Mass Store Closure of Nationwide Retailer Hits Illinois

Illinois shoppers are feeling the impact of Macy’s recent announcement to close 150 stores nationwide by early 2027. So far, the White Oaks Mall location in Springfield is set to shut its doors for good. This closure is part of Macy’s “Bold New Chapter” strategy, which aims to boost profitability by closing underperforming stores and investing in stronger-performing locations.

For local residents, this news comes as a disappointment, especially for those who’ve relied on the Macy's in White Oaks Mall for everything from holiday shopping to updating their wardrobes. The store closing sale is currently in progress at this location, offering up to 20% discounts off the original ticketed price, although some vendors are excluded. The closure will leave Macy’s with 18 remaining locations across Illinois.

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Where Can Illinois Shoppers Still Find Macy’s?

Despite the Springfield closure, Macy’s will maintain a presence in these 18 Illinois locations:

• Aurora (Fox Valley Mall)
• Bloomingdale (Stratford Square Mall)
• Bolingbrook (The Promenade Bolingbrook)
• Calumet City (River Oaks Center)
• Champaign (Market Place Shopping Center)
• Chicago (Water Tower Place)
• Evergreen Park (Evergreen Plaza – 2 locations)
• Fairview Heights (St. Clair Square)
• Gurnee (Gurnee Mills)
• Joliet (Louis Joliet Mall)
• Mt Prospect (Randhurst Village)
• Oak Brook (Oakbrook Center)
• Orland Park (Orland Square Mall)
• Rockford (CherryVale Mall)
• Schaumburg (Woodfield Mall)
• Skokie (Westfield Old Orchard)
• Vernon Hills (Hawthorn Mall)

Why Is Macy’s Closing Stores?

Macy’s says this move is part of a broader effort to modernize and improve its shopping experience. By closing less profitable locations, the company will focus investments on digital growth and luxury brands like Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury. It also plans to redirect funds, upgrading its more successful stores.

For Springfield shoppers, the closure may mean traveling to locations like Champaign or Fairview Heights for in-person shopping. Otherwise, shoppers will have to turn to Macy’s online shopping platform.

Macy’s promises this strategy will help the company thrive long-term. Many retailers nationwide have been attempting similar strategies to save their brands. Illinois shoppers can hope to see improvements at the remaining locations as Macy’s shifts its focus to enhancing customer experience and expanding its luxury offerings.