TrendsMay 11, 2026
Former Macy’s CEO Joins Signet Jewelers BoardMajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn Down
The massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
The Macy’s red shopping bag sign, seen here, has been taken down as the billboard’s owner, Kaufman Realty, looks to “modernize” the space.
New York—Macy’s giant red shopping bag sign that has beckoned shoppers to its New York City flagship store for decades has been taken down.
The four-story sign towered over the corner of West 34th Street and Broadway in Herald Square, one of the city’s busiest commercial intersections.
“For generations, the iconic sign at Macy’s Herald Square has been a recognizable part of the 34th St. experience and a symbol of our deep roots in New York City,” said a Macy’s spokesperson.
“As the neighborhood continues to evolve, the current sign, while beloved, is outdated and is being removed as part of broader updates by the billboard owner to modernize the space.”
Hiding behind the big red bag is a smaller building, which is not owned by Macy’s, but by Kaufman Realty, which also owns the billboard. A Sunglass Hut boutique currently occupies the ground-floor space.
Macy’s sued Kaufman Realty in 2021, alleging that after its billboard lease expired, Kaufman was in talks to lease the billboard to Amazon, which Macy’s said violated terms of its lease regarding competitor advertising. Kaufman denied it was in talks with Amazon.
The lawsuit was settled quietly in 2022.
The four-story sign towered over the corner of West 34th Street and Broadway in Herald Square, one of the city’s busiest commercial intersections.
“For generations, the iconic sign at Macy’s Herald Square has been a recognizable part of the 34th St. experience and a symbol of our deep roots in New York City,” said a Macy’s spokesperson.
“As the neighborhood continues to evolve, the current sign, while beloved, is outdated and is being removed as part of broader updates by the billboard owner to modernize the space.”
Hiding behind the big red bag is a smaller building, which is not owned by Macy’s, but by Kaufman Realty, which also owns the billboard. A Sunglass Hut boutique currently occupies the ground-floor space.
Macy’s sued Kaufman Realty in 2021, alleging that after its billboard lease expired, Kaufman was in talks to lease the billboard to Amazon, which Macy’s said violated terms of its lease regarding competitor advertising. Kaufman denied it was in talks with Amazon.
The lawsuit was settled quietly in 2022.
The property, known as “The Million-Dollar Corner,” has been described as “the most contentious corner in New York,” according to the New York Post.
Rowland H. Macy founded dry goods store R.H. Macy & Co. in 1858, setting up shop on the corner of 14th Street and 6th Avenue.
In the early 1900s, Macy made plans to relocate to Herald Square.
Businessman Henry Siegel of The Siegel-Cooper Company tried to take over Macy’s downtown lease but was rejected, said the New York Post.
Meanwhile, real estate titan Robert “Pop” Smith was concerned that the move would lure shoppers away from the downtown area.
So, on behalf of Siegel, Smith approached the owner of the building on the corner of 34th and Broadway and offered him more money than Macy’s, in the hopes that it would pressure Macy’s to reconsider leasing the downtown building to Siegel.
Macy’s refused, and built its store around the corner lot, opening the doors in 1902.
Related stories will be right here …
Rowland H. Macy founded dry goods store R.H. Macy & Co. in 1858, setting up shop on the corner of 14th Street and 6th Avenue.
In the early 1900s, Macy made plans to relocate to Herald Square.
Businessman Henry Siegel of The Siegel-Cooper Company tried to take over Macy’s downtown lease but was rejected, said the New York Post.
Meanwhile, real estate titan Robert “Pop” Smith was concerned that the move would lure shoppers away from the downtown area.
So, on behalf of Siegel, Smith approached the owner of the building on the corner of 34th and Broadway and offered him more money than Macy’s, in the hopes that it would pressure Macy’s to reconsider leasing the downtown building to Siegel.
Macy’s refused, and built its store around the corner lot, opening the doors in 1902.
Smith sold the store to another buyer in 1911 for $1 million, earning the corner its nickname. It has switched hands several times in its 100-plus year history.
As for the big bag billboard, Macy’s did not respond to a request for comment on how long it has been there.
The red bag appears to have first popped up in 1994, based on a survey of archival Getty images, ABC 7 New York reported. A huge sign of some kind has been in that spot since around the 1950s.
SEE: Macy’s Signs Through the Decades
Embed from Getty Images
“Soon, Macy’s will announce refreshed and dynamic branding for Macy’s Herald Square that honors our heritage while reflecting the future of our flagship,” said the spokesperson.
Macy’s ranked No. 8 on National Jeweler’s 2025 “$100 Million Supersellers” list, with an estimated $1.27 billion in jewelry and watch sales.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
CrimeOct 20, 2026
Security Guard Charged With Murder in Shooting at Texas MallThe guard opened fire on a man who was smashing a jewelry display case at La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth last week, police said.
IndependentsOct 20, 2026
David Gardner’s Jewelers Unveils Newly Expanded, Revamped ShowroomThe Texas jeweler added 2,000 square feet to its reimagined showroom, complete with a new design studio and an event space.
SourcingOct 20, 2026
The $50M Victoria’s Secret ‘Fantasy Bra’ By The NumbersJacob & Co.'s diamond masterpiece is the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever worn on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
CollectionsOct 20, 2026
Mignon Faget’s Collection Chooses Handmade Over AIThe “Atelier” collection was inspired by the tools, rituals, and objects in an artist’s studio as a quiet rebuttal to an automated world.
Weekly QuizOct 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.
ColumnistsOct 15, 2026
Peter Smith: What Is the Culture REP?It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.
WatchesOct 15, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb’s New Movado Watches Are Made for Your Wrist StackMovado teamed up with the New York-based fine jewelry designer on a new collection of Movado Museum Velura watches.
SourcingOct 15, 2026
Signet Jewelers, Richemont May Join Bidder for De Beers, Report SaysThe two companies are reportedly in talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as per Bloomberg.
CollectionsOct 15, 2026
Wolf x Marla Aaron's New Jewelry Box Is for Some (Not All) of Your ThingsThe “Some of the Things” box follows the two larger “Everything” box designs with the look and function of antique sewing and toolboxes.
IndependentsOct 14, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Coleman and Mitchell ClarkFourth-generation jewelers Coleman and Mitchell Clark exemplify the best qualities of their predecessors: humility, modesty, and confidence.
SourcingOct 14, 2026
Manuel Marcial de Gomar, ‘The Emerald Whisperer,’ Dies at 90The gem hunter, whose 70-year career was defined by adventure and exploration, is remembered for his steadfast faith and sense of wonder.
FinancialsOct 14, 2026
LVMH’s Jewelry Brands Turn in ‘Very Good’ Performance in Q3 Tiffany & Co. continued its full-scale store renovation project while Bulgari’s high jewelry collection generated “record-breaking revenue.”
Events & AwardsOct 14, 2026
Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference Releases 2026 ProgramThis year’s sessions feature leading voices from human rights, legal, and conservation organizations.
MajorsOct 13, 2026
David Webb Owner Purchases Lugano JewelryThe high-end jewelry retailer was sold to private investment firm Middle West Partners and a group of longtime clients.
Lab-GrownOct 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Takes Lab-Grown Diamond Collection WholesaleThe jewelry designer has partnered with Sofer Jewelry to distribute her 85-piece lab-grown diamond collection.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Sean DunnDunn, this year’s Single-Store Independent inductee, is passionate about innovation and telling the story of natural diamonds.
AuctionsOct 13, 2026
Christie's Geneva To Auction 'Bulgari Pink' DiamondThe 24-carat fancy intense pink diamond ring could fetch up to $18 million at the November sale.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers’ New Candle Smells Like HomeThe “Island Jewel” candle honors New York City and Puerto Rico and raises money for the island’s water relief efforts.
TechnologyOct 13, 2026
GemFind Is a New JA Member Benefit Partner The partnership will give JA members access to preferred pricing, exclusive benefits, technology solutions, education, and resources.
