Macy’s, Inc. Announces “A Bold New Chapter” – Challenging the Status Quo to Fundamentally Reposition the Company, Enhance the Customer Experience, Deliver Growth and Unlock Shareholder Value

Rhea-AI Summary

Macy's, Inc. (NYSE: M) announces a new strategy 'A Bold New Chapter' to accelerate growth, focusing on strengthening the Macy's nameplate, accelerating luxury growth, and modernizing operations. The plan includes closing 150 underproductive locations, investing in 350 go-forward locations, expanding Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury stores, and monetizing assets. The strategy aims to drive sustainable, profitable growth and create shareholder value.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The announcement from Macy's, Inc. regarding its new strategy, 'A Bold New Chapter,' suggests a significant shift in the company's approach to its operations and market positioning. The decision to close approximately 150 underperforming stores is a strategic move to concentrate on high-performing locations and improve operational efficiency. This aligns with broader retail trends where companies are optimizing their physical footprint in response to the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer behaviors.

This consolidation could lead to a more curated customer experience, potentially driving higher sales per square foot in the remaining locations. Moreover, the expansion of the Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury brands indicates a targeted effort to capture more of the luxury market, which has historically shown resilience even during economic downturns. The planned store openings and remodels for these brands could enhance Macy's presence in the luxury segment and attract a demographic with higher disposable income.

The emphasis on modernizing end-to-end operations and focusing on omni-channel retailing is particularly relevant. Streamlining fulfillment and leveraging technology to improve inventory planning can lead to cost savings and better customer satisfaction. These operational improvements are essential for Macy's to remain competitive in a retail landscape increasingly dominated by online players with robust logistics networks.

Financial Analyst

From a financial perspective, Macy's, Inc. has outlined several key metrics that are critical for investors. The company's expectation of low-single-digit annual comparable sales growth, along with SG&A dollar growth below the historic rate of inflation, suggests that Macy's is aiming for sustainable and controlled expense management. This is a prudent approach, especially in a retail environment where cost efficiency is paramount to maintaining profitability.

The projection of mid-single-digit range growth in Adjusted EBITDA dollars is an important indicator of the company's confidence in its operational restructuring and market strategy. Capital expenditure being below 2024 levels indicates a cautious investment strategy, likely focused on high-impact projects that align with the company's strategic priorities.

Perhaps most importantly, the goal of returning free cash flow to pre-pandemic levels by 2025 is a significant statement. It reflects the company's commitment to fiscal stability and shareholder value. This target will be critical for investors to monitor as it will directly impact the company's ability to invest in growth initiatives, pay dividends and manage debt.

Retail Industry Expert

The retail sector has been undergoing a transformation and Macy's, Inc.'s strategy reflects an adaptation to these changes. The focus on revitalizing assortments to improve relevance and value addresses the need for Macy's to remain competitive with fast-fashion and direct-to-consumer brands that have been gaining market share. Modernizing the shopping environment to offer a frictionless customer experience is also in line with the industry's shift towards integrating online and offline channels to create a seamless shopping journey.

The luxury market's growth strategy is particularly noteworthy, as it suggests that Macy's is banking on the higher margins typically associated with luxury goods. This could be a strategic hedge against the price-sensitive nature of the broader retail market. By expanding the footprint of Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury, Macy's is not only looking to grow its top-line revenue but also to diversify its risk by tapping into different consumer segments.

The simplification and modernization of end-to-end operations indicate an awareness of the need for agility in supply chain management—a critical factor for success in today's fast-paced retail environment. This move could improve Macy's responsiveness to market trends and reduce costs associated with excess inventory and inefficient logistics.

Strengthens the Macy’s Nameplate, Accelerates Luxury Growth and Simplifies and Modernizes End-to-End Operations

Focuses Macy's resources by closing approximately 150 underproductive locations through 2026

Prioritizes Macy’s investments in approximately 350 go-forward locations

Expands Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury footprint by up to 45 locations through 2026

Monetizes $600-$750 million of assets through 2026

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE: M) today announces its new strategy, A Bold New Chapter, designed to return Macy’s, Inc. to enterprise growth. Developed by the Macy’s, Inc. leadership team, with the full support of the board of directors, the strategy balances the art and science of retail and is informed by comprehensive customer research.

“A Bold New Chapter serves as a strong call to action. It challenges the status quo to create a more modern Macy’s, Inc. We are making the necessary moves to reinvigorate relationships with our customers through improved shopping experiences, relevant assortments and compelling value,” said Tony Spring, chief executive officer, Macy’s, Inc. “Our teams are energized by the work ahead as we accelerate our path to market share gains, sustainable, profitable growth and value creation for our shareholders.”

A Bold New Chapter

The new strategy aligns the Macy’s, Inc. team across three strategic priorities:

• Strengthen the Macy’s Nameplate: Macy’s plans to put the customer first, prioritizing three key areas to return to top-line growth: 1) Revitalizing the assortment to improve both relevance and value; 2) Modernizing the shopping environment to facilitate a convenient, easy, and frictionless customer experience across channels with continued focus on digital excellence; and 3) Focusing resources by closing approximately 150 underproductive locations, including approximately 50 by the end of the fiscal year, and prioritizing investment in approximately 350 go-forward locations and the continued expansion of small-format stores.
• Accelerate Luxury Growth: Macy’s, Inc. plans to take advantage of its leadership position in the luxury market, where Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury have been outperformers within the Macy’s, Inc. portfolio and across the broader luxury landscape, by further growing its store fleet and digital presence. As part of the strategy, approximately 15 Bloomingdale’s nameplate stores and at least 30 new Bluemercury stores, along with roughly 30 Bluemercury remodels are anticipated to be opened in new and existing markets over the next three years.
• Simplify and Modernize End-to-End Operations: Over the next three years, the organization plans to rationalize and monetize the supply chain asset portfolio, streamline fulfillment, improve inventory planning and allocation, and deliver a scalable technology platform. Across the organization, Macy’s, Inc. plans to align operations to anticipated future omni-demand and deliver a more efficient operating model that will allow the organization to better serve customers.

Financial Outcomes

With a strong financial foundation, Macy’s, Inc. is positioned to successfully drive sustainable, profitable growth and create shareholder value. Beginning in 2025, Macy’s, Inc. expects:

• Low-single-digit annual comparable Owned + Licensed + Marketplace sales growth;
• Annual SG&A dollar growth below the historic rate of inflation of 2%-3%;
• Annual Adjusted EBITDA dollar growth in the mid-single-digit range;
• Capital spend to be below 2024 levels; and
• Free cash flow to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Financial outcomes do not include any potential impact of the proposed credit card late fee ruling.

For additional details on A Bold New Chapter, visit macysinc.com/investors.

About Macy’s, Inc.

Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE: M) is a trusted source for quality brands through our iconic nameplates – Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury. Headquartered in New York City, our comprehensive digital and nationwide footprint empowers us to deliver a seamless shopping experience for our customers. For more information, visit www.macysinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Macy’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this release because of a variety of factors, including Macy’s ability to successfully implement A Bold New Chapter strategy, including the ability to realize the anticipated benefits within the expected time frame or at all, conditions to, or changes in the timing of proposed real estate and other transactions, prevailing interest rates and non-recurring charges, the effect of potential changes to trade policies, store closings, competitive pressures from specialty stores, general merchandise stores, off-price and discount stores, manufacturers’ outlets, the Internet and catalogs and general consumer spending levels, including the impact of the availability and level of consumer debt, possible systems failures and/or security breaches, Macy’s reliance on foreign sources of production, including risks related to the disruption of imports by labor disputes, regional or global health pandemics, and regional political and economic conditions, the effect of weather, inflation, and labor shortages, the amount and timing of future dividends and share repurchases, our ability to execute on our strategies or achieve expectations related to environmental, social, and governance matters, and other factors identified in documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the captions “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2023. Macy’s disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240227639962/en/

Media – Kah Yee Teh and Chris Grams

communications@macys.com

Investors – Pamela Quintiliano

investors@macys.com

Source: Macy’s, Inc.

FAQ

What is Macy's new strategy called?

Macy's new strategy is called 'A Bold New Chapter'.

What are the three strategic priorities of Macy's new strategy?

The three strategic priorities are strengthening the Macy's nameplate, accelerating luxury growth, and simplifying and modernizing end-to-end operations.

How many underproductive locations will Macy's close through 2026?

Macy's plans to close approximately 150 underproductive locations through 2026.

What is Macy's plan for expanding Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury stores?

Macy's plans to expand Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury footprint by up to 45 locations through 2026.

What financial outcomes does Macy's expect beginning in 2025?

Beginning in 2025, Macy's expects low-single-digit annual comparable sales growth, SG&A dollar growth below 2%-3% inflation rate, mid-single-digit EBITDA growth, capital spend below 2024 levels, and free cash flow returning to pre-pandemic levels.