Macy?s, the nation?s second largest department store chain, announced Tuesday it will lay off nearly 4 percent of its work force, which could affect the store?s employees in the Hudson Valley.

Macy?s employs some 180,000 workers nationwide, and as a result of the layoffs, 7,000 of them will find themselves out of work. This move is expected to save the company some $400 million in the next two years.

Local shoppers at the Galleria Mall in White Plains say they are not surprised by the announcement, considering the recent economic crisis that brought down consumer spending to its all-time low.

However, knowing the reasoning behind Macy?s decision to lay off workers provides little consolation to people whose jobs may be on the line and their families.

?It doesn't matter whether it happens to a family member or friend or anyone,? says Judy Rosario, sister of a Macy?s worker. ?To be unemployed is not good right now.?

Some local shoppers remain optimistic about the future of the retail giant.

?I don't think anything bad will happen to Macy?s,? says shopper Beatrice Thornton.