Macy's, Inc.
For the period ended Feb 1, 2025. Filed Mar 21, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Mar 21, 2025
M$23.08-4.6%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-02-03; filed 2024-03-22.
0001628280-24-012734
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-02-01; filed 2025-03-21.
0001628280-25-014315
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 115 previous paragraphs and 116 current paragraphs.
76 unchanged; 32 reworded; 8 added; 7 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (8)
Current report
AI creates business, legal and ethical challenges.
Current report
We use AI as a tool designed to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. AI tools assist us in areas such as customer service, supply chain, personalization, coding, human resources queries, security, marketing and advertising. We include AI in our annual compliance training and maintain guidelines requiring internal review and approval for certain AI tools. Even with careful governance, use of AI can produce incorrect output, release private or confidential information, reflect biases, or violate intellectual property rights. These risks could have adverse business, legal or regulatory impact or harm our reputation.
Current report
•Regulatory Risks. Macy’s, Inc. may be subject to more robust and nuanced compliance measures in any of the markets in which we operate, which may require us to gather new data and externally publish additional environmental information, creating incremental costs. This cost burden could also include potential penalties for noncompliance resulting from enforcement of regulatory requirements such as the SEC final climate disclosure rules (voluntarily stayed pending completion of judicial review of consolidated challenges to the rules by the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit) and the new California climate laws, SB-253 (reporting of Scopes 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions) and SB-261 (climate-related risk report). Macy’s, Inc. will incur costs to comply with these regulatory requirements, including environmental advisory/consulting services for emissions management and reporting.
Current report
As part of our Enterprise Risk Management process, Macy’s, Inc. currently monitors environmental and climate-related regulations at the state and federal level. We are focused on transparent reporting to demonstrate climate progress, build trust, and strengthen accountability. Measures include annual disclosure to CDP Climate Change survey and publishing a Corporate Responsibility Report that uses the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) standards. Macy's, Inc. also regularly updates its macysinc.com/purpose website to reflect changes in initiatives, such as publishing a Corporate Responsibility Report and new and updated policies.
Current report
•Reputational Risk. Macy's, Inc. internal stakeholders (colleagues and members of the Board of Directors) or external stakeholders (investors, customers, advocacy groups) expressing concern through public platforms that increase colleague turnover, stall strategic direction and/or limit funding avenues, thereby reducing revenue, having negative impacts on workforce management and planning (such as colleague attraction and retention) or slowing/stopping investments.
Current report
•Acute Physical Risk. The Macy's, Inc. physical infrastructure and operations, which may be affected, damaged or interrupted by more frequent and severe weather events such as pluvial /fluvial/coastal flooding, tropical cyclone, drought, and wildfire. In addition to damaging physical infrastructure, such events may also impact our workforce and shopping accessibility. This includes the possibility of extreme weather events disrupting Macy's, Inc.'s infrastructure, resulting in increased insurance costs and capital expenditures. The Texas ice storms and coastal hurricanes are both acute physical risk events that have affected Macy’s, Inc. in the past and serve as proxies for other potential acute risks.
Current report
Macy’s, Inc. monitors weather and situational events, 24 hours a day, year around, for emerging trends that pose a potential threat to the normal operations and the well-being of customers, Company colleagues, and Company assets. Macy’s, Inc. takes proactive measures to mitigate potential physical risk in advance, such as monitoring weather, assembling preparedness and relief kits, and installing generators at store locations. The Company is also implementing projects, such as the Emergency Management Software Systems, to be aware of and prepared for climate-related risks and continuing to develop company-wide disaster response training in order to prepare employees and physical spaces for possible disasters most relevant to those locations.
Current report
•Chronic Physical Risk. The Macy's, Inc. physical infrastructure and operations, which may be affected, damaged or interrupted by intensifying temperatures and water scarcity. Increasing cooling costs, HVAC degradation and colleague productivity decreases are examples of potentially material long-term impacts associated with such chronic risks.
Removed paragraphs (7)
Previous report
Our private brand products subject us to certain increased risks, including regulatory, product liability, intellectual property, supplier relations and reputational risks.
Previous report
As we expand our private brand offerings, we may become subject to increased risks due to our greater role in the design, manufacture, marketing and sale of those products. Risks include greater responsibility to administer and comply with applicable regulatory requirements, increased potential product liability and recall exposure, and increased potential reputational risks related to the responsible sourcing of those products. To effectively execute on our private brand strategy, we must also be able to successfully protect our proprietary rights and navigate and avoid claims related to the proprietary rights of third parties. An increase in sales of our private brand products may adversely affect sales of our vendors' products and, in turn, our relationships with certain of our vendors. Any failure to appropriately address these risks could damage our reputation and have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Previous report
•Regulatory Risks. Unfavorable global, domestic or regional economic or political conditions and other developments and risks could negatively affect our business and results of operations. For example, energy or carbon policies (both existing and emerging) that apply to our energy suppliers have the ability to impact indirect costs to our operations through shifts in energy prices. Recent and future developments in regional cap-and-trade programs such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which sets a declining limit on emissions from regulated power plants within the RGGI states, could increase our energy costs and affect the profitability of operations. The RGGI program spans 11 states and includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia. In 2020, Macy's, Inc. reported energy data for 217 locations across these states and could experience increases in the cost of energy in these regions as a result of the RGGI program. From 2021 to 2022, Macy's, Inc. experienced a 22% electricity cost increase across its sites located in RGGI states. Current environmental and climate-related regulation, both at the state and federal levels, are monitored as part of our enterprise risk management process.
Previous report
New and emerging regulatory initiatives in the U.S. related to climate change and ESG could adversely affect our business. On March 6, 2024, the SEC adopted a final rule that will require registrants to disclose certain climate-related information in annual reports. The final rule will be effective for certain parts of our annual reports for fiscal 2025 and 2026 and could lead to increased costs and complexities associated with our SEC reporting.
Previous report
•Technology Risk. We monitor developments in technology associated with climate change to determine the potential risks involved with maintaining a business-as-usual scenario or to evaluate opportunities for technological advancements or innovation. While the adoption of new technology to combat climate change has the potential to be a business opportunity, the resources associated with implementing this technology introduce financial risk to our organization. For example, upfront costs associated with efficiency projects such as LED lighting retrofits could negatively affect our business results if projected returns on investments are not met. Before adopting new technology, we evaluate the immediate costs and balance them with how long it will take to recoup the investment as well as how likely it is for that return to be realized.
Previous report
Macy's, Inc.'s greatest opportunity for energy reduction continues to be through our lighting. Since 2010, across Macy's and Bloomingdale's store locations, total energy consumption has been reduced by more than 19.7% through LED lighting retrofits.
Previous report
•Extreme Weather Events and Natural Disasters. The risk of extreme weather events is integrated into our climate change–related enterprise risk management assessment. Our business could be affected by extreme weather conditions, regional or global health pandemics or natural disasters. Extreme weather conditions, such as frequent or unusually heavy snowfall, ice storms, rainstorms or natural disasters such as wildfire over a prolonged period could make it difficult for our customers to travel to our stores and thereby reduce our sales and profitability. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes could damage or destroy our facilities, thereby negatively affecting our business and results of operations. Our business is also susceptible to unseasonable weather conditions, which could reduce demand for a portion of our inventory and reduce sales and profitability. In addition, extreme weather conditions could result in disruption or delay of production and delivery of materials and products in our supply chain or impact staffing in our stores.
Reworded paragraphs (32)
Previous wording
In 2024 we announced A Bold New Chapter, a strategy designed to enhance the customer experience, deliver sustainable, profitable growth and unlock shareholder value over the next three years. The strategy builds on the five growth factors and focuses on three strategic priorities:
Current wording
In 2024, we announced the A Bold New Chapter, a strategy designed to return the Company to enterprise growth, unlock shareholder value, improve the omni-channel experience and better serve its customers. The three-year strategy focuses on three strategic priorities:
Previous wording
•Strengthen Macy's through revitalizing merchandise assortment, modernizing the shopping environment and closing approximately 150 underperforming stores and prioritizing investment in approximately 350 go-forward stores and continued expansion of small format stores;
Current wording
•Strengthen and reimagine Macy's nameplate through rationalizing the store base by closing and monetizing approximately 150 underperforming stores and prioritizing investment in approximately 350 go-forward stores, launching the First 50 Stores, revitalizing merchandise assortment, and growing digital;
Previous wording
•Accelerate luxury growth by expanding Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury within the Macy's, Inc. nameplate portfolio; and
Current wording
•Accelerate and differentiate luxury by expanding Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury within the Macy's, Inc. nameplate portfolio; and
Previous wording
We plan to make value-enhancing investments to support these initiatives primarily focused on digital and technology, data and analytics, supply chain modernization and omni-channel capabilities. These initiatives have required and will continue to require our management, colleagues, and contractors to make changes in our business operations and to improve productivity and profitability, and are subject to the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel to support the initiatives. We face challenges in executing A Bold New Chapter strategy and initiatives in the current environment of heightened inflation, increased interest rates, economic uncertainty, geopolitical disruption and other macroeconomic conditions that may impact discretionary spending. Our ability to achieve sustainable, profitable growth is subject to the successful implementation of our strategic plans and realization of anticipated benefits and savings. If we are unable to successfully execute our strategic plans and initiatives to achieve the intended results or these investments or initiatives do not perform as expected or create implementation or operational challenges, our profitability and growth could suffer.
Current wording
We plan to make value-enhancing investments to support these initiatives primarily focused on digital and technology, data and analytics, supply chain modernization and omni-channel capabilities. These initiatives have required and will continue to require our management, colleagues, and contractors to make changes in our business operations and to improve productivity and profitability, and are subject to the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel to support the initiatives. We face challenges in executing the A Bold New Chapter strategy and initiatives in the current environment of heightened inflation, increased interest rates, economic uncertainty, geopolitical disruption and other macroeconomic conditions that may impact discretionary spending. Our ability to achieve sustainable, profitable growth is subject to the successful implementation of our strategic plans and realization of anticipated benefits and savings. If we are unable to successfully execute our strategic plans and initiatives to achieve the intended results or these investments or initiatives do not perform as expected or create implementation or operational challenges, our profitability and growth could suffer.
Previous wording
Our profitability depends on our ability to manage inventory levels and merchandise selection. Overestimating customer demand for merchandise can result in the need to record unplanned and incremental inventory markdowns and sell excess inventory at clearance prices, which would negatively impact our gross margins and operating results. Underestimating customer demand for merchandise can lead to insufficient inventory to meet demands, missed sales opportunities and negative customer experiences. If we are unable to protect against inventory shortage, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Current wording
Our profitability depends on our ability to manage inventory levels and merchandise selection. Overestimating customer demand for merchandise can result in the need to record unplanned and incremental inventory discounts or liquidations and sell excess inventory at clearance prices, which would negatively impact our gross margins and operating results. Underestimating customer demand for merchandise can lead to insufficient inventory to meet demands, missed sales opportunities and negative customer experiences. If we are unable to protect against inventory shortage, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Previous wording
The Company faces significant competition and challenges as consumers continue to migrate to digital shopping channels and depends on its ability to differentiate itself in retail's ever-changing environment.
Current wording
The Company faces significant competition and challenges as consumers continue to migrate to other shopping channels and depends on its ability to differentiate itself in retail's ever-changing environment.
Previous wording
As consumers continue to migrate to digital shopping channels, we face pressures to not only compete from a price perspective with our competitors, some of whom sell the same products, but also to differentiate Macy's, Inc.'s merchandise offerings, services and shopping experiences to stay relevant as a modern department store in retail's ever-changing environment. Macy's launched On 34th and State of Day, new private brands, in 2023 and February 2024, respectively, and expects to refresh or replace all existing brands in its private brands portfolio through 2025. Macy's digital marketplace offers over 2,300 brands from third party sellers and the Company launched a Bloomingdale's marketplace in 2023 to introduce customers to new merchandise options. We continue to significantly invest in our omni-channel capabilities, seeking to improve the profitability of our digital business through delivery expense reduction, gross margin expansion and other initiatives to support digital sales growth. We continue to seek to improve the delivery experience of our customers with strategic investments to fulfill digital sales demand and elevated delivery speed expectations. Insufficient, untimely or misguided investments in these areas could significantly impact our profitability and growth.
Current wording
We face pressures to not only compete from a price perspective with our competitors, some of whom sell the same products, but also to differentiate Macy's, Inc.'s merchandise offerings, services and shopping experiences to stay relevant as a modern department store in retail's ever-changing environment. Macy's launched On 34th and State of Day, new private brands, in 2023 and 2024, respectively, refreshed I.N.C. and Style & Co. brands in 2023 through 2024, and expects to refresh or replace all existing brands in its private brands portfolio through 2025. Macy's digital marketplace offers a variety of brands from third party sellers and the Company launched a Bloomingdale's marketplace in 2023 to introduce customers to new merchandise options. We continue to invest in our omni-channel capabilities, focusing on search engine optimization, site enhancements, and more transparent pricing, and seek to improve the customer experience through faster online delivery and higher product in-stocks. Insufficient, untimely or misguided investments in these areas could significantly impact our profitability and growth.
Previous wording
In addition, a significant decline of customer store traffic or migration of sales from brick-and-mortar stores to digital platforms could lead to additional store closures, restructuring and other costs that could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows.
Current wording
In addition, a significant decline in customer store traffic or migration of sales from brick-and-mortar stores to digital platforms could lead to additional store closures, restructuring and other costs that could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows.
Previous wording
We have invested in facilities and fixtures upgrades, merchandise assortment and customer service in selected stores to improve customer retention rates and overall customer satisfaction. We have opened new off-mall smaller store formats – Macy's small format and Bloomie's – in selected markets to act as fill-in locations in existing markets to gain foot traffic and a new customer base, replacement locations in markets where an underperforming full-line location closure would result in a market exit, and to enter new markets. In 2022, we introduced permanent Toys “R” Us shops within all Macy's locations. While these store investments, off-mall store formats, and in-store shops are intended to improve the customer store experience and drive traffic, realization of these benefits may not occur.
Current wording
We launched the First 50 Stores as a key component of the Bold New Chapter strategy to test initiatives such as focused staffing in key departments, enhanced merchandise offerings, modern visual presentations and unique store-level activations and community events. We have opened new off-mall smaller store formats – Macy's small format, Bloomie's and Bloomingdale's the Outlet – in selected markets. In 2022, we introduced permanent Toys “R” Us shops within all Macy's locations. While these store investments, off-mall store formats, and in-store shops are intended to improve the customer store experience and drive traffic, realization of these benefits may not occur.
Previous wording
Because we rely on the ability of our physical retail locations to attract customers, provide full or curated merchandise selections, drive traffic to digital channels and assist in fulfillment, returns and other omni-channel functions, providing a desirable and sought-out shopping experience is important to our financial success. Changes in consumer shopping habits, a decline in mall shopping environments, financial difficulties at other anchor tenants, significant mall vacancy issues, mall violence and new on- and off-mall developments could each adversely impact the traffic at current retail locations and lead to a decline in our financial condition or performance.
Current wording
Because we rely on the ability of our physical retail locations to attract customers, provide full or curated merchandise selections, drive traffic to digital channels and assist in fulfillment, returns and other omni-channel functions, providing a desirable and sought-out shopping experience is important to our financial success. Changes in consumer shopping habits, continued decline in mall shopping environments, financial difficulties at other anchor tenants, significant mall vacancy issues, mall violence and new on- and off-mall developments could each adversely impact the traffic at current retail locations and lead to a decline in our financial condition or performance.
Previous wording
We may continue to explore opportunities to monetize our real estate portfolio, including sales of stores as well as non-store real estate, such as warehouses, outparcels and parking garages. We also continue to evaluate our real estate portfolio to identify opportunities where the redevelopment value of our real estate exceeds the value of non-strategic operating locations. This strategy is multi-pronged and may include transactions, strategic alliances or other arrangements with mall developers or other unrelated third-parties. Where feasible, we may subdivide an existing parcel, continue to operate a store and redevelop any excess parcel for mixed-use, or close the store and redevelop an entire parcel into a mixed-use development, in either event selling the parcel once the site development plan is approved by governmental authorities. Due to the cyclical nature of real estate markets and the risks of real estate development, the performance of our real estate strategy is inherently volatile and could have a significant impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
Current wording
We continue to explore opportunities to monetize our real estate portfolio, including sales of stores as well as non-store real estate, such as warehouses, outparcels and parking garages. We also continue to evaluate our real estate portfolio to identify opportunities where the redevelopment value of our real estate exceeds the value of non-strategic operating locations. This strategy is multi-pronged and may include transactions, strategic alliances or other arrangements with mall developers or other unrelated third-parties. Where feasible, we may subdivide an existing parcel, continue to operate a store and redevelop any excess parcel for mixed-use, or close the store and redevelop an entire parcel into a mixed-use development, in either event selling the parcel once the site development plan is approved by governmental authorities. Due to the cyclical nature of real estate markets and the risks of real estate development, the performance of our real estate strategy is inherently volatile and could have a significant impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
Previous wording
Our expenses relating to employee health benefits are significant. Recent medical plan cost increases have been driven by a rise in high-cost claimants, high-cost conditions, high utilization of outpatient facilities, physicians and in-hospital stays, and demographic shifts to an older enrollment population. Unfavorable changes in the cost of employee health benefits could negatively affect our financial results and cash flow.
Current wording
Our expenses relating to employee health benefits are significant. Medical plan cost increases have been driven by factors such as a rise in high-cost claimants, high-cost conditions, high utilization of outpatient facilities, physicians and in-hospital stays, and demographic shifts to an older enrollment population. Unfavorable changes in the cost of employee health benefits could negatively affect our financial results and cash flow.
Previous wording
In 2005, in connection with the sale of most of the Company's credit card accounts and related receivable balances to Citibank, N.A. (Citibank), the Company and Citibank entered into a long-term marketing and servicing alliance pursuant to the terms of a Credit Card Program Agreement (Credit Card Program). Subsequent to this initial arrangement and associated amendments, on December 13, 2021, the Company entered into the sixth amendment to the amended and restated Credit Card Program with Citibank (the Program Agreement), pursuant to which Citibank issues, maintains and services Macy's and Bloomingdale's private label and co-branded credit cards. Under the Program Agreement, which extends until March 31, 2030, Citibank owns the credit card receivables generated from sales through the credit cards and Macy's receives fees and shares in profits based on a tiered return on the receivables portfolio net of program expenses. Credit card revenues, net were $619 million, or approximately 2.7% of net sales, for 2023. Deterioration in economic conditions could adversely affect the volume of new credit accounts, the amount of credit card program balances and the ability of credit card holders to pay their balances. These conditions could result in the Company receiving lower payments under the credit card program.
Current wording
In 2005, in connection with the sale of most of the Company's credit card accounts and related receivable balances to Citibank, N.A. (Citibank), the Company and Citibank entered into a long-term marketing and servicing alliance pursuant to the terms of a Credit Card Program Agreement (Credit Card Program). Subsequent to this initial arrangement and associated amendments, on December 13, 2021, the Company entered into the sixth amendment to the amended and restated Credit Card Program with Citibank (the Program Agreement), pursuant to which Citibank issues, maintains and services Macy's and Bloomingdale's private label and co-branded credit cards. Under the Program Agreement, which extends until March 31, 2030, Citibank owns the credit card receivables generated from sales through the credit cards and the Company receives fees and shares in profits based on a tiered return on the receivables portfolio net of program expenses. Credit card revenues, net were $537 million, or approximately 2.4% of net sales, for 2024. Deterioration in economic conditions could adversely affect the volume of new credit accounts, the amount of credit card program balances and the ability of credit card holders to pay their balances. These conditions could result in the Company receiving lower payments under the credit card program.
Previous wording
In addition, recent shifts from sales through our proprietary credit cards to debit products and alternative buy-now-pay-later payment methods may result in increased costs and could have a negative impact to credit card revenues due to potentially reduced credit card receivable balances.
Current wording
In addition, shifts from sales through our proprietary credit cards to debit products and alternative buy-now-pay-later payment methods may result in increased costs and could have a negative impact to credit card revenues due to potentially reduced credit card receivable balances.
Previous wording
In March 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized a rule to amend Regulation Z to lower the safe harbor dollar amount credit card companies can charge for late fees from up to $41 to $8 for a missed payment. A decrease in late fees assessed would reduce credit card revenue. The Company is closely monitoring developments on this matter.
Current wording
In March 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized a rule to amend Regulation Z to lower the safe harbor dollar amount credit card companies can charge for late fees from up to $41 to $8 for a missed payment. The rule has been stayed as a result of ongoing litigation. A decrease in late fees assessed would reduce credit card revenue. The Company is closely monitoring developments on this matter.
Previous wording
We are making, and expect to continue to make, substantial investments in our information technology systems, infrastructure and personnel, in some cases with the assistance of strategic partners and other third-party service providers. These investments involve replacing existing systems, some of which are older, legacy systems, outsourcing certain technology and business processes to third-party service providers, including the adoption of Generative AI in certain processes, making changes to existing systems including the migration of applications to the cloud, maintaining or enhancing legacy systems, or designing or acquiring new systems. These efforts can result in significant potential risks, including failure of the systems to operate as designed, potential loss or corruption of data, changes in security processes and internal controls, cost overruns, implementation delays or errors and disruption of operations.
Current wording
We are making, and expect to continue to make, substantial investments in our information technology systems, infrastructure and personnel, in some cases with the assistance of strategic partners and other third-party service providers. These investments involve replacing existing systems, some of which are older, legacy systems, outsourcing certain technology and business processes to third-party service providers, including the adoption of Generative artificial intelligence ("AI") in certain processes, making changes to existing systems including the migration of applications to the cloud, maintaining or enhancing legacy systems, or designing or acquiring new systems. These efforts can result in significant potential risks, including failure of the systems to operate as designed, potential loss or corruption of data, changes in security processes and internal controls, cost overruns, implementation delays or errors and disruption of operations.
Previous wording
Retail data frequently targeted by cybercriminals includes consumer credit card data, personally identifiable information, including social security numbers, and health care information. For retailers, point of sale and e-commerce websites are often attacked through compromised credentials, including those obtained through phishing, vishing and credential stuffing. Other methods of attack include advanced malware, the exploitation of software and operating vulnerabilities, and physical device tampering/skimming at card reader units. We believe these attack methods will continue to evolve. In addition, the risk of cyber-based attacks is heightened with many of our employees working and accessing our technology infrastructure remotely.
Current wording
Retail data frequently targeted by cybercriminals includes consumer credit card data, personally identifiable information, including social security numbers, and health care information. For retailers, point of sale and e-commerce websites are often attacked through compromised credentials, including those obtained through phishing, vishing and credential stuffing. Other methods of attack include advanced malware, the exploitation of software and operating vulnerabilities, and physical device tampering/skimming at card reader units. We believe these attack methods will continue to evolve. In addition, AI tools may provide hackers with more sophisticated methods of cyberattacks.
Previous wording
We source a significant amount of our private label products from factories in China and, to a lesser extent, from factories in Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Jordan and other countries. Since 2017, the U.S. and China have been engaged in a trade dispute that has involved a number of actions against China including the imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports; sanctions on Chinese military-industrial complex companies; stricter reviews of direct investments in the U.S. by Chinese companies; and detention by U.S. Customs of products made in Xinjiang involving alleged human rights violations, which have or may prompt countersanctions or other retaliatory actions from the Chinese government. In addition, differing policies on China–Taiwan and the Russia–Ukraine war have further strained relations between the countries. These geopolitical, trade and investment tensions have created additional uncertainty and increased risk in doing business in China, including potential supply disruptions and higher costs of our products sourced or imported from China.
Current wording
We source certain of our private label products from factories in China, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Jordan and other countries. Since 2017, the U.S. and China have been engaged in a trade dispute that has involved a number of actions against China including the imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports; sanctions on Chinese military-industrial complex companies; stricter reviews of direct investments in the U.S. by Chinese companies; and detention by U.S. Customs of products made in Xinjiang involving alleged human rights violations, which have or may prompt countersanctions or other retaliatory actions from the Chinese government. In addition, differing policies on China–Taiwan and the Russia–Ukraine war have further strained relations between the countries. These geopolitical, trade and investment tensions have created additional uncertainty and increased risk in doing business in China, including potential supply disruptions and higher costs of our products sourced or imported from China.
Previous wording
In recent years, the U.S. has been engaged in extended trade negotiations with China, which has resulted in the implementation of tariffs on a significant number of products manufactured in China and imported into the U.S. While recent tariffs and modifications to trade agreements have not resulted in a material impact on our business, results of operations, and liquidity to date, any additional actions, if ultimately enacted, could negatively impact our ability and the ability of our third-party vendors and suppliers to source products from foreign jurisdictions, which could lead to an increase in the cost of goods and adversely affect the Company's profitability.
Current wording
On February 1, 2025, President Trump issued executive orders imposing a 25% tariff on products imported from Canada and Mexico (initially suspended for 30 days) and a 10% tariff on products imported from China, effective February 4, 2025. An additional 10% increase in the China tariffs became effective March 4, 2025. Tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico became effective March 4, 2025, but were later subject to broad exemptions effective March 7, 2025. While previous tariffs on Chinese goods and modifications to trade agreements have not resulted in a material impact on our business, results of operations, and liquidity to date, these new tariffs or any additional actions, such as "reciprocal" tariffs on U.S. trading partners to address trade imbalances, could negatively impact our ability and the ability of our third-party vendors and suppliers to source products from foreign jurisdictions, which could lead to an increase in the cost of goods and adversely affect the Company's profitability. Tariffs passed on to consumers through higher prices can also negatively impact consumer confidence and discretionary spending.
Previous wording
We continue to evaluate the impact of currently effective tariffs, including potential future retaliatory tariffs, as well as other recent changes in foreign trade policy and the U.S. Administration on our supply chain, costs, sales and profitability, and are working through strategies to mitigate such impact, including reviewing sourcing options and working with our vendors and merchants. At this time, it is unknown how long U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods will remain in effect or whether additional tariffs will be imposed. Depending upon their duration and implementation, as well as our ability to mitigate their impact, these changes in foreign trade policy and any recently enacted, proposed and future tariffs on products imported by us from China could negatively impact our business, results of operations and liquidity if they seriously disrupt the movement of products through our supply chain or increase their cost.
Current wording
We continue to evaluate the impact of currently effective tariffs, including potential future retaliatory tariffs, as well as other recent changes in foreign trade policy and the U.S. Administration on our supply chain, costs, sales and profitability, and are working through strategies to mitigate such impact, including reviewing sourcing options and working with our vendors and merchants. At this time, it is unknown how long U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods will remain in effect or whether additional tariffs will be imposed. Depending upon their duration and implementation, as well as our ability to mitigate their impact, these changes in foreign trade policy and any recently enacted, proposed and future tariffs on products imported by us from China, as well as general uncertainty in the tariff environment, could negatively impact our business, results of operations and liquidity if they seriously disrupt the movement of products through our supply chain or increase their cost.
Previous wording
Economic and civil unrest in areas of the world where we source products, as well as shipping and dockage issues, could adversely impact the availability or cost of our products, or both. Most of the Company's goods imported to the U.S. arrive from Asia through ports located on the U.S. west coast and are subject to potential disruption due to labor unrest or shortages, security issues or natural disasters affecting any or all of these ports. In addition, in recent years, we have substantially increased the number and types of merchandise that are sold under the Company's proprietary brands. While we have focused on the quality of our proprietary branded products, we rely on third-parties to manufacture these products. Such third-party manufacturers may prove to be unreliable, the quality of our globally sourced products may vary from expectations and standards, the products may not meet applicable regulatory requirements which may require us to recall these products, or the products may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third-parties. We face challenges in seeking indemnities from manufacturers of these products, including the uncertainty of recovering on such indemnity and the lack of understanding by manufacturers of U.S. product liability laws in certain foreign jurisdictions.
Current wording
Economic and civil unrest in areas of the world where we source products, as well as shipping and dockage issues, could adversely impact the availability or cost of our products, or both. Most of the Company's goods imported to the U.S. arrive from Asia through ports located on the U.S. west coast and are subject to potential disruption due to labor unrest or shortages, security issues or natural disasters affecting any or all of these ports. In addition, in recent years, we have increased the number and types of merchandise that are sold under the Company's proprietary brands. While we have focused on the quality of our private brand products, we rely on third-parties to manufacture these products. Such third-party manufacturers may prove to be unreliable, the quality of our globally sourced products may vary from expectations and standards, the products may not meet applicable regulatory requirements which may require us to recall these products, or the products may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third-parties. We face challenges in seeking indemnities from manufacturers of these products, including the uncertainty of recovering on such indemnity.
Previous wording
We also face concerns relating to human rights, working conditions and other labor rights, and conditions and environmental impact in factories or countries where merchandise that we sell is produced, as well as concerns about transparent sourcing and supply chains. Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to facilitate compliance with laws and regulations relating to production of merchandise, doing business in foreign countries and importing merchandise, and to screen, train and monitor our private label vendors to confirm safe and ethical treatment of workers in our supply chain, there can be no assurance that our vendors and other third parties with whom we do business will not violate such laws and regulations or our policies, which could subject us to liability and could adversely impact our reputation, results of operations and business.
Current wording
We also face concerns relating to human rights, working conditions and other labor rights, and conditions and environmental impact in factories or countries where merchandise that we sell is produced, as well as concerns about transparent sourcing and supply chains. Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to facilitate compliance with laws and regulations relating to production of merchandise, doing business in foreign countries and importing merchandise, and to screen, train and monitor our private label vendors to confirm safe and ethical treatment of workers in our supply chain, there can be no assurance that our vendors and other third parties with whom we do business will not violate such laws and regulations or our policies, which could lead to reputational harm and could expose us to litigation, investigations, enforcement actions, monetary liability and additional costs that could adversely impact our reputation, results of operations and business.
Previous wording
We regularly maintain cash balances at third-party financial institutions in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) insurance limit. The FDIC took control and was appointed receiver of Silicon Valley Bank and New York Signature Bank on March 10, 2023 and March 12, 2023, respectively, and JPMorgan Chase Bank assumed all deposits and substantially all assets of First Republic Bank on May 1, 2023. The Company did not have any direct exposure to Silicon Valley Bank, New York Signature Bank or First Republic Bank. However, if other banks and financial institutions enter receivership or become insolvent in the future in response to financial conditions affecting the banking system and financial markets, our ability to access our existing cash, cash equivalents and investments, or to draw on our existing lines of credit, may be threatened and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Current wording
We regularly maintain cash balances at third-party financial institutions in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) insurance limit. The FDIC took control and was appointed receiver of Silicon Valley Bank and New York Signature Bank in March 2023, and JPMorgan Chase Bank assumed all deposits and substantially all assets of First Republic Bank in May 2023. The Company did not have any direct exposure to these banks. However, if other banks and financial institutions enter receivership or become insolvent in the future in response to financial conditions affecting the banking system and financial markets, our ability to access our existing cash, cash equivalents and investments, or to draw on our existing lines of credit, may be threatened and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Previous wording
Extreme weather conditions, including those that may be caused by climate change, in the areas in which our stores are located could negatively affect our business and results of operations. For example, frequent or unusually heavy snowfall, ice storms, rainstorms or other extreme weather conditions over a prolonged period could make it difficult for our customers to travel to our stores and thereby reduce our sales and profitability. Our business is also susceptible to unseasonable weather conditions. For example, extended periods of unseasonably warm temperatures during the winter season or cool weather during the summer season could reduce demand for a portion of our inventory and thereby reduce our sales and profitability. In addition, extreme weather conditions could result in disruption or delay of production and delivery of materials and products in our supply chain and cause staffing shortages in our stores.
Current wording
Extreme weather conditions, including those that may be caused by climate change, in the areas in which our stores are located could negatively affect our business and results of operations. For example, frequent or unusually heavy snowfall, ice storms, rainstorms, wildfires or other extreme weather conditions over a prolonged period could make it difficult for our customers to travel to our stores and thereby reduce our sales and profitability. Our business is also susceptible to unseasonable weather conditions. For example, extended periods of unseasonably warm temperatures during the winter season or cool weather during the summer season could reduce demand for a portion of our inventory and thereby reduce our sales and profitability. In addition, extreme weather conditions could result in disruption or delay of production and delivery of materials and products in our supply chain and cause staffing shortages in our stores.
Previous wording
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the retail industry, including our business. Should we experience a regional or global pandemic or other public health crisis, including from a COVID-19 variant, influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, other microorganism, infectious disease or other cause, it could have a significant negative impact on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Current wording
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the retail industry, including our business. Should we experience a regional or global pandemic or other public health crisis, including from a COVID-19 variant, influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, other microorganism, infectious disease or other cause, it could have a significant negative impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Previous wording
We are subject to various federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, inquiries and initiatives in connection with both our core business operations and our credit card and other ancillary operations (including the Credit Card Act of 2009 and the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933). Recent and future developments relating to such matters could increase our compliance costs and adversely affect the profitability of our credit card and other operations. Our effective tax rate is impacted by a number of factors, including changes in federal or state tax law, interpretation of existing laws and the ability to defend and support the tax positions taken on historical tax returns. Certain changes in any of these factors could materially impact the Company's effective tax rate and net income. The Inflation Reduction Act was enacted on August 16, 2022 and includes a number of provisions that may impact the Company, including a corporate alternative minimum tax on certain large corporations, incentives to address climate change mitigation and other non-income tax provisions, including an excise tax on the repurchase of our stock. We are assessing these impacts on our consolidated financial statements.
Current wording
We are subject to various federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, inquiries and initiatives in connection with both our core business operations and our credit card and other ancillary operations (including the Credit Card Act of 2009 and the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933). Recent and future developments relating to such matters could increase our compliance costs and adversely affect the profitability of our credit card and other operations. Our effective tax rate is impacted by a number of factors, including changes in federal or state tax law, interpretation of existing laws and the ability to defend and support the tax positions taken on historical tax returns. Certain changes in any of these factors could materially impact the Company's effective tax rate and net income. The Inflation Reduction Act, enacted on August 16, 2022, includes a number of provisions that may impact the Company, including a corporate alternative minimum tax on certain large corporations, incentives to address climate change mitigation and other non-income tax provisions, including an excise tax on the repurchase of our stock.
Previous wording
In addition, our business is subject to complex and rapidly evolving laws addressing data privacy and data protection and companies are under increased regulatory scrutiny with respect to these matters. The Federal Trade Commission and many state attorneys general are interpreting federal and state consumer protection laws to impose standards for the online collection, use, dissemination and security of data. The interpretation and application of existing laws regarding data privacy and data protection are in flux and many states are considering new regulations in this area. Data privacy laws enacted in California, Virginia, Colorado, Utah, Connecticut, Iowa, Indiana, Tennessee, Montana, Texas, Oregon, New Jersey, Delaware and New Hampshire (as of February 1, 2024) and other applicable U.S. privacy laws or new state or federal laws may limit our ability to collect and use data, require us to modify our data processing practices or result in the possibility of fines, litigation or orders which may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. The burdens imposed by these and other laws and regulations that may be enacted, or new interpretations of existing laws and regulations, may also require us to incur substantial costs to reach compliance or change the manner in which we use data.
Current wording
In addition, our business is subject to complex and rapidly evolving laws addressing data privacy and data protection and companies are under increased regulatory scrutiny with respect to these matters. The Federal Trade Commission and many state attorneys general are interpreting federal and state consumer protection laws to impose standards for the online collection, use, dissemination and security of data. The interpretation and application of existing laws regarding data privacy and data protection are in flux and many states are considering new regulations in this area. Data privacy laws enacted in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia (as of June 2024) and other applicable U.S. privacy laws or new state or federal laws may limit our ability to collect and use data, require us to modify our data processing practices or result in the possibility of fines, litigation or orders which may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. The burdens imposed by these and other laws and regulations that may be enacted, or new interpretations of existing laws and regulations, may also require us to incur substantial costs to reach compliance or change the manner in which we use data.
Previous wording
We have identified certain climate change-related risks that may impact our business over the short-, medium- and long-term. The nature of these risks depends on both the physical aspects of climate change as well as legal, regulatory, and market requirements, pressure to reduce our carbon footprint and our ability to understand and respond to rapidly evolving developments. Climate change and related measures could have adverse impacts on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, including, but not limited to:
Current wording
We have identified certain climate change-related risks that have impacted or may in the future impact our business over the short-, medium- and long-term. The nature of these risks depends on both the physical aspects of climate change as well as legal, regulatory, and market requirements, pressure to reduce our carbon footprint and our ability to understand and respond to rapidly evolving developments. Climate change and related measures could have adverse impacts on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, including, but not limited to:
Previous wording
•Reputational Risk. Maintaining our Company's reputation and brand image at a high level is critical to our operations and financial results. Reputational risk in relation to climate-related issues encompasses both supply chain issues and our position and progress toward cleaner energy production and consumption. We rely upon a diverse, global network of suppliers and vendors within our supply chain that may expose us to risks from a reputational and brand perspective. We utilize the Sustainable Apparel Coalition's Higg Index, a suite of tools for the standardized measurement of value chain sustainability. Data is collected from multiple tiers in our Macy's private brand apparel and home textile supply chains as part of our continued efforts to identify brand risk and advocate for sustainability improvements, including energy/greenhouse gas efficiency. Macy's private brands supply chain is and will continue to be impacted by climate change related weather events that may cause supply disruptions. We also use the Higg Index to collect data about the likely resiliency of our supply chains and as an engagement tool to strengthen relationships and make continuous improvement.
Current wording
Maintaining our Company's reputation and brand image at a high level is critical to our operations and financial results. Reputational risk in relation to climate-related issues encompasses both supply chain issues and our position and progress toward cleaner energy production and consumption. We rely upon a diverse, global network of suppliers and vendors within our supply chain that may expose us to risks from a reputational and brand perspective. Macy's private brands supply chain is and will continue to be impacted by climate change related weather events that may cause supply disruptions.
Previous wording
We face increasing pressure to demonstrate our products are environmentally-friendly. Our efforts to mitigate that risk include using materials or processes that are third-party certified for environmentally-friendly attributes like OEKO-TEX® as well as trademarked fibers like TENCEL™ and REPREVE®. Macy's and Bloomingdale's have curated sitelets online to help strengthen Macy's, Inc.'s position of being identified as a responsible retailer, committed to climate-related and broader environmental topics. These mitigation efforts may not be successful.
Current wording
We face increasing pressure to demonstrate our products are environmentally-friendly. Our efforts to mitigate that risk include using materials or processes that are third-party certified for environmentally-friendly attributes like OEKO-TEX® as well as U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol (USCTP) which provides traceable and preferred cotton. Macy's and Bloomingdale's have curated sitelets online to help strengthen Macy's, Inc.'s position of being identified as a responsible retailer, committed to climate-related and broader environmental topics. These mitigation efforts may not be successful.
Previous wording
•Risk Related to Resource Use. There is increasing scrutiny on the use of resources, particularly energy sources and energy use. Pressure from regulators, consumers and other stakeholders to find alternatives and/or energy-efficient solutions to sharply reduce our use of natural resources is escalating. We continue to look for ways to address these issues and continue to explore developing best practices within the industry. Through memberships in industry groups such as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, we are working to reduce the environmental and social impact of apparel and footwear products around the world. The use of recycled material textiles emits fewer greenhouse gas emissions and conserves water and energy as compared to making virgin fiber. Additionally, we have rolled out a framework to measure the social and environmental performance of more than 500 facilities, benchmarking by facility type to allow comparison of performance against that of peers.
Current wording
•Risk Related to Resource Use. There is increasing scrutiny on the use of resources, particularly energy sources and energy use. Pressure from regulators, consumers and other stakeholders to find alternatives and/or energy-efficient solutions to reduce our use of natural resources is escalating. Through memberships in industry groups such as Textile Exchange, we are working to reduce the environmental and social impact of apparel and footwear products around the world. Additionally, we have engaged World Wildlife Fund to help develop our water stewardship strategy within our private brand supply chain.
Previous wording
As of February 3, 2024, the aggregate principal amount of our total outstanding indebtedness was $2,998 million. Our level of indebtedness could have important consequences for the holders of our debt and equity securities. For example, it could:
Current wording
As of February 1, 2025, the aggregate principal amount of our total outstanding indebtedness was $2,779 million. Our level of indebtedness could have important consequences for the holders of our debt and equity securities. For example, it could: