On October 28, 1858, Rowland H. Macy--a native of Nantucket and a former seaman--opened a ladies' and gentlemen's emporium in New York City. The businessman had experienced several failed ventures, and many felt that his new enterprise wouldn't last very long. But Macy firmly believed that his "Fancy Dry Goods" store would captivate New York's bustling crowds--and he was right.
Macy*s: The Store. The Star. The Story. traces a hundred and fifty years of one of the country's premier retailers. The story begins with Rowland Macy's colorful roots in Massachusetts. It then details the founding of the store, including the innovative advertising and pricing practices that made the fledgling business stand out from its competitors. Later chapters describe how Macy's made history by being the first retailer to promote a woman to an executive position, how Isidor and Nathan Straus created the beautiful flagship store on Herald Square, how the once-cluttered lower level became the famous Cellar, and much more. Throughout, lively text, rare photographs, and colorful illustrations highlight the people and events--the trends, tragedies, and traditions--that transformed Macy's from a modest storefront into the World's Largest Store.
More than just the account of a successful business, Macy*s is the story of how one man's dream found a home in the heart of Manhattan. Whether you're a long-time Macy's customer or just someone who enjoys watching the legendary Thanksgiving Day Parade, this book will draw you into the continuing miracle on Thirty-Fourth Street.
Robert M. Grippo grew up on Long Island, New York, and spent twenty years in the credit card industry. His earliest childhood memories include watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and enjoying the classic film Miracle on 34th Street. This led to a lifelong avocation as a Macy's historian, and even to a brief stint as a Macy's balloonist. Now retired, Robert is a full-time writer whose works include Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
