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Mayor Weinberger Statement on Macy’s Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 3, 2018
Contact:  Katie Vane
                  802-734-0617

 

Mayor Weinberger Statement on Macy’s Announcement
 

Burlington, VT – Mayor Miro Weinberger released the following statement today in response to news of the upcoming closure of Macy’s department store expected in March 2018:

 

“Macy’s plan to close its Burlington store will affect many families within our community, and the City is focused on doing everything it can to help impacted workers transition to new jobs.  Fortunately, this announcement comes at a time when the local economy has many opportunities, and the City will work with the State and in particular the Department of Labor in the weeks ahead to organize job fairs and publicize retraining programs to increase access to those opportunities for Macy’s workers.

 

“It has been clear for years from the national retail trends and Macy’s recent closures of about 100 stores in other cities that today’s news was a real possibility for us in Burlington. In preparation for news like this, the City has been working proactively with the support of voters to keep the downtown healthy by beginning the transition from a suburban-style mall to a mixed-use neighborhood.

 

“The new mixed-use neighborhood already under construction adjacent to the Macy’s site will create 1,200 permanent jobs over the next couple of years and will ensure the longevity and economic vitality of Burlington’s downtown even as retail continues to evolve.  The downtown Burlington of the future will be even more vibrant, equitable, and full of opportunity than ever.”

 

 

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Press Release Date: 
01/03/2018
City Department: 
Mayor's Office