Business Wars Macy’s vs Gimbels - The Frontiersman and the Whaler | 1
Dec 2, 2019
In the mid-1800s, Roland H. Macy sets out on a whaling adventure that shapes his future, while Adam Gimbel embarks on a peddling journey in Indiana. As they establish their dry goods stores, they unknowingly lay the foundation for the modern department store. The rivalry between Macy and Gimbel heats up, showcasing their innovative marketing strategies amidst the California gold rush. Their personal struggles and triumphs reveal the gritty reality of pursuing fortune and the birth of competition in retail history.
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Macy's Red Star Origin
- Roland H. Macy, a young boy from Nantucket, endures harsh treatment as a whaler and gets a red star tattoo.
- This tattoo, initially a symbol of toughness, later becomes the iconic Macy's logo.
Gimbel's Honest Approach
- Adam Gimbel, a Jewish immigrant, establishes a thriving dry goods store in Vincennes, Indiana, known for its honest pricing and innovative displays.
- He emphasizes fair treatment for all customers, including Native Americans, and adopts a one-price policy.
Macy's Gold Rush Misfortune
- After failed business ventures, R.H. Macy tries his luck in the California Gold Rush with his brother, Charles.
- Their venture fails as they arrive late in Marysville, finding the market already saturated with competitors.