Macy's, one of the most iconic department store chains in the world, has a logotype steeped in history and symbolism. The current Macy's logo, a bold red five-pointed star alongside the company name in lowercase letters, represents the brand's heritage and its enduring presence in retail.

Evolution of the Macy's Logo

1920–1932: Early Simplicity

The Macy’s logo in the 1920s was elegant and traditional, featuring a cursive black logotype with the inscription "R.H. Macy & Co." and the company’s address beneath. It was a simple, refined design that was typical of the era.

1932–1938: Modernization Begins

In 1932, the logo saw its first major redesign. The brand name, “Macy’s,” was now in a serif typeface, with white lettering outlined in black and accompanied by a delicate shadow. This version signified a move towards a cleaner, more modern look.

1938–1948: Minimalist Approach

By 1938, the design had streamlined further, with the logo adopting a flat, black serif font for "Macy’s" and placing the address beneath in the same style. This minimalist approach helped the brand stay relevant in an evolving marketplace.

1948–1986: The Star Appears

In 1948, the bold five-pointed red star made its debut, replacing the comma between the “Y” and “S” in the word "Macy’s." This star became synonymous with Macy’s identity, signifying excellence and guidance, inspired by founder Roland Hussey Macy’s personal connection to the star that guided him home after a maritime accident. The logo also saw variations with monochrome and reversed color schemes.

1961–1970: Two Paths

The 1961 redesign introduced two very different logo options: one with an extra-bold serif font and a star, and another with a more modern lowercase sans-serif wordmark with a comma instead of a star. This dual approach gave Macy's flexibility in its branding.

1970–1977: Bolder and Closer

From 1970, the logo shifted to a bolder, dark red lowercase sans-serif inscription with letters closely spaced together. The star was omitted during this period, and the design became more compact and modern.

1978–1982: Minimalism and Elegance

By 1978, the logo underwent another transformation, adopting a minimalist sans-serif typeface in black, devoid of both the star and comma. Later in 1978, a more traditional serif version was introduced with a delicate comma, signaling a return to Macy’s classic style.

1982–2004: Consistency and Refined Elegance

Two variations of the logo were used for the next two decades, both featuring a sans-serif typeface. The main difference was whether a bold star or a comma appeared between the "Y" and "S," giving Macy's a versatile visual identity.

2004–2019: The Red Star's Prominence

In 2004, the red star was reintroduced, this time placed to the left of the logotype. The star became a prominent feature in the logo, with some variants showing it enlarged above the company name. The typeface was a delicate sans-serif, complementing the boldness of the star.

2019–Present: A Refined, Confident Look

In 2019, Macy’s redesigned its logo to bring balance and confidence. The star was sized equally with the letters of the logotype, while the typeface became bolder, giving the brand a stronger, more contemporary presence. This updated logo reflects Macy’s blend of tradition and modernity, combining timeless elements with a fresh, confident look.

Macy's Font

The typeface used in Macy’s logo is similar to Avant Garde Gothic in its Extra Light version. This geometric sans-serif typeface, designed by Herb Lubalin and Tom Carnase, is clean and modern, reflecting Macy’s commitment to both tradition and innovation in its visual identity.

The Macy’s logo, with its red star and simple, elegant typeface, continues to stand as a symbol of retail excellence and the brand’s rich history.