MACY’S LAST DAY WILL BE ON MARCH 16TH
March 1, 2013 in DAILY NEWS, OVERNIGHTS
The downtown St. Paul Macy’s last day will be March 16.
Macy’s announced shortly after the New Year that the store would close in March. The company in January decided not to renew its lease after it expired at the end of 2012. Company officials confirmed the March 16 date on Thursday.
Speculation that the store would close had been ongoing for years, amid dwindling sales numbers. Macy’s had been subject to a 10-year loan agreement with the city of St. Paul to keep the store open. That 10-year period ended Dec. 31, 2012.
The Pioneer Press reports that store merchandise continued to empty out during a 50- to 70-percent off closeout sale on all merchandise, with the exception of cosmetics and fragrances. Departments have shrunk significantly as items such as clothing, luggage, kitchenware and rugs were cleared out.
In addition to merchandise, Macy’s has also put the store’s display pieces such as mannequins, shelving and artwork on sale.
Macy’s was the last department store in downtown St. Paul; its close marks the first time the city center has been without one for more than 130 years.
