Ladies and gentlemen, gather around for the grand finale of some of your favorite retail chains—because the liquidation sales are in full swing, and the discounts are getting steeper by the day! From Party City to Joann, Big Lots, Forever 21, and Macy’s, these stores are going out not with a bang, but with bargain-bin prices that might just make you shed a nostalgic tear (or at least reach for your wallet).
If you’re one of those investors still holding onto retail stocks, you might be wondering whether it’s time to cut your losses or stick it out in hopes of a rebound. With the retail sector facing shifting consumer habits, rising operational costs, and increased competition from e-commerce giants, making the right call can be tricky. Should you hold onto your shares and ride out the storm, or is now the perfect moment to cash out before things take a turn for the worse?
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Before making any hasty decisions, it’s crucial to take a closer look at market trends, company performance, and the broader economic landscape. Some retail giants are successfully adapting to new shopping behaviors and digital transformations, while others are struggling to keep their doors open. If you’re feeling torn about what to do next, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
In this analysis, we’ll break down the latest retail stock trends, highlight potential red flags, and explore whether holding onto your investment is a smart long-term strategy or if it’s time to make a clean exit while your shares still have some value.
Keep reading to find out what experts are saying and how you can make the best choice for your portfolio.
Big Lots: Big Sales, Big Uncertainty
Big Lots has been playing a game of financial musical chairs for a while now. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September, the retailer looked like it was ready to shut down for good. But in a dramatic plot twist, Variety Wholesalers swooped in to save 200 locations—meaning some stores will survive under the “Big Lots” name. The bad news? Many employees are still in limbo, unsure if they’ll have jobs. The good news? Everything is 50-80% off, so if you’ve ever wanted to buy furniture, snacks, or random home décor at fire-sale prices, now’s your chance.
Is Big Lots Buy Or Sell?
Considering Big Lots’ recent financial challenges and bankruptcy filing, investing in their stock may not be advisable at this time.
Over the past six months, Big Lots’ stock price has experienced significant declines. As of March 17, 2025, the stock was trading at approximately $0.02 per share. The price dropped more than 55% in the last 6 months.
Given these developments, potential investors should exercise caution and thoroughly assess the company’s financial health before making investment decisions.
Macy’s: The “Bold New Chapter” That Involves… Closing Stores
Macy’s CEO Tony Spring called the company’s restructuring plan a “Bold New Chapter,” which sounds like the title of a self-help book but is actually a plan to close 150 underperforming stores by 2026. The goal? To focus resources on its top 350 stores that are still bringing in the dough.
While Macy’s insists it’s all about modernization and providing better service, the real headline here is that clearance sales started in January and will run for weeks—so if you’ve been eyeing a fancy coat or designer handbag, now’s the time to strike.
Should You Invest In Macy’s Now?
Investing in Macy’s stock right now is like deciding whether to buy a ticket for a roller coaster that’s seen better days—thrilling, unpredictable, and possibly nausea-inducing.
Over the past six months, the stock has experienced fluctuations, reflecting the company’s ongoing challenges in the retail sector. Here’s a quick ride through the ups and downs of Macy’s stock over the past six months and see if this retail giant is worth the price.
Macy’s Stock Price Saga
Over the last half-year, Macy’s stock has been on a journey more turbulent than a soap opera plot twist. Here’s a snapshot of its performance:
– September 2024: Trading at approximately $18 per share, investors were cautiously optimistic, hoping Macy’s would pull a retail rabbit out of its hat.
– December 2024: The stock dipped to around $15, as holiday sales failed to jingle all the way, leaving investors feeling like they found coal in their stockings.
– February 2025: A slight rebound to $16 had shareholders breathing a tentative sigh of relief.
– March 2025: Currently hovering around $14, the stock resembles that leftover fruitcake—unwanted and slightly stale.
Analyst Perspectives
Our opinion on Macy’s stock is mixed. The analysts rating is “Hold,” which is basically Wall Street’s way of saying, “Meh, let’s wait and see.” Price targets range from a hopeful $21 to a dismal $8, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding Macy’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing retail landscape.
Recent Financial Performance
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Macy’s reported adjusted earnings of $1.80 per share, surpassing analyst expectations of $1.54. However, net sales declined by 4.3% year-over-year to $7.77 billion, slightly below the anticipated $7.78 billion.
For fiscal year 2025, the company projects net sales between $21 billion and $21.4 billion, with comparable sales expected to decrease by 0.5% to 2%.
Macy’s Stock Conclusion
Macy’s stock is navigating a challenging retail environment marked by declining sales and strategic restructuring. While the company has exceeded recent earnings expectations, its cautious outlook and ongoing store closures reflect the hurdles it faces. Analyst recommendations suggest holding the stock, with modest potential for price appreciation. Investors should weigh these factors carefully, considering both the risks and the company’s efforts to adapt to a shifting retail landscape.
So, is Macy’s stock a good buy now? If you’re feeling adventurous and have a penchant for nostalgia, investing in Macy’s might be your cup of tea. However, if you prefer a smoother ride with fewer unexpected drops, you might want to explore other investment options. Remember, in the world of investing, it’s essential to do your homework, assess your risk tolerance.
Party City: The Party’s Definitely Over
Party City declared bankruptcy again in December 2024, which means after 40 years in business, it’s officially lights out. CEO Barry Litwin tried to soften the blow, assuring employees that they “tried everything” to avoid this outcome. (Sadly, not even balloon arches and piñatas could save them.) If you need decorations for a last-minute celebration—or just want to stockpile party hats for the next decade—everything must go, with discounts up to 80%. Just don’t expect to order online—because their website is pretty much a ghost town now.
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Joann: Crafting Its Way into Retail History
For all the DIY enthusiasts out there, this one stings. Joann, the beloved craft store, announced in February 2025 that all 800 of its locations are closing. The chain, which started in 1943, has been a staple for sewing enthusiasts, scrapbookers, and Pinterest warriors for decades. Now? It’s selling off inventory at “up to 50% off”—so if you’ve ever wanted to hoard fabric, now’s your moment.
Forever 21: More Like Forever Done
In the least surprising news of the year, Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcy… again. Once a fast-fashion juggernaut, the chain has been struggling against online competition, dwindling mall traffic, and the fact that Gen Z now prefers thrift stores over cheaply made $5 crop tops. It’s looking like a full liquidation is on the horizon, though there’s a chance some assets will be sold off.
Retail Reality Check: What’s Next?
With 15,000 stores projected to close across the U.S. this year, it’s clear that brick-and-mortar retail is going through some major turbulence. Rising e-commerce competition, shifting shopping habits, and inflation are all playing a role in these closures. If you’re a bargain hunter, now’s the time to take advantage of these farewell sales. If you’re an investor of retail stores, well… it might be time to say goodbye.
