In the weeks following Christmas, retailers are reviewing results, reworking inventory and maybe, shutting some doors. Consolidation at retail almost always takes place early in the new year and 2010 was no exception when Macy’s announced yesterday plans to shutter five units. But this year may be more harsh than usual.

According to a report by ExcessSpace Retail Services (ESRS), there could be more than 10,000 store closings in malls in 2010. In 2009, about 7,000 stores closed, though there were predictions of 12,000 to 14,000.

Why the dour predictions just when the economy may be expanding? ESRS blames underpermformance, as well as mer“gers and acquisitions leading to duplications in markets and a general move to carry less inventory which results in changes to square footage.

The Macy’s units will close in about 60 days after clearance sales commence Sunday, resulting in the loss of 307 jobs. They include the 118,000-square-foot unit in downtown Boise, Idaho; the 285,000-square-foot Summit Place Mall unit in Waterford, Michigan; the 240,000-square-foot unit in Northwest Plaza, St. Ann, Missouri.; the 113,000-square-foot downtown Missoula, Montana unit, and the 185,000-square-foot Burlington Center Mall store in Burlington, N.J. However, this year, Macy’s plans to open a Bloomingdale’s unit in Santa Monica, Calif., and Dubai, its first international location, which will be a licensed store.

Last year, Macy’s closed 11 stores and, the year before, nine. Macy’s bought May Department Stores Co. in 2005, leading to duplicative locations and store closings.