FINAL BOW: Iconic anchor store in 29 states is closing location for good as retailer tells mayor it’s exiting after the holidays

According to The Sun , Shoppers in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, were left stunned by the announcement that Dillard’s will be closing its location in the Stones River Mall (now known as Stones River Town Centre). The department store chain, which has more than 250 locations nationwide, confirmed that the Murfreesboro store will cease operations between January 17 and January 31, 2025.

The closure, which is expected to be permanent, was communicated to the city’s mayor, Shane McFarland, in a letter from Dillard’s. While the company did not provide a specific reason for the closure, it was confirmed that this would be the only location affected.

Dillard’s, headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, has been a staple at the Stones River Mall since the 1990s and underwent an expansion in 2007. The news of its closure has left many longtime customers heartbroken.

One local shopper expressed their sadness on social media, writing, “I am so sad. That’s the only nice store we have.” Another added, “This is heartbreaking. Dillard’s was the one store in Murfreesboro that stayed consistent with high-quality and a clean store.”

The store’s closure follows a challenging quarter for Dillard’s, which posted a decline in net income and sales. The chain reported a 4% year-over-year drop in sales following a 3% decrease in the second quarter. CEO William T. Dillard II remains optimistic about the upcoming holiday season, hoping for a positive turnaround in the fourth quarter. He noted that while sales have been down, the company has focused on improving gross margins and controlling expenses.

As for the 75 employees at the Murfreesboro location, Dillard’s spokesperson Julie Johnson Guymon reassured the public that they would be offered positions at nearby stores in the Nashville area.

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Murfreesboro’s mayor, Shane McFarland, expressed his disappointment, noting that Dillard’s has been a valued community member for decades. County Mayor Joe Carr also voiced regret over the closure, saying, “I hate to see them go.”

The closure comes amid a broader trend in retail, with several major chains facing struggles and even shutting down locations across the country. The impact of online shopping and changing consumer habits have contributed to these closures, leaving many wondering if traditional department stores are becoming a thing of the past.

In the meantime, Dillard’s is focusing on providing customers with a strong shopping experience during the holiday season, with hopes of a more positive Q4 report.