Macy's is about to become the first retailer profiled on a reality television program. Let's hope for Macy's and its employees that it comes across better than some of the other "stars" of reality television shows.
The show, "Unwrapping Macy's," will begin airing on September 30 on WE, the Women's Entertainment network. According to Steven Weinstock, one of the show's producers, the eight 30-minute episodes planned will focus on what goes on behind-the-scenes at Macy's in terms of store operations, merchandise decisions and managing events such as the company's annual Thanksgiving Day parade.
Ron Klein, chairman of Macy's Eastern division, told The New York Times, the show will not follow the standard reality TV plot. "Most reality TV is a negative experience, waiting for someone to fail," he said.
Macy's show will focus instead on the daily lives of the company's employees and their ability to successfully navigate the pressures and "inherently dramatic" world of retailing, according to Mr. Weinstock.
The airing comes at good time for the department store as it will be in the early stages of having replaced all of the former May Department Store banners to Macy's locations.
Discussion Question: What do you see as the pros and cons of "Unwrapping Macy's" for the department store's business?