We welcome thoughtful comments and respectful opinions that help make the case for the restoration of Marshall Field's to State Street and elsewhere. Off-topic, slanderous, disrespectful or abusive posts will not be included at the host's discretion, although an attempt will be made to contact the author, assuming a valid email address is provided with the post. Please remember that this is a blog for opinions of Field's supporters. Due to problems with spam attacks--some even from those opposed to our cause--posts are moderated. As a result, it may take up to seven days for your post to appear, but usually it will take less than a day. Thank you for your patience, support, and contributions.
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FIELD'S OF THE FUTURE:
A 21st-Century Marshall Field's For A 21st-Century Chicago
2011: FIVE YEARS LATER, FOUR OUT OF FIVE CHICAGO SHOPPERS WANT MARSHALL FIELD'S INSTEAD of MACY's
Our latest survey shows 79% want Marshall Field's--13% prefer Macy's.See our 2011 Survey Page for complete details including survey results.
Date: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 10:10 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan
According to May Department Store's Co's last annual report before being acquired by Federated, the Marshall Field's and associated brands was appraised at $419 Million. All other MayCo brands were worth $183 Million combined; that includes Lord & Taylor plus Robinson-May, Filene's, Foley's, Hecht's, Kaufmann's, L.S. Ayres, David's Bridal, The Jones Store, Famous Barr, Meier & Frank, and others. Field's was worth more than double all of the rest. A Federated annual report from the same period shows the combined brands of Macy's and Blooingdale's, along with I.N.C., Charter Club, etc, were worth aroun $390 million. Not using Field's is a waste of stock holders' money!
Date: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 6:05 am CT
Posted by: JENS T.
GREAT SITE!
Date: Sunday, May 13, 2012 7:01 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda
That door handle on Randolph near Wabash has been off for weeks. Macy's replaced it about 3-4 times now, but it always comes off. As we know, maintaining this historic property is not much of a priority for Macy's, and it's so sad. Sooner or later (usually later) they notice it's missing, and they repair it, but never quite well enough to last. In all my years of walking past Marshall Field's on the way to work, I never remember a door handle gone. Repairs were done so discreetly then. It was as if the elves came out at night and kept things in order and sparkling. We had it so good, Chicago, and then it was gone. But I do believe Field's could come back - at least the State St. store - and wouldn't that be a great day for all of us!
Date: Sunday, May 13, 2012 7:29 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Certainly part of the greatness of Field's was in its buyers who did not just accept (whatever the merchandising phrase is) one-stop solutions to stocking their sections. I assume that is the paradigm for a lot of merchandising now--most recently I have even seen low end jewelry obviously wholesaled rack-and-all. Take it or leave it, all or nothing.
So the difficulty now, what with the practice of selling franchises for store space to certain brands, is not only finding the buyers with expertise but in hiring them to do what they do. Stores that have almost no sales persons are not going to hire BUYERS for each merchandise category, to go and buy just the right thing to be sold by nobody! Unless the store is a Field's, that is.
I think it can be done but I think it should be talked about-- the special effort (human beings with brains and vision) that is required to bring a quality, specific selection to the sales floor. It is an activity that occurs behind the scenes, that we don't ever hear or think about. Buyers are not one of those "small things" I alluded to earlier, but they are a subliminal presence like soft lighting--an integral part of the whole experience.
Date: Sunday, May 13, 2012 3:53 am CT
Posted by: Drew
The shabbiness and neglect of the downtown Pittsburgh Red Star is painfully apparent. Chipped and cracked floor tile, stained and dirty carpeting, faded paint, window displays with nails and holes from previous displays, scratched and dented fixtures are readily seen throughout the store. The facility is clean, but maintenance is sorely lacking. Nothing has been done to this building since Kaufmann's did a major remodeling to better compete with the brand new Lazarus opening a block away on Fifth Avenue; the remodeling was done in the mid 1990s and the building looks tired and worn. Merchandise spread thin to fill up space and multiple packages of the same item create an image of wide selection.
The Tic Toc Restaurant on the first floor, the last remaining eatery in the downtown store, will now be closed on Saturdays. Evidently the store traffic isn't sufficient to support Saturday operation. The Arcade Bakery (which offers baked goods brought in from outside sources) will remain open for limited Saturday hours, but there will be no place in the store to purchase hot foods.
A voice on the public address system reminded "macy*s guests" that the store was having a One Day Sale and additional discounts could be earned by signing up for a macy*s credit card. This announcement was reminiscent of the famous "Attention Kmart shoppers..." Perhaps they will start having "Red Light Specials" on various merchandise throughout the day.
Many reports state that macy*s competition is JC Penney and Kohl's. My observation is that these retailers fill a niche in the market and do quite well in serving the needs of their customers. The nation did NOT need another store offering mid-market merchandise. By taking over some of the "better" stores and taking them downmarket, the Red Star has stripped consumers of the opportunity to purchase something other than the ordinary merchandise that might be had in many other stores. By destroying the regional nameplates, the Red Star has deprived travelers of enjoying a new shopping venue in a different section of the nation. While the landmark building on State Street is an architectural masterpiece, how many tourists won't bother to visit because they have a macy*s back home?
Ma
Date: Saturday, May 12, 2012 11:56 pm CT
Posted by: Robert Mau
I went to Merz Apothocary in the Palmer House...magnificent store. The saleswoman said "It's appropriate that we're now affiliated with another Chicago institution, the Palmer House." Since moving to the Palmer House, their sales have increased...she said something like: "Macy's clientele is a bit different than that of Marshall Field's." Now THAT is an understatement!
Date: Saturday, May 12, 2012 9:07 am CT
Posted by: Jim
Dear Bennett;
First, thank you for all of the amazing experiences you helped make possible at Marshall Field's. Like so many, we are extremely grateful.
Good questions and points.
In regard to your concerns as to who would be the buyers and the floor associates and managers and so forth who would make feel like Field's again, there are several factors.
It's true that a significant number of such employees have left, retired or taken buy-outs since Macy's took over. But it's also true that there are still employees left from the Field's days, some decades back. More than a few would love to be again doing what they used to do at Field's. I've also heard from those who have left who say that they would reapply to work at Field's if it came back.
Now I hear many who say Field's can't come back the way it was in the 1960s, etc. But also consider Field's in the late 1970s and 1980s of which people aren't quite as fond. Then consider that after that Phil Miller came in as head and was greatly respected for a whole new update of Field's.
For me, I consider that as an adult, I only was able to shop Field's occasionally in the late 19980s and through the 1990s because I lived outside of Field's territory. I looked forward to it and shopped there when I could, when I was in town monthly or so. In the early 2000's I moved back to Chicago and was a regular customer at State Street, Water Tower and Woodfield, as well as other locations. I think of Field's from eight to ten years ago and compare it to these stores as Macy's today. They are simply not as good as Macy's. [If Macy's came into Chicago with its own stores and without getting rid of Field's, I would probably shop there as an alternative to jcp and "post-Bergner's-owned" Carson's.]
A "new Field's" at State Street wouldn't be the same as even ten years ago, but I think it could be as good or better, albeit different.
Date: Saturday, May 12, 2012 8:17 am CT
Posted by: robert j bennett
I support the idea of the return of Marshall Field's to 111 N State Street. But I ask, What would anyone find in that beautiful place? Marshall Field hired people to fill the store with merchandise . Who would do that now? Buyers were trained throughout their careers to obtain merchandise that shoppers would come to buy.
In my last career before I retired again, I was a Marshall Field's furniture salesman. I believed I would do this until my hand was too feeble to write a sales order. When the store changed in 2006, I could not admit to anyone that I worked for the new owners. At my retirement party, we burned my black "uniform" along with a red star.
Even if Mr. Lundgren the Egoist could be persuaded to give back the building, who would stand in for the men who would create another Marshall Field and Company?
It seems to me that a lot of energy goes into making a case for the return of Marshall Field's, but I cannot see what would make it possible.
If there is ever a Marshall Field and Company store On State Street. I promise to do all my shopping there again.
Date: Thursday, May 10, 2012 8:55 pm CT
Posted by: gayle
I completely agree with Susan! It is *often* the little things that make a difference! The very first time I walked into the former Field's in Oak Brook after the takeover, I felt extremely uncomfortable, but I couldn't tell exactly why. Later that day (after shopping at Nordstrom's)I walked back through, this time with hubby. He's a professional photog and lighting geek, and he immediately commented on the lighting. M store had changed out all the softer more expensive lighting with some cheaper, harsher, brighter stuff. That was the source of my discomfort (well, that and the M name on the store!) and I didn't even realize it.
That's the sad thing. There are so many tiny changes to the stores that might sound petty to someone who doesn't understand the love Chicagoans had for Field's, but cumulatively, they destroy what was a special experience. There's nothing inherently wrong with Macy's, but it's no different of a shopping experience for me than shopping at Kohl's, JCP, and Sears. And, when I choose that level of shopping, why would I go to the interloper that destroyed high end shopping in the city? I will of course go to one of the other three, who have had a long presence in Chicago, and have done nothing to disrespect our history.
I'm pretty well beyond being mad at Macy's; like Susan said, "Meh." Just think of the money they could bring in if they could induce something other than indifference in this city....
Date: Thursday, May 10, 2012 8:59 am CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan
Despite Macy's claim that switching from Marshall Field's was just "a name change," the reality is that it's been much more.
When Macy's own CFO mostly talks about J.C.Penney & Co. as its competitor, as well as Kohl's, well, you know they have gone down market. When Field's was around, I considered Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Nieman Marcus and, yes, Bloomingdale's as its primary competition. At Woodfield Mall you either shopped from north to south, from Field's to L & T and Nordstrom, or from east to west, J.C.Penney's to Sears, and then farther east to Montgomery Ward at Streets of Woodfield.
But also consider this page from macysinc.com on Bloomingdale's at http://www.macysinc.com/bloomingdales/
Bloomingdale's, America's only nationwide, full-line, upscale department store, is recognized for its originality, innovation and fashion leadership. It truly is "Like no other store in the world." In fact, Bloomingdale's is a leading attraction for visitors and tourists coming to the United States from around the globe. This brand includes 41 stores, bloomingdales.com and four Bloomingdale's Outlet locations."America's only nationwide, full-line, upscale department store." Well, if Macy's is saying Bloomingdale's is the only nationwide, upscale department store, then Macy's-branded stores must NOT be upscale. EVEN THEY ADMIT IT!
To me, Field's competitor was Bloomingdale's. Like most anyone else, I always associated FIELD'S as being a full-line, upscale department store, too. While they weren't the same, and I don't like Bloomoindale's as I did Field's, I always placed both in the same tier. Seems plain to me, Macy's got rid of Field's to get rid of Bloomingdale's competition. If you look further down at this page, you see that some of what Field's used to offer is now offered at Bloomingdale's, but not Macy's, even on State Street.
How can Macy's say that Macy's is the same as Marshall Field's???????
Date: Thursday, May 10, 2012 6:43 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
I don't understand why anyone outside of Macy's cares how Macy's stands in comparison with Sears, Kohl's or Penney's. They are all the same. Useful at times. Meh.
On State St. in the Olden Days, going from Field's to Carson's to Wieboldt's was increasingly disappointing on the way down the street. Yes, we shopped at those other places too occasionally, but the REAL shopping occurred you-know-where, and we all know why. Field's was in a class by itself.
Sometimes it is small things that make the difference. This weekend, we went to dine at a favorite Mass. historic inn, an annual treat. They had installed pot lights and got rid of little table lights. Yes, we could all see like at McDonald's, but the welcome was gone, and there were other disappointing little losses, so we left shrugging our shoulders. Meh.
No impetus to return. There's a lesson in that.
Date: Thursday, May 10, 2012 4:03 am CT
Posted by: Sarah K.
Some really great historic photos of Marshall Field and Company on State Street that you can purchase. Chicagoland-based photog.
Circa Christmas 1984
http://www.horschgallery.com/addtocart2.aspx?catId=%C5%B8N&pdctid=%C5%A1N%18
From about 100 years ago, before the current State Street store was finished. Note the buildings on the far left are on the south side of Randolph between Wabash and Holden Court. That means construction of the Wabash/Randolph corner of the store had not yet been built. Probably from around 1910 or 1911.
http://www.horschgallery.com/addtocart2.aspx?catId=%C5%B8N&pdctid=%E2%80%BAO%15
State and Randolph corner and clock from 1960s
http://www.horschgallery.com/addtocart2.aspx?pdctid=%CB%9CF%19
And finally, State Street facade all done up for Christmas 2005
http://www.horschgallery.com/addtocart2.aspx?pdctid=%C5%BED%1d
Also:
You can buy wall murals of the Marshall Field clock at State and Washington in sizes from 12" x 18" to 4' X 6'
http://www.amazon.com/Wallmonkeys-Peel-Stick-Wall-Decals/dp/B005H9ILXC%3FSubscriptionId=AKIAJJEKCBZRKG2BWJVQ&tag=toys_mell-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B005H9ILXC
Date: Wednesday, May 9, 2012 10:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Macy's, Inc. had their first quarter conference call this morning with Macy's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Karen Hoguet. Macy's, Inc. (parent of Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores and e-commerce sites) did very well overall. During the conference call, it was announced that stores in the south (especially Florida, Texas and Hawaii) did best, along with stores in the Columbus, Ohio, Cleveland and Long Island, New York areas. Of interest was that Macy's previously has not outright owned two parts of the Union Square flagship in San Fancisco, but now they have taken steps to acquire them. Also interesting was how the analysts and CFO's discussion of Macy's competition focused on Kohl's and, especially, JCPenney. While the truth is that retailers from Walmart to Bergdorf Goodman compete with Macy's, I don't think we ever heard of JCPenney as being Marshall Field's primary competition.
You can listen to the talk and Q & A at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?p=irol-eventDetails&c=84477&eventID=4770430
Date: Tuesday, May 8, 2012 8:45 am CT
Posted by: P. R.
Was browsing the Field Museum site. Found the timeline where it shows that the Field Museum had its name changed in 1943. In 1966, the Museum changed its name back to the Field Museum of Natural History. This was to honor not only Marshall Feld I, but other members of the Field family including Stanley Field and Marshall Field III. (Field III never worked for the department store, but he did publish the Sun-Times.)
So if you go to this link at the Field Museum's web site you can see the timeline. http://fieldmuseum.org/about/timeline
Best of all, there is a story, "Field Museum Again," along with photos of the Field Museum name being restored after 23 years at this link. http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/4188067
How swell would it be to see similar photos of the Marshall Field's name going back up at State Street.
Date: Monday, May 7, 2012 8:04 pm CT
Posted by: i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
Hey, long time no speak.
I agree with Susan NY's latest post -- seriously, what IS in a name? It's what's inside that counts! When we think "Marshall Field's" or "Marshall Field and Company," we not only think "Chicago," but the utmost service, the vast selection of merchandise, and a retail destination known the world over. Kind of like a Harrods for America, so to speak. "Nordstrom" says "Seattle" and exemplary customer service, "Neiman Marcus" says "Dallas" and their Christmas catalog full of outlandish gifts, and so forth. If one wants a great shopping experience in New York, he or she should consider Saks, Lord and Taylor, Bergdorf Goodman, or even the seven-store chain Barney's New York! macy*mart may claim they're New York at its finest, but all they have become is nothing more than a retail tourist trap all across the nation! What a shame that store chains that closely identify each respective region, big or small, expensive or cheap, are so hard to come by these days.
Also, how's THIS for an idea to convince the Red Star to bring Field's back and help the world spark more interest in Field's? Somebody should create a biography-type/period piece MAJOR MOTION PICTURE about Marshall Field and Company! Talk about the history, the setbacks, etc. DO especially feature 111 N. State Street, show an anniversary or engagement dinner inside the Walnut Room, show children enjoying Christmas shopping and the windows, and more! Hey, if Hollywood can successfully revive the silent movie (like with "The Artist"), then Hollywood can certainly help bring Chicago's one and only Marshall Field's back!
Best wishes with the upcoming State Street survey!
i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
Date: Monday, May 7, 2012 1:45 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator
I made another pass through the State Street store last week during evening rush. Nothing much had changed in this store that advocates forcing people to change. The usual few persons mulling around, cracked floors and flashy-trash displays were obvious.
However, I did notice a fresh supply (about 19 copies) of "Marshall Field's, the Store that Helped Build Chicago" by Gayle Soucek on the book table by the Walnut Room. It looks like the book is going quite well. Every time the number goes down down, they get more in. If anyone doesn't have it yet, grab 'em while they're hot.
I counted about 5 tables occupied in the Walnut Room, with 2 person's waiting in line (I don't really know what they needed to wait for since there was plenty of room). I used to get mad because I had to wait when tables were full--I miss those days.
Date: Monday, May 7, 2012 11:46 am CT
Posted by: Jon
I saw it again this past Friday around noon near Rockwell and Wilson in the North Center Neighborhood. A grey sedan featuring Marshall Field's name on it along with Macy's name. Macy's name was marked though in protest.
Has anyone else seen this? I wish I had my camera phone. Does anyone know whose car this is?
I miss Field's. I'm glad to see this car. Third time.
Date: Sunday, May 6, 2012 6:38 pm CT
Posted by: Martha
Had a Field's Fever Dream this afternoon while taking a nap. I dreamed that there was this huge pyramid of Frango boxes erected in the North Atrium State Street to celebrate Field's being back. It felt so good, like home! I can't think of ever having a dream about any other store!
Date: Friday, May 4, 2012 3:36 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
Was passing through Macy's on State Street. I never actually buy anything there, of course.
While there, I saw Macy's is selling Marshall Field's clock totes.
White backgroundThe bag is shiny black vinyl with a big drawing of the clock in white, black and green.Vinyl.$30. Neither Macy's nor Marshall Field's names appeared on these. Field's sells!!!! It's good business!
[ Corrected 9:45 am, May 8, 2012 at the author's request. Retracted words have a
line through them; added words are in italics. ]
Date: Friday, May 4, 2012 12:28 pm CT
Posted by: Drew
Interesting biography of Marshall Field and his magnificent department store:http://news.investors.com/article/610161/201205031258/marshall-field-built-the-top-department-storedepartment-store.htmSo sad all this history and innovation was "folded" into another macy*s outpost.
Date: Friday, May 4, 2012 9:26 am CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan
The owner of the former Oak Park Borders (and former Oak Park Marshall Field's) is considering turning at least part of the store into medical offices. City officials and citizens want it to stay retail.http://www.oakpark.com/News/Articles/05-01-2012/Borders_location_in_Oak_Park_has_always_been_retail
Date: Thursday, May 3, 2012 11:02 pm CT
Posted by: Kara
We miss Marshall and Field and Company when we come to Chicago. We have Macy's all over the place in California. Field's was special. We won't shop Macy's because Field's is gone.
Date: Tuesday, May 1, 2012 10:16 am CT
Posted by: Frank
I am a proud Chicago native and I was truly upset when I heard that it was sold to Macy's. Marshall Field's was Chicago at it's best. Any New Yorker will tell you that Macy's is far from being even NYC at its best. What a loss!!! Get us back our Field's!!!!!!!
Date: Friday, April 27, 2012 8:46 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
A Dominick's called Mariano's is still a rose, and a Macy's called Field's would still be a petunia.
All the same, a name is a powerful thing. I'd rather not see the Field's name on Macy's offerings. So far they mean two different things, for good reason. And as we see here, the Field's name is still compelling beyond locality and above the ordinary market plane.
Date: Friday, April 27, 2012 12:29 am CT
Posted by: Drew
Gayle's comment that macy*s is "just a store" perhaps summarizes the ultimate reason for customer dissatisfaction with the macy*ization of America. By taking away stores that were unique to a region of the country, that carried specialized merchandise, that offered various services, that enjoyed a reputation of quality, have been replaced by a nondescript venue of nondescript goods. Sears, walmart, JC Penney, macy*s, Kohl's--like McDonald's, Wendy's, Pizza Hut, CVS, Walgreen's--offer nothing special. They are just "there" and are not a destination. Each may serve a useful purpose but these needs may be fulfilled at other establishments in a wide number of locations.
The macy*s stores are clean and well stocked overall, but there are no enticing promotions, exciting displays, or compelling merchandise. (Yawn!) Nothing to get excited about. Hardly a destination. Clothing and home wares equivalent to what can be found in many other places.
People are beginning to tire of "big box stores" and chain restaurants that dot the landscape in every community and as they search for something unique and special, we can only hope that the market forces realize the value of re-establishing the "home town" department stores.
Date: Thursday, April 26, 2012 8:54 pm CT
Posted by: Mike Hartwell
Well, I'm in the UK and I have never been to Chicago. So what's the connection you may well ask ? Back in 1987, fresh home from disasterous Zimbabwe, I had the task of producing a one off 500 batch of 7Kg brass replicas of "The Great Clock", which were apparently intended for presentation to the store's VIP customers. Our prince Charles received No1. Since then I have had a fascination with the store and am the proud owner of the one and only pre-production model. I also have the Cook Book (well thumbed)and corporate silk tie (well worn). So what am I trying to say ? Marshall Fields was not simply another store, it was perhaps a symbol standing next to the Stars & Stripes and The Eagle of Your Great Country. O! ye who can do no wrong, in my eyes anyway. Yep! I also made clocks for Harrods of London, Buckingham Palace and many others but they don't mean a thing. I do know where you are coming from and I sincerely wish you well in getting it back.
Date: Thursday, April 26, 2012 9:18 am CT
Posted by: Jim
Three stories that might be interest:
One, some here often talk about seeing or being able to get the same or similar clothing items (at the very least in terms of quality of manufacture) at Macy's, Kohl's, jcp, Walmart and others. This story from Barron's (4/24/12) explains the common thread for these stores: clothing manufacturer PVH. PVH's web site is at http://www.pvh.com, Barron's story is at http://online.barrons.com/article/SB50001424053111903591504577364274182533332.html?reflink=wsj_redirect, and Wikipedia's PVH entry is at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PVH_(company).
Second, Newsradio 780 AM/105.9 FM had a business brief about Macy's last night quoting a Macy's exec speaking at a (presumably national) conference. The story was about 20 seconds long and did not report the name of the exec. At any rate, the exec said that, unlike jcp, Macy's would not stop using coupons as a promotion since Macy's customers like to think they are getting a special deal at Macy's. Clearly, this is an about-face from their plan circa 2006-2007. So things can change. Also I have to wonder where Field's sales would be if they had increased coupons to the extent of WoW passes. Ditto for mikea's/daveb's post: sales don't equal profits and the many of the same strategies Macy's has employed at State Street could have been used under Field's. But he is correct in one of his suggestions; I don't think Field's customers would have thought highly of "out of service" elevator banks and discontinued escalators. However, Field's could have easily gotten those same property tax breaks, etc. to edge into profitability.
Third, it's interesting to see what's happening with Safeway's Dominick's and Roundy's Mariano's supermarkets in the Chicago area. While I hope we won't go into an off-topic discussion of supermarkets, there are some parallels with Field's and Macy's. That's what I'm focusing on here. In this case, there are more than a few who feel that Dominick's became Safeway in every way but the sign out front on on the bags. Dominick's market share was about 28% in 1998 when it was acquired by Safeway to a current 9%. By comparison, Jewel has stayed around 30%-34% of the market. Aside from a precedence for why simply putting a Marshall Field's sign on a Macy's store won't work, there's a new lesson to be learned. The Dominick's management that was ousted when Safeway took over has created Mariano's Markets. Basically, they set out to make a grocery store that would be what Dominick's would have been had Safeway not taken over and changed course. Two Marianos are adjacent to Dominick's and killing them in terms of business. Another is in a former Dominick's, a store that used to be dead and is now packed, even killing the Jewel across the street. This is despite Safeway backtracking and adopting some of the old Dominick's strategies at Dominick's and nationally. Go ahead and compare to Macy's and Field's. But here's the kicker, according to this week's Crains Chicago Business: for several years now, Mariano's (the old Dominick's management) would love to buy back the Dominick's stores. "Wall Street" even thinks Safeway should sell the stores back. But the head of Safeway who has been in charge since the mid-90s won't sell to Mariano's, lest he not have a way of saving face. He'd rather close the stores than let them succeed under the former management that he let go. In fact, Safeway's head did just that under similar circumstances in Philly with their Genuardi's stores. That's why I believe any restoration of Field's has to also put forth the good things about Terry Lundgren and his abilities. Cynics would call that "saving face" but I simply have to point out that he is doing well overall, compared to most other merchants.
Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 10:38 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
A correction or update of sorts to the posts of April 12 and 22: Macy's annual report does in fact show a photo of a former Field's location. A photo of the newly remodeled first floor cosmetics area at Water Tower appears on the lower right-hand side of the back cover of the 2011 Annual Report. That would be on the very last page if you pull up the PDF at http://www.macysinc.com/Investors/vote/2011_ar.pdf. The photo shows the "tricked out" chandeliers now surrounded by a mesh cylindrical "shade" or "diffuser."
Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 2:57 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
Went to the flower show, It was nice, however smaller than I thought it would be. However it was sad to see the 9th floor empty. I know the reason being the high end designer furniture was not selling so furniture and rugs were consolidated once again back on 8 when Fields finished the renovations in 1992
No matter what all of you here say Macy's has made the state street return to profitablilty, with remerchandising the store, streamlining expenses , by cutting staff and the ill fated closing of the wabash escalators along with taking a deserved tax break from the county.
I know of reports that Target produced for their employees showing the store operating in the red before they sold it. Macy's now tells their associates that State Street ranks high on the sales list with their other flagship stores of Herald Square and San Franciso. I for one would rather have a profitable healthy store rather than one that that is losing or marginally making profit. It was sad last week I Richmond whren I saw the closed Miller and Rhodes store, Thailheimers and most all the retail in downtown Richmond. I would hate to see a version of 1 South State street at 111 N. State Street.
Date: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 6:47 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Oh dear, they don't care about peace with Chicago! They want the rival out of the way! That is the point. One land, one store. Take it or leave it. Of course, we leave it but they have not found that to be a problem.
Date: Sunday, April 22, 2012 8:48 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle
Went to a performance/party last night for a friend's band, and we were seated at a large table with people we had never met. Before I got the first forkful of salad in my mouth, someone mentioned Macy's, and the entire table reacted in anger and disgust. Even I was surprised by the strong reaction,and of course jumped into the conversation. After discussing it at length, everyone pretty much agreed there were two seperate issues at hand: 1) Nothing about Macy's is special. It is "just a store", with nothing to distinguish it from many others. Everyone mourned the loss of Field's, using words like "unique," "strictly Chicago," "classy," "special," and "our (Chicago's) own store." Issue #2 caused the strongest sentiment, and I thought it interesting that people still felt this way 6 years after the takeover: every single person at the table felt that Macy's had shown not just disrespect, but perhaps even downright contempt for Chicago by renaming our iconic store. That really touched a nerve. I brought up things like the Willis Tower, and everyone agreed that it's not the same. One man (a doctor, incidentally) said "the Sears Tower is still the same building. Nothing has changed except the name. Field's, on the other hand, is gone. It's as if someone ripped down the Sears Tower, built an inferior building, and then renamed it."I realize that Macy's owns the stores and can do whatever they want, but it just seems like such a no-brainer to me that they should at least revive Field's on State. They could do whatever they wanted--a fashion incubator or special Macy's floor--to keep the Macy's name there as well, but if they revived Field's in name and quality at that location, it would probably go a long way to make peace with Chicago.
Date: Sunday, April 22, 2012 6:30 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
Was in the Water Tower Store yesterday. I was last there about a year ago, a few weeks before the remodeled first floor opened. It looked pretty good as it was progressing back then, but yesterday was the first time I had seen it since completion. I was really disappointed. Aside from way too much white, what an awful idea to wrap the beautiful chandeliers with mesh cylinder lamp shades! I remember a story in the Tribune last May about how Macy's was trying to break with "its Marshall Field's past" there. They succeeded in that it looks more trendy and less classy.
It is nice to see that the floor number plaques still have Marshall Field's imprinted in them.
A couple of things in followup to the posts about Cheggs. Water Tower looked like it had over 80 left. Moreover, I came across section 1 from the Sunday Tribune for April 1 (Palm Sunday) and their ad for Easter Frangos made no mention of Cheggs, as far as I could see. Pretty odd. As such, I have to agree with Jimmy Gimbels and others who think the Cheggs may be on the way out.
I had to shop around yesterday and passed through Carson's, Kohl's, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Lord and Taylor and Nordstrom. I know some like to call it Messy's. That's kinda of silly (and tired). But I do have to say that Macy's looks pretty average where as Marshall Field's really stood out.
Best regards,
Jim
Date: Saturday, April 21, 2012 12:06 pm CT
Posted by: Philip Eichler
Once again, random people bring up Field's! We hosted Easter brunch and our friends David and Jane were talking to another friend's son Ben. (he is one of those Millenials Macy's is attempting to attract)Basically the conversation starts with an "I hate Macy's" "Why did they destroy Field's?" and goes downhill from there.Ben was raised in Lake Forest, so he has strong memories of the Market Square store. He also went to art school in Kansas City and brought up Hall's at Country Club Plaza as an illustration for a stand alone Field's. Hall's, is a two store operation founded by the Hall family, of Hallmark fame. Their store at Country Club Plaza has the best of everything and appears to be quite successful. If Kansas City can support a Hall's, why can't Chicago support one Field's at 111 North State?
Date: Friday, April 20, 2012 2:19 am CT
Posted by: gle
Regarding the query post of April 17, I don't see that there would be much difference between the two options. I, and many others I talk to, don't think Messy's is capable of doing Marshall Field's right even if they tried. If someone who could do Field's right purchased the store, but re-named a fashion incubator floor for Terry Lundgren, I can't see that working either. That just plain doesn't make sense--like clashing colors and expecting nobody to notice.
Date: Thursday, April 19, 2012 9:23 pm CT
Posted by: P.T.
I am a native Chicagoan living in Massachusetts. I think many don't realize that most Macy's aren't nearly as nice as the majority of former Field's locations in the Chicago area. I miss heading to Field's whenever I go to Chicago. We have Macy's here so what's the point????
Date: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 8:00 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Author, Historian and Actress Leslie Goddard will talk about her book, "Remember Marshall Field's" at the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Historical Society this evening. Members of the Society get in for half-price--$10 instead of $20. This story contains more info:href="http://lakeforest.suntimes.com/news/11735597-418/history-of-marshall-fields-entwined-with-lake-forest.html"History of Marshall Field’s entwined with Lake Forest - Lake Forester
lakeforest.suntimes.com
The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society hopes to stir up fond memories of Chicago’s iconic department store and Lake Forest’s Market Square anchor at “Remembering Marshall Field’s: Lecture, Book Signing and Frango Mints” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18 at the museum.....
Date: Monday, April 16, 2012 12:12 pm CT
Posted by: Mary Ann
The College of Idaho had that name for 100 years. Then in 1991, it was renamed Albertson College of Idaho in response to the major gift of the Alberston's supermarket family. The alumni hated it. It took 16 years, but it went back to being called The College of Idaho in 2007, 16 years later.
See Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_of_Idaho
Date: Sunday, April 15, 2012 1:00 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
Sad to see the tumult at Best Buy, especially because there was corporate misconduct of a personal nature. But it reminded me of how things could change. 20 years ago, Silo and Fretters were the rage, Best Buy was just entering Chicago along with Circuit City. Now all of those are gone and Best Buy has become Amazon's showroom. Things change and I think Field's may come back someday because things go full circle. Let's hope this is one of those.
Date: Friday, April 13, 2012 12:34 pm CT
Posted by: Peg R.
Periodically check out this place on lunch break. Keep hoping I will read that Field's is coming back.
Passed through the store at Oak Brook the other day. I used to shop there all the time. Was a Regards customer who spent over $16,000 my last year. Furnished my living room from Field's. I haven't purchased anything there since M---'s took over. Same for B---------'s which is now closed at Oak Brook.
So anyways, I thought I would check out the shoe dept. since I heard it was remodeled. It was OK but looked about as good any shoe store that isnt a discounter should. Nothing exceptionally special.
I was also annoyed to see pictures of the Macy's on 34th Street plastered all over the R.H. Macy's Jewelery Dept. Like, who cares? They killed Marshall Field's and we're supposed to be all excited about Macy's history? C'mon!
Date: Thursday, April 12, 2012 7:36 am CT
Posted by: via gle
Macy's annual report and facts book is now out. PDFs are available at the Macy's, Inc. Investor Relations site.http://www.macysinc.com/Investors/AnnualReport/[Interesting how they don't mention or show pics of former Marshall Field's stores, save for the timeline where it's mentioned that MayCo purchased Field's in 2004.]
Date: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 5:26 pm CT
Posted by: Ira Kriston
To all Chicagoans:
If everybody all keeps their fingers crossed, consistently practices good Karma, doing onto others as they'd like done to them, I have faith that within 2012, a couple of great things will happen here in Chicago...
a.) The Chicago Bulls WILL win the 2011-12 NBA World Championship.Just keep on trying your best to play the game of life right, and we'll soon be better blessed! :)b.) 111 North State Street (At least) WILL be reverted as Marshall Field & Company.
c.) The first branch of Marshall Field's at Market Square in Lake Forest WILL be restored/reopened.
Date: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 5:26 pm CT
Posted by: J.A. Lamb
How much would it cost to purchase the State Street Store and the Marshall Field's Intellectual Property?
Date: Sunday, April 8, 2012 10:01 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Happy Easter! Reminds me of a few years ago when the Tribune ran a photo of the Easter Bunny and an Easter Parade on foot passing the Marshall Field's plaques at State and Randolph.
Was in the store at Hawthorne yesterday. Given the upheaval at jcp, I was surprised to see that it was busier than Macy's. Of course, I did buy jeans at jcp and not Macy's. At any rate, Macy's did a have a nice, tall shelving display of Cheggs and Easter-wrapped Frangos by the escalator from the first level to the lower level. On the lower level, I am still dismayed to see that the gourmet foods are mainly gone, although the "Marketplace" floor tile that is still in place outlines how much space it used to have for that. Now, so much of that space is taken up with mattresses and luggage. When I was at State Street a week or two ago, the northwest section of the lower level also seemed to be filled with luggage. In both instances it struck me as if they were simply trying to fill up space that wasn't being used.
I went to check out the regular Frango display at Hawthorne and a concerned associate near the crystal and chine was really doing here job well. She was very, very friendly and helpful--she gets an A+ in my book. She pointed me to a far corner that was way out of the way. Perhaps this was the same store that Jimmy Gimble wrote about last week because it did remind me of a space that could have been a former optical shop. At any rate, I was surprised that had maybe 90" to 120" of Frangos, plus one or two tables of them. It DOES given the impression that thay are playing them down at this location, or maybe they don't have the Field's customers anymore who used to buy that many Frangos year 'round.
Best regards,
Jim
Date: Saturday, April 7, 2012 10:01 am CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan
Yesterday's Friday Chicago Tribune had a partial-page, full-color ad for Cheggs and other Easter-wrapped Frangos. Maybe I missed it, but this is the first I have seen the Frangos and Cheggs advertised for Easter this year. It caused me to wonder what their long term plans are for Cheggs and Frangos. Nothing about any Chegg decorating times like they had when it was Field's.
Date: Friday, April 6, 2012 4:57 pm CT
Posted by: gle
HAPPY PASSOVER!
HAPPY EASTER!
HAPPY SPRING!
TO FIELD'S FANS
Date: Friday, April 6, 2012 2:13 pm CT
Posted by: Drew
No doubt the Easter and Passover holidays bring back many cherished memories--the new outfits, the "good china" used only special occasions, the delicious candy and holiday treats. For many of us, the holidays and spring also meant freshening up the house with new furnishings and decorative items. Remember the joy of the lovely spring displays at our beloved regional department stores? So many new ideas, so many beautiful things to help us forget the dreary days of winter and welcome the lively colors of spring.
So sad that Marshall Field's and other local stores aren't here to offer something unique and special to celebrate the holiday season. Somehow Sears, Red Star, Kohl's, JC Penney, Target don't offer anything exciting or memorable--they are just THERE with their predictable line of everyday wares. It was always fun to receive a gift from family members in different cities, a gift enclosed in a box from a far away department store, a gift that probably couldn't be found nearby. Today a gift from "we have one of those here" isn't all that exciting.
Date: Thursday, April 5, 2012 7:12 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
A few years ago, they "remodeled" the signage at suburban stores. The directionals are placed on columns and are made of black foam core with arrows like you could make at Kinko's. So these signs are practically falling off and the arrows are all willy-nilly because they don't stick. How chintzy.
Date: Wednesday, April 4, 2012 9:06 pm CT
Posted by: Marilyn L.
Sure seems like they are phasing out Cheggs! Very few compared to last year. Anyone seen an ad for them? When it was Marshall Field's, they used to have special sessions with candy staff present to help you personalize the Cheggs. No more it seems. Slowly but surely they are whittling away at Field's and what made it special.
Date: Tuesday, April 3, 2012 11:39 am CT
Posted by: The Bronx
One of the things that my aunt and I used to do in Chicago was to take me to a show and Marshall Field's. We'd sit around downstairs eating Frangos and talk. We'd go and shop around and end up at the Walnut room, each wearing something new and fancy we had bought that day. We'd make a special point of going to the Walnut Room to celebrate her major accomplishments. Now that it's Macy's, though, she doesn't want to go back, and nor do I.
Date: Monday, April 2, 2012 8:01 am CT
Posted by: Mary Ann
Haven't been here in a while but nice to see things still going.
I meant to write a few weeks ago. The Sunday Chicago Tribune on March 11 had the Field's clock on the masthead. The clock had a shaded wedge from 2 to 3 position to remind folks to turn the clocks ahead. Nice enough to see. But then on page 3 they referred to the great Field's clock as the "Macy's clock." They probably will refer to the Wrigley Building clock as the "Mars Clock" since Mars purchased Wrigley Gum.
I'm glad I don't regularly subscribe to the Tribune.
Date: Sunday, April 1, 2012 10:01 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
In response to Jimmy Gimbel's post, I've been at Woodfield, Oak Brook and State Street. All three locations have boxes of Frangos in Easter- and Spring-themed wrapping paper and, in other cases, cardboard sleeves. However, it did seem like there were fewer of these than in past years. The Frango Cheggs also seemed to have a lesser presence. They also seemed to have more non-Frango boxed candy than they used to, but I can't say that part for sure. I did notice what seemed to be an off-brand line of candy, each with a different Chicago scene on the box. For example they had Buckingham Fountain on boxes of Chocolate Peanut Brittle. And then they had the great Marshall Field's clock on Chocolate Cashew Turtles. (Maybe it was some vague reference to DeMert's Turtles which used to be based in Chicago?) These were displayed on a table with a black-and-white Chicago skyline banner hanging from the ceiling.
Maybe it's early or maybe I just plain missed it, but I haven't seen any ads for spring Frangos in the paper.
Date: Saturday, March 31, 2012 8:12 pm CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels
Are those wacky folks at Macy's phasing out Frango Mints? I've noticed that Easter candy displays do not feature the Frango brand. For example, at several stores the Frango candy is hidden away in housewares...in one store the Frango brand is tucked away behind the bath shop in an area that was once the optical department. Gone are the spring novelties made by Fields including those wonderful Frango eggs. It is all boxed goods now...not even and pastel packaging for Easter/Spring.
Remember Frango organics and all the hype? Gone too.
How interesting what is printed on the back of one pound boxes: "The original Frango Mints were made with three types of chocolate. No more. Not even the original recipe is used...according to Macy's.
Date: Friday, March 30, 2012 7:18 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Earlier this week, I checked out the flower show on the ninth floor at State Street. Only a little bit of flowers elsewhere--by the Burnham Fountain, adjacent to the visitors' desk on 1. I thought the flower show was very well done and the staff was delightfully friendly. At the same time, it was sad to see how much of 9 was empty and curtained off. It gave me a lot of ideas of what could really happen to that space if the store went back to being Marshall Field's there. Aside from making customers happy, it would be a windfall for Macy's in many ways.
Date: Thursday, March 29, 2012 8:12 pm CT
Posted by: Dennis G.
I live in Sacramento, California, but used to live near Chicago and Field's was my favorite store. I had been avoiding Macy's because of the take over, but was not doing a formal boycott. I needed to go to Macy's to get a certain brand of sheet that only they carried, When the sales associate swiped my card, she asked why I had not been shopping at Macy's and I told her I was still mad about Macy's decision to wipe out Marshall Field's. She was sympathetic and indicated that she had heard this from customers several times a month. And we are 2000 miles away from Chicago !
Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 8:12 pm CT
Posted by: Ricardo H.
I would love to help out. I keep checking for the next event.
Date: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 8:12 pm CT
Posted by: H.D.
I loved the Marshall Field's. It was the standard.
Date: Sunday, March 25, 2012 3:22 pm CT
Posted by: gle
FYI, for whatever it's worth, Messy's official website www.macysinc.com has an announcement about its plans to attract "millennials."
"Macy's, Inc. Outlines Enhanced Focus to Drive Growth Among Millennial Customers"
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=84477&p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=1675322
Date: Saturday, March 24, 2012 1:03 pm CT
Posted by: mikeA
I was in 111 N. State yesterday Macy's and the flower show was starting to bloom. It will be different to see how it works on the 9th floor . Also heard that flowers will be on the main floor too.
Date: Saturday, March 24, 2012 10:01 am CT
Posted by: Kate M.
Thanks for the handful of campaign buttons last weekend. I passed them out where I work. They went in an instant. I need to get more.
Date: Friday, March 23, 2012 11:59 am CT
Posted by: M.G.
Marshall Field and Company always stood for quality and had cache.
When you bought something there, it was special.
Macys is just MOR.
Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 2:32 pm CT
Posted by: Robert Mau
This time of year (like Christmas and just about every other time) really makes me miss Field's. In high school (late 70s), I worked in the Oak Brook Mall and used to go to Field's candy counter to buy candy for Easter. The store was beautiful - with tulips and spring colors everywhere. Field's was one of those rare places where you can shop in an elegant environment and always find something wonderful yet affordable. It was a complete sensory experience that is missing from retail today.
Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 10:29 am CT
Posted by: Kelley Diener
Thanks for the button! I put it on my back pack.
Date: Monday, March 19, 2012 8:23 pm CT
Posted by: I Like Field's Better
Hooray! Nice to meet you at the parade.
Date: Monday, March 19, 2012 7:23 pm CT
Posted by: Ray H., Carpentersville, Illinois
I met a nice Irish lady in a wheelchair at the parade on Saturday. Thanks for keeping this up, but don't you think this is a lot like David and Goliath?
Would be nice to have Field's back. Macy's at Spring Hill is just another store like Kohl's or Penney's. I wonder how they can stay open.
Ray
Carpentersville, Northwest of Chicago.
Date: Monday, March 19, 2012 3:29 pm CT
Posted by: I miss Field's
Beautiful photos from the St. Patrick's Day Parade! Glad to see the interest in Field's is still going.
Date: Monday, March 19, 2012 8:30 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Thanks to Tracy, Bee and all who helped make our impromptu button distribution at Saturday's St Patrick's Day Parade a huge success.
The TV News said that an estimated 100,000 attended the parade. We had between 900 and 1,000 pin-on buttons. They all went in 20 minutes! This was comparable to how fast they went when Oprah opened her final season with a show on Michigan Avenue. So Chicago's desire for Field's hasn't ebbed!
Below are some photos from the parade.
Macy's sponsored the Roman Catholic Archdiocese' Mercy Home Float and Lapel Sticker sales. I won't go into it lest it divide our own unity, but there was controversy surrounding this pairing. The controversy had to do with Macy's active stance on an issue -- no different than Field's--being in direct conflict with teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Supporters of both sides in the audience expressed criticism.
Date: Sunday, March 18, 2012 1:23 pm CT
Posted by: Paul R.
Another spring without Field's. How I miss Field's.
Date: Saturday, March 17, 2012 8:34 pm CT
Posted by: St. Pat
I found your flyer on the sidewalk headed back from the St Paddy's parade today. Hope springs eternal. Keep at it!
Date: Saturday, March 17, 2012 7:34 pm CT
Posted by: Edward K.
Thanks for the pin today. We miss Field's too.
Date: Saturday, March 17, 2012 6:59 pm CT
Posted by: Lynn C.
FIELD'S WAS THE BEST! WE DON'T LIKE MACY'S!
Date: Friday, March 16, 2012 7:16 am CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston
I ventured into The Woodlands Macy's last weekend. I actually was surprised the clearance racks were gone and the crystal and china department had been remodeled and actually had some tasteful displays.
HOWEVER, I went to The Galleria today. It is one of the top international shopping spots in this part of the country and is massive, filled with designer boutiques. It has a legacy RH Macy store and a former Foley's that is now Macy's. I was appalled that they have done absolutely nothing to the legacy store since it was RH Macy's. The flooring and carpeting are original from the late 1980s with tears in the carpeting and broken tiles. The skylights in the escalator atrium have stains from leakage and the escalator signage is clearly 1980s. You can even tell where the Cellar Cafe was that has been turned into housewares. Foley's carpeting and tile, etc was in good shape as it was a newer store to begin with. I find it odd that Macy's would let the legacy store decay to such a state in one of the finest shopping destinations in the country. They obviously don't care about their reputation. I noticed that Nordstrom was absolutely packed as was Nieman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Macy's had very few shoppers at all. Yet, Macy's claims the southern stores are their profit generators? Hmmm. I would like to see the figures.
Date: Thursday, March 15, 2012 4:57 pm CT
Posted by: gle
In case we miss you this Saturday...HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY, FIELD'S FANS!
Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 4:23 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
It's my prediction that Macy's, Inc. stock will hit $40.00 per share in the coming days. M stocks peaked in the mid-$40s back over four years ago when the markets crashed and, more pertinently, Macy's wrote off a lot of good will largely associated with the immense value of Marshall Field's. Many would argue that Field's good will was valued at more than all the other discontinued May Department names and brands combined.
What does this mean for our quest to bring back Marshall Field's, especially to State Street.
In my humble opinion, this. Based on all of our other experiences, there is immense value still locked up and unrealized. Macy's refuses to unlock that value for its shareholders. As someone wrote about three months ago, so many other retailers would love to have Field's brand and names. What a loss that Macy's exec's let emotion and ego get in the way of what the public clearly wants, Marshall Field's. Moreover, it's too bad that has all gotten in the way of maximizing shareholder value.
Putting this more plainly, if you have quality product (or store) that most everyone wants, why not sell it and make even more money for shareholders.
Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 6:24 am CT
Posted by: M. Susan D.
The new store windows on State Street are plain awful. From what I could see, they are giant posters with a little cologne bottle here and there. Field's State Street windows are international icons. How could Macy's treat them with such disregard!
Date: Monday, March 12, 2012 9:23 pm CT
Posted by: MaryAnn Masterson
We visited Chicago from near Denver this past weekend for Spring Break. We always loved Marshall Field's. Sadly, it was someone inserted a Macy's into the store. Don't get me wrong, Macy's is OK. But it's just OK. I wouldn't come all the way from Denver to see the same Macy's or even the same Foley's in my Marshall Field's. What a mistake Macy's has made. Bring back Marshall Field's.
Date: Sunday, March 11, 2012 5:26 pm CT
Posted by: gle
Think of all the wonderful birthday gifts that came from Marshall Field's in it's 150 years! It seems only fitting that Marshall Field's should be here to be part of Chicago's 175th birthday.
Date: Sunday, March 11, 2012 3:23 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
Regarding Philip's post from yesterday, March 10:
Yes, Field's did have loyalty programs, but they felt more like appreciation programs. I think their every day service, quality and ethos WAS Field's primary loyalty program. I know it's what made me loyal even to this day. I think many feel the same.
Regarding mikeA's post from Thursday. Yes, Target/Dayton-Hudson did empty those floors. But some of us connected with our grass roots organization have heard from quality parties that they would love to have their merchandise at State Street the minute it would go back to being Marshall Field's. Moreover, we've heard informally from employees of some vendors who would be back in a minute at State Street if Field's returned.
Date: Saturday, March 10, 2012 5:26 pm CT
Posted by: S.B.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/11154871-418/brothers-recreate-daylight-savings-time-photo.html
Interesting photo. Fields fans go back to Field's clock after decades...
Date: Saturday, March 10, 2012 11:32 am CT
Posted by: Philip Eichler
Actually Field's had several loyalty programs. From small things like receiving your beverage free when using your Field's card in one of their restaurants, a discount shopping day of your choosing after spending x dollars on your Field's card to private events for their best customers. These events included such things as the preview party for the flea market to the lighting of Great Tree cocktail parties the nights before the public ighting of the tree. Field's loyalty programs were typically Field's; a notch above the rest.
Date: Saturday, March 10, 2012 7:24 am CT
Posted by: I.K.
Another song for Macy's CEO...
"Instant Karma" by John Lennon
"Instant Karma is going to get you..."
Date: Saturday, March 10, 2012 7:13 am CT
Posted by: I.K.
"Double Tree By Hilton"
"PALMER HOUSE A Hilton Hotel"
Looks like Hilton believes in Karma! :-)
Date: Saturday, March 10, 2012 12:47 am CT
Posted by: Christine G.
I still have been unable to find a department store comparable to Field's. I really do miss the shopping experience.
Date: Friday, March 9, 2012 7:23 am CT
Posted by: Richard V.
In today's Sun-Times, there's a photo of two brothers recreating a photo from 51 years ago. The story reminds you to turn clocks ahead this weekend. It also points out that Field's is gone and it's now Macy's. Call me cynical, but somehow I think this was all staged, perhaps as promo for Macy's, to push that idea that Field's can't come back. These guys live out of town. Like they would call up the Sun-Times and ask to have their photo taken? Maybe so, but I think it is unlikely. Macy's is perhaps the Sun-Times' biggest advertiser. I'm sure they go out of their way to help Macy's. That's my take.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/11154871-418/brothers-recreate-daylight-savings-time-photo.html
Date: Thursday, March 8, 2012 8:20 pm CT
Posted by: A.M.
I remember going to Marshall Fields as a little girl with my Mom and seeing all the beautiful jewelry, clothing, and shoes and thinking that only princesses must shop here. I would continue to walk throughout the store pretending I was Cindarella and I was shopping for the ball!
Macy's doesn't even come close in terms of magic.
Date: Thursday, March 8, 2012 9:30 am CT
Posted by: MikeA
In response to the 111N. State Street Macy's being underutilized. I agree the building is. However in 1990 when Dayton/Hudson took over they almost completely wiped out workers on floors 10-13 and the attic on 14. They let go all accounting/finance/merchandising/bakery, candy kitchen, advertising, legal, IT departments to name a few. From 1990- 2003 the store only occupied the same space the current Macy's does LL-8. They had a small cleanarance furniture on 9 and executive offices. It was not until 2003 that mattresses and rugs moved to 9. Macy's did bring back life to the 11th floor with fashion, buying and merchandsing people that left for Minneapolis. During the Target years they Target tried to rent out floors 10-12 to companies in fact they had a computer company that wanted to move in, but the store could not support the masssive hardware they were planning to bring in.The store could still be utilized more, but a casono is not a option. Maybe the top floors of block 37 would be better or the Filenes Basement level on 1 N State Street.
Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2012 6:17 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Why is it so hot that Macy is a "success" when it is compared to Sears and Target? Consumer Reports lumped them together that way last month. Marshall Field keeping up with Sears and Target??!! Hah!
And the gamblers can all come down to eat in the Walnut Room assuming it has not been stripped and made into a manicure parlor and kennel. And they can shop their way down to the first floor assuming they have any money left. What a boon for business!
I take the point about underutilization but really! Even if it is just talk, it is scary. Once you carve up the building and debase it any further, there seems little point in talking of Marshall Field's any more. Maybe Field's should appear in Dubai, a better fit. Dubaites surely have plenty of money and aspirations, and it's the Americans who must have Cheap, or so we are led to believe.
Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2012 5:56 am CT
Posted by: Pete
Macy's inks big deal for 250,000 sf in San Francisco for its .com biz:
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/real-estate/2012/02/macyscom-inks-big-soma-lease.html
Macy's signs a lease for more Manhattan space for macys.com:
http://newworldstaffing.org/blog/?m=20120206
Macy's adds e-commerce jobs in NYC, Atlanta, more space at 1440 Broadway, NYC:
http://atlanta.citybizlist.com/3/2011/1/4/Macy%E2%80%99s-Inc.-to-Expand-ECommerce-Organization.aspx
So much for Macy's commitment to Chicago. Especially considering all the empty space on the upper floors that might go for a casino. My opinion is that the switch from Marshall Field's to Macy's has resulted in a net loss of hundreds of quality jobs. That's between the warehouse move, lost services, and local suppliers. Macy's will counter that some buyers were moved here from Minneapolis, but the net is still a big loss.
Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2012 9:45 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle
I find the comment below interesting--that Field's was part of Chicago for 88% of its 175 years. Isn't that about the same percentage of Chicagoans who prefer Field's over Macy's?
Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2012 3:31 pm CT
Posted by: Mariko M. Kaonohi
A gambling casino on the top floor of Fields - has the world gone mad???!!!!! This is a travesty and definitely not to be endured. Hasn't the city suffered enough humiliation with Macy's taking over this beloved institution and turning it into a high-priced Kmart? Enough, I say, enough!
From the webmaster:
Again, I think the debate was to be a little cheeky, snarky and out there. But then again, that it came up says a lot about the space.
Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2012 12:26 am CT
Posted by: S.B.
With the recent 175 birthday of the city... the one thing that was missing was State Street Marshall Field's. If Field's was around for 154 years that means it is ALMOST AS OLD AS CHICAGO ITSELF!!! "Marshall Field's - As Chicago As It Gets!"
Date: Sunday, March 4, 2012 8:00 am CT
Posted by: Field's Fans aka All Chicagoans
Happy 175th Birthday
to
Chicago!
We're glad that Marshall Field's was part of Chicago for 154 or 88% of those years!
Here's to Chicago and here's to the once and future Marshall Field's!
Date: Saturday, March 3, 2012 7:06 am CT
Posted by: shawn carpenter
Bring back Marshall Fields. Does anyone know if MF brand manufactures are still producing? I purchased MF brand boxers and undershirts and was all I wore for a number of years. Would love to find them again, although not nearly as much as walking into a Marshall Fields!
Date: Friday, March 2, 2012 11:09 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
When Macy's took away Marshall Field's, we lost Chicago's best known fashion brand. It was known worldwide. To compensate for this, Macy's opened the Chicago fashion incubator at State Street to promote Chicago fashion. Clearly its rep hasn't been but a drop in a bucket compared to the rep of Field's.
Now, further diluting things, Macy's is duplicating the fashion incubator in Philadelphia.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/philadelphia-university-alumna-kaitlyn-doherty-selected-for-inaugural-class-of-emerging-designers-in-first-philadelphia-fashion-incubator-at-macys-center-city-2012-03-02
http://www.philly.com/philly/style/141133693.html
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/mirrorimage/141065313.html
Date: Thursday, March 1, 2012 11:59 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
Macy's has issued a press release that it is among the first to adopt Facebook's new timeline format. It's being picked up. My reaction? Yawn.
What next? Bigger type? 50% more red stars on their page?
They could make a bigger splash if they brought Marshall Field's back to State Street. Make that a tsunami, not a splash.
Date: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 7:39 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Last night at the Chicago Theatre, the Chicago Architecture Foundation, in cooperation with Cook County Board Commissioner Toni Preckwinkle, hosted a public panel discussion and debate on where Chicago's new casino should go. This is based on the assumption that more likely sooner than later a casino will be approved.
About six minutes into the occasionally cheeky discussion, noted urban planner Kimbal Goluska of Chicago Consultants Studio offers his proposal: the casino should be placed on the unused top floors of the Marshall Field and Company Department Store building! Goluska isn't some nut off the street. For years he was with Skidmore Owings and Merrill where he advised Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Pritzkers on project development for the Loop including what contributed to the theatre district. Now to qualify, he did also say that 111 N. State should be additionally be split in to two stores--one presumably still Macy's and the other as a Harrods. Goluska's favorite idea would be to use part of the Thompson Center.
Of course, this debate was in part for entertainment. I can't imagine Macy's wanting to share the building with Harrod's, although I can see Macy's wanting the traffic generated through the building by Chicago's only casino. But considering who said this, it demonstrates that 111 N. State is underutilized building when operated as Macy's. Yes, two or three of those floors were vacated when Frango manufacturing left the building and Dayton-Hudson pulled many buyers to Minneapolis. But we here are also aware of more than a few vendors, retailers, and shops who would love to locate in the store if it were operated in name and style as Marshall Field's In fact, we've heard from those who formerly partnered with Field's who would return in the blink of an eye if it went back to being Field's.
Even if he's talking pie-in-the-sky ideas, that this planner brought this up lends much cred to the fact that this building, simply as Macy's, is not operating in the capacity of its highest and best use.
You can watch a video of the debate and even read about the panel at the following links. Goluska mentions Marshall Field's at about 6 minutes in, if I remember correctly. I have't watch the entire video to know if the idea is discussed again later.
https://www.architecture.org/chicagodebatesMarketwatch also mentioned it in their news items.
Movie Link: http://www.facebook.com/chiarchitecture?sk=app_196506863720166
Kim Goluska's bio: http://www.architecture.org/page.aspx?pid=2925
http://articles.marketwatch.com/2012-02-29/general/31108266_1_casino-revenue-casino-gamble-illinois-casino-gaming
Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 7:39 pm CT
Posted by: NLH
Does anyone know the history of Marshall Field's furniture?
I recently purchased a piece and need to know more about it.
It is a dark stain china cabinet. On the back it says "made in italy exclusively for Marshall Fields"
Please email joebordeen AT gmail.com
Thank you!
Date: Monday, February 27, 2012 1:09 pm CT
Posted by: Ann
A few days ago, I read comments from Terry Lundgren that Bloomingdale's in Dubai is finally getting on track. What? You mean it wasn't? Does Macy's ever admit problems when they are in progress?
Maybe so, but something else gives me pause.
I see Bloomingdale's now has a loyalty card program. It's like the Jewel Preferred Card. Only it has tiers like Macy's multi-tiered credit cards. Bloomingdale's has also adopted a purple poodle as its mascot, sorta like the Target dog, Spot. How desperate.
Sounds like maybe Bloomingdale's credit cards aren't doing well and their customers don't want them. Macy's links its customer points to its credit cards. And why is it that they have to do something to generate loyalty with something like a Jewel Preferred Card? Field's really didn't have to do that. I'm loyal to Field's and it hasn't even existed for seven years! 4 of 40 Bloomingdales are closing. With Bloomingdale's closing 10% of its stores and going into the outlet business, you have to wonder if Macy's won't spin off or sell Bloomingdale's at some point. Hey! Anything's possible and it seems that things maybe aren't what they seem. THERE'S STILL HOPE FOR FIELD'S. It's not like Macy's will issue a P.R. that Bloomingdale's is only doing so-so. Do you really think they will have a P.R. that Field's locations are doing better because they stopped fixing some elevators or cut back on maintenance? The CEO looks like he botox's his face. I bet that isn't the only facade.
Date: Monday, February 27, 2012 12:58 pm CT
Posted by: Ann
Saw J.C.Penney's commercial's last night on the Oscars. They are so dead on about coupons! Field's never had nearly the coupons that Macy's now has, at least not until after May bought them.
Carry on!
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2012 3:12 pm CT Date: Friday, February 24, 2012 1:09 pm CT
Translation: I've never been the same since Field's became Macy's.
Date: Thursday, February 23, 2012 9:02 pm CT
Date: Thursday, February 23, 2012 12:03 pm CT Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 11:09 am CT
Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 11:06 am CT
That said, I do miss Marshall Field's. It was the place to stop whenever I was in Chicago. As Macy's, it's OK, but not nearly as special. Really, going back to Field's at State Street makes a lot of sense. That it hasn't is all about Terry Lundgren.
One thing to keep in mind. Macy's may use the same name all over the U.S., but really each region and district is still run like a regional chain. We have the my Macy's program and that's positive. But we also compete against each other. Sometimes we are really surprised what other districts get to do when we don't. There's a lot of internal politics among the underlings with the powers looking down from on high from the top of Herald Square.
Good luck!
Date: Monday, February 20, 2012 1:02 pm CT
People seem to foget that Dayton's ran the store from 1990 until they sold it to May in 2004.
COMMENT FROM WEBMASTER: Date: Monday, February 20, 2012 9:00 am CT
These confederacies of consumer goods want a world where profit is the bottom line, for everything. They would take the name of Field's or any other name we have learned to associate with our identity, with who we are or what it means to be a Chicagoan, or any other American, and obliterate it, in the name of profit.
The bottom line, i.e. profit, is not the human bottom line. Our bottom line is the smile on our mother's face, the laughter of our children. We are rich, without much profits. But profit is all they know. So let's get their attention right there.
Our material wealth comes and goes, we are not driven by it. But the various confederacies are driven by wealth, and will not stop at putting a price on everything.
It is good that we show the Confederacy just how far we can be pushed.
The revolutionary idea of treating the customer as if she/he is a valued person comes from Field. That idea was never part of Macy's, nor will it ever be.
Field did much to see that Chicago was and is, a world class city, with a more beautiful design than most any other American city. Preserve the legacy.
Don't let them bring New York's Macy's here and paste that name over home of our historical treasure. Don't shop here until they give us the Marshall Field's name back. They may own the store, but it is OUR town they got it in.
Write and tell them about it: Date: Saturday, February 18, 2012 12:35 pm CT
Response from the webmaster. Date: Friday, February 17, 2012 2:58 pm CT Date: Friday, February 17, 2012 2:34 pm CT
"Want high-paying job? Macy's has 4,000" February 17, 2012 by Phil Wahba, Reuters
Date: Friday, February 17, 2012 12:50 pm CT
Wow - been a long time since I've thought about those! But store "14" is Water Tower; $65.99 on Dec. 3, '02.
Date: Friday, February 17, 2012 12:13 pm CT
I have some questions: I know Dayton's also hosted the flower show and the flower show has also been a tradition for years at Macy's Union Square. When did Field's host flower shows? When did Macy's Herald Square have flower shows?
Best regards,
Jim
Date: Thursday, February 16, 2012 2:32 pm CT Date: Thursday, February 16, 2012 11:37 am CT
Thanks much, Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 4:24 pm CT
Feb. 21, 2012
10:30 a.m. ET
Q4 2011 Macy's, Inc. Earnings Conference Call
Follow the front page link at www.macysinc.com You will need
Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 8:00 pm CT
I need to do more research, but it appears that Stanley Field of the Field family was museum board chairman. He also worked for the store for many years. For some reason, Stanley did not want the Field name attached to the museum. My hunch so far is that it was for reasons of modesty and to encourage other donors to give. Stanley Field died in 1964. His passing seemed to set things in motion for the return to the Field name, although Marshall Field (IV, I believe) was on the board.
I found an official communique from 1966 stating how thrilled Chicagoans were to call it the Field Museum again. So that's about 22-23 years that the "Field" name was gone from the museum. From all I read, it's certain that the great quality and reputation of the museum continued without interruption. With that as a precedence, Marshall Field's should be back at State Street around 2028 or 2029 ;-/
I hope anyone else with information on this will post it here or contact me privately.
Date: Monday, February 13, 2012 4:24 pm CT
And who in their right mind, owning a Field's, would nab some employees and pose with them for a school photo made to put in the employee exit/entrance? Hahahaha. Who did he think he was kidding?
Long live Marshall Field's!
Date: Sunday, February 12, 2012 1:29 pm CT Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012 4:14 pm CT Date: Friday, February 10, 2012 6:37 pm CT
[ But Paul's point is well taken, names and places can come back. ]
Date: Friday, February 10, 2012 8:10 am CT
I'm also reminded of the State Street Mall. I don't think I've ever seen it discussed here. The State Street Mall was supposed to save all the department stores and make State Street great. The conversion started in 1977 or 78. In fact, all it was was a streetscaping project that widened sidewalks, banned auto-traffic and got rid of those awful tree-like street light fixtures from the 1950s. The State Street Mall was officially hyped as The Next Great Thing by the politicians and all who had a hand in it. Lots of figures and PR to say how great it was. The reality was it was a DUD! 15 or so years after it started, in the mid 1990s, it was GONE. Does anyone even talk about the State Street Mall anymore? Do you remember it much? Do you have much fondness for it? I don't know anyone who does. But at the time, it was a great debate and controversy.
I think the same thing will happen with Marshall Field's and Macy's on State Street. Eventually.
Paul R.
Date: Thursday, February 9, 2012 2:35 pm CT Date: Thursday, February 9, 2012 12:01 pm CT
I was cleaning out a drawer yesterday and found a receipt for something I purchased at Field's Woodfield back in 2005. I often write about the business aspects of Field's and Macy's, but this experience was personal. It was like finding the effects of a deceased or long-lost missing relative. It was both very warm and also melancholy.
Happy New Year.
Jim
Date: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 1:54 pm CT
According to a Bloomingdales’ employee at their home store on Wabash, several years ago, a private investor offered to buy Field's from Federated/Macy's with plans to keep State Street from becoming Macy's or to change it back to Field's. However, as we can see, the offer fell through – though I forgot why. Macy's makes it out that they had to turn Field's to Macy's, there was no other recourse. It sounds like there were other options that could have respected Chicago. Macy's chose not to.
Since moving to L.A. 13 years ago, I was a regular Macy's customer. However, once I heard about the change-over (July 2005), I stopped shopping Macy's. Period. So not only have they lost customers in Chicago, they have lost customers in L.A. thanks to their decision to disrespect America's greatest department store, Marshall Field's.
Former, proud, Marshall Fields Elf.
(As opposed to the likes of David Sedaris in The Santa Diaries.)
Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 7:12 pm CT
Why does a company want to get rid of something so beloved by its customers when in fact it costs MORE to get rid of it!?
No doubt, a response has been inspired by this place. There's a website and petition, "Save The 76 Ball" -- See www.savethe76ball.com
Date: Monday, February 6, 2012 7:12 pm CT
Date: Sunday, February 5, 2012 11:58 am CT
I know Marshall Field's was Chicago's number three tourist destination when it was taken from us. Field's contributed more to define Chicago history, style and culture than has any other store for its associated city anywhere else world-wide. As Macy's continues to operate Field's as Macy's, it continues to erode the strengths which define and build the reputation of our city's best for the future.
Date: Sunday, February 5, 2012 1:27 am CT
Date: Friday, February 3, 2012 1:27 am CT
Yep, in a nutshell that's the story of the fall of the department store. I grew up at a time...the 60s...when the store label meant, except for a few exceptions (e.g., Jockey underwear, Waterford crystal)as much, if not more, than "known brands". Men's clothes more often than not had either a plain Marshall Field & Company label, or would carry a "made exclusively for Marshall Field & Co. by......." label. Customers expected the same from other department stores, even the more down-market stores like Carson, Pirie, Scott and, say, Famous-Barr in St. Louis. During the 80s the department stores lost much of their cachet (not to mention store-personalities) when they became little more than middlemen for distribution of "known brands" and carried much the same things all the other stores carried. The great Marshall Field's was an exception and that name continued to carry considerable clout.
Date: Thursday, February 2, 2012 8:56 pm CT Date: Thursday, February 2, 2012 7:49 pm CT Date: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 8:30 am CT
It's sad that Macy's has squandered so much of the good will associated with the profound history of Marshall Fields. It's a true loss to Chicago's culture and that of the world.
I am so glad Chicago has an ongoing presence fighting to get back our icon! You are now considered a business in my opinion, so please think more aggressively and try to get some professional advice to augment the obvious power you have in this effort. Persistence and patience is a virtue, but more needs to be done at a business level. Everyone, including Terry Lundgren, has his price.
Standard disclaimer: This is a non-profit,
non-commercial, non-sponsored site developed with the sole intention
of focusing on what Marshall Field’s has meant to Chicagoans or anyone who lo
ve this
great Chicago institution. The views and opinions expressed on these
pages are solely those of the authors listed and do not necessaarily represent thos
e who operate this site. This site is NOT affiliated
in any way with Marshall Field's, the May Company, Federated Department
Stores, Macy's, Inc., or keepitfields.org. ©2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 All Rights Reserved. email the webmaster <webmaster@fieldsfanschicago.org>
Posted by:
They say Macy's is doing well, but some of this has to do with locations. Hey, they could have changed Field's at Woodfield into a mega-Dollar Tree and it still would be doing well. That's because Woodfield is the US's third biggest mall. But it would do it's best as Field's. Hand's down. Macy's no so much, even if it is profitable.
Posted by: pheeldz phan
wee pheel we miss pheeldz. maycee's psucx.
Posted by: Mary Jane, Westmont
We still miss Marshall Field's. We sometimes tolerate Macy's, but only as a competitor to Kohl's, Sears, Penny's, Target. We don't go to Macy's out of loyalty. We just go if it has low prices, and only then if the prices are really low. And the Pennys commericials are dead on. It's so confusing with all those Macy's coupons. I just wish Penney's had more ads so I could see what they sell.
Posted by: Pete
Carson's and its sibling stores Elder Beerman, Bergner's, Herberger's, Younker's and Boston Store have dropped the red hexagon logo because it makes the bags look too much like Macy's. Frankly, I would have keep the logo. Carson's parent also has a new head from Lord and Taylor. Let's see what happens. I'm surprised Carson's still hasn't opened on Michigan Avenue.
Posted by: Jim
Listened to this morning's conference call. Macy's sales and profits are up significantly. In the fourth quarter it was the stores in the South and Northeast that did the best, according to CFO Karen Houget. She also named "tourist" stores like Herald Square, Union Sqaure and...Florida as also contributing with gusto. You will remember during the Q3 2011 conference call, Macy's cited both State Street and Water Tower as being tourist stores that contributed significantly. That begs the question: Why does Macy's need TWO tourist stores that are the same about mile apart. Again, State Street could easily be Marshall Field's. While Macy's is doing good these days--the past three Fiscal Years in fact, it still seems to those of us I speak to that State Street and other local stores are doing well because of massive cuts to experienced help, building upkeep and other corner cutting. How long is this sustainable? OK--so Macy's is doing better, but the highest and best use of 111 N State is as Marshall Field's with the Marshall Field's brand.
Posted by: "Ted"
I recently left Macy's after about 14 years in middle management. To be fair there's a lot of good things about Macy's. I left to advance my career at a competitor that made an offer I could not refuse.
Posted by: MIkea
Macy's had flower shows on and off during the 70's at Herald Square. San Francisco had the first flower show. Field's did not have flower shows until after 1990 when Dayton/Hudson ie Dayton's department store broguht the tradition to Chicago.
I heartily agree with the last sentence. We get a lot of people--even members of the Detroit and Minneapolis press--who erroneously write about Dayton's and also Hudson's--even Target(!)--being bought out and taken over by Marshall Field's. They even write that Dayton's or Hudson's would still be around if Marshall Field's hadn't taken over those two stores. For the record, it was the other way around. It was Target's ownership that tipped Field's into eventually being sold and lost to Macy's. Also for the record, Macy's owns Marshall Field's and many other department store names, but Target still retains rights to the Dayton's and Hudson's names. For proof, just go to daytons.com and hudsons.com or the U.S. government's trademark registry.
Posted by: Jim McKay
The other day, I came across the very first flyer I received in support of our cause. I hadn't read it in over six years. Back on Friday, November 25, 2005, Nick Potts from Minneapolis who ran the "Keep It Field's" site was supposed to have a rally, but it did not materialize. (Hard to do from 350 miles away, but it shows that even in Minneapolis people cared about Field's.) Regardless, I headed down to State Street, that melancholy last Black Friday for Marshall Field's. Around 12:45 pm, out under the clock at State and Washington, was a man who was handing out letter-sized sheets of paper with the following text. It inspired me to run back to my office and start this site. Clearly this man had a profound on our efforts. Below is the text (with type sizes proportional to those originally printed). Does anyone know the identity of the author who passed these out? I believe he was interviewed by the Tribune when I was there. I think there was a Tribune story on Field's that included him, but I cannot find it in print or online. Thank you for any suggestions.
SAVE OUR PRECIOUS TRADITION
Jack up Greed!
Federated Department Stores
7 West 7th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Posted by: gle
If I was going to go to the 9th floor for Messy's upcoming flower show, I'd consider the Fox 32 news report from February 18: Fox mentioned that the City no longer does elevator inspections, but requires building owners to hire private inspectors for the job. Fox added that since the decision, many "iconic" Chicago buildings have outdated elevator certificates, and Macy's most recent certificate is from when the building was Marshall Field's!
Thanks to all who post. Just because the City of Chicago's inspections of elevators have lagged and have not been issuing inspection certificates does NOT mean that Macy's hasn't been inspecting and maintaining them on their own. I say it's a safe wager that they are keeping the ones that are operational safe and sound. Still it's disappointing that they have removed from service some escalators and elevators (such as the ones to the south of the lower level Marketplace) as they are not required by code.
Posted by: Lisa
Thank you so much! I appreciate it! I miss Marshall Field's too. It has so much history for me.
Posted by: gle
I just noticed this in the online "Tribune." (I think I will still keep my low-paying job.)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-want-highpaying-job-macys-has-4000-20120217,0,3938663.story
Posted by: Tim E.
Re: Yesterday's post from Lisa about the Field's receipt:
Posted by: Jim
Received the March 2012 issue of Tribune Media's "Chicago" magazine. There's a full-page ad for this year's flower show which will be held on the 9th floor. In previous years, the show has been held throughout the building. I SPECULATE that this could be for different reasons--or none of these. For one, the them is Brazil so they may need to keep the plant life in a more controlled atmosphere that is appropriate to a retail store. It also seemed like there were fewer sponsors this year: maybe that's because more aren't needed or maybe they downsized the show. Again, all speculation on my part.
Posted by: A State Street Spectator
Last night I went down State Street and noticed "Messy's" has black "Pardon our appearance" drapes for about the third week in a row! Only the corner clock windows have displays--a "Go Red for Women" window at Washington and State and fashion merchandise at Randolph and State. Oh yes, I forgot the "class portrait" of Lundgren surrounded by his employees in the Randolph employee entrance. That too might be considered a display by some.
Posted by: Lisa
I have a question and thought maybe someone here might know the answer. I purchased an item at Goodwill and found a Field's gift receipt inside the box. Does any out there know how to decipher the code? I am curious as to the purchase price and date. The code is "123026599". The register #14/2568 and associate #825581. Can we tell which store?
Lisa
Posted by: gle
It's that time again. Messy's official website, www.macysinc.com, announces another live webcast:
Posted by: Jim
Did some research and found that The Field was named the "Chicago Natural History Museum" from December 6, 1943 through February 28, 1966. This is based on some Field Museum publications housed at the University of Illinois in Urbana.
Posted by: Susan NY
Hmmm- that means the name "Field Museum" was somehow in the air then because that was my period of use! My family always called it that and I must never have looked at the signs! Another Field treasure, a rose by any other name. Another nurturing place for my soul....
Posted by: A State Street Spectator
I went and checked out that photo of employees gathered around Lundgren mentioned in Joe M's recent post. It was visible through the Randolph Street employee door, and reminded me of those school photos where all the kids wear black uniforms and a big teacher with a big smile is front center. Store employees kept coming out the door to go home, but none gave the picture a glance. They just seemed to want to get outside. I didn't want to get run over, so kept on going and crossed the street to Walgreen's.
Posted by: TS Anderson
I was walking through the downtown Minneapolis Macy's yesterday (the former Dayton's flagship that was re-branded as Fields in 2001) and the Louis Vuitton boutique was being dismantled. The store has included a LV boutique for decades, and took on a much larger space just before Fields became Macy's. How disappointing -- yet not surprising.
Posted by: John L., Bowling Green, OH
One little note regarding the comment there by Paul R. (right below this one). Paul is correct in essence, but his dates are a bit off. I worked at the "Chicago Natural History Museum" in the summer of 1960 (when I was in college, and when the price of admission was far more affordable than it is today). The Field Museum of Natural History was named the "Chicago Natural History Museum" from 1943 to 1966.
Posted by: Paul R.
I'm reminded of how the Field Museum of Natural History was renamed something like the Chicago Museum of Natural History. This was back sometime in 1940s and into the early 1950s. I don't recall the reason, but it happened. Then it was changed back after about ten or twelve years. Today, practically no one remembers when it WASN'T the Field Museum of Natural History.
Posted by: gle
I am glad this cause continues--especially when I visit the new vibrant Walgreen's and then walk down State Street past chronic black "pardon our appearance" drapes in what used to be windows of the classic Marshall Field's department store. I remember when State Street had such variety a person almost needed a day for each store. Now about the only thing that draws me is Walgreen's and sometimes Sears a few blocks down. And, oh yes, the "L" to go home.
Posted by: Jim McKay
It's been since before Christmas since I've posted here. I've wanted to step back and see what others think and how interest continues.
Posted by: Former Field's Elf Living In L.A.
Hi there! Was in Chicago over the holidays. Still miss Field's. Macy's is just so generic and downmarket.
Posted by: In Tacoma
Here on the West Coast, Conoco Phillips have taken over the Union 76 brand of gas stations. They've dumped the spinning orange ball on signs and even car antenna markers. Red is replacing a lot of the stations' orange.
Posted by: Mark S.
Thank you and keep up the good work
Posted by: B. R.
Bringing back Marshall Field's, a prestigious and iconic department store destination would contribute greatly to Chicago's unique tourism appeal and enhance Chicago's international image, just as it did for 154 years. There was never an instant when Marshall Field's department store ever made Chicago look bad.
Posted by: Arlene G.
Since Macy's took over Field's, I have no reason to go to Chicago. There'a Macy's in our local mall here in Bloomington-Normal. It used to be a Famous. We don't miss Famous the way we miss Field's, tho. In fact, if they had changed Famous to Macy's but left Field's alone, I would shop at the local Macy's. I refuse to shop Macy's at all.
Posted by: Patrick A., Wisconsin
"[Ron Jonson, JCPenney CEO] then stated that they were going to promote known brands over private label brands because private labels don't MEAN ANYTHING to the shopper in the store!!"
Posted by: Patrick A., Wisconsin
I miss Marshall Field's! I always went there with my grandma. THE BEST MEMORIES!
Posted by: Kathleen, NY
I saw a coat I wanted on sale at Macy's, but they didn't have my size. They checked the computer and saw that they had my size in Brooklyn. I asked them to send it to me, and was told that they would call me later with the number for me to call to make this arrangement. I don't know of any quality department store that wouldn't do this for a customer. It's certainly completely alient to any memory of Field's. I'd rather do without the coat!
Posted by: Ken
First, as a total Marshall Field's fan, I must congratulate you all on your efforts and support of the one and only Marshall Field & Company.
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