So why are they closing a hundred stores?
It's because their doing great and stock is up!☺
Middle class targeted big box retail is failing.
It has been since the 90s, even before the internet.
The future of shopping malls is Section 8 housing. Although some are being converted to hold computer server farms.
Macy's, Sears, JC Penneys - all used to be staples of the middle/lower class shopper. And since that traffic is dying, their stores are dying, too. High end malls (think J. Crew, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Gucci, etc.) are still going strong as the economic malaise isn't affecting the rich very much, if any.
Standalone store traffic is still holding steady, but middle-class shopping malls are slowly dying.
I'd imagine they're trimming back under performing locations, which is a prudent business practice that bodes well for the long term health of the company. I haven't seen the list of stores yet but it may also involve a real estate play, which could unlock some real value for share holders.
In other words, nothing to do with Donald Trump.