The mall used to be the place where everything happened. You bought jeans, grabbed food, ran into friends, and maybe saw a movie without ever going outside. For decades, malls were packed on weekends and holidays, and stores fought for the best spots near the anchors. Now, a lot of those same malls feel quiet, half empty, or just plain tired.

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Shopping habits have changed fast. Online stores made it easier to buy almost anything from the couch, and people got used to that convenience. Add rising rents and staffing issues, and many mall stores started to struggle. Some tried to adapt, others closed quietly, and a few disappeared almost overnight.

Why Mall Stores Are Fading

One big reason mall stores are declining is that malls stopped being the default hangout. Younger shoppers spend more time online and less time wandering stores with no plan. Brands came and went, leaving empty spaces behind. Specialty stores that sold one type of product, like DVDs or phone cases, lost their purpose once those items went digital or cheaper online.

Malls also depend heavily on foot traffic. When a few stores close, fewer people show up. That hurts the remaining shops, which leads to even more closures. It becomes a domino effect that is hard to stop once it starts.

Department Stores Feel It the Most

Department stores have taken some of the hardest hits. These stores were built to serve everyone at once, but modern shoppers often want something more specific. Massive inventory and high rent are tough to maintain when sales are slowing.

Department stores have also lost to brands that have started selling directly to customers online, when shoppers can buy the same items elsewhere for less, loyalty fades quickly.

READ MORE: Additional Mall Closings - 24 NJ & PA Mall Stores Shutter

What Happened to Macy’s

Macy’s is a clear example of this shift. It was once a symbol of mall shopping and holiday tradition. Over time, many locations became outdated, and the experience stopped feeling special. The company has closed numerous stores and tried to refocus on stronger locations and online sales. Sadly, for some NJ and PA Macy's locations, their time is up.

Axios reports that clearance sales are expected to begin in mid-January and may last as long as 10 weeks. The following area stores are set to close in 2026.

Macy's - Livingston

Macy's - Tarentum (Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills)

👇How many of these mall brands that are no longer around do you miss? 👇