What: Macy’s opens a new restaurant and reflects on the importance of the food and drink sector to the company

Why it is important: Food is an important part of Macy’s customer experience and has been a part of its business strategy for over 100 years.

Macy’s food and drink division dates to 1890 with the first tearoom in the Chicago department store to now having over 120 restaurants. The company’s ever-growing portfolio of restaurants includes a mix of proprietary concepts such as Seven on State, franchised and licensed concepts such as The Cheesecake Factory, as well as local concepts like the Liliha Bakery in Honolulu. There are plans to add new food locations in various Macy’s locations as it is shown to contribute value to the customer experience.

In addition to increasing customer time spent at the store, there is a mutualistic relationship for both the food operators and the department stores. There is increased store visibility, promotions, and offers that are exclusive to Macy’s, and the restaurants receive business support such as build-out cost forecasting and advertising support.

Why retail giant Macy’s prioritizes its restaurant program