Macy’s Announces 14 More Store Closures in Early 2026 as It Pushes Toward 150-Store Cut in Turnaround Plan
Macy’s will close 14 more stores in early 2026 as part of a plan to cut about 150 locations, begin mid-January clearance sales, and reinvest in roughly 350 go-forward stores to boost profitability and customer experience.
Key takeaways
- 14 stores will close in early 2026; clearance sales start mid-January and run about 10 weeks.
- Macy’s aims for roughly 150 total closures by end of 2026 while investing in ~350 go-forward stores (company filing).
- Confirmed closures include Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie and Crossroads Center in St. Cloud.
- Employees will be notified and offered transfers, severance and outplacement support; exact job impacts are not disclosed.
Why Macy’s is cutting stores now: evidence and claims
Macy’s says the closures are part of a deliberate effort to strengthen earnings and modernize the chain by reallocating capital to higher-return locations and digital capabilities. The company reported modest comparable-sales growth in Q3 2025 but overall net sales declined, in part from past closures and weak mall traffic.
As CEO Tony Spring put it: these are “targeted changes” intended to reimagine top stores, expand luxury offerings, and improve supply chain speed — decisions “not made lightly.”
Store closure details and customer impact
Macy’s will begin clearance sales mid-January 2026 at the 14 affected stores; liquidations are expected to last about ten weeks. Confirmed local closures include Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie, Maryland and the Macy’s at Crossroads Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota, with other locations spanning multiple states.
Employee support: affected staff will receive notifications and be offered transfers, severance pay and outplacement assistance, though Macy’s has not disclosed exact headcounts for job losses (report).
Macy’s turnaround strategy: investments and small-format bets
Macy’s plans to funnel savings into top-performing stores, expand luxury and curated brands, and improve supply chain operations to speed replenishment. The company is also testing smaller, immersive formats roughly one-fifth the size of a traditional Macy’s — about 21 small-format stores operate today after earlier pilots (coverage; company newsroom).
Macy’s says this portfolio pruning will yield a leaner, higher-margin retailer that can invest in staffing, remodeled stores and digital services — a thesis echoed by management but watched closely by local leaders concerned about mall traffic and vacancy effects.
Financial snapshot and upcoming disclosures
Macy’s reported a 2% comparable-sales rise overall in Q3 2025 (with 2.3% at go-forward stores and 2.7% at remodeled locations), yet net sales fell to $4.7 billion, a 2.3% decline attributed to prior closures and traffic pressures (source). The company will update investors on progress during its Q4 earnings call on March 6, 2026.
Discrepancies in public reporting
Most outlets and Macy’s filings cite a plan to close roughly 150 stores, though at least one national outlet listed a lower total (~80). Reporters are advised to rely on Macy’s corporate statements and local confirmations for accuracy (Business Insider).
Implications for Hesperia, California
Although no Macy’s in Hesperia was named among the 14 closures, regional anchor losses can reduce mall traffic and ripple through local retail. Key implications for Hesperia include:
- Retail ripple effects: fewer anchor-driven visitors may hurt specialty shops, eateries and service providers that rely on weekend and cross-town shoppers.
- Job market concerns: transfers and severance are offered, but uncertainty may increase competition for retail and logistics roles; local job centers should coordinate re-employment and training.
- Real estate risks: vacant anchor spaces can lower nearby property values and tax revenue; proactive reuse planning (mixed-use, health services, civic uses) can mitigate blight.
- Opportunity for entrepreneurs: smaller formats and pop-ups could create openings for local retailers and conservative-oriented merchants (outdoor gear, value clothing, family goods).
- Consumer choice and logistics: fewer in-person options could increase reliance on online shopping; enhancing broadband and delivery infrastructure will help local consumers and retailers adapt (analysis).
Sources
- The Daily Record: Macy’s Maryland store closure and broader reporting
- Fox Business: Macy’s to close 14 stores as part of turnaround strategy
- Macy’s Inc. newsroom: Macy’s confirms planned store closures (2025)
- Axios: Macy’s store closing list and liquidation plans
- Bring Me The News (Minnesota): Macy’s closures including St. Cloud
- Business Insider: Retail store closure lists in 2026 (note on differing totals)
- The Street: Major retailers plan sweeping store closures for 2026
