It’s a weird feeling walking through a mall and seeing those massive, windowless department store walls stripped of their logos. For a lot of us in Michigan, Macy’s wasn't just a place to buy a last-minute wedding guest outfit or a set of high-thread-count sheets. It was the anchor. But things are changing fast. If you’ve been wondering what Macy's stores are closing in Michigan, you’re not alone. The retail giant is currently in the middle of a massive "Bold New Chapter" strategy, which is basically corporate-speak for "we need to close 150 stores to stay alive."
Honestly, it's a bit of a gut punch for local economies. We’re talking about massive footprints in malls that are already struggling to keep the lights on. By the time 2026 wraps up, the Macy's we grew up with will look a lot smaller.
The Michigan Hit List: Which Locations Are Gone?
Macy's isn't pulling off the Band-Aid all at once. They've been rolling out these closures in waves. As of early 2026, the list of Michigan casualties has grown quite a bit. It’s not just small-town shops either; some of these are (or were) major hubs for Metro Detroit and beyond.
The most recent news that hit the headlines involves RiverTown Crossings in Grandville. That store is officially on the chopping block for early 2026. If you've been there lately, you might have noticed the inventory looking a little thin. Their lease is up at the end of March 2026, and the company decided not to renew. It's a huge blow for the Grand Rapids area, leaving only a couple of options for people in West Michigan.
But RiverTown is just the latest. Let’s look at the others that have already faced the axe or are currently winding down operations:
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Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights was a big one. Of course, that whole mall is being reimagined into a "work-live-play" district, so Macy's exit was basically written on the wall. Genesee Valley Center in Flint also made the list, which isn't shocking to anyone who has seen the foot traffic there lately.
Up north, the Grand Traverse Mall in Traverse City lost its Macy's in 2025. That was a tough one for locals who didn't want to drive two hours for a decent department store. And then there’s Oakland Mall in Troy. While Troy still has the massive Somerset Collection location (which is safe, don't worry), the Oakland Mall spot was deemed "underproductive" and shut down during the 2025 wave.
Why Is This Happening Now?
Retail is a brutal game in 2026. Macy’s CEO Tony Spring has been pretty vocal about the fact that they can't afford to keep "zombie stores" open. They are focusing their cash on 350 "go-forward" locations. Basically, they are taking the money they save from closing the Flint or Grandville stores and dumping it into the stores that actually make money—think better lighting, more staff, and actually having stuff in stock.
It’s a pivot to luxury and convenience. While they shutter these big anchors, they are actually expanding Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury. They're also playing around with "Small Format" stores—smaller shops that aren't buried in the back of a dying mall.
The Survival of the "First 50"
Macy's did a bit of an experiment before they started this mass purge. They picked 50 stores (none of which were the ones closing in Michigan) and gave them a massive facelift. They added more sales associates to the fitting rooms and made the checkout process faster. Surprise, surprise: sales went up.
So, the strategy for the remaining Michigan stores—like the ones in Novi (Twelve Oaks) or Ann Arbor (Briarwood)—is to make them look more like those successful pilot stores. If your local Macy's isn't on the closing list, you might actually see it get better over the next year.
What's Left in Michigan?
If your favorite spot was on the list of what Macy's stores are closing in Michigan, you're probably wondering where you’re supposed to go now. As of early 2026, the following locations are still standing (though always keep an eye out, because "A Bold New Chapter" is a three-year plan):
- Twelve Oaks Mall (Novi): This is one of their crown jewels. It’s likely safe for the long haul.
- Somerset Collection (Troy): No way they close this one. It’s the high-end hub.
- Briarwood Mall (Ann Arbor): Still a strong performer.
- Woodland Mall (Kentwood): With RiverTown closing, this becomes the go-to for the Grand Rapids area.
- The Crossroads (Portage): Serving the Kalamazoo area.
- Fairlane Towne Center (Dearborn): Still hanging in there for now.
- Southland Center (Taylor): Remains open to serve the Downriver community.
It’s worth noting that just because a store is open today doesn't mean it’s safe forever. Macy's is constantly reviewing "four-wall productivity." If a store starts bleeding money, it moves to the "non-go-forward" list pretty quickly.
What This Means for You (The Shopper)
If you shop at a closing location—like RiverTown Crossings right now—expect some "Clearance" signs soon. Usually, once a closure is announced, they start a 10-to-12-week liquidation sale. It starts at maybe 10-20% off and gets deeper as the shelves get emptier.
A word of advice: if you have gift cards or "Star Money" rewards, use them. You can use them at any Macy's or online, but if your local store is the only reason you shop there, you don't want those credits sitting in a drawer while the store turns into a Spirit Halloween.
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Also, returns get tricky. Once a store starts its final liquidation, they usually stop accepting returns at that location. You’ll have to haul your stuff to the next closest Macy's or deal with the fun of mail-in returns.
The Ripple Effect on Michigan Malls
The real story isn't just about clothes; it's about the malls themselves. When Macy's leaves, it leaves a massive hole—sometimes 150,000 square feet or more. For places like Grand Traverse Mall or Genesee Valley, filling that space is a nightmare.
We’re seeing a shift toward "non-retail" uses for these spaces. Some are being turned into pickleball courts, apartments, or even medical offices. Michigan is at the forefront of this "mall graveyard" transformation. Honestly, it's kind of fascinating to see, even if it's a little sad to lose the traditional shopping experience.
Actionable Steps for Michigan Shoppers
If your local store is on the list of what Macy's stores are closing in Michigan, here is how to handle it:
- Check the Liquidation Dates: For the RiverTown Crossings location, expect sales to ramp up in late January or February 2026.
- Download the App: Since the physical map is shrinking, the app is going to be your best bet for finding specific brands like Hotel Collection or Martha Stewart that are harder to find elsewhere.
- Update Your "My Store": If you shop online, make sure you change your "preferred store" so you aren't trying to see what's in stock at a location that’s already boarded up.
- Watch the "Small Formats": Keep an eye out for smaller Macy's shops popping up in strip centers. They aren't the giant department stores we're used to, but they’re much easier to dip in and out of.
The era of the "Mega Mall" isn't totally over in Michigan, but it's definitely leaning out. Macy's is betting that a smaller, "better" version of itself is the only way to survive until 2030. Whether that's true or not, we'll see soon enough. For now, just make sure you know where the nearest open doors are before you make the drive.
To keep track of the remaining stores or find your new nearest location, you can use the Macy's Store Locator which is updated in real-time as these closures finalize.