Macy's is All Heart!

NEW YORK, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- There'll be strength in numbers as Americans wear red and speak up with a universal message to love one's heart on February 5th, National Wear Red Day, the kick-off of American Heart Month.  On this special day, people across the country will adorn themselves in shades of red, from scarlet to ruby, and join the Go Red For Women movement.  As the national sponsor of Go Red For Women, Macy's will celebrate the cause coast-to-coast with exclusive fashion, culinary, and special in-store events devoted to raising funds for the American Heart Association and awareness amongst American women and their loved ones.  

"Macy's recognizes the importance of National Go Red for Women Day and what it means for American women everywhere.  Our partnership with the American Heart Association and sponsorship of the Go Red For Women movement is heartfelt, and each year we look for new ways to inform and engage our customers and associates about being heart-smart and healthy.  This year's campaign is fun, fashion-oriented and community-based, with the debut of our very own Little Red Dress from INC that will fashionably raise funds for the AHA, and with Macy's stores across the country setting the stage for the AHA's Casting Call events," says Martine Reardon, executive vice president of Marketing, Macy's, Inc.

Heart Disease is the number one killer of women, and yet this largely preventable disease can go undetected, misdiagnosed, and mistreated until, in many cases, it's too late.  In 2004 Macy's announced its national sponsorship of the Go Red For Women movement, and commitment to educating customers about heart disease and its affects on women.  Since then, Macy's has raised more than $21-million to support educational efforts and breakthrough research by the American Heart Association.  

Each year Macy's reinforces its dedication to this cause by implementing new and exciting in-store events and on-line promotions to motivate women to get serious about making healthy choices to prevent heart disease.  This year's program is more intimate and directed toward reaching women in every aspect of their lives.

"Macy's long-standing commitment to Go Red For Women has helped us provide women the knowledge and tools to make life-saving choices every day," said Neil Meltzer, American Heart Association Board Chairman and President and COO, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore.  "The awareness campaign Macy's has planned for this year will bring even more exposure to the red dress symbol and awareness of heart disease, as we continue to fight this No. 1 killer of women."

Seeing Red and Savings

As is the tradition of all first Fridays in February, and in honor of American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day, customers wearing anything red – from an entire ensemble; to lipstick; to the signature Red Dress pin, will receive a special 20% discount on a wide assortment of merchandise at all nationwide Macy's stores, as part of the retailer's Wear Red Sales Event.  However, if red is not the color of choice, but customers still want to support Go Red For Women, as well as receive the special discount, they can make a $2 donation to the American Heart Association, at the gift wrap or any accessories counter, and receive the official Go Red For Women red dress lapel pin.  All proceeds from the sale of the pin will go directly to the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement.  The Wear Red Sale event begins Wednesday, February 3rd through Sunday, February 7th.

The Look of Love

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Macy's introduces the Little Red Dress (LRD).  Designed and produced by I·N·C International Concepts®, this stunning silhouette is available only at Macy's and on www.macys.com.  Beginning on January 31st through March 21st, the LRD will retail for $69 with 10-percent of the sales price of each dress to be donated to the American Heart Association.  Now there's no excuse for women not to go red!  

Heart to Heart

The American Heart Association and Macy's stores across the country are inviting women to a casting call to "Speak Up" for their hearts.  Armed with a message and a platform on which to share it, those affected by heart disease can share the choices they make to live a heart-healthy lifestyle, empowering others by example.  Women who share their stories have the chance to become a spokesperson for the cause – representing Go Red For Women in marketing materials, at events, on GoRedForWomen.org and possibly in a national television special about women and heart disease.

Speak Up! casting call events will be held in many cities across the US, and at select Macy's stores.  The in-store events will take place throughout the month of February beginning on the weekend of February 5th.  To find a casting call in your area and see the most up-to-date list of cities, please visit GoRedForWomen.org.

And the Beat Goes On

Macy's has helped the American Heart Association bring awareness to this movement that speaks directly to women of diverse cultures and ethnicities.  In 2008, the Macy's Go Red For Women Multicultural Fund was created to specifically educate, promote and distribute good heart-health information to African American and Hispanic women.  The Fund's goal is to reach these women through broadcast and print vehicles, as well as support education through the Multicultural Scholarship Fund.  To date, Go Red For Women and Macy's have partnered with Selecciones magazine, Word Network TV and Radio One Inc. to produce grass roots events, public service announcements and literature to ensure their respective audiences are well informed.

About Macy's  

Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.

For Macy's media materials, images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom.

About Go Red For Women

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's solution to save women's lives. With one out of three women still dying from heart disease, we are committed to fighting this No. 1 killer that is largely preventable. GoRedForWomen.org, a premiere source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives them tangible resources to turn personal choices into life-saving actions. We encourage women and the men who love them to embrace the cause. For more information please visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278).  Macy's is a proud national sponsor of Go Red For Women.

SOURCE Macy's