Would A Macy’s Buyout Be A Miracle On 34th Street?
Dec 11, 2023
30:53
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Financial analyst Jason Moser and business expert Ricky Mulvey discuss the potential for Macy's going private and the future of department stores. Matt Frankel and Ricky Mulvey dive into Boston Omaha, a company with the potential to become a great conglomerate.
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Quick takeaways
Macy's potential acquisition could provide a way forward for the struggling retailer by offering a premium to shareholders and utilizing its valuable real estate assets for various possibilities like office spaces or residential conversions.
The concept of department stores, like Macy's, has lost some of its appeal in the modern retail landscape, and they may need to evolve further, such as by partnering with specialized retailers or considering different formats, to remain relevant and compete with online retailers and all-in-one stores like Amazon, Target, and Walmart.
Deep dives
Macy's potential acquisition and its challenges
There are rumors of Macy's being acquired for $5.8 billion by private equity firms. Macy's has been struggling in recent years with declining revenue, worsening margins, and a significant cash burn. The potential acquisition could offer a premium to shareholders and provide a path forward for the struggling retailer. However, the question remains whether Macy's is still relevant in the changing retail landscape.
Exploring Macy's real estate potential
Macy's has a valuable real estate portfolio, with estimates valuing it at $6-8 billion. The company's iconic Herald Square location in New York holds significant potential for redevelopment and could accommodate a 900-foot office building. While Macy's is primarily a retailer and not a real estate company, there are various possibilities for utilizing its real estate assets, such as office spaces, fulfillment and distribution centers, or even residential conversions.
Issues with leadership transition and strategy
Macy's is in the midst of a leadership transition, with a new CEO coming on board. The company has been trying to pivot and explore new strategies, such as smaller stores and store-within-a-store concepts. However, the core question remains whether department stores like Macy's are still relevant in the modern retail landscape, where consumers have multiple options for shopping, including online retailers, discount stores, and all-in-one retailers like Target and Walmart. Macy's faces the challenge of adapting to changing consumer preferences and finding its place in a highly competitive market.
The debate over the necessity of department stores
The podcast episode raises the question of whether department stores are still needed. With the rise of online shopping and the success of retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, the concept of department stores has lost some of its appeal. The convenience, wide-ranging product offerings, and competitive prices offered by these retailers have shifted consumer habits. While Macy's has brand loyalty through its rewards program, the department store model may need to evolve further, perhaps by partnering with specialized retailers or considering different formats, to remain relevant in the retail industry.