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612. Is Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Its Most Valuable Asset?

The 166-year-old chain, which is fighting extinction, calls the parade its “gift to the nation.” With 30 million TV viewers, it’s also a big moneymaker. At least we think it is — Macy’s is famously tight-lipped about parade economics. We try to loosen them up. (Part one of a two-part series.)
Duration
1h 1m
Broadcast on
21 Nov 2024
Audio Format
other

The 166-year-old chain, which is fighting extinction, calls the parade its “gift to the nation.” With 30 million TV viewers, it’s also a big moneymaker. At least we think it is — Macy’s is famously tight-lipped about parade economics. We try to loosen them up. (Part one of a two-part series.)

Please take our audience survey at freakonomics.com/survey.

 

  • SOURCES:
    • John Cheney, carpenter at Macy’s Studios.
    • Will Coss, vice president and executive producer of Macy’s Studios.
    • Jeff Kinney, author, cartoonist, and owner of An Unlikely Story Bookstore and Café.
    • Kevin Lynch, vice president of global helium at Messer.
    • Jen Neal, executive vice president of live events and specials for NBCUniversal Entertainment
    • Tony Spring, chairman and C.E.O. of Macy's Inc.
    • Jessica Tisch, commissioner of the New York City Department of Sanitation; incoming commissioner of the New York City Police Department.
    • Dawn Tolson, executive director of Citywide Event Coordination and Management and the Street Activity Permit Office for the City of New York.

 

 


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The 166-year-old chain, which is fighting extinction, calls the parade its “gift to the nation.” With 30 million TV viewers, it’s also a big moneymaker. At least we think it is — Macy’s is famously tight-lipped about parade economics. We try to loosen them up. (Part one of a two-part series.)