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Macy's surprises with profit amidst ongoing retail challenges

Dec 3, 2025, 1:08 PM20
(Update: Dec 3, 2025, 4:32 PM)
department store chain in the United States
most populous city in the United States

Macy's surprises with profit amidst ongoing retail challenges

  • Macy's posted a profit of $11 million for the third quarter, surprising analysts who expected a loss.
  • The company raised its earnings guidance despite ongoing challenges in the retail environment.
  • These results signal progress in Macy's turnaround strategy and indicate a cautious but improving consumer sentiment.
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In the United States, Macy's department store chain announced a surprising third-quarter profit in its latest financial report. The results showed net income of $11 million, or 4 cents per share, during the three-month period ending November 1, 2025. The company's strong performance came as part of a turnaround plan initiated by the newly appointed CEO Tony Spring, who has been in his position for nearly two years. This turnaround effort also included closing unprofitable stores and modernizing the Macy's brand. Comparable sales growth was reported for the second consecutive quarter, signaling a shift in consumer behavior positively impacting the retailer. Despite the reported profit, Macy's shares slid 4% prior to the opening bell on the day of the announcement. Analysts had expected a loss of 13 cents per share, highlighting the unexpected nature of the profit. Nevertheless, even with the company's raised guidance for annual earnings per share to a range between $2 and $2.20, it still remains below last year's performance. This cautious outlook reflects a more selective consumer spending mindset as the holiday season approaches, with Macy's facing a challenging retail environment amidst rising prices and a trade war initiated by the U.S. Sales reached their highest level in over three years, attributed to the success of the company's overhaul strategy. Notably, Macy's compiled quarterly sales surpassed initial analyst projections even though net sales slightly decreased to $4.71 billion from $4.73 billion. Changes implemented include an emphasis on 'giftable' categories, such as apparel and accessories that align with consumer demand. Positive trends were indicated through the growth in sales across its stores, including Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury, showing the strategy has resonated with customers. Macy's faces ongoing challenges as it continues to adjust to rapid industry changes and increased competition. The closure of around 150 underperforming stores is part of the plan aimed at achieving sustainable and profitable sales in the long term. While the overall results demonstrate significant progress, the company must navigate consumer caution, evolving retail trends, and the need to present exciting product offerings to engage younger shoppers, ultimately determining the long-term effectiveness of its turnaround strategy.

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