Majors

Macy’s to Close 14% of Its Stores in 2017

MajorsAug 12, 2016

Macy’s to Close 14% of Its Stores in 2017

The retailer currently has 728 stores, including 675 full-line locations, and said it will shutter 100 of them next year.

2016_Macys-Exterior-Florida.jpg
For a number of the 100 stores Macy’s is closing next year, their real estate value exceeds their value as a retail store, the company said. Pictured here is the Macy’s at The Mall at Millenia in Orlando, Fla.

New York--Macy’s Inc. is continuing to shed stores, announcing Thursday that it will close 100 of its 728 locations early next year, or about 14 percent of its retail fleet.

The 100 stores are all full-line (non-outlet) Macy’s locations and most of them will close in early 2017.

The retailer said the locations of the 100 stores will be announced later, once the company makes final decisions, and that employees at those stores will be notified before the information is released to the public.

Macy’s has struggled in recent quarters, finishing 2015 with a 5 percent drop in same-store sales in November and December and announcing that it would lay off thousands of workers. It also recently closed 41 stores.

Going forward, the retailer wants to position itself as “America’s preferred omnichannel shopping destination,” and said it will sink capital into its digital businesses and best-performing stores while shedding physical locations where sales are lagging.

Part of the plan for improving the in-store shopping experience, Macy’s said, is to accentuate “high-potential businesses, such as fine jewelry.”

The retailer already has begun rolling out renovated fine jewelry departments.

“The announcements we are making today represent an advancement in our thinking on the role of stores, the quality of the shopping experience we will deliver, and how and where we reinvest in our business for growth,” said Macy’s President Jeff Gennette, who will take over for outgoing CEO Terry Lundgren next year.

He also said, “We believe that this reduction of 100 locations in the short term will result in a more appropriate store portfolio for Macy’s in the longer term and help us to accelerate our progress in building a vibrant omnichannel brand experience.”

Over the past six years, Macy’s has opened 19 stores, including six off-price locations, and closed 90, meaning its physical footprint has shrunk by net 71 stores.

Another way to look at it: Back in 2010, Macy’s had 799 stores. By the time the most recent round of closures is complete, it will have 628 stores, a 20 percent reduction in its physical footprint.

Also on Thursday, Macy’s released its results for the quarter ended July 30.

Same-store sales on an owned plus licensed basis fell 2 percent while total sales were down 4 percent, from $6.10 billion to $5.87 billion. The closing of 41 Macy’s stores in fiscal 2015 impacted the company’s total sales results.

Year-to-date, comps are down 4 percent and total sales have slipped 6 percent.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Hiba Husayni, Jules Kim, Johnny Nelson, Dorian Webb, Lorraine West
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.

Emmanuel Raheb, National Jeweler columnist and CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Peter Yantzer at a diamond cutting machine
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.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Buccellati Opera Tulle ring
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Lagos SML High Jewelry Bee Brooch
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden Globes

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

Gavel
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store Robberies

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 Program
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now Open

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

The Venetian Expo Las Vegas
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now Open

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Avocados From Mexico Golden Double Dip Chip
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden Chip

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

41.82-carat rough blue diamond recovered from the Cullinan Mine
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South Africa

Petra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.

Marie Lichtenberg Lasso Locket Bracelets Campaign
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New Bracelets

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

“My Next Question: The Podcast” graphic featuring Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

Colman Domingo
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand Ambassador

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

Burnell’s Fine Jewelry Kristi Regan, Nathan Regan, Sean Hamlin, Erin Carson
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ Award

Edge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, vice president of coaching strategy and development at the Edge Retail Academy
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.

Orr’s Jewelers David Gordon, Marcia Gordon, Aliza Gordon, Leslie Gordon
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip District

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store Robbery

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

Rio Grande diamonds
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond Melee

The supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.

Hana Kaneko rings
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter Event

The new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.

MNQ FINAL - NJ web - 1872 x 1052 px.png
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the Podcast

A monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals

Lisa Manobal, Priyanka Chopra Jonas
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden Globes

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.

Peter Yanzter, former executive director of AGS Labs
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.

Macy’s New York Herald Square
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This Year

The store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.

Jewelers Mutual logo
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance Program

Through EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.

Kendra Scott CEO Chris Blakeslee
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.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy