Business Aspects
Contracts

 

Package Deals
Contracts
Products of the Parade

The prevalence of contracts in the parade is significant. Companies make contracts with Macy’s to have their balloons and floats showcased. Companies like Weatherproof have contracts to ensure their products’ use in the parade. GMC’s contract makes it the official truck of the Macy’s Parade, transporting floats and balloons to the parade site.[1] The Goodyear Tire Company is contracted to provide rubber for the balloons every year since its inception. At the end of each parade the balloons are shipped back to the Goodyear Tire Factory in Akron, Ohio, where they repaired and stored until the subsequent year.[2]
One of the most significant contracts exists between Macy’s and NBC, and ensures NBC coverage of the parade until 2010 (the contract also ensures the network coverage of the Macy’s July 4th fireworks display until the same date). This contract, decided in 2004, is reminiscent of past agreements between the network and store, which stipulated that Macy’s would not cooperate with any other network in broadcasting the parade.[3]

Back to Top

__________________________
[1] New York City Tourist "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade & Floats," n.d. <http://www.nyctourist.com/macys_news_falloons.htm> (4 November 2005).
[2] Susanah
[3] Adams, Val. New York Times, "News of Television and Radio," 5 November 1959. ProQuest Historical Newspapers, The NY Times (1851-current file) pg. x13
_____________________________
[Images]
Goodyear Tire Company Balloon: courtesy of <http://www.otherlandtoys.co.uk/product1107/product_info.html?&prod=1107> ©1998/2005 Otherland Toys Ltd.