Retail Expert Doesn't See A REIT Fit For Macy's

Ryan Craver was recently a guest on #PreMarket Prep, a daily trading idea radio show hosted by Joel Elconin and Dennis Dick.

Shares of Macys, Inc. (NYSE: M) traded higher this week after Jeff Smith of Starboard Value Management said the fashion and accessory retailing giant could unlock tremendous shareholder value if it were to do a sale-leaseback of its stores and create a REIT. Smith made the comments at CNBC's "Delivering Alpha" conference.

Commenting on the proposed REIT spin, retail expert Ryan Craver note that are two ways in which retailers "wake up every morning." On the one hand, a retailer can wake up as a "true retailer" that focuses on running its stores and digital properties.

On the other hand, some retailers are looking to "create value by identifying with the value of their real estates."

"Macy's to me still sits at a place where they are a true retailer," Craver added. "They just want to sell products within their stores. They like to own their real estate."

Craver continued that Starboard Value will create some "excitement" in the short term but he doesn't see Macy's coming to the market and spinning off its iconic New York City location or any other major properties.

The retail expert also pointed out that Sears Holdings Corp (NASDAQ: SHLD) implemented a REIT strategy, but the struggling company is "very different in their mindset" from Macy's in terms of strategy.