Many retailers across the world are celebrating Chinese New Year, the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar. A number of New York City stores have also gotten into the Lunar New Year spirit. CCTV America’s Shraysi Tandon filed this report from New York City.

New York City shoppers see influence of Chinese New Year

Many retailers across the world are celebrating Chinese New Year, the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar. A number of New York City stores have also gotten into the Lunar New Year spirit. CCTV America's Shraysi Tandon filed this report from New York City.

Macy’s, the largest department store chain in the U.S., has gotten into the Lunar New Year spirit. Men dressed up as the Chinese God of Fortune and handed out red decorated envelopes known as hong baos with Macy’s gift vouchers in them to lucky patrons.

“We couldn’t be happier to host events in select stores around the country,” Bill Hawthorne, Senior Vice President of Diversity Strategies for Macy’s Inc. said. “Those family friendly events are going to include traditional lion dancing, presentations, great music, great food, lots of activities for the kids and for those who like to shop of course, great sales.”

Luxury department store Bloomingdales, also owned by Macy’s, was also honoring the Chinese tradition with splashes of red and gold across the store that were hard to miss.

“During the weekend of Chinese New Year itself, which is February 19 to the 22nd, we’re inviting all of the shoppers to come in and pick up their red envelopes or hong bao, for a chance to win lots of prizes such as $8, $88, $888 and a limited edition Year of the Ram tote,” Jerry Wu, Operating Vice President of International Programs for Bloomingdale’s said.

The appetite of Chinese shoppers for luxury items and fashion has grown along with their wealth.

“The Asian community for Macy’s is phenomenally important. We have a good size of our customer base that is Asian and Chinese both from the U.S. and also internationally,” Hawthorne said. “This customer loves to shop. Here you are, the year of the goat, this customer loves dress up, look good and for that reason she comes in and buys across all fashion categories.”