R.H. Macy was an American businessman and the founder of the famous department store chain, Macy's. Born in 1822 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, he started his retail career in dry goods and eventually opened his first store in New York City in 1858. His innovative marketing strategies and focus on customer service helped transform the shopping experience. Macy's department store became known for its wide variety of products and large-scale sales events, including the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. R.H. Macy passed away in 1877, but his legacy continues through the enduring success of the store that bears his name.