The PR Behind the Parade: How Thanksgiving Became a Brand Moment

In this Thanksgiving edition of Call Your Publicist, Jenna Guarneri and Alexandra Anastasio break down the PR machine behind one of America’s biggest traditions, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and how it seamlessly feeds into the frenzy of Black Friday.From the parade’s origins as a retail stunt to the crisis planning behind every balloon, they unpack how nostalgia, emotion, and perfectly timed storytelling turn a feel-good holiday into a masterclass in marketing. They also explore how Black Friday evolved from a negative nickname into a multi-billion-dollar brand moment, and what today’s consumers expect from retail PR in 2025.🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.