Cincinnati — Macy’s, Inc. has outlined a series of initiatives to drive profitable growth, enhance shareholder value and strengthen Macy’s as an omnichannel shopping destination. Plans include closing approximately 100 stores by 2017.
“We operate in a fast-changing world, and our company is moving forward decisively to build further on Macy’s heritage as a preferred shopping destination for fashion, quality, value and convenience. This involves doing things differently and making tough decisions as we position ourselves to serve customers who have high expectations of their favorite stores, online sites and apps,” says Terry J. Lundgren, chairman and CEO of Macy’s, Inc.
“The announcements we are making today represent an advancement in our thinking on the role of stores, the quality of the shopping experience we will deliver, and how and where we reinvest in our business for growth. In the short term, our company’s topline sales will be somewhat smaller, but the changes being made will position us to grow comparable sales more quickly and generate a level of profitability that stands out among retailers,” says Jeff Gennette, president of Macy’s, Inc., who is designated to succeed Lundgren as CEO in the first quarter of 2017.
While still maintaining a significant bricks-and-mortar presence in 49 of the top 50 U.S. markets, Macy’s will operate fewer stores and concentrate its financial resources and talent on our better-performing locations.
As part of this strategy, the company intends to close approximately 100 Macy’s full-line stores (out of a current portfolio of 728 Macy’s stores, including 675 full-line locations). Most of these stores will close early in 2017, with the balance closing as leases and certain operating covenants expire or are amended or waived. In a number of cases, stores will be closed as the value of the real estate exceeds their value to Macy’s as a retail store. The locations of the 100 stores to be closed will be announced at a later date, once the company makes final decisions.
“Nearly all of the stores to be closed are cash flow positive today, but their volume and profitability in most cases have been declining steadily in recent years. We recognize that these locations do not yield an adequate return on investment and often do not represent a customer shopping experience that reflects our aspirations for the Macy’s brand. We decided to close a larger number of stores proactively so we can invest in a winning customer experience in our most productive and highest-potential locations, as well as invest in growth sooner and more aggressively in digital and mobile,” Gennette says.
“We believe that this reduction of 100 locations in the short term will result in a more appropriate store portfolio for Macy’s in the longer term and help us to accelerate our progress in building a vibrant omnichannel brand experience. With this strategy, we will be able to reinvest in a more energized shopping experience in our remaining stores and elevate our total customer experience across all methods of shopping,” Gennette adds.
Together, annual sales volume of the approximately 100 closed locations, net of sales expected to be retained in nearby stores and online, is expected to be roughly $1 billion. The reduction in EBITDA is expected to be offset by expense savings beyond those associated with store closings.
The company will communicate its store closing decisions directly with the associates in those locations prior to a public announcement. Associates displaced by store closings may be offered positions in nearby stores where possible. Eligible full-time and part-time associates who are laid off due to the store closing will be offered severance benefits.
The company continues to pursue opportunities to generate value from its real estate portfolio. The company has been examining opportunities for four of Macy’s large downtown flagship stores in various cities. Macy’s, Inc. is in negotiations to sell the Macy’s Men’s Store on Union Square in San Francisco for redevelopment. Details of that transaction will be made available if and when a deal is finalized. If a transaction is finalized, the Union Square Men’s Store likely will be closed after a comprehensive and compelling men’s shopping experience is built within the main Union Square store, which is located across the street. In that scenario, the Men’s Store will remain open until the new shopping environment in the main store is completed.
Macy’s, Inc. today operates 728 Macy’s stores. Over the past 6 years (2010 through 2016 to date), approximately 90 Macy’s stores have been closed and 13 new Macy’s stores have been opened. In addition, six new Macy’s Backstage offprice locations opened in fall 2015.
Macy’s, Inc., with corporate offices in Cincinnati and New York, is one of the nation’s premier retailers. The company operates about 880 stores in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico under the names of Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Bloomingdale’s Outlet, Macy’s Backstage and Bluemercury, as well as the macys.com, bloomingdales.com and bluemercury.com websites. Bloomingdale’s in Dubai is operated by Al Tayer Group LLC under a license agreement.
SOURCE: Macy’s, Inc.