Macy’s fulfillment center to bring thousands of jobs, $584 million investment in NC
Iconic New York-based retailer Macy’s is ramping up operations in North Carolina with plans to open a $584 million fulfillment center that will add thousands of jobs in the Charlotte region.
The 1.4 million-square-foot facility in China Grove, about 35 miles north of Charlotte, is expected to open in 2024 “to meet the growing demands of its automated direct-to-consumer fulfillment needs,” Macy’s Inc. said in a news release Thursday. The facility will employ about 2,800 workers, according to Macy’s.
It’s the largest job creation announcement in the county’s history, Rowan County Commission Chairman Greg Edds said in a statement.
“We couldn’t be more honored and excited to welcome an iconic company like Macy’s Inc. into Rowan County,” Edds said.
Macy’s said it intends to spend $584 million on the project and will partner with The Silverman Group of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, to build the facility at the intersection of Interstate 85 and N.C. 152.
For its investment, Macy’s Inc. will receive $51.9 million in local and state incentives. Incentives include $27.2 million over 15 years from Rowan County and $22.4 million over 15 years from the town of China Grove, according to the Rowan County Economic Development Council. The state also approved $2.3 million incentives over 12 years, according to Gov. Roy Cooper’s office.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation will provide funding for road improvements along N.C. 152, the economic development council said.
The department store is the latest company to announce fulfillment expansion plans in North Carolina as retailers step up digital and direct-to-consumer sales. Grocer Kroger, home improvement retailer Home Depot and discount retail giant Walmart also have recently announced plans to open distribution centers in the Charlotte region.
Macy’s new facility will add speed and efficiency delivering goods to customers, Jodi Buhrman, vice president of process and engineering at Macy’s Inc., said in a statement.
More about Macy’s NC plans
The China Grove fulfillment center will account for nearly 30% of Macy’s digital supply chain and serve customers nationwide, according to the retailer. The facility will include a modernized automation technology sorter system to increase speed and accuracy, Macy’s said.
Macy’s also plans to expand distribution operations with a 1 million-square-foot facility in Tomball, Texas. It’s expected to open next year and support stores in the region and provide online fulfillment for furniture, bedding and toys.
The chain also invested in automated technology at its Portland, Tennessee, and Martinsburg, West Virginia, facilities to grow digital business.
Macy’s Inc., with brands Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury, has more than 600 stores across the U.S.
Other retailer expansions
Cincinnati, Ohio-based Kroger, Harris Teeter’s parent company, plans to bring a $138 million fulfillment center to Concord, along with 722 jobs, the Observer reported in December.
Home Depot confirmed in January the Atlanta-based retailer will open a warehouse at 13005 Sam Neely Road in Steele Creek to increase its supply chain network to offer same-day and next-day delivery to 90% of the U.S.
Last August, Walmart, based in Arkansas, said it will open a 1-million-square-foot distribution center in Troutman in Iredell County with more than 500 full-time jobs.
This story was originally published March 31, 2022 at 2:23 PM with the headline "Macy’s fulfillment center to bring thousands of jobs, $584 million investment in NC."