Apple to Close Three U.S. Stores, Including Historic First Union Location
Apple has announced it will permanently close three of its retail stores in the United States by June 2026. While Apple regularly evaluates its retail footprint, this move is drawing significant attention because it includes the first-ever unionized Apple Store in the country.
Apple cited “declining conditions” and the departure of major co-tenants at the shopping malls as the primary reasons for the closures.
The Three Impacted Locations
The following stores are scheduled to shut their doors permanently:
- Apple Towson Town Center (Towson, Maryland): Known as the first U.S. Apple Store to successfully unionize in 2022.
- Apple Trumbull (Trumbull, Connecticut): Located in the Trumbull Mall, which has recently faced financial instability and retailer departures.
- Apple North County (Escondido, California): Part of the North County mall, which has seen similar declines in foot traffic.
Union Controversy: “Cynical Attempt at Union Busting”
The closure of the Towson Town Center location has sparked an immediate backlash from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union.
- The Union’s Stance: The IAM Union expressed “outrage,” calling the closure a “cynical attempt to bust the union.” They argue that Apple’s claim that the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) prevents relocating the store is false and are currently exploring legal options to hold Apple accountable.
- Employment Differences: Unlike the Trumbull and North County locations—where employees are being guaranteed transfers to nearby stores—Towson employees must re-apply for open roles within the company.
- Severance: Per the union’s negotiated contract, Towson employees are eligible for severance pay, a benefit not automatically extended to the non-unionized staff at the other two closing locations.
FAQ: What This Means for Customers and Staff
Apple stated the decision follows the departure of other major retailers (like Banana Republic and Tommy Bahama in Towson) and overall “declining conditions” at these malls that no longer meet Apple’s standards for customer experience.
Apple has no current plans to open replacement stores in these immediate areas. However, if a new store opens within 50 miles of Towson in the next 18 months, the union contract gives those displaced employees the “right of first refusal” for jobs.
Staff at the Trumbull and North County stores will transition directly to nearby locations. Towson staff will receive severance and the option to apply for other open roles at Apple.
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