Macy’s celebrates Black History Month with Issa Rae and Laverne Cox

Macy’s celebrates Black History Month with Issa Rae and Laverne Cox

 

Macy’s welcomes local change makers at eight stores nationwide, highlighted by special appearances by Issa Rae in Los Angeles and Laverne Cox in New York City

NEW YORK, 2018-Feb-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — This February, Macy’s (NYSE:M) celebrates Black History Month by welcoming a host of innovators in fashion, entertainment, art, music, literature and technology, who are pioneers in their industries. Innovation is one of the cornerstones of Black culture, helping to propel trends, widely influencing pop culture, and changing the face of history. From music to science, Black culture has created a wave of change that has helped drive the country to new heights. With innovation comes an extraordinary opportunity to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and make unprecedented waves. This year, Macy’s special guests will discuss how they blazed their own paths and how the connection to their heritage helped inspire their success. Macy’s will also celebrate those making a difference and impacting their local communities, while helping to pave the way for future generations.

As part of Macy’s Black History Month celebrations, actress, writer and producer Issa Rae will appear at Macy’s Baldwin Hillsin Los Angeles. Macy’s will also welcome Emmy® -nominated actress and equal rights advocate, Laverne Cox, at Herald Square in New York City. Both will participate in moderated conversations about Black history, their inspirations and innovation in showbiz.

“These upcoming Black History events serve as wonderful opportunities for Macy’s to bring bold, ground-breaking Black innovators into our stores and to our communities,” said Kristyn Doar-Page, Macy’s vice president of Diversity & Inclusion Strategies. “As a retailer committed to celebrating trailblazers, Macy’s is thrilled to open a space where our community can engage with these artists as they share their life stories and inspirations.”

Issa Rae’s rise from web series creator to one of Hollywood’s It-girls is nothing less than remarkable. Rae’s content has garnered millions of views online and two Golden Globe® nominations for Best Actress for her hit show, HBO’s Insecure. Issa’s web series, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl was the recipient of the coveted Shorty Award for Best Web Show, and her first book, a collection of essays, is a New York Times Best Seller. Issa has graced the cover and pages of major national media outlets including Essence, The Hollywood Reporter, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, CNN, VOGUE and TIME with appearances onThe Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, The View, and more.

“I am excited to be working with Macy’s during Black History Month to celebrate those young and old whose innovation and talents are transforming American culture and making undeniable contributions to art and entertainment,” said Rae.

Laverne Cox is a two-time Emmy-nominated actress and Emmy-winning producer best known for her work on the critically acclaimed Netflix original series Orange Is The New Black, where she plays the groundbreaking role of Sophia Burset. Her work as an actress and advocate landed her on the cover of TIME magazine as well as two Emmy nominations, back-to-back SAG Awards for “Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series,” a Critic’s Choice nomination, and consecutive NAACP Image Award nominations. Cox is a renowned speaker and has taken her empowering message of moving beyond gender expectations to live more authentically all over the country. Her work as an advocate landed her a coveted spot as one of Glamour magazine’s 2014 Women of the Year. She is the recipient of the Dorian Rising Star Award, the Courage Award from the Anti-Violence Project, The Community Leader Award from the LGBT Center of New York City, was named one of The Grio’s 100 Most Influential African Americans, one of the Top 50 Trans Icons by the Huffington Post, one of Out magazine’s Out 100, was ranked number 5 on the 2014 Root 100 list and is a part of Ebony’s Power 100.

“I am grateful to be working with Macy’s during Black History Month to contribute to powerful conversations about the transformative work being done by young innovators,” said Cox. “There is never a better time to discuss the contributions made by the Black community, and what an inspiration it is to be among those fighting for change.”

At each of the Black History Month events, Macy’s customers will have an opportunity to meet and greet with event special guests. For additional information on Macy’s Black History Month festivities and special guests, please visit macys.com/celebrate.

Macy’s Black History Month events will be held at the following stores:
Macy’s Herald Square (New York City) – Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.
Macy’s Baldwin Hills (Los Angeles) – Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. with Issa Rae
Macy’s State Street (Chicago) – Thursday, Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m.
Macy’s Metro Center (Washington, D.C.) – Thursday, Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m.
Macy’s Culver City (Los Angeles) – Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m.
Macy’s Center City (Philadelphia) – Thursday, Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Macy’s Herald Square (New York City) – Thursday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. with Laverne Cox
Macy’s Union Square (San Francisco) – Thursday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m.
Macy’s Lenox Square (Atlanta) – Thursday, Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Macy’s Herald Square (New York City) – Saturday, Feb. 24 at 1 p.m.
Macy’s Aventura (Aventura, FL) – Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.
Macy’s Herald Square (New York City) – Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m.

About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 670 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores – including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California – are known internationally and are leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $54 million each year, plus 180,000 hours of volunteer service, to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

For Macy’s media materials, including images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at macys.com/pressroom.

Macy’s Contact:
Alicia Hart
646-429-5232
Alicia.Hart@macys.com

Christine Olver Nealon
646-429-5713
Christine.Olver.Nealon@macys.com

Source: Macy’s

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Macy’ launches Verona Collection a modest clothing brand

Macy’ launches Verona Collection a modest clothing brand

 

The modest clothing brand, featuring fashionable and modern dresses, pants, cardigans, tops and hijabs will be available on macys.com on February 15

NEW YORK, 2018-Feb-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — Macy’s (NYSE:M) today (Feb. 1, 2018) announced the launch of Verona Collection, a modest clothing brand and 2017 graduate of The Workshop at Macy’s, the retailer’s minority- and women-owned business development program founded in 2011. Available on macys.com beginning Feb. 15, Verona Collection will feature a curated selection of versatile, ready-to-wear pieces including dresses, tops, cardigans, pants and hijabs in a variety of colors and fabrics.

“Verona Collection is more than a clothing brand. It’s a platform for a community of women to express their personal identity and embrace fashion that makes them feel confident on the inside and outside,” said Lisa Vogl, founder of Verona Collection. “Macy’s has been an amazing partner, helping us strengthen the foundation of our business through The Workshop at Macy’s and now introducing our brand to their consumers through this collaboration.”

Inspired by her personal experience looking for fashionable and modest clothing, standout pieces include maxi dresses, versatile cardigans and hand-dyed hijabs. Accented with asymmetric buttons, the maxi dress is a modern take on a timeless classic and cardigans come in sleeveless and full sleeve styles for layering-look options. The hijabs are hand-dyed in versatile fabrics making them perfect for any occasion.

“Through The Workshop at Macy’s, Lisa shared her vision to create a collection that speaks to a community of women looking for a solution to their fashion needs,” said Cassandra Jones, senior vice president of Macy’s Fashion. “Verona Collection offers a unique and understated elegance through everyday essentials designed for versatility and comfort, and through our partnership, we can better serve our customer looking for modest fashion.”

The Workshop at Macy’s is conducted annually and represents a foundational element of Macy’s commitment to vendor diversity. May 2017 marked the seventh year of the program, as well as the continued creation of a viable pipeline of enterprises that will grow to become successful partners with Macy’s, Inc. and other retailers.

“Through The Workshop at Macy’s, we want to nurture and support minority- and women-owned businesses to build their capabilities and become the next generation of retail partners,” said Shawn Outler, Macy’s executive vice president – Licensed Businesses, Food Services and Multicultural Initiatives. “We are truly encouraged by the successes of our graduated businesses, including Verona Collection, and look forward to hosting a new class of participants this spring.”

Macy’s has long been recognized for its commitment to fostering the promotion, growth and development of its vendor resources. In 2016, Macy’s purchases from minority- and women-owned businesses totaled more than $1 billion – surpassing the billion dollar mark for the third year in a row, including purchases from The Workshop at Macy’s graduates.

Verona Collection ranges in price from $12.95 to $84.95 and will be available on macys.com beginning February 15.

For more information about The Workshop at Macy’s, visit macysinc.com/workshop.

About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 670 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores – including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California – are known internationally and are leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $54 million each year, plus 180,000 hours of volunteer service, to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

For Macy’s media materials, including images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at macys.com/pressroom.

Macy’s Media Relations:
Julie Strider
646-429-5213
julie.strider@macys.com

Silvia Osante
646-429-5241
silvia.osante@macys.com

Source: Macy’s

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Macy’s CEO Terry J. Lundgren will transition the position to Jeff Gennette in Q1 2017

Terry Lundgren to remain Executive Chairman as Jeff Gennette becomes CEO in the first quarter of 2017; Planned succession process supports upcoming strategies for business improvement

CINCINNATI, 2016-Jun-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M) today announced that Terry J. Lundgren, the company’s CEO since 2003 and Chairman since 2004, will transition the position of CEO to Jeff Gennette in the first quarter of 2017. The transition is part of the board of directors’ succession plan that included Gennette’s election as President of Macy’s, Inc. in 2014. Beyond the first quarter of 2017, Lundgren will continue as Executive Chairman of the company and work side-by-side with Gennette as President and CEO.

Gennette will join the Macy’s, Inc. board of directors, effective today – bringing the size of the board to 14 members. He will assume additional management responsibility during the transition period, including oversight of the Macy’s stores organization.

“I have been honored to lead this enterprise through a period of unprecedented reinvention. While our company is larger, stronger and more resourceful than we were 13 years ago, now is the time to reset our business model to thrive in a future that is being driven by rapid evolution in consumer preferences and shopping habits. Our company must and will change in response to the profound secular forces that are driving consumer spending. I am firmly committed to, and invigorated by, the process we have begun to set a going-forward strategy in lockstep with our evolving customers,” Lundgren said.

“Jeff Gennette is an extraordinary leader who has distinguished himself as a skilled merchant and retail operator. He has worked closely with me over the past two years as president of Macy’s, Inc. in a first step in this succession process, and we are closely aligned on creating a compelling and sustainable path forward. In making this announcement today, the board and I want to communicate proactively the timing of the CEO transition as we act to seamlessly implement our future plans. Jeff and our team are well equipped to continue the transformation of our company for the next generation of customers and associates.”

Added Marna C. Whittington, Macy’s, Inc. lead independent director: “Since taking the reins in 2003, Terry Lundgrenhas been an outstanding leader of this company. His tenure has included nearly doubling topline sales, acquiring theMay Department Stores Company, creating Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s as nationwide brands with emerging global opportunities, and establishing Macy’s, Inc. as one of the top six online retailers in the United States, and number three in the categories we sell. His leadership, combined with his vision and energy, will help set the tone for the next generation of growth at Macy’s, Inc. in collaboration with Jeff and the management team. One of Terry’s hallmarks has been creating an exceptional depth of management talent. Jeff Gennette has demonstrated proven leadership skills over his 33-year career with the company, and he is uniquely capable of leading the next chapter of Macy’s, Inc.’s history given his in-depth knowledge of the organization, his merchandising acumen and clear insight into the evolution of the retailing landscape. The entire board of directors is pleased and we are fortunate that an executive of Jeff’s caliber is in place to be the company’s next CEO and lead implementation of our going-forward strategies.”

Lundgren and Gennette will continue to work very closely together on improving current business trends and setting the stage for changes that will be announced as decisions are finalized.

“This is the time for us to be laser-focused on what is most important to our customers, and how we can best deliver the shopping experience that will secure our position as the premier omnichannel retailer of the future,” Gennette said. “We have successfully navigated our way through changing customer trends in the past and there is no doubt that Macy’s, Inc. will need to be a significantly different retailer in the future in the way we operate and approach the marketplace. But we also must continue to tackle our immediate priorities with vigor and discipline. Terry and I have an outstanding relationship and we will continue to collaborate closely through this CEO transition process.”

Jeff Gennette, 55, was named President of Macy’s, Inc. in March 2014 after serving as Macy’s Chief Merchandising Officer since February 2009. From February 2008 to February 2009, Gennette served as chairman and CEO of Macy’s West in San Francisco. He began his retail career in 1983 as an executive trainee at Macy’s West. He held positions of increasing responsibilities, including vice president and division merchandise manager for men’s collection and senior vice president and general merchandise manager for men’s and children’s. In 2004, Gennette was appointed executive vice president and director of stores at Macy’s Central in Atlanta. From February 2006 toFebruary 2008, Gennette was chairman and chief executive officer of Seattle-based Macy’s Northwest. During his career, Gennette also served as a store manager for FAO Schwarz and director of stores for Broadway Stores, Inc.Gennette, a native of San Diego, is a graduate of Stanford University.

Macy’s, Inc., with corporate offices in Cincinnati and New York, is one of the nation’s premier retailers, with fiscal 2015 sales of $27.079 billion. The company operates about 870 stores in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Guamand 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 inDubai is operated by Al Tayer Group LLC under a license agreement.

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 conditions to, or changes in the timing of, proposed transactions, prevailing interest rates and non-recurring charges, competitive pressures from specialty stores, general merchandise stores, off-price and discount stores, manufacturers’ outlets, the Internet, mail-order catalogs and television shopping and general consumer spending levels, including the impact of the availability and level of consumer debt, the effect of weather and other factors identified in documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:

Media:
Jim Sluzewski
513-579-7764

Investor:
Matt Stautberg
513-579-7780

Source: Macy’s, Inc.