Macy’s isn’t merely shutting some doors; it’s revising its entire survival playbook. If you’ve ever walked into a mall in recent memory and seen those giant “Store Closing” banners, you are watching the “Bold New Chapter” strategy unfold live. But here’s the gotcha: on March 18, 2026, that finish line just moved. Although the original plan was to have all this finalized by the end of this year, the company has now just announced that they’ll be spacing out that last wave of closures until 2028.
Why the delay? Money. Macy’s leadership realized they’re in a stronger financial position than they thought. Instead of rushing to dump 65 more properties, they’re playing the long game to get better prices for the real estate. But for the 135 stores already identified or shuttered, the transition is final. We are looking at a landscape where Macy’s to close 150 stores after sales drop $21.3 billion in prior cycles, a move designed to save the brand from total obsolescence.
The 2026 Wave: Locations Shutting Down Right Now
We are currently in the middle of the “Final” initial wave. In January 2026, another 14 underperforming stores were sent to the chopping block. Clearance sales at these locations began in mid-January and are expected to conclude by the end of March 2026. If you’re looking for 80% to 90% off deals, these are the spots to hit before the lights go out for good.
| State | City | Location Name |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | Burnsville | Burnsville Center |
| Minnesota | Maplewood | Maplewood Mall |
| Ohio | Beavercreek | The Mall at Fairfield Commons |
| Missouri | Kansas City | Metro North Mall |
| Ohio | Toledo | Franklin Park Mall |
| California | Westminster | Westminster Mall |
| New York | Brooklyn | Fulton Street |
| Oregon | Portland | Lloyd Center |
| Minnesota | Minneapolis | Southdale Home Store |
| Wisconsin | Eau Claire | Oakwood Mall |
These 10 closures were first flagged by outlets like Axios and ABC10 News, noting that the 10-week liquidation cycle is the standard operating procedure for the chain.
The 2025 “Bulk” Phase: Already Gone
The shutdown was most aggressively pursued last year. Macy’s closed 66 stores in 22 states, mostly in mid-2025. The closure was more than a small-town retreat; major flagship-style venues in big cities took a beating.
New Yorkers suffered a massive blow when the Downtown Brooklyn store on Fulton Street closed its doors. Other notable departures included Queens Place in Elmhurst and the Sunrise Mall in Massapequa. California also saw a significant reduction, giving up the Broadway Plaza in Los Angeles and the Downtown Plaza in Sacramento.
Down in Florida, the trend was similar. Locations at Boynton Beach Mall and West Shore Plaza in Tampa are now history, along with several specialized Furniture Galleries in Miami. According to the Kiplinger state-by-state tracker, these closures were necessary to redirect funds into the remaining “Go-Forward” locations.
The $21.3 Billion Problem: Why the 2028 Extension?
Here’s the thing. Macy’s didn’t decide to close 150 stores because they wanted a change of scenery. It happened because net sales plummeted to around $21.3 billion in recent years. To survive, they had to cut the dead weight.
Now, in March 2026, CFO Tom Edwards says the company is “flexible on timing.” Since they’re not in dire need of a quick cash infusion, they’ve extended the deadline for the last 65 closures to 2028, from 2026. This enables them to bide their time until developers who wish to transform these vast buildings into luxury apartments, medical centers or “reimagined” mixed-use spaces come knocking.
The “Reimagine” Strategy
While many stores are dying, 125 “Reimagine” locations are getting all the love. These are the stores Macy’s believes can actually compete with online shopping. They’re adding more staff, cleaning up the layouts, and focusing on the luxury side of things through their Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if my local Macy’s is on the list?
The best way to stay updated is to check live trackers from CoStar News or Kiplinger. Generally, if your store hasn’t announced a clearance sale by now, it’s likely part of the 350 “Go-Forward” fleet.
Are clearance sales worth it?
Yeah, but you have to time it. Most sales start at 20% off, which isn’t great. But by week eight or nine, you’re looking at 80% to 90% off. Just remember: all sales are final. No returns.
What happens to the empty buildings?
It varies. Some are being turned into “small-format” Macy’s stores that are about one-fifth the size of a traditional department store. Others are being sold off entirely to be converted into non-retail spaces like logistics hubs or residential units.
Are Bloomingdale’s stores closing too?
Actually, it’s the opposite. Part of the “Bold New Chapter” involves opening about 15 new Bloomingdale’s and 30 Bluemercury locations. The company is pivoting toward the luxury market, where the margins are higher.
The retail map is looking a lot thinner these days. For some, a Macy’s closing is merely an inconvenience; for others, it marks the loss of a community anchor. Anyway, with the new 2028 deadline, we’ll all be watching this slow-motion transition for a few more years.
So, did your local store make the cut, or are you waiting for the final clearance signs to go up?
Sources and References
- Kiplinger: The 2025 and 2026 Macy’s Closure Tracker—Detailed list of the 66 stores already gone and the new 14.
- CoStar News: Macy’s Slows Real Estate Sales to 2028 – The latest financial update from March 18, 2026.
- ABC10 News: 2026 Wave of Macy’s Closures—Location-specific reporting on the January 2026 list.
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