Apple on Thursday announced that it will permanently close three retail stores in the United States this June, including one location that was unionized.
The company did not frame the closures as part of a broader nationwide restructuring, but instead described them as individual retail decisions tied to store performance and relocation planning. In similar past cases, Apple has occasionally closed or moved stores when lease agreements end, when shopping centers are redeveloped, or when nearby locations can better serve customers.
One of the affected stores is notable because it was part of Apple’s small but growing number of unionized retail locations in the U.S. Apple retail employees at several stores have pursued union representation in recent years, reflecting broader labor organization efforts in the tech retail sector. The closure is expected to raise attention around how Apple handles unionized workplaces, though Apple has stated in previous cases that store closures are unrelated to union activity.
At the same time, Apple continues to expand and refresh its global retail footprint, regularly opening new flagship stores in high-traffic urban areas and updating older locations to match its latest retail design language.
The three closures are expected to take effect in June, with employees typically offered transfers to nearby Apple Stores where possible, according to Apple’s standard retail transition policies.
Apple to Close Towson Union Store and Two Other U.S. Retail Locations
Apple is set to permanently close three retail stores in the United States this June, including its Towson Town Center store in Maryland, which holds significance as the company’s first unionized retail location in the country.
The other two affected stores are Apple Trumbull in Trumbull, Connecticut, and Apple North County in Escondido, California.
Store Closures and Employee Impact
Apple confirmed that employees at the Trumbull and North County locations will be able to transfer to nearby Apple retail stores, with continued employment offered within the company.
However, the situation is more complex for the Towson store. Employees there will be eligible to apply for open positions at Apple under the terms of their collective bargaining agreement, but it is not guaranteed that all staff will be placed in new roles.
The Towson location is notable because its employees became the first unionized Apple retail workforce in the U.S. in 2022, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers’ Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE). The group later signed a collective bargaining agreement with Apple in 2024.
Apple’s Explanation for Closures
Apple said the decision was made due to “declining conditions” at the shopping malls where the stores are located. In its statement, the company explained:
“At Apple, we are constantly striving to deliver exceptional service and great experiences for our customers. As we continue investing to expand and enhance our retail stores and offerings worldwide, we remain deliberate about evaluating our existing locations… Following the departure of several retailers and declining conditions at Trumbull Mall, the Shops at North County, and Towson Town Center, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our stores at these locations.”
Apple added that customers will continue to be served through nearby stores, Apple’s online storefront, the Apple Store app, and authorized resellers.
Towson Mall Conditions
Towson Town Center has reportedly experienced declining retail activity, with several major brands recently exiting the location, including Banana Republic, Madewell, and Tommy Bahama. Local reports have also noted broader economic and safety concerns in the surrounding area in recent years.
Union Response and Controversy
The IAM Union strongly criticized Apple’s decision, calling it “outraged” and raising concerns about possible union-related motivations.
The union stated:
“Apple’s claim that the collective bargaining agreement prevents relocation is simply false and raises serious concerns that this closure is a cynical attempt to bust the union.”
The organization said it is exploring legal options and plans to engage with elected officials and advocacy groups in response to the decision.
Apple’s Clarification on the Agreement
Apple later clarified that its agreement with the union includes provisions related to store closures. Under the contract:
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If Apple opens a new store within 50 miles of Towson, employees would have transfer or rehiring rights
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If no such store opens, employees are eligible for severance benefits
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If Apple opens a nearby store within 18 months, Towson employees would have first refusal rights
Apple also stated it has no current plans to open a replacement store in the area.
Timeline
The Apple Towson Town Center store is scheduled to close on June 20, alongside the other two U.S. locations.