Celebrating the arrival of spring, Macy’s Flower Show is considered one of the country’s premier events of the season. This year’s floral extravaganzas open this week in the Herald Square (New York), Union Square (San Francisco), State Street (Chicago) and downtown Minneapolis stores, marking the first time that all shows will be held simultaneously.
"This is truly a remarkable year in Macy's Flower Show history,” said Robin Hall, senior vice president of Macy's Entertainment Group. "For the first time, Macy's Flower Shows from coast-to-coast are being staged at the same time and have thematic elements that tie them together creatively."
Debuting at Macy’s (NYSE:M) in California as the first department store flower show in 1946, the event started as a fragrance promotion in the cosmetics department, and has now evolved into one of Macy’s most beloved traditions. From ushering visitors through the grand displays of colorful creations, to introducing them to a myriad of cultural and community activities, the flower shows have made an indelible mark on customers.
Macy’s Union Square, San Francisco: March 14-29
Macy’s Union Square in downtown San Francisco will celebrate its 62nd Annual Flower Show this year with an ode to the bold and lively culture of Spain. Inspired by the diverse architecture, cuisine, music and history of this mesmerizing country, “The Mosaic of Spain” welcomes visitors with a variety of special events including a cooking demonstration by celebrity chef Tyler Florence and Flamenco performances.
Transforming the store into a haven of Spanish-inspired gardens, visitors can experience the beauty of various vignettes, each representing the country’s regions and cultures – from courtyard gardens and castles to opera houses and traditional marketplaces. Guests to the store will also have the unique opportunity to purchase authentic hand-selected décor, home furnishings and antiques from Spain.
In addition, Macy’s will be displaying a special black and white photo exhibit of the late award-winning writer and photographer David George. His famed work from the 1960s and 70s captures the reality of the Spanish culture and the Anadulsian gypsies during their Golden Age. Thirty of these images will make their debut at Macy’s with limited edition, museum-quality silver gelatin prints on archival paper available for purchase.
Macy’s Minneapolis and Macy’s on State Street, Chicago: March 13-30
Macy’s Minneapolis and Macy’s on State Street will bring the art, music and botanical gardens of the Latino world to life with the opening of Floranova.
Inspired by the energetic cultures of Mexico, Cuba, Brazil, the Amazon, and South Beach, Miami, Floranova will offer visitors a truly unique visual experience. While the theme is the same across the two north-based stores, each location will offer visitors unique experiences with diverse displays of exotic flora species, and artwork from local artisans and organizations.
Partnering with David LeBatard, known as “Lebo”, to design this year’s flower show image in his signature South Beach style, his artwork will be on display in the Macy’s on State Street store for customers to purchase.
Bachman’s, Macy’s Minneapolis partner for the Flower Show since its inception in 1960, has updated this year’s displays with a series of fountains featuring plantings of tropical flowers at their bases. Additionally, in collaboration with Heart of the Beast (HOBT), a local puppet and mask theatre company, the store will feature HOBT’s oversized colorful papier- mâché animal masks throughout the show.
On Friday, March 14, and Friday, March 28, both Macy's stores will host a Latin-themed marketplace offering foods and products representing various Latin countries, including samples from local restaurants, crafts from local artisans, and entertainment from local musicians and dancers. Additional activities include shopping parties and family fun days.
Macy’s Herald Square, New York: March 16-30
Macy’s Herald Square will transform the World’s Largest Store into a vibrant landscape featuring over 30,000 varieties of exotic trees and plants with this year’s 34th annual show, A Wonder of the World. Opening on March 16 with a personal appearance by Martha Stewart, the Main Floor exhibition of intricate displays will feature 11 specialty gardens, including the favorite “Bouquet of the Day.”
This year’s pièce de résistance, constructed by Paul Busse of the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show, is a detailed reproduction of Macy’s famed Broadway building at Herald Square, created entirely from organic plant material. In addition to this astonishing work, the stores adored window displays will feature a veritable timeline of fashion history through the creative arrangement of fresh flowers.
Visitors to the New York City show can also take part in a line-up of entertaining events including guided tours, tabletop seminars, cooking demonstrations and floral arrangement tutorials from celebrity designers.
About Macy's
Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Offering distinctive assortments including exclusive fashion and home brands, Macy's stores are operated by seven regionally based retail divisions – Macy's East, Macy's Florida, Macy's Midwest, Macy's North, Macy's Northwest, Macy's South, and Macy's West – and an online store at macys.com.
For Macy’s media materials, please visit our online pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom.
Contacts:
Holly Thomas, 646-429-5250
holly.thomas@macys.com
