U.S. department store Macy’s kicked off its Lunar New Year celebration at its flagship store in New York. The highlight was a lion dance meant to attract good luck and fortune.

CGTN’s Karina Huber reports.

It’s the 6th year Macy’s has marked the holiday.

“Diversity and inclusion is one of Macy’s core values and we’re very committed to continue to grow that internally and with our customers. And it’s just a fun way to celebrate such a great occasion,” Sandra Han, Group vice president at Macy’s said. 

There was the usual gold and red, but there was also plenty of merchandise for those seeking a more literal interpretation of the Year of the Pig. Donna Karan featured sweaters and T-Shirts with bright-eyed piglets and Coach was offering a $150 red tote with a pig surrounded by cacti.

In the cosmetics department, Kiehl’s had a pig-themed facial cream and toner. Elsewhere other global brands have rolled out their pig merchandise. Gucci has taken inspiration from the Western children’s fable, Three Little Pigs. Estee Lauder has a $200 pressed powder compact. With “Peppa Pig Celebrates Chinese New Year” about to hit the big screen in China, Peppa Pig merchandise is a hot gift for kids over the holiday.

For those looking for something a little more authentic – and at a lower price point that looks good in the home – there’s no better place to shop during Lunar New Year than New York’s Chinatown. It’s where many people get their decorations, firecrackers and food.

“Lunar New Year is when we have the biggest draw and we count on the biggest sales,” said Wellington Chen, Executive Director of the Chinatown Partnership. Chen says demand for Lunar New Year decorations are always strong this time of year, but there has been a problem with supply.

Many merchants put in their orders ahead of time on concerns some of the items could be hit in the trade war. That caused a backlog at the border. Then the government shutdown happened causing further delays. “There is a trickle down clearing through customs and it’s nerve-wracking because this is like Christmas items and after that they basically have to be thrown out,” said Wellington Chen, Executive Director of the Chinatown Partnership.

Festive supplies may be scarcer than usual this year, but there is no shortage of enthusiasm to celebrate the biggest Chinese holiday of the year.