Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
Macy’s to close up to 40 stores
The retailer said although physical stores are vital to its omnichannel strategy, it must shut down stores that are lagging in sales.
Cincinnati--Early next year, Macy’s Inc. will close 35 to 40 underperforming stores, which represents about 5 percent of the total number of Macy’s stores.
While the exact locations will be announced at a later date, Macy’s said Tuesday the stores that’ll be closing have annual sales of $300 million, excluding sales expected to be retained in nearby stores and online.
The closings are taking place as it works to optimize its omnichannel approach to customers shopping across America.
“Physical stores remain absolutely vital to our omnichannel strategy,” said Macy’s CEO and Chairman Terry Lundgren. “As new shopping centers are opened, however, many customers change their shopping habits and often the sales volume of a store gets divided among the new and nearby, existing centers. Each year, we prune some stores that are our weakest performers so that we can concentrate our resources on the best locations and maintain a strong physical presence.”
He added that Macy’s opens a small number of new stores every year to fill in gaps in market coverage or take advantage of real estate opportunities.
As part of its omnichannel strategy, Macy’s also now offers same-day delivery for purchases made online in 17 cities, and has grown its digital offering to include apps and mobile-enhanced websites. Allowing customers to shop wherever, whenever and however they choose enables the retailer to “attract new customers and grow sales profitably,” Lundgren said.
“While making the decision to close stores is difficult, we know it is necessary for us to remain competitive as customer shopping patterns continue to change,” he said.
Macy’s is far from the only major chain retailer in the country that is closing stores.
AboutMoney’s list of U.S. retail chains’ store closings and downsizing plans for 2015 included jewelry-selling stores Sears (closing 77 stores), J.C. Penney (closing 40) and Walmart (2).
Other retailers on the list were Walgreens (200), Staples (55) and Gap/Gap Kids (35 stores by 2016).
Macy’s said its upcoming store closings will be communicated directly with employees in those locations prior to a public announcement, with the retailer adding that associates displaced by closings may be offered positions in nearby stores where possible. Severance benefits will be given to all eligible full- and part-time associates who are laid off due to a closing.
The retailer currently operates 770 Macy’s stores. In the past five years, the retailer has closed 52
RELATED CONTENT: Macy’s gets into the off-price business
Overall, Macy’s Inc. operates about 885 stores in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico under the Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Bloomingdale’s Outlet and Bluemercury names, as well as macys.com, bloomingdales.com and bluemercury.com. There’s also a Bloomingdale’s in Dubai, operated by Al Tayer Group LLC under a license agreement.
The Latest

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.


Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.





















