I've heard from two people that the Macy's store in downtown Salem is closing after the first of the year. I don't know if that means January 1 or a later date.
But reportedly this news comes from Macy's employees, so it seems to be true -- though I don't believe there has been any official announcement.
Adding credence to this rumor is a Reddit post from two months ago.
So, idk if it’s public knowledge yet, but Macys in downtown mall is closing. I’m a former employee and they told us in June/July-ish? They’re declining in service, they’re treating their employees worse and worse. So quick reminder, when you go there, have some gd compassion. Y’all asking and not having any shred of compassion? It’s gonna make things worse. This town had the tendency to not take a three seconds to compose a 10 second sentence that isn’t selfish. Be. Nice.
Also, not closing because they’re not making money, it’s because of the building being so unfortunately under code and corporate doesn’t wanna spend the money.
Toodles!!
Also, a RetailWatchers post from March 2024 had the Salem Macy's on a list of stores probably closing by 2026. (Typos are in the post.)
According to an anonymous but reliable source, these Macy's stores either among the lowest sales per square foot in the company, has had its property has been acquired for redevelopment or has an upcoming expiring lease, therefore in all likelihood will close by 2026.
And a recent December 19, 2024 article in That Oregon Life, "Could Macy's Be Saying Goodbye to Salem Center Mall in 2025?," said:
The retail landscape is shifting rapidly, and once-iconic department stores are finding it increasingly difficult to stay relevant in the digital age. Macy’s, a brand that has long symbolized the quintessential American shopping experience, is facing mounting challenges as it seeks to adapt to changing consumer habits. Rumors circulating online suggest that Salem’s Macy’s location at the Salem Center Mall could be among the stores closing after the 2024 holiday season, potentially by February 2025. While Macy's has not yet confirmed which locations are on the chopping block, the speculation alone highlights the growing uncertainty around the future of physical retail spaces.
The timing of the rumored closure fits with a December 13, 2024 USA Today story:
Macy's is closing more stores than it originally announced earlier this year.
According to the company's third quarter earnings report, the department store chain is expected to close 65 locations by the end of the year, an increase from the 50 locations the company said it would close by the end of the fiscal year in February.
"We now expect to close roughly 65 locations this year," said Macy's CEO Tony Spring in the earnings call. "In line with our typical cadence, closures will occur post holiday."
The retail giant said in February that by 2026, it planned to shut down 150 "unproductive" stores, or roughly 30% of all its locations, while prioritizing investments in 350 "go-forward" stores. Macy's also said at the time the move, dubbed as "A Bold New Chapter," will allow it to focus its resources and prioritize other stores.
If the closure happens, this will be a blow to downtown Salem.
There's a lot of shopping history in that location, which was home to the first branch Meier & Frank store after it opened in 1955 -- following on the success of the original Meier & Frank store in downtown Portland. Eventually all Meier & Frank stores were sold and rebranded.
In 2005, Federated Department Stores, parent company for Macy's, purchased the stores. By September 2006, all their stores were rebranded "Macy's," ending the 149-year history of Meier & Frank Company, the "Store for Service and Accommodation", in the northwest.
This is awful! Salem is losing more and more places to shop. We only have a handful of stores left for clothing. The big stores are losing to the strip malls and cheaper choices. I’d rather not have to drive to another town to do my shopping. The City Council should be encouraging department stores to come to Salem. I’d like to see stores added for a change instead of closing.
Posted by: Carol | December 29, 2024 at 01:18 PM