Macy’s is closing stores in New York — What’s going on?
If you thought Macy’s was just about selling holiday sweaters and giant Thanksgiving balloons, think again. The retail giant is in the middle of a massive makeover — and that means saying goodbye to some long-standing stores. In August 2025, Macy’s will close 66 stores across the U.S., including major locations in New York City, as part of its Bold New Chapter strategy.
Why is Macy’s shutting down stores?
Think of this as Macy’s cleaning out its closet — except instead of tossing old jeans, it’s shutting entire buildings. CEO Tony Spring says these closures are painful but necessary:
“Closing a store is never easy, but it’s crucial to our Bold New Chapter strategy. We’re focused on delivering better products and exceptional service at our most successful stores.”
Translation: Macy’s wants to cut the locations that aren’t making money and reinvest in the ones that are. The plan — announced in February 2024 — is to close about 150 underperforming stores by 2026, leaving around 350 strong stores that are modern, profitable, and (hopefully) more fun to shop in.
The big impact in New York
New York is taking a direct hit. Some of these Macy’s stores have been neighbourhood fixtures for decades. The closures include:
- 422 Fulton Street, Brooklyn
- 2027 Emmons Avenue, Brooklyn
- 404 East Fordham Road, Bronx
- 88-01 Queens Blvd., Queens
- 98 Richmond Hill Road, Staten Island
Liquidation sales have already started, which means big discounts — but also bittersweet goodbyes. For longtime shoppers, it feels like losing a friend who always had great coupons.
What is the bold new chapter strategy?
This isn’t just about shutting doors. Macy’s is also renovating the stores that stay open, making them brighter, trendier, and better stocked. On top of that, they’re pouring resources into online shopping, so your next order could be faster and smoother than ever.
Early results from test stores show higher sales and happier customers, which Macy’s hopes will calm nervous investors. (Although Macy’s stock is still down about 15% since this plan was announced — Wall Street clearly needs some retail therapy.)
What does this mean for communities?
Store closures hit more than just sales numbers — they affect real people. Employees lose jobs, shoppers lose their go-to locations, and neighbourhoods lose a retail anchor. Macy’s says this is a trade-off for long-term survival: fewer struggling stores now, but a stronger company later.
Some critics worry Macy’s is selling off valuable real estate to stay afloat, while others believe focusing on fewer, better stores is the only way forward.
The future of Macy’s
By the end of 2026, Macy’s hopes to be leaner, more competitive, and ready for a retail world that’s part physical and part digital. If all goes to plan, Macy’s customers can expect fresher stores, better service, and a seamless online experience.
But for now, New Yorkers are bracing themselves as familiar shopfronts prepare to shut down. Whether you’re a bargain hunter eyeing those liquidation deals or just someone who loved walking through Macy’s during the holidays, this definitely feels like the end of an era.
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