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Macy's to close amid retail shift to online shopping in Oakland Mall
This comes as the fading store chain is working to redo operations as more customers shop online rather than in store.
OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - It is the end of an era for a longtime mall in Metro Detroit, where millions of memories were made.
The massive Macy's store in the iconic Oakland Mall is one of the almost 70 stores set to shut down across the country in the spring.
This comes as the fading store chain is working to redo operations as more customers shop online rather than in store.
"I went to Macy’s a lot growing up, so I’m really surprised that they are closing so many stores. It’s kind of sad. Very sad stuff," says one customer.
The company says closing these many stores is a first step in their Bold New Chapter strategy which is aimed at getting them back to strong profits and sales by shuttering around 150 locations over three years.
Meanwhile, the company will invest in 350 of what they call "go forward" stores with more modernized services.
Oakland Mall owner Mario Kiezi says the massive Macy’s, originally a Hudson's, was a true powerhouse and one of the strongest department stores in the Midwest for decades.
While the closing marks the end of an era, he says the door is now open to tremendous opportunities.
"As for who will replace it, that is yet to be determined; however, we can confirm we are actively exploring transformative opportunities," said Kiezi.
What other Macy's locations in Michigan are closing?
- Flint: Genesee Valley Center, 4600 Miller Road
- Sterling Heights: Lakeside Mall, 14200 Lakeside Circle (the last store left at Lakeside)
- Traverse City: Grand Traverse Mall, 3400 S Airport Road W
- Troy: Oakland Mall, 500 W 14 Mile Road