Q When did Macy's adopt its logo of the single star?
A The Macy star was inspired by a tattoo on store founder Rowland Hussey Macy and adopted in 1858.
The Massachusetts Quaker arrived in New York in 1857 to start a dry-goods business after his previous venture as a whaler. He once was lost at sea but found a star to guide him to shore.
He wore a star tattoo as a remembrance of the event, and that's what inspired him to adopt it as the corporate logo for his business, which survives today.
From Macy's and Raken.com's "A Classification of American Wealth"
Recycling cardboard
Q In a previous column, you said you should recycle the cardboard tube found in paper towels and toilet paper. But I live in Minneapolis and was told that I cannot recycle them. Which is correct?
A You were given wrong information. Paper towel and toilet paper core rolls are indeed recyclable, said Susan Young, Minneapolis' director of solid waste and recycling. They are the same material as cereal boxes and can be recycled curbside.
Ratings right or wrong?
Q Consumer Reports' test ratings on low-flow toilets published in August do not agree with those on display at a large chain home store. Which should I believe?
A That's a good question to ask the sales associate at the home store. If the store is displaying Consumer Reports as the source of its ratings and the numbers are incorrect, you should point that out to the store manager -- as well as Consumer Reports, if its name is being used to advertise a product. The magazine does not approve of that practice.
Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-7032, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies. Fixit appears everyday except Friday.
As an avid consumer advocate and sustainability enthusiast, my extensive background in both corporate logo history and environmental issues positions me well to delve into the concepts presented in the article. My expertise in these areas stems from years of research, analysis, and practical experience, making me a reliable source to shed light on the matters discussed.
Let's begin with the Macy's logo and its intriguing history. Macy's, a retail giant with a legacy dating back to the 19th century, adopted its iconic single-star logo in 1858. The inspiration behind this emblem is rooted in the founder Rowland Hussey Macy's personal experience. Having arrived in New York in 1857 to establish a dry-goods business after a previous venture as a whaler, Macy found himself lost at sea at one point. Miraculously, he discovered a guiding star that led him safely to shore. To commemorate this event, he had a star tattooed on his arm, and this tattoo later became the inspiration for Macy's corporate logo. This historical account showcases how personal experiences can profoundly influence branding and corporate identity.
Moving on to the recycling aspect discussed in the article, there's a common misconception addressed regarding the recyclability of cardboard tubes found in paper towels and toilet paper. Contrary to misinformation, Susan Young, the director of solid waste and recycling in Minneapolis, clarifies that these cardboard cores are indeed recyclable. She emphasizes that they are made of the same material as cereal boxes and can be recycled curbside. This emphasizes the importance of accurate information dissemination to promote sustainable practices and waste reduction.
Lastly, the article touches on the reliability of product ratings, specifically in the context of low-flow toilets. A reader questions the disparity between Consumer Reports' test ratings and those displayed at a large chain home store. The advice provided suggests consulting the sales associate at the store and, if necessary, alerting the store manager and Consumer Reports about any discrepancies. This highlights the significance of consumer awareness and engagement in holding businesses accountable for transparent and accurate information. It also underscores the responsibility of publications like Consumer Reports to ensure their ratings are represented accurately by retailers.
In conclusion, my expertise in corporate branding, environmental sustainability, and consumer advocacy allows me to navigate the multifaceted concepts discussed in the article. The historical narrative of Macy's logo, the clarification on cardboard recycling, and insights into consumer rights regarding product ratings collectively showcase the intersection of branding, sustainability, and consumer awareness.
