'Very Sad': Macy's to Close Boulevard Mall Store in Amherst

Macy's has confirmed plans to close its store at the Boulevard Mall on Niagara Falls Boulevard in Amherst.

The company stated that this decision allows them to "focus on improving nearby Macy’s locations and invest in the stores and digital experiences where customers are choosing to shop today."

While no specific timeline has been provided, the closure is part of a broader strategy affecting multiple locations nationwide.

Local shoppers have expressed deep disappointment over the impending closure.

Veronica Mendez, an Amherst resident and longtime patron, shared, "Very sad because I come here a lot. We're going to really miss it. Everything, the prices and the quality, they have a lot of nice stuff."

Similarly, Barb Zuffoletto from the Town of Tonawanda remarked, "I'm sick about it closing. I get so many things here. I grew up coming here as a kid at the mall. I'm going to miss that terribly."

Many customers, especially those from the Northtowns, have expressed reluctance to transition to online shopping or to travel to the remaining area location at the Walden Galleria in Cheektowaga.

Mary Withey, a Town of Tonawanda resident, emphasized, "Very sad. I don't like the Galleria one...I don't like the Galleria. It's too big. I want to shop. This is shopping. The online shop, I'm 74. I'm too old to change my ways."

The Boulevard Mall has faced significant challenges in recent years.

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.

By 2023, town officials approved eminent domain to expedite the redevelopment process.

In December 2023, the state awarded $31 million to the Town of Amherst for infrastructure work necessary to support the mall's transformation into a walkable, mixed-use, transit-oriented town center.

Despite these efforts, the mall has seen a decline in tenants.

In early 2024, most stores closed as redevelopment plans progressed, with only those having exterior entrances, including Macy's, JCPenney, and some restaurants, remaining open.

In late 2025, the Amherst Town Board voted to demolish the aging buildings to make way for redevelopment through Benderson Development.

Supervisor-Elect Shawn Lavin stated, "The infrastructure is now in place for the property to become a blend of residential, commercial, and mixed-use spaces."

Demolition is expected to begin in early 2026.

As the mall's transformation unfolds, the closure of Macy's marks the end of an era for many local shoppers who have cherished the store as a staple of their community.