Macy's

The 2023 parade. Photo courtesy of Macy’s, Inc.

November 26, 2024

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade by the numbers: Fun facts and figures

One of New York City's most cherished traditions returns on Thursday. The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will hit the streets of Manhattan for the 98th time on Thursday, November 28. As one of the city's biggest events (30 million people watch from home and 3.5 million in person), the parade kicks off the holiday season with giant character balloons, intricately designed floats, marching bands, and musical performances. Ahead of the big event, learn some fun facts and figures about the parade, from the number of volunteers (5,000) and the hours of work by the Macy's team (8,000+) to the number of new balloons (6).
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Macy’s Herald Square reveals 2024 holiday windows

All photos courtesy of Macy’s, Inc. unless noted otherwise

November 26, 2024

Macy’s Herald Square reveals 2024 holiday windows

By Aaron Ginsburg

Macy's Herald Square unveiled its iconic holiday window displays last week, continuing a cherished tradition that has enchanted New Yorkers for generations. Macy's was the first department store to feature Christmas window displays in 1874, and this year's delightful creations will capture onlookers and invite them indoors to explore the store's cheerful celebrations.
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Events & Things To Do

Macy’s Flower Show returns for a dream-like 48th year

Images courtesy of Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy’s, Inc.

March 28, 2023

Macy’s Flower Show returns for a dream-like 48th year

By Aaron Ginsburg

The 48th annual Macy's Flower Show returned to Midtown on Sunday, once again transforming Macy's Herald Square flagship store into a dream-like, floral landscape that beckons in the spring. As part of the yearly exhibition, thousands of live flowers, plants, and trees adorn the window displays, countertops, and sprout from the architecture across the famed department store's main floor. The Macy's Flower Show is free and open to the public at the Herald Square store through April 10.
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Events & Things To Do

Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, and more: The history of New York City’s holiday windows

Shoppers check out a holiday window, via The Library of Congress

December 1, 2022

Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, and more: The history of New York City’s holiday windows

By Lucie Levine

Santa rode in on his sleigh at the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Christmas Tree is now lit at Rockefeller Center, so you know what that means: It’s officially the holiday season in New York. It’s fitting that Macy’s heralds the beginning of our collective good cheer since R. H. Macy himself revolutionized the holiday season when he debuted the nation’s very first Christmas Windows at his store on 14th Street in 1874. Since then, all of New York’s major department stores have been turning merchandise into magic with show-stopping holiday window displays. Historically, New York’s holiday windows have deployed a combination of spectacle, science, and art, with cutting-edge technology and the talents of such luminaries as Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, and Robert Rauschenberg. From hydraulic lifts to steam-powered windows, take a look back at the history of New York’s holiday windows, the last word in high-tech, high-design holiday cheer.
Look at more holiday history here

The 97-year history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Pilgrim balloon in 1946. Photo via Macy’s Inc.

November 16, 2021

The 97-year history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Rebecca Paul

There are many famous traditions synonymous with New York City, and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is at the top of that list. The first parade marched down Broadway in the winter of 1924, and in the years since, it's grown into an event with more than 3.5 million spectators. After a television-only event last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is returning this year with in-person spectators. Ahead, learn all about the parade's 97 years and see some incredible archival photos.
This way for the full history

Everything you need to know about the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Photo courtesy of Macy’s, Inc.

November 12, 2021

Everything you need to know about the 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Devin Gannon

After a television-only event last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is returning this year with in-person spectators. On Thursday, November 25, the 95th annual event will feature typical traditions, including the giant helium balloons, floats, and live performances, but with new health and safety protocols in place. Ahead, learn what to expect this year, from the full parade lineup and the best public viewing spots to how you can watch the signature character balloons inflate the night before.
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Events & Things To Do

Macy’s unveils $235M plan for public space and subway accessibility with new Herald Square tower

Renderings by FXCollaborative

May 11, 2021

Macy’s unveils $235M plan for public space and subway accessibility with new Herald Square tower

By Dana Schulz

It's been two years since Macy's first floated the idea of building a 700-950 foot office tower atop its Herald Square flagship, and it looks like the plan is getting closer to reality thanks to a $235 million private investment in transit accessibility and public infrastructure. This includes upgraded subway access, improved transit connections, ADA-accessible elevators, and a modernized car-free Herald Square and Broadway Plaza.
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Architecture And Design

Macy’s 2020 holiday windows honor NYC frontline workers

All photos courtesy of Eugene Gologursky/ Getty Images

November 20, 2020

Macy’s 2020 holiday windows honor NYC frontline workers

By Devin Gannon

The first department store in New York City to ever display holiday windows continued its long-standing tradition this week. Macy's on Thursday unveiled its 2020 holiday windows at its flagship Herald Square store with the theme "Give, Love, Believe." According to the store, the windows are a tribute to the city's frontline workers who have worked tirelessly throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
See them here

Events & Things To Do

Here’s what you can expect from Macy’s ‘reimagined’ Thanksgiving parade

Photo courtesy of Macy’s, Inc.

November 11, 2020

Here’s what you can expect from Macy’s ‘reimagined’ Thanksgiving parade

By Dana Schulz

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a New York City tradition since 1924. In modern times, the event draws a live crowd of roughly 3.5 million and is made up of 8,000 participants, including performers, marching bands, dancers, and more. But those large numbers of people mean that this year's pandemic-era parade will look a bit different. Macy's announced in September that its 94th annual parade will be a television-only presentation with participant capacity reduced by 75 percent, a two-day staging, and balloons being flown by vehicles instead of the usual 80- to 100-person teams that corral each balloon. A New York Times feature today shared the happy news that actors from four shuttered Broadway shows will be performing.
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Events & Things To Do

Photo by John Saeyong Ra via Flickr cc

June 23, 2020

Macy’s July 4th fireworks will last for three days across NYC

By Dana Schulz

After Macy's announced yesterday that their annual July 4th Fireworks display in NYC would go on despite the pandemic, headlined by John Legend, Mayor de Blasio said in his press conference today that the show will take on a new life this year. There will be five-minute "brief but mighty" bursts of fireworks throughout the five boroughs from June 29th through July 1st, culminating in a finale on Saturday, July 4th, which will be televised from the top of the Empire State Building. On their website, Macy's says they "expect to announce details of the reimagined event soon."
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Macy’s reveals proposed 900+ foot skyscraper to rise above Herald Square flagship

By Michelle Cohen

Macy’s, which recently announced plans to close 125 department stores over the next several years, is still hoping to cash in on the thriving office market by building an office tower above its Herald Square flagship store in Midtown. The retail icon revealed that it has proposed the construction of 1.5 million square feet of office space, a sky lobby, and public improvements to the surrounding area, the Wall Street Journal reports. The proposed tower would rise between 700 and 950 feet with, according to renderings revealed by YIMBY, a glass façade, setbacks, and a crown. The department store below could confer it with supertall status (984 feet or taller).
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New Developments

MAP: The best spots to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Map via Google Maps/Macy’s

November 25, 2019

MAP: The best spots to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Alexandra Alexa

It's almost time for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and with 2.5 miles of public viewing areas along the route this year, anyone eager to claim a good spot should be able to with a little planning. This interactive map put together by the parade organizers outlines the stretches that have the best views as well as all the areas that will be restricted to the public. The map also notes where you can find essentials like restrooms, coffee, and food.
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Events & Things To Do

10 things you didn’t know about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Photo courtesy of Macy’s, Inc.

November 13, 2019

10 things you didn’t know about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Lucie Levine

Since New York City invented the Holiday Season as we know it, it’s only fitting that this city kicks things off in fine form. Thankfully, the good folks at Macy’s have been doing just that since 1924, when they sent the very first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade sauntering down Broadway. The Parade has been synonymous with Thanksgiving for more than 90 years, and it has more secrets up its sleeve than it has balloons in the air. From “balloonatics” and “falloons” to the only time in history the parade was canceled, here are 10 things you might not know about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Float on!

Macy’s moves July 4th fireworks to Brooklyn Bridge

Photo from the 2014 Brooklyn Bridge display, via Flickr cc

May 10, 2019

Macy’s moves July 4th fireworks to Brooklyn Bridge

By Dana Schulz

For the first time since 2014, Macy's will move its Fourth of July fireworks to the Brooklyn Bridge, and this year's display will "add three times more pyrotechnic firepower," according to a press release, with more spectacular effects being set off across the entire bridge, as well as from four barges off the shore of the South Street Seaport District's Pier 17. The 43rd annual event, the largest July 4th celebration in the nation, will see the launch of "tens of thousands of shells and effects."
More details

Events & Things To Do

November 21, 2018

MAP: Where to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

By Michelle Cohen

There are 2.5 miles of public viewing along the parade route in NYC; this interactive map can help you find a great spot instead of getting lost in the crowd. The map, from the fine folks behind the parade, outlines when the parade will pass by, which streets have the best public views (6th Avenue from West 59th to West 38th Streets gets the thumbs-up) and which ones are restricted, such as Central Park South at Columbus Circle. Also marked are all-important things like coffee, food, and restrooms.
More info, this way

Events & Things To Do

New renderings for Tishman Speyer’s 10-story office tower above Downtown Brooklyn Macy’s

Via Tishman Speyer/ The Wheeler building site

March 29, 2018

New renderings for Tishman Speyer’s 10-story office tower above Downtown Brooklyn Macy’s

By Devin Gannon

Tishman Speyer last April unveiled plans to revamp the Macy's building at 422 Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn by building a 10-story office tower on top of it. Now, new renderings have been released this week of the building, known as the Wheeler, highlighting the design's fusion of 19th century and Art Deco architecture. A 256-foot tall glassy addition to the historic department store will add over 840,000 square feet of commercial space, according to YIMBY.
See the renderings

New Developments

June 7, 2017

Macy’s may add public park to rooftop of Herald Square flagship

By Michelle Cohen

As part of a strategy to shore up its flagging retail business, Macy's is considering providing New York City with more public park space right on the rooftop of its Herald Square flagship store, the New York Post reports. Doug Sesler, EVP of Real Estate for the chain, said in an investor presentation Tuesday that the store was "Exploring ways to activate upper levels (e.g.rooftop) and overall property while retaining Macy’s store and presence." To attract shoppers and add more excitement to the shopping experience, Macy’s execs are looking at plans to develop the rooftop of the 2.2 million square-foot 34th Street store, including restaurants, green space, trees and benches.
Why a park?

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April 5, 2017

Plans revealed for new creative office hub above revamped Downtown Brooklyn Macy’s

By Michelle Cohen

Tishman Speyer has released plans for the 422 Fulton Street Macy's renovation that will turn a new 10-story space above the department store into a 620,000 square foot creative office hub called The Wheeler. Reflecting a recent trend in snazzy work spaces that attract TAMI (technology, advertising, media and information) clients, the space will comprise "620,000 square feet of opportunity in the center of downtown Brooklyn," according to the developer. On offer will be the largest floor plates in Brooklyn with 15+ foot ceilings that "leave plenty of room for huge ideas," and a sprawling rooftop terrace, part of an acre of outdoor space that "provides fresh air for fresher thinking." There will also be 130 subterranean bike stations with lockers and showers for workers who bike to work.
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Felix the Cat 1927 – first balloon in Macy’s Parade

November 22, 2016

Felix the Cat, Macy’s first Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon, returns after 90 years

By Dana Schulz

Felix the Cat 1927 – first balloon in Macy’s Parade In 1927, three years after its first incarnation, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade replaced its live animals with balloons designed by marionette maker Anthony Frederick Sarg and made by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company (more on that here). The first such animal-shaped balloon was Felix the Cat, and after a nearly 90-year hiatus, the Times reports that he's returning to the parade this year.
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Events & Things To Do

July 1, 2016

Spotlight: Pyro Spectaculars’ Gary Souza on the Art of Creating Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

By Susan Cohen

When America celebrates her 240th birthday on Monday, Gary Souza will be marking the occasion in a very big way. As a fireworks designer for Pyro Spectaculars, he is responsible for creating and overseeing the wondrous fireworks that make the nation ooh and aah during Macy's 4th of July Fireworks. This year’s show will be Macy’s 40th annual production, a huge milestone for the department store, and will take place over the East River in Midtown and Lower Manhattan. Pyro Spectaculars is a multigenerational family business begun by Manuel de Sousa after he immigrated from Portugal to the San Francisco area in the early 1900s. Over the years, the business has grown tremendously from creating small fireworks displays to a company that now spans five generations and is responsible for providing fireworks for some of the biggest names in the sports and entertainment industries, including the Winter and Summer Olympics, Super Bowls, Disney, and at concerts for icons such as the Rolling Stones. When it comes to Macy’s, Pyro Spectaculars has a 35-year collaboration with the store that has propelled the fireworks company to develop technology that allows for safer, more elaborate firework creations to come to life. 6sqft recently spoke with Gary to learn about the magnificence of fireworks, what it takes to produce the Macy's show, and some of the exciting new elements at this year’s display.
Read the interview here

The History of Herald Square: From Newspaper Headquarters to Retail Corridor

Image via Library of Congress

May 10, 2016

The History of Herald Square: From Newspaper Headquarters to Retail Corridor

By Michelle Young

Herald Square is today known for many things. There's the flagship Macy's department store and the pedestrianized part of Broadway that extends to Times Square. And it serves as an epicenter of the retail corridor that now runs from 5th Avenue to 7th Avenue. Some may remember the song, "Give My Regards to Broadway," from the George M. Cohan musical "Little Johnny Jones"with the iconic line, "Remember me to Herald Square." But written in 1904, "Give My Regards to Broadway" references a very different Herald Square than the one we're familiar with today.
Learn about the evolution of Herald Square here

March 25, 2016

Spotlight: Mike Gansmoe Puts Macy’s in Bloom at the Annual Flower Show

By Susan Cohen

In America, seasonal change is ushered in by Macy's and its productions, from the holiday season with the Thanksgiving Day Parade to summer with fireworks for America’s birthday. When it comes to welcoming spring, the department store puts on its annual Flower Show, a longstanding tradition that began 65 year ago and is now marking its 42nd year at the company's Herald Square location. This year’s show, America the Beautiful, celebrates the wonders of the nation's natural world at five stores around the country (NYC, Philadelphia, Chicago, Minneapolis, San Francisco). For New Yorkers who visit the show, it’s a chance to step out of the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in gardens representing various regions of the United States. The executive producer behind the show is Mike Gansmoe, who is responsible for overseeing everything from conception to putting that last flower in place during overnight setups. 6sqft recently spoke with Mike to find out what's blooming at this year's show.
Read the full interview here

December 19, 2014

Daily Link Fix: Behind the Scenes of Macy’s in 1948; 3D-Printed Chocolate Is Coming

By Dana Schulz

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Macy’s in 1948. [Messy Nessy] A new exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum, Crossing Brooklyn, will showcase work from 35 artists and collectives from the borough. [Hyper Allergic] The city may need to hire a proofreader… a new Brooklyn street sign misspelled Remsen Street. [Daily News] Hershey’s is creating a 3D […]

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November 26, 2014

New Yorker Spotlight: Behind the Magic of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Creative Director Wesley Whatley

By Susan Cohen

For one day each year, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade transforms the streets of New York City into the ultimate stage for marching bands, dancers, floats, and of course, giant balloons. As we can all imagine, putting on a parade of this magnitude is no small task. And that's where Wesley Whatley, the Parade's creative director, comes in. Wesley is responsible for overseeing, developing and bringing the creative side of the event to life. His role requires vision, organization and a deep understanding of the parade's history and its importance to both the city and America. Along with his team, he ensures it's a magical event for spectators and television viewers. In anticipation of tomorrow's parade, we spoke with Wesley about selecting marching bands and performers, the logistics of organizing such a large event, and, on a personal note, what parades mean to him.
read the interview with Wesley here

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