Macy’s to Close 14 More Stores in 2026 Under “Bold New Chapter,” Accelerating Macy’s Store Closures 2026 Plan
Macy’s will close 14 additional stores in 2026, mostly in the first fiscal quarter, accelerating its plan to shutter about 150 underperforming locations by year-end under the “Bold New Chapter” strategy, including Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
Key takeaways
- 14 more Macy’s stores planned to close in 2026, with clearance sales starting by mid-January and running roughly 10 weeks (The Daily Record, Axios).
- The move accelerates Macy’s target to cut about 150 underperforming locations by the end of 2026 while refocusing on profitability and digital experiences (Macy’s Inc. newsroom).
- Confirmed closures include Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie, MD, and locations such as Crossroads Center in St. Cloud, MN; closures span states including MN, GA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, TX and WA (Bring Me The News, The Daily Record).
- Macy’s closed 66 stores in 2025 and plans to focus investment on roughly 125 reimagined locations and about 350 go-forward stores after the full reduction (Business Insider).
Details of the announcement
Macy’s announced the 14-store round as part of its ongoing “Bold New Chapter” strategy. Company officials said most closures will occur in the first fiscal quarter of 2026. Local clearance and liquidation events were reported to begin by mid-January and run about 10 weeks, drawing heavy local demand in affected communities.
Which stores are closing and timing
Macy’s confirmed the Marley Station Mall Macy’s in Glen Burnie, Maryland, among the 14 stores slated to close. Other confirmed locations include a Macy’s at Crossroads Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and additional stores across Minnesota, Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington. Clearance sales and staff notifications were handled locally and reported by regional outlets (The Daily Record, Bring Me The News, Axios).
What Macy’s told employees and investors
“These decisions are not taken lightly,” Macy’s Chief Executive Tony Spring told employees in an internal memo, explaining the closures are meant to sharpen focus on higher-performing locations and digital growth.
Macy’s said affected workers will receive notifications and the company will offer transfer opportunities, severance and outplacement support where possible. The company has not released a specific headcount tied only to this 14-store announcement (The Daily Record).
Financial and strategic context
Macy’s has been repositioning since broader changes announced in February 2024. Executives say the strategy aims to fix lagging sales amid shifting industry trends and competition from online and discount rivals. The company closed 66 stores in 2025 as part of this effort; the full program would reduce roughly 150 locations to reach about 350 go-forward stores, freeing capital for higher-return investments (Macy’s Inc. newsroom, The Street).
In Q3 2025 Macy’s reported a 2% comparable sales increase overall with remodeled stores showing stronger gains, but net sales declined to $4.7 billion year-over-year — an outcome company leaders tie in part to prior closures and traffic pressures (The Daily Record).
Management says it will invest in staffing, remodeled stores, luxury goods, customer service and supply-chain upgrades at roughly 125 key locations to drive margins and better in-store experience (The Daily Record, Fox Business).
Format testing and future footprint
Macy’s is experimenting with smaller-format stores — roughly one-fifth the size of a traditional Macy’s — that offer curated assortments in high-traffic centers. The company’s small-format pilot began with a Texas test about five years ago and has expanded to pilots in 21 U.S. centers. Executives intend to keep testing size and layout as part of the broader realignment (The Daily Record).
Industrywide picture
Retailers nationwide announced nearly 300 closures for 2026 across chains, reflecting pressure from e-commerce and evolving shopper habits. Some outlets projected higher possible Macy’s closures under various scenarios, but Macy’s public target remains a 150-store reduction focused on profitability for the remaining footprint (Business Insider, The Street).
Local liquidation, community impact and Huntington Beach implications
Local outlets and mall owners typically manage liquidation timing and legal notices for store closures, and clearance events often draw strong community interest. For example, local reporting in Glen Burnie confirmed sale timing and staff notifications for the Marley Station Macy’s (The Daily Record).
Implications for Huntington Beach — economic impact
Even if Huntington Beach is not directly losing a Macy’s in this round, reduced Macy’s footprints nationwide can shift regional retail traffic patterns. Malls and shopping centers that relied on Macy’s as an anchor may see lower foot traffic, which can hurt nearby independent stores and restaurants and reduce sales tax revenue locally (Business Insider, The Street).
Jobs and workforce concerns: California workers value job stability; national rounds of closures raise risks of layoffs for employees who live in or commute to Huntington Beach. While Macy’s offers transfers and severance where possible, commuting costs, housing and retraining are local burdens (The Daily Record).
Local retail competition and opportunity: Vacated spaces can create openings for smaller-format concepts, outlet stores and local brands. Huntington Beach property owners and entrepreneurs could attract specialty retailers and services tailored to local tastes, reflecting free-market reallocation of space (Macy’s Inc. newsroom).
Public policy: City leaders should prepare for potential shifts in sales tax receipts and commercial occupancy. Planning departments may consider zoning flexibility and incentives to speed reuse of large retail spaces, while conservative policymakers might emphasize reducing regulatory friction for property reuse (The Street).
Practical steps for residents and local leaders
- Monitor local mall announcements for vacancy and redevelopment plans (The Daily Record).
- Encourage economic development offices to target replacement tenants that fit Huntington Beach’s market and lifestyle.
- Support workforce programs for retail employees, including job-placement services and retraining partnerships with community colleges.
- Consider tax and zoning measures that speed reuse of large retail spaces while protecting taxpayers.
Reporting and sources
This article is based on company statements and reporting by Times Media Service and other organizations. Sources include:
- The Daily Record
- Fox Business
- Axios
- Macy’s Inc. newsroom
- Bring Me The News (Minn.)
- Business Insider
- The Street
Macy’s has said it will provide additional detail in its Q4 earnings report, expected March 6, 2026, including broader store counts and further description of its capital allocation for reimagined locations.
