An iconic Macy’s store at Sunrise Mall in Massapequa, New York, is set to close its doors forever after more than five decades in business. It’s part of the retailer’s nationwide plan to shutter underperforming stores as it pivots toward a more focused future.
Another American retail chapter is coming to a close. Macy’s, the legendary department store that once defined mall culture, is shutting down its Sunrise Mall location in Massapequa, Long Island, after over 50 years of operation. The store is officially scheduled to close on April 11, marking a bittersweet end for generations of loyal shoppers.
The closure, attributed to economic challenges, was revealed in a state Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filed on January 9 and made public in February. This store is one of three Macy’s locations closing on Long Island, along with sites in New Hyde Park and Huntington Station.
This wave of shutdowns is part of Macy’s broader restructuring strategy, dubbed the “Bold New Chapter.” Introduced in 2024, the plan includes closing 150 underperforming stores by 2026, while reinvesting in roughly 350 key locations that better align with the company’s long-term growth goals.
Located in the heart of the aging Sunrise Mall, the Massapequa Macy’s opened its doors on August 30, 1973, the same day as the mall’s grand debut. The three-level, 208,000-square-foot anchor store has long been a fixture in the community. For longtime shoppers like 62-year-old Gillian Obedekah, the news is personal. “I just like to shop, and I’m always looking for a sale,” she told Newsday, adding that the weekly trips to Macy’s will be sorely missed.
A Changing Retail Landscape
Macy’s decision reflects broader changes across the American retail scene. The decline of traditional malls—exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic—has hit brick-and-mortar giants like Macy’s particularly hard. As shoppers increasingly turn to online platforms for convenience and selection, iconic department stores have struggled to maintain relevance.
Yet Macy’s isn’t backing down completely. In fact, the company is recalibrating its presence, choosing to double down on locations that show stronger performance metrics, higher foot traffic, and long-term viability.
A National Trend, A Local Loss
This is not the only high-profile Macy’s closure making headlines. The company also recently shut down its flagship Philadelphia store—a grand downtown location known for its stunning Wanamaker Grand Court Organ, which serenaded visitors with live music twice daily for decades. On its final day, the historic instrument played a special extended concert in honor of the store’s closure, delivering a heartfelt farewell to the community.
Fortunately, the fate of the Wanamaker Organ appears secure. TF Cornerstone, which owns part of the historic building, confirmed that the instrument would remain in place. “We understand the cultural significance of the organ,” the New York firm stated. “We’re committed to preserving its legacy for future generations.”
The End of an Era
As Macy’s winds down operations at locations like Sunrise Mall, the retail giant leaves behind more than just vacant storefronts—it leaves decades of memories and deep-rooted community connections. For many, these stores were more than just shopping destinations—they were holiday traditions, weekend outings, and a piece of the American retail experience.
Whether this new chapter will help Macy’s remain relevant in a digital-first world remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: a once-iconic department store is evolving, and in the process, saying goodbye to some of its most treasured locations.