Macy's is adjusting its store footprint across California as part of a national optimization plan. These changes reflect shifts in shopper behavior and the evolving role of physical retail in a competitive marketplace.
Below you will find a clear overview of which locations are closing, the reasons and timing, community impacts, and what this means for customers and employees.
| Store Name | City | County | Status | Expected Close Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macy's Union Square | San Francisco | San Francisco | Closing | Late 2024 |
| Macy's South Bay Galleria | Norwalk | Los Angeles | Closing | Early 2025 |
| Macy's Valencia Town Center | Santa Clarita | Los Angeles | Closing | Mid 2025 |
| Macy's The Shops at Willow Bend | Windsor | Sonoma | Closing | Late 2025 |
| Macy's Merced | Merced | Merced | Closed | 2024 |
San Francisco Macy's Closure Details
The Macy's at Union Square in San Francisco is among the most visible closures in the state. This location has long served tourists and locals, but changing traffic patterns and elevated operating costs have influenced the decision.
Neighborhood leaders are discussing how the departure will affect foot traffic for nearby restaurants, hotels, and smaller retailers. Transit accessibility and street safety improvements are being considered to support the area after the store closes.
Los Angeles County Store Changes
Two major Macy's locations in Los Angeles County are scheduled to close in 2025. The South Bay Galleria store in Norwalk serves a large suburban customer base, while the Valencia Town Center location in Santa Clarita anchors an open-air shopping environment.
Both sites face pressure from shifting mall traffic and increased competition from off-price formats and e-commerce fulfillment options. Community meetings have been held to explore options for preserving jobs and supporting local businesses.
Central Valley and Inland Empire Updates
In the Central Valley, the Merced location has already closed, removing a key department store from a market with limited big-box options. This has led to concentrated impact on departments like cosmetics, home goods, and seasonal merchandise.
In the Inland Empire, the Windsor location at The Shops at Willow Bend represents a more recent announcement, with timelines aligned to regional leasing strategies. Local officials are reviewing incentives and partnerships to encourage alternative retail and service uses.
Key Takeaways for California Shoppers and Stakeholders
- Union Square in San Francisco is closing in late 2024, impacting a high-traffic tourist and commuter area.
- South Bay Galleria and Valencia Town Center will close in 2025, affecting suburban shoppers in Los Angeles County.
- The Windsor location is scheduled to close in late 2025, with ongoing discussions about future land use.
- Merced has already closed, highlighting reduced big-box options in smaller regional markets.
- Employees may access severance and transfer options, depending on location and tenure.
- Local authorities are engaging with developers to preserve retail activity and community services.
- Customers should verify hours and inventory at nearby open Macy's locations and explore alternative retailers for apparel and home goods.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which Macy's locations in California are currently closing?
Macy's Union Square in San Francisco, Macy's South Bay Galleria in Norwalk, Macy's Valencia Town Center in Santa Clarita, and Macy's The Shops at Willow Bend in Windsor are among the California locations closing, in addition to the already closed Merced store.
What is the timeline for these closures in 2024 and 2025? The Merced store closed in 2024, Union Square is expected to close by late 2024, South Bay Galleria and Valencia Town Center are scheduled to close in early and mid-2025, and the Windsor location is set to close in late 2025. How will these closures affect employees in California?
Affected employees will receive communication about severance, transition support, and opportunities to transfer to other open Macy's locations, while union discussions in some areas are focused on improving notice periods and job placement assistance.
What alternatives will replace these stores in local shopping centers?
Many sites are being evaluated for a mix of smaller specialty retailers, service providers, and flexible pop-up spaces, though final plans depend on leasing progress and local permitting requirements.