Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2020

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Macy's, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") is an omnichannel retail organization operating stores, websites and mobile applications under three brands (Macy's, Bloomingdale's and bluemercury) that sell a wide range of merchandise, including apparel and accessories (men's, women's and kids'), cosmetics, home furnishings and other consumer goods. The Company has stores in 43 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. As of October 31, 2020, the Company's operations were conducted through Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Bloomingdale's The Outlet, Macy's Backstage and bluemercury.

Bloomingdale's in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Al Zahra, Kuwait are 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, 2020 (the "2019 10-K"). The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto in the 2019 10-K.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") 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. The Company considered the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") related impacts to its estimates, as appropriate, within its Consolidated Financial Statements and there may be changes to those estimates in future periods. The Company believes that the accounting estimates are appropriate after giving consideration to the increased uncertainties surrounding the severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 and 39 weeks ended October 31, 2020 and November 2, 2019, 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 and 39 weeks ended October 31, 2020 and November 2, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of such results for the full fiscal year.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications were made to the prior period's amounts to conform to the classifications of such amounts in the most recent period.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Total comprehensive income (loss) represents the change in equity during a period from sources other than transactions with shareholders and, as such, includes net income (loss). For the Company, the only other components of total comprehensive income (loss) for the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 31, 2020 and November 2, 2019 relate to post employment and postretirement plan items. Settlement charges incurred are included as a separate component of income (loss) before income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Amortization reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (income) and are included in benefit plan income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 8, "Benefit Plans," for further information.