CHINA GROVE — Macy’s marked the grand opening of its new automated fulfillment center in China Grove last Thursday, a 2.5-million-square-foot facility designed to anchor the retailer’s Southeast distribution network and speed deliveries to millions of customers.
The new site, located just north of Charlotte, represents one of Macy’s most advanced logistics investments to date. Equipped with high-performance automation and a next-generation warehouse management system, the center allows the company to process more online orders and replenish stores faster while consolidating shipments from apparel and beauty to home goods and toys into fewer boxes.
“This opening is a significant step in modernizing our supply chain and elevating the customer experience across every channel — with faster deliveries, well-stocked stores and seamless service,” said Tom Edwards, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Macy’s, Inc. “With this investment, we’re building a faster, more efficient and agile network designed to meet our customers’ needs today and in the future.”
A model for future expansion
The China Grove site is Macy’s third to deploy high-performance automation and the first to launch its new warehouse management system. The company said automation at its first two facilities more than doubled productivity, and with the new system in place, it expects even greater gains in accuracy and efficiency.
“Over the past two years, we’ve tested and learned from automation at other sites, refining how it can make our operations more efficient and our colleagues work safer and smarter,” said Sean Barbour, senior vice president of supply chain operations. “Now we’re building on those lessons with our most advanced deployment yet.”
Initially, the China Grove facility will handle customer fulfillment and store replenishment for the Macy’s brand, with plans to expand to additional nameplates over the next two years.
Investing in community and workforce
In conjunction with the opening, Macy’s announced a $250,000 commitment to support local programs and workforce development, including the creation of an automation training lab at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. The lab will give students hands-on access to the same robotics and systems operating in the new facility, preparing them for future careers in advanced logistics.
Macy’s said it also continues to invest in employee training and upskilling as automation expands across its network — a strategy aimed at building long-term careers in a modern, tech-enabled environment.
“This milestone strengthens both our operations and our connection to the communities where our colleagues live and work,” the company said in a statement.
