Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M) announced plans today to open two stores in the New Orleans market in November 2008. A 188,000 square-foot store will reopen at Esplanade, and a new 228,000 square-foot store will open at Lakeside.

Together, the stores are expected to create approximately 360 new jobs.

“Returning to the New Orleans market has been a top priority for us,” said Ed Holman, chairman and CEO of Macy’s South, the division responsible for the Louisiana market. “We’re looking forward to opening both stores and once again being a part of the vibrant, re-energized and evolving New Orleans community. We are dedicated to offering the latest in fashion and trend merchandise with outstanding customer service.”

The Esplanade store, located in Kenner, will be a two-level store offering a full complement of apparel and accessories for men, women and children, along with selected products for the home. The store will be completely remodeled with a spacious and inviting shopping environment featuring wide aisles and bright lighting. The store also will incorporate Macy’s “Reinvent” elements such as redesigned, spacious fitting rooms. Renovation of Esplanade is currently under way.

Groundbreaking for the Lakeside store, located in Jefferson Parish, is planned for early November 2007. The three-level store will feature apparel for men, women and children as well as a complete offering of merchandise for the home. Similar to Esplanade, the in-store environment will feature an inviting interior and Macy’s “Reinvent” elements.

Prior to Hurricane Katrina, Macy’s operated two stores in the New Orleans market – at Esplanade, which originally opened in 1986, and a store at New Orleans Centre, which will not reopen.

Macy’s, Inc., with corporate offices in Cincinnati and New York, is one of the nation's premier retailers, with fiscal 2006 sales of $27 billion. The company operates more than 850 department stores in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico under the names of Macy's and Bloomingdale's. The company also operates macys.com, bloomingdales.com and Bloomingdale's By Mail. Prior to June 1, 2007, Macy’s, Inc. was known as Federated Department Stores, Inc.

(NOTE: Additional information on Macy’s, Inc., including past news releases, is available at www.macysinc.com/pressroom).