Macy’s, Inc. announced that the first four pilot stores in Macy’s new off-price business, one of the company’s key growth initiatives, will open in fall 2015 in metro New York City.

To be called Macy’s Backstage, the four off-price stores will average about 30,000 square feet and offer a compelling assortment of women’s, men’s and children’s apparel, shoes, fashion accessories, housewares, home textiles, intimate apparel and jewelry. Each store also will include amenities, such as free WiFi and a suite of spacious fitting rooms. One location will also test a café concept.

Merchandise will include clearance goods from Macy’s stores, as well as special buys from well-recognized fashion brands – all at great values often between 20 percent to 80 percent off of original and comparable prices for similar merchandise.

“We believe we can deliver a whole new level of value to customers who appreciate fashion and love to hunt for a bargain,” said Peter Sachse, Macy’s chief innovation and business development officer. “Macy’s Backstage stores will be designed to surprise and delight customers with continuously updated and fresh merchandise assortments focused on delivering current fashion with incredible prices, day-in and day-out, and enthusiastic sales associates.

“Backstage is a new retail concept that the Macy’s team has built from scratch over the past six months. It will be an exciting shopping experience supported with compelling marketing, both traditional and mobile,” Sachse said. “As with all of Macy’s innovations, we will test and learn to see what resonates most with customers so we can adjust before rolling out additional locations.”

Each Macy’s Backstage store is expected to hire a staff of about 30 associates. The pilot store locations are:

  • Sheepshead Bay (2027 Emmons Ave.), Brooklyn, NY
  • Queens Place, Elmhurst (Queens), NY
  • Lake Success Shopping Center, New Hyde Park, NY
  • Melville Mall, Huntington, NY

Macy’s Backstage stores will accept Macy’s charge cards, as well as other forms of payment. Macy’s Backstage business will not be driven by promotional events, and Macy’s coupons will not be accepted in the off-price locations. The value of the Macy's Backstage offering will be clear to customers. More details will be announced as the opening dates approach.