Macy’s is bullish on tailored clothing and has spent a year creating a more modern presentation of the category for its customers at the Herald Square flagship in Manhattan.
In time for the holiday season, the retailer unveiled a revamped area on its fifth floor men’s department that includes new shops for Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss as well as expanded assortments of Hugo, the company’s younger-skewed label, and B by Brooks Brothers, the brand’s opening-price point collection.
Sam Archibald, general business manager of apparel, said the updated space “really ties into our ‘Bold New Chapter’ and creates a more modern experience for our customer.”
Macy’s “Bold New Chapter” is a strategy revealed in February that includes closing about 150 underproductive locations through 2026; prioritizing investment in about 350 “go-forward” locations, and expanding its small-format store chains.
Within the remaining stores, the marching orders for the merchants has been to offer a more modern and relevant assortment and compelling prices.
Archibald said the revamped floor serves to better showcase the retailer’s key brands and their updated offerings. The expanded Michael Kors assortment, he said, offers suits and sport coats in wool and cashmere blends. The Calvin Klein shop “really drives a level of elegance” with its modern, slim-fit shirts and a newly added knit blazer.
“I’m not supposed to have a favorite, but the Tommy Hilfiger shop is one of my favorites,” he said, “with its upgrades and focus on fall flannels” as well as other updated pieces.
And the Hugo Boss and Hugo assortment is targeted to the more fashion-forward customer with its trend-right silhouettes, he said.
While it doesn’t have a dedicated shop, the B by Brooks Brothers assortment has also been expanded, he said, as customers respond to its topcoats, sport coats and neckwear.
He believes that by shining a spotlight on these “powerful brands,” the Macy’s customer will have a wide selection from which to choose.
“The floor represents some of the best products we’ve ever offered,” he said.
These brands will also be the focus in the branch stores and online, he said. “Our commitment in the ‘Bold New Chapter’ is to enhance the customer experience. We’re talking about Herald Square here, which is always a special place, but we’re doing that across our business and on macys.com.”
He said Herald Square is “a beacon, not only for Macy’s but for retail, and the customer should expect elevated product and enhanced presentations.”
Archibald said that even during the height of the pandemic, when men switched from suits to sweatpants, the company did not abandon tailored clothing, and that commitment is paying off.
“We’re very pleased with where we are in tailored clothing,” he said. “Macy’s is a destination for dress-up, and tailored clothing is part of that. Men depend on us to dress them for their weddings, their first jobs and other special events. We did not vacate the business during COVID-19 and we remain committed to it.”
