HELENA — The announcement that Macy’s will be closing its store in Helena is a surprise to many in the community. For some, it is odd that the store is closing.
“I know, personally, that this store was successful. So, for them to close the store in Helena, Montana, I think is really poor judgment because this area can really support a store like that,” says Cathy Burwell. Burwell is the president of Helena’s Chamber of Commerce.
The company told employees at their Helena store on Monday, the location will close in 8-12 weeks.
Burwell says Helena is growing and the closing of these stores is more likely part of a national trend and not related to the local economy. At least one store in each of the last three years has closed: Shopko (2019), Kmart (2018), and J. C. Penny (2017).
The closure of the store will impact about 50 employees. Resources are available to help those needing employment.
Carol Rule, Job Service Helena manager, says there are plenty of employment opportunities in the community.
“I feel that many employers, when there is an announcement like this, will reach out to us and let us know that they would be interested in hiring those affected workers,” says Rule.
Rule says Job Service Helena has about 1,000 open positions. For more information on these jobs and how to get started, visit the Job Service Helena website or visit their location at 715 Front St, Helena, MT 59620.
