Macy's Original Wooden Escalators
Built in 1902, Macy's Herald Square was the first building in the world to have the modern day escalator. The wooden escalators are still in use today!

Becoming "The World's Largest Store"
In 1924, upon completion of the 7th Avenue addition, Macy's was declared the "World's Largest Store". This year also marked the birth of an American tradition: The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®! Then, the famous helium balloons were introduced to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1927. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Macy's continued to be an innovator among department stores by selling pre-fabricated houses, airplanes and automobiles on the 9th Floor of Herald Square.

Miracle on 34th Street
The still-classic holiday film, Miracle On 34th Street opens in 1947 and is set in Macy's Herald Square, proving that Macy's has the one and only true Santa Claus.

My Heart Will Go On
Isidor and Ida Straus, co-owners of Macy's, die tragically with almost 1,500 other passengers of the Titanic. It was widely reported that Isidor declined an offer to escape on a lifeboat so long as there were women and children on the ship. Ida also declined the offer to stay behind with her husband and reportedly gave away the fur coat she was wearing to her maid to keep her warm while on the lifeboat.

Happy 150th Birthday, Macy's!
Macy's celebrates its 150th birthday on October 28th, 2008. In true Macy's style, this milestone is marked by celebrity-filled mega-events, community and charity initiatives, commemorative product and new exclusive brand launches.