LIHUE — Macy’s at Kukui Grove Center was not on the list of stores the retailer plans to close this year, according to a press release on Wednesday. The company announced last year it would be closing 35 to 40
LIHUE — Macy’s at Kukui Grove Center was not on the list of stores the retailer plans to close this year, according to a press release on Wednesday.
The company announced last year it would be closing 35 to 40 stores in early 2016. On Wednesday, it listed 36 stores to be closed. The one in Kailua was on the list.
The restructuring plan will eliminate 4,500 jobs.
“In light of our disappointing 2015 sales and earnings performance, we are making adjustments to become more efficient and productive in our operations,” said Terry J. Lundgren, chairman and chief executive officer of Macy’s, Inc.
The release said an average of three to four positions will be affected in each of Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s approximately 770 going-forward stores, for a total of about 3,000 affected associates nationwide.
Roughly 50 percent of affected store associates are expected to be placed in other positions.
The implementation of cost reductions is estimated to generate annual savings of $400 million.
Macy’s on Kauai employs over 100 people and is frequented by locals and visitors. It has been a constant in the Kauai retail world for years, popular for its designer clothes, the latest fashions and trendy accessories. It often features sales that offer anywhere from 15 to 50 percent off that attract budget-conscious consumers.
“Our company is committed to operating great Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s stores in the best locations – both to serve shoppers who walk through the door and to fulfill orders that are shipped directly to customers around the country,” Lundgren said.
Local officials were confident Macy’s here would remain open. It has long been an anchor tenant at the shopping center.
“It’s highly unlikely that the store would close, they do very well,” said Wade Lord, general manager responsible for the Kukui Grove Center, in a previous interview with The Garden Island. “In fact, this store for many years was one of the top performing stores in the small format group, which has to do with square footage and demographics.”
