MACY’S CELEBRATES
150^th ANNIVERSARY

NEW YORK – Macy's celebrated its 150^th anniversary Oct. 28  with a celebrity filled fashion industry gala at Gotham Hall, here.  To commemorate the sesquicentennial event, the company also renamed 34^th Street, the address of its Herald Square flagship to R.H. Macy Way in honor of the brand's founder.

Celebrity guests who attended the event include Jessica Simpson, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Eva Mendes, Martha Stewart, Tommy Hilfiger, Clinton Kelly, Kenneth Cole, Todd English, Tyler Florence and Ming Tsai. Duff from Ace of Cakes designed and presented the company’s birthday cake followed by a fireworks finale off the roof of the retailer's NYC store.

"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 J. Lundgren, Macy's, Inc. chairman, president and chief executive officer. "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."

Nantucket born R.H. Macy founded the company as a fancy dry goods store on 14^th Street and Sixth Avenue.  Today, the retailer has more than 800 stores in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam offering assortments including exclusive fashion and home brands. The company also has impacted American pop culture with movie and TV show cameos including Miracle on 34^th Street as well as events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Macy's 4^th of July Fireworks.

Macy's stores are operated by four regionally based retail divisions - Macy's East, Macy's Florida, Macy's Central, and Macy's West and an online store at macys.com.

10.29.08