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.
More on Majors
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
MajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter PresidentThe announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.
