Macy's New York

No shopping trip to the Big Apple is complete without a visit to Macy’s! This infamous New York City department store is well known for its Thanksgiving Day parade, delightful holiday windows and floors and floors of great shopping. There are Macy’s all across the U.S. but the flagship Macy’s at Herald Square is a sight to see, particularly in the holiday season when the 10-story building is spectacularly decorated inside and out.

Modest Beginnings

Macy’s began as a small dry goods shop in New York City on the corner of 14th Street and 6th Avenue. It was founded in 1858 by Rowland Hussey Macy and was called R.H. Macy & Co. The store had a modest start- sales on the first day were $11.06. Things improved quickly however for R.H. Macy; in a year his store sold almost $90,000 worth of merchandise on a $2,800 advertising budget. By the early 20th century, Macy’s was a retail heavyweight with over $30 million in sales in each year.

Macy’s has been the pioneer for many things in the retail industry including the one-price system (selling merchandise to each customer for the same price) and selling new products that have become household staples such as the tea bag. In 1924, Macy’s employees started what is now a favourite New York City tradition- the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The World's Largest Store

In 1902 Macy’s moved to Broadway and 34th Street, where it is presently situated in Herald Square. An expansion onto 7th Avenue in 1924 gave Macy’s over one million square-feet of retail space and allowed it to boast an impressive title- “The Largest Store in The World. “

Macy’s is huge, so shoppers should pick up a visitor’s guide upon entering the store which provides a detailed store layout. The Visitor’s Service desk on the second level offers concierge services, a coat check and even refreshments.

There isn’t much you can’t find at Macy’s. The store offers apparel of every brand and designer imaginable from sportswear to eveningwear. In addition to hundreds of designer brands, shoes, coats, cosmetics and fragrances, Macy’s also features a bridal gown salon, a wig salon and a fur vault. On the upper levels customers will find giftware and home furnishing including china, crystal, silver and linens. During the holiday season, Macy's “SantaLand” is a popular destination for families, and the store’s holidays windows and exterior decorations make going to Macy’s a special part of the holidays even if you don’t step foot inside the store.

Deals, Deals and More Deals

Macy’s is famous for its sales (especially one-day sales on Wednesdays and Saturdays) and is a favourite destination for savvy bargain hunters. Customers visiting from outside of New York can save even more- head to Visitor’s Service to pick up a 10% discount card upon presentation of out-of-state identification.

Visiting Macy's

Location: at 151 W. 34th Street and Broadway, New York City, New York
Phone: 212-695-4400
Store Type: Department Store

Click here to visit Macy's Clothing Store New York official website