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In the United States, Macy's has announced a major reduction in its physical presence by planning to close approximately 150 stores over the next three years. This decision follows a troubling decline in sales, evidenced by a 2.4% drop in Q3 of 2024, which contributed to a significant loss of market confidence reflected in a more than 12% decline in share prices following their earnings call. Over the past decades, Macy's has struggled to adapt to changing consumer behaviors, notably the shift towards e-commerce, which has accelerated since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of a broader attempt to streamline their operations, Macy's plans to reduce its total store count to around 350, a drastic drop from 1,100 locations in 2008. These closures are a direct response to years of stagnating in-store foot traffic and growing competition from online retailers. The company has not specified which locations will be shuttered, but additional closures after the holiday season are anticipated. This shift marks a significant change in strategy as Macy's aims to focus on maintaining fewer, more profitable stores while enhancing its online market presence. Underlying the store closures is also a broader economic context that reflects consumer challenges stemming from high inflation rates and increased everyday costs. This economic environment has made consumers more selective in their purchasing habits, often favoring online options that offer convenience and lower prices. The challenges faced by Macy's are symptomatic of wider retail disruptions experienced by department stores across the nation, further amplifying the trend toward reducing physical retail footprints. In the wake of these financial difficulties, Macy's has also dealt with a scandal involving an employee who allegedly concealed $154 million in expenses over a three-year period, further straining the company's financial integrity and public trust. Macy's leadership believes that by reducing their brick-and-mortar presence and focusing on e-commerce, they can stabilize their operations in a fluctuating market, though the closures will undoubtedly have significant repercussions for employees and affected communities across the country.