Macy’s Returning to New Orleans Area

Metairie, La., Macy’s Inc. will open two stores in suburban New Orleans in late 2008, bringing the company back to the region for the first time since Hurricane Katrina.

Macy’s said Thursday it would build a new store at the Lakeside Mall in Metairie, La. and reopen a refurbished store at Kenner's Esplanade Mall that has been shuttered since Katrina struck on Aug. 29, 2005.

“Returning to the New Orleans market has been a top priority for us,” said Ed Holmon, head of Macy’s South, the company division that handles Louisiana. “We’re looking forward to opening both stores and once again being part of the vibrant, re-energized and evolving New Orleans community."

Prior to Katrina, Macy’s also had a store at the New Orleans Centre, located across from the Louisiana Superdome. The company earlier said that store would not be reopened.

Both stores are slated to open in November 2008.