Rowland Hussey Macy originally opened his first Macy's store on New Yorks 6th Avenue with the intention of it being a "dry goods" store. New Yorkers soon flocked to the store with the big red star logo (inspired by Mr. Macy's tattoo) for the finest shopping experiences. By 1862, Macy Co. was the first to have an in store Santa. at Christmas time. In 1902, Macy's became the largest department store in the world. Originally in 1924, he parade was called The Christmas Parade and was started as a way to get more customers in the store.