The retail giant that grew by building around its enemies

Wars & Conflicts · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 1900, a developer bought a building specifically to block Macy's expansion. Instead of stopping the retail titan, the move backfired, forcing the department store to simply build around the obstacle, eventually turning the site into a legendary corner of New York City.

The evolution of Macy's Herald Square is a study in persistence and massive scale. Originally founded by Rowland Hussey Macy, who learned from the failure of four previous dry goods stores, the brand eventually moved its flagship to Herald Square in 1902. To bridge the distance from its previous location on 14th Street, the store even utilized a steam wagonette to transport customers uptown.

The store's physical footprint is a testament to its growth. While the original 1902 structure was a single building designed by Theodore de Lemos and A. W. Cordes, it eventually expanded to occupy nearly an entire city block. This expansion was aided by additions designed by Robert D. Kohn in 1924, 1928, and 1931. Today, the building spans approximately 2.2 million square feet, making it one of the largest department stores in the world.

The building's history is punctuated by strategic battles and cultural moments. In 1900, Robert H. Smith purchased a five-story building on the corner of 34th Street and Broadway, allegedly on behalf of the rival Siegel-Cooper, to obstruct Macy's. Macy's ignored the tactic and built around it. That building, known as the 'Million Dollar Corner' after selling for $1 million on December 6, 1911, now carries Macy's 'shopping bag' sign via lease. Beyond commerce, the flagship has served as a cultural hub, hosting the 1942 Latin-American Exposition under the patronage of Eleanor Roosevelt and acting as the finish line for the world's largest parade every Thanksgiving.

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