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Another wave of retail closures is set to impact New Jersey, with Macy’s and Kohl’s announcing plans to shutter local stores.

In a Jan. 9 press release, Macy’s said it will close 66 stores across the U.S. as part of a previously announced turnaround plan aimed at returning the chain to sustainable, profitable sales growth.

According to the New York City-headquartered company, the affected locations represent a mix of the flagship department store, its furniture-focused spinoff and off-price brand Backstage.

Within New Jersey, the move impacts Macy’s off-price brand, Backstage, at Essex Green Shopping Center in West Orange. The outpost expects to close by mid-2025, according to the company.

After that, New Jersey will have 27 Macy’s stores.

Other closures in the region are planned on Long Island, the Bronx, Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Philadelphia.

A ‘Bold New Chapter’

The announcement comes about a year after Macy’s said it expects to wind down 150 underperforming stores by 2026. It also said the company will ultimately move forward with 350 locations.

At the time, Macy’s did not publicize which outposts were set to close.

In a statement, Macy’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Tony Spring said, “Closing any store is never easy, but as part of our Bold New Chapter strategy, we are closing underproductive Macy’s stores to allow us to focus our resources and prioritize investments in our go–forward stores, where customers are already responding positively to better product offerings and elevated service.”

The approach includes a shift to pursuing wealthier shoppers with its higher-end Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury brands. In May 2024, Bloomie’s – a small-format version of upscale department store chain Bloomingdale’s – made its in-state debut at the Grove at Shrewsbury.

Liquidation sales will begin in the coming days. Some stores have already closed.

Over the past year, activist investors have asked Macy’s to make changes to boost the company’s stock and outlook, CNN noted. The retailer has said it’s on a path to return to sustainable growth. However, activist investors believe Macy’s real estate is more valuable than the company itself.

Kohl’s

By April, Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based retailer Kohl’s expects to close 27 of its more than 1,150 stores nationwide.

That includes its location in East Windsor.

The company issued a Jan. 9 press release regarding “real estate changes.”

“While Kohl’s continues to believe in the health and strength of its profitable store base, these specific locations were underperforming stores,” the company said.

Kohl’s also said it will close its San Bernardino e-commerce fulfillment center in California when its lease runs out in May.

Employees at affected locations have been informed of closures and offered a severance package or the ability to apply for other roles within the company, according to Kohl’s.

In a statement, Kohl’s CEO Tom Kingsbury said, “We always take these decisions very seriously. As we continue to build on our long-term growth strategy, it is important that we also take difficult but necessary actions to support the health and future of our business for our customers and our teams.”

The announcement arrived as Kingsbury prepares to step down from his role Jan. 15. In November, the company announced Ashley Buchanan, the current Michael’s CEO, will succeed Kingsbury.

After East Windsor goes dark, Kohl’s will have 37 stores in New Jersey.