Thread regarding Macy's Inc. layoffs

From a dot-com perspective, the rot really began when Hal & Naveen came in. Hal's id–tic strategy to renovate the stores ("new carpets! new lights!") struck everyone in SF at just plain nuts. At a time when retailers were under tremendous pressure to improve their digital channels, Hal (and therefore Naveen) decide to double-down on the stores. Who, in their right minds, would think that that was a winning strategy? Instead they decided to cut staff, do more off-shoring and k–l digital projects.

I knew that Naveen would be a "human hand grenade" at my first meeting. Here is a brand new "CTO" who assumed that he already knew everything, had already formed immovable opinions about everything and would get angry when people disagreed with him. This was a recipe for disaster! And the title of CTO was a complete joke. There was no technical direction coming from Naveen. He was a bean-counter only interested in cutting costs. And the smell of nepotism was pretty strong, using contract firms and cloud providers that he had used at Home Depot. It all had the stench of cronyism and corruption.

I'm glad I saw the writing on the wall and got out of there a year ago. I have to say that my last year and a half was the single worst work experience of my entire career. I feel sorry for the Macy's brand. It had always stood for excellent customer service and quality product. Too bad it was hijacked by a bunch of amateurs.

I left quite a while ago and I just heard about the SF office closing. It's a very sad news and I hope everyone who's affected will take care of themselves.

Kent Anderson used to tell me the story about white lies he told NY to let him stay in SF and build the MCOM team here. He believed in digital in '97, way before anyone else at Macy's did. He was a pariah but he proved them wrong. Kent didn't belong in Macy's and that's why he's successful.

The NY leadership was finally able to push him out back in 2015. Oh, I can imagine they were so happy that the maverick has left the building. I knew it was time to leave. I joined MCOM because I thought Kent embodied Macy's leadership. Then, I realized he's the antithesis of it.

For the board members, by now you're smart enough to realize that this leadership team needs to be replaced. If you don't see it, then you need to be replaced. It's unlikely you agree with that since you've been so successful and rich so far. Wealth makes right. Right?

Those of you who are still at Macy's or considering relocating. Just do it with eyes wide open. If you've been with the company for at least 3 years, this is not the same company you joined. Get off your lazy a– and find another job. There are plenty around you. It's really not that hard to find.

Those of you in MST who've been there for 10+ years and survive through multiple acquisitions and consolidations, recognize this is different. What do you suppose Naveen will do when Jeff asks him to cut more costs? Offshore workers are still way cheaper than you. Your technical leaders are old school managers who only care about hierarchy, their own paycheck, passing compliances, and anything else but technical. Help them do their job better by quitting so they can let Wipro, Tata, and Cognizant go into a battle frenzy over doing your job offshore.

The "guy who does not know how to code" should have gone with the one who is now selling tractors since he has degrees in mechanical engineering. Together they could do wonders where one does the design and one sells them.

2/5 The judgment day? for cost-saving success or leadership skill verdict?
Well, beat on SF office relocation and layoff will happen, means Macy's will lose employees with 20 years eCommerce experience, talents and innovation although that already lacks. A short term cost-cutting to afloat a minute or a dive to Mariana Trench?
Recently heard Naveen said to his worker: "I won't see you next time!", what a low-class sentence on his position! The worker left the company six months ago, the fishy smells coming up. For those who pick to relocate, rather than got layoff (Left might be easier or stay to be suffered), should watch for your own back since he likes to be surrounded by his circle which you never able to get in. Eventually, you might get this website domain name at John Creeks, GA. Good Luck!!!

I worked in tech and left a year ago. I want to send a message to Naveen.

You failed to make a positive impact. You were asked to cut costs. Yup, you did it. But you did it horribly. In the process, your ego and your words behind closed doors showed the kind of leaders you really are.

You're a perfect fit for running a cost center IT department, not a profit center. You don't need good talents since developers are not that much more skilled than building contractors. Get disciplinarian foremen to crack the whip. You like to simplify your job to having a few obedient good old boys club who fawned on you and control an army of foremen.

I know some tech leaders who think that way, but I've never met anyone who said it explicitly behind closed doors like you. They know it's wrong but you think it's a virtue.

There are many John's Creek tech leaders whom I respect and enjoyed working with. You know I'm right and please use common sense and good judgements when you treat your team members. You have to protect them from your own boss.

Someone said 3 Regions from 5 and 25 districts from 35.
Any guesses on which ones are cut?

RIP macys.com#sf

Naveen – the inglorious b–tard of CTO – never coded but expects all the tech grunts to code (to save their jobs)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barber_paradox

The barber paradox is a puzzle derived from Russell's paradox. It was used by Bertrand Russell himself as an illustration of the paradox, though he attributes it to an unnamed person who suggested it to him.[1] The puzzle shows that an apparently plausible scenario is logically impossible. Specifically, it describes a barber who is defined such that he both shaves himself and does not shave himself.

Bravo! I agree leadership makes a huge mess and then runs and gets better paying job and big a– packages while the rest of us have to scramble for new jobs and lower pay, just so we have a job. I do believe that Naveen and Hal were the worst choices for Macys. Naveen also said as a CTO he doesn’t know very much about technology nor has he ever coded that just tells you that these leadership changes were based on quid pro quo! Investors must see this and do something quickly. Laying off the best talent isn’t the answer especially in the e-commerce world there must be a better strategy!!

Bravo! I agree Leadership Makes a huge mess and then runs and gets better paying job and big a– packages while the rest of us have to scramble for new jobs and lower pay, just so we have a job. I do believe that Naveen and Hal were the worst choices for Macys. Naveen also said as a CTO he doesn’t know very much about technology nor does he or has he ever coded that just tells you that these leadership changes were based on quid pro quo! Investors must see this and do something quickly. Laying off the best talent isn’t the answer especially in the e-commerce world there must be a better strategy!!

We should all refuse these rare jobs that everyone thinks were desperate for. Time for everyone to take a stand and move on to a better company that listens to their people. Were still waiting to hear in the stores. District on what is happening this is a CF. no one is steering this boat! Not worth the stress anymore. Too many dedicated colleagues to be treated like this. Time to clean house at the top. Are you listening share holders? I'm a shareholder and I want change

118 reactions (+103/-15)

Bottom line, all retailers are struggling, but Macy’s is doing the worse bc it didn’t embrace online sales until way, way too late. Let’s face it, most people don’t want or have time to talk to sales associates. If you’re making too much, they’ll find a way to get rid of you so that they can bring someone in and pay minimum wage. Also, long term employees are less likely to embrace change. That means long timers aren’t seen as dedicated, loyal employees, but overpaid pains in the you know what. Face it, we are are all replaceable.

Hal was the worst, he looked like my 10 year old son when I dressed him for church. Never saw Harper drink bourbon? There is still talent in the company I pray we don’t lose all of it. Why does Bloomingdales and BlueMercury get a pass? They can be great pieces if utilized more effectively within the Macy’s
Brand. Like having a Story of Bloomingdales brands exclusively in a Macy’s. Brand Leverage.

Are these Chiefs really at fault? There are underlying economic fundamentals that are huge headwinds for Macy's and other traditional retailers. Since the Internet has become the new defacto Mall and Amazon is the major anchor, there is an existential crisis facing the old guards: economies of scale, logistics, supply chain, pricing, marketing.... Problem is Macy's can't easily or unwilling to pull off the band-aid since it still relies on old school customers as source of revenue; but they are slowly dying off and not being replaced steadily by newer ones; the 40 and under are perfectly comfortable with E-com and don't see Macy's as a first choice. Jeff G has mentioned this in a more diplomatic way before. Without growth in customer base, it would be impossible to increase sales. Marketing is suppose to solve this, but unfortunately, they are still operating with old mindsets and haven't adopted or familiar with latest digital tactics to compete at the business unit level. All they can say is lots of people watch the parade, but what is the true ROI? Sadly, we are still too bureaucratic where new ideas are impossible to execute since it requires multiple silos to converge. The shake up and shake down will be messy for a few years, but out of the ashes of Woolworth came Footlocker.

In the last survey there was a question about if i trust Macy's leadership to which i selected 'NO' and this article very elegantly and politely proves it.

To someone who wrote above about the restructuring on districts/visual/merchants. Stupid to ask but how will the company be in retail business without having merchants? I get that no one knows anything for sure here, but is that a true information?

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probably the best post on this forum ever - i've been on it since 2015, probably 5 times a week

This is a manifesto

Well written post. Your observations are spot on. If it is of any comfort, I left Macy's in 2019 after more than two decades, left with the same sentiments you've detailed in the OP. Nothing has since changed.

The only thing I would add is that Macy's ran off their best talent and most seasoned leaders under the guise that "new thinking" was needed to compete in the new world of retail. We offered early retirement packages (VSP) with a presumed participation rate of 25-30%, but far more than that target opted to take the check and run. Many needed to go, but MAcy's also lost it's most seasoned retail war veterans. To make matters worse it was communicated as a way to clear headroom for advancement of up and coming talent. Ultimately that never happened, more reductions followed and the leadership void became vast. New, supposedly visionary, seniors came from Walmart, HD & Ebay (Hal, Jill, Naveen) to help course correct, they have failed beyond measure. Hal has since bailed to sell farming supplies and Naveen and Jill will surely soon depart once their retention period elapses - assuming they aren't asked to leave sooner.

The saddest of all is that below these empty suits is a literal army of dedicated colleagues fully versed on what needs to be done, but they are not empowered to execute, they know the path but must instead follow their blind/inexperienced "leaders" further into the abyss. They literally cannot articulate a strategy, it simply doesn't exist. Cutting expenses in response to declining revenue is not a strategy.

Grateful for my memories at a once great retailer, grateful for my severance package, grateful I sold all options/RSU's, grateful my 401k was liquidated and I have no position in Macy's. All I hope for now is that my dear friends at Macy's get lucrative out packages and find work where they are valued and can be successful. This economy is truly booming, it is difficult to find many struggling as Macy's is, imagine what will happen when the economy retracts. Get out!

Macy’s is cutting jobs for employees that help to drive sales, star rewards and magic in our stores on a daily basis. The expectations that are expected from these associates are set high and they are paid the bare minimum for their positions. Macy’s likes to give back to the community but they don’t look after their own employees In need. It should start with the employees because they are what help keep Macy’s open. With cuts being made the teams will have even a higher expectation with little or no increase in pay. It’s shameful. Start from the top . You should be thanking employees everyday day for trying to build the brand instead of always asking for more from them.

Cut the weekly, entire day long, leadership meeting=store productivity

Leadership, what leadership? Some of the store managers/managers (especially those who are fixtures for too long without results) have been hanging on for too long while the associates work themselves to death. Nothing is ever good enough especially when these same store managers just slide under the radar without being detected. If they are productive or successful they forget its those hard working employees who propel them to succeed. However, when the wrath of corporate comes down who gets the blame, these faithful employees. People have worked and given the company everything they have. Unfortunately , in return they are thrown to the rocks. These managers do not coach unless there are corporate visits, but employees are expected to produce. They should go and not the employees. Why is it the associates are the ones always affected and no one looks at the head of the stream.
It is not only failure in job security, but the company fails to protect employees on all levels. Job security, workplace accidents you name it. Every man for themselves and their friends if you sell your soul and decide to be the stores story teller. They have all become complicit and need training in leadership!
What is a great leadership?
Great leaders find the balance between business foresight, performance and character. They have vision, courage, integrity, humility and focus along with the ability to plan strategically and catalyze cooperation amongst their team.
The best qualities of good leaders are:

1. Vision
2. Courage
3. Integrity
4. Humility
5. Strategic planning
6. Focus
7. Cooperation

and in addition Honesty and Loyalty

I’m tired of all the pictures on LinkedIn and Facebook with senior VPs at a fancy post meeting dinner with the captions #workperks, #workhardplayhard, etc

So basically if you make this round. You’re headed to the loony bin from being worked to death in the insane clown posse. ! Take the package. You will find a better job. Macy’s will close its doors in 2 years. It’s over. The writing is on the wall. You can do better. So long stress pit. You can kiss my a– !

OMG!!!! BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO!!! Much respect and thanks for being courageous. Please do not loose any sleep and peace be with you!

Are you a member of a region or district team? Are you having trouble sleeping at night because you're hearing rumor after rumor and don't know if you will have a job come next week? Are you being pushed to complete all of your spring maps, fall planning/recaps, or annual reviews even though the fiscal year hasn't ended? Do you wonder if it is because the company wants this critical work completed before the coming tsunami of layoffs is announced the before the investor meeting next Wednesday?

Well, here's an early heads up so you can begin to mentally prepare for organizational changes that will be the most significant since the rollout of MyMacy's ten years ago. Regions reduced from five to three. Districts reduced from thirty five to twenty five. In addition to the above listed region and district reductions, the following changes will be implemented. Merchant jobs eliminated. Staffing jobs eliminated. Visual jobs eliminated. MyMacy's jobs eliminated. Select HR jobs eliminated. Select AP/OPS jobs eliminated.

There will be minimal opportunities to apply for positions as go forward executives have been identified in most cases. Executives offered positions will have 24 hours to make a decision. Minimal severance and job search services will be offered to impacted individuals. Some available positions will require relocation.

Much like the recently announced reductions at store level, this strategy was developed by a small group of senior leaders in NY. This is challenging because these executives have little understanding of what it takes to operate stores in today's environment, and much like the recently announced store reductions, this rollout will also be a cluster. Expect last minute revisions to those listed above as even this small group and other seniors recently brought into the loop can't come to agreement as to what the final structure should look like, or even the go forward executives.

Good luck in the coming days. The best advice for future executives who want longevity is to get a store manager role in a growth store. Middle management jobs like region and district positions will continue to be downsized as business continues to erode. Consider that if you are "lucky" enough to get one of the jobs in the new structure, the workload will be extreme and work life balance almost non-existent and require travel constantly.

Share this thread peeps

Oh what a post
Big thanks from the trenches

Someone in the know has shared their thoughts Someone who earned the right to stand up and speak. Thank you to the author.

Great leadership is so extremely rare. In my lifetime. I struggle to find many. I will say Lee Iacocca who revived Chrysler Corporation as its CEO during the 1980s. John Chambers who lead Cisco Systems in the 1990s. Steve Jobs! what a visionary. There have been a select few.

Jeff G may unveil a great restructuring plan Feb. 5th. Let's all hope and pray he's up to the task. Macy's long term existence depends on it.

Sounds like the OP is an exec with inside knowledge on what’s to come. Thank you for writing this. That kind of honesty is what we need from leadership.

Jeff is too busy putting his outfit together for the big announcement.

As a stores colleague I can’t speak to some of these comments but they make a lot of sense. I am not sure how I will make my mortgage and could be forced to move. It’s a hard reality.

Jeff? Comment?