Macy's Closure In Orange County, Laguna Hills Mall

LAGUNA HILLS, CA — Farewell, Macy's. With the holiday season approaching, this week, Macy's Inc. announced plans to close its stores at Los Angeles' Westside Pavilion mall and the Laguna Hills Mall in Orange County. The reasoning given was the result of a corporate need to focus the business on online sales.

The closures will occur early next year, according to a release from Macy's. It was not immediately known how many jobs would be affected, or what would happen in closeout merchandise.

A new Macy's store recently opened near the Westside Pavilion, at the nearby Westfield Century City mall.

The company announced in January that it would shutter dozens of its stores across the country as part of a company-wide cost-cutting maneuver.

"We are excited about our plans for holiday, which is when Macy's truly shines as a gifting destination," said Jeff Gennette, Macy's Inc. chief executive officer. "The loyalty program, special in-store experiences and a strong mobile and online presence will help drive holiday sales."

There was no immediate date given as to the last day shoppers could hunt through the store.

City News Service, Patch Editor, Ashley Ludwig contributed to this story.

Ashley Ludwig, photo