Catch The Designers

For Immediate Release

Contact: Sharon Kraun
Cohn, Overstreet & Parrish

Tel: 404-961-2242 Email: skraun@co-p.com

Macy’s Unveils New Facet to Diversity Initiative

Online program to highlight designers, activities and community events.

ATLANTA – February 19, 2008 – Macy’s today unveiled an online initiative to add a new dimension to its diversity programs. http://www.catchthedesigners.com/ is planned as an online community providing a ‘behind the runway’ look at the diverse designers impacting fashion today as well as the influences that impacted them. The website will include video interviews, a designer blog, a forum and an online calendar.

“We want the website to inform as well as become a communication means for those interested in fashion, to enable consumers to learn about everything from trends to what schools are offering programs within the industry,” said Susan Hancock, Macy’s Division Vice President. “catchthedesigners.com helps capture that back stage point of view.”

The website will feature minority designers making an impact on fashion today. The first phase of the website features African American designers including: The Founder of Def Jam Records and new menswear line Russell Simmons Argyle Culture, Russell Simmons, who has created a new symbol of men’s contemporary American culture, celebrating those who reached their goals while staying in style; Sundial Creations founder Richelieu Dennis; Project Runways’ Mychael Knight and more. Sections featuring Asian and Latino designers are under construction, with launch dates targeted for later this year.

“The Macy’s shopper is represented by an ethnically diverse group of individuals. In addition, the web has become a mainstay tool for communication and information. catchthedesigner.com provides Macy’s with an ability to connect with a segment of consumers in a way that is relevant and with information that is of interest to them,” adds Kent Anderson, Macy’s, President, MCOM (Macys.com).

http://www.catchthedesigners.com/ will feature video interviews with designers, updates on trends, and a calendar of fashion events created by Macy’s. Consumers will have the opportunity to interact through a blog and Forum. Russell Simmons leads the blogging beginning Feb. 23rd. The Forum leads off with a trio of leadership from Macy’s: Durand Guion, Men’s Fashion Director; Susan LeGates, Divisional Merchandise Manager for Juniors; and Gail Nutt, Senior Vice President, Diversity and Urban Business Development. Consumers will have the opportunity to ask and get answers about the buying and merchandise selection process at Macy’s.

“catchthedesigners.com is another means by which Macy’s demonstrates its commitment to the multicultural consumer,” says Bill Hawthorne, Macy’s Corporate Vice President, Diversity Strategies & Legal Affairs. “Fashion has been impacted, and continues to be influenced by the diverse culture in which we live and do business. Devoting a website to these fashion leaders, outside Macys.com, helps to illuminate these great stories and speak further to our fashion-interested customer.”

catchthedesigners.com is supported by macys.com. Also sponsoring the website is the Pepsi Bottling Group, Southeast. As a Platinum Sponsor, Pepsi will be promoting the website via regional promotional programs throughout the year. Leading off the promotional programs is a fashion show March 8, 2008 at Macy’s at Stonecrest Mall in Atlanta. Russell Simmons Argyle Culture has also committed to the initiative through sponsorship.

About Macy’sMacy'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 seven regionally based retail divisions – Macy’s East, Macy's Florida, Macy's Midwest, Macy's North, Macy's Northwest, Macy's South, and Macy's West – and an online store at macys.com.