Macys to host floral displays

Gardeners who enjoy shopping will soon be able to combine their interests with a trip to Macys department stores in Chicago, Minneapolis, New York City, San Francisco and Philadelphia.

Each year, the chain puts on a spectacular floral display at some of its top venues.

This years showcase will include landscapes, fantasy bouquets and a number of seminars and events distributing gardening tips.

More than 180,000 sq ft will be dedicated to gardens containing 37,000 varieties of flowers, plants and trees.

The free displays have become a "rite of spring" for Macys customers, according to senior vice president Robin Hall.

"Our shows have become the opening act of the season, one that literally changes the retail landscape," he said, adding it will be the first time the Philadelphia store has taken part.

The first flower exhibition in one of the companys stores came in California in 1946 as a fragrance promotion in the cosmetics department.

Macys yesterday threw a one-day sale, with savings of up to 70 per cent.