Macy’s to Close 14 More Stores in Q1 2026 as It Pursues “A Bold New Chapter” Turnaround
Macy’s will close 14 stores in Q1 2026 under its “A Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan, continuing a program to shutter about 150 underperforming locations by year end while reallocating resources to core stores and digital expansion.
- 14 stores will close in the first fiscal quarter of 2026 as part of Macy’s “Bold New Chapter” plan (The Daily Record, Fox Business).
- The company aims to shutter about 150 underperforming locations by the end of 2026 (The Daily Record; Macy’s Inc. newsroom).
- By late 2025 Macy’s had closed 66 locations, leaving roughly 80 more slated for closure in 2026 (Business Insider).
- Clearance sales began in mid-January at newly announced locations and are expected to run about 10 weeks (The Daily Record).
Background and restructuring timeline
“A Bold New Chapter” began in February 2024 when Macy’s announced a major restructuring to reduce its physical footprint and maintain roughly 350 “go-forward” stores in the U.S. Management frames the program as concentrating resources on locations and digital services that attract customers today (The Daily Record).
Through late 2025 Macy’s had closed 66 stores under the plan. Company filings show closures are phased to allow clearance sales and try to limit disruption to employees and communities; roughly 80 more stores remain on the list to meet the end-of-2026 target of about 150 total closures (Macy’s Inc. newsroom; Business Insider).
Strategic rationale: focus and reinvestment
Company leaders say closures will allow Macy’s to reinvest in better-performing stores and expand digital capabilities. Investments include remodels, customer-service improvements and a greater focus on higher-margin luxury categories. Executives describe the goal as reducing overhead and concentrating merchandising and marketing spend to improve profitability (The Daily Record).
“Closing underperforming locations will let us focus on improving nearby Macy’s locations and invest in the stores and digital experiences where customers are choosing to shop today,” said CEO Tony Spring.
Recent performance: signs of stabilization amid lower sales
In late 2025 Macy’s reported mixed results: comparable sales at go-forward stores rose 2.3% in the third quarter ending Nov. 1, 2025, and remodeled locations saw gains of 2.7%. Yet overall net sales fell 2.3% year over year to $4.7 billion, which the company partly attributes to ongoing store closings and portfolio changes (The Daily Record).
2026 closure details and timing
The 14 stores slated for Q1 2026 span multiple states, including locations in California, Georgia, Maryland and Minnesota. Public reporting specifically mentions the Macy’s at Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie, Maryland, and the Macy’s at St. Cloud Crossroads Center in Minnesota. Clearance sales at these stores began in mid‑January and are expected to run about 10 weeks (The Daily Record; Fox Business; Bring Me The News).
Employee impact and local response
Macy’s says affected workers have been notified and offered support, including transfer opportunities, severance pay and outplacement services. The company has not released a total headcount for this round of closures. Local officials often warn that anchor-store departures can create vacancy and ripple effects for smaller retailers that depend on department-store traffic (The Daily Record; Fox Business).
Why this matters: competition, costs and consumer choice
The closures come amid continued shifts to online shopping and growth in off‑price and fast‑fashion retailers. Macy’s argues that slimming its store network is necessary to remain competitive and profitable, freeing cash to improve top-performing stores and digital services that customers use more frequently (The Daily Record).
Implications for Walla Walla, Washington
Economic impact
Macy’s does not list a store in downtown Walla Walla or at the market’s primary shopping centers, but regional shoppers often travel to nearby cities. Reduced access to Macy’s merchandise could mean fewer retail trips to larger hubs, shifting dollars online or to other malls and affecting gas, dining and lodging tied to retail travel.
Political and local government consequences
Local leaders may need to consider tax-base and zoning options if nearby malls lose anchor tenants. Vacant large spaces can lower tax revenue unless redeveloped; conservative officials often favor market-led redevelopment and streamlined permitting to attract new tenants or repurpose spaces into warehouses, clinics, or mixed-use projects.
Social effects and employment
Store closures elsewhere can reduce regional retail hiring demand, tightening part‑time and entry‑level job pools. Macy’s transfer and outplacement offerings may help some affected workers find roles at other retailers or within Macy’s digital operations.
Cultural relevance and consumer choice
Walla Walla residents value local businesses; losing nearby Macy’s stores could nudge shoppers toward downtown independents and regional chains, potentially benefiting small business owners and reinforcing local retail culture.
Practical applications for residents and local leaders
- Shoppers: Expect clearance sales in announced locations — an opportunity for discounts, but compare prices online too. See The Daily Record for clearance timing (mid‑January, roughly 10 weeks).
- Workers: Affected employees reportedly are offered transfers, severance and outplacement support; seek details from store managers and local employment services (The Daily Record).
- Local officials and mall owners: Consider fast‑tracking redevelopment proposals and courting tenants that fit modern consumer patterns — fitness, health, entertainment, or logistics uses can limit tax-base erosion.
Where to find more information
Full reporting on this round of closures and state-by-state lists are available from Fox Business, The Daily Record, and Bring Me The News. Macy’s corporate context appears in the Macy’s Inc. newsroom. Broader store-closure tracking is available via Business Insider.
Bottom line: This 14‑store round is part of Macy’s wider effort to reshape its footprint under the “Macy’s Bold New Chapter” plan. Walla Walla residents may feel effects through shopping patterns, employment and regional retail health — and local leaders will need proactive redevelopment strategies to limit disruption.
