J. W. Mays (NASDAQ:MAYS) (NASDAQ: MAYS) is a publicly traded holding company with roots dating back to the late 19th century. Originally established as a department store operator, the company historically served customers across the New York City metropolitan area, with flagship locations in Brooklyn and branches extending into Queens and Long Island. Over time, J. W. Mays transitioned away from its retail operations and repositioned itself as a diversified investment entity.
Today, J. W. Mays’ primary business activities center on managing a portfolio of commercial and residential real estate assets, as well as maintaining marketable equity and debt securities. Its real estate holdings include office buildings and mixed-use properties located in key neighborhoods of Manhattan and Brooklyn, reflecting a focus on stable, income-generating investments. In addition to bricks-and-mortar assets, the company deploys capital in publicly traded equities and private ventures, seeking long-term value appreciation and dividend income.
The company’s evolution from a regional department store chain to an investment holding reflects strategic divestitures and reinvestments overseen by successive generations of the Mays family. Retail operations were phased out during the late 1980s, after which surplus proceeds were allocated toward acquiring properties in high-demand urban markets and building a diversified securities portfolio. This strategic shift has enabled J. W. Mays to adapt to changing consumer and market trends while preserving shareholder value over more than a century of operation.
Governance of J. W. Mays remains closely tied to its founding lineage, with family members and independent directors collaborating to guide investment strategy and corporate oversight. The board and management team emphasize disciplined capital allocation, prudent risk management, and the maintenance of a conservative balance sheet. Serving investors seeking exposure to New York City real estate and a broadly diversified securities platform, J. W. Mays continues to uphold its legacy of long-term stewardship and adaptability in evolving markets.
