Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’s
Plus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.

Announced in February 2024, the plan includes closing 150 underperforming Macy’s locations over a three-year period as it looks to reach sustainable, profitable sales growth.
The retailer is aiming to streamline its store network to around 350 locations.
Macy’s reported its Q4 and full-year results on Wednesday, noting some improvements.
Its quarterly net sales fell 2 percent year-over-year to $7.6 billion, exceeding its guidance, though the store closures did impact sales.
On the bright side, its comps were up 2 percent, also surpassing its guidance, while its net income jumped nearly 50 percent to $507 million.
For the full year, Macy’s net sales were down 2 percent to $21.8 billion, returning to positive comps with 2 percent growth.
Notably, it saw comp sales growth at its “Reimagine 125” revamped locations. Though it began with 125 locations, it has expanded to 200.
“As we wrap up year two of the Bold New Chapter, I’m pleased with the growth and progress we’re making against our strategic priorities,” said Macy’s CEO and Chairman Tony Spring.
“At Macy’s, we are offering more relevant brands, stronger storytelling, and investing in our colleagues so we can better serve the customer.”
Another part of its turnaround strategy was to expand its luxury brands, with plans to open 15 Bloomingdale’s stores and 30 Bluemercury locations by this year.
Bloomingdale’s, in particular, was a bright spot on its balance sheet, with Q4 net sales up 9 percent and comps up 10 percent. For the year, sales were up 6 percent, with comps up 7 percent.
“Bloomingdale’s exceptional performance underscores its ability to elevate the customer experience and capture demand across premium contemporary to luxury businesses,” said Spring.
Analysts have noted the ongoing bankruptcy at Saks Global, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, may have had a hand in Bloomingdale’s success, according to Retail Dive.
On the earnings call, Spring said “I feel strong about the opportunity for Bloomingdale's. The disruption in the marketplace only gives more fuel to the fire.”
“The vendor community has rallied around Bloomingdale's like never before. They are delivering for their customers at an exceptional level right now.”
Bluemercury also performed well in Q4, with net sales up 3 percent and comps up 1 percent. For the year, sales were up 3 percent and comps were up 2 percent.
Spring highlighted the categories driving growth for Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, including women's contemporary apparel, dresses, and tailored clothes, as well as fragrances.
In accessories, fine jewelry, lab-grown diamonds, and watches were driving growth.
Macy’s ranked No. 7 on National Jeweler’s “$100 Million Supersellers” list for fiscal year 2024, with an estimated $1.29 billion in jewelry and watch sales.
Looking to the fiscal year ahead, Macy’s is expecting sales between $21.4 billion to $21.7 billion, with comps down 0.5 percent to up 0.5 percent.
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer Thomas Edwards noted the impact of tariffs on the retailer.
“The tariff environment continues to evolve,” he said, noting its Q1 outlook reflects the rates before the recent changes. Beyond that, its outlook assumes similar tariffs will remain in place.
Overall, CEO Spring had a positive outlook for the year ahead.
“In 2026, we are well positioned to deliver further progress. Looking further ahead, our proven initiatives, strong execution, strategic clarity, and customer focus should drive sustainable growth and unlock future value creation,” said Spring.
Macy’s will also be celebrating two milestones this year, including the 100th anniversary of its Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the 50th anniversary of its Fourth of July fireworks display.
The Latest

Smith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.

Former Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.

The 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

A Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.


The new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.

The collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

She will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.

Organizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.

Woodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.

A WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.

The founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.

Submissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.

Valeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.

The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.

The graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.

The event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.

The yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.

The founder of Fords Jewelers, Berman is remembered for his love of connecting with his community.

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

Bold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”

The New York-based jewelry brand has expanded overseas, opening a store in London’s Mayfair district.

Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.

These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.

Alberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.

Initiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
























