Macy's Will Close 100 More Stores Nationwide, Unclear If North Wales Branch Included

NORTH WALES, PA — Macy's has announced that about 100 of its stores will be closed by early 2017, although it's not yet clear if that includes the North Wales branch of the retail outlet located in Montgomery Mall.

The local Macy's, located on Routes 202 & 309, has been in the mall since 1986. The same location had held a Bamberger's since the time of the mall's opening in 1977.

Macy's lost one of its oldest locations in the area during the last round of cuts when the branch in Suburban Square in Ardmore was shut down in March.

The announcement continues a trend in the retail world of reduced consumer locations following the doubly-whammy hit of the great recession and the incursion in sales from online retailers such as Amazon.

A Macy's press release announcing the changes said locations of stores that are closing "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. 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 press 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 said.

"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 press 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.