Macy’s to Close 14 More Stores in Early 2026 as It Pushes Ahead With ‘Bold New Chapter’ Restructuring
Macy’s will close 14 additional stores in the first fiscal quarter of 2026, including the Marley Station Mall location in Glen Burnie, Maryland, as part of its “Bold New Chapter” plan to shut roughly 150 underperforming stores by late 2026.
- Next wave: About 14 stores will close in Q1 2026, following 66 closures in 2025 — reporting by The Daily Record and Fox Business.
- Strategy: Macy’s plans to concentrate on roughly 350 “go-forward” stores while closing ~150 underperforming locations by year-end 2026 (Macy’s corporate newsroom).
- Employee support: The company will offer transfers, severance and outplacement help but has not disclosed total job-loss figures (The Daily Record).
- Timing: Closure clearance sales are expected to begin by mid-January and run about 10 weeks; more details to be discussed on the March 6, 2026 earnings call.
What Macy’s announced and where the closures will hit
Macy’s announced the next wave of store closings as part of its long-running “Bold New Chapter.” The company said it will shutter about 14 more locations in the first fiscal quarter of 2026 — a continuation of reductions after 66 closures in 2025. Reporting on the announcement appears in Fox Business and local coverage in The Daily Record.
Among the named closures is the Macy’s at Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie, Maryland. The company’s list of states with closures includes: Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington (The Daily Record).
Why Macy’s is shrinking its footprint
Executives say closures are designed to concentrate resources on stores with the best chance to grow. Macy’s leadership cites years of changing shopping habits and increased competition from discounters and online retailers. The plan focuses investment on a core set of about 350 “go‑forward” stores expected to deliver stronger results (The Daily Record, Macy’s corporate newsroom).
“These are deliberate steps to focus on reimagining our best stores, enhancing customer service, expanding our luxury business, and advancing our supply chain capabilities,” CEO Tony Spring said — adding that such changes “are not made lightly.” (The Daily Record)
What Macy’s calls its turnaround strategy
Macy’s describes a dual approach: shrink where sales lag, invest where customers still come. The company has been remodeling many remaining stores, improving staffing, and updating store design to lift performance. Macy’s reports that remodeled and go‑forward stores have shown comparable-sales gains.
- Go‑forward stores posted 2.3% comparable sales growth in Q3 2025.
- Remodeled stores posted 2.7% comparable sales growth in the same quarter — Macy’s strongest comparable-sales performance in three years. (The Daily Record)
Macy’s also plans to expand higher-margin offerings, including more luxury brands, while continuing supply-chain initiatives to support inventory flow and customer service (Fox Business, Macy’s corporate newsroom).
Financial backdrop — mixed signals
Macy’s recent results show a mixed picture. Net sales in Q3 2025 fell 2.3% year over year to $4.7 billion. Company officials say that decline reflects portfolio changes and store closures rather than an operational collapse. At the same time, stronger comparable sales at go‑forward and remodeled stores are cited as supporting evidence for the strategy (The Daily Record).
Investors and analysts will focus on the March 6, 2026 fourth-quarter earnings call for more detail on projected costs and timing of the remaining closures.
How the company is handling affected employees
Macy’s says it has notified impacted store teams and is offering support. Available measures include:
- Transfer opportunities to nearby stores where possible.
- Severance packages for employees whose roles are eliminated.
- Outplacement services to assist with job searches.
The company has not released a total number of employees affected by this 14‑store wave or by the broader plan to close roughly 150 stores this year (The Daily Record).
Timeline for store shutdowns and sales
Macy’s expects closure clearance sales to begin by mid‑January and run for about 10 weeks at the stores set to close. These liquidation sales typically offer larger discounts as inventory is reduced and operations wind down (The Daily Record).
Local and national spread of closures
The planned closures span metropolitan and suburban markets across the U.S. The Marley Station Mall closure is a tangible local example that could affect mall traffic and nearby small businesses in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Macy’s decisions carry ripple effects for mall owners and communities where stores serve as anchors (The Daily Record).
Implications for San Diego, California
Economic impact
Though the announced closures are national, Macy’s footprint reduction can influence San Diego’s retail scene. Possible effects include reduced mall foot traffic, adjustments in national marketing and procurement, and potential job impacts if local locations are included in future waves.
Political and municipal concerns
City officials may monitor tax revenue and employment consequences. Mall owners and planners could explore redevelopment of vacated Macy’s spaces into offices, housing, medical centers or mixed‑use projects — areas where municipal planning and council oversight play roles.
Social effects
Local shoppers could face fewer in‑person options for clothing and home goods. Seniors and customers who prefer brick‑and‑mortar may be affected most, and small businesses that rely on anchor-driven traffic could see declines in foot traffic.
Cultural relevance and consumer choice
Macy’s has been a retail mainstay for decades; reductions in physical locations may change shopping habits in San Diego, shifting customers toward online ordering, local boutiques or discount retailers. The company’s tilt toward luxury and remodeled stores might leave gaps in mid‑range department store options (Fox Business).
Practical steps for San Diego residents
- Workers: Monitor local job boards and workforce programs; contact Macy’s HR about transfer, severance and outplacement options if a local closure is announced.
- Shoppers: Expect liquidation sales offering deep discounts for about 10 weeks at closing stores; check local listings and mall websites for hours and inventory during clearance periods (The Daily Record).
Sources and reporting
This article is based on company statements and reporting by local and national outlets. Key reporting includes The Daily Record, Fox Business, and Macy’s corporate announcements (Macy’s corporate newsroom).
Reporting note: Macy’s is expected to provide further details on its closure program during the fourth‑quarter earnings call on March 6, 2026. For official statements and the formal list of closures, see Macy’s corporate newsroom.
