Macy’s, one of the largest department store chains in the United States, has unveiled plans for a major restructuring that will include thousands of layoffs and the closure of several stores.
According to an internal memo obtained by the Wall Street Journal, Macy’s is preparing to cut 2,350 jobs – approximately 3.5% of its overall workforce – as well as shut down five stores across the country. The layoffs will impact corporate staff primarily, with the company looking to redirect savings to enhance the shopping experience for customers.
The restructuring comes amid ongoing pressures facing traditional brick-and-mortar retailers like Macy’s. As more shopping has shifted online over the years, especially during the pandemic, many department stores have struggled to adapt and maintain foot traffic. Macy’s, which also operates Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury, hopes these changes will allow the company to operate more efficiently in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.
Specifically, Macy’s plans to utilize layoff savings in several key areas. There will be increased investment in automation and outsourcing certain roles in the supply chain, which Macy’s believes will make operations more cost-effective. The company also aims to upgrade digital functions to create a smoother e-commerce experience, as online shopping continues to dominate consumer preferences. Additionally, more visual display managers will be added in stores to improve the in-person aesthetic.
Macy’s CEO Jeff Gennette, who will soon be succeeded by President Tony Spring, said in the memo that the restructuring is a direct response to nearly a year’s worth of consumer research. The goal is to remove redundancies and simplify execution so Macy’s can operate nimbly despite ongoing economic headwinds.
The announcement comes amid a wave of layoffs across the technology and retail sectors to start 2023. Google, Amazon, and others have cut thousands of jobs, attempting to tighten budgets and brace for potential recession. For Macy’s, these proactive steps aim to not just weather challenges but reorient operations around modern retail realities.
While further details remain forthcoming, the retailer is expected to make an official announcement in the coming weeks. This will likely provide specifics on which corporate roles, stores, and distribution facilities will be impacted. For now, thousands of Macy’s employees are facing uncertainty as the company seeks to streamline and update its business model.
The restructuring marks a pivotal moment for the iconic department store chain. By leveraging more automation, outsourcing, and e-commerce, Macy’s hopes to maintain relevance and profitability even as consumer habits evolve. However, the short-term cost will be thousands of lost jobs across the company’s corporate offices and stores. For Macy’s and other retailers, the future of retail appears to increasingly demand difficult tradeoffs and adaptive thinking in a rapidly shifting landscape.
