#retail

When are they announcing the next round of closures? Any updates? Any signs for stores to be looking out for that would mean they are on the list? When do you think the next announcement will be?

Sycamore Partners has replaced Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth with Mike Motz, who was previously the CEO of office retail store Staples, another Sycamore company.

“Under that CEO’s watch, Staples shuttered a third of its stores,” he said. “It cut tens of thousands of jobs. We’re wary that if Sycamore applies that same playbook to Walgreens, if that CEO that’s coming over from Staples applies that same playbook to Walgreens, we’re going to have … thousands of stores closed, tens of thousands of layoffs, pharmacy deserts in neighborhoods that are already struggling with access to medication.”

The Macy's at Brunswick Square Mall in East Brunswick, NJ has been sold back to the mall developers (Paramount Realty) However, the store will remain open until Early 2027 via conditions of the leaseback.

Brunswick Square Mall plans to start construction on their redevelopment plan by early to mid 2027. The mall owners are also in talks to acquire the JCPenney store.

https://subscribe.mycentraljersey.com/restricted?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mycentraljersey.com%2Fstory%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fdevelopment%2F2025%2F09%2F09%2Fheres-whats-happening-with-east-brunswicks-brunswick-square-mall%2F85973647007%2F&gps-source=CPROADBLOCKDH&itm_source=roadblock&itm_medium=onsite&itm_campaign=premiumroadblock&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z11xx79p117150c117150e007900v11xx79b0073xxd117365&gca-ft=114&gca-ds=sophi

Due to the Federated-May Company merger, most malls that had separate company boxes either shut down one and moved into the other OR they kept all the boxes and separated the departments and made individual stores i.e (Mens/Kids/Home), Women/Kids) (Home/Kids), etc.

I noticed at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, Virginia, that Macy’s operates two full line locations. There’s an original Macy’s store on three levels with all the departments and then there’s a second Macy’s store that was formerly Hecht’s on two levels that’s huge that has all your departments plus a Backstage and Furniture Gallery.

If anyone is in the know, is there a reason why the company kept both stores as is and didn’t separate the departments like they did in other malls and markets.

It’s very redundant having Mens/Kids/Women/Home in both locations carrying the same exact brands and assortments.

I have heard a rumor on Reddit that there are more layoffs.

Rite Aid stores all closed in Pennsylvania, where it was born

The company's Grindstone location in Fayette County is the last listed for closure according to a list on Rite Aid's website, which says its last day was Aug. 22.

https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2025-09-08/rite-aid-stores-apparently-all-closed-in-pennsylvania-where-pharmacy-chain-was-born

lol the company is going back to the way it was before they f’d everything up… over night 7 days a week, hiring 1 overnight Teamlead BUT citing merch leads from 4 to 3 only 1 pm lead now smh…. No word if it’s a pay increase or not

Was wondering how the small format stores are doing/are they successful? And if so, any future plans for them?

I was recently asked by my manager & store manager if I would be interested in becoming a Fragrance Associate. The Fragrance manager in my store has always been impressed with my work & customer service they said. Currently, I am a mattress specialist & my manager & the store manager have told me I would get more commission in Fragrances than mattresses. I told them I would think about it & get back to them with an answer within a few days & they understand. I’m thinking about taking them up on their offer. What are your thoughts on moving from mattresses to fragrances & has any one who was a mattress specialist move to fragrances. I’m looking for opinions on this.

How many people does it take to prop up the sth dept to the detriment of everything else? Newsflash. If truck doesn't get unloaded and merchandise sits on the dock because all are propping up the lazy sth dept who walk around waving rfid all day how does that deliver good results?

Final rounds of layoffs and store closures will be in September. This will hit retail.

Is Macy's freezing Manager positions? Going into Q4???

This isn't meant to jab at anyone...honestly, just want opinions on the CM3s MLs etc.
Has this extra level of management made working in the stores, getting books and things done easier or more complicated?

Home Depot's second-quarter earnings report revealed disappointing results, with the company missing analysts' expectations. This has raised concerns about its performance in the current retail environment.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/earnings-live-zoom-stock-jumps-as-markets-turn-their-focus-to-nvidia-earnings-210250806.html

As an activist hedge fund, Elliott Investment Management pushes for changes that often result in significant layoffs at the companies it invests in. While Elliott does not directly manage the day-to-day operations, its influence on corporate boards and demands for cost-cutting and restructuring have been closely linked to job cuts.
Examples of layoffs connected to Elliott Management
Southwest Airlines (2025): After Elliott acquired a major stake and secured board seats, the airline announced its first-ever company-wide layoffs. Critics believe this action was influenced by Elliott's push for profitability.
Salesforce (2023): Following Elliott's investment, Salesforce cut 10% of its workforce. Employees reportedly feared further layoffs due to Elliott's pressure for cost reductions and improved profitability.
AT&T (2019): After Elliott took a stake and demanded a strategic overhaul, AT&T cut tens of thousands of jobs and accelerated mass firings. This is viewed by critics as an example of Elliott's strategy prioritizing shareholder returns over employees.
Athenahealth (2018): After an Elliott subsidiary led a buyout, the company laid off employees, sold assets, and went private.
Juniper Networks (2015): Elliott's push for cost reductions at Juniper Networks reportedly led to job cuts at the tech company.
Why Elliott Management is linked to layoffs
Activist investor strategy: Elliott is known for "activist investing," where it buys a large stake in a company and then pushes for major changes to increase its stock value.
Focus on cost-cutting: Their playbook often involves demanding aggressive cost reductions, including slashing perceived "non-essential" departments to boost profits.
Control through board seats: The hedge fund often seeks control by gaining seats on a company's board, giving it direct influence over restructuring and personnel decisions.
Pressure for asset sales: Elliott sometimes advocates for selling off company assets to create cash for investors, which can destabilize operations and result in layoffs.

It appears numerous higher up’s have left. Will stores be impacted next?

The job cuts included the elimination of the merchandising coordinator position, as Saks Global continues to blend the merchandising systems of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus into an integrated system, WWD reports.

https://news.centurionjewelry.com/articles/detail/saks-cuts-90-jobs-in-another-round-of-layoffs

If you are store level asset protection or Human Resources expect cuts early 2026. Rumors circulating that both those positions will be eliminated from bronze doors and under. Golden doors will more than likely still have those positions. More than likely asset protection will be the first to go, followed by H.R. leads.

So, we have to use our cell phone on the floor for beauty, fine jewelry,and other associates. Sales floor App! Belk doesn't pay for that use nor is it in a contract with the associates. They dont compensate you for cell phone use that makes them money. But you get in trouble if you don't use it or actively using it? There has to be a law against this.

Members love the curbside but the members in the club complain when that horable sound blasts from the handhelds, it's like an alarm going off because your late for school, but more complaints less bonus.

I commend all the ones finally leaving Walgreens, there are a lot more than I thought would leave without being forced out. You have my full respect. You will be so much better off regardless of what you decide to do in life. For the ones that drink the kool aid nonstop and will never leave unless forced to, you get what you deserve. It's the best you can get is Walgreen's. Says enough.

I think we all know who broke up with who.

Does renovations like replacing bad carpet and other neglected parts of the store mean that the store is safe? I only ask this question even though it seems like an obvious answer because I’ve seen and heard reports or closure rumors of stores with these said renovations.

I mean financially it doesn’t make sense to me to put money into a store that you’re going to close anyway…

10% of IT FTE laid off
Massive release of Director and Sr Manager level. Some Manager level
Bubble employees released ( on the verge of a PIP or not meeting position standards)
RTO Violaters
Some remote employees who were asked to move to a campus. Other remotes have been put on notice to move to a campus or leave

Jeff will announce at his Thursday all hands - no more remote and 5 days in the office. Also his ideal IT consist of 60% software developers and 40% support ( POs, leaders, etc)

Next up - business side Care and Retail under Frier will lay off in the next couple weeks.

Maverik, the Salt Lake City-based convenience store chain that purchased K-m & Go from the Krause Group in 2023, is significantly scaling back its operations in Des Moines, Iowa, where K-m & Go had been headquartered since its founding in 1963. According to an August 6 letter from Maverik’s human resources chief to the city, the company will lay off 100 employees in Des Moines while retaining 63 and offering relocation packages to eight others in departments such as category management, HR business support, continuous improvement, and operations systems and support. The layoffs, which began with a price book analyst on August 6, are scheduled to occur in stages, with additional rounds on October 6, December 1, and January 2, 2026, before concluding on April 2, 2026.

The affected positions span a wide range of corporate functions including HR operations, retail IT support, accounting, procurement, category management, foodservice, marketing, and merchandising. Nicole Mason, Maverik’s chief development officer and a K-m & Go veteran since 2002, is the only senior executive confirmed to be leaving as part of this reduction. Those retained will work in areas such as foodservice, supply and trading, retail and commercial sales, merchandising, IT, site development, and maintenance, supporting what Maverik describes as a “limited presence” in Des Moines to address geographically based business needs.

Maverik stated that the move is part of its ongoing strategy to improve efficiency and better serve a growing customer base by consolidating headquarters functions at its “Base Camp” in Salt Lake City. The company emphasized that it is working with affected employees to develop individual transition plans, including relocation opportunities, and is committed to providing transparency and support throughout the process. Since acquiring K-m & Go, Maverik has added roughly 400 locations to its portfolio, doubling its store count, and has begun rebranding K-m & Go stores in Iowa and Nebraska under the Maverik name. The rebranding is notable given K-m & Go’s Iowa origins and its decades-long presence in the state, and it reflects Maverik’s focus on positioning its stores as adventure-themed destinations that cater to outdoor enthusiasts while incorporating local community elements into store design and concept.

Maverik, which acquired K-m & Go in 2023, is reducing its presence in Des Moines, Iowa, the former K-m & Go headquarters, and will lay off 100 employees there while retaining 63 and offering relocation packages to eight others in various departments. The cuts, which began August 6 and will continue through April 2, 2026, affect roles across HR, IT, accounting, procurement, marketing, merchandising, and more, with only one upper management member, Chief Development Officer Nicole Mason, among those laid off. Maverik cited a plan to consolidate headquarters operations in Salt Lake City while keeping a limited Des Moines presence for regional needs, following its rebranding of K-m & Go stores in Iowa and Nebraska.

https://www.cspdailynews.com/mergers-acquisitions/maverik-retain-63-employees-k-m-go-des-moines-amid-layoffs

USA Today reported that on August 6, 2025, a company that was born in Illinois had filed chapter 11 bankruptcy for the 2nd time in seven years. Now, the Illinois Work Net Center site shows there is a new WARN notice submitted to the state warning of a mass layoff affecting 46 workers at Claire's - Hoffman Estates corporate headquarters located at 2400 W Central Road in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The layoffs are reported to be effective immediately and retroactive to August 4, 2025.

https://101theeagle.com/mass-layoffs-claires-illinois/