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Top 15 Macy’s Competitors & Alternatives

Macy’s Department Store chain is a popular retail store in the United States and Puerto Rico. It was established in 1858 and is named among the department store giants in the world.

Macy’s offers a wide variety of goods in its stores, from clothing, accessories, and beauty products to home goods, furniture, bedding, and more [1].

Macy’s is known for its excellent customer service and convenient locations. The store also provides online shopping options and other services, such as in-store pickup and returns.

Additionally, Macy’s has a rewards program that offers discounts and other benefits to customers who shop often. It is a great place to shop for everything you need in one place, and its commitment to customer satisfaction makes it a top choice for shoppers [2].

List of the Top Macy’s Competitors & Alternatives

1. Kohl’s

Year founded: 1962
Headquarter: Wisconsin, United States

Kohl’s is a leading departmental store chain across the United States. Established in 1962, the company has transformed into one of the biggest retailers in the country, offering a wide range of products from apparel, footwear, and accessories to home items and electronics.

The company also has exclusive brands like Simply Vera by Vera Wang and Jennifer Lopez, along with other national brands [3].

Kohl’s is committed to providing customers with an enjoyable shopping experience and consistently offers deals and discounts. Its loyalty program, Yes2You Rewards, provides customers rewards, coupons, and exclusive offers [4].

Whether online or in-store shopping, customers can count on Kohl’s for quality products and friendly service.

2. JCPenney

Year founded: 1902
Headquarter: Texas, United States

JCPenney is a department store chain that has been in business for over 100 years. With over 800 locations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, JCPenney offers quality clothing, home goods, and accessories at reasonable prices.

JCPenney also offers exclusive brands, such as St. John’s Bay, Stafford, and Worthington, and products from top brands like Nike, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, and more [5].

JCPenney also has a wide selection of furniture, bedding, and home decor items. Additionally, the chain offers services, such as design consultations.

With its wide selection of products and competitive prices, JCPenney is a great choice for all your shopping needs [6].

3. Nordstrom

Year founded: 1901
Headquarter: Washington, United States

Nordstrom is an American fashion retailer specializing in designer clothing, shoes, accessories, and beauty products. Founded in 1901, Nordstrom has grown to over 350 stores across the United States and Canada.

Nordstrom’s mission is to provide customers with the best possible shopping experience. It offers its customers services like free shipping and returns, personal stylists, and easy checkout [7].

Nordstrom also has an extensive online store and mobile app, making it easy for customers to shop on their schedule. The company’s commitment to customer service and satisfaction is evident in the level of service and selection provided.

From designer labels to everyday basics, Nordstrom has something for everyone. Nordstrom is the perfect choice for customers looking for quality without compromising style [8].

4. Belk

Year founded: 1888
Headquarter: North Carolina, United States

Belk’s departmental store chain is a large retail chain in the United States. It is the largest family-owned department store chain in the country.

The store chain has an extensive selection of apparel, cosmetics, home furnishings, and other items at competitive prices [9].

Belk provides customers with an enjoyable shopping experience. It displays a broad range of merchandise in different styles, sizes, and colors. Customers can shop for family items at Belk, including men’s, women’s, children’s, and plus-sized apparel and accessories.

The store’s popular private-label brands offer quality at a great value. Belk also offers a wide selection of home décor, bedding, and furniture [10].

5. Target

Year founded: 1902
Headquarter: Minnesota, United States

Target Corporation, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a retail giant and one of the largest general merchandise retailers in the United States. It operates more than 1,844 online and offline stores in the United States and Canada.

Target offers several products, including clothing, home decor, electronics, toys, health and beauty products, and groceries [11 ].

It also offers guests various services, such as a pharmacy, a photo studio, and a store-branded credit card. Target is also known for its commitment to sustainability, offering an array of environmentally friendly products and providing excellent customer service.

The company also prioritizes giving back to the local and global communities, donating millions of dollars to charity [12].

6. Walmart

Year founded: 1962
Headquarter: Arkansas, United States

Walmart is an American multinational retail organization founded by Sam Walton in 1962. Today, Walmart is one of the world’s biggest organizations and the largest private employer in the US, with over 2.2 million employees worldwide [13].

Walmart offers various products, including groceries, electronics, clothing, home goods, furniture, and general merchandise. Walmart customers can enjoy quality products and services at low prices and a positive shopping experience.

Walmart is determined to help people save their hard-earned cash and to have a better life [14].

7. Dillard’s

Year founded: 1938
Headquarter: Arkansas, United States

Dillard’s is a United States-based department store enterprise. It operates more than 300 locations in 29 states, primarily in the South and Midwest. The company is headquartered in Arkansas, and is a division of Dillard’s Inc.

Dillard’s offers a wide selection of apparel, accessories, home furnishings, and more. The stores feature designer brands such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors [15].

Dillard’s provides a variety of items and special services, such as free shipping, extended returns, and exclusive rewards programs. Dillard’s is committed to providing customers with quality products and unparalleled customer service [16].

8. TJ Maxx

Year founded: 1976
Headquarter: Massachusetts, United States

TJ Maxx is an adorable store to shop in, with a great selection of designer clothing and accessories at discounted prices. The store is always clean and well-organized, and the staff is helpful. You can find everything from shoes and apparel to home decor and kitchen items [17].

TJ Maxx also has a great selection of discounted beauty products. They have a rewards program to earn points for every dollar spent. Shopping at TJ Maxx is always a great experience, and shoppers always find great deals [18].

9. Burlington

Year founded: 1972
Headquarter: New Jersey, United States

The Burlington Departmental Store chain is a popular chain of stores located throughout the United States. It is known for offering various high-quality products to shoppers, from clothing and accessories to home goods, furniture, and more.

The store chain has a strong reputation for being a reliable source for shoppers to find what they need at a great price [19].

Burlington has a wide selection of products, from everyday items to unique pieces, and customers can find something for every occasion and budget. The store also offers a loyalty program and discounts to help customers save money.

Moreover, Burlington stores employ knowledgeable, friendly workers who are always willing to help customers find what they need [20].

10. Ross Stores Inc.

Year founded: 1982
Headquarter: California, United States

Ross Stores Inc. is a US retailer with more than 1,500 locations in the US, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Founded in 1957, Ross Stores is headquartered in Dublin, California, and is the second-biggest off-price retailer in America.

The retailer is known for its “Dress for Less” slogan and for offering discounts of up to 20-60% off department store prices on apparel, accessories, shoes, and home goods [21].

Ross Stores’ merchandise comes from over 12,000 vendors from all over the world. It also offers online shopping and delivery options.

With sales of over $4.6 billion in the second quarter of 2022, Ross Stores Inc. is among the biggest apparel sellers in the United States. It continues to grow due to its focus on customer satisfaction and offers a wide selection of stylish, high-quality products [22].

11. Stein Mart

Year founded: 1908
Headquarter: Florida, United States

Stein Mart is an American discount department store retailer that has been around since the late 1800s. It is known for providing quality, stylish apparel and home décor items at a fraction of the cost of other retailers.

Stein Mart’s selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children makes it a popular destination for shoppers looking for a bargain [23].

It also carries a variety of home décor items such as furniture, rugs, and lighting, as well as seasonal items such as holiday decorations. Stein Mart also offers a clothing alteration service for a nominal fee, making it a one-stop shop for all your fashion and home décor needs.

With stores in over 30 states, there’s sure to be a Stein Mart near you, offering great value and exceptional customer service [24].

12. Saks Fifth Avenue

Year founded: 1867
Headquarter: New York, United States

Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the biggest luxury department store chains in the United States. The store is known for its high-quality merchandise and cutting-edge fashion, offering products from top designers and labels, and has locations in many major cities worldwide [25].

Saks Fifth Avenue is also well known for its excellent customer service and complimentary services such as gift wrapping, personal shopping, and alterations. Customers can enjoy beauty and spa treatments, exclusive events, and shopping concierge services.

Saks Fifth Avenue is a store that strives to provide the best shopping experience for all its customers, taking pride in delivering a unique and luxurious shopping experience [26].

13. Lord & Taylor

Year founded: 1824
Headquarter: New York, United States

Lord & Taylor is another famous and respected department store chain in the United States. Founded in 1824, Lord & Taylor is among the earliest and most well-established department stores.

They offer a diverse range of products, from clothing and accessories to home decor. The company is committed to the classic American style and uses quality materials and craftsmanship to create timeless pieces [27].

Lord & Taylor emphasizes customer service and satisfaction, providing shoppers with a memorable experience. It is an iconic and beloved symbol of American retail, with its flagship store on Fifth Avenue in the Big Apple [28].

14. Neiman Marcus

Year founded: 1907
Headquarter: Texas, United States  

Neiman Marcus is a department store for luxury shoppers with a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1907 in Dallas, Texas, Neiman Marcus has since become a leader in the luxury retail space, offering high-end fashion, accessories, beauty products, home goods, and more.

Neiman Marcus has pioneered several retail trends, including the use of in-store salons, the first in-store restaurant, and the utilization of celebrity designers [29].

Additionally, the store chain is well-known for its iconic Christmas catalog, which has featured everything from extravagant gifts to more affordable options. They also offer an in-store personal shopping service and a customer loyalty program rewarding customers for their purchases.

Neiman Marcus is a part of the luxury retail landscape, providing customers with a unique and unforgettable shopping experience [30].

15. Bloomingdale’s

Year founded: 1861
Headquarter: New York, United States 

Bloomingdale’s is an iconic brand among US department stores that has been a part of the retail landscape since the 1800s. It is best known for its luxurious selection of clothing, accessories, and home furnishings. Its signature line of exclusive designer merchandise is also famous.

Bloomingdale’s offers an unparalleled shopping experience, with personalized services such as its signature loyalty program, in-store beauty salons, and a unique personal shopping service [31].

Visitors to Bloomingdale’s are sure to find something for everyone, from the latest trends in fashion and beauty to timeless classics and sophisticated decor. The store’s exquisite service and attention to detail are sure to make memorable experiences for customers.

Whether shopping for a special occasion or browsing the latest arrival, a visit to Bloomingdale’s is sure to be an unforgettable experience [32].

Bottom Line

Macy’s has many competitors, including department stores such as Kohl’s, JCPenney, and Nordstrom, as well as online retailers like Target. Other competitors include off-price stores like TJ Maxx and Lord & Taylor.

With so many options for shoppers, Macy’s must stay competitive with its pricing, selection, and customer service to remain a leader in the retail industry.

 References & more information

  1. GRIN, In-Store Marketing of the American Retailer Macy’s
  2. Macy’s, STAR REWARDS
  3. Bartleby, Kohl ‘s Corporation, A Large Retail Business
  4. Kohl’s, Kohl’s Rolls Out New Loyalty Program Nationwide
  5. JC Penney, MISSION AND VALUES
  6. CNN, The Best Products We have Tested in 2022
  7. NORDSTROM, About Us
  8. NORDSTROM, Press Release
  9. Forbes, Belk
  10. Belk, Official Site
  11. BUSINESS CHRONICLER, Target Competitors Analysis: 5 Major Competitors
  12. TARGET, TD Bank Privacy Policy for Target Credit Card
  13. Walmart, About
  14. Walmart, Services
  15. Dillard’s, History       
  16. Dillard’s, FAQ, Notices, And Policies
  17. TJ Maxx, Store
  18. TJ Maxx, Skin Care
  19. Burlington, Our History
  20. Burlington, Official Site
  21. Companies History, Ross Stores
  22. Chainstoreage, Ross Stores sales, profits slip in Q2
  23. Stein Mart, Official Site
  24. Stein Mart, Women
  25. Saks Fifth Avenue, About Us
  26. Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks Services
  27. Retail Dive, A look back at the long history of Lord & Taylor
  28. Forbes, Can the Lord & Taylor Experiment Save the Department Store?
  29. Forbes, Neiman Marcus Group
  30. Forbes, Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog
  31. Hotels, Bloomingdale’s in New York
  32. Bloomingdale’s, Official Site
  33. Featured Image by Ash Cook

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Kevin Johnson

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