Macy’s iconic Philadelphia store closing: Why shoppers are upset about "scam sales"

After nearly two decades of serving the Philadelphia community, Macy’s is closing the doors of its iconic store in the historic Wanamaker building, leaving shoppers shocked and disappointed.

As the store’s liquidation sale begins, many customers are feeling let down by what they’ve found.


With the promise of “huge discounts” hanging in the air, some are questioning if these sales are all they’re cracked up to be.

What’s really going on at Macy’s, and why are so many shoppers feeling frustrated? Let’s dive into the details.


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End of an era: Macy's iconic Philadelphia store shuts its doors. Image Source: YouTube / CBS Philadelphia.


Macy's Historic Philadelphia Store to Close After 19 Years

The end of an era is approaching as Macy's prepares to close its historic Philadelphia location, a staple of the city's retail scene for 19 years.

Situated in the legendary Wanamaker building, the store has been a cornerstone of American commerce and culture, offering much more than just shopping—it’s been a part of the city’s history.


The Wanamaker building, completed in 1911, is a National Historic Landmark that houses the famous Wanamaker Eagle, a 2,500-pound bronze bird that has stood the test of time.

Shoppers Disappointed by "Scam Sales" During Liquidation

But as Macy's kicks off liquidation sales, not everything is as it seems. The "Entire Store on Sale" signs have shoppers excited, but many are left disappointed.

Customers are claiming the discounts aren't as substantial as advertised, with some even calling the sales a "scam."


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Shoppers face disappointment as Macy's liquidation sales fall short of expectations. Image Source: Pexels / Polina Tankilevitch.


For example, shoppers hoping for discounts on perfumes have been met with underwhelming price reductions, adding fuel to the fire.

One employee teased that cosmetics would eventually be marked down, but with no official word yet, shoppers are becoming increasingly frustrated.


Macy’s "Bold New Chapter" Strategy and the Impact of Store Closures

This closure is part of Macy’s broader "Bold New Chapter" plan, which aims to shut down about 150 underperforming stores over the next three years.

The Philadelphia location is one of 66 stores set to close as part of this restructuring.


Source: YouTube / 6abc Philadelphia


CEO Tony Spring has explained that these closures are a necessary move to focus on more profitable locations and position Macy’s for long-term growth.

However, this isn’t just a Macy’s trend—other retailers like Walgreens and Big Lots are also downsizing, pointing to shifts in consumer habits and the tough retail climate.


For those of us at The GrayVine, the closure of such a storied location is a reminder of the changing landscape of retail. It's a bittersweet farewell to a historic space, but it also sparks reflection on how we preserve these cultural landmarks.

These iconic locations represent more than just stores; they are pieces of our shared history that shape the way we remember the past while adapting to the future.


Key Takeaways

  • Macy's is planning to shut down a historically significant store in Philadelphia after 19 years, with the closure set for just months away.
  • Customers have been disappointed with Macy's liquidation sales, criticizing the discounts as insufficient and calling the sales "scams."
  • The closure is viewed by city officials as a chance for economic revitalization in the area, while the store itself holds a rich history being located in the landmark Wanamaker building.
  • Macy's is closing several underperforming stores as part of a larger strategy to focus on more profitable locations, with the Philadelphia store being one of 66 set to close this year under the company's Bold New Chapter plan.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your memories of Macy’s or the iconic Wanamaker building in the comments below. Have you seen similar closures in your community? What are your thoughts on the shift from traditional department stores to the rise of online shopping?
 

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News, deals, games, and bargains for Americans over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, The GrayVine is all about helping you make your money go further.

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