The retail landscape is shifting rapidly, and once-iconic department stores are finding it increasingly difficult to stay relevant in the digital age. Macy’s, a brand that has long symbolized the quintessential American shopping experience, is facing mounting challenges as it seeks to adapt to changing consumer habits. Rumors circulating online suggest that Salem’s Macy’s location at the Salem Center Mall could be among the stores closing after the 2024 holiday season, potentially by February 2025. While Macy's has not yet confirmed which locations are on the chopping block, the speculation alone highlights the growing uncertainty around the future of physical retail spaces.

Macy’s Strategic Store Closures: A Sign of the Times

Macy’s recently announced plans to close roughly 65 locations by the end of January 2025, an increase from the 50 closures initially planned for this year. This move comes as part of the company’s "Bold New Chapter" initiative, a strategy aimed at repositioning Macy’s for modern success. According to Macy’s CEO Tony Spring, the focus of this initiative is on strengthening the Macy’s brand, expanding into the luxury market, and modernizing operations to meet customer expectations.

As part of this restructuring, Macy’s is targeting underperforming locations—what it refers to as “non-go-forward stores.” The company has committed to shuttering 150 stores nationwide by the end of 2026. This aggressive approach underscores a stark reality for brick-and-mortar retailers: adapting or disappearing in the face of surging e-commerce and changing consumer preferences.

Is Salem’s Macy’s Closing?

While no official confirmation has been made about the Salem Center Mall location, the rumor mill has been active. Shoppers and locals have speculated online that this Macy’s could be one of the locations closing its doors in early 2025. If true, this would be another blow to Salem Center Mall, which has already faced its share of challenges in recent years. Like many malls across the country, it has struggled with declining foot traffic, changing shopping habits, and the broader trend of retail consolidation.

For many Salem residents, Macy’s has long been a staple, offering everything from holiday shopping traditions to back-to-school essentials. Losing this location would not only affect loyal customers but also the mall itself, which would likely face even more difficulty retaining tenants and attracting shoppers.

The Bigger Picture: Why Brick-and-Mortar Stores Are Fading

The challenges facing Macy’s aren’t unique. Over the past decade, department stores and traditional shopping malls have struggled to compete with the convenience and variety offered by online retailers like Amazon. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend, with millions of shoppers turning to e-commerce for everything from clothing to home goods. Even as in-store shopping has rebounded to some degree, the landscape has fundamentally changed.

Personally, this is one trend I find myself at odds with. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy the convenience of online shopping as much as the next person, especially for items like electronics or home goods. But when it comes to buying clothes, there’s something about the in-person experience that online shopping just can’t replicate. I’m definitely a hands-on person, and I like to feel the fabric, see how it fits, and take in the colors in real life before making a purchase. For me, department stores like Macy’s offer a kind of sensory experience that’s impossible to get from scrolling through a website. If Salem’s Macy’s really does close, it’ll be yet another reminder of what we’re losing as the world moves further into the digital realm.

What’s Next for Macy’s?

Despite these closures, Macy’s isn’t throwing in the towel. The company is actively working to reinvent itself with initiatives like smaller-format stores and a greater emphasis on luxury brands. Its "Bold New Chapter" plan aims to deliver more personalized and convenient shopping experiences, both online and in-store. Macy’s is also investing in its Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury brands, which saw modest growth in 2024.

But for shoppers in cities like Salem, Oregon, the question remains: will these changes be enough? If Macy’s does leave Salem Center Mall, it will mark the end of an era for the community and force local shoppers to look elsewhere—or online—for their retail needs.

A Bittersweet Farewell

Whether or not the rumors of the Salem Macy’s closure prove true, the broader trend is clear: brick-and-mortar retail is undergoing a seismic transformation. While some stores are adapting and thriving, others are fading into history. For communities, the disappearance of iconic locations like Macy’s isn’t just about losing a store—it’s about losing a piece of local culture, tradition, and identity. As Salem waits for official word, one thing is certain: the future of retail is evolving, and only time will tell what role Macy’s will play in it.