough but necessary step to maintain the company’s competitiveness in an ever-more e-commerce-heavy and niche luxury-oriented retail environment.
The strategy involves the closure of around 150 underperforming stores by 2026, leaving Macy’s with a trimmer fleet of about 350 stores in America. Concurrent with that, Macy’s is doubling down on its higher-end brands Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury, and experimenting with smaller, cooler footprints like Market by Macy’s. Regarding affected employees by closings, Macy’s will be offering proximal job placements or severance packages, showing care for employees in this transition. It’s a balancing act between honoring the past while shaping a future worthy of consumers today.
Macy’s in Superstition Springs Center, Mesa, Arizona
The Macy’s at the Superstition Springs Center in Mesa, Arizona (6535 E. Southern Ave.), is one of those that will close as part of the “Bold New Chapter” plan. It’s not closing doors it’s Macy’s realizing that certain stores, particularly those within suburban malls, are no longer doing their part. With dwindling foot traffic and soaring e-commerce, closing underperforming stores such as this one is a difficult but shrewd decision to maintain the company’s health.
This is part of a larger trend in retailing, as old-fashioned department stores rethink their role in malls once central to American shopping life. The Mesa store, and others like it, have suffered as behaviors of consumers alter people are shopping in new ways, often turning to the convenience of online or hand-curated in-store options. By closing stores that are not thriving, Macy’s is able to focus on areas where shoppers are excited about better products and great service, where every dollar spent produces maximum value.
For Superstition Springs Center workers, Macy’s is going out with heart, with transfers to city stores or separation packages to ease their transition. Clearance sales, lasting about 8 to 12 weeks, will give neighborhood shoppers a chance to get deals before the store actually closes. This move frees up the resources for Macy’s to invest in its top-performing stores and luxury segments, allowing the company to stay relevant and nimble in a constantly changing retail landscape.
Why This Closure Matters:
- Aligns with Macy’s goal to optimize its store base for profitability.
- Reflects declining mall traffic and expanding online buying.
- Allows for reinvestment in highest-performing stores and luxury business.
Macy’s at Otay Ranch Town Center, Chula Vista, California
In Chula Vista, California, Macy’s at Otay Ranch Town Center (2015 Birch Road, Suite 2) is another casualty of the “Bold New Chapter” plan. The store’s closure is one aspect of a larger wave of 66 closures announced in January 2025, a clear signal that Macy’s is serious about streamlining its business. It’s not an easy decision closing a store impacts individuals and local communities but it’s a step towards keeping the company agile in a tough retail environment.
The Otay Ranch closure is a case in point of Macy’s focus on investing in successful stores. customers today want more than a store where they can purchase items; they want compelling experiences, be it in the form of carefully curated products or superior service. By redirecting funds from underperforming stores like this one, Macy’s can strengthen its online platforms (despite a 4% decrease in Q4 2023 internet sales) and grow its upscale divisions, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury, which are beacons within its stable.
Macy’s is handling the human side of this shutdown with compassion, with the option to move employees to other stores nearby or providing them with severance packages. There will be a period of clearance sales lasting a few weeks, enabling consumers to grab discounts as the company starts to close down. This strategic action isn’t all about cutting losses it’s about building a stronger, more focused Macy’s that can compete in a retail environment where customer interaction and flexibility are most critical.
Macy’s at Sunrise Mall, Citrus Heights, California
The Macy’s at Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights, California (6000 Sunrise Mall), is another store to close under the plan for the 66 stores announced in January 2025. It is a cold reminder of how the old mall, which used to be a busy hub for shopping, is lagging behind when it comes to keeping up with modern shopping habits. For Macy’s, shutting down this store is a matter of focusing on what will be best in today’s market.
Sunrise Mall, like many, has fewer customers with consumers choosing online destinations or choosing stores selling something new and of quality. CEO Tony Spring emphasized that the closures allow Macy’s to “prioritize investments in our go-forward stores” where consumers are responding with excitement. By divesting itself of underperforming properties, Macy’s can channel its efforts into creating shopping experiences that are new, relevant, and exciting for today’s consumer.
For its own staff at this Citrus Heights store, Macy’s is trying to soften the blow, offering transfers to another store or severance packages. Clearance sales lasting 8 to 12 weeks will give the community a chance to shop again as Macy’s closes out. This closure is one piece in a broader picture a strategic re-make to make Macy’s leaner, more innovative, and better positioned to succeed in a retail environment that’s changing at a rate faster than ever before.
Significant Impacts of the Closure:
- Addresses diminishing mall-based retail issues.
- Enables focus on stores with increased customer interaction.
- Provides assistance to employees with transfers or severance.
Macy’s at Village at Corte Madera, Corte Madera, California
The Macy’s Village at Corte Madera (1400 Redwood Highway) is being removed from the closing list in Macy’s “Bold New Chapter” strategy, one that shows Macy’s effort to concentrate on essential areas amidst a competitive market. Closing this store is not just about cutting costs it’s about making tough choices for the company’s long-term success. By prioritizing stores that drive growth, Macy’s is positioning itself to be the leader in a busy marketplace.
This conclusion emphasizes the reality for department stores: too many of them are “caught in the middle” between luxury brands and discounters. Macy’s is responding by doubling down on its luxury divisions, including Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury, and leaning into its core Macy’s stores to appeal to sophisticated shoppers. The Corte Madera store, an underperforming store, is a sacrifice Macy’s must make in order to have the capital to invest in formats and locations that more directly meet the needs of today’s consumer.
Associates within the store are being helped through opportunities to work within other stores in the local area or receive severance packages, demonstrating Macy’s commitment to associates during this time of transition. The stores will experience a few weeks of clearance sales, and customers will see their final opportunity to shop at them. With these strategic cuts in place, Macy’s is giving itself a foundation for a stronger, more focused future, one that balances its rich history with the demands of modern retailing.
Macy’s Furniture Gallery at Streets at Southglenn, Centennial, Colorado
The Macy’s Furniture Gallery at Streets at Southglenn (6797 S. Vine St., Centennial, Colorado) is merely another piece of the “Bold New Chapter” puzzle, set to shut down as Macy’s tightens its belt on retail strategy. This is not merely shutting department stores, and shutting a niche furniture gallery speaks volumes about how aggressively Macy’s is studying every part of its business. It’s a big move to ensure every store is contributing to the overall success of the company.
By getting rid of under-performing assets like this one, Macy’s can release resources for its 350 core stores and successful luxury brands, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury. The luxury segments are most at the heart of Macy’s long-term strategy of going after wealthier customers and distinguishing itself in an over-saturated marketplace. Closing the Southglenn Furniture Gallery is a step toward a leaner, more profitable Macy’s that’s ready for what comes next.
Employees of this store will be able to transfer to Macy’s other locations or be given severance packages, while being cared for during this transition. February clearance sales and running for about six weeks will shift merchandise efficiently. This is done to highlight Macy’s agility in adjusting to what works best when it comes to caring for its customers and workers.
Why This Closure Fits the Strategy
- Is a part of a well-balanced review of all the retail formats, including specialty stores.
- Frees up capital for luxury brand development and investment in core stores.
- Includes a shorter clearance sale period for efficient liquidation.
Macy’s at Northfield Stapleton, Denver, Colorado
The Macy’s located in Northfield Stapleton (8298 E. Northfield Blvd., Denver, Colorado) is among the closing stores, symbolic of how hard it is to make the old retailing models work. Even in newer malls such as Northfield Stapleton, there is a trend towards online shopping and curated in-store experiences. Macy’s is responding by paring down its portfolio to stand out in key places.
This store closure is one component of the overall plan to shutter 150 underperforming stores by 2026, as outlined by CEO Tony Spring. By focusing on “go-forward” stores where customers are engaging positively, Macy’s can invest in better products, stronger service, and new formats like Market by Macy’s. It’s about creating an experience of shopping that is compelling and relevant, either in store or online.
For its employees in Denver, Macy’s is offering transfers to adjacent locations or severance packages, showing its commitment to caring for its staff during transition. Clearance sales will be beginning soon and running 8 to 12 weeks, giving consumers a chance to enjoy deals. This closure is positioning Macy’s to evolve into a more agile Macy’s, one that’s equipped to meet the demands of today’s fast retail landscape.
Macy’s at Boynton Beach Mall, Boynton Beach, Florida
The Boynton Beach Mall Macy’s at 801 N. Congress Ave., Suite 100, is one of the 66 stores Macy’s plans to shutter in 2025, as the chain looks to trim its mall-based retail presence, a shift that reflects challenges facing mall-based retail. Malls hold nostalgia for some, but declining foot traffic and the trendiness of online shopping have compelled Macy’s to rethink its presence in places like Boynton Beach. This closure is a central component of the “Bold New Chapter” approach to creating a stronger, more concentrated company.
By closing underperforming stores, Macy’s is able to transfer resources to its 350 core stores and its growing luxury stores, Bluemercury and Bloomingdale’s. Former CEO Jeff Gennette’s cost-cutting and simplification strategy is still at the center of this plan, allowing Macy’s to fight more effectively against online giants and luxury players. It is a matter of creating a retail environment that is new and new to today’s customers.
Boynton Beach employees will be assigned jobs at neighboring Macy’s stores or receive severance packages, showing the care of the company for its workers. Clearance sales, lasting 8 to 12 weeks, will offer the public an ultimate buying experience. This closure is not goodbye it’s a step towards an improved Macy’s that’s well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly changing retail world.
Why This Closure Matters:
- Tackles declining mall foot traffic and online competition.
- Enables investment in top-performing stores and designer labels.
- Offers employee assistance via transfers or termination.
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, Los Angeles, California
Macy’s at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles was one of four stores that closed in early 2023, an opening salvo in Macy’s three-year reorganization strategy. It’s one of many examples of the company’s commitment to shedding unprofitable stores, especially in low-traffic malls. It’s a painful but necessary step to get Macy’s competitive in a rapidly evolving retail world.
By focusing on “go-forward” stores, Macy’s is putting their priority on those places where customers are excited about better merchandise and better service. Closing the Baldwin Hills store allows the corporation to invest money in better-performing stores and its higher-end chains, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury. The move is one of reimaging constructing a leaner, nimbler Macy’s that can keep up with today’s retail trends and deliver what consumers want.
Employees in this store were provided with options to relocate to other nearby stores or receive severance packages, allowing the transition process to be smoother. Deeply discounted prices from January 2023 and continuing for 8 to 12 weeks gave consumers a chance to find deals while Macy’s shut down. Closure reminds us that change, as painful as it is, will help Macy’s stay dynamic and current.
Key Takeaways from the Closure
- One of the four store closures in early 2023.
- Conforms with the objective of maximizing Macy’s real estate portfolio.
- Helps employees with employment opportunities or severance.
Foothills Mall, Fort Collins, Colorado
The Foothills Mall Macy’s store in Fort Collins, Colorado, shut its doors early in 2023, marking the general struggles of traditional retail. Such malls as Foothills have fared poorly as consumers increasingly shop online or opt for one-of-a-kind experiences within stores. Closing this particular store was a strategic decision on Macy’s part to concentrate on sites that better reflect consumer tastes of the present day.
The “Bold New Chapter” strategy is not just about closing stores it’s about redefining Macy’s. By investing in luxury businesses like Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury and experimenting with smaller formats like Market by Macy’s, the company is building a more diverse and resilient retail company. Closing the Fort Collins store frees up resources to make these exciting innovations happen, keeping Macy’s relevant.
Foothills Mall employees were given transfers to other Macy’s locations or severance offers, showing the firm’s commitment to its workers. Clearance sales, starting in early January 2023 and lasting for 8 to 12 weeks, gave the community one last chance to shop. Closing the store is a step towards a more resilient, focused Macy’s prepared for the future of retailing.
Windward Mall, Oahu, Hawaii
The Windward Mall Macy’s in Hawaii, Oahu, was one of the initial 2023 store closures, one of the first four. Even in prospering markets like Hawaii, unprofitable stores can weigh down a company’s potential. The fact that Macy’s closed this store is proof that it will focus on efficiency and profitability across the company.
This is in keeping with the “Bold New Chapter” goal of concentrating on 350 performing Macy’s stores and expanding luxury brands like Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury. Offloading underperforming stores enables Macy’s to concentrate where shoppers are most engaged, and through it, a new and dynamic shopping experience, either in stores or digitally.
Windward Mall employees were assigned positions at adjacent stores or severance packages, and they are taken care of in this transition. Clearance sales, starting January 2023 and lasting 8 to 12 weeks, gave shoppers a final opportunity to purchase. This store closing is one aspect of Macy’s long-term vision of having a leaner, more energetic retail model that caters to the needs of today’s shopper.
Closure Highlights:
- Part of the 2023 close wave that targets underperforming stores.
- Enables focus on high-performing locations and premium growth.
- Affirms employee support through transfer or separation.
Lakeforest Mall, Gaithersburg, Maryland
The Macy’s store at Gaithersburg’s Lakeforest Mall closed its doors in early 2023, a testament to the decline of the traditional malls in this retail age. With less foot traffic and tenant loss, such malls as Lakeforest are no longer the retail behemoths of their earlier days. For Macy’s, closing the store was a strategic exercise to focus on stores that yield stronger results.
CEO Tony Spring has emphasized that the store closings are all about concentrating on “go-forward” stores where the customers love the products and service. By closing underperforming locations like Lakeforest, Macy’s can reinvest in its best assets and grow its luxury brands, Bluemercury and Bloomingdale’s. It’s a market strategy to maintain the company competitive within a rapidly changing environment.
Employees in the store were supported with the choice of transferring to stores nearby or with layoff packages, demonstrating Macy’s empathy towards its employees. Clearance sales, which started in January 2023 and ran for 8 to 12 weeks, provided an opportunity for customers to shop there for the last time. The closure of this store is a component of Macy’s plan to create a future-focused, more focused, and more sustainable retail model.
Major Impacts of the Closing:
- Accommodates lower mall traffic and realignments of retailers.
- Enables investment in highest-performing stores and luxury retailers.
- Helps employees with job opportunities or transition support.
Broadway Plaza, Los Angeles, California
The Los Angeles Broadway Plaza Macy’s is one of the 66 stores to close in 2025, a step that shows the degree of scrutiny Macy’s is bringing to bear on the performance of each store. It isn’t about making across-the-board reductions it’s about being smart and ensuring every store is contributing to the bottom line. Closing Broadway Plaza is part of getting to a leaner, better Macy’s.
This closure also reflects Macy’s push to get beyond old department stores. From testing out smaller, trendier stores such as Market by Macy’s and acquiring luxury brands, Macy’s is creating a retail experience that is modern and relevant. Scrapping underperforming stores like Broadway Plaza frees up capital to make these changes possible, allowing Macy’s to connect with today’s shopper.
Employees who work for this store will receive jobs at other stores in the region or severance packages, and all they will receive is what they require throughout this transition period. Clearance sales starting in January of 2025 and spanning for 8 to 12 weeks will enable customers to enjoy discounts. Closing this store is a significant step in Macy’s plan to build a stronger and more vibrant retail future.
Furniture Gallery, Boca Raton, Florida
The Macy’s Furniture Gallery at 9339 Glades Road in Boca Raton, Fla., is among the 66 announced in January 2025 closures, showing that Macy’s is looking at every facet of its business. Closing a specialty furniture gallery isn’t simply an issue of cutting stores it’s one of ensuring all aspects of the company are moving toward the same ultimate objective: sustainable profitability and growth.
That closure will allow Macy’s to focus on its best assets, including its 350 core stores and its prosperous luxury chains, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury. While Macy’s establishes its blueprint for opening 15 new Bloomingdale’s and 30 new Bluemercury stores within the next three years, it is clear that it is positioning itself to service wealthier shoppers and a greater share in the market. The closing of the Boca Raton store is one element of that vision, allowing the company to shift away from being “caught in the middle.”
Employees in this Furniture Gallery will be provided choices for relocation to other Macy’s locations or severance packages, a testament to the company’s commitment to employees. The clearance sales, starting February 2025 and running for around six weeks, will lead to effective clearing of inventories. This move reflects Macy’s rapid actions in addressing its different formats of retail and building a brighter future.
Strategic Objectives of This Closure
- Optimizes Macy’s total retail system, which includes specialty stores.
- takes care of development of premium brands like Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury.
- tends to have a separate clearance schedule for effective disposal.
Gwinnett Place, Duluth, Georgia
The Gwinnett Place Macy’s (2100 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, Georgia) is among the other 66 which will be shutting down in 2025, the ultimate proof of the harsh realities of mall-based retail. With shoppers’ behavior going the digital way and personalized experiences, these kinds of stores are losing ground. Macy’s is responding with a new focus on the stores that deliver the most favorable results for the customer and the brand.
This shutdown is part of Macy’s overall initiative to enhance its digital presence and invest in solid-performing stores. By reducing its mall store portfolio, the company can put money into digital innovation, supply chain transformation, and its luxury properties, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury. It’s a move to create a more agile, customer-focused Macy’s for the future.
Gwinnett Place associates will be offered jobs in area stores or severance packages, so they are provided for during this transition. Clearance sales, starting in January 2025 and lasting 8 to 12 weeks, will give customers one final chance to visit. This store closure is just one of the ways that Macy’s is continuing to move toward being a leaner, more competitive retailer in a changing industry.
