Macy’s announced on August 11, 2016 that it plans to close 100 stores by early 2017. This continues the retail world’s response of reducing consumer locations following the great recession and the loss of sales to online retailers such as Amazon.
A Macy’s press release announcing the changes said locations of the stores that are closing “will be announced at a later date, once the company makes final decisions.” Macy’s located in Cincinnati Ohio currently operates 728 stores, including 675 “full-line” locations.
These 100 closures represent about 15% of all Macy’s department stores. It’s unknown at this time if the stores in the Capitola Mall or the Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey will be affected.
According to the press release Macy’s will focus its resources on its highest-performing stores while pouring more into “online shopping and mobile apps.” In its stores that are unaffected, Macy’s plans to add new vendors and increase staffing. The company is planning on “infusing new technology, accentuating high-potential businesses such as fine jewelry, and creating new in-store events and experiences,” the release said.
“Customers nearly everywhere in America will have easy access to Macy’s stores, with the additional convenience and increased functionality of our dynamic digital offering,” Macy’s President Jeff Gennette said in the press release.
Employees who work at stores that are closing will be offered positions at nearby stores “where possible,” Macy’s says, and eligible part- and full-time employees will receive severance benefits.
The Macy’s move is the latest in a wave of store closures amid the rise and success of Amazon and other online shopping options. Walmart announced plans in January to shut down 269 stores this year and just announced a $3.3 billion deal to acquire Amazon rival Jet.com.
Sports Authority, once the nation’s largest sporting goods retailer, is shutting all 450 of its stores after filing for bankruptcy. Other retailers such as Target, JC Penney, Kmart, Sears and Kohl’s have also closed hundreds of stores in recent months and nearly 44,000 retail workers have so far been laid off in 2016
“We operate in a fast-changing world, and our company is moving forward decisively to build further on Macy’s heritage,” Macy’s CEO Terry Lundgren said in a statement.
Macy’s revealed it’s also in talks to sell the 250,000 square feet of real estate that houses its men’s store on Union Square in San Francisco.