Macy’s to support rising online business through Martinsburg fulfillment center

US-based Macy's, Inc. announced the construction of a 1.3 million square foot fulfillment center near Martinsburg in West Virginia to support the continued growth of its online business.

To aid the retail giant in the process, the state committed $7 million for the development of the infrastructure and also for training the workers who will be employed later.

Our Internet sales continue to grow rapidly as part of the omnichannel strategy at Macy's and Bloomingdale's, allowing customers to shop seamlessly in stores, online and via mobile devices in a manner that meets their needs and preferences, said Terry J. Lundgren, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Macy's, Inc.

Currently, the company's online orders are handled by fulfillment centers located in Portland, TN, and Goodyear, AZ. The group's annual online sales have also indicated an upward trend in addition to the 20 percent growth in 2009.

There has been a 29 percent rise in online sales during the first 10 months of fiscal 2010 as compared with the same period last year.

Although operations are expected to begin in April 2012, construction on the facility will begin in spring 2011.

When fully operational, the Martinsburg fulfillment center is expected to employ approximately 1,200 associates year-round.

In addition, another 700 temporary seasonal associates are expected to be hired each year to handle a significantly higher level of online orders from customers during the holiday shopping season.