NEW YORK (AP) – Macy’s has an answer to T.J. Maxx and other stores that sell deeply discounted designer brands.
The department store chain, which is set to open its previously announced “Macy’s Backstage” discount stores this fall in the New York City area, gave The Associated Press an early look at one of its new outlet stores.
The store, which is opening next week in Elmhurst, Queens, is about the same size as a T.J. Maxx and offers Calvin Klein, Sunglass Hut and many of the other designer brands that shoppers come to expect at Macy’s department stores.
But the outlet is distinctly different from Macy’s department stores. Backstage is working with new brands, like Fila and Reebok, and new labels like Elf in the beauty section. And whereas shoppers can get basics like suits and makeup at Macy’s, Backstage is meant more for treasure hunting, the company says.
“You’re going to get a little bit of a different vibe from what I would call our older sister, Macy’s,” said Vanessa LeFebvre, senior vice president of Backstage. “Here, we’re trying to attract new and different customers.”