Brooklyn's Progress
October 2003

To increase supplier opportunities for more women-owned and minority-owned businesses, Macy*s East has developed a Vendor Development Program (VDP).  The Federated VDP, established in 1985, is a corporate-wide initiative designed to foster the promotion, growth and development of these enterprises.  It provides Macy*s buyers with access to purchase goods and services from local suppliers. 

The VDP is committed to ensuring that its practices and procedures mirror the makeup of society, and welcomes the opportunity to help diversify the fabric of the retail industry. Since its inception, Macy*s VDP has purchased non-resale and resale goods and services, including operating supplies and equipment, apparel, home products and fashion accessories from minority and women-owned businesses.

“Sometimes when you’re a small vendor, trying to make those initial contacts in the large retail market can be difficult,” Brenda Scott, director of the Macy*s East VDP, said.  “That’s where the VDP comes in, it allows us to maximize local buyers to tap into the mindset of what consumers want.” 

To increase membership, the VDP utilizes the New York/New Jersey Minority Purchasing Council, Bronx Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. and is a participating member of Women’s President Organization and the National Minority Supplier Development Councils.

Through alliances with these organizations, the VDP has received and developed relationships translating into the receipt of more than 500 applications from African American, women, Latino, Asian American and American Indian-owned businesses in the New York and New Jersey area.

During the initial application process, companies are identified and screened as potential suppliers.  Once identified, each company is assigned a buyer, who may request a sample and/or request a presentation of the product or service. Companies wishing to become a part of the Macy*s East Vendor Development Program must be:

• Fifty-one percent minority or women-owned
• Owners or record operated and controlled
• Certified by the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Women Business Enterprise National Council, or an affiliate

In the Spring 2004, Macy*s will carry Harlan Brandon footwear.  This upscale career footwear designed by African American shoe designer, Harlan Brandon is just one of the many suppliers that are a part of the Vendor Development Program.

With over 30 years of retail experience, Brenda Scott, Macy*s East VDP director, began her career as a buying sales associate in the Bamberger’s division of RH Macy*s.  Brenda Scott is committed to cultivating diversity in the marketplace that will continue to create opportunities for growth among minority and women-owned businesses.

Federated Department Stores, Inc., with corporate offices in Cincinnati and New York, is one of the nation's leading department store retailers, with annual sales of more than $15.4 billion.  Federated Department Stores Inc. currently operates more than 450 stores in 34 states, Guam and Puerto Rico, under the names of Macy's, Bloomingdale's, The Bon Marche, Burdines, Goldsmith's, Lazarus and Rich's-Macy's, as well as macys.com and Bloomingdale's By Mail.