Ladies and gentlemen, gather around for the grand finale of some of your favorite retail chainsโbecause 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 Macyโs, 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 youโre one of those investors still holding onto retail stocks, you might be wondering whether itโs 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, itโs 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 youโre feeling torn about what to do next, donโt worryโyouโre not alone.
In this analysis, weโll 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 itโs 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 locationsโmeaning some stores will survive under the โBig Lotsโ name. The bad news? Many employees are still in limbo, unsure if theyโll have jobs. The good news? Everything is 50-80% off, so if youโve ever wanted to buy furniture, snacks, or random home dรฉcor at fire-sale prices, nowโs your chance.
Is Big Lots Buy Or Sell?
Considering Big Lotsโ recent financial challenges and bankruptcy filing, investing in their stock may not be advisable at this time.
Over the past six months, Big Lotsโ stock price has experienced significant declines. As of March 17, 2025, the stock was trading at approximately $0.02 per share.ย The price dropped more than 55% in the last 6 months.
Given these developments, potential investors should exercise caution and thoroughly assess the companyโs financial health before making investment decisions.
Macyโs: The โBold New Chapterโ That Involvesโฆ Closing Stores
Macyโs CEO Tony Spring called the companyโs restructuring plan a โBold New Chapter,โ 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 Macyโs insists itโs all about modernization and providing better service, the real headline here is that clearance sales started in January and will run for weeksโso if youโve been eyeing a fancy coat or designer handbag, nowโs the time to strike.
Should You Invest In Macyโs Now?
Investing in Macyโs stock right now is like deciding whether to buy a ticket for a roller coaster thatโs seen better daysโthrilling, unpredictable, and possibly nausea-inducing.
Over the past six months, the stock has experienced fluctuations, reflecting the companyโs ongoing challenges in the retail sector. Hereโs a quick ride through the ups and downs of Macyโs stock over the past six months and see if this retail giant is worth the price.
Macyโs Stock Price Saga
Over the last half-year, Macyโs stock has been on a journey more turbulent than a soap opera plot twist. Hereโs a snapshot of its performance:
โ September 2024: Trading at approximately $18 per share, investors were cautiously optimistic, hoping Macyโs would pull a retail rabbit out of its hat.
โ 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.
โ February 2025: A slight rebound to $16 had shareholders breathing a tentative sigh of relief.
โ March 2025: Currently hovering around $14, the stock resembles that leftover fruitcakeโunwanted and slightly stale.
Analyst Perspectives
Our opinion on Macyโs stock is mixed. The analysts rating is โHold,โ which is basically Wall Streetโs way of saying, โMeh, letโs wait and see.โ Price targets range from a hopeful $21 to a dismal $8, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding Macyโs ability to adapt to the ever-changing retail landscape.
Recent Financial Performance
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Macyโs 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%.
Macyโs Stock Conclusion
Macyโs 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 companyโs efforts to adapt to a shifting retail landscape.
So, is Macyโs stock a good buy now? If youโre feeling adventurous and have a penchant for nostalgia, investing in Macyโs 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, itโs essential to do your homework, assess your risk tolerance.
Party City: The Partyโs Definitely Over
Party City declared bankruptcy again in December 2024, which means after 40 years in business, itโs officially lights out. CEO Barry Litwin tried to soften the blow, assuring employees that they โtried everythingโ to avoid this outcome. (Sadly, not even balloon arches and piรฑatas could save them.) If you need decorations for a last-minute celebrationโor just want to stockpile party hats for the next decadeโeverything must go, with discounts up to 80%. Just donโt expect to order onlineโbecause 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? Itโs selling off inventory at โup to 50% offโโso if youโve ever wanted to hoard fabric, nowโs your moment.
Forever 21: More Like Forever Done
In the least surprising news of the year, Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcyโฆ 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. Itโs looking like a full liquidation is on the horizon, though thereโs a chance some assets will be sold off.
Retail Reality Check: Whatโs Next?
With 15,000 stores projected to close across the U.S. this year, itโs 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 youโre a bargain hunter, nowโs the time to take advantage of these farewell sales. If youโre an investor of retail stores, wellโฆ it might be time to say goodbye.