Chief Marketing Officer, Macys
Search every verified Sharon Otterman interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Sharon Otterman, Chief Marketing Officer at Macy's, appeared on NYSE TV Live on December 17, 2024, to discuss the upcoming 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Otterman stated that the parade features 17 balloons, 27 floats, 700 clowns, and a mix of nostalgia and new performances. She said planning begins 18 months in advance and involves a full-time team plus 5,000 volunteers. Otterman described the parade as a tradition in her family, noting that she attended as a child on the Upper West Side and that her children are participating in the parade for the first time. She also said the parade reflects Macy's identity as "more than a store, we're a story" and serves as a way to kick off the holiday season and serve customers.
“We like to say we're more than a store, we're a story, and we kick off the beginning of every season whether it's the summer season with the fireworks or the holiday season with the parade. This is how we get everyone excited for the holidays and realize that we have customers that have needs during the holidays and we...”
“It starts 18 months prior. There is such a talented group of people that put this together all year round, it's their full-time job plus we have 5,000 volunteers that help us to make all of this come to life. So it's really a lot of planning, a lot of preparation, a lot of rehearsals to lead us to this day.”
“Every seat is the best seat. I started out as a kid on the Upper West Side and love the beginning of the parade. There's so much excitement down by Columbus Circle when the parade makes the turn, it's like nothing else you've seen. Then you get down to 34th Street and there's all these amazing performances, but then yo...”
“We're about to have the 98th annual parade. Every year it's always bigger, it's always better. This year we have 17 balloons, 27 floats, 700 clowns, a bit of nostalgia, and a whole bunch of new performances.”
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