What Macy’s customers should know about store closures in Center City and Exton
Macy's lays out how closing stores will handle returns, coupons, gift cards, Star Rewards, and more.
With the announcement that Macy’s is closing its iconic Center City store, among dozens of other locations nationwide, some Philadelphia shoppers are left bereft.
The 13th and Market store “feels like home, like an anchor that brings life to Center City,” said regular customer Kathleen Neary, 74, whose eyes filled with tears when she heard the news on Thursday.
For impacted shoppers, sadness may be mixed with confusion and uncertainty.
» READ MORE: Center City Macy’s, located in iconic Wanamaker Building, will close in March
Macy’s published an FAQ in an attempt to answer some of the most pressing questions about the closures, which include not only the Center City location but also the Exton Square Mall store.
Macy’s locations in Cherry Hill, Deptford, King of Prussia, Langhorne, Maple Shade, Mount Laurel, Northeast Philadelphia, North Wales, Springfield, and Willow Grove will remain open.
Here’s what you should know if you’re a Macy’s customer.
I shop in Center City or Exton. When will my Macy’s close?
Stores will close sometime in March.
Before then, will these Macy’s stores have going-out-of-business sales?
Yes. At stores set to shutter, clearance sales will begin this month and run for eight to 12 weeks.
Can I still make returns at a Macy’s that is closing?
Yes, with some exceptions.
Anything purchased before Monday, Jan. 13 can be returned at the Macy’s stores in Center City or Exton through Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Macy’s standard return policy — which gives customers until Jan. 31 to return most holiday purchases — still applies, and in-store returns remain free.
Any purchases made on or after Monday, Jan. 13 at Macy’s in Exton or Center City cannot be returned.
Can I use a gift card at my closing Macy’s?
Yes, gift cards can be used at the store until it closes and can always be redeemed online at macys.com.
After Saturday, Jan. 11, gift cards will not be sold at stores that are set to close.
Will closing Macy’s stores accept coupons?
Coupons will be accepted at closing stores until Sunday, Jan. 12.
Can I earn or use Macy’s Star Rewards money at closing stores?
Star Rewards money can be earned or redeemed at the Macy’s in Center City and Exton this weekend. After Sunday, it can only be earned or redeemed online or at other locations that are not set to close.
Why are these Macy’s stores closing?
Macy’s is closing “underproductive” locations, Tony Spring, chairman and chief executive officer of Macy’s, said in a statement.
“We regularly evaluate our stores to make sure we’re bringing you the best shopping experience possible,” the company wrote on its consumer FAQ page. “In some cases, that means closing a certain location so we can focus our efforts on improving others.”
At the Center City Macy’s, the closing comes amid rising vacancy along East Market Street and after the in-store stabbing last year of Macy’s security guards Eric Harrison and Christian Mitchell. Harrison was killed in the attack.
What will the closing of Center City Macy’s mean for the light show and Dickens Village?
It remains unclear. City officials on Thursday said they did not know what the closure would mean for the holiday traditions, which have been around for almost four decades.
» READ MORE: What will happen to the Macy’s light show and Dickens Village in the Wanamaker Building?
What will the closing of Center City Macy’s mean for the organ and eagle statue?
The Wanamaker Building holds rare historical protections, so its inside may be spared from major changes.
It is one of only five protected interiors in the city.
» READ MORE: The Wanamaker Building’s Macy’s may be closing, but its iconic eagle and organ are protected
I have another question. How can I reach Macy’s to ask?
Macy’s customer service can be reached by phone at 1-800-289-6229.