Macy’s to Close 14 More Stores in 2026 as Part of ‘Bold New Chapter’ Plan; Maryland Location Among Those Affected
Macy’s Inc. will close 14 additional U.S. stores in 2026, mostly in Q1, as part of its “Bold New Chapter” plan to shutter roughly 150 underperforming locations and refocus on 350 go‑forward stores and digital investment.
Key takeaways
- 14 stores slated to close in 2026, mostly in the first fiscal quarter, as part of a broader plan to shutter about 150 underperforming locations.
- Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie, Maryland is among the confirmed closures highlighted in local reporting.
- Company focus: concentrate on ~350 go‑forward stores, expand digital tools, and test smaller formats after prior reductions in 2025.
- Clearance sales at closing stores were scheduled to begin mid‑January and run roughly 10 weeks.
Why Macy’s is closing stores now
Macy’s executives describe the closures as part of a “Bold New Chapter” aimed at strengthening a smaller set of stores, improving service, expanding higher‑end merchandise, and optimizing the supply chain. CEO Tony Spring called the actions targeted changes
that were difficult but necessary to drive better results at the stores the company keeps and invests in.
Macy’s is responding to rapid shifts in shopper behavior — more purchases online, buy‑online‑pickup‑in‑store patterns, and demand for smaller, curated retail footprints. The company plans to concentrate resources on about 350 go‑forward stores and broaden digital investment, after piloting roughly 21 small‑format locations in Texas.
Financial picture behind the plan
Macy’s Q3 2025 results were mixed: comparable sales rose — the largest increase in three years — with overall comps up 2%, 2.3% at go‑forward stores and 2.7% at remodeled locations, but net sales declined 2.3% year‑over‑year to $4.7 billion. Company leaders say stronger performance at retained and remodeled stores supports the decision to reduce the broader portfolio.
Context: Macy’s closed 66 stores in 2025 and has made other reductions over recent years as it adapts to competition and evolving shopping habits.
Confirmed and reported 2026 closures
Macy’s and local outlets have named several locations among the 14 planned closures. Not every closure had a full address publicly released, but reported confirmed sites include:
- California — La Mesa: Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive; Tracy: West Valley Mall, 3400 Naglee Road (Fox Business).
- Georgia — Atlanta: Northlake Mall, 4880 Briarcliff Road NE (The Daily Record / Fox Business).
- Maryland — Glen Burnie: Marley Station Mall (The Daily Record).
- Minnesota — St. Cloud: Crossroads Center (Bring Me The News).
Other states named by Macy’s or in reporting as affected include Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington, with some details still rolling out in public filings and local reports (Macy’s newsroom; Fox Business).
Impact on workers and communities
Macy’s says affected employees were notified and offered options where possible, including transfers to nearby stores, severance packages, and outplacement services. The company has not provided a complete tally of job losses tied to the 14‑store wave or the broader 150‑store plan.
Local merchants and mall owners often feel ripple effects when anchor stores exit: foot traffic declines, food courts and specialty retailers may suffer, and owners must seek large tenants or re‑tenant spaces with entertainment, grocers, or non‑retail uses to maintain center vitality (TheStreet; Axios).
Company stance and next steps
Macy’s frames the closures as a multi‑year strategy to stabilize the business: fewer stores, improved customer service, a focus on higher‑margin brands, and stronger online tools. The company has reiterated its goal of roughly 350 U.S. stores after portfolio changes and continues to review its footprint.
Planned clearance sales at closing locations were set to start mid‑January and run about 10 weeks, providing discounting and liquidation timelines for affected stores (Axios; The Daily Record).
Implications for Utah
Economic impact
No Macy’s in Utah was listed among the 14 announced early‑2026 closures, but statewide retail markets may feel indirect effects. Shifts in where shoppers travel and how malls attract customers could change foot traffic patterns; Utah malls and local retailers may need to adapt via stronger marketing and diversified tenant mixes (Macy’s newsroom).
Jobs and workforce
While there were no announced Utah closures in this package, nationwide restructuring highlights retail job fragility. Utah employers and workforce centers may see modest hiring shifts and should be prepared to offer career transition services if closures expand regionally. Macy’s previously reported offering transfers and outplacement, suggesting local job centers could mirror those resources if needed (The Daily Record).
Political and fiscal angles
From a fiscal perspective, Macy’s move illustrates private‑sector cost control and shareholder‑focused decisions. Local leaders in Utah should weigh incentives carefully and favor tenant mixes resistant to e‑commerce, such as grocers, services, and experiential uses, while public policy can support retraining and entrepreneurship to limit social costs (TheStreet).
Practical effects for Utah shoppers
Utah shoppers will likely see continued investment in Macy’s digital options. If store counts decline further, more customers may shift to online ordering, buy‑online‑pickup‑in‑store at remaining regional locations, or patronize competing local retailers. In‑person shoppers should monitor promotions at mall anchors and department stores as the retail mix evolves (Business Insider).
Reporting notes and sources
This article is based on Macy’s corporate statements and reporting from national and local outlets, including:
- Macy’s newsroom
- The Daily Record (Macy’s Maryland closure)
- Fox Business
- Axios
- Bring Me The News
- TheStreet
- Business Insider
Sources: Macy’s newsroom; Fox Business; Axios; The Daily Record; Bring Me The News; TheStreet; Business Insider.
“Targeted changes” — Tony Spring, CEO, describing the closures and refocusing effort.
