From a "Miracle on 34th Street" to malls in the 'burbs, this is middle-class America's own department store.. The Scene
In 1857, R.H. Macy opened his eponymous dry goods store in New York City. The tally of his first day's receipts: $11.06. These days, under the aegis of Federated Department stores, Macy's anchors malls coast to coast, tallying millions in yearly sales.

The Goods
Macy's is every shopper's department store, located along the retail spectrum between Sears and Nordstrom. Crowded displays boast second-tier labels: Lauren and Polo by Ralph Lauren, Reaction by Kenneth Cole, Allen by ABS. The shoe department features many upscale selections: Via Spiga, DKNY and Martinez Valero for the ladies and Cole Haan, Skechers and basic Bass loafers for the fellas. Otherwise, rely on staples: Wamsutta sheets, Royal Velvet towels, Clinique cosmetics, Gold-Toe socks and Carter's for kids.…