Is Macy's leaving its iconic Center City location?
CENTER CITY - Macy's has responded to speculation that the store may leave its iconic Center City location on Market Street, as some City Hall insiders say they believe there is a chance.
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. suggested during questioning that Macy's was considering giving up its lease in the Wanamaker building.
Questioned later by FOX 29’s Jeff Cole, Councilmember Jones said he first heard the news last holiday season after a store security guard was stabbed to death in the building.
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Cole then asked Councilmember Mark Squilla when he knew about Macy’s plans.
"We don’t have a definite answer from them as far as I’m concerned," he replied. "We’ll speak to Commerce and see if they know anything different. But, that would be a big hit to East Market, along with the other vacancies that are there right now."
On Wednesday, Macy's told FOX 29's Gregory Payne that the Center City store would remain open.
"We intend to close approximately 150 Macy’s stores over the next three years. This allows us to focus our investments and resources on Macy’s go-forward locations including full line, furniture and current off-mall locations and Bloomie’s, Bloomingdale’s The Outlet and Bluemercury stores. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers at Macy’s Center City in Philadelphia," a spokesperson for Macy's said in a statement.