Macy's Herald Square

Overview

Macy's Herald Square is the world's largest department store, occupying an entire city block at the intersection of Broadway and 34th Street. The building has been a New York landmark since 1902 and remains a functioning retail icon.

Highlights

• The Wooden Escalators: The store still operates some of its original early 20th-century wooden escalators, a rare surviving example of the era's engineering.
• The Building: A magnificent Beaux-Arts structure with ornate facades, the original entrance canopy, and an interior that evokes the golden age of American department stores.
• Thanksgiving Parade: Macy's sponsors the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, which terminates directly in front of the store with a live broadcast.

History

Opened in 1902, the Herald Square store was the brainchild of Isidor Straus (who later perished on the Titanic). At the time, it was the world's largest store and pioneered innovations including modern window displays and the concept of the department store as a destination.

Visitor Tips

• Architecture Focus: Even if you are not shopping, the building's interior and original details are worth seeing. Enter through the original Broadway entrance.
• Avoid Holidays: very crowded during Thanksgiving week and the December holiday season.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.