MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Macy’s at Southland Mall will close in early spring, along with 13 other stores nationwide.
The company announced the closures as part of a restructuring due to evolving shopping habits. The plan is to streamline in-store and online purchasing.
“Going forward, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s will be better able to move more quickly and nimbly to select merchandise, assort inventories and serve total customer demand, no matter how, when or where the customer shops,” Terry J. Lundgren, Macy’s chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement.
The changes include “increasing (Macy’s) workforce in some functions and locations while decreasing in others so,” with the total workforce “expected to remain at a level of approximately 175,000 associates.”
The Southland location, which opened in 1966, employs 112 people. Employees may be offered positions with nearby stores, while those who are laid off will be offered severance benefits.
City councilman Harold Collins said in a email that while council members are saddened by the decision, they don’t believe it signals the end of Shelby County’s oldest mall.
“We will work with mall management to seek a suitable replacement that will provide the goods and services the residents of Whitehaven deserve. With over $150 million committed to invest in Whitehaven, we are certain Southland Mall and all other retailers will continue to thrive in our community,” he wrote.
Final clearance sales will begin Monday, January 12, and run for eight to 12 weeks.
