File under: Clothing and Shoes, For Her, For the Home, Macy's

As of today (9/8/06) Macy’s is launching its nationwide network of stores. This consolidation means that many local department stores will official unify under one brand. Over the past 3 years, Macy’s parent company (Federated) purchased other department stores primarily through the acquisition of the May Company. After adding the Macy’s brand to some store names, as of today, they are all one. Say goodbye to Filene’s, Hechts, Marshal Field’s, Burdines and others. Macy’s has nearly doubled the number of stores to almost 850.

One of the reasons Macy’s chose this path is that they can run national promotions and marketing campaigns. So, to kick off the launch, Macy’s is offering free shipping with all purchases of $100 or more at macys.com (offer valid September 8th to 11th).