Macy's vs TJX

Macy's Rolls Out AI Inventory Replenishment Tool

Macy's Inc. is expanding an artificial intelligence forecast overlay to its inventory replenishment operations, moving from pilot to broader implementation, according to its September 10 earnings call. The initiative aims to improve in-stock levels and drive inventory efficiencies by ensuring the right product is in the right place at the right time. COO and CFO Tom Edwards highlighted that supply chain efficiencies are expected in the second half of 2026, benefiting gross margin. This rollout is part of Macy's 'Bold New Chapter' transformation plan launched in 2024, expected to generate $235 million in savings by 2026. The company enters the fall season in a good inventory position, with inventory up 2.5% in Q2, aligned with sales growth. Other retailers like Target, Lowe's, and Kohl's are also optimizing inventory management with AI and other technologies.

• Macy's is rolling out an AI forecast overlay for inventory replenishment, moving from pilot to broader implementation.
• The AI capability aims to improve in-stock levels and inventory efficiencies.
• COO and CFO Tom Edwards announced the rollout during a September 10 earnings call.

Macy's Raises Annual Guidance After Strong Q2

Macy's reported better-than-expected second-quarter results for 2026, raising its full-year guidance. The company saw a 1.1% increase in total sales to $4.9 billion, with comparable sales up 2.7%. All nameplates showed growth, with Bloomingdale's leading at 11.3%, Bluemercury at 6.2%, and Macy's brand at 1.1%. The 'Reimagine 200' stores within the Macy's brand outperformed, with comparable sales up 1.9%. Net income rose to $169 million from $87 million, with adjusted EPS of $0.63, including a $0.23 tariff refund effect. The company plans to reinvest most tariff refunds into the business and remains cautious about the second half due to macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties.

• Macy's Q2 2026 sales rose 1.1% to $4.9 billion; comparable sales up 2.7%.
• Bloomingdale's comparable sales surged 11.3%; Bluemercury up 6.2%; Macy's brand up 1.1%.
• Net income doubled to $169 million; adjusted EPS $0.63 including $0.23 tariff refund impact.

Bloomingdale's Achieves Record Sales Volume, Gains Market Share

Bloomingdale's, the upscale department store under Macy's Inc., reported a record second-quarter sales volume and double-digit comparable sales growth, driven by its own initiatives and difficulties at rivals Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, now under Exemplar Luxury Group. The company has been revitalizing its assortment with new brands and expanding distribution of premium products. It also launched an AI-powered conversational e-commerce shopping assistant and held more in-store events. Analysts attribute the success to both the disruption at competitors and the company's own effort to enhance the customer experience, indicating a significant step change in performance.

• Bloomingdale's posted double-digit comparable sales growth in Q2 2026.
• Bloomingdale's achieved its best Q2 sales volume in history.
• Sales of owned plus licensed goods reached $922 million.

Burlington to Reinvest $55M Tariff Refunds into Lower Prices

Burlington CEO Michael O’Sullivan said the company will put the full $55 million in tariff refunds it received in Q2 toward lower prices rather than retaining the money to boost margins. Burlington reported Q2 sales up 11% year-over-year to nearly $3 billion, with store comps rising 2% and a record 51 store openings in the quarter (net +45). With the tariff refunds included, gross margin widened 250 basis points to 46.2% and net income doubled to $184 million (excluding a $41 million after-tax benefit, net income was $151 million). O’Sullivan said the move supports customers facing higher living costs and helps protect market share amid competitor strength at Ross and weaker comps at TJX U.S.

• Burlington received $55 million in tariff refunds in Q2 and plans to reinvest the full amount into lower prices.
• Q2 total sales rose 11% year-over-year to nearly $3 billion; comparable store sales were up 2%.
• Gross margin expanded by 250 basis points to 46.2% when tariff refunds are included; merchandise margin expanded 70 basis points excluding the refunds.

TJX Reports Q2 FY27 Results; Above-Plan Comp Sales Growth of 4%; Pretax Profit Margin and Diluted EPS Both Well Above Plan; Increases Full Year FY27 Pretax Profit Margin and EPS Guidance

08/19/26 - 7:30 AM EDT TJX Reports Q2 FY27 Results; Above-Plan Comp Sales Growth of 4%; Pretax Profit Margin and Diluted EPS Both Well Above Plan; Increases Full Year FY27 Pretax Profit Margin and EPS Guidance

Target's snack sales jump after grocery refresh

Target reported a 15% year-over-year increase in snack sales in Q2 2026 after expanding shelf space for snacks, fresh food, bakery and other emerging grocery categories as part of a broader grocery refresh. The company’s second-quarter food and beverage sales rose about 7% year over year, according to Target’s Q2 2026 earnings release. The article is a Big-Box Briefing column published by Modern Retail on August 20, 2026 and written by Mitchell Parton.

• Target reported snack sales increased 15% year over year in Q2 2026.
• Target said it added more space for snacks, fresh food, bakery and other emerging categories within its grocery areas.
• Target's second-quarter food and beverage sales rose about 7% year over year.