AMHERST, N.Y. (WKBW) — Macy's has confirmed it is closing its store at the Boulevard Mall on Niagara Falls Boulevard in Amherst.
A Macy's spokesperson released the following statement to 7 News:
"After careful consideration, we’ve made the decision to close our Macy’s store at Boulevard. The decision allows us to focus on improving nearby Macy’s locations and invest in the stores and digital experiences where customers are choosing to shop today. Customers can continue shopping at nearby Macy’s locations as well as online and the Macy’s app."
According to the spokesperson, the decision to close was first communicated to employees at the Boulevard store and they will be supported through the transition, including transfer opportunities where available, as well as severance and support "where applicable."
WATCH: 'Very sad': Macy's to close its store at the Boulevard Mall in Amherst
SHOPPERS ARE DISAPPOINTED
"Very sad because I come here a lot,” said Veronica Mendez, an Amherst resident and a longtime shopper. "We're going to really miss it. Everything, the prices and the quality, they have a lot of nice stuff."
Town of Tonawanda resident Barb Zuffoletto, another regular customer, expressed similar disappointment.
"I'm sick about it closing. I get so many things here," Zuffoletto said. "I grew up coming here as a kid at the mall. I'm going to miss that terribly."
Customers who live in the Northtowns say they don't want to shop online and don't necessarily want to go to the only area location left at the Walden Galleria in Cheektowaga.
"Very sad. I don't like the Galleria one...I don't like the Galleria. It's too big," said Mary Withey.
Withey, a Town of Tonawanda resident, emphasized her preference for in-person shopping.
"I want to shop. This is shopping. The online shop, I'm 74. I'm too old to change my ways," Withey replied.
Mendez echoed similar sentiments about online shopping.
"I have to see what I buy. I can't just get it and send it back. I like to look at my stuff," Mendez said.
A company spokesperson said Macy's is expected to close in about 10 weeks. The store will begin a 70% off sale starting in mid-January, leading up to the closing.
THE FUTURE OF THE MALL HAS BEEN UNCERTAIN FOR YEARS
The future of the Boulevard Mall has remained uncertain for a few years now.
In 2019, Douglas Development purchased the majority of the mall property with plans to transform it into a town center featuring retail, restaurant, and residential opportunities.
In 2023, town officials approved eminent domain as a way to speed up the development process. Later in the year, a court ruled in favor of the town in its eminent domain case involving JCPenney and the property. Before the end of 2023, the town was awarded $31 million from the state for infrastructure work for the project.
In late April/early May 2024, most stores at the mall closed as Douglas Development prepared to take over. Stores with exterior entrances, including JCPenney and Macy’s, and some of the restaurants, remained open.
WATCH: 'It’s just very disappointing': Most stores at Boulevard Mall must close by Sunday
In late May 2024, the Town of Amherst announced it would move forward with the next steps in the eminent domain process after JCPenney agreed to drop its challenges.
But in April 2025, Douglas Jemal from Douglas Development said his plans for redeveloping the mall were "up in the air" due to confusion surrounding the town's eminent domain proceedings.
WATCH: Developer says plans for Boulevard Mall are stalled due to confusion over eminent domain process
Recently, Jemal backed out of the project and sold the property to Benderson Development. We spoke with new Amherst Town Supervisor Shawn Lavin earlier this week and one of the topics he commented on was the mall project.
“The Boulevard Mall redevelopment is taking shape, with demolition expected to begin in the spring. Costco is still planned to open in the spring as well,” Lavin said. "Benderson has been a great community partner for Amherst. We've had a lot of communication back and forth about timelines and what we plan on doing, which allows me to speak to you about hopefully starting demolition on the Boulevard Mall in the spring."
The mall is nearly a ghost town with Macy's, JCPenney and Men's Wearhouse still open, but Men's Wearhouse has posted on its store window that it will shut down January 27.