Macy’s announced that it will hold its first-ever national supplier diversity fair in New York City on August 8-9^th, 2007. The fair will target the minority- and women-owned vendor community in the cosmetics and skincare categories with the goal of enhancing Macy’s existing assortment for its diverse multicultural customer population.

“The Macy’s customer encompasses a myriad of lifestyles, needs and aspirations,” says Gail Nutt, Macy’s Corporate Director Supplier Diversity- Retail. “Supplier diversity complements the merchandise assortment we sell, maintaining our position as the customer’s first choice for fashion and affordable luxury. We welcome the opportunity to expand our supply chain with partnerships that reflect the markets we serve, and that can provide differentiated assortments and services.”

The fair will invite minority- and women-owned vendors to showcase color and treatment products to Macy’s corporate and buying office executives in a trade show format – with participants setting up merchandise in booths or mini-showrooms. Approximately 20 suppliers will be invited to participate over the two-day event – a model designed to allow for significant exchange between Macy’s and the potential vendors. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to mentoring up-and-coming talent, Macy’s will offer direction and guidance to select vendors to help them plan and ready for the strategic demands of a larger-scale retail relationship.

“We are committed to making Macy’s the headquarters for the multicultural consumer,” says Debbie Murtha, Senior Vice President, Cosmetics, for Macy’s Merchandising Group. “This customer now represents 30 percent of our customer base, and she wants sophisticated and relevant brands that address her specific needs. We are always looking to collaborate with new suppliers to create and develop unique product offerings and new product categories with high significance to ethnic beauty care. The diversity fair has been created with this mission in mind.”

To be eligible for participation, potential vendors must complete and return a supplier application form by July 13^th, 2007. Along with the application, vendors will also be required to submit a press kit and product samples. Other criteria for selection include: proof of certification by the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, or other business organization for minority- or women-owned companies, EDI capability, ASN compliancy, and sales volume. For additional details on the Supplier Diversity Fair or to download a vendor application, visit www.macys.com/diversityfair. Selected participants will be notified by July 20^th, 2007.