Is My Macy’s Closing?
Macy’s is closing a total of 150 stores by the end of 2026 as part of its “A Bold New Chapter” strategic plan. In 2025, 66 stores closed. In 2026, an additional 14 underperforming locations are shuttering across 12 states including California, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. Macy’s shares rose 48% over the last 12 months, suggesting investors believe the downsizing strategy is working.
Key Takeaways
- Macy’s plans to close 150 total stores by the end of 2026, roughly one-third of its entire store count.
- 66 stores closed in 2025, with liquidation sales running 8–12 weeks per location.
- 14 additional stores are closing in 2026 across 12 states, per CEO Tony Spring’s January 2026 announcement.
- The remaining ~350 “go-forward” Macy’s locations are being reinvested under the “Reimagine 125” initiative.
- Reimagined locations posted comparable sales growth of 2.7% in Q3 2025 — outperforming the broader chain.
- Bloomingdale’s posted its strongest comparable sales growth in more than three years.
- Bluemercury extended its streak of quarterly comparable sales gains as Macy’s shifts focus to luxury.
Why Is Macy’s Closing So Many Stores?
Macy’s decision to dramatically reduce its physical footprint reflects forces that have reshaped American retail over the past decade. The rise of e-commerce, fast-fashion competitors like Shein and ZARA, and nimble big-box chains like Target and TJ Maxx have squeezed department store traffic and margins.
The broader sector has suffered high-profile casualties including Sears, JCPenney, and Neiman Marcus. Macy’s, under CEO Tony Spring, opted for a more controlled contraction — closing underperforming stores, reinvesting in the strongest remaining locations, and leaning into its luxury portfolio (Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury) to protect margin.
Spring’s memo to employees stated the strategy clearly: “We continue to review our portfolio and make careful decisions about where and how we invest, including closing underproductive stores and streamlining operations.”
Macy’s 2026 Store Closure List: States Affected
Macy’s confirmed 14 store closures in 2026 across the following states. The closure at La Mesa, California (Grossmont Center) has already occurred. The full list spans:
California, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota (including Crossroads Center in St. Cloud), New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington.
Macy’s has not published exact closure dates for each remaining location, citing operational flexibility. The company’s standard communication: “Customers can continue shopping at nearby Macy’s locations as well as online and the Macy’s app.”
For a complete, state-by-state breakdown, the most current list is maintained on Axios.com, which first reported the 2026 closures based on Macy’s confirmation.
Macy’s 2025 Store Closures: What Happened
In January 2025, Macy’s confirmed 66 stores closing as part of the “Bold New Chapter” plan. Liquidation sales began in January and ran 8–12 weeks for full-line and small-format stores, and approximately six weeks for furniture galleries and free-standing Backstage locations.
This followed 50 store closures in 2024, and the pattern traces back further — since 2015, Macy’s has closed hundreds of locations, including 45 in 2021 and 28 in 2020. The 2025–2026 round represents the most aggressive single-year reduction in the chain’s modern history.
The “Bold New Chapter” Strategy: What Macy’s Is Building
The closures are not just about cutting costs — they fund reinvestment. Macy’s is channeling resources into its “go-forward” portfolio of approximately 350 locations, with 125 of the best-performing stores receiving significant upgrades under the “Reimagine 125” initiative.
Early results are encouraging. Reimagined stores reported 2.7% comparable sales growth in Q3 2025. Bloomingdale’s achieved its best comparable sales performance in more than three years. Bluemercury — Macy’s luxury skincare chain — continued its consecutive quarterly gains.
The strategy also involves opening new Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury locations, acknowledging that the luxury segment has proven more resilient to retail disruption than the mid-market department store format.
What Shoppers Should Do When Their Macy’s Closes
Shop the clearance sales.
Liquidation sales at closing Macy’s locations run 8–12 weeks and typically offer discounts of 20–70% off on clothing, home goods, and accessories. Arriving early in the liquidation process yields the best selection; arriving late yields deeper discounts.
Transfer your Macy’s credit card.
Your Macy’s credit card and rewards (Star Rewards points) remain valid at all other Macy’s locations and online. Contact Macy’s customer service to update your preferred store.
Check for nearby alternatives.
Macy’s informs shoppers of the nearest remaining locations at the time of closure announcement. The Macy’s app and website offer full inventory with free shipping thresholds and in-store pickup at remaining stores.
Verify gift card balances.
Gift cards remain valid at all open Macy’s locations and online. Use any remaining balance before or during the liquidation period.
Expert Tip
The Macy’s closures are concentrated in locations where anchor store traffic was declining — typically enclosed malls in mid-sized markets. Shoppers who rely on Macy’s for cosmetics and beauty products should note that Bluemercury, Macy’s luxury skincare subsidiary, is actually expanding. If you value the beauty counter experience, a Bluemercury standalone location may be opening near you even as your Macy’s closes.
FAQ
Is Macy’s going out of business?
No. Macy’s is not going out of business. The company is strategically closing its worst-performing locations to concentrate resources on its strongest 350 stores and its Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury luxury brands. Shares rose 48% over the past year, signaling investor confidence in the strategy.
How many Macy’s stores are closing in 2026?
Macy’s is closing 14 stores in 2026 across 12 states. Combined with 66 closures in 2025, the total reaches 80 stores in the two-year period, part of a plan to close 150 total by year-end 2026.
Where are the Macy’s stores closing in 2026?
The 2026 closures span California, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. Axios first reported the complete list, which is being updated as closure dates are confirmed.
What happens to Macy’s employees at closing stores?
Macy’s offers affected employees transfer opportunities to nearby locations where available, as well as severance and outplacement resources. CEO Tony Spring confirmed these support measures in his public announcement memo.
Can I still use my Macy’s gift card or rewards points after a closure?
Yes. Macy’s Star Rewards points and gift cards remain valid at all open Macy’s locations and at macys.com. They do not expire due to a store closure.
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