Macy's Bluemercury founders to exit

Macy’s announced on Monday that the cofounders of Bluemercury, Marla and Barry Beck, are exiting the company.

Barry Beck, Bluemercury’s chief operating officer, will step down, effective September 20, to pursue a “new entrepreneurial venture”, Macy’s said. Marla Beck, will stay on at Bluemercury and continue to lead the business during a transition period, as chief executive officer.

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

Launched 20 years ago, Bluemercury opened with one shop in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It was purchased by Macy’s in 2015 for $210 million, becoming Macy’s sole beauty brand in its portfolio of stores, which includes Macy’s, Macy’s Backstage, Bloomingdale’s and Bloomingdale’s outlet.

“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. 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,” said Jeff Gennette, chairman and CEO of Macy’s, Inc, in a news statement.

Today, Bluemercury, specialized in cult-beauty and hard-to-find products, has nearly 190 locations across 26 states.

"We are grateful to have joined a company that has given us the independence and runway to grow so aggressively. I know Macy’s will continue to guide and support this brand into the future,” said Marla Beck.

“Bluemercury has accomplished so much as a part of Macy’s. 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,” added Barry Beck.

Macy's Bluemercury founders to exit

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