Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (2024)

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Macy's Herald Square is the largest department store in the US, with 1.25 million square feet of retail space across 12 floors. During the holiday season, Macy's decorates the entire store and, famously, decorates the windows out front. I decided to see what the flagship Macy's store is actually like during the holidays. For the last few years, Macy's has put a large "Believe" sign on the side of the building, but it changed to "Give Love" this year. I wanted to get a good look at the windows, but the crowds prevented me from getting close. So I decided to go inside. I was almost immediately swept away by the crowds of people. But eventually I was able to get a better look at the store and the festive decorations. The first section I visited sold fragrances and makeup. As Christmas music played through the speakers, I noticed a mezzanine floor ahead of me and another "Give Love" display. One of the biggest attractions of Macy's during the holiday season is the new Toys 'R' Us on the seventh floor. Famously, children can visit Santa at Macy's Santaland, but before I found it, I saw Toys 'R' Us had its own mini version. The toy selection is very different to what I remember as a kid. I went up another floor to Santaland — around 170,000 people visit each year to meet Santa in Toyland. While I couldn't get in without a ticket, I could look at the holiday train that's out front. I also looked at the display windows at Santaland. They depict scenes from the movie "Miracle on 34th Street." The Macy's has multiple restaurants and food establishments throughout. After my snack, and still feeling overwhelmed by the crowds, I went down to the sixth floor. It was much less crowded. I also came across a beautiful Godiva display that had no shoppers. Behind the Godiva display was the Italian restaurant in Macy's, Stella 34 Trattoria. I went down to the second floor to check out the shoe selection, but I left empty-handed. I went out a different door than the one I came in, and I noticed different decorations. As I left, I was able to get a better look at the windows, as well, and they were beautiful. FAQs
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Gabbi Shaw

2022-12-27T21:27:40Z

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (1)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider
  • I traveled to Macy's Herald Square, the brand's flagship store, at the height of the holiday season.
  • While the first couple of floors are very crowded, the higher you go, the more space you'll find.
  • There are also multiple restaurants, a Toys 'R' Us, and Santaland.

Macy's Herald Square is the largest department store in the US, with 1.25 million square feet of retail space across 12 floors.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (2)

Chris Hondros/Getty Images

The department store moved to this location, which is an entire city block, in 1902, according to Macy's Inc. In 1924, the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade ended at the store, ushering in the holiday season, which it's done almost every year since.

Around 20 million people visit Macy's Herald Square every year, the department store reported in 2013.

During the holiday season, Macy's decorates the entire store and, famously, decorates the windows out front.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (3)

Bobby Bank/WireImage/Getty Images

Approximately 7,000 people visit the Macy's holiday windows every hour, the New York Daily News reported in 2022.

I decided to see what the flagship Macy's store is actually like during the holidays.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (4)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

I traveled to Macy's in December, at the peak of the holiday season. Midtown Manhattan, where the store is located, is famously one of the most crowded areas of the city, teeming with locals, tourists, and commuters trying to get to Penn Station, which is also on 34th Street.

For the last few years, Macy's has put a large "Believe" sign on the side of the building, but it changed to "Give Love" this year.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (5)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

The change was to reflect the theme of this year's windows, which is also Give Love. The change did not go over well with everyone, according to some Twitter users.

I wanted to get a good look at the windows, but the crowds prevented me from getting close.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (6)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

I also felt kind of awkward when I got close, knowing that I'd be in dozens of random tourists' photos for the rest of time.

So I decided to go inside. I was almost immediately swept away by the crowds of people.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (7)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

It felt overwhelming to be around this many people, especially after almost three years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But eventually I was able to get a better look at the store and the festive decorations.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (8)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

Throughout the first floor, there were garlands, lights, and crystal-encrusted balls hanging from the ceiling.

The first section I visited sold fragrances and makeup.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (9)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

Everywhere I turned, there was a different counter for a luxury makeup brand, like Dior, Chanel, or Estée Lauder. More than one employee offered me a spritz of new perfume.

As Christmas music played through the speakers, I noticed a mezzanine floor ahead of me and another "Give Love" display.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (10)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

The first floor had exceptionally high ceilings, so there's essentially a half-floor above the makeup section that has more shopping and a Starbucks. In the photo above, you can see the mezzanine on either side of the escalators.

One of the biggest attractions of Macy's during the holiday season is the new Toys 'R' Us on the seventh floor.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (11)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

This holiday season, Macy's partnered with the defunct toy store to bring it back at 400 Macy's locations across the country, according to Insider.

Famously, children can visit Santa at Macy's Santaland, but before I found it, I saw Toys 'R' Us had its own mini version.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (12)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

Kids couldn't meet Santa at this installation, but they could peer through clear windows at animatronic tools "building" toys and other fun things.

The toy selection is very different to what I remember as a kid.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (13)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

That's a Barbie Eco-Leadership Team set, with dolls made from recycled plastic.

Barbie's actually had dozens of jobs since her introduction in the '50s, but this was still surprising to me — the coolest thing I remember my Barbie doing was having bendable knees so she could ride a bike.

I went up another floor to Santaland — around 170,000 people visit each year to meet Santa in Toyland.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (14)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

When I was there, there was alongline to meet the big guy, even though you have to reserve a time slot online just to make it through the doors to actual Santaland.

According to The Points Guy, 170,000 people go through Santaland every year.

While I couldn't get in without a ticket, I could look at the holiday train that's out front.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (15)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

Most of the decorations are inside the ticketed area, but Macy's also made the outer waiting area festive for passersby. This train was surprisingly large, and it was decorated with candy canes, tinsel, a wreath, and lights.

I also looked at the display windows at Santaland. They depict scenes from the movie "Miracle on 34th Street."

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (16)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

Just like the real windows on the street, this mini Macy's had display windows, though these showed scenes from the 1947 film "Miracle on 34th Street." In the movie, a Macy's Santa convinces a court of law that he's the real Santa.

The Macy's has multiple restaurants and food establishments throughout.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (17)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

I wanted a quick bite — thankfully, there was an Au Bon Pain across the floor from Santaland.

I ordered a chicken Caesar wrap and took a break from exploring to do some people-watching.

After my snack, and still feeling overwhelmed by the crowds, I went down to the sixth floor. It was much less crowded.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (18)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

The sixth floor is mainly dedicated to homes, including bedding, pillows, rugs, decor, furniture, and kitchen gadgets.

I also came across a beautiful Godiva display that had no shoppers.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (19)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

The large Godiva display was filled with chocolates and gift boxes. I always appreciate some chocolate, so I was surprised there wasn't a soul to be seen, besides the cashier.

Behind the Godiva display was the Italian restaurant in Macy's, Stella 34 Trattoria.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (20)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

Stella 34 is an Italian restaurant that serves lunch, dinner, and drinks. It also serves a weekday $32 prix-fixe menu, with a choice of chicken pagnottella, meatball pagnottella, paccheri pasta, and margherita pizza for the main course.

When I walked by, the place was busy. The restaurant also has a beautiful view of Herald Square and the bright lights of the city.

Since I didn't grab a bite here, I can't speak to the quality of the food, but the restaurant has 3.5 stars on Yelp.

I went down to the second floor to check out the shoe selection, but I left empty-handed.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (21)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

The shoe section ofanydepartment store is my favorite section, because it's easy to try on shoes and there's often a good sales section. While the Macy's shoe section had tons of variety, I asked for a few different pairs to try on, only to find out that they were out of my size.

So, I decided to call it an evening and leave the store.

I went out a different door than the one I came in, and I noticed different decorations.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (22)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

At this entrance, the doors were flanked by artificial tree trunks and animatronic woodland creatures, like this squirrel that was wagging its tail and looking around at the thousands of shoppers.

As I left, I was able to get a better look at the windows, as well, and they were beautiful.

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (23)

Gabbi Shaw/Insider

I would've liked to get a better look at the windows before I was tired from hours of exploring, but since it was so crowded, I couldn't. Now that it was almost closing time, I was able to get a closer look.

Then I finally hopped on the subway, ready to head home and decompress from all the people I had been surrounded by inside the store.

Despite the crowds, I would definitely go shopping at Macy's Herald Square again, though maybe not during the holiday season. If anything, just walking by the display windows will be enough to put me in the holiday spirit.

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Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US (2024)

FAQs

Photos show what it's really like to holiday shop at the largest department store in the US? ›

Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the most renowned luxury department stores in the world. The flagship store is located in New York City. It carries a wide selection of high-end designer clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, as well as home decor items, designer jewelry, and beauty products.

What is the most prestigious department store? ›

Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the most renowned luxury department stores in the world. The flagship store is located in New York City. It carries a wide selection of high-end designer clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, as well as home decor items, designer jewelry, and beauty products.

What is the largest department store in the United States? ›

Macy's Herald Square is the largest department store in the US, with 1.25 million square feet of retail space across 12 floors. The department store moved to this location, which is an entire city block, in 1902, according to Macy's Inc.

What is the oldest department store in the United States? ›

Arnold Constable was the first American department store. It was founded in 1825 as a small dry goods store on Pine Street in New York City. In 1857 the store moved into a five-story white marble dry goods palace known as the Marble House.

What is the most famous store in New York City? ›

Quite possibly the most famous department store in New York City (it was the setting of "Miracle on 34th Street" after all), Macy's features nine floors of clothing, kitchenware, and accessories.

What is the most expensive store in America? ›

1. Oscar de la Renta, New York City: And the most expensive store in American scores an whopping average of $3,217 per shopper per shopping trip.

What is the richest store in the USA? ›

By revenue
RankNameHeadquarters
1WalmartBentonville
2AmazonSeattle
3CostcoIssaquah
4Schwarz GruppeNeckarsulm
65 more rows

What is the most successful store in America? ›

Retail sales are part of consumer spending. The biggest retail company, with TTM revenue of $600.1 billion, is Walmart.

What is the largest single retail store in the US? ›

The building's 2.5 million square feet (230,000 m2), which includes 1.25 million square feet (116,000 m2) of retail space, makes it the largest department store in the United States and among the largest in the world.
...
Macy's Herald Square.
Significant dates
Added to NRHPJune 2, 1978
Designated NHLJune 2, 1978
12 more rows

What is the largest single store in the US? ›

World's Largest Store: Macy's Herald Square.

What is the oldest store still open? ›

Gray's General Store is a general store located at 4 Main Street in Adamsville, Rhode Island.

What is the oldest retailer still operating in the US? ›

On April 7, 1818, Henry Sands Brooks opened H. & D.H Brooks & Co., which later became Brooks Brothers. Brooks called upon his sons to help run the store, creating a family business that would last over 200 years. Today, the company is the longest-running retailer in the US and can even be seen worn by presidents.

What is the oldest department store still around? ›

Le Bon Marché was founded in Paris in 1852, making it the world's oldest and longest-running department store. The practice of returning merchandise for a refund? Le Bon Marché lays claim to the concept.

What is the most luxurious department store in New York? ›

Saks Fifth Avenue

This luxurious department store, which occupies an entire city block, is home to an extensive collection of designer brands, many of whom have their own dedicated boutique spaces.

Where is the most expensive place to shop in New York? ›

New York City has earned many titles over the years. Now its hallmark luxury shopping strip, Fifth Avenue, has given the city yet another superlative: the world's most expensive shopping area.

What is the most expensive street to shop on in New York? ›

New York's Fifth Avenue has reclaimed its position as the world's most expensive retail street, with average rents of USD2,000 per square foot (sq ft) per year (€21,076/sq m/yr) according to a new global ranking from real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield.

Where are groceries most expensive in the US? ›

Average Cost Of Groceries By State
RankStateAverage monthly cost of groceries per person
1Hawaii$556.76
2Vermont$497.41
3Alaska$483.24
4New York$482.87
46 more rows
Feb 27, 2023

What is the best shopping street in New York? ›

fifth avenue

The most famous street for shopping in New York is Fifth Avenue between 49th Street and 60th Street. It's home to luxury brands' eye-catching stores.

What is the richest shopping street in America? ›

Press play to listen to this article! Got it! New York's Fifth Avenue has reclaimed its position as the world's most expensive retail street, with average annual rents of $2,000 per sq ft.

What grocery store makes the most money? ›

Largest Food Retailers Research Summary

The largest food retailer in the world is Walmart, with a revenue of $573 billion and a net income of $13.94 billion. As of 2022, the global food & grocery retail market has a market size of $14.78 trillion.

What is the richest family business in America? ›

Top 50
RankCompanyFamily (Shareholding)
1WalmartWalton family (48.9%)
2Berkshire HathawayBuffett family (37.2%)
3ExorAgnelli family (53.0%)
4Schwarz GroupSchwarz family (100%)
46 more rows

What's the most popular grocery store? ›

Aldi ranks as the most popular grocery store, with a popularity score of 65%, according to market research and data analytics firm YouGov, which polled consumers during the fourth quarter of 2022.

What is a popular US grocery store? ›

National chains
  • Ahold Delhaize – Operates under the following brands: Food Lion (Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) ...
  • Kroger – Besides the parent company, stores operate under these brands: ...
  • Target.
  • Costco.
  • Walmart.

What is the most popular clothing store in America? ›

List of top retail clothing stores in the USA
RankCompany nameProduct Category
1NikeFashion and Apparel
2H&mFashion and Apparel
3Macy'sFashion and Apparel
4ZARAFashion and Apparel
6 more rows

Who is the number 1 retailer in the world? ›

Walmart Inc

What is the smallest store in America? ›

If you're wondering how small the smallest shop in North America is, the answer is 44 square feet and you can find it in the lobby of a 120-year-old heritage building on St.

What is the biggest mall in America? ›

1. Mall of America. Opened in 1992, Mall of America is the nation's largest mall at more than 5.6 million square feet. Located outside Minneapolis, Mall of America draws 40 million visitors each year to its more than 520 shops and restaurants.

What store has the most customers? ›

Walmart had the highest (5.68) score in a ranking of customer loyalty across big-box,grocery, QSR, apparel and department stores by consumer intelligence company InMarket.

What is the largest US department store that has stores in 49 states? ›

Kohl's (stylized in all caps) is an American department store retail chain, operated by Kohl's Corporation. As of December 2021 it is the largest department store chain in the United States, with 1,165 locations, operating stores in every U.S. state except Hawaii.

What store only sold 3 sizes? ›

We've rewritten it to be more accurate and less one-sided. There's nothing mysterious how retailer 5-7-9 got its name. Back in the '80s, the shop, which catered to teenage girls, focused its collection on three sizes — you guessed it, sizes 5, 7 and 9. In those days, the store chain was wildly popular.

What is the largest US department store that has stores in 49 US states? ›

Kohl's is a leading omnichannel retailer with more than 1,100 stores in 49 states.

What was the old store called Best? ›

Best Products Company, Inc., or simply Best, was a chain of American catalog showroom retail stores founded by Sydney and Frances Lewis in 1957 and formerly headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

What is the oldest Target store? ›

On May 1, 1962, the Dayton Company, using Geisse's concepts, opened its first Target discount store located at 1515 West County Road B in the Saint Paul, Minnesota, suburb of Roseville.

What is the oldest grocery store in North America? ›

The oldest grocery store in North America is truly one-of-a-kind. Founded in 1871, J.A. Moisan is renowned for its selection of fine food, products made in Québec (preserves and fine cheeses) and foodstuffs from around the world.

What is the oldest clothing company in America? ›

Brooks Brothers is an American clothing retailer founded in 1818, the oldest apparel brand in continuous operation in the United States. Originally a family business, Brooks Brothers produces clothing for men, women and children, as well as home furnishings.

What is the oldest brand today? ›

The Oldest Business in the World

The oldest operating business is Kongo Gumi in Japan, founded in 578. It's a construction company that specializes in shrines and temples.

What is the oldest five and dime in the US? ›

With a history that dates back to 1908, Berdine's Five & Dime is America's oldest Five and Dime store. When you walk through the doors of this treasure, you will feel as though you've travelled back a century. This store is located at 106 N Court St., Harrisville, West Virginia.

What is the oldest Walmart store? ›

On July 2, 1962, Sam Walton opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, AR.

What was a general store called in the 1800s? ›

The General Store.

These general stores, mercantile's, or emporiums, served rural populations of small towns and villages, and the farmers and ranchers in the surrounding areas. They offered a place where people could find food and necessities that would have otherwise been difficult to obtain.

What department store was before Walmart? ›

The history of Walmart, an American discount department store chain, began in 1950 when businessman Sam Walton purchased a store from Luther E. Harrison in Bentonville, Arkansas, and opened Walton's 5 & 10.

What is a high-end store? ›

Luxury retail is a segment in the retail industry that specializes in selling high-end goods that are characterized by high quality, high prices and a high degree of exclusivity.

What is the most expensive store? ›

the most expensive store in the world - Harrods
  • Europe.
  • United Kingdom (UK)
  • England.
  • London.
  • London - Things to Do.
  • Harrods.

Who is the number 1 retail store? ›

The biggest retail company, with TTM revenue of $600.1 billion, is Walmart.

What is the most valuable store in the world? ›

As of 2022, Amazon was ranked as the world's most valuable retail brand, with a brand value of around 282 billion U.S. dollars.

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