New York City, January 10, 2026
New York City’s retail sector faces a tough landscape as major retailers including GameStop, Macy’s, REI, and Sam Ash Music announce multiple store closures. These decisions stem from a growing emphasis on online shopping and shifting consumer behavior. GameStop plans to close seven stores, while Macy’s will shut down five locations, resulting in significant job losses. REI is closing its only NYC outpost, and Sam Ash Music has already closed its flagship store. These trends highlight the resilience of local businesses amid changing retail dynamics.
New York City, NY – Recent developments in New York City’s retail sector have raised concerns among consumers and employees alike, as several major retailers announce the closure of multiple locations. This trend reflects broader shifts in retail dynamics and consumer behavior, driven increasingly by the growth of online shopping platforms. However, the resilience and innovative spirit of local entrepreneurs and small businesses could offer valuable lessons in navigating these challenges.
GameStop to Close Seven NYC Stores
GameStop has confirmed the impending closure of seven stores within New York City, affecting neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. This decision is part of a larger national strategy to reduce its physical footprint by approximately 390 stores across the country. The impacted New York locations include:
- Brooklyn, NY – 457-465 Fulton St.
- Brooklyn (Bensonhurst), NY – 6713 18th Ave.
- Brooklyn (Bensonhurst), NY – 2141 86th St.
- Brooklyn (Brownsville), NY – 1622 Pitkin Ave.
- Brooklyn, NY – Gateway Center, 470 Gateway Dr.
- Jamaica, NY – 163-08 Jamaica Ave.
- Bronx, NY – 1030 Westchester Ave.
This follows an earlier announcement from December 2024 regarding a closure of 590 stores in its fiscal 2024 year, indicating further reductions anticipated for fiscal 2025.
Macy’s to Shut Down Five NYC Locations
Macy’s has recently announced the closure of five department stores alongside two furniture galleries in New York City. The stores slated for closure are:
- Queens Place Macy’s in Elmhurst
- Brooklyn’s Sheepshead Bay Macy’s
- Brooklyn’s Fulton Street Macy’s
- Staten Island Furniture location
- Fordham Place in the Bronx
This decision is influenced by Macy’s ongoing efforts to concentrate on more profitable operations and enhance its online sales channels, which will unfortunately result in approximately 2,300 job losses, amounting to roughly 3.5% of its workforce.
REI to Close SoHo Store
REI, the well-known outdoor retailer, has declared the closure of its sole New York City outpost located in SoHo. This flagship store, situated within the historic Puck Building, is expected to shut its doors in late 2026. REI’s closure aligns with its strategy to focus on more lucrative stores and boost its virtual shopping presence.
Sam Ash Music Closes Manhattan Flagship
Sam Ash Music has officially closed its flagship store on Manhattan’s famed “Music Row” on 48th Street. This closure is part of a broader corporate strategy as the company recently filed for bankruptcy, prompting the closure of 18 stores nationwide.
Retail Landscape in New York City
These recent store closures illustrate a wider trend within New York City’s retail landscape. According to the Center for an Urban Future’s “State of the Chains 2025” report, seven of the city’s ten largest retailers have reduced their store presence over the past year, resulting in a collective loss of 92 locations. The evolving preferences of consumers towards online shopping are driving these shifts, yet they also highlight the opportunity for local businesses to innovate and adapt.
Impact on Employees and Consumers
With the wave of closures leading to significant job losses, employees are urged to connect with their respective human resources departments to seek information about severance packages and potential reemployment options. For consumers, the diminishing number of brick-and-mortar stores may hinder access to these retail brands, yet it also opens doors for local alternatives and niche shops that can better serve community needs.
Conclusion
The rise in store closures among major retailers in New York City underscores critical challenges in the retail industry, notably influenced by shifts toward e-commerce. Nevertheless, the local community has a remarkable capacity for innovation and resilience. By supporting small businesses and encouraging entrepreneurial endeavors, NYC residents can help foster a more dynamic local economy that thrives even amidst national retail transformations.
FAQ
Which GameStop locations in New York City are closing?
The following GameStop stores in New York City are closing:
- Brooklyn, NY – 457-465 Fulton St.
- Brooklyn (Bensonhurst), NY – 6713 18th Ave.
- Brooklyn (Bensonhurst), NY – 2141 86th St.
- Brooklyn (Brownsville), NY – 1622 Pitkin Ave.
- Brooklyn, NY – Gateway Center, 470 Gateway Dr.
- Jamaica, NY – 163-08 Jamaica Ave.
- Bronx, NY – 1030 Westchester Ave.
What Macy’s stores in New York City are closing?
The following Macy’s stores in New York City are closing:
- Queens Place Macy’s in Elmhurst
- Brooklyn’s Sheepshead Bay Macy’s
- Brooklyn’s Fulton Street Macy’s
- Staten Island Furniture location
- Fordham Place in the Bronx
When is the REI SoHo store closing?
The REI SoHo store is scheduled to close in late 2026. This closure is part of REI’s strategy to focus on more profitable locations and its online presence.
Is Sam Ash Music closing all its stores?
Sam Ash Music has closed its flagship store in Manhattan and filed for bankruptcy, leading to the closure of 18 stores nationwide. The company is focusing on restructuring and may reopen in the future.
How many retailers are closing stores in New York City?
According to the Center for an Urban Future’s “State of the Chains 2025” report, seven of the city’s ten largest retailers reduced their footprint over the past year, with a combined loss of 92 stores.
Key Features
| Retailer | Number of NYC Locations Closing | Reason for Closure | Closure Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GameStop | 7 | Part of nationwide strategy to reduce store footprint | TBD |
| Macy’s | 5 department stores and 2 furniture galleries | Focusing on more profitable stores and online growth | TBD |
| REI | 1 | Consolidating operations to profitable locations | Late 2026 |
| Sam Ash Music | 1 | Bankruptcy and restructuring | Closed |
Now Happening on X
- @EpochTimes (Jan 10, 2026): Macy’s announces store closures amid declining sales and competition from online retailers. View on X
- @BobDF5 (Jan 8, 2026): Several major retailers including Macy’s, REI, GameStop, and others are closing stores across the U.S., with some citing tariffs as a reason. View on X
- @seasmart (Jan 9, 2026): Macy’s plans to shut down more stores in 2026, including one in New York. View on X
- @Spindash54 (Jan 3, 2026): GameStop is closing multiple locations in Long Island and surrounding areas over the past years. View on X
- @bridgetaichat (Jan 6, 2026): U.S. retailers announced over 8,000 store closures in 2025; investors should reassess exposure to brick-and-mortar companies like Macy’s. View on X
- @FOMCAlerts (Jan 3, 2026): Macy’s and Saks Off Fifth are among major retailers closing hundreds of locations in 2026. View on X
- @siadvance (Jan 3, 2026): Macy’s and Saks Off Fifth set to close hundreds of stores in 2026, impacting retail landscape. View on X
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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
