Apple to Close First Unionized US Retail Store in Towson

The tech giant cites 'departure of several retailers and declining conditions' at the Towson Town Center mall location.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:52am

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A minimalist, high-contrast studio photograph featuring a slightly tilted, silver Apple logo sculpture sitting alone on a clean, white background, symbolizing the tension and uncertainty surrounding the closure of this pioneering unionized retail location.The closure of the first unionized Apple retail store in the US raises concerns about potential union-busting tactics by the tech giant.Towson Today

Apple has announced it will be closing its retail store located inside the Towson Town Center mall in Maryland, which was the first Apple retail location in the United States to unionize. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which represents the Towson Apple workers, expressed outrage over the decision, calling it a 'cynical attempt to bust the union'.

Why it matters

The closure of the Towson Apple Store, the first unionized location in the country, raises concerns about potential union-busting tactics by the tech giant. It also highlights the broader challenges facing malls and retail centers as major chains continue to shutter locations.

The details

In an announcement, Apple cited the 'departure of several retailers and declining conditions' at the Towson Town Center as the reason for the store closure. The company said Towson employees will be eligible to apply for open roles at other Apple locations. However, the union representing the workers accused Apple of falsely claiming the collective bargaining agreement prevents relocation, and said they are exploring all legal options to hold the company accountable.

  • Apple announced the Towson store closure on April 10, 2026.
  • The Towson Apple Store was the first in the US to unionize in June 2022.

The players

Apple

A major technology company that operates a global network of retail stores.

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

The union that represents the workers at the Towson Apple Store, the first unionized Apple retail location in the United States.

Towson Town Center

A large shopping mall located in Towson, Maryland where the closing Apple Store was situated.

Nancy Hafford

The executive director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce, who expressed shock at the store's closure.

Linda Monroe

A frequent customer of the Towson Apple Store who expressed disappointment at the closure.

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What they’re saying

“The IAM Union is outraged by Apple's decision to close its Towson, Md., store—the first unionized Apple retail location in the United States and abandon both its workers and a community that relies on it for critical services and its unique access to public transit.”

— International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Union

“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.”

— International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Union

“They shouldn't (close it), (there are) so many counties that rely on this Apple Store and there (are) so many people that have Apple products. If I have to go to Columbia, I'm going to be a little hesitant.”

— Linda Monroe, Apple Customer

What’s next

The union representing the Towson Apple Store workers says they are exploring all legal options to hold the company accountable for the closure decision.

The takeaway

The closure of the first unionized Apple retail store in the US raises concerns about potential union-busting tactics by the tech giant, and highlights the broader challenges facing malls and retail centers as major chains continue to shutter locations.