What: Michael Steinberg’s leadership transformed Macy’s West into a $4 billion upscale retail powerhouse and left a lasting impact on the department store industry.

Why it is important: His legacy in leadership and private label development continues to influence Macy’s strategies and the broader department store landscape.

Michael Steinberg, who passed away at 97, was instrumental in transforming Macy’s West into a $4 billion business with a distinct upscale image, setting it apart from regional competitors. His tenure was marked by a focus on elevating Macy’s private labels into recognised brands, introducing in-store shops, and professionalising sales teams, all of which contributed to sustained revenue growth and brand prestige. Steinberg’s leadership style, characterised by mentorship and a passion for broadening his team’s horizons, left a profound mark on future retail leaders such as Terry Lundgren and Allen Questrom. His career spanned several major department store chains, including Bullock’s, Foley’s, and Bloomingdale’s, reflecting the consolidation and evolution of the U.S. department store sector. Beyond his executive roles, Steinberg remained influential as a consultant and board member, supporting both retail innovation and philanthropic causes. His multifaceted legacy continues to shape Macy’s current strategies and the wider department store industry.

IADS Notes: Michael Steinberg’s transformative leadership at Macy’s West is echoed in Macy’s recent “Bold New Chapter” strategy, which emphasizes customer experience, store optimization, and luxury division growth (Forbes, September 2025; Yahoo! finances, November 2024). The expansion of private brands, highlighted by the launch of Arch Studio (Press Release, March 2025), builds on Steinberg’s early initiatives. The mentorship culture he fostered continues to influence Macy’s leadership, as noted in WWD (October 2025), while the sector’s ongoing consolidation and real estate strategies reflect challenges and opportunities similar to those Steinberg navigated (Articles, December 2024; The Robin Report, March 2025).

Michael Steinberg, former Macy’s West CEO, passed away