Rowland Hussey Macy: A Retail Legend's Biography

The Life Story of Rowland Hussey Macy

Early Life and Family Background

Rowland Hussey Macy, born on August 30, 1822, on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, was a pioneer in American retail.

He was the fourth child in a Quaker family and grew up in an environment rich with maritime traditions.

His early exposure to the sea was pivotal, as at 15, he worked aboard the whaleship Emily Morgan, marking the beginning of an adventurous life.

Maritime Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Ventures

Macy’s maritime experience was an adventure and a source of inspiration. During his time at sea, he received a red star tattoo, which would later become the iconic logo of Macy’s Department Store.

In 1844, at the age of 22, Macy married Louisa Houghton. They had three children, but tragically, their first child, Charles, died in infancy.

Macy began his entrepreneurial journey in 1843, opening his first dry goods store in Massachusetts. Despite facing several failures, with four stores closing down, his resilience never wavered.

He moved to California during the Gold Rush of 1850, hoping to capitalize on the booming economy. Although this venture didn’t pan out as expected, he returned to the East Coast with valuable business insights.

The Birth of R.H. Macy Dry Goods

In 1858, Macy took a bold step and opened “R.H. Macy Dry Goods” in New York City. Located at the corner of Sixth Avenue and 14th Street, the store’s first-day sales were a modest $11.08.

However, Macy’s innovative business strategies quickly paid off, such as offering lower prices for cash purchases and a one-price policy. Within the first year, despite a national recession, the store’s sales soared to $90,000.

Innovations and Expansions

Macy’s store was not just a shop but a revolution in retail. He expanded into neighboring buildings, essentially creating the modern department store concept. Macy was a marketing genius, introducing America’s first store, Santa Claus, themed exhibits, and illuminated window displays.

Macy also employed unique newspaper advertising campaigns, drawing from his printer apprentice experience. Under his leadership, the store’s revenue exceeded $1 million four years after promoting Margaret Getchell, the first female executive in retail sales.

Later Life and Legacy

Macy’s life, however, was not just about business success. He was a family man, devoted to his wife and children. But tragedy struck again when he lost his son, Rowland Hussey Macy Jr., in 1878.

Macy died from Bright’s disease on March 29, 1877, in Paris, France. His burial occurred at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, leaving behind a legacy that would outlive him for centuries.

Macy’s Department Store Today

Today, Macy’s is more than just a department store; it’s an American cultural icon. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the Fourth of July fireworks,

Macy’s has become synonymous with American celebrations. With over 800 stores nationwide, Macy’s continues to be a leader in the retail industry, outshining competitors like Belk, Dillard’s, and Neiman Marcus.

In conclusion, Rowland H. Macy’s life story is a testament to resilience and innovation. From a young sailor to a retail magnate, his journey inspires entrepreneurs around the world.

Rowland’s legacy lives on in the red star logo, a symbol of hope and perseverance, reminding us that great things can grow from humble beginnings.

Key Points and Facts

Key Points and Facts About Rowland Hussey Macy

Early Life and Family Background

Born: August 30, 1822, in Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, U.S.
Family: Fourth of six children in a Quaker family.
Parents: John (a storekeeper) and Eliza Myrick Barnard Macy.

Maritime Experience and Early Career

At age 15, worked on the whaleship Emily Morgan.
Received a red star tattoo during his time at sea, which later became Macy’s logo.

Marriage and Family Life

Married: Louisa Houghton in 1844.
Children: Charles A. Macy (1845–1846), Rowland Hussey Macy Jr. (1847–1878), and Florence Macy (1853–1933).

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Opened a dry goods store in Marysville, California, during the Gold Rush in 1850.
Between 1843 and 1855, opened and failed at four retail dry goods stores.
First Macy’s store opened in Haverhill, Massachusetts, in 1851.

Establishment of R.H Macy Dry Goods

Moved to New York City in 1858, establishing the store at Sixth Avenue and 14th Street.
First day of business: October 28, 1858, with sales of $11.08.
First-year sales in New York: $90,000 despite a national recession.

Innovations in Retail

Expanded into neighboring buildings, pioneering the department store concept.
Introduced marketing strategies like a store Santa Claus, themed exhibits, and illuminated window displays.
Implemented a money-back guarantee policy.
Adopted a cash-only policy, continued into the 1950s.

Later Life and Business Partnerships

In 1875, took on partners Robert M. Valentine and Abiel T. La Forge.

Death and Legacy

Died: March 29, 1877, in Paris, France, of Bright’s disease.
Burial: Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York.
Left possessions and annuity to his wife and daughter.
Macy’s store ownership passed to the Straus family after 1895.

Significant Locations in His Life

Nantucket Island, Massachusetts (birthplace).
Marysville, California (early business venture).
Haverhill, Massachusetts (original Macy’s store).
New York City (establishment of R.H. Macy Dry Goods).
Paris, France (place of death).

Macy’s Store Today

Known for the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade and Fourth of July fireworks display.
Annual revenue exceeds $20 billion.
Competitors include Belk, Dillard’s, The Bon-Ton Stores, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom.
Over 800 stores across the United States.

Rowland Hussey Macy

1822

Born: August 30, 1822, on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, U.S.

1837

Maritime Beginnings: At age 15, worked on the whaleship Emily Morgan and received a red star tattoo during his time at sea.

1843

First Business Venture: Opened his first dry goods store with his brother’s backing.

1844

Marriage: Married Louisa Houghton.
Children: Over time, had three children – Charles A. Macy (1845–1846), Rowland Hussey Macy Jr. (1847–1878), and Florence Macy (1853–1933).

1850

California Gold Rush: Moved with his brother Charles to Marysville, California, and opened a dry goods store during the Gold Rush, which failed.

1851

Macy’s Store in Haverhill: Opened a store in Haverhill, Massachusetts, which implemented innovative retail practices but eventually failed.

1858

Move to New York City: Established “R.H. Macy Dry Goods” at Sixth Avenue and 14th Street in New York City.
October 28, 1858: First day of business in New York, with sales of $11.08.

1866

Leadership in Retail: Promoted Margaret Getchell to store manager, a significant step for women in the workplace.

1875

Business Partnerships: Took on two partners, Robert M. Valentine and Abiel T. La Forge.

1877

Death: Died on March 29, 1877, in Paris, France, of Bright’s disease.
Burial: Laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York.

Posthumous Developments

1895: Macy’s store ownership passed from the Macy family to Isidor and Nathan Straus.

Macy’s Growth and Legacy

Throughout his life, Macy opened multiple stores, with many early failures before the eventual success in New York City. His innovative retail strategies and resilient spirit laid the foundation for what became one of the world’s largest department stores. Macy’s continues to be a significant name in retail, known for its iconic Thanksgiving Day Parade and a vast network of stores across the United States.

Life Lessons

Teachable Lessons from the Life of Rowland Hussey Macy

Resilience in the Face of Failure

One of the most inspiring lessons from Rowland Hussey Macy’s life is his resilience in the face of failure.

Macy experienced numerous setbacks, including the failure of his initial retail ventures in Massachusetts and California. Yet, he didn’t give up.

Instead, he learned from each setback and continued to pursue his dreams.

This teaches us that failure is not the end but rather a stepping stone to success. It’s important to learn from mistakes and keep moving forward.

Innovation and Adaptability

Macy’s success in New York City was not just due to his persistence but also his ability to innovate and adapt. He introduced several new concepts in retail, like the store Santa Claus, themed exhibits, and illuminated window displays.

He also embraced a cash-only policy and introduced a money-back guarantee. These innovations helped differentiate Macy’s store from others and contributed significantly to its success.

This lesson tells us that being open to change and finding new ways to do things can lead to great achievements.

Inclusivity and Forward-Thinking

Another significant lesson from Macy’s life is the importance of inclusivity and forward-thinking in business. Macy was ahead of his time in promoting Margaret Getchell, making her one of the first women executives in retail sales.

This move not only showed Macy’s progressive thinking but also contributed to the store’s success.

Embracing diversity and inclusivity can bring different perspectives and ideas, which are crucial for growth and success in any field.

Questions and Answers

Frequently Asked Questions About Rowland Hussey Macy

When and where was Rowland Hussey Macy born?

Rowland Hussey Macy was born on August 30, 1822, on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, U.S. He was part of a Quaker family and the fourth of six children.

What was Macy’s early career like?

At the age of 15, Macy started working on the whaleship Emily Morgan. During this time, he received a red star tattoo, which later became the iconic logo for Macy’s department stores.

Did Rowland H. Macy have a family?

Yes, he married Louisa Houghton in 1844. Together, they had three children: Charles A. Macy (1845–1846), Rowland Hussey Macy Jr. (1847–1878), and Florence Macy (1853–1933).

What were Macy’s entrepreneurial ventures before establishing Macy’s store in New York?

Macy opened a dry goods store in Marysville, California, with his brother Charles during the Gold Rush in 1850.

Macy also opened four retail dry goods stores between 1843 and 1855, including one in Haverhill, Massachusetts, in 1851. However, all these stores eventually failed.

When did Macy establish the first Macy’s store in New York City?

Macy moved to New York City and established “R.H Macy Dry Goods” at Sixth Avenue and 14th Street in 1858. The store’s first day of business was on October 28, 1858.

What innovative strategies did Macy introduce in his store?

Macy expanded his store into neighboring buildings and introduced marketing strategies like a store Santa Claus, themed exhibits, and illuminated window displays.

Macy also introduced a money-back guarantee policy and produced made-to-measure clothing on-site.

What happened to Rowland H. Macy later in life?

In 1875, Macy took on two partners, Robert M. Valentine and Abiel T. La Forge.

Rowland died on March 29, 1877, in Paris, France, from Bright’s disease and was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.

What is Rowland H. Macy’s legacy?

Rowland H. Macy is remembered as the founder of Macy’s department store, which became one of the world’s largest department stores.

Macy’s legacy is marked by his innovation in retail, perseverance in the face of early failures, and his impact on American holiday traditions through the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.