MARYLAND - If you were planning a designer "treasure hunt" at the outlets this weekend, you might want to call ahead. A massive shift in Maryland's luxury landscape is reaching its final stage this April 2026, as Saks OFF 5TH and Macy's move forward with a series of high-profile departures that are changing the face of the State most popular shopping hubs.
From the busy corridors of Arundel Mills to the upscale atmosphere of Annapolis, the "gate down" era for traditional department stores is officially here.
The Saks OFF 5TH Exit: A Blow to the "Power Outlets."
The most immediate shock to Maryland shoppers is the near-total withdrawal of Saks OFF 5TH. As part of Saks Global's national bankruptcy restructuring, the retailer is shuttering the majority of its off-price fleet to focus on its high-end flagship stores.
- Arundel Mills (Hanover): The massive anchor that helped define Arundel Mills as a "luxury-for-less" destination is in its final days. By the end of this week, the shelves will be bare.
- Clarksburg Premium Outlets: This Montgomery County staple is also on the chopping block. After this week's closures, Saks OFF 5TH will be left with only 12 stores nationwide, none of which are in Maryland's outlet centers.
Final Sale Warning: If you're shopping the Arundel Mills or Clarksburg liquidations, remember that all sales are final. Gift cards are no longer being sold, and most stores have already stopped accepting them for new purchases.
Macy's "Bold New Chapter" Hits Marley Station
While Saks is exiting the outlet game, Macy's is aggressively "trimming the fat" of its regional mall footprint. As part of its corporate "Bold New Chapter" strategy, which involves closing 150 underperforming stores by the end of 2026, the Marley Station Mall location in Glen Burnie is officially going dark.
This departure leaves JCPenney as the sole remaining traditional department store anchor at Marley Station. This mall has increasingly relied on non-traditional tenants, such as gyms and cinemas, to keep its doors open.
What About Bethesda and Annapolis?
There is some good news for shoppers at Westfield Montgomery (Bethesda) and Annapolis Town Center. Despite the national wave of closures, these two locations have been spared for now.
- Bethesda: Analysts suggest the high-income demographics of the Bethesda/Potomac area make this a "must-keep" hub for Macy's, which plans to reinvest in its top 350 stores.
- Annapolis: While the mall is evolving into more of a "lifestyle center," the Macy's anchor remains one of the stronger performers in the Mid-Atlantic.
The "Lifestyle" Pivot: What's Next?
So, what happens to these massive, empty boxes? 2026 is the year of the "Non-Retail Mall."
- Indoor Sports Centers: Don't be surprised if the former Saks space at Arundel Mills is eyed for a massive pickleball or padel complex.
- Medical Suites: In Annapolis, owners are increasingly looking at "MedTail"—converting retail space into high-end outpatient clinics or boutique wellness centers.
- Demolition & Residential: In Gaithersburg, the physical erasure of Lakeforest Mall is already underway, clearing the path for a total mixed-use redevelopment that will replace retail with thousands of housing units.
