South Korean Designer Drives Key Revenue Growth at MacKenzie-Childs, Strategic Partner in Macy’s Turnaround

As Macy’s reports third-quarter earnings that surpassed market expectations, attention has turned to the strategic partnerships fueling the retailer’s recovery. Among these is MacKenzie-Childs, where South Korean designer Jae Nam is being recognized for his role in one of the brand's fast-growing and most profitable divisions, which is a key component in Macy’s "A Bold New Chapter" restructuring strategy.   Macy’s recently reported third-quarter net sales of $4.7 billion, exceeding its guidance of $4.5 to $4.6 billion. The company achieved an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) profit of $0.09, performing well above the anticipated $0.13 loss. Much of this success is linked to a 3.2% sales increase at Macy’s "First 50" stores, the strongest growth in 13 quarters. During the earnings call, CEO Tony Spring noted that partnerships with high-margin premium brands like MacKenzie-Childs have been instrumental in strengthening the company’s revenue structure.   Founded in 1983 in Aurora, New York, MacKenzie-Childs is a staple of the American luxury homeware market. While the brand is well-known for its "Entertaining Kitchen" line, the business side of the brand relies on a balance of artistic identity and manufacturing precision.   Jae Nam has become a figure in this core revenue division. Being involved in the full product development cycle, from initial concept and prototyping to mass production engineering, Nam is currently designing with a focus on a major expansion of the brand’s flagship enamelware and ceramicware collections. These lines have become focal points for Macy’s and other premium retail partners looking to capture the luxury market.   Nam’s impact is as much financial as it is creative. By utilizing advanced CAD and prototyping workflows, he successfully transitioned previously outsourced component production to an in-house model, generating significant cost savings. Furthermore, he addressed a persistent industry challenge regarding full-coverage decaling through innovative software workflows, proving that design-led technical solutions can directly improve a company’s bottom line.   Beyond technical optimization, Nam has developed large-scale themed collections that have secured approval from both senior leadership and wholesale partners. His work on American-made ceramicware, a category representing the brand’s highest level of craftsmanship, introduced minimalist silhouettes that have expanded the brand’s reach into retailers such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.   Nam’s approach is rooted in his background at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. His time at RISD, an institution noted for its rigorous focus on the intersection of art and industry, allowed him to develop a deep understanding of materials and manufacturing. Following his studies, he worked with the Brown University Department of Visual Arts, conducting workshops in CNC machining, metalwork, and woodworking. These experiences helped him systematize a design process that is now applied to navigating complex global manufacturing operations.   As the home entertaining market continues its post-pandemic evolution, the retail industry is shifting toward quality-driven differentiation. Nam’s career reflects a broader trend: design is no longer just an aesthetic pursuit but a primary driver of business performance. By bridging the gap between artistic vision and operational excellence, Nam is helping MacKenzie-Childs deliver products that satisfy both consumer demand for cultural value and corporate requirements for profitability    정현식 기자turnaround designer partnerships fueling south korean that partnerships

2026.01.22. 16:49

[오늘의 생활영어] turnaround; 방향을 180도 돌려서

William and Mary are driving to the beach. (윌리엄과 메리가 바닷가로 차를 몰고 가고 있다.)   Mary: It's so beautiful today!   메리: 오늘 날씨 정말 좋다!   William: Isn't it? I love it! You can't beat this weather.   윌리엄: 정말 그렇지? 좋다! 이런 날씨가 또 어디 있겠어.   Mary: I like rain but we've had so much of it recently. It was really coming down last week.     메리: 비를 좋아하긴 하지만 요즘 너무 많이 왔어. 지난 주에는 억수로 쏟아졌잖아.   William: This is the first nice day in a long time.   윌리엄: 오늘은 오랜만에 날씨가 좋다.     Mary: Oh no!   메리: 아니 이런!   William: What's the matter?   윌리엄: 왜 그래?   Mary: I forgot the towels! We have to turnaround.   메리: 타월 가져오는 걸 깜박했어! 차를 돌려야겠어.   William: We have to head back?   윌리엄: 돌아가야 돼?   Mary: Yes. We can't go swimming and not have towels.   메리: 응. 타월 없이 수영할 순 없지.   William: Okay.     윌리엄: 알았어.   기억할만한 표현   *you can't beat (something): (무엇이) 최고다.     "You can't beat the way my mother makes chicken. It's the best." (닭요리 하는 건 우리 엄마 못당해. 최고야.)     *(rain or snow) is coming down: 폭우나 폭설이 오다.     "The snow is coming down tonight. Be careful driving." (오늘 폭설이 온대요. 운전 조심하세요.)   *head back: 돌아가다.   "I left my wallet at home. I have to head back and get it." (지갑을 집에 놓고 왔네요. 돌아가서 가져 와야겠어요.)   California International University  www.ciula.edu (213)381-3710오늘의 생활영어 turnaround 방향 mary are california international coming down

2023.01.09. 17:47