It’s a ghost town. Honestly, if you’ve driven down Sunrise Boulevard in Citrus Heights lately, you’ve seen the sprawling parking lots that used to be packed with holiday shoppers now sitting mostly empty, cracked, and bleached by the California sun. At the heart of this suburban landscape sits the Macy's Sunrise Mall Citrus Heights location, a massive retail anchor that has become a symbol of the shifting tides in American commerce.
Retail is weird right now.
People always ask if that Macy's is still kicking. The answer is yes, but it’s complicated by the fact that the mall surrounding it is effectively a shell of its former 1980s glory. Walking into the Macy's at Sunrise Mall feels like stepping into a time capsule that’s trying very hard to stay modern while the walls around it are literally being debated in city council meetings. You’ve got the Men’s and Home store in one spot and the Women’s and Children’s departments in another, a classic "split-anchor" design that defines the old-school mall experience.
The Reality of Macy's Sunrise Mall Citrus Heights Today
Macy’s hasn't pulled the plug on Citrus Heights yet, but the sword of Damocles is definitely hanging there. Back in early 2024, Macy's announced they’d be closing about 150 "underproductive" stores across the United States over a three-year period. Naturally, everyone in the Sacramento area immediately looked at Sunrise Mall.
Why? Because the mall itself is struggling. Hard.
The City of Citrus Heights has been working on the "Sunrise Tomorrow" plan for years. They know the current model is broken. The plan involves turning those 100 acres of asphalt and 1970s architecture into a mixed-use "21st-century main street." We’re talking housing, professional offices, and outdoor dining. But Macy's is a property owner there, not just a tenant. This gives them a massive amount of leverage and makes their departure a slow, agonizing process rather than a quick exit.
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If you shop at the Macy's Sunrise Mall Citrus Heights today, you'll notice the staff is still incredibly helpful, but the inventory feels... different. It’s a "neighborhood" store now. You aren't going to find the high-end luxury collaborations you’d see at the Westfield Galleria in Roseville just a few miles up the road. It’s practical. It’s accessible. It’s quiet.
Why This Specific Store Refuses to Die
You’d think the Roseville Galleria would have killed this location a decade ago. It didn't.
Citrus Heights has a very specific demographic of loyal shoppers who hate the chaos of the Roseville mall. They want to park close to the door. They want to walk in, grab a pair of Levi’s or a bottle of Estée Lauder, and get out. For many seniors and long-time residents in the Fair Oaks and Orangevale areas, the Macy's Sunrise Mall Citrus Heights is their default. It’s familiar.
There is also the real estate factor.
Macy’s Inc. isn't just a clothing company; they are one of the largest real estate holders in the country. They own the land under the Sunrise Mall locations. Selling that land or redevelopment rights is a massive financial transaction that requires the right buyer at the right price. Until the "Sunrise Tomorrow" redevelopment moves from "visionary PDF" to "shovels in the ground," Macy's is likely content to keep the doors open, even if the foot traffic isn't what it was in 1995.
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The Sunrise Tomorrow Plan and the Future of Retail
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the mall is dying, but the site is being reborn.
The City of Citrus Heights finalized a massive Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and a Specific Plan for the site. They want to see up to 2,200 residential units on that property. Imagine living in a modern apartment where the old Sears or JC Penney used to be. That is the future of the Macy's Sunrise Mall Citrus Heights footprint.
Retail experts like those at CoStar Group often point out that "zombie malls" stay in limbo because of complex reciprocal easement agreements (REAs). Basically, Macy's, the mall owners (Namdar Realty Group), and other stakeholders all have legal say over what happens to the parking lots and common areas. It’s a legal knot that takes years to untie.
What This Means for You as a Shopper
If you're heading there this weekend, here's the deal:
- The Split Layout: Remember that the Men's/Home and Women's/Apparel sections are separate buildings. It’s annoying if you're shopping for the whole family, but that’s the layout.
- The Crowds: There aren't any. This is the best place in the Sacramento region to handle returns or do holiday shopping without losing your mind.
- Inventory: It's hit or miss. If you need something very specific or high-fashion, check the website first and see if it's in stock at this specific zip code (95610).
- The Vibe: It's nostalgic. It smells like perfume and nostalgia.
Is Citrus Heights Losing Its Identity?
There’s a lot of local pride in Citrus Heights. The city incorporated in 1997 largely to have control over the Sunrise MarketPlace. For a long time, the sales tax from this mall funded the entire city's ambitions. Now, the city has to pivot.
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The Macy's Sunrise Mall Citrus Heights isn't just a store; it’s the last standing pillar of an era where malls were the social town squares. When you see the "Store Closing" signs eventually—and let's be real, they are coming eventually—it will mark the end of an era for the Sacramento suburbs.
But for now? The lights are on. The escalators (usually) work.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Don't just go for the clothes. Go because these types of spaces are disappearing.
If you want to support the local economy, shop at the Macy's Sunrise Mall Citrus Heights and then grab a bite at one of the surrounding restaurants that are still fighting the good fight. The "Sunrise MarketPlace" district still encompasses over 400 businesses. It’s not just the mall.
Actionable Steps for Local Residents
- Check the Status: Before driving out, use the Macy’s store locator. They update hours and "temporarily closed" statuses there faster than Google Maps does.
- Utilize "Buy Online, Pick Up In Store" (BOPIS): This is the best way to ensure the store has what you want. It also keeps the "local sales" metrics up for this specific branch, which helps keep the doors open longer.
- Voice Your Opinion: The City of Citrus Heights holds regular meetings regarding the Sunrise Tomorrow project. If you want to see Macy's stay as part of the new mixed-use development, tell the city council.
- Explore the Perimeter: While the interior of the mall is struggling, the outparcels (the buildings in the parking lot) are often thriving. Don't let the empty mall corridors fool you into thinking the whole area is dead.
The fate of the Macy's Sunrise Mall Citrus Heights is intrinsically tied to the redevelopment of the entire 100-acre site. Whether it survives as a smaller "Market by Macy's" concept or eventually gives way to luxury condos, its presence remains a landmark in the heart of Citrus Heights. Visit it while it’s still here in its original form; you won't get the chance forever.