Macy's: The Store. the Star. the Story. [Hardcover]

Robert M. Grippo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2009

Macy's The Store. The Star. The Story traces a hundred and fifty years of one of the country’s premier retailers. More than just the account of a successful business, it is the story of how one man’s dream found a home in the heart of Manhattan. Lively text, rare photographs, and colorful illustrations highlight the people and events—the trends, tragedies, and traditions—that transformed Macy’s from a modest storefront into the World’s Largest Store.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This lavishly illustrated history documents the iconic store's evolution over the past 150 years—from founder Rowland Macy's vision to decades of competition, restoration and expansion. Archival materials provide rich servings of Americana, and detailed footnotes contrast each chapter in Macy's development with a time line of concurrent historical events, trends and fashions. Discussions of Macy's move into suburban communities as well as the move of the flagship store to Herald Square in 1902, the animated competition between Macy's and Gimbels, the start of the famous flower show and Thanksgiving parade, and Macy's involvement in The Miracle on 34th Street are supplemented with extensively researched notes, anecdotes, rare photographs, advertisements and other enlivening illustrations. Grippo (Macy's Thanksgiving Parade) depicts how Macy's has remade itself with the times and for the changing needs of its consumers—who will delight in this affectionate tribute. (Feb.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Kudos to Grippo for compiling and writing this illustrated history of the world’s most famous store. Gaining world recognition through its role in the 1947 movie Miracle on 34th Street, Macy’s nonetheless began in more humble circumstances in 1858 under the ownership of former Nantucket seaman Rowland H. Macy. Much like today, the store—and, later, the empire—experienced its ups and downs along with the U.S. economy. Yet it should be credited with its pioneering retail accomplishments, not just the eponymous Thanksgiving Day parade, launched in 1924 (and originally labeled the Christmas Parade). Its other innovations are in marketing (Fourth of July fireworks and local flower shows), merchandising (with the launch of the Cellar as well as store-label brands), and employee-welfare programs. The author provides great historical context through the bottom-of-the-page illustrated footers chronicling events, celebrities, and politics of that era. As a history alone, the story of this New York–based empire entertains; yet as a not-so-objective narrative of U.S. retailing, it serves as a simple paean to the old Macy’s, posing some real questions about its survival as the first coast-to-coast American department store under CEO Terry Lundgren. --Barbara Jacobs

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 186 pages
• Publisher: Square One Publishers (April 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0757002129
• ISBN-13: 978-0757002120
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #941,696 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating look an American icon; deserves an enthusiastic recommendation, May 11, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Macy's: The Store. the Star. the Story. (Paperback)

Some companies become so well known that they are a part of America's culture. "Macy's: The Store. The Star. The Story" takes a look at the retail chain Macy's and how, over the past century and a half of its existence, it has established itself as a cultural icon. Tracing the company's history from the dream of an ambitious entrepreneur named Rowland H. Macy (who was by no means a successful businessman) to becoming the leading name associated with Thanksgiving Day parades, "Macy's" is enhanced with full color photographs and detailed information. "Macy's" is a fascinating look an American icon and deserves an enthusiastic recommendation.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book!, July 14, 2009

By 

Virginia Hughes "Snazzy Stitches" (Pottstown, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Macy's: The Store. the Star. the Story. (Hardcover)

I loved this book! It not only chronicles the history of Macy's but the history of fashion, fads and some politics thrown in as well. The author just reports the history of Macy's without any bias thrown in, it's very refreshing.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Secrets Revealed!, November 25, 2009

By 

Bear Rowell "Bear" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Macy's: The Store. the Star. the Story. (Hardcover)

Does Macy's tell Gimbel's? The truth at last. If you recall coming up in the elevator and heading for that pearl beyond price, the electric train layout, you'll enjoy this title. Not deathless prose perhaps, but a delightful read.