The 'heart' of Macy's cosmetics counter retires

Reminding her loyal customers of promotions and recommending new products is second nature to Quimby, who has worked for various department stores at Penn Square Mall since 1965. Her daughter believes Quimby has worked for the mall longer than anyone else, but mall management doesn't keep records for that.

Quimby didn't want to retire. Recovering from surgery on a broken hip, her daughters finally convinced her to hang up the trademark white lab coat worn by all Clinique salespeople. She hasn't worked since November but, because she believed she would go back to work, didn't officially retire until last week.

“I just couldn't quit,” Quimby said.

Customers ask for her by name at the Macy's cosmetics counter.

Often, they are so loyal, they won't buy from anyone else, said Rhonda Brainard, sales manager for cosmetics and fragrances.