Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2022

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations

Macy's, Inc., together with its 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, Puerto Rico and Guam. As of April 30, 2022, the Company's operations and operating segments were conducted through Macy's, Market by Macy’s, Macy’s Backstage, Bloomingdale's, Bloomingdale's The Outlet, Bloomie’s, 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 January 29, 2022 (the "2021 10-K"). The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto in the 2021 10-K.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("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. 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 ended April 30, 2022 and May 1, 2021, 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

Seasonality

Because of the seasonal nature of the retail business, the results of operations for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2022 and May 1, 2021 (which do not include the Christmas season) are not necessarily indicative of such results for the full fiscal year.

Comprehensive Income

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 components of total comprehensive income for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2022 and May 1, 2021 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 Income. 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 Income.  See Note 5, "Retirement Plans," for further information.

Revenue

Net sales

Revenue is recognized when customers obtain control of goods and services promised by the Company.  The amount of revenue recognized is based on the amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received in exchange for those respective goods and services.  The Company's revenue generating activities include the following:

Retail Sales

Retail sales include merchandise sales, inclusive of delivery income, licensed department income, sales of private brand goods directly to third party retailers and sales of excess inventory to third parties. Sales of merchandise are recorded at point of sale for in-store purchases or the time of shipment to the customer for digital purchases and are reported net of estimated merchandise returns and certain customer incentives. Commissions earned on sales generated by licensed departments are included as a component of total net sales and are recognized as revenue at the time merchandise is sold to customers. Service revenues (e.g., alteration and cosmetic services) are recorded at the time the customer receives the benefit of the service. The Company has elected to present sales taxes on a net basis and, as such, sales taxes are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities until remitted to the taxing authorities.

Macy’s accounted for 86% and 87% of the Company’s net sales for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2022 and May 1, 2021, respectively. In addition, digital sales accounted for approximately 33% and 37% of the Company’s net sales for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2022 and May 1, 2021, respectively.

Disaggregation of the Company's net sales by family of business for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2022 and May 1, 2021 were as follows:

	13 Weeks Ended
Net sales by family of business	April 30, 2022		May 1, 2021
	(millions)
Women's Accessories, Intimate Apparel, Shoes, Cosmetics    and Fragrances	$	2,237	$	2,023
Women's Apparel		1,135		913
Men's and Kids'		1,086		932
Home/Other (a)		890		838
Total	$	5,348	$	4,706

(a) Other primarily includes restaurant sales, allowance for merchandise returns adjustments and breakage income from unredeemed gift cards.

Merchandise Returns

The Company estimates merchandise returns using historical data and recognizes an allowance that reduces net sales and cost of sales.  The liability for merchandise returns is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and was $245 million, $198 million and $225 million as of April 30, 2022, January 29, 2022 and May 1, 2021, respectively. Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets is an asset totaling $144 million, $120 million and $136 million as of April 30, 2022, January 29, 2022 and May 1, 2021, respectively, for the recoverable cost of merchandise estimated to be returned by customers.

Gift Cards and Customer Loyalty Programs

The Company only offers no-fee, non-expiring gift cards to its customers. At the time gift cards are sold or issued, no revenue is recognized; rather, the Company records an accrued liability to customers. The liability is relieved and revenue is recognized equal to the amount redeemed at the time gift cards are redeemed for merchandise. The Company records revenue from unredeemed gift cards (breakage) in net sales on a pro-rata basis over the time period gift cards are actually redeemed. At least three years of historical data, updated annually, is used to determine actual redemption patterns.  

The Company maintains customer loyalty programs in which customers earn points based on their purchases. Under the Macy’s Star Rewards loyalty program, points are earned based on customers’ spending on Macy’s private label and co-branded credit cards as well as non-proprietary cards and other forms of tender. The Company’s Bloomingdale’s Loyallist and bluemercury BlueRewards programs provide tender neutral points-based programs to their customers. The Company recognizes the estimated net amount of the rewards that will be earned and redeemed as a reduction to net sales at the time of the initial transaction and as tender when the points are subsequently redeemed by a customer.

The liability for unredeemed gift cards and customer loyalty programs is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and was $428 million, $481 million and $580 million as of April 30, 2022, January 29, 2022 and May 1, 2021, respectively.

Credit Card Revenues, net

In 2005, the Company entered into an arrangement with Citibank, N.A. ("Citibank") to sell the Company's private label and co-branded credit cards ("Credit Card Program").  Subsequent to this initial arrangement and associated amendments, in 2021, the Company entered into the sixth amendment to the amended and restated Credit Card Program Agreement (the "Program Agreement") with Citibank. The changes to the Credit Card Program’s financial structure are not materially different from its previous terms.  As part of the Program Agreement, the Company receives payments for providing a combination of interrelated services and intellectual property to Citibank in support of the underlying Credit Card Program.  Revenue based on the spending activity of the underlying accounts is recognized as the respective card purchases occur and the Company’s profit share is recognized based on the performance of the underlying portfolio.  Revenue associated with the establishment of new credit accounts and assisting in the receipt of payments for existing accounts is recognized as such activities occur. Credit card revenues include finance charges, late fees and other revenue generated by the Company’s Credit Card Program, net of fraud losses and expenses associated with establishing new accounts.

The Program Agreement expires March 31, 2030, subject to an additional renewal term of three years.  The Program Agreement provides for, among other things, (i) the ownership by Citibank of the accounts purchased by Citibank, (ii) the ownership by Citibank of new accounts opened by the Company’s customers, (iii) the provision of credit by Citibank to the holders of the credit cards associated with the foregoing accounts, (iv) the servicing of the foregoing accounts, and (v) the allocation between Citibank and the Company of the economic benefits and burdens associated with the foregoing and other aspects of the alliance.  Pursuant to the Program Agreement, the Company continues to provide certain servicing functions related to the accounts and related receivables owned by Citibank and receives compensation from Citibank for these services. The amounts earned under the Program Agreement related to the servicing functions are deemed adequate compensation and, accordingly, no servicing asset or liability has been recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.