Buckland Macy's in 'Business as Usual' Mode Despite Cryptic Corporate Closure Announcement

MANCHESTER, CT — Despite a cryptic news release issued by Macy's on Thursday announcing that 100 or so stores would be closing, it was business-as-usual at the Buckland Hills location of the department store chain.

"We're open," said a manager who added she was not allowed to say anything further, per corporate policy but acknowledged a "business as usual approach."

The local store is in the Shoppes and Buckland Hills shopping mall.

Macy's announced Thursday that it plans to close about 100 stores by early 2017 but a news release gave no indication exactly where, other than to say closings, "will be announced at a later date, once the company makes final decisions."

The company still plans on keeping locations in 49 of the top 50 U.S. markets, according to the release. Macy's currently operates 728 stores, including 675 "full-line" locations.

Macy's will focus its resources on its highest-performing stores while pouring more into "online shopping and mobile apps," according to the release.

\In stores that stay open, Macy's plans to add new vendors and increased staffing. The company is planning on "infusing new technology, accentuating high-potential businesses such as fine jewelry, and creating new in-store events and experiences," the release indicated.

"Customers nearly everywhere in America will have easy access to Macy’s stores, with the additional convenience and increased functionality of our dynamic digital offering,” Macy's President Jeff Gennette said in the release.

Employees who work at stores that are closing will be offered positions at nearby stores "where possible," Macy's says, and eligible part- and full-time employees will receive severance benefits, according to the release