Macy’s is continuing its transition to becoming a multi-brand omnichannel leader rather than a department store with the announcement Thursday (March 31) of a scheduled opening of a new fulfillment center in China Grove, North Carolina, in 2024.
The 1.4 million-square-foot, $584 million fulfillment center, which will feature automated direct-to-consumer (D2C) fulfillment capacity, will house about 2,800 employees when it’s fully operational, according to the announcement.
“This state-of-the-art facility is a significant milestone for Macy’s as we invest in strengthening our omnichannel ecosystem,” said Macy’s Chief Supply Chain Officer Dennis Mullahy in the announcement. “It will support growth of our business as a leading omnichannel retailer. We are delighted to become a member of the China Grove community and look forward to partnering with local and state officials to bring jobs and drive opportunity for local residents.”
Macy’s China Grove Fulfillment Center will account for nearly 30% of Macy’s digital supply chain capacity and serve customers nationwide when it’s fully up and running, the announcement stated.
It will feature new automation technology to increase capacity and productivity that’s aimed at increasing digital sales, including an advanced goods-to-person and pocket sorter system to modernize the retailer’s supply chain by moving merchandise with greater speed and accuracy, according to the announcement.
Macy’s had previously announced plans to move from its Houston distribution center to a new, 1-million-square-foot facility in Tomball, Texas, in mid-2023. The company has also incorporated automated technology into its distribution centers in Portland, Tennessee, and Martinsburg, West Virginia, the announcement stated.
As part of its omnichannel transition, Macy’s will overhaul its website and train some employees to become personal stylists in an attempt to offer more customized shopping, including giving customers more one-on-one attention and an easier online experience.
Read more: Macy’s Will Revamp Website, Turn Employees Into Stylists
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