Macy's turns 150

NEW YORK Macy’s will celebrate its 150th birthday on Oct. 28.

Among the sesquicentennial celebration activities, Macy’s will rename 34th Street in New York City – the address of its Herald Square flagship and world’s largest store – to R.H. Macy Way in honor of the brand’s founder. The ceremonial unveiling of the street sign will take place the morning of Oct. 28. The temporary signs will be on view until Nov. 15.

That evening, Macy’s will host a fashion industry gala at Gotham Hall – just a block from its flagship store – with guests like Jessica Simpson, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Eva Mendes, Martha Stewart, Tommy Hilfiger, Clinton Kelly, Kenneth Cole, Todd English, Tyler Florence and Ming Tsai. The event will culminate with the reveal of a special birthday cake designed by Duff from Ace of Cakes followed by a fireworks finale off the roof of the retailer’s famous NYC landmark store. Also, in honor of the milestone, the Empire State Building (Macy’s neighbor on 34th Street) will be lit red.

“It’s amazing to consider that Macy’s was doing business before many great brands like General Electric, Coca Cola, and Ford Motor Company were even born,” said Terry Lundgren, Macy’s Inc. chairman, president and ceo. “Macy’s is responsible for American mainstays like the in-store Santa Claus and the Idaho baked potato as well as popularizing the one-price-system and bringing ready-to-wear to the masses. By turning 150, Macy’s joins the ranks of a very exclusive club of iconic brands. The longevity of the Macy's brand, its place in American culture, and its legacy of serving customers for five generations are extraordinary.”