Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

May 03, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Macy's, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") is an omnichannel retail organization operating stores and Internet websites under two brands (Macy's and Bloomingdale's) that sell a wide range of merchandise, including apparel and accessories (men's, women's and children's), cosmetics, home furnishings and other consumer goods. The Company's operations include approximately 840 stores, including thirteen Bloomingdale's Outlets, in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico, as well as macys.com and bloomingdales.com. In addition, Bloomingdale's in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is operated under a license agreement with Al Tayer Insignia, a company of Al Tayer Group, LLC.

A description of the Company's significant accounting policies is included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014 (the "2013 10-K"). The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto in the 2013 10-K.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates and assumptions are subject to inherent uncertainties, which may result in actual amounts differing from reported amounts.

The Consolidated Financial Statements for the 13 weeks endedMay 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position and results of operations of the Company.

Seasonality

Because of the seasonal nature of the retail business, the results of operations for the 13 weeks endedMay 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013 (which do not include the Christmas season) are not necessarily indicative of such results for the full fiscal year.

Comprehensive Income

Total comprehensive income represents the change in equity during a period from sources other than transactions with shareholders and, as such, includes net income. For the Company, the only other component of total comprehensive income for the 13 weeks endedMay 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013 is the amortization of post employment and postretirement plan items. These reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (income) and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 4, "Benefit Plans," for further information.