If approved, the company will be known as Macy's Group, Inc., effective June 1, 2007.

"Macy's Group is a name that more accurately reflects the transformation of our business in recent years. Today, we are a brand-driven company focused on Macy's and Bloomingdale's, not a federation of department stores," said Terry J. Lundgren, Federated's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "By aligning our corporate name with our largest brand, we will increase the visibility of the company with customers, leverage the  Macy's brand name, and get more credit for our accomplishments in the marketplace."

Lundgren added that Macy's Group is the appropriate name for the company, because approximately 90% of sales involve the Macy's brand.

The name change will not affect the Bloomingdale's brand, according to Lundgren."Bloomingdale's is - and will remain - a very important part of the company. Becoming Macy's Group will in no way limit or constrict us from growing in any direction in the future."

Federated Department Stores, Inc. was originally chosen as the company's name in 1929 by a group of family-owned department stores that joined together under a corporate holding company umbrella.

 Federated became an operating company in 1945, and its portfolio over the years has included various regional department store names. In 2005 and 2006, all regional nameplates were converted to Macy's. The company today operates only Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores, with both brands expanding nationwide.