Ocala’s sole Macy’s location is not among the 66 stores that the company says it will close this quarter as part of its plan to shutter approximately 150 “underproductive stores” across the country through 2026.
On Thursday, January 9, Macy’s announced that it will close 66 “Macy’s non-go-forward store locations” as part of its “Bold New Chapter strategy” first announced last February.
“This plan is designed to return the company to sustainable, profitable sales growth which includes closing approximately 150 underproductive stores over a three-year period while investing in its 350 go-forward Macy’s locations through fiscal 2026,” reads a press release from the company.
According to the company’s chairman and chief executive officer, Tony Spring, the closures will allow Macy’s to “focus” its resources and “prioritize investments” in their “go-forward stores, where customers are already responding positively to better product offerings and elevated service.”
The majority of the closing stores are expected to completely end operations during the first quarter of this year.
Although Ocala’s sole Macy’s location in the Paddock Mall was spared during the first round of closures, several other locations in Florida didn’t fare as well. That includes one location in Central Florida (Altamonte Springs) and several in south Florida.
The Paddock Mall is currently home to more than six dozen different stores and vendors, including more than a dozen and a half apparel stores. Last year, lululemon, Florida Fishin’ Apparel, and multiple other apparel vendors opened new locations at the mall.
To read the complete press release from Macy’s, or view the complete list of closures, visit Macy’s corporate website.