Pasadena, CA - Macy’s has announced the reopening of the Lake Avenue, Pasadena store will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2008. The Lake Avenue location has been closed since early May 2008 for seismic work, as well as renovation of the interior spaces. Customers will see new locations for some departments, as well as updates flooring, lighting, and fixturing. New vendors will also be showcased when the store reopens.
The remodeled Macy’s maintains its original footprint, but sees some areas recaptured from stock space, including returning some original features to the sales floor. Two original fireplaces that were paneled over, one in Men’s and one in Women’s apparel, will be restored and visible. On the middle level, recaptured stock space reverts to selling space, in a treatment that will recall the original design of the Fur Salon, with a window to the exterior and an alcove for dressing rooms. The shoe salon relocates to the lower level where it doubles in size.
“This renovation has allowed Macy’s to recapture some of the charming aspects of retailing from years gone by, while still offering the customer a thoroughly modern shopping environment,” stated Del Hernandez, Macy’s Vice President and Pasadena Store Manager. “We are excited to welcome the Pasadena community back to Pasadena’s original department store.”
Macy’s has partnered with the City of Pasadena and Pasadena Heritage throughout the construction process. “Maintaining the architectural integrity of the building has been of primary importance,” said Ramsay Weatherford, Operating Vice President, Store Planning, Macy’s Inc., based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Macy’s plans to celebrate the Grand Reopening with a Community Shopping Day on Saturday, November 22. More than 55 charities and non-profit organizations have already signed up to sell $10 tickets that offer substantial store discounts. The day will feature a variety of activities including fashion shows, special guests, entertainment, and more.
On Friday, November 21, Macy’s will hold a private reception for charge card holders, including a 4pm ribbon cutting ceremony. Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard is expected to join Jeff Gennette, Chairman and CEO of Macy’s West, along with Sue Mossman, Executive Director of Pasadena Heritage, and the Tournament of Roses Queen and Court, at the ribbon cutting festivities.
The historic Macy’s building was originally opened in 1947, designed by Wurdeman & Becket architecture firm, a Los Angeles-based firm whose credits include the Capital Records building and Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Downtown Los Angeles. Opening as Bullock’s, the store was featured in an 8-page spread in Architectural Digest in 1948, and was seen as the most modern version of a suburban department store.
About Macy’s Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Offering distinctive assortments, including exclusive fashion and home brands, Macy's stores are operated by four regionally based retail divisions—Macy's East, Macy's Florida, Macy's Central and Macy's West—and an on-line store at Macys.com. For additional media materials, please visit our on-line pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom.
