Macy's Doesn't Want Amazon Advertising on Its Billboard Macy's filed a lawsuit in an effort to get the Kaufman Organization to stop a potential deal with Amazon.

By Emily Rella

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Bloomberg | Getty Images

There is a billboard on top of Macy's flagship store in Manhattan's Herald Square -- and the department store does not want Amazon to advertise on it.

Macy's filed a lawsuit in an effort to get the Kaufman Organization to stop a potential deal with Amazon that would see an advertisement for the e-commerce giant atop the iconic store.

"The damages to Macy's customer goodwill, image, reputation and brand should a prominent online retailer (especially Amazon) advertise on the billboard are impossible to calculate," said the suit, according to CNBC.

Related: Amazon Gives 8 Vaccinated Employees Payouts, Cars

Per CNBC, Macy's used that billboard to advertise its own business for over 50 years, but the lease expired in August. By that point, the suit says, Kaufman was already in talks with Amazon.

A representative for Amazon did not immediately return Entrepreneur's request for comment on the legal battle.

A representative for Macy's told CNBC, "Macy's continues to have rights relating to advertisements at that location. We expect to realize the benefits of these rights and have asked the court to protect them. As the matter is in litigation, the company will not have any further comment."

According to Macy's, its original lease included a provision that stopped other retailers from advertising on the billboard.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Growing a Business

How I've Mastered the Art of Watching Trends to Predict and Create Viral Products — and How You Can, Too

I've made trend-watching and in-depth analysis my habit. Here are the hacks that will be useful for anyone who wants to create products that appeal to global audiences.

Starting a Business

He Built a $100 Million Brand in Menswear — Now He's Taking On Baby Monitors After a Scary Wake-Up Call

Kevin Lavelle of Harbor proves that success in entrepreneurship comes with solving the problems you face yourself.

Leadership

Your Team Doesn't Trust You — These 5 Leadership Habits Are to Blame

Trust isn't a soft value — it's a measurable driver of performance and retention.

Franchise

Franchisors Have a Secret Weapon Against Rising Costs. Here's How It Works.

Franchise strategist Nick Powills explains how franchisors buffer owners with scale purchasing, diversified sourcing and cost-cutting playbooks.