Apple Shuts Three U.S. Stores, Including Unionized One

Apple is permanently closing three retail stores in the U.S. today, including a unionized location in Maryland, sparking protests and accusations of union busting.

Apple has permanently closed three of its U.S. retail stores today, as previously announced. The affected locations are Apple Trumbull in Connecticut, Apple North County in California, and Apple Towson Town Center in Maryland. The company cited 'declining conditions' at the shopping malls as the reason for the closures, a decision it described as difficult.

The Towson Town Center store is particularly notable because its employees became Apple's first unionized retail workers in the U.S. in 2022. They are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers' Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE) and signed a collective bargaining agreement in 2024. The union has been protesting the closure, arguing that Apple is treating unionized workers unfairly.

Apple has allowed non-unionized employees at the other two closing stores to transfer to nearby locations, but it has not extended the same offer to Towson workers. According to Apple, the collective bargaining agreement specifies that in the event of a closure, employees would be transferred or rehired only if a new store opens within 50 miles within 18 months. Otherwise, they are entitled to severance, which is being provided. The union, however, claims the agreement requires equal treatment and has accused Apple of union busting.

IAM President Brian Bryant stated that the workers 'fought for and won a contract, and are now being punished for it.' While the Towson mall has indeed lost many retailers and is in decline, the situation may discourage other Apple employees from unionizing. Apple has historically discouraged unionization, and this closure could serve as a warning to workers considering collective action.