Is Macy’s at St. Clair Square closing? Here’s what city officials have to say about it
Following an announcement last week that Macy’s will close 65 stores by the end of January 2025, rumors emerged on local social media that the store at St. Clair Square in Fairview Heights is among those that will close.
While Macy’s has not released a list of stores that will close, Fairview Heights officials are confident that the St. Clair Square store will not be closing.
Fairview Heights Mayor Mark Kupsky said at a meeting of the Community Committee Wednesday evening that he’s reported as false Facebook posts that have spread rumors that the store is closing.
Dallas Alley, the city’s land use and development director, also said the store will not close and that the city will continue to work with CBL Properties, which owns the mall.
“Our Macy’s has very strong sales,” and brings a lot of sales tax revenue to the city, he said in a follow-up call on Thursday.
An email inquiry was sent to Christine Poehling, marketing director for CBL Properties, which owns St. Clair Square, South County Center, West County Center and Mid Rivers Mall. When asked if the closings included any of the four locations, Poehling reiterated that a list of stores to close has not been announced.
A separate inquiry regarding Macy’s stores in the St. Louis metro-east area was sent to Macy’s media communications department. In response, the BND received this official statement from a Macy’s, Inc., spokesperson:
“Our Bold New Chapter strategy is designed to create a more modern Macy’s, Inc. and revitalize the Macy’s brand to enhance the customer experience. Over the next three years, we intend to close approximately 150 Macy’s stores while further investing in our 350 go-forward fleet. We expect to close roughly 65 locations this year, after the holidays, in line with our typical cadence. A final decision on specific locations has yet to be made. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers.”
The topic of Macy’s closures was discussed at the city’s July 2 Business Alliance Committee meeting. Alley said at the time that Macy’s lease was not yet up for renewal, and with knowledge of the closings, the future of the store was uncertain.
The terms of the leases for Macy’s stores are not public and are subject to non-disclosure agreements.
Alley added that he would like to see the store remain at St. Clair Square.
Plans for Macy’s, Inc.
In February, Macy’s announced its “Bold New Chapter” strategy to revitalize the company.
The strategy “serves as a strong call to action” Macy’s, Inc., CEO Tony Spring stated at that time.
“It challenges the status quo to create a more modern Macy’s, Inc. We are making the necessary moves to reinvigorate relationships with our customers through improved shopping experiences, relevant assortments and compelling value,” Spring stated.
The “necessary moves” included the closing of 150 underperforming stores in 2024 and another 100 over the next few years. By 2026, there will be 350 Macy’s locations.
The company would also focus on investing in its digital growth, growing luxury brands, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury, and improving customer experience.
“We are encouraged by the consistent sales growth in our Macy’s First 50 locations and the strong performance of Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury,” Spring stated in a Dec. 11 earnings call.
“Quarter-to-date, comparable sales continue to trend ahead of third quarter levels across the portfolio,” Spring said. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to achieving sustainable, profitable growth for Macy’s, Inc.”
The number of expected store closings in 2024 was increased quarterly from 50 to 55 and again to 65.
More information regarding earnings reports and other news for Macy’s, Inc. can be found online at macysinc.com.
About Macy’s at St. Clair Square
Macy’s came to St. Clair Square after Federated Department Stores, Inc. (Macy’s), acquired May Department Stores, Inc., (Famous-Barr) in August 2005.
Through a gradual transition, Famous-Barr would become Macy’s by fall 2006, according to a July 2005 BND report.
Famous-Barr stores across the country, including St. Clair Square, completed the transition and officially became Macy’s when doors opened on Sept. 9, 2006.
Famous-Barr opened in Fairview Heights on Oct. 29, 1973, and was the first store to open at St. Clair Square.
The rest of the mall development opened Oct. 31, 1974, and celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.
