CHICAGO, IL – Macy's and Choose Chicago are announcing a first-ever collaboration to bring a world-class tourist experience to Chicago.  Macy's State Street Visitor Center is now co-branded with Choose Chicago as an Official Chicago Visitor Information Center offering many new services to enhance the customer experience for travelers. Macy's Visitor Information Center will be upgraded with state-of the-art technology, information and ticketing services for Chicago attractions that cater to both international and domestic tourists scheduled to open early this summer.

“We are pleased to join forces with Choose Chicago on an innovative customer service venture that will cater to the international and domestic shopper within a department store,” said Kristen Esposito, Vice President of Tourism Marketing & Development for Macy's.“This is the second store that Macy's has collaborated with a city tourism entity to provide real-time information on what to see, do and experience in a world-class city.  It was a collaborative effort on everything from staffing to imagery of the new space within Macy's.”

Macy's State Street Visitor Information Center, located on the store's Lower Level, is a state-of-the-art space with dynamic Information Screens, Concierge Terminals, and Digital Touch Screen Kiosks that provide up-to-date information on: attractions, dining, and nightlife among other areas of interest for tourists to explore the city.

“One of Choose Chicago's core objectives is to elevate services to visitors by developing innovative technologies, new visitor center locations, partnerships, and best practices,” states Don Welsh, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. “The new Macy's Visitor Information

(Macy's and Choose Chicago Official Visitor Center, page 2)

Center is, without a doubt, poised to make a significant and positive impact on the visitor experience.”

In addition, the enhanced Visitor Information Center will offer concierge-type services to restaurants, tours and special offers on tickets to major attractions and events in the city, plus
Choose Chicago's official visitor guides, maps and brochures. Macy's Visitor Information Center will have interactive kiosks powered by Choose Chicago with a map and directions function, providing tools for visitors to more easily navigate the city. Macy's Visitor Services provides popular incentives such as the International and Domestic Savings Program which gives travelers a 10 percent off discount on most purchases throughout the store with qualifying documentation such as a government issued ID. The Savings Pass can be printed from any of the 3 interactive kiosks or from the concierge desk staff in nine languages including Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish. Macy's Visitor Information Center also provides store tours, special group programs, and other tourist information.

“We are thrilled to be working with Choose Chicago to help visitors get the most out of their Chicago experience,” said Kim Groth, Vice President and Store Manager for Macy's on State Street. “A visit to Macy's on State Street, not only provides access to the merchandise our customers have come to love, its architecture and history is captivating, a real treasure for both visitors and Chicagoans alike.” 

In addition to the new Macy's Visitor Information Center, Choose Chicago operates two other Official Chicago Information Centers at the Chicago Cultural Center and Chicago Water Works.

About Macy's 

Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy's offers 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. Macy's flagship stores -- including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California -- are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers, employees and Macy's Foundation, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

Visitor Information Center will include full-service concierge, tours and programs and souvenir merchandise

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