The Magic of Macy*s

My favorite ad on television right now is the ad for Macy's 150th Anniversary.  The commercial is a composite of memorable Macy's moments including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and pop-culture references.  The commercial has a nostalgic feeling that really attracts me to its message.

I think what is so powerful about this commercial is the strong connection it makes between the viewer and the Macy's brand regardless of whether or not the viewer has ever shopped at Macy's. It sheds light on how much of an impact the retail store has made on our culture.  For example, no matter how boring or how repetitive the Macy's Thankgiving Day parade is, I have watched it every Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember.  Any Project Runway fan could tell you that Macy's has been featured on the show, one of the challenges resulting in the winning designer's design being sold in the store.  There's also Johnny Carson, Seinfeld, and Snoopy.  If there is not one thing in this commercial that the viewer cannot identify with, he or she has been living under a rock for the past 150 years.