It finally happened. For months, shoppers at Superstition Springs Center saw the writing on the wall, and now the dust has mostly settled. If you’ve driven past the massive anchor spot on Southern Avenue lately, you've probably noticed the "label scar"—that ghostly outline where the red star logo used to be. It’s a weird sight. Honestly, for many of us in Mesa, that Macy's was more than just a place to buy a last-minute wedding gift or a pair of Levi’s. It was a landmark.
But retail is a brutal game right now.
The Macy's store closures Mesa Arizona news hit hard because it effectively stripped one of the East Valley's biggest malls of a primary anchor. We aren't just talking about a "sale" or a "remodel." We are talking about a permanent exit. As of early 2026, the Superstition Springs location is officially a memory, having closed its doors for good on March 23, 2025.
Why Mesa Was On the Chopping Block
You’ve gotta wonder why this specific spot got the axe while others in the Valley—like Chandler Fashion Center or Santan Village—stayed safe. Basically, it comes down to a corporate strategy Macy’s calls "A Bold New Chapter."
CEO Tony Spring has been pretty vocal about this. The company is closing 150 underperforming stores across the country by the end of 2026. Mesa’s Superstition Springs location was part of the "first 66" to go. Why? Foot traffic. Or rather, the lack of it.
If you visited that store in its final year, you know the vibe. It was... quiet. Kinda creepy quiet sometimes. While the snowbirds kept it alive during the winter months, the rest of the year was a struggle. It felt like a relic of the 90s mall era trying to survive in a TikTok world.
The Survival of the Fittest (and Nearest)
So, where do you go now? If you’re a die-hard Macy's shopper, you aren't totally out of luck, but you’re definitely driving further. Here is the current state of things for Arizona:
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- Chandler Fashion Center: This is currently a "go-forward" store. Macy's is actually investing money here to make it nicer.
- Santan Village (Gilbert): Still open. It’s an outdoor-style setup that seems to be holding its own.
- Scottsdale Fashion Square: No surprise here. This is their flagship-level performer in the state.
- Arrowhead Towne Center (Glendale): Safe for now.
The Mesa closure leaves a massive 150,000-square-foot hole at Superstition Springs. JCPenney and Dillard's are still holding the fort, but losing Macy's is a heavy blow for the mall's long-term health. Some people think the mall might eventually pivot to more "lifestyle" stuff—think gyms, medical offices, or even apartments. It's a trend we're seeing all over the country.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Returns
One thing people always ask: "Can I still return my online orders?"
Yeah, but you can't do it in Mesa anymore. You’ll have to trek over to Chandler or Gilbert. If you have a Macy’s credit card, nothing changes there—it still works everywhere else and online.
But let’s be real. Most of us liked the convenience of a five-minute drive. Now, that’s gone.
The strategy behind the Macy's store closures Mesa Arizona isn't just about cutting costs; it's about shifting to what they call "Small Format" stores. These are tiny compared to the old department stores—usually located in strip malls rather than massive enclosed malls. We haven't seen one of these pop up in Mesa yet, but don't be surprised if a "Macy's Small Format" appears in a shopping center near you in the next year or two.
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The Bigger Picture in 2026
Macy’s isn't the only one struggling. Across the board, we've seen Sears vanish, and even stores like Walgreens and GameStop are hacking away at their physical locations. Retail experts say it's "rationalization." We just call it a bummer.
The company is betting everything on their "Reimagine" stores—125 locations nationwide that are getting better lighting, more staff, and better tech. Mesa just didn't make that cut.
What to Do Next
If you’re sitting on Macy’s gift cards or have a return to make, don't wait. Here is the move:
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- Check the Location Finder: Before you drive anywhere, check the official Macy's site. With the 2026 closures still rolling out (another 14 were just announced in January 2026), things are moving fast.
- Visit the Backstage Sections: The remaining stores in Chandler and Gilbert often have "Backstage" areas which are basically like a Ross or TJ Maxx inside the Macy's. That’s where the deals are.
- Watch Superstition Springs: Keep an eye on local Mesa news. There are rumors of a major redevelopment for that wing of the mall. We might see a theater or a Dave & Buster's style venue take over that space eventually.
Mesa is growing, but its retail landscape is changing. The loss of Macy's is a sign of the times, shifting our shopping habits from the sprawling corridors of the mall to the convenience of our phones and smaller, local hubs.