“Largest department store in the United States.” That’s the boast of Macy’s Herald Square. It stands as an iconic retailing brand with over 740 stores operating coast-to-coast and online.
Macy’s was established in 1858. The Herald Square store is the flagship. It also serves as Macy’s, Inc. corporate headquarters. The building occupies almost the entire block. It is bounded by Seventh Avenue, Broadway, 34th and 35th Streets.
This Macy’s boasts 2.5 million square feet. 1.25 million square feet are retail space. That makes it one of the largest department stores worldwide.
Did you know Macy’s has its own in-store jail? Room 140 is where they detain suspected shoplifters.
R. H. Macy and Company Store was its original name. The building was completed in 1902. Before that, the store occupied several locations in New York City. The building gained National Historic Landmark status in 1978.
Macy’s was founded by Rowland Hussey Macy. Between 1843 and 1855, he opened four retail dry goods stores. All of them failed. But he learned. In 1858, he moved to New York City. He established R.H Macy Dry Goods at Sixth Avenue and 14th Street.
On its first business day, sales totaled $11.08. From the start, Macy’s logo included a star. It echoed a red star-shaped tattoo. Macy got it as a teenager on a Nantucket whaling ship.
As business grew, Macy’s expanded into neighboring buildings. They used publicity like a store Santa. Themed exhibits and window displays also drew customers. Later, the store moved to 18th Street and Broadway. That was the elite shopping district.
In 1902, the flagship store moved uptown to Herald Square. It was so far north, it offered a steam wagonette. This transported customers from 14th Street.
Though just one building at first, it expanded. It now occupies almost the entire block. Only two small pre-existing buildings remain. One is on 35th Street and Seventh Avenue. The other is on 34th Street and Broadway.
Macy’s ignored tactics to block its growth. It simply built around one building. That building now carries Macy’s shopping bag sign.
The original Broadway store was designed by De Lemos & Cordes. It was erected by the Fuller Construction Company. It has a Palladian facade.
Macy’s is known for its elaborate holiday window displays. Each year has a different theme. They are shown in six windows on the Broadway side. Each window includes complex animated scenery. Thousands come to view them.
Other events include the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It ends at Macy’s Herald Square. There is also Macy’s Santaland. Children can meet Santa there. Finally, there is the Macy’s Flower Show. Flowers are coordinated to bloom as they are installed.
Macy’s Herald Square: more than a store. It’s an experience. It is a New York City landmark.