Macy’s is closing location after 32 years but customers confused at ‘help wanted’ signs posted on doors

MACY’S is set to close its doors for good after more than three decades.

But confusion reigns among shoppers who’ve spotted “help wanted” signs still plastered on the entrance.

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The store, once known as Hudson’s and Marshall Field’s, has been a staple in the community since it first opened.

An anonymous employee expressed frustration at the lack of communication from the company.

They said: “They aren’t really giving us details, but the signs seem like a front to avoid confusing customers.”

With little clarity on the situation, shoppers are left to speculate what’s next for the beloved retailer.

Garfield Township Supervisor Chuck Korn confirmed the closure to 9&10 News, hinting at some financial maneuvering that could be leading Macy’s to exit the business.

Chuck said: “I think the word on the street is that they’re pending some kind of financial move,” indicating that the store’s departure might not come as a shock.

This announcement follows closely on the heels of another anchor store, TJ Maxx, vacating its space in the mall.

As the Grand Traverse Mall faces these changes, Chuck speculated about its future.

He suggested new ownership might bring a shift towards housing or more experiential offerings like those emerging at the nearby Cherry Land Center.

While he believes the loss of Macy’s won’t significantly impact the township, Chuck acknowledged that employees would feel the sting.

He said: “I think the people who work there may be affected, but it won’t affect us as a community”, downplaying concerns about the mall’s viability.

Reflecting on the mall’s struggles, Chuck pointed to changing shopping habits, lamenting a decline in inventory.

He added: “All of our stores used to carry a lot of inventory.

“Now it’s frustrating to find something in-store when you can just order it online with a click.”

As for the timeline, Macy’s is expected to close its doors after the holiday season.

The Sun has reached out or comment.

CLOSING DOWN

The major retailer announced in February that it intended to shut down a total of 150 sites by the end of 2026.

But the firm now expects to close 55 stores in 2024 alone, Reuters said in an update on August 21.

This is up from about 50 estimated earlier, as part of its three-year cost-saving plan.

The widespread closures will hit more than one-fifth of its department stores.

Once the closures have taken place, there will be about 350 of its outlets remaining across the US.

The firm expects to rake in between $600 and $750 million by selling the stores.

LUXURY SHOPPING

It’s part of what Macy’s described as its “bold new chapter” initiative – to focus more on luxury shopping.

“A bold new chapter serves as a strong call to action,” said CEO Tony Spring.

“It challenges the status quo to create a more modern Macy’s, Inc.

“We are making the necessary moves to reinvigorate relationships with our customers through improved shopping experiences, relevant assortments and compelling value.”

Aside from axing dozens of stores, its new strategy involves opening 30 new but smaller shops.

It’s hoped the new off-mall locations will attract more customers.

Macy’s intends to open its small-format stores by fall 2025.

Shoppers will see the same expansive beauty selection, new style trends, and luxury goods like sunglasses and jewelry.

But new elements have been introduced such as pop-up shops and market events for local vendors at these stores.

LESS DEMAND

Macy’s lowered its annual net sales forecast in August, said Reuters.

The retailer blamed higher promotions and weak demand for luxury goods and accessories from bargain-hunting shoppers.

But both Target and Walmart raised their annual profit forecasts on the back of big demand for lower-priced essentials, added Reuters.

“Unlike Target and Walmart, Macy’s sits in a world that is still disenfranchised by consumers being more discerning about price,” said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B Riley Wealth.