Macy's Will Close 100 More Stores Nationwide; Fate of Midstate Stores Unknown

Macy's announced Thursday that it plans to close about 100 stores by early 2017, continuing a trend in the brick-and-mortar retail world of reduced consumer locations following the doubly-whammy hit of the great recession and competition from online retailers.

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."

Macy's has three Nashville-area locations: Rivergate, Cool Springs and Green Hill. Macy's also had a store at Hickory Hollow, prior to that mall's failure and conversion. Despite numerous store closures, the sale of the mall and declining traffic, the location at Rivergate has dodged previous Macy's downsizing efforts.

The company still plans on keeping locations in 49 of the top 50 U.S. markets, which includes Nashville. 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.

Additional reporting by Marc Torrence