Macy's: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Founded in 1858 by Rowland Hussey Macy in New York City, Macy's has grown from a single dry-goods store on Sixth Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets into one of the largest department store operators in the United States. The company is headquartered in New York, NY, and operates under the Macy's, Inc. corporate umbrella, which also includes the Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury nameplates. As of fiscal 2024, Macy's operates approximately 450 Macy's stores and approximately 59 Bloomingdale's locations across the country, employing roughly 94,000 workers company-wide.

The company's flagship store at Herald Square in Manhattan remains one of the largest retail stores in the world, covering over one million square feet of retail selling space across 10 floors. Macy's has invested heavily in its omnichannel strategy, integrating in-store shopping with digital commerce, same-day delivery, and curbside pickup. In 2024, the company announced a multi-year strategic plan called "A Bold New Chapter," focused on repositioning the business around its highest-performing locations and expanding its luxury and off-price store concepts.

Macy's has a long history of community involvement, including its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, which has run since 1924, and its Fourth of July fireworks displays. The company also operates Macy's Culinary Council and various charitable initiatives tied to education, hunger relief, and local community programs.

Company culture and employee programs:

The company offers a range of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, an employee discount program, and paid time off. Macy's has invested in training and development programs for store associates and corporate staff, including a management training track for early-career candidates. Macy's has publicly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion through workforce programs and reporting. Forbes maintains an annual list of America's Best Employers for Diversity that tracks employer DEI performance across the retail and broader industry landscape.

Yes. Macy's conducts pre-employment background checks as part of its standard hiring process for positions across its retail stores, distribution centers, and corporate offices. Background screening is typically initiated after a conditional offer of employment has been extended, and candidates must provide written authorization before a report is ordered. The specific components of the background check may vary depending on the role, applicable state and local laws, and Macy's internal hiring requirements.

Most Macy's background checks are completed within one to five business days, though timing depends on the specific screenings ordered and the accessibility of records. Database searches typically return results within hours, while searches requiring manual courthouse retrieval or additional verification may extend beyond a week. Factors affecting turnaround time include the scope of the background check, the jurisdictions being searched, and whether any records require manual review. See Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times for additional details.

The Macy's background check process may include several components depending on the position:

Look-back periods for Macy's employment screening vary based on state law, the type of position, and the data sources used by the consumer reporting agency. Most employers, including Macy's, typically focus on the past seven years for criminal convictions, though certain positions may require a more comprehensive review. Factors that can influence the scope of the search include:

Candidates should review state fair-chance or "ban-the-box" laws to understand local protections that may apply to their application.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes important protections for job candidates undergoing employment background screening. Under FCRA requirements, Macy's must:

Additionally, EEOC guidance recommends an individualized assessment that considers the nature of any offense, its age, and its relevance to the specific job duties being performed. This approach supports fair chance hiring practices and helps ensure candidates are evaluated on their full qualifications rather than automatic disqualification.

Running a personal background check with Checkr allows you to preview what Macy's hiring managers may see during the Macy's background check process, and helps you identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your application. Your comprehensive report includes:

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To proactively showcase verified credentials to Macy's recruiters and hiring managers, build a free Checkr Profile that demonstrates your commitment to transparency and professionalism.

If you're currently going through the Macy's hiring process and have an active background check, you can monitor your report status through the Candidate Portal. For questions about your screening, dispute procedures, or technical support, visit the Checkr Help Center for comprehensive FAQs and direct access to customer support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.