151 West 34th Street

Macy’s was not an instant commercial success, rather, it was a spectacular example of listening to needs, adapting supply and demand and a determination of the founder which led it to success of the company.

It all began in 1851, when the first store opened its doors in the small village of Haverhill, Massachusetts. The store then offered products for employees of surrounding factories. At the same time, a dry goods store also opened. Unfortunately, both concepts did not achieve the expected success which led to their closures.

However, the entrepreneur was not discouraged. He moved and launched his first business in New York in 1858. Mr. Macy was very innovative, ready to take risks and took steps to obtain extraordinary, sophisticated, avant-garde merchandise to please the affluent community. Custom clothing, high-end furniture and high-quality accessories became available under the same roof.

American ready-to-wear was evolving and European fashion had a huge influence on American clothing style. On the other hand, the war, the more frequent presence of women in business, sport and the automobile brought new trends. Macy seized the opportunity, adapted its products and became an employer coveted by women.

The building at 151 West 34th Street is impressive but not the first. The Herald Square store was established in 1902 at the intersection of 34th Street and Broadway. On the 11 floors there is merchandise to meet a wide range of needs and renowned brands such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Clinique and others.

Its product offering goes beyond clothing and shoes to also offer housewares, furniture and gifts. Obviously, the store has been modernized over time but one architectural element remains from its beginnings and these are the wooden escalators which were, at the time of the building’s construction, advanced.

Even if the name and the logo, said to be a tattoo of the original founder, persists, since 1885, 8 years after the death of Rowland Hussey Macy, the Straus family had bought it. The Herald Square building was acquired by Nathan and Isidor Straus, who made it the emblematic location of the Macy’s chain. Isidor Straus and his wife were among the victims of the Titanic in April 1912. A plaque at the entrance recalls the tragedy.

The red star continues to make its mark in New York and is associated with major events such as the Thanksgiving parade, an annual event in November since 1924, and the Macy’s Flower Show in the spring and the fireworks on July 4th, American Independence Day.

The shopping experience goes beyond pretty displays – you can hire a personal stylist, have your wedding gift registry service, not to mention take part in a facial beauty session or fashion show with lunch, or even cooking classes.

To learn more about the history, guided tours of 45 or 60 minutes are available. Finally, if you plan to do some shopping, go to the information kiosk on the mezzanine level to obtain a 10% visitor discount.

Today, Macy’s operates stores across the United States with 740 stores under the Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury banners.

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