The year was 1858, and a former sailor named Rowland Hussey Macy stood in front of his new store on 6th Avenue in New York City, ready to embark on an ambitious journey. As he opened the doors to R.H. Macy & Co., a dry goods store, he couldn’t have imagined that this humble establishment would grow into a retail giant known across America. Macy’s became a cultural icon in the following years—a store synonymous with luxury, fashion, and the American shopping experience. However, many might not realize that Macy’s journey wasn’t just about clothing or cosmetics. As the brand grew, it expanded into home furnishings, launching Macy’s Furniture as a critical pillar of its retail empire. Today, Macy’s Furniture operates as one of the most recognizable furniture retailers in the United States, offering everything from stylish sofas to luxury bedroom sets. With over 130 furniture galleries nationwide and an ever-growing online presence, Macy’s Furniture has become a one-stop destination for quality and design-conscious shoppers.
The Origins of Macy’s Furniture: From Dry Goods to Home Goods
Macy’s journey into Furniture began in the early 20th century as the store expanded its inventory beyond dry goods and apparel. As American lifestyles started to shift, so did Macy’s product offerings. In the 1920s, the retailer introduced furniture sections in several of its flagship stores, allowing customers to dress in style and furnish their homes with the same level of elegance.
At the time, Macy’s positioned itself as a department store that could meet the needs of a growing middle class, offering everything from luxury items to more affordable, everyday pieces. The expansion into Furniture was a natural progression, significantly as homeownership in the U.S. rose following World War II. Macy’s quickly recognized the importance of home furnishings as a growing part of American consumer life. By the 1950s, the brand had dedicated entire floors of its flagship stores to furniture galleries, which offered living room, bedroom, and dining room sets that catered to various tastes and budgets.
Macy’s success in Furniture has always been due to its adaptability. As consumer preferences shifted through the decades—from the ornate styles of the mid-century to the sleek minimalism of modern designs—Macy’s consistently updated its collections to stay relevant.
Expansion into a Furniture Powerhouse
Macy’s Furniture quickly became a significant player in the U.S. furniture market. Today, Macy’s operates over 130 dedicated furniture galleries nationwide, offering a wide range of products, including sofas, dining tables, mattresses, home décor, and outdoor Furniture. According to Macy’s annual report, the furniture section has become one of Macy’s fastest-growing segments, contributing significantly to its yearly revenue, totaling $23.6 billion in 2022.
In recent years, the company has focused on expanding its home furnishings line in physical stores and through a robust e-commerce platform. Macy’s has recognized the growing trend of online shopping, particularly in the furniture industry, and has responded by making it easier for customers to browse and purchase Furniture online. According to a report by Statista, e-commerce accounted for 35% of Macy’s total sales in 2022, up from just 21% five years earlier. This shift has allowed Macy’s Furniture to compete with online-only retailers like Wayfair and Amazon while maintaining the advantage of its well-established brick-and-mortar presence.
Macy’s Furniture by the Numbers
Macy’s is one of the largest furniture retailers in the U.S. In addition to its 130+ furniture galleries, the company also offers Furniture in many of its department stores, providing customers with an integrated shopping experience where they can purchase Furniture, home décor, and other household items under one roof.
According to Furniture Today, Macy’s consistently ranks among the top 10 furniture retailers in the United States, generating nearly $2 billion in annual sales. Its market share in the home furnishings sector is about 3.5%, putting it in direct competition with giants like Ashley Furniture, Rooms To Go, and La-Z-Boy.
Macy’s Furniture excels in offering a wide variety of price points. Whether customers are looking for affordable, entry-level pieces or high-end luxury furnishings, Macy’s provides options that cater to both ends of the spectrum. The retailer carries major furniture brands such as Ashley, Tempur-Pedic, and Martha Stewart and its exclusive private-label collections, offering stylish designs at competitive prices.
Macy’s also performs well in the mattress category, with many of its stores dedicated to mattress galleries. The company offers popular brands like Sealy, Beautyrest, and Serta, positioning itself as a significant player in the sleep industry. The mattress segment and bedroom furniture comprise roughly 25% of Macy’s furniture sales.
Bridging In-Store and Online Shopping: The Omnichannel Approach
One of the defining features of Macy’s success in the furniture market is its omnichannel approach, seamlessly integrating in-store and online experiences. The retailer has invested heavily in its e-commerce platform, making it easier than ever for customers to browse Furniture, check store inventory, and arrange for home delivery, all from the convenience of their smartphones or computers.
In 2020, Macy’s launched a major overhaul of its furniture website, adding high-resolution images, detailed product descriptions, and customer reviews. The company has also integrated augmented reality (AR) features into its app and website, allowing customers to virtually place furniture pieces in their homes to see how they will fit before making a purchase.
Macy’s offers free in-store pickup and premium white-glove delivery options for furniture purchases. This service includes assembling and placing Furniture in the customer’s home, taking the hassle out of the delivery process, and adding convenience many shoppers appreciate.
According to Macy’s 2022 Annual Report, online sales for Furniture and mattresses grew by 20% over the previous year, signaling that the company’s digital strategy is resonating with customers increasingly turning to online platforms for big-ticket purchases.
The Martha Stewart Collection and Designer Collaborations
One of Macy’s key strategies for maintaining its position in the competitive furniture market has been its partnerships with high-profile designers and brands. Perhaps the most famous of these collaborations is with Martha Stewart, the lifestyle guru whose exclusive furniture and home décor collections have become a staple at Macy’s. Launched in 2007, the Martha Stewart Collection offers customers a wide range of home furnishings, from elegant living room sets to stylish dining tables, all with Martha’s signature classic and contemporary design blend.
The Martha Stewart Collection has been a significant success for Macy’s, helping to elevate the store’s reputation as a destination for stylish, quality furniture. The collection appeals to customers looking for upscale design at a more accessible price, combining functionality and aesthetics. According to Retail Dive, the Martha Stewart Collection generated over $200 million in revenue for Macy’s in 2021, making it one of its top-selling home lines.
In addition to the Martha Stewart Collection, Macy’s has collaborated with designers like Rachel Ray and Jonathan Adler, offering exclusive furniture collections that appeal to different style sensibilities. These partnerships have helped Macy’s stay competitive in the furniture market by providing unique products that other retailers can’t find.
Commitment to Sustainability
Macy’s has recently made a concerted effort to incorporate sustainability into its furniture offerings. The retailer has launched several eco-friendly initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices in its supply chain. Macy’s is committed to sourcing Furniture made from sustainable materials, such as FSC-certified wood and recycled materials.
The company’s sustainability efforts also extend to its mattress collection. In 2021, Macy’s introduced eco-friendly mattresses made from organic cotton, recycled steel coils, and natural latex. Additionally, Macy’s offers a mattress recycling program in many locations, ensuring that old mattresses are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
Macy’s commitment to sustainability reflects a growing trend among consumers who prioritize eco-friendly products. By offering sustainable furniture options, Macy’s is meeting consumer demand and positioning itself as a forward-thinking retailer in an increasingly environmentally conscious world.
The Future of Macy’s Furniture
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, Macy’s Furniture is well-positioned to maintain its status as a leading player in the home furnishings market. The company’s focus on e-commerce, designer collaborations, and sustainability will likely drive its growth in the coming years.
Macy’s has also announced plans to expand its furniture galleries, focusing on creating immersive, experiential shopping environments that combine technology with traditional retail. By embracing these innovations, Macy’s is set to remain a go-to destination for consumers looking for stylish, high-quality Furniture.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Style and Quality
Macy’s Furniture has come a long way since its early days as a small section of the iconic department store. Today, it is one of the most trusted home furnishings, offering diverse products catering to every style and budget. With over 130 furniture galleries, a robust online presence, and a commitment to sustainability, Macy’s Furniture continues to build on its legacy of quality, innovation, and exceptional customer service.
