Macy's will stay involved with events in community

Last update: February 22, 2008 - 10:37 PM

Print this story

More from www.startribune.com

For those worried that Macy's decision to close its Minneapolis headquarters might spell the end of the holiday and flower shows, Glamorama and a host of other popular community-minded events, you can breathe a sigh of relief. At least for now.

The Cincinnati-based retailer has decided not to lay off the 30 or so people based downtown who coordinate hundreds of events each year, including Fashionista parties, the Food and Wine Experience as well as nonprofit projects funded through the foundation. Michelle Mesenburg will remain vice president of special events and publicity.

"The importance of keeping the community roots local is a key part of the strategy moving forward," said Macy's North CEO Frank Guzzetta. "So decisions aren't going to go to New York where someone doesn't understand the Day of Music or the Museum Pass or some other things we pioneered here."

Macy's is cutting more than 2,300 jobs overall, and 910 in downtown Minneapolis, and consolidating operations. The northern division -- which once controlled many Midwestern stores including those in Minnesota and on Chicago's State Street -- will be rolled into a new headquarters in New York this spring.

JACKIE CROSBY