Federated Department Stores made a decision in 2005 to reposition and consolidate 15 of its regional department store chains under just one national brand—Macy’s. This decision was in response to the decline in sales and profits that had hit the traditional department store industry, which was in a maturing stage and moving towards a downward trend for some time. Just three years later, in 2008, U.S. economy was hit with a recession that threatened the livelihood of many successful retail giants. While Macy’s did experience a significant drop in revenue in 2008 with a net loss of $4,803 million, compared to other department stores such as Mervyn’s that went bankrupt when the recession hit, Macy’s managed to stay in the game. Macy’s ability …show more content…
In addition, Macy’s launched Everyday Value strategy program that promoted value pricing such that customers would be able to purchase products without having to wait for sales day and the availability of coupons to get the most bang for their buck. In this way, Macy’s would have a better chance to stay close to its customers, provide affordable luxury and find a viable middle ground. While consolidation and repositioning efforts had their benefits, there were some challenges. Change is often very difficult as most individuals are creatures of habit. Thus, consolidation of department stores to one brand (in this case Macy’s) meant that existing consumers who had regularly shopped at their favorite department stores (such as Marshall Field’s in Chicago) would now have to adjust to new products, prices and services. In fact, the perception of some loyal consumers post consolidation was negative, complaining that Macy’s store had lower quality products and services. In addition, Macy’s had standardized its products and pricing nationwide to lower purchasing cost, however this tactic actually backfired. Standardization resulted in higher prices of products offered at Macy’s compared to the former regional department stores chains, thus consumers were apprehensive to shop at the
Since the implementation of MyMacy’s, brand repositioning has been challenging. Macy's new strategy will be 'affordable luxury' which will won’t compete in either high-end segment like Nordstrom and Saks or budget segment markets like Wal-Mart and Target.
When price increases sales decrease because fewer customers feel the product is a good value. Exclusive distribution rights for national manufacturers would help with increased growth and having vendors make unique products specifically for Macy’s would enable shopper loyalty which would also affect the variable costs.
Macy’s Inc. is one of the oldest enterprises in the United States, belonging to the department stores industry. (Hoovers.com) It is a national brand, owning 850 department stores. During the development of the company, there had several key decisions that were beneficial for the company. However, in recent years, the competitions in department stores industry become more and more serious.
Unlike Starbucks, Macy’s is not doing very well, as evidenced by the fact they announced last month the impeding closure of 68 stores (Peterson, 2017). The company has been struggling for a few years with the growth of the internet and online businesses such as Amazon making their brick and mortar stores impractical in modern times. While the number of stores may not seem like as much of a problem as it is, as other companies have had to close down more in recent years or go out of business in general, this is a symptom of larger problems in both the company and the industry.
In the past, JCP had, on average, one price campaign every day. The stores were full of sale signs and retail rise was getting out of control. JCP partnered with numerous exclusive collaborations which was hoped to bring about an expansion for the firm. However, due to the economic slump, the oversaturation of the market, and an expected lack of quality in the goods from the consumer perspective, JCPenney’s success was degrading in contrast to its competitors. (Sloan, 2010).
2.) In today’s evolving customers, a majority of customers changed their shopping habits. More shoppers research purchases on line and comparison shop. Macy’s must appeal to the new way of shopping and strive to meet the needs of their customer.
The industry we have chosen is the department store-retail industry. Within this industry, we have chosen the department stores of JCPenney and Macy’s. We find this industry, as well as these two companies, interesting from a strategic perspective. JCPenney has recently undergone a massive strategic restructuring in regards to its pricing, brand offerings, and store layout, pushing it away from the typical department store strategy of discounts and coupons. Its new strategy has become much closer to Wal-Mart’s strategy of every day low prices. Macy’s, on the other hand, has restructured with a push from the economic
This report presents data describing the differences amongst the two department stores, their fundamental visions, and comparative statistics. Macy’s or Dillard’s: Differences amongst these competitors There are several aspects you can analyze from each department store. Major pieces do set each one apart from the other. Brand names carried by Macy’s and Dillard’s from an average shoppers point of view can go completely unnoticed unless price is involved. For trend shoppers brand names can either make or break a retail store. It can easily determine if he or she will walk to Macy’s or Dillard’s because they already know the store does or does not carry that brand. This is consistent with each department throughout both stores and
Department stores are not easy to manage, and take a whole team of individuals to run daily operations smoothly. Dillard’s success at the turn of the century came from balancing finances properly, incorporating a friendly atmosphere, and building its reputation as a welcoming upscale department store. In recent years, however, Dillard’s Inc. has surfaced in headlines for being listed as one of the worst companies in the nation to work for. With stiff competition and acquisition factors, the department store industry is not one to lag behind in and
In this segment, the retailer J.C. Penney will be analyzed against the department store retail industry, with particular emphasis placed upon their competitors, Macy’s and Kohl’s. The major components to be discussed will include the general external environment (i.e. demographics, economics, politics, legal requirements, technologies and global expansion), the industry environment, the competitive environment, the driving forces and the key factors for success within the industry. In terms of the general external environment, the retail industry is a multi-trillion dollar business in the United States alone and maintains operations primarily due to consumer spending. Such purchases rely upon the disposable income of
Macy’s Inc. has a very strong network all over in the United States under its two main brand names but the company has very weak geographic presence. All of its business functions are in the United States. Any changes in the economic, political, legal, and social framework of the country will have direct impact on the business operations of Macy’s Inc. and its profitability will suffer many folds.
Macy’s has been around for 100 years, currently operating over 700 stores nationwide, and exploring the idea of expanding globally. A company that has that much experience, assets, and capitals are not likely to be bankrupted. With that being said, the current path and strategy that Macy’s is taking now is slowly killing the company. Their revenue stream has been decreasing to be multiple reasons, controllable and non-controllable. Macy’s should redesign their strategy to reach new markets because their current one is not responding to them as much. As many selections as there are in Macy’s, I think that they should try and carry more at a cheaper rate to encourage the loyal customers for that brand to go to Macy’s. I think the lead time for
With centralization, the chain (JC Penney) could buy the same assortments for all its stores, creating economies of scale that enabled it to slash prices. Those lower prices in turn helped JCPenney shed inventory more quickly. “With this new system, they started to play six or seven seasons instead of just three,” Davidowitz said. “It improved their whole fashion cycle” [ (Shopping Centers Today, 2005) ].So once again the companies that have more money have much more of an advantage because they are saving money when purchasing supplies and in exchange making more money when selling.
The financial data will support the strategy as the ratios and numbers show that Macy’s has resources and capital available for the implementation. Evaluation of external and internal factors positively presenting an opportunity for Macy’s to use designed strategy to and keep competitiveness in the industry. Summarizing Macy’s is a well-established organization with over 150 successful years in business that still has an ability to compete with leaders in the industry if the right
Macy's Inc. is one of the nation's largest and well known department store chains. Started over 150 years ago, Macy's has continually generated excellent returns for its shareholders and employees. Currently, in the midst of a global recession, Macy's has generated huge profits with same store sales increasing 5.3% year to date. In 2012 same store sales increased 4.6% in the month of February alone (Macy's Inc., 2012). In fact, throughout the duration of 2012, Macy's is projecting even larger profits for its underlying business operations. Even though Macy's has experienced success with both its assortments and brand, its competitors haven't faired so well. Sears, due in part to part to a lackluster holiday season, has been forced to close nearly 120 locations to generate excess liquidity in an effort to shore up its balance sheet (Isidore, 2011).Other competitors who cater specifically to the middle class consumer have also lost significant amounts of market share as consumers trade down due to the economy. This performance is primarily due to the core functions and operations of the business. Planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Macy's excels at these forms of management, which has allowed the company to perform at a higher level relative to its peers in the industry.