Macy’s to Close 150 Stores Over the Next 3 Years

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.”

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.