Tweeting, Posting, Blogging: Social Media the Macy's way

 Since it is 2010 companies everywhere seem to have hopped on the social networking bandwagon, and bonus points to them for doing so. By now it has been proven that the use of social and new media (If used correctly) can do nothing but improve a companies image and brand awareness. So in this growing age of technology it seems that Buzz words and a clever magazine adds do not seem to cut it anymore.

So where does Macy's fall in this category? As I look into what is really keeping the magic dust going in this successful company I wonder. Is there magic behind Macy's social media? Is the consumer active in the life of the company, up date on the stores latest deals, campaigns, and styles in fun and exciting ways, or does the magic stop where the internet begins?

Since facebook.com is the first site that comes to everybody's mind when thinking of social media, I'll start there. Like all companies, when logging on the Macy's fan page the viewer is greeted by the classic Macy's red star followed by the "Info" tab with a detailed description of what the company represents. This seems to be standard on any companies page. So wheres the spice and more importantly, where the PR? When looking on the pages "wall", Macy's posts a "daily fashion challenge". Setting up a scenario for consumers, encouraging them to scroll through their website site and find the best outfit to match the given situation. Here is an example from Wednesday, September 22: "Today's Daily Fashion Challenge: you landed a walk-on role for a music video! Pick a look that’ll turn heads." These challenges are not only fun for the viewer but beneficial. Not only are participants  able to stay updated on the latests styles and trends, but  Macy's also adds in the ability to submit the created outfits with chance to win a $100 dollar gift card for the person able to put together the best outfit for that day. Other tabs on the macy's page include  a "magic" section giving to viewers the opportunity to "find their magic" by seeing daily deals, taking fashion challenges, view exciting in store events and more. The page also has areas for product reviews , upcoming events, and a special area for brides to be, which includes a bridal list matching game. It seems that Macy's fan page on Facebook has it all covered. It has all the information a customer could want while engaging then in a fun magical setting. However at the end of the day does the Macy's fan page stand out further than any other fortune 100 company? Probably not.

When it comes to tweeting for Macy's, the company has two different accounts, Macys Inc. and Ask Macy's. "Macy's Inc" seems to follow the same time line as the facebook fan page except the only difference is every post is 160 characters, making all posts in true twitter style, short, sweet, and to the point. It is important for companies to stay cohesive within facebook and twitter, this way people with only facebook or only twitter accounts are not missing out on any important information, and Macy's seems to be successful in this. "Ask Macy's" is a bit different from the original Macy's page offering tweets on the products customers are raving about. 

One area where Macy's really seems to be taking charge is in the area mobile devices. In a news release sent out on Sept. 14, 2010 Macy's is looking to expand its market and improve in the area of mobile technology. Some areas include improving the ability for users of smart phones to visually see the Macy's website on their phones. Macy's is also testing out an new phone app called "Shopkick", a phone application which allows customers who walk in into stores to automatically gain "kickbucks" which can be redeemable for awards. In this day and age it seems as if many people are starting to look to their phones as their main access to the internet, with that, it seems Macy's has taken a step ahead of the game keeping the feeling of magic flowing through the company. 

The All American Department Store

Most all malls and shopping centers are filled with retail companies trying to put their best sale forward while fighting with the rest. Companies who try to catch the eyes of the customer by filling stores with what they think is the most cutting edge in fashion. Adding loud music, high prices, shirtless models, and unrealistic photo shopped pictures, passing off the idea of what a person who wears this companies product should look like. At times it can be rough for the consumer to find a store that fits their style and budget. Through all of this clutter there is always one place that seems to have overcome these superficial ideas of what retail should be and simply sell product. It is a place in malls and retails centers that people default to ether before or after their journeys through the smaller retail providers. A place that has a home in almost every mall and city in America. It can be identified by its big red star hanging high on all of it's buildings and a slogan known for creating the idea of a shopping fairy tale. Welcome to the Magic of Macy's 

People have relied on Macy's for over 150 years. It's a company which has paved the history in the retail world, and in marketing and Public Relations. Macy's introduced our country to the envious form of gorilla advertising we now call window shopping and was one of the first companies to bring the fantasy of Santa clause into real life form in its stores.  It has created an all American name for its self with the introduction of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade a venue watched by millions of viewers the morning of thanksgiving  right before the series of football games start up for the day. 

The company not only keeps the magic flowing with its everyday sales and trust worthy name priding its self in its family brand clothing and cutting in vogue looks, but Macy's also focuses on giving back to it's communities and beyond. Just this week the company has announced two different Public Relations campaigns designed to address issues going on in our world. Macy's announced yesterday its  " Heart for Haiti" Initiative designed to bring trade and aid to Haiti and help its devastated economy and aid the countries rebuilding after the devastating earthquake in January 2010. Also just announced this week,   Macy's will partake in Breast cancer awareness month, in hopes to educate and raise money in hopes for a cure. During the month of October the franchise will be selling exclusive pink fashions and make up, with a percentage of sales going to the Breast Caner Relief Fund. 

Not Only does Macy's seem to fit the ideal of the All American Department store, but it seems to be a company that it based off of the American Dream. A company which has worked hard and honestly for its money, as well as given back to the community. A fairy tale that for now seems to be creating a very happy ending for itself.