NEW YORK–Macy’s is kicking off a month of events to celebrate its 150th anniversary on Oct. 28.
With “Macy’s Passport Celebrity Catwalk Challenge,” the retailer is bringing one of its signature fashion and charity events to a national audience for the first time.
The reality show-style competition, hosted by Tori Spelling, features stars such as Jerry Springer, and Kate Flannery from “The Office,” and puts them through the rigors of what it takes to become a runway model.
“Macy’s Passport: Fashion Cinema” takes the show to 27 big cities with a one-night-only screening to benefit local HIV/AIDS charities on Oct. 23.
The next day, the retailer will celebrate the grand opening of its newest stores in the New Orleans market with a star-studded gala hosted by Martha Stewart and Emeril Lagasse to benefit the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.
Stewart and Lagasse will put on a New Orleans-style cooking demonstration. The guest list includes rap/fashion mogul Russell Simmons, as well as designers Tommy Hilfiger and Steve Madden.
On Oct. 25, Macy’s celebrates with its shoppers, as stores across the country will feature appearances by local celebrities and dignitaries, gift card giveaways and special savings.
On Macy’s official birthday, Oct. 28, the festivities culminate in Manhattan to celebrate the iconic Macy’s Herald Square flagship store for “an unprecedented New York-style birthday bash,” according to a press statement.
At Gotham Hall, Macy’s will throw a cocktail reception with “the finest the Big Apple has to offer with culinary delicacies, live entertainment and a special finale to mark the occasion.”