The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade owns the holiday in a way most brands could only dream of. The parade draws an estimated 50 million viewers and has helped Macy’s become a truly national brand. Through experiential marketing and by appealing to a variety of senses, Macy’s seeks to tap into that special place within consumers that has to do with inspiring thoughts about comfort and pleasure. The iconic balloons and floats are the two most popular segments of the parade and are responsible for bringing in millions of advertising dollars.
The History of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
In 1924, Macy’s employees conducted the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the parade has evolved into the balloon, float, and band extravaganza that is know the known harbinger of the holiday season. The only interruption in the parade’s long history was from 1942-1944, when Macy’s donated the balloons to the war effort.
After the 3-year suspension, the parade was televised in New York for the first time in 1945. Now, the famous celebration is broadcast all over the world – an icon of America and the holiday season. Nine broadcasts since 1979 have been awarded the Emmy for Outstanding Achievement.
The parade route is 2 ½ miles. Over 2.5 million people line the streets of New York to watch in person, and over 48 million tune in to NBC to watch the live broadcast.
Mogul PR would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving Day!
Wow! Those balloons look amazing! I never knew there was so much behind the annual Macy’s Day Parade.