What:  Macy’s and Disney have launched an exclusive holiday collection featuring limited-edition products and a reimagined M·A·C Cosmetics lipstick inspired by Minnie Mouse

Why it is important: The launch demonstrates how retailers are leveraging pop culture and limited-edition products to create excitement and boost holiday sales.

Macy’s and Disney have unveiled a holiday collection that spans apparel, beauty, accessories, toys, and decor, with 120 products featuring collaborations with brands like M·A·C Cosmetics, Super Smalls, and Citizen. Central to the launch is the debut of “Minnie Woo,” a reimagined version of M·A·C’s iconic Ruby Woo lipstick, inspired by Minnie Mouse and presented in special-edition packaging. The collection’s release coincides with the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, where Minnie Mouse, Spider-Man, and a new Buzz Lightyear balloon will appear, reinforcing the partnership’s pop culture appeal. Macy’s aims to deliver trend-forward, collectible items that excite both beauty enthusiasts and Disney fans, while also driving in-store and online engagement. The collaboration is positioned as a celebration of joy and style for the whole family, leveraging nostalgia and exclusive products to create memorable holiday experiences and encourage gift shopping. 

IADS Notes:  The collaboration between Macy’s, Disney, and M·A·C Cosmetics for the 2025 holiday season exemplifies the growing trend of strategic partnerships between major retailers and entertainment or beauty brands, as seen in Levi’s and Beyoncé’s impactful takeover at Selfridges (WWD, Feb 2025) and Bloomingdale’s immersive ‘Wicked’ campaign (BoF, Nov 2024). Macy’s approach, featuring exclusive, limited-edition collections and experiential activations, aligns with the retailer’s broader strategy to drive seasonal traffic and engagement, as highlighted by its ‘100 Days to Christmas’ campaign (Retail Dive, Sep 2025) and the revamping of beauty counters for the holiday season (BoF, Nov 2024). The emphasis on collectible and giftable products, such as the Minnie Woo lipstick and Swarovski-adorned accessories, leverages nostalgia and fandom to create excitement and urgency, mirroring the success of Manor’s Labubu doll drops (Cominmag.ch, Jun 2025) and Selfridges’ viral Jellycat pop-ups (Retail Week, Oct 2024). These initiatives collectively demonstrate how retailers are blending pop culture, exclusivity, and immersive experiences to attract diverse audiences and strengthen customer loyalty during the critical holiday period.

Macy’s and Disney unveil holiday collection