Oakland Mall’s iconic Macy’s is closing amid retail’s shift to online shopping

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) – It’s the end of an era for a longtime Metro Detroit mall where millions of memories were made.

The huge Macy’s store in the iconic Oakland Mall is one of them almost 70 stores will close across the country in the spring.

This comes as the fading retail chain works to revamp operations as more customers shop online rather than in-store.

“I used to go to Macy’s a lot growing up so I’m really surprised they’re closing so many stores. It’s kind of sad. Very sad thing,” says one customer.

The company says the closure of these many stores is a first step in its Bold New Chapter strategy, which aims to return them to strong profits and sales by closing around 150 locations over three years.

Meanwhile, the company will invest in 350 of what it calls “go forward” stores with more modernized services.

Oakland Mall owner Mario Kiezi says the massive Macy’s, originally a Hudson’s, was a true powerhouse and one of the strongest department stores in the Midwest for decades.

While the closure marks the end of an era, he says the door is now open to huge opportunities.

“As for who will replace it, that is yet to be determined, but we can confirm that we are actively exploring transformative opportunities,” Kiezi said.

What other Macy’s locations in Michigan are closing?

• Flint: Genesee Valley Center, 4600 Miller Road
• Sterling Heights: Lakeside Mall, 14200 Lakeside Circle (the last store left at Lakeside)
• Traverse City: Grand Traverse Mall, 3400 S Airport Road W
• Troy: Oakland Mall, 500 W 14 Mile Road