Macy's: The Store, The Star, The Story

by Robert M. Grippo

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.

Genres: Nonfiction

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2009

Reviews

[Eleonora Kukuy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I randomly spotted this book at a library and picked it up. I've worked near the herald square location for many years so it's great to learn more about this iconic (and touristy) Manhattan fixture. I liked the photos, old adverts and pictures, and all the American history that was tied in with the retailer's. It was cool to learn about the Sparks wartime magazine and all the wartime efforts the store made. On the other side, and maybe because this was written back in 2009 as a lovng tribute to the store, but there are darker sides to huge corporations such as this one... strikes, takeovers on other stores, and the overall department store slump. However this was still an enlightening read about my giant neighbor next door.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to learn Macy’s history.

[Leslie Goddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining, enlightening history of Macy's, focusing mostly (but not exclusively) on the flagship Manhattan store. The editors made a great decision in using a large paper size, which allows for beautiful photos and images. Grippo balances well the tricky task of providing historical narrative (can get dry) and providing warm nostalgic memories (can make a book lightweight historically). He does both with aplomb. Even non-New-Yorkers can enjoy it, since specialized terms and concepts (e.g. the "notch" on one corner of the Manhattan building) are explained. This book is a great example of how popular history can be done in a what that's useful and appealing to both history buffs/specialists and the nostalgic public.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billed as an "Illustrated History of America's Most Celebrated Retail Establishment" it certainly is illustrated. Actually a fascinating corporate history, including the Macy family that founded it and the Staruss family that guided it for three generations.

Mush more interesting thn most corporate histories - lots of illustrations and photos.

[Jacqueline115 · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great trip down memory lane. i grew up looking at the christmas catalogue and watching the parade (still do).

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so interesting and the pictures are great.
Fascinating history.