MajorsJan 23, 2024
Macy’s Rejects Billion-Dollar Buyout Offer MajorsFeb 28, 2024
Macy’s to Close 150 Stores Over the Next 3 Years
However, the retailer plans to open more locations for its luxury brands, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury.
Macy’s Inc. plans to close 150 Macy’s stores over the next three years, while opening more locations for its luxury brands, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury.
New York—Macy’s Inc. is planning to close 150 stores over the next three years as the retailer battles declining sales and wards off takeover bids.
According to its website, the retailer currently has 502 Macy’s-branded locations: 481 full-size Macy’s stores, 12 small-format stores, and nine Macy’s Backstage stores.
The company announced the planned closures in its recent fourth-quarter and full-year earnings report.
The retailer saw net sales down 2 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter and 6 percent for the full year.
Sales at Macy’s and its higher-end banner Bloomingdale’s were down in Q4, while its luxury beauty retailer Bluemercury saw sales increase.
The company will close 50 Macy’s stores over the next year, with the remaining closures to follow, leaving the retailer with 350 locations by the end of 2026.
The store closures will represent about 25 percent of Macy’s square footage, but account for 10 percent of sales, said the company.
Macy’s did not respond to a request for comment on how many employees would be affected by the closures.
It also has not yet released a list of which stores will close.
Macy’s CEO Tony Spring, who stepped into the role this month following the retirement of Jeff Gennette, discussed the closures on the company’s earning call Tuesday.
“Our threshold to keep a store open has become more stringent,” he said. “In the past, we may have continued to operate a store that was cash flow positive. Now, the bar has been raised.”
Macy’s said it plans to focus on expanding its luxury brands, with plans to open 15 Bloomingdale’s stores and 30 Bluemercury locations by 2026.
Spring, who previously was CEO of Bloomingdale’s, also discussed the success of the retailer’s luxury banners.
“Both nameplates have been outperformers within our portfolio and are viewed as leaders in identifying up-and-coming trends and brands,” he said.
“They provide a mix of accessible and aspirational product, top-notch customer service and an elevated omnichannel shopping experience that’s warm and inviting but doesn’t take itself too seriously.”
Related stories will be right here …
According to its website, the retailer currently has 502 Macy’s-branded locations: 481 full-size Macy’s stores, 12 small-format stores, and nine Macy’s Backstage stores.
The company announced the planned closures in its recent fourth-quarter and full-year earnings report.
The retailer saw net sales down 2 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter and 6 percent for the full year.
Sales at Macy’s and its higher-end banner Bloomingdale’s were down in Q4, while its luxury beauty retailer Bluemercury saw sales increase.
The company will close 50 Macy’s stores over the next year, with the remaining closures to follow, leaving the retailer with 350 locations by the end of 2026.
The store closures will represent about 25 percent of Macy’s square footage, but account for 10 percent of sales, said the company.
Macy’s did not respond to a request for comment on how many employees would be affected by the closures.
It also has not yet released a list of which stores will close.
Macy’s CEO Tony Spring, who stepped into the role this month following the retirement of Jeff Gennette, discussed the closures on the company’s earning call Tuesday.
“Our threshold to keep a store open has become more stringent,” he said. “In the past, we may have continued to operate a store that was cash flow positive. Now, the bar has been raised.”
Macy’s said it plans to focus on expanding its luxury brands, with plans to open 15 Bloomingdale’s stores and 30 Bluemercury locations by 2026.
Spring, who previously was CEO of Bloomingdale’s, also discussed the success of the retailer’s luxury banners.
“Both nameplates have been outperformers within our portfolio and are viewed as leaders in identifying up-and-coming trends and brands,” he said.
“They provide a mix of accessible and aspirational product, top-notch customer service and an elevated omnichannel shopping experience that’s warm and inviting but doesn’t take itself too seriously.”
The recalculation of its retail footprint is part of its newly announced turnaround plan, dubbed “A Bold New Chapter.”
In February 2020, Macy’s announced its “Polaris” turnaround strategy, which included plans to close 125 stores over the next three years and lay off 2,000 employees.
The latest strategy, developed by Macy’s leadership team and given the green light from its board of directors, focuses on “reinvigorating relationships with customers through improved shopping experiences with relevant assortments and compelling value.”
The plan prioritizes investments in its remaining stores and will include a rollout of small-format stores, with up to 30 openings through 2025.
Macy’s has struggled to compete in the online space, with digital sales declining in Q4 and the full year. The company plans to make improvements, including to its search and navigation tools, and offer a more personalized experience.
The new turnaround strategy follows news last month that Macy’s rejected a $5.8 billion takeover offer from investing firm Arkhouse Management and its partner, Brigade Capital Management.
Macy’s ranked No. 7 on National Jeweler’s 2023 “$100 Millon Supersellers” list, with an estimated $1.7 billion in jewelry and watch sales, up from $1.64 billion the previous year.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
