Macy's, Inc., the American holding company for department stores, was previously known as Federated Department Stores, Inc.
Established in 1929, Federated Department Stores, Inc. began its operations as a significant American holding company, bringing together ownership of various regional department store chains under one umbrella. This original structure laid the foundation for what would eventually evolve into Macy's, Inc.
Early Portfolio of Federated Department Stores, Inc.
Upon its formation, Federated Department Stores, Inc. held ownership of several well-known regional retail brands, which were instrumental in its early growth and market presence. These included:
- Abraham & Straus: A prominent department store chain primarily operating in New York.
- Lazarus: A long-standing department store based in Columbus, Ohio.
- Filene's: A beloved department store with its roots in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Shillito's: A notable department store chain from Cincinnati, Ohio.
Over many decades, Federated Department Stores, Inc. underwent numerous mergers, acquisitions, and strategic rebrandings. The company's decision to eventually change its corporate name to Macy's, Inc. reflected a move to consolidate its diverse retail operations under a single, highly recognizable national brand—Macy's. This transition leveraged the strong brand recognition and legacy of the Macy's department stores, making it the flagship identity for the entire corporate entity.
