Don't call it a comeback? While retailer Gamestop (GME) has been the talk of the town over the last few weeks thanks to the madhouse that is Reddit’s own Wallstreetbets, the demise of brick and mortar retailers has long been a discussion on both Wall Street and Main Street. Outside of all-in-one offerings like Walmart, mall oriented chains from JC Penney to Guitar Center to J. Crew to the nation’s oldest department store, Lord and Taylor have filed for bankruptcy. At-home restrictions and an aversion to large gatherings thanks to the Covid-19 have sped up the potential loss of these retailers, some of which are a century old. But this week has shown some signs of life across once-ailing, conventional retailers. The long term implications of this have yet to be seen, but certain chains are fighting for life amidst the “new normal” we’re all living in. The first, Bed Bath and Beyond (BBY,) has seen a reformation under Mark Tritton, the CEO who took over the floundering home goods store in late 2019, following a 30% decrease in value over a decade. Tritton has gotten rid of noncore assets and put money into internet-friendly services like same-day shipping. A new emphasis on lifestyle products, following a fresh round of home improvement during the pandemic, is also part of the company’s future. While Bed Bath and Beyond has suffered along with the recent market drops, a strong upwards trajectory through 2020 shows there’s hope yet for the retailer. Macy’s (M,) too, is finding new life after the pandemic ravaged its business, with a 33% loss of value across 2020. But Macy’s is showing new resilience where other similar department stores have stuttered or failed. Shares are already up 41% this year and the head honchos are showing signs of confidence as they buy up stocks. Upgrades from certain analysts have helped make Macy’s 2021 look rosier, particularly as stores reopen across the country. While the premier analytics program on the internet warns of a potentially limited upside, but Macy’s 2021 growth thus far is certain to make investors happy. Source