Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Macy's Inc. reported net sales of $4.7 billion, a decrease of 0.6% year-over-year, attributed to the closure of 64 non-Go Forward stores, which contributed approximately $160 million to sales in the previous year [22][23] - Comparable sales increased by 3.2%, marking the strongest growth in 13 quarters, with Go Forward comparable sales rising by 3.4% [21][22] - Adjusted EPS was $0.09, significantly above the guidance range of a loss of $0.15-$0.20 and higher than last year's $0.04 [7][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Macy's nameplate achieved 2% comparable sales growth, while Go Forward Macy's saw a 2.3% increase, and Reimagined 125 stores reported a 2.7% rise in comparable sales [8][22] - Bloomingdale's experienced a 9% increase in comparable sales, its best performance in 13 quarters, while Bluemercury recorded a 1.1% growth in comparable sales [15][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail landscape is evolving, with consumers becoming more selective in their spending, seeking curated assortments and seamless omnichannel experiences [8][20] - Macy's reported a positive response to improvements in customer experience, reflected in the highest third-quarter Net Promoter Score on record [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "Bold New Chapter" strategy, which includes strengthening the Macy's nameplate, differentiating luxury offerings, and modernizing operations [5][8] - Macy's aims to enhance its product assortment and customer experience, with a commitment to bringing new brands and categories to the forefront [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of their customer base and the effectiveness of their strategies, despite acknowledging a more cautious consumer environment [20][30] - The company anticipates a strong holiday season, supported by a compelling mix of categories and brands, and is optimistic about the fourth quarter performance [29][30] Other Important Information - The company opened a new distribution center in China Grove, North Carolina, which incorporates automation and AI to enhance delivery efficiency [19][28] - Macy's returned $350 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, with approximately $1.2 billion remaining on its buyback authorization [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you speak to traction with reimagined store initiatives and November comp trends? - Management noted positive growth in reimagined stores, with consistent traffic and improved average unit retail (AUR) [38][39] Question: What are the key drivers for sustaining momentum into 2026? - Key drivers include product assortment, omnichannel balance, and shedding underperforming stores, with a focus on mitigating tariff impacts [42][44] Question: How confident is the company in the consumer outlook compared to 90 days ago? - Management expressed increased confidence in their strategy and performance, despite a cautious approach to guidance [63][64] Question: Can you elaborate on pricing increases and consumer response? - Pricing on new products has had little impact on consumer appetite, with strong promotional strategies in place [80][81] Question: What is the status of the store closure program? - The company closed 64 stores last year and remains committed to optimizing its store fleet, with further details expected in the fourth quarter call [89]