Macy’s to Close 14 More Stores in Q1 2026 as It Pushes Toward 150 Closures Under ‘Bold New Chapter’
Macy’s will close 14 stores in the first quarter of 2026 under its ‘Bold New Chapter’ plan to shutter 150 underperforming locations by the end of 2026; the Marley Station Mall Macy’s in Glen Burnie, Maryland, is on the list.
Key takeaways
- 14 Macy’s stores will close in Q1 2026 as part of a broader 150-store reduction by year-end 2026 — a continuation of the company’s turnaround plan. Company statements and reporting corroborate the count.
- Marley Station Mall (Glen Burnie, MD) is listed; clearance sales are expected to run about 10 weeks beginning mid-January.
- Savings to be reinvested into stronger physical stores, remodeled locations, staffing and Macy’s digital channels to capture where customers shop today.
- After closures, Macy’s expects roughly 350 stores to remain nationwide, reflecting wider retail consolidation trends.
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Why Macy’s is accelerating closures
Macy’s describes these actions as a central element of its turnaround strategy. Years of weak sales, intensified competition and changing shopping habits have pushed the retailer to reduce its physical footprint. The company says it will cut costs and reallocate capital to the stores and online services that perform best.
“We will focus on improving nearby Macy’s locations and invest in the stores and digital experiences where customers are choosing to shop today,” a Macy’s spokesperson said, according to reporting.
Scope and pace of closings
Macy’s closed 66 stores in 2025 and now plans to shutter roughly 150 locations by the end of 2026, including the 14 slated for Q1. After this round of closings, Macy’s expects about 350 stores to remain open across the United States.
Retail analysts note this mirrors a broader industry trend: many national chains are consolidating physical footprints to improve profitability and adapt to ecommerce growth.
Trouble turned to early signs of recovery
Despite the cutbacks, Macy’s reported its strongest comparable sales in three years in Q3 2025, with a 2% rise for the quarter ended Nov. 1, 2025. Go-forward locations and remodeled stores drove gains — evidence Macy’s leadership cites to justify targeted investment.
Remodeled stores posted about 2.7% comparable gains, while go-forward locations saw roughly 2.3%. CEO Tony Spring noted such results in an internal memo and emphasized that store closures “are not made lightly.”
Marley Station Mall and the local impact
One of the 14 stores listed for closure is Macy’s at Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Reporting indicates clearance sales at that location were expected to begin by mid-January and run approximately 10 weeks. Local mall traffic, in-store retailers and mall owners may experience near-term disruption as anchor tenants reassess space usage.
What Macy’s says it will do with savings
Macy’s plans to redirect savings toward better staffing, refreshed store design and enhanced customer services at remaining locations, plus continued investment in its digital platform. Executives argue the combination of physical refreshes and improved ecommerce is central to restoring long-term health.
Broader retail context and competition
Macy’s actions reflect a sector-wide shift: retailers are shrinking low-performing footprints and bolstering online capabilities. Analysts point to many national chains planning closures into 2026, pressuring malls and landlords to rethink space and alternative uses such as mixed-use redevelopment, logistics hubs or entertainment.
Implications for California
Economic and retail landscape: California’s large retail market means Macy’s reductions could affect mall traffic and small retailers inside affected centers.
Job losses and labor markets: Store closures bring local job impacts; displaced workers in California may face varying prospects depending on regional labor conditions.
Commercial real estate: Vacant anchor spaces often prompt redevelopment into mixed-use, logistics, fitness or community services — opportunities for local planners and property owners.
Consumer experience: Fewer locations may increase travel time or online reliance, while Macy’s intends to enhance service at remaining stores and online fulfillment.
Local government: Expect short-term sales-tax variability; conservative local leaders may favor flexible budgeting and private investment to fill gaps.
What to watch in California
- Announcements on specific California Macy’s locations and timelines for clearance sales and layoffs.
- Resources from local workforce development agencies and chambers of commerce for displaced workers.
- Actions by mall owners and city planning departments on redevelopment proposals or new leases for vacant anchor space.
- Updates to Macy’s store locator and company notices regarding fulfillment and service changes.
Sources and further reading
- The Daily Record, “Macy’s Maryland store closure 2026”
- Fox Business, “Macy’s to close 14 stores as part of turnaround strategy”
- Macy’s, “Macy’s Inc. Confirms Planned Macy’s Store Closures” (newsroom)
- Business Insider, “Stores closing in 2026”
Reporting draws on company announcements and public reporting by the above outlets. Macy’s spokespersons and internal memos cited in coverage are referenced in source articles.
