Macy's in NYC: Older Than Your Grandpa's Flannel Shirt (But Probably Looks Way Better)
Ever strutted down Fifth Avenue with a shopping bag from Macy's feeling like a true New Yorker? Us too! But have you ever stopped to wonder, just how long has this iconic department store been around? Buckle up, fashionistas, because Macy's in New York City has a history that stretches back further than most of our favorite memes.
From Humble Beginnings to Herald Square Kingpin
Macy's story starts in 1858, way back when Abraham Lincoln was still rockin' a beard and the only online shopping was bartering with your neighbor for their slightly-used butter churn. A fella named Rowland Hussey Macy (say that five times fast) opened a little dry goods store on Sixth Avenue. We're talking thread, buttons, the whole nine yards (literally, they probably sold yards of fabric by the... yard).
Fast forward a few decades, and Macy's is like a phoenix rising from the ashes of flannel shirts past. In 1902, they moved to their famous Herald Square location, a building so grand it probably has its own zip code. This wasn't just any department store, this was a monument to shopping, complete with a clock tower that's become as iconic as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade itself (which, by the way, Macy's started in 1924. You heard that right, they've been putting on a giant turkey trot for almost a century!).
So, How Old is Macy's in New York City, Really?
Do the math! If Macy's opened its doors in 1858 and it is currently 2024, that means Macy's in New York City is a whopping 166 years old. That's older than the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and let's be honest, probably your most comfortable pair of jeans.
Basically, Macy's has seen it all. From horse-drawn carriages to hoverboards (although, we haven't seen those in the store yet...), Macy's has been a constant presence in New York City's ever-changing landscape.
Fun Fact: Macy's Wasn't Always Named Macy's!
Mind. Blown. Originally called "R.H. Macy & Co." (say that five times even faster!), the store adopted the shorter, snappier "Macy's" name sometime in the early 20th century.
So there you have it! The next time you're browsing the aisles of Macy's, remember that you're not just shopping, you're experiencing a piece of New York City history.
FAQ: Macy's NYC Edition
How to impress your friends with Macy's trivia?
A. Just casually drop the fact that Macy's is older than the Brooklyn Bridge.
How to avoid getting lost in the Macy's labyrinth?
A. Download a store map before you go, or politely ask a friendly employee for help. Getting lost is a rite of passage, but multiple times in one trip is a bit much.
How to score the best deals at Macy's?
A. Keep an eye out for sales and clearance racks. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to snagging that perfect designer bag at a fraction of the price.
How to navigate the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade crowds?
A. Bundle up, grab a thermos of hot cocoa, and be prepared for a marathon of festive floats and marching bands. It's a New York City tradition, after all!
How to tell if that vintage coat at Macy's is actually vintage?
A. Ask a salesperson! They're the experts when it comes to deciphering fashion through the ages.
