You’ve seen the headlines, right? Another wave of retail "doom and gloom" hitting the Pacific Northwest. If you’ve walked through a mall lately, you know the vibe. It’s a bit quieter. A bit emptier.
When Macy's announced its "Bold New Chapter" plan, the ripples hit Oregon hard. Honestly, it wasn't just a corporate memo; it felt like the end of an era for shoppers in Hillsboro and Salem. But if you think this is just about "the internet killing stores," you’re missing the bigger picture.
The strategy is aggressive. Basically, Macy's decided to axe 150 "underproductive" stores nationwide by the end of 2026. Oregon didn't escape the knife.
Why the Streets of Tanasbourne and Salem Center Were First
Let’s talk about the specific spots that got the boot. In 2025, the Streets of Tanasbourne in Hillsboro and the Salem Center were the primary Oregon targets.
People were shocked. Tanasbourne always felt like a "fancy" outdoor mall, didn't it? But here is the thing: Macy's is moving away from these sprawling, expensive footprints that don't pull their weight in profit. They called these "non-go-forward" locations. Cold.
In Salem, the closure was a massive blow to the downtown core. That building at 400 High St. N.E. was 188,000 square feet. That is a lot of empty space to fill. Local investors are trying to pivot, looking at "smaller retail and entertainment units," but let’s be real—it’s never quite the same as having that massive red star anchor.
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What Really Happened With the 2026 List
Fast forward to January 2026. The latest round of closures was announced on January 9th.
The good news for Oregonians? We actually dodged the bullet this time. While California got hit at the Grossmont Center and West Valley Mall, and Washington lost its Tukwila furniture clearance spot, no new Oregon locations were on the January 2026 list of 14 stores.
It feels like a win, but it’s a nervous one.
Current Standing Oregon Macy's Locations:
- Washington Square (Tigard)
- Clackamas Town Center
- Old Mill District (Bend)
- Valley River Center (Eugene)
- Lloyd Center (Portland) - Still hanging on by a thread.
Wait, let's talk about the Lloyd Center for a second. That mall has been through the ringer. While it hasn't been officially named in the latest 2026 "Bold New Chapter" hit list, everyone in Portland is basically holding their breath. It’s one of those "will they or won't they" situations that feels like a slow-motion breakup.
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The Strategy Behind the Scarcity
Macy's CEO Tony Spring hasn't been shy about why this is happening. They are dumping the "underperformers" to dump money into the winners.
They want to focus on luxury. That means more Bluemercury beauty shops and more Bloomingdale's. If a store in a mid-sized Oregon mall isn't moving high-end handbags or expensive perfumes at a certain clip, it’s probably on the chopping block.
It's sort of a "survival of the chicest" vibe.
They are also pivoting to "small-format" stores. You might see a Macy's soon that is one-fifth the size of the old ones. No furniture section. No endless aisles of luggage. Just the hits.
What This Means for You (The Actionable Part)
If your local store is on the list—or if you're worried it might be next—there are a few things you should actually do.
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First, watch the liquidation cycle. When these stores close, the sales usually start in mid-January and run for about 10 weeks. This is the only time you’ll see 70% to 90% off genuine designer brands. In 2025, the Salem and Hillsboro liquidations were feeding frenzies.
Second, check your Star Rewards. If your "home" store closes, your points still work online or at other locations like Washington Square. Don't let them sit. Use them.
Third, support the survivors if you want them to stay. Retailers use data to decide who lives and who dies. If the Tigard or Clackamas locations see a dip in "foot traffic to conversion" ratios, they become "underproductive."
Practical Next Steps:
- Check the 2026 Clearance Dates: Liquidation sales for the most recently announced national closures began around January 15, 2026. If you're near a border (like Vancouver, WA residents near the Tukwila location), head over before the end of March.
- Audit Your Gift Cards: Retail bankruptcies or massive closures often lead to "policy shifts." While Macy's isn't going bankrupt, the inconvenience of a closed store makes those plastic cards easy to lose. Spend them now at the remaining Eugene or Bend locations.
- Follow Local Redevelopment Plans: In Salem, the "OGSC Macy's" group is currently looking for tenants. If you’re a local business owner, these "dead" anchors are being carved up into smaller, more affordable shells. It’s a huge opportunity for local brands to get downtown exposure that was previously impossible.
The retail landscape in Oregon is shifting from "giant boxes" to "curated experiences." It’s weird, it’s a little sad, but it’s the reality of 2026. Keep an eye on the Lloyd Center; that's the next big domino everyone is watching.