Events are set for conversion to Macy's name

Tuesday, August 29, 2006 Red-carpet rollouts and charity events will mark the conversion of Kaufmann's stores to Macy's. The official launch of the Macy's name is Sept. 9 in its new markets, including the Mahoning and Shenango valleys. Macy's plans to have ribbon-cutting events with Hollywood-style red carpet treatment at its new stores, including the Kaufmann's stores at the Southern Park Mall in Boardman, Eastwood Mall in Niles and Shenango Valley Mall in Hermitage, Pa. Also on Sept. 9, Macy's stores will give away $10 gift cards with the store openings. Macy's officials already have started making changes in displays and merchandise at the stores. Officials have said that between 40 percent and 50 percent of the merchandise in the stores will be different. The Kaufmann's name is disappearing because Macy's parent company, Federated Department Stores, bought May Department Stores, Kaufmann's parent company. On Sept. 16, Macy's will hold a "Shop for a Cause" day. Macy's will donate tickets to local charities, which can sell them for $5 each. The tickets provide for discounts of 10 percent and 20 percent in the store, depending on the item. From Sept. 16 to Sept. 23, Macy's will hold "give back" days, where employees can donate their time by working for local charities.