Good News, Bad News.

Macy's biggest crisis in 2009 is regarding the 7,000 layoffs that happened company wide. Announced in February as part of the 2009 reorganization plan, this was the best way for Macy's Inc. to reduce their debt.
A news release was written by the company and sent out to major newspapers the same day. CEO, Terry Lundgren had mentioned that although 7,000 jobs will be lost, 1,200 district and regional positions will be created.
The Public Relations team at Macy's does an excellent job to mention the good with the bad. In this economy, a retail company understands that their sales may be lower than normal but remain positive and continue to be proactive.
A new program was launched called "My Macy's" concurrent with the job cuts. This program focuses on customer needs by region, it should reduce costs since customer needs vary by location which should increase customer satisfaction. The customer-focused approach has set Macy's Inc. apart from other retailers. The customer should always come first, but it has become their main priority due to the poor economic conditions.
When a company layoffs employees, consumers tend to see retailers in a "different light". By continuing to provide for the customer, Macy's Inc. is doing a great job handling what could be bad press.

Click HERE to read an article on the Macy's reorganization plan.