Macy’s on hunt for new CEO of Bluemercury

9/17/2019
The co-founders of Bluemercury, the beauty retailer that Macy’s acquired in 2015, are stepping down.

The department store giant announced that Marla and Barry Beck, the founders of Bluemercury, are leaving the company. Barry Beck, Bluemercury’s COO, will step down effective September 20, to pursue a new entrepreneurial venture. Marla Beck, Bluemercury’s CEO, will stay on and continue to lead the business during a transition period.

Macy’s said it is conducting a search for the next chief executive of Bluemercury and will consider both internal and external candidates.

“Bluemercury has experienced robust growth since becoming a part of Macy’s, Inc. in 2015, in large part due to the vision and leadership of Marla and Barry Beck,” said Jeff Gennette, chairman and CEO of Macy’s. “Beauty is one of Macy’s six destination businesses, and we will continue to leverage Bluemercury’s successful formula to learn from and drive growth.”

The Beck’s launched Bluemercury with one store in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. They grew it into a national retailer of neighborhood stores specializing high-end beauty brands. As of August 2019, Bluemercury had 187 locations, including 20 in-shops at Macy’s locations. According to Macy’s most recent earnings release, Bluemercury’s sales grew in the quarter.

“When we founded Bluemercury 20 years ago, we could never have imagined having nearly 190 locations across 26 states,” said Marla Beck. “We are grateful to have joined a company that has given us the independence and runway to grow so aggressively. I am excited for my next adventure and look forward to leading a smooth transition.”

Barry Beck added: “We have successfully scaled our neighborhood store model across the country as we stayed in the forefront of beauty innovation. I know we’re leaving the company in good hands, and I look forward to continuing to watch the brand grow and fulfill its enormous potential.”
X
This ad will auto-close in 10 seconds