Macy’s to Close 14 More Stores in Early 2026 as ‘Bold New Chapter’ Targets 150 Closures
Macy’s will close 14 more stores in early 2026 under its “Bold New Chapter” plan to shutter about 150 underperforming locations by year‑end 2026, with mid‑January clearance sales and reinvestment into roughly 350 go‑forward stores.
Key takeaways
- 14 additional stores slated to close primarily in Q1 2026 as part of Macy’s turnaround strategy.
- Clearance sales begin in mid‑January 2026 and will run about 10 weeks at impacted locations.
- Macy’s is reallocating resources to roughly 350 go‑forward stores, staffing, remodels and luxury offerings.
- Confirmed closures include Marley Station Mall (Glen Burnie, MD) and Crossroads Center (St. Cloud, MN).
What Macy’s says and why it matters
Context: In a Jan. 8, 2026 memo, CEO Tony Spring framed the closures as a focused step in Macy’s “Bold New Chapter” plan, launched in February 2024 to address sales softness and intensifying retail competition. Macy’s reported net sales decreased 2.3% to $4.7 billion, while comparable sales rose 2% overall and were higher at the company’s go‑forward and recently remodeled stores (about 2.3% and 2.7%, respectively). For company context see the Macy’s newsroom and reporting in The Daily Record.
“These decisions are difficult but necessary to funnel resources into staffing, store design, customer experience, luxury offerings and supply‑chain improvements,” — Macy’s CEO Tony Spring (memo to employees, Jan. 8, 2026).
What the closure list shows so far
Macy’s confirmed 14 planned closures, primarily in the first fiscal quarter of 2026, continuing a program that saw 66 closures in 2025 as the company moves toward its year‑end goal. Confirmed 2026 locations include:
Confirmed locations
- Marley Station Mall, Glen Burnie, Maryland — reported by The Daily Record.
- Crossroads Center, St. Cloud, Minnesota — reported by Bring Me The News.
- Additional affected stores reported across Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington (see local coverage in The Daily Record).
Macy’s has archived its 2025 closings on the investor site but has not released a complete nationwide 2026 list beyond the confirmed locations above. The company said more details will be shared in its Q4 earnings report scheduled for March 6, 2026 (company materials: Macy’s newsroom).
Impact on workers and shoppers
Macy’s says impacted employees will be notified and offered transfers where feasible, plus severance and outplacement support; the company did not disclose exact job‑loss figures for this round. Clearance sales at affected sites will begin in mid‑January and run roughly 10 weeks, signaling large markdowns and inventory liquidation at those locations (reporting: The Daily Record; Axios).
- Workers: Transfers, severance and outplacement offered; exact numbers not disclosed.
- Shoppers: Expect extended clearance events and deep discounts at closing stores.
- Communities: Mid‑market malls and adjacent small businesses risk reduced foot traffic when anchors depart.
Industry context: closures as part of a broader trend
Retailers across the U.S. have been trimming physical footprints to improve margins amid shifting consumer habits and e‑commerce competition. Analysts cite nearly 300 U.S. store closures in 2026 planning documents across department and specialty chains. Some reports vary, listing Macy’s closures as high as 80 planned through 2026 as reporting and timing evolve (context and analysis: Business Insider; TheStreet).
How local landlords and malls are affected
The loss of a department‑store anchor can reshape mall traffic and leasing strategies. Property owners may pursue alternative tenants, repurpose large footprints for entertainment, grocery, office or mixed‑use projects, or subdivide spaces for smaller retailers — actions often necessary in mid‑sized markets to recover lost foot traffic (industry coverage: Business Insider).
Implications for Los Angeles, California
Economic impact: Although the 14‑store list does not include LA locations, continued nationwide downsizing raises the risk of local layoffs or reduced hiring for store and distribution roles tied to the region. If Macy’s closes additional California stores later in 2026, LA malls could face lower anchor rents and diminished foot traffic, affecting smaller retailers and food vendors.
Political consequences
Local leaders and city officials may intervene if closures lead to significant job losses or vacant commercial space, engaging on redevelopment plans, incentives, zoning and workforce support — topics likely to surface in municipal debates.
Social effects
Department stores historically served as social and retail fixtures in many LA neighborhoods. A shrinking Macy’s footprint could change shopping rituals and accelerate shifts toward boutique, experiential, and online retail favored by many Angelenos.
Practical applications for Angelenos
- Expect extended markdown events and deep discounts if LA stores are later affected (Axios).
- Shoppers can turn to national chains, local department stores, online marketplaces or specialty boutiques for alternatives.
- Workers should inquire about transfer opportunities, severance and outplacement support and consult local workforce centers for job resources.
Sources and further reading
- Macy’s newsroom: Macy’s Inc. confirms planned Macy’s store closures (2025 archive).
- The Daily Record: “Macy’s Maryland store closure 2026” (Jan. 14, 2026).
- Fox Business: “Macy’s to close 14 stores as part of turnaround strategy” (reporting summary).
- Axios: “Macy’s store closing list 2026” (liquidation timeline and market context).
- Bring Me The News (Minnesota): “Macy’s will close 14 stores including one in St. Cloud”.
- TheStreet: “Major retailers plan sweeping store closures for 2026” (industry context).
- Business Insider: “Stores closing in 2026 — list and trends” (broader retail trend analysis).
Reporting above preserves original facts, details and source links; Macy’s will provide further details with its Q4 earnings on March 6, 2026.
