Rowland Hussey Macy Sr.

Entrepreneur

Birthday August 30, 1822

Birth Sign Virgo

Birthplace Nantucket, MA

DEATH DATE Mar 29, 1877 (54)

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About

Founder of R.H. Macy and Company, the department-store chain.

Before Fame

He worked on the Emily Morgan, a whaling ship, where he received the red-star tattoo that later became a key ingredient in Macy's logo. He opened up a store called R.H. Macy Dry Goods in 1858 in New York City.

Trivia

He pioneered many innovative ways to draw in customers, including a store Santa Claus, various departments, themed exhibits, and illuminated window displays.

Family Life

He had two children with Louisa Houghton whom he married in 1844.

Associated With

He was portrayed by Henry Antrim in the movie Miracle on 34th Street in which Edmund Gwenn starred as Santa.