Thinking outside of the box, it was Macy’s original move to Herald Square that spurred Lord and Taylor and B Altman to do the same making the area between Macy’s and Fifth and Madison Avenues the shopping Mecca in Manhattan that it is today. R.H. Macy was one of the pioneers who lobbied for the Third Thursday of November to be declared Thanksgiving, effectively starting the Holiday shopping season. The kick off of his famous Thanksgiving Day Parade perpetuates the shopping frenzy to this day. The windows which are also unveiled on that day are a marketing dream and from the beginning infuse the retail world (that was until Macy’s about necessity and consumerism) with creativity and a bit of magic and delight.
Macy’s is still pioneering projects throughout the fashion community. First are the Fashion Incubator and New Designer Trunk shows that take place in the State Street store which used to be known as Chicago’s own Marshall Fields. “Macy’s has understood independent designers from the beginning. It started with Ralph Lauren getting notice while selling ties out of the trunk of his car and placing him on the sales floor. The Fashion Incubator [a project where chosen designers have workrooms and showrooms inside the State Street store to boost their beginning fashion label] created by the Greater Loop Alliance, was the first group of people to do this for young designers here in Chicago.
"Macy’s has the ability to do huge orders with very major designers, but they have chosen to support us as well,” says Lara Miller, an independent designer, Chicago native and former student of the renowned School of the Art Institute.
Don’t forget about the charitable contributions, runway shows and their endless support of the HIV/AIDS fight with their Passport series. Raising $27 million to date the charity runway show that used to be held in only LA and San Francisco hit the cinema on October 23rd in 27 cities to bring fashion fun and aid to the community.
Two new New Orleans stores opening this month prove the commitment to the community. In an area where homes and businesses are still being re-built, Macy’s dedication and belief in the prosperity of that city comes at an important economic time. It is also important to know that Macy’s Department Store was R.H. Macy’s eighth try for a successful business and by the end of the year; he had gross earnings of $90,000. That legacy has made the belief in trying new things and supporting the entrepreneur what it is today.
“Macy’s is putting money into seeing independent designers succeed. Giving indie designers flexibility teaches us how to launch a business and do it right. They work almost as an independent boutique within a major retailer,” says Elisa Bergman. “Community support is essential for success in the market place for any new business.”
During this Thanksgiving season, retailers and fashion designers alike should give thanks for the pioneer that makes a young entrepreneur’s dream seem possible.
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