Macy’s stands by decision to dump Trump clothing line

Less than two days after Donald Trump was declared president-elect, Macy's department store is renewing its 2015 decision to dump his products from its shelves.

In a Thursday interview with financial website The Street, Macy's chairman Terry Lundgren said the company made the right call.

''As I have said, we wouldn't carry product from a political candidate ? and now a politician ? whether they be Republican or Democrat. If Hillary Clinton had a line of women's suits or handbags, I wouldn't carry those either,'' Lundgren said. ''I just think we don't want to be a politically associated company. We sell to everybody at Macy's, and have a broad and diverse customer base.''

Lundgren's latest comments are almost identical to the explanation he gave in July 2015, following Macy's decision to cut ties with Trump after the Republican candidate said Mexican immigrants are ''bringing drugs, they're bringing crime, they're rapists''.

Lundgren has refused to comment on what role, if any, Trump's stance on policies like immigration had to do with phasing out Trump's line, and has consistently characterised the move as a business decision.

 After Trump's now-famous comment on Mexicans, Macy's issued a statement saying it was ''disappointed and distressed by recent remarks'' and did not condone them.

Macy's was among businesses like Univision and NBC that cut ties with Trump. He reacted by slamming Macy's, insisting he was the one who called off the relationship and urging his supporters to boycott the store.

Macy's stock fell throughout 2015, but started to bounce back earlier this year.

The retailer had carried Trump's clothing line, which included dress shirts and ties, since 2004. It still carries a signature clothing and accessories line by his daughter, Ivanka Trump.