Macy’s faces backlash from shoppers as liquidation sales start with underwhelming discounts across 66 U.S. stores

Macy’s faces backlash from shoppers as liquidation sales start with underwhelming discounts across 66 U.S. stores

Macy’s is facing a major transformation with the planned closure of 66 stores in the coming weeks.

In a bid to reduce its footprint and revamp its strategy, the retailer promised liquidation sales as part of the store shutdowns.

However, eager shoppers are already raising doubts about whether the deals will be worthwhile.

Liquidation Sales Not Living Up to Expectations

Shoppers, especially those on Reddit, are sharing their thoughts on the upcoming sales, with many advising others to hold off until deeper discounts are offered.

Despite Macy’s advertising these sales as a huge opportunity, many consumers have pointed out that the markdowns may not be enough to warrant a purchase.

One user bluntly stated, “There will NOT be any deals at closing stores.

The usual SALE prices at Macy’s are better than liquidator prices.”

Others added that some of the premium items might be removed from the stores before the liquidation process even begins.

Some are even willing to browse the sales but are holding out for steeper reductions, with one commenter claiming, “Don’t even bother buying unless it’s 40 percent or more.”

Macy’s Restructuring Strategy Faces Mixed Reactions

The closures, announced back in January, are part of Macy’s broader effort to reshape its future.

According to the company, the closures of underperforming stores will allow them to focus on a “Bold New Chapter,” which includes revamping their merchandising and putting more focus on sister brands like Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury.

Despite these closures, Macy’s plans to remain operational, aiming to keep 350 stores open by 2026, down from over 1,100 at its peak.

Retail experts, however, are less optimistic about Macy’s immediate future.

Neil Saunders from GlobalData stated that while Macy’s is still turning a profit, a 2.4 percent sales decline reported in late 2024 suggests the company’s growth may remain stagnant in 2025.

Despite the slump, Saunders doesn’t foresee bankruptcy anytime soon, as Macy’s continues to generate profit.

The Bigger Trend: Store Closures Across the U.S.

Macy’s closures are part of a broader trend of brick-and-mortar retailers closing stores as consumers increasingly turn to online shopping.

Experts predict this wave of closures will continue through 2025. Department stores, in particular, have been hit hard, with several Macy’s competitors—like Neiman Marcus, J.C. Penney, and Century 21—declaring bankruptcy in recent years.

Macy’s has faced its own set of challenges, including a financial scandal when an accountant attempted to hide a $150 million error.

This led to an investigation and a delay in the company’s quarterly earnings call, though it’s unclear how much this incident has impacted its current situation.

As Macy’s moves forward with its closures and new strategy, shoppers remain wary about the sales—waiting for more substantial discounts before parting with their money.

Time will tell if the retailer can turn things around.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn