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Macy’s Inc. (NYSE:M) is a clothing retailer selling men's, women's and children's clothes and accessories through over 850 stores nationwide. Macy's Inc is divided into mid-tier Macy's and Bloomingdale's, an upper-tier store that sells more exclusive items.^[1]

Private brands have been receiving increased attention from retailers due to the increased control they have over the production and distribution of their own line. Also, they tend to have a higher profit margin than third-party goods. This has impacted Macy's product mix as retailers move towards increasing private brand offerings. The credit crunch has also led to an increase in credit card balances and subsequently delinquent accounts. Macy's, as one of many retailers that extend a line of credit to their consumers, is thus susceptible to the risks inherent in a higher percentage of delinquent credit card balances. Therefore, Macy's exposure to increased credit card debt is mitigated through its partnership.

(Read more at Wikinvest )