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, obviously incorrect, disrespectful or abusive posts will removed 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. The ethos is conversational--corrections are welcomed. Differing or opposing views are welcome and such posts should respect 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--during certain periods, 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, and sometimes even immediately. Thank you for your patience, support, and written contributions.
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FIELD'S OF THE FUTURE:
A 21st-Century Marshall Field's For A 21st-Century Chicago
See our 2012 Survey Page for complete details including survey results.
Below are blog posts from February 1, 2013 backwards to February 1, 2012.
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Date: Friday, February 1, 2013, 7:18 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
I just became aware that there's been some problems with the posting script. As a result, no one's been able to post for the past 12 days. I have a received a handful of items that people have asked me to post in the past few days. I will post those this weekend in the space below. Thank you for your patience.
Here's to the once and future Marshall Field's.
Date: First submitted by email, Wednesday, January 30, 2013, 12:39 pm CT
By: An email message from Anne S.
I've noticed that Kroger has managed to keep a number of grocery stores operating under different banners, even with different formats. For example, they have Ralphs, a full-line supermarket here in L.A. Then there's Food4Less which is a warehouse supermarket. I also don't think Bloomingdale's is doing well in Chicago. That's just my opinion.
Date: First submitted by email Monday, January 28, 2013, 9:23 pm CT
By: Excerpted and edited from an email message from D. Oxford
Macy's CEO/President/Chariman Terry Lundgren gave a lecture to students and faculty at The Ohio State University' as part of its ongoing "Fashion and Retail Studies Speaker Series." According to the story below from OSU's student newspaper, Mr. Lundgren talked about how he enjoyed working with famous people and how important it was that "you end up loving what you do."
Again, according to the story, Mr. Lundgren did mention Marshall Field's, talking about how he was out-bid by May Department Stores for what he thought was "millions" too much. Subsequently, Lundgren led a deal to acquire May -- and Marshall Field's what amounted to be a better price.
The story can be read at :
http://www.thelantern.com/a-e/macy-s-inc-ceo-to-be-successful-most-important-criteria-is-that-you-end-up-loving-what-you-do-1.2976746#.URRcNVqH0xe
Date: Sunday, January 20, 2013, 5:28 pm CT
Posted by: Just Another Field's Fan
Was in the southwest suburbs yesterday and briefly checked out a couple of Macy's to see what was going on vis-a-vis Marshall Field's. Of course, I purchased nothing.
As others have reported in the past couple of years, looks like Macy's is running out the lease on Louis Joliet Mall store that was Field's, effectively pointing customers to the relatively new Bolingbrook Promenade store. Joliet was pretty run-down and looks like it hasn't had a remodel since it opened about 30 years ago. Given the wear and tear, it looks like they plan to close it or at least wait to renegotiate the lease or something. The Macy's--formerly a Marshall Field's-- was pretty dead and dog-eared. Carson's looked a lot nicer and was a lot busier. J.C.Penney was surprisingly doing very brisk business compared to the Macy's. It seemed like the LJM Macy's store had very little staff, contributing to the feeling that the store will close sooner rather than later. Given the type of other stores in the mall, I'd say that even Marshall Field's would close that store.
Also passed through the Bolingbrook Promenade store. It looked great compared to Louis Joliet. It's a very nice store, albeit generic. Very clean. Very well-staffed. A few weeks ago, someone mentioned that they had special tin boxes of Frangos at this store. These feature a painted scene of State Street with the Marshall Field's Christmas trumpets (Field's logos, decorations, etc. before they were replaced with red stars and Macy's logos) and a relatively huge Marshall Field's logo on the side of the box. There were two left...I suspect this was because it was never a Field's location. Even though these were Christmas boxes, they didn't have the 90% off sale price that other Christmas Frango boxes had.
So what does this mean from the perspective of a Field's return? Well, I guess it is a reminder that starting in the 1980s, Field's over-expanded in some suburban locations. Am I the only one who thinks there were two tiers of Field's stores? They could have done without Louis Joliet, Spring Hill, Stratford and couple of others. It would have prevented Field's from getting a little too diluted in the market. I also think if Macy's had just entered the Chicago market without taking over Field's, they'd be doing a lot better. They'd be a worthy or even superior competitor to today's Carson's.
So it got me thinking again about how Macy's spends a lot on newspaper advertising in Chicago for Bloomingdale's. Yet, there are only three stores in the Chicago area. Medinah Home Store and 900 Michigan are the equivalent of one store. They could do the same for Field's. More and more, I'm tending to agree that Terry Lundgren simply dislikes Marshall Field's. Look, they even waited until after the merger was approved before finalizing that Field's would become Macy's like all the other stores.
Date: Saturday, January 19, 2013, 7:38 pm CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Maybe Lundgrinch wants to look good to Harrods' board. Har. But I would not wish him on anyone. Is he really the success his minions claim? Is "success" a matter of buying up everything in sight, stripping the flesh and spitting out the bones?
That triggered an old memory! Anyone out there remember Mickey and the Beanstalk, where Happy Valley was deprived of its magical golden singing harp by Willie the Giant, which turned Happy Valley into a field of desolation? Desperate but valiant peasants, Mickey and Donald, saved the day by retrieving the harp at great peril to themselves.... Willie wasn't anywhere near as suave as TL but they seem cut from the same cloth.
Date: Friday, January 18, 2013, 7:38 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
If we had Marshall Field's around, they'd still be having international-level quality displays like the one Harrod's is having for Les Miserables:http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151359820102458.503820.188213917457&type=1
Date: Wednesday, January 16, 2013, 7:01 pm CT
Posted by: Martha H.
I didn't realize this was still going on until someone sent me a link for the Christmas video. Very nice! Field's was so much better. We don't do Macy's.
Date: Wednesday, January 16, 2013, 4:39 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
Terry Lundgren sure gets around. I see that not only is the Chairman of the Board of Macy's, he's also on the board of Cincinnati-based Proctor & Gamble now. This is in addition to his being on the board of directors for the new Kraft Foods based in the north suburbs of Chicago. Do you think he wants to prepare to move on from Macy's? Or is he just padding his resume to part of the Wall Street Old Boys' Club?
Date: Tuesday, January 15, 2013, 11:52 am CT
Posted by: mark
The greatest thing I remember is getting ROCK CANDY AT MARSHALLS FIELD. you know with the little twine in it. My family before I was born (1960) grew up on the south side.(63r@ western). I was 10 in 1970 visiting my grama She took me down there! I had my son with me in 2002(40 years Later ) he was 10.It was still there there. Is nothing better than trying to explain to someone how good things were in the good old days. I was born and raised in Arizona????BUTTTT CHICAGO ROCKS!
Date: Monday, January 14, 2013, 6:07 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
Way back it was mentioned that Macy's was selling black and white t-shirts, generic lunch bags and generic totebags with a choice of logos and store names that Macy's abandoned. This is Macy's way of holding on to the rights to the names so no one else can use the store names elsewhere. Well, it's not surprising that the Marshall Field's bags have sold out. I think this was the third time that they ran out. Who wants a black Marshall Field's t-shirt with a white name? That shirt gotta be Field's green, Mr. Macy's doesn't know no better. Or more likely, they don't care!
Date: Sunday, January 13, 2013, 8:03 pm CT
Posted by: Laura H.
We miss Marshall Field's. Macy's isn't the same. What a bunch of jokers!!!!
Date: Friday, January 11, 2013, 9:07 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda
Hi Field's Fans,
My husband and I were on State Street today and for the first time looked at the Macy's Christmas windows. We could not help but be moved by the tribute to Marshall Field's, especially the window with Kukla and Uncle Mistletoe, and the one that had a very clear Marshall Field & Co. sign. I felt such a pang for the glory days! Someone at Macy's thinks that if they "incorporate" memories of Marshall Field's into the Macy's brand that everything will be okay. But if anything, those charming windows made us miss Marshall Field's all the more. The more they pretend like Marshall Field's never existed, the more we hate Macy's, and the more they invoke the golden memories, the more we want our Marshall Field's back. Face it Macy's. the only thing to do is to bring back Marshall Field's, at least on State Street. The joy in Chicagoland would be immeasurable.
Your Friend in Field's - Forever!
Zelda
Date: Thursday, January 10, 2013, 8:05 pm CT
Posted by: Anne Costillo
Thank you for the Utube of FIeld's last Xmas. I miss it a lot. It brought tears to my eyes.
Date: Thursday, January 10, 2013, 12:49 pm CT
Posted by: H. T.
Regarding Meier and Frank in Portland, it was a fantastic building. However, by the time Macy's and some others got done with it, the interior doesn't much resemble the store it used to be. But what did it used to be? Why does it matter in terms of Marshall Field's? Because the architect of the building came to Chicago and design his building as if it were the love-child of Marshall Field's and Carson's stores on State Street! Field's is a landmark because here is YET ANOTHER department store that owes it's design to it. The exterior is the one thing that looks relatively the same as originally. If you go look at pics on the net, you will see that it looks like Field's on State Street with Chicago windows but done up with stone or terra cotta detailing like Carson's! When Macy's came in, they dropped the size of the store to about five floors and a basement. We're talking about a store that has a much smaller floor size than State Street. Then the other nine or so stories were converted to a hotel. They put up Macy's plaques that alude to Meier and Frank Plaza. All in all, it's just a plain Macy's inside. Here's to Field's big come back. Some day soon I hope!!!!!!!!
Also: It's Meier and Frank not Meyer and Frank.
Date: Wednesday, January 9, 2013, 11:29 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston
In response to Mikea's comments about the closure of the downtown Houston Macy's (Foley's flagship). Yes, the store is owned by developers NOW. It was totally owned by Foley's until Macy's took it over and sold it to the developers. They had no intention of staying there.
Date: Tuesday, January 8, 2013, 12:49 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
CARSON'S EXPANDING TO BECOME BRAND OF DETROIT AREA BON-TON STORES.
Back in the mid 2000s, Carson's parent company purchased Belk's three Parisian stores in the Detroit area. Belk absorbed all the other Parisian stores which were in the US Southeast. They were converted to Belk, but Bon-Ton, owner of Carson's continued to license the Parisian name and use that as their store brand in the Detroit area as part of a license deal. Belk has chosen not to renew the license and Bon-Ton can't use the name Parisian on their stores after this month. So the Detroit stores will become Caron's at the end of this month. Same thing happened a couple of years ago with the red hexagon logo. Bergner's used to be owned by a Swiss company with that logo and they used it on Carson's, Bergner's, Boston Store, etc. But the license ran out and was noty renewed. The red hexagon logo still appears on Manor stores in Europe.
http://www.michronicleonline.com/index.php/local/news-briefs/9133-michigan-parisian-stores-to-become-carson-s-storesIt's amazing that the Carson's name continues to expand. But it is also sad that they no longer have the State Street flagship. It would still be here if Field's had not gone away.
Date: Monday, January 7, 2013, 3:29 pm CT
Posted by: Paul C.
Hall's in Kansas City is an example of a wildly successful destination department store that is run with only TWO locations. Hall's is a subsidiary of Hallmark cards and even has a logo with a crown that is almost identical to the greeting card line.
Field's could come back even just to State Street. This shows it.
Date: Sunday, January 6, 2013, 12:43 am CT
Posted by: Vicki H.
I was born in Chicago and live there for my first 33 years. Then I moved to Portland OR and have live here for 34. I loved Marshall Field's. It was the best store ever. I remember shopping downtown with my mom and buying a frosted malted in the basement cafeteria then going up to the elegant upper floors just to look around.
And what was more beautiful than the main floor at Christmas time?
In Portland, we had a similar store called Meyer and Frank which was once family-owned. When Macy's took over a few years ago we were promised it would not change. The unique Christmas windows, a humorous take on the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" with the animatronic characters made decades ago would be there to great us as usual. The upper floor would have the Christmas wonderland with the children's train travelling along the ceiling.
Like Field's there was a beautiful dining room like the Walnut Room on the top floor with waiter staff who had prouldy served for years and years. Old time serve where time had stood still.
Most of all the same brands would be sold and prices would remain the same.
All lies. There is nothing else to say. After about a year of refurbishing, our beloved Christmas windows were gone. No more Christmas train. The inside of the store was cold and sterile. Sales people were treated coldly. They were no longer the friendly people they were as they greeted M&F customers.
Macy's is a sad, sad commentary of the times today. The ever growing gap between the haves and the have nots is a reflection of these places. Stores like Field's and Meyer and Frank could be elegant and beautiful. We felt good shopping in them. Even those with a bit of cash, thanks to their bargain basement and often held sales could still find something affordable to buy.
This is no longer the case. Truly the end of an era.
Date: Saturday, January 5, 2013, 8:01 pm CT
Posted by: Stephanie H.
One thing I miss sorely about Field's is the style of service they offered. Macy's is very New York, high pressure. Marshall Field's had a knack of subtlety that quietly persuaded you into buying more. Macy's service is crass compared to the elegant service of Marshall Field's. And when I walk through, all I see are promotions for high-interest Macy's credit cards. Field's style of service helped you buy what you needed--even if you didn't quite realize yet that you needed it.
Date: Saturday, January 5, 2013, 12:31 am CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston
Well, the closing of the downtown Macy's (Foley's) does not surprise me. I don't feel they ever had any intention of keeping it open. They removed the original signage that had been there since 1947 (the current building was the first department store built post WWII in the country - Foley's had been in Houston since 1900). The Macy's signs were ridiculous. All were way too small for that mammoth of a building. They did nothing to it since the takeover and let it deteriorate. Kenneth Franzheim designed the structure and it needs to be preserved but Macy's sold it for demolition.
Can you imagine if they were to close Fields? It would not surprise me if they pulled that eventually. Marshall Fields is a jewel, the Selfridges of the U.S. I wish so much we would get a white knight to approach Macy's and restore Fields. It is so sad.
Date: Friday, January 4, 2013, 2:36 pm CT
Posted by: (Withheld, Exceprts)
Just read your post about Macy's store closings. This is just for discussion, not meant to be a public post, but a couple of observations. First, Macy's acquisition of other chains has been not only a marketshare driven choice, but also a real estate driven decision. Many of these existing stores occupied choice locations that Macy's would have had a hard time getting their hands on without buying the stores. Many of these stores were well built. Both Sears and Fields had development divisions and developed many of the malls in the Chicago region. That is one reason Fields and Sears are usually in the best location in the mall. Both stores typically owned their pads as a result of being the developer. Thus, this would be part of the numbers "mix" when making the decision to close a store. In fact, either Macy's or Sears is usually the last store to leave a dying mall since they quite often own their pad
As far as State Street is concerned, I feel it is likely that Macy's has grown to appreciate the store on some level. I do think they will continue to downgrade wherever possible. A subtle note: under iconic events on the State Street website, they no longer list the Great Tree as an event. There is a picture of it, but no mention of it as something separate from the windows. I think it will just be a holiday prop, which is what it seemed to be this year and last. The fact that they brought Aflac in as a sponsor, rather than partnering with a vendor/designer to do exclusive ornaments might be small, but tells me alot about what they think of the store. Other than the renovation of Herald Square (and Bloomingdale's on Lexington), I find most of Lundgren's actions towards the company as very cynical about what retail should be. If they were really smart, Macy's would rebrand selected flagships as their original name plate and operate them as a division. Most of these old flagships do not fit in with the various footprints of typical stores anyway and need additional buyers and merchants, so why not create a division (with Field's at the forefront) that maximizes the tourism/regionalism of various locales?
Date: Thursday, January 3, 2013, 11:12 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
In response to Jim's comments on the store closures being announced today. Macy's emphasized the closures were due to underperforming stores or loss of the lease. In doing some reserach on downtown Houston retail and the Macy's store, I found out that downtown Houston has been planning a retail revival foe a couple of years. There are archirects renderings of the blocks around the store being transformed and the store itself being renovated.
Macy's does not own the downtown Houston store, but a developer does. Even as late as 3-4 weeks ago comments were being made about the renderings for the Macy's store. It showed all glass exterior, floors added and redesigned building with Macy's occupying the lower 4 floors and the rest offices. The mayor explained today that the developer decided recently to scrap any plans for Macy's as part of redeveloping his parcel. It is now believed the building is to be razed and a new office/ multipurpose tower to be put in its place.
The store granted was not open on Sundays, but was reported to do good business during the week with the lunchtime and day crowds that work and visit downtown Houston.
I had visited the Pasadena store in May of last year and am surprised that they announced that store for closure. Granted it is a small store, but at the time they were renovating the store installing new carpets/flooring and fixtures. It had some upscale merchandise and a Starbucks. I wonder if that store was another lease lost.
Downtown stores are becoming more and more difficult to operate outside of the large cities ie New York, Chicago, San Francisco. Look at Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Cleveland, St.louis, Kansas City etc have lost their stores or have a very small store in the place of the large one. I do not think unless downtown Chicago goes way down that Macy's would close State Street. There was a time in the 80's that Field's had feeling a loss of downtown business.
The State Street mall was proving to be a failure, traffic in the store was down and some stores were closing ie Goldblatts, Wards, Wieboldt's, etc. Rumor had it that if Carson's closed Field's would be next or if Field's closed Carson's would be next. Luckily the mall was removed people moved downtown and Mayor Daley renergized downtown Chicago to save at least some retail on State Street and 111 N. State Street
Date: Thursday, January 3, 2013, 6:14 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
It's perfectly normal for a chain the size of Macy's to close a handful of stores every year right after the holidays. This year is no exception with about 1% of their stores being closed, including five Macy's and one Bloomingdale's home store (in Las Vegas). There will also be about the same number of stores opening this year including two locally--Macy's at Gurnee Mills and a Bloomingdale's Outlet in Rosemont. Also, at Rosedale mall outside Minneapolis with Macy's as two of the anchors will consolidate into just one of the stores that is also adding a substantial addition. The two stores in the mall came about in the mid-1990s when Carson's pulled out and Dayton's took over the second location, converting it to a Men's Store. Both Rosedale stores operated as Marshall Field's from about 2002-2006, just like all Dayton's.
What is interesting from the vantage of our mission is that three of the stores are downtown flagships, albeit in much waning locations. Downtown Houston is closing. It was built as Foley's new flagship about 55 years ago. The store is about 791,000 square feet. That's about four times the size of a typical Macy's but very roughly a third the size of Herald Square (2,169,00 sqaure feet) or State Street (2,048,000 square feet). Yet, it only employs about 138. Macy's is talking about building a new Downtown Houston store nearby that is would be in keeping with the typical size of a Macy's. Another is in downtown St. Paul. The store has struggled such that the local government gave what was then Dayton-Hudson/Target a loan to remodel and keep it open. The catch was that the loan would be forgiven if the store stayed open for ten years. That ten year period is ending. Finally, the last downtown store closing is Honolulu. The location traces back to 1850, two years before Potter Palmer founded Marshall Field's, although, of course, it's been updated and rebuilt times over since. I think this may make State Street the oldest of all the locations which Macy's lists as 1868, when the store moved from Lake Street to State Street.
What's interesting about all this and why it's discussed here is that Macy's will close a store don't perform by their numbers. Macy's is very numbers driven. The question I ponder is whether they will continue to want to run State Street someday when they can't cut expenses further to create continuous increases in profitability. I also hear from some of the regular posters here that they think Gurnee Mills' opening might result in Macy's closing Hawthorn. I have no idea, but I could see customers from Hawthorn splitting between Gurnee and Northbrook. Sheer speculation on the long term. Terms of leases also impact such decisions.
As far as December same-store sales, they did not increase as much as they had hoped, but they increased. After this quarter, Macy's, Inc. will no longer report monthly sales, which is typical of many retailers these days. They will only report quarterly results.
Here's a link to a photo of the Macy's plaque on the St. Paul store. I imagine there once was a Marshall Field's plaque and before that a Dayton's plaque. Perhaps "Dayton's" is even carved in the marble beneath the Macy's plaque. (Maybe someone reading this knows.) Regardless, imagine if similar Macy's plaques had replaced all of the "Marshall Field and Company" plaques on State Street. Thanks to all who protected them.
Date: Thursday, January 3, 2013, 8:39 am CT
Posted by: Lucinda H.
I'm from Iowa. I lived in the Chicago area for 20 years! I loved Marshall Fields, Christmas at the Walnut Room, etc. Unless I am truly desperate to find something, I won't enter a Macy's. Marshall Field's is Chicago. New York can keep Macy's!
Date: Thursday, January 3, 2013, 7:34 am CT
Posted by: Pete
Today's Chicago Tribune has a Great Marshall Field and Company clock on the masthead. For the past several weeks they have featured an Art Institute lion with a wreath around its neck. The clock is a relative rarity. The only other times I've seen the clock is when the clocks are set back or ahead. There was also when they had it back in 2011, a few days before our September rally. WGN TV 9 features the clock daily as one of the images it rotates through the backdrop of the newscasts.
I wonder why they have the clock today? Any ideas???
Date: Wednesday, January 2, 2013, 1:49 pm CT
Posted by: J.D.
What a beautiful Christmas Greeting. Christmas was always special because of Marshall Fields.
Date: Tuesday, January 1, 2012, 3:49 pm CT
Posted by: s.b.
People are providing thoughts on Marshall Field's / Macy's diaster 6 years later.... a post mortem if you will.
Really good comments and mention of fieldsfanschicago.org
http://www.city-data.com/forum/chicago/1675487-mortem-6-years-after-loss-marshall-4.html
Date: Tuesday, January 1, 2012, 3:28 pm CT
Posted by: s.b.
Terry looks so smug in the Barron's article! No smart businessman would allow for 111 N State Street to not be a destination shopping location on par with Harrod's etc.
Date: Tuesday, January 1, 2013 CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Date: Monday, December 31, 2012 7:02 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
It is indeed interesting to contemplate all the soap opera-like stories as different stores traded CEOs and other execs. The Phil Miller/Neiman/Terry Lundgren/Marshall Field's "degrees of separation" is fascinating. Do you think there's bad blood there? Certainly no fondness of Field's on the part of Lundgren.
Date: Monday, December 31, 2012 12:05 pm CT
Posted by: V.R.
Regards for the Christmas Card! Field's looks SO GOLDEN!
Date: Sunday, December 30, 2012 5:59 pm CT
Posted by: Jack K. & Jim M.
Today's Tribune had a nice Letter to the Editor that is heavy on the nostalgia. In contrast, we're, of course, all about how great Field's was recently in the 2000s.http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/chi-old-traditions-20121227,0,6763011.story?dssReturnTribune uses Facebook logins for comments on this story...please leave comments if you can (it's a quiet time of the year for such things). Alternatively, you can email or write the Editors with your own letters. Every bit helps bring back Field's.
Date: Sunday, December 30, 2012 2:35 pm CT
Posted by: gle
I enjoy the video and the inspiration.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO FIELD'S FANS!
Date: Sunday, December 30, 2012 12:54 am CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago
Terry Lundgren: The Maestro of Macy's
http://online.barrons.com/article/SB50001424052748704723404578199501748850748.html?mod=BOL_hpp_mag
You need to be a Barron's subscriber to read the full story, but in certain situations you click and read the comments which are available to even those who are non-subscribers.
Date: Saturday, December 29, 2012 8:02 pm CT
Posted by: Deborah F.
It's too bad Macy's didn't appreciate what it had. A loss to the city, to world and, yes, even Macy's. A tragedy. I cried when I watched the YouTube video.
Date: Saturday, December 29, 2012 1:07 pm CT
Posted by: A. R.
I was sent the video link. We miss Field's a great deal. The windows are not nearly as good as they used to be. And didn't the windows used to start on the Randolph side and end on the Washington side? I think that was the case even for the Cinderella windows in 2005.
Date: Saturday, December 29, 2012 8:07 am CT
Posted by: Frank S.
Boggling why anyone would throw away such a valuable asset. Marshall Field and Company is the rarest of beloved brands. Simply irresponsible to destroy and dump it.
Date: Friday, December 28, 2012 12:58 pm CT
Posted by: Linda S.
I worked at Marshall Field's State Street in the late 50's then again at Hawthorn Center in Vernon Hills in the 1980's. Had a fun time working there and miss the store so very much..have never shopped at Macy's..and WILL NOT..quality is crappy..nothing is the same..so sad to have lost that wonderful store. Doubtful anything can be done as the company was bought out by Macy's..hard to fight city hall, so to speak!
Date: Friday, December 28, 2012 12:52 pm CT
Posted by: P.H.
To Whom It May Concern;
Thank you for reminding us that Marshall Field's had a lot of class to the end. More than Macy's has ever demonstrated.
Happy New Year.
Paul Hardin
Colorado
Date: Thursday, December 27, 2012 9:20 pm CT
Posted by: Andy in Westchester
I hope you have seen the many good books about Marshall Field's. I wish that there were more in color.
I want Field's to come back, but forgive me for being resigned.
Date: Thursday, December 27, 2012 4:02 pm CT
Posted by: gle
I love the video! It is a very good Christmas present. And thank-you for everyone's continued hard work and dedication to this cause.
Date: Thursday, December 27, 2012 6:02 am CT
Posted by: Myrna T.
Marshall Field's brings up the nicest feelings! I didn't realize that this place existed.
Have you though of buying the store from Macy's?
Date: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 11:41 pm CT
Posted by: A. Rosen
We miss Field's. The Youtube brought back a lot of memories. Recent ones.
Here's to the success of this ongoing movement! Maybe Corp. America will listen to customers.
Date: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 8:04 pm CT
Posted by: Cheryl Lynn O.
I watched the YouTube clips. It made me cry, as corny as it sounds. Thanks for the good cry. We need Marshall Field's back.
Date: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 7:23 pm CT
Posted by: June T.
The video is wonderful. I would go back to shopping there if they turned it back into Field's inside and out. No Macy's for me.
Date: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 3:02 pm CT
Posted by: g.
Thank you! The images look fantastic! I hope to listen from a computer with sound this weekend.
Date: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 12:33 pm CT
Posted by: s.b.
Just saw this in the HuffingtonPost.
I would have spent my dollars at Field's were it back! Miss Frangos too but I suspect the new version is quite low-quality ingredients.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/23/chicago-christmas-marshal_n_2356295.html
Date: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 11:50 am CT
Posted by: Richard R.
I know this is off of the subject, but I am positive that a few Field's fans like myself will know the answer.
What was the name of the restaurant, that was near Union Station, that was famous for offering a large selection of exotic, and game meat. I know it closed a long time ago, but it was quite well known. A few of us are having a terrible time finding the name of that place. Thank you in advance!
Date: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 9:28 am CT
Posted by: Colette C.
I never ever shop Macy's because of Marshall Field's.Ever Saturday of my young life was spent exploring the store while my mother had her hair done in the 3rd floor beauty salon.
In high school I won an award for my report on the history of Marshall
Field's at the Chicago Metro History Fair.
My exhibit (many photographs loaned to me by the PR department circa 1978) was on display for a month in the Cultural Center.
As much as I love Chicago I am glad I live elsewhere so I don't have to see my beloved store changed.
Bring back Marshall Field's!
Date: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 6:01 am CT
Posted by: Mary S.
Thank you for the YouTube. It is beautiful Only thing, it makes me long for Field's! So sad and so happy all at once.
Date: Tuesday, December 25, 2012 11:45 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
-------------------------------------------------------
MERRY CHRISTMAS
&
BEST REGARDS FOR 2013
-------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------
VIEW OUR CHRISTMAS CARD TO YOU & FIELD'S
SEE OUR YouTube COMPANION VIDEO AT...
FULL DELUXE VERSION FOR PC and MAC:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt4qVbNj8wU
ABRIDGED MOBILE/TABLET VERSION:
http://youtu.be/i7pCCw4HX-k
-------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tuesday, December 25, 2012 1:43 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
A few comments and observations. Last Friday i went into the Water Tower Store. What a disaster!!!! The aisles especially in mens on the 8th floor were cluttered, way to much merchandise being crammed into that store. They need to either expand it more or remove some brands and merchandise from the store. Also I was shocked to see that on the upper floors they removed the Christmas Decorations 5 days before Christmas to start selling spring and summer merchandise. This is unbelievable selling spring and summer merchandise in Chicago in December. Can't Macys' wait until after Christmas and finish one holiday first.
Also I was in NYC a week ago and went to Herald Sqaure. It is not very nice. They cut back on the Christmas decorations outside and in. I fouind the same items marked down at State Street but not in NYC. It was explained to me that HErald Square is a toursit store and does not mark down as aggressively as the other stores do. The windows were nice.
We should feel lucky. Macy's treats State Street as their best store. It is more organized, had the most Christmas Decorations up, has plenty of help and still carries on the traditions of Field's and honors them. In fact I bought a identical item at State Street for $26.00 less than at Nordstrom.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy Holidays to all
Date: Tuesday, December 25, 2012 12:01 am CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago
Merry Christmas!
Date: Sunday, December 23, 2012 9:57 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle
To the person looking for chicken pot pie recipe: there are two versions--the "original," and an easy copycat version, in the book "Marshall Field's:The Store That Helped Build Chicago." Also recipes for fake Frangos and a few other items.
*****
I thought it was funny that "a shopper" was angry about this website because Macy's is "an alternative to Kohls and Pennies [sic]." Shopper, that's exactly the problem! Fields was in a class of its own, on the comparative level of Bloomingdales and perhaps Nordstroms. Fields was not *ever* mentioned in the same breath as Kohls or Penny's. And, while I like both of the aforementioned discount department stores, neither one is (was) an integral part of Chicago's identity. Of course, if you are more concerned with coupon values than with authenticity, class, and civic identity, you probably don't understand or care.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!
--gayle
Date: Monday, December 24, 2012 3:04 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
To S.B., "I_Miss..." and others: Relax! Mr. Lundgren loves Neiman Marcus immensely, like we love Field's. If anything, I bet he loves N-M more than Bloomingdale's--just IMHO. I'm sure N-M would be in good hands with him. And as farfetched as it sounds, I could see some circumstances that this could be helpful to our cause, not a hinderance.
Date: Monday, December 24, 2012 2:22 pm CT
Posted by: i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
Say it isn't so! I'd hate to see our own Neiman's sell out to Mr. Lundgrinch! Honestly, I didn't even know he was involved with NM at one time! A better strategy, if Neiman's were to find a new owner (and this may be against the IPO information provided) is to find a foreign owner. Harrods, for example, is owned by a Qatari investment group. Lord and Taylor, on the other hand, is owned by Hudson's Bay Company of Canada (HBC is North America's oldest mercantile institution, FYI).
As mentioned before, my family and I moved to the Dallas area in early 1995 (one year after TL left) and I thought Neiman's was a great store (crazy catalog items and all)! It should also be noted that from 1986 to circa 1999, Boston-based General Cinema owned Neiman Marcus and New York's Bergdorf Goodman (GC was a fantastic cinema chain which I wish were still around today, but oh well). Before that, Carter Hawley Hale owned the two stores along with California stores like The Broadway; if it weren't for the 1986 split where GC got Neiman's and Bergdorf's, those two stores would have become macy*marts in 1996 like what happened to The Broadway, ironically.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadway_Stores (Look for an interesting Marshall Field fact in the article as well!)
Sorry about the rambling, folks. That fact greatly caught my attention, and I just hope that nameplate, along with Saks, Nordstroms, etc. don't get an "Alphony makeover" or get wiped off the face of the earth. Hey, even Bergdorf's could face the same fate Abraham & Strauss experienced back in 1995 if the sale became final! My area (and possibly yours) has plentiful shopping choices, and we have the Internet as well, and I (along with millions of others) am doing my part to help take down the Red Star once and for all!
Merry Christmas and let us all hope for a return to Marshall Field's in 2013!
i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
Date: Monday, December 24, 2012 1:52 pm CT
Posted by: s.b.
Macy's buying NM is outrageous!!!!
If anyhing Harrod's of London or Nordstrom should buy them. No way Macy's... they are a piece of junk. Sorry but it's the truth.
Anyway this year I spent my (very litte) holiday shopping at L+T. I also went to Von Maur.
Date: Monday, December 24, 2012 6:43 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
How in the world can anyone "get over" losing Field's to a coupon center with 'great deals'?
And ohhh please---- if Lundgren has a hate thing for Field's, it certainly is shared by the board or he'd be history. There is a reason 111 N State has been allowed to fall apart. It's a towering egotistical desire to command the whole field with NO overshadowing Marshall Field's greatness to make Macy's look less than top notch. Certainly "Shopper" expresses the sentiments Macy's intended. There is one brain that has been washed. Many more to go.
The other day, in a "Mash" rerun, Clinger ran into the mess tent, eyes wide, all excited to report to everyone that so-and-so (a Korean peasant entrepreneur) had arrived with his cart - six shelves of merchandise! -- to which Hawkeye quipped "...the Marshall Field's of Korea!" Take that, Grinch. Even if you level the State Street store and swallow Neiman Marcus whole, you'll never get the entire Field.
Date: Sunday, December 23, 2012 8:04 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Many thanks to all who helped make passing out flyers this Sunday afternoon and early evening a huge success. This time, State Street was quite busy and close to 1,000 flyers were passed out. Again, no naysayers--just a lot of love for Marshall Field's return!
Thanks for keeping the faith!
Date: Saturday, December 22, 2012 1:03 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Special thanks to Gloria and Al who were among those passing out hundreds of flyers and buttons on State Street yesterday. Again, there was not a single comment opposing the return of Field's and the responses were overwhelmingly positive.
Thanks to all who made it possible and thanks to all for supporting OUR dream of Field's return to State Street. ==== Just a side note. There were again some problems with the posting feature for this page. If you tried to post but could not, please try again. Thank you for your patience!
Date: Friday, December 21, 2012 5:20 pm CT
Posted by: I., Cincinnati
Hello,
I really miss Marshall Fields and was very disappointed when they changed over to Macy’s. I have fond memories of shopping at Marshall Fields on Sunday’s as a teen and using the coupons that would come in the newspaper. I felt so grown -up and special and it was an experience that I don’t receive shopping at Macy’s. I would debut my new fashions at school on Monday J I also always had to always eat in the restaurant and get some Frango Mints. I really hope that Marshall Fields could come back to Chicago (State Street, Water Tower, and everywhere else)and become my favorite department store again. I live in Ohio now and I would take every opportunity to drive to my hometown to experience the wonderful memories shopping there again.
Date: Friday, December 21, 2012 7:12 am CT
Posted by: Diane, Columbia, MO.
My mom worked at a south suburban Field's for years. We won't shop Macy's.
Date: Thursday, December 20, 2012 10:29 pm CT
Posted by: Carolyn W.
KEEP AT IT!
I want Marshall Field's! NOT MACY'S!
Date: Thursday, December 20, 2012 7:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Talk about coincidences: Howard Davidowitz says in "Fortune" that Macy's just might just buy Neiman Marcus. Some current owners want out and Davidowitz considers Lundgen and Macy's a candidate, if not now, then eventually. Interesting.No easy answers for a Neiman Marcus IPO
http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/12/18/neiman-marcus-ipo/?source=yahoo_quote
Date: Thursday, December 20, 2012 12:45 pm CT
Posted by: R.F.
You people should post the recipe for The WalNut Room pot pies. I miss them. I don't want to go in. Please post.Response from the webmaster.
The recipe is in the Marshall Field's cook book, the most recent of which was published in 2006, right before Macy's took over.
Date: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 8:59 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Someone from Texas recently wrote to say that they thought Terry Lundgren became distainful of Marshall Field's back circa 1988 to 1994 when he was at the helm at Dallas' Neiman Marcus. I can't say because I wasn't in Texas at that time, but they offered a compelling case.
This person said that I should recall that Field's expanded into Texas in the 1980s. Field's was Nieman's competitor and was even run for a period by Phil Miller, a Neiman Marcus exec who left and joined Marshall Field's after being spurned for the top spot at Neiman's. Combine that with Lundgen's Bullocks Wilshire being downgraded into Macy's and you might have how Terry Lundgren became the "Grinch who Stole Marshall Field's."
Like I said, I never lived in Dallas, nor am I a therapist, let alone a therapist for Terry Lundgren. But it is an interesting theory.
Date: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 1:53 pm CT
Posted by: Yvonne L.
Missing Field's! And I live in Manhattan!
As they used to say, "there's nothing like it back home." Home for me is Manhattan. I miss Field's. A lot of New Yorkers do.
Date: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 11:59 am CT
Posted by: M.A.S.
I'm pretty indifferent to Donald Trump and I'm a staunch Republican, but I saw this study that this controversy is taking a toll on Macy's:What's taking its toll on Macy's?Then there's another story about Terry Lundgren taking a strong position in favor of cutting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. I'm against a store becoming so political. But most of all, I'm against a C.E.O. and a company that would get rid of something as great as Marshall Field's. While I may be for cutting the aforementioned things, I'm also against corporate property tax breaks to companies that have to empty out floors of their store because they were DUMB enough to get rid of a great store like Marshall Field's.
http://research.yougov.com/news/2012/11/28/what-taking-toll-macys/Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren Betrays 'Christmas Spirit,'
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/07/macys-ceo-terry-lundgren-fix-the-debt_n_2253502.html
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Date: Monday, December 17, 2012 8:52 am CT
Posted by: Marcella T.
The coupons aren't as good as they used to be. I think that's why they look emptier. Either that or maybe the slide at State Street means people just assume that they stay home and use the internet.
WE NEED MARSHALL FIELD'S!
Date: Sunday, December 16, 2012 9:21 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
Thank you to all who helped make flyer distribution on State Street a success yesterday. It rained pretty much the whole extended lunch time. Pedestrian traffic was down all over State Street, no doubt in part because of the rain, but it's been the quietest holiday season ever since we've been out there at Christmas. At the same time, there were more than a few periods where there was no one entering or exiting the 103 N. State St vestibule. (I posted a photo to Facebook.) Sometimes it seemed to ve almost a minute or two before anyone even left . It looked like an average Saturday in May in terms of traffic. As such, we passed out maybe a couple of hundred leaflets (I have them in bundles of about 100 and two were passed out, give or take a few.) There was our very first naysayer of the entire season about our cause. They made their snarky remark and made a bee-line into the store. That quickly forgotten when a group of four teenagers came up to me and asked if they could have "Time To Bring Back Marshall Field's" buttons. Overwhelming support for Field's return continued.
One can't help but think how much busier State Street and the store would be if Field's had come back this year.
Date: Sunday, December 16, 2012 1:37 pm CT
Posted by: Martha S.
Miss Marshall Field and Co. Bring it Back!!!!
Date: Sunday, December 16, 2012 6:56 am CT
Posted by: Not The Same.
Toys R Us?????? Why not F.A.O. Schwarz? That's worth heading to State Street.
Date: Saturday, December 15, 2012 11:12 pm CT
Posted by: Shopper
To those of you who whine about Marshall Field's and all, I say GET OVER IT!!!! I'm sick of seeing you out in front of the store.
Macys is welcome with open arms in our household. Macys gives us an alternative to Kohls and Pennies. And without Macy's, we'd only have Sears on State Street. Macys has great sales on items and their clearance racks are a great find that compete favorably with TJMaxx and Marshalls. Macys has great coupons. I dan't even remember when I last saw a coupon at TJMaxx and Marshalls. And now not Pennys. GET OVER IT!
Date: Friday, December 14, 2012 1:04 am CT
Posted by: Sara K.
Today is Macy's "National Believe Day." Macy's talks about "Believing" to make dreams come true.
Ironically, they won't fulfill the dreams of millions by having Marshall Field's come back.
Someone pointed out that no matter what, Macy's will probably give a $1 million to Make A Wish. It's a great for Make A Wish. They do GREAT things and are GOOD people. But benevolence aside, keep in mind that the $1 million and all those newspaper ads are probably tax deductible advertising for Macy's.
Date: Thursday, December 13, 2012 9:00 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
While passing out flyers on State Street, I do occasionally hear from those who say they also want Dayton's or Hudson's back (or another local store.) But the point is, only Marshall Field's is has sustained overwhelming support for its return--in name, brand, style, service, merchandise, etc.-- has been sustained. Back in 2006, there were some remarks on Field's boards about Dayton's and Hudson's (and a lot of other store brands) but there has never been sustained, overwhelming interest in any of these others like there has been in Marshall Field's. I'm personally not working for Dayton's and Hudson's return, although I wish the best to anyone who might actively doing that. I just haven't heard of anybody. Contrast that--or any other stores--with Marshall Field's.
Date: Thursday, December 13, 2012 1:40 am CT
Posted by: CC
Regarding Target, Dayton's and Hudson's. Interesting, I was aware that Dayton's and Hudson's merged, but I was unaware that Target still owned the rights to the name. Well, we just have to hope and work for the best. Positive change takes hard work!
Date: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 9:10 pm CT
Posted by: Vanessa S.
First of all, I want Marshall Field's to come back. It's really missed.
Second, I read that Macy's President is pushing for a solution to the so-called fiscal cliff that includes reducing Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefit. While I hold similar views to Macy's, head, I thought Macy's was against having political views! They just said this a couple of weeks ago with the whole Donald Trump thing. I agree. I want to buy things, but not politics. You can't have your cake and eat it too. Apparently, there is now another boycott because of these statements by Macy's head.
Respectfully,
Vanessa S., Libertyville
Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 6:17 am CT
Posted by: Stephanie R.
We still miss Field's. We'd like it to come back. Macy's is just OK. It's nothing special.
Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 7:29 am CT
Posted by: Babara
In Philadelphia, Macy's kept the Dicken's Village side-by-side with Santaland. The latter is what Macy's calls all its other Santa visitation spots but here they co-branded. Why didn't they call it "Cozy Cottage in Santaland" or something.
They could do it in Philadelphia. Probably, they know how much true Philadelphians hate New York and they acquiesced. Or they figured, "Shoot, if we do that, then next we'll have to call it "Marshall Field's, A Macy's Store."
Speaking of which, Macy's is just plain weird referring to Marshall Field's as "111 North State Street" in historic photos. Just say "Marshall Field's." What is it? Some sort of code? I thought Macy's was proud of the Marshall Field's heritage.
Date: Monday, December 10, 2012 9:18 pm CT
Posted by: Marian
The idea about a new Marshall Field's for the 21st Century is a good one. Enough of the nostalgia. Chicago needs its own brand. Someone should show the proposal to Lundgren and Macy's board.
Date: Monday, December 10, 2012 7:23 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
Regarding the last post, the tree sucks. The huge plexiglass stars look like, well, plexiglass stars. Awful. The tree would look BETTER without the stars. I read recently that Field's used the same artificial tree from the 1960s all the way to the 2000s. Then Target replaced it in the early 2000s. Then Macy's replaced it again in 2009, ordering an identical tree for New York 34th Street.
Comparing City Target to Marshall Field's or Macy's? NO WAY! City Target doesn't even come close to even offering what an average Target sells and the prices are higher. There's hardly any clothes. It's more like a Woolworths or a giant Walgreens. I pine for the day when Target's lease is up, they rip it out, and someone else put in a quality, high-end department store.
Date: Monday, December 10, 2012 12:21 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
I was once again at State Street last Friday the 7th. The store was busy not crowded, but much more traffic than Target and the other stores on State Street. Outide many people looking at the windowns and taking pictures especially of the old Field's window. Holiday Lane on 6 was crowded and yes Gayl'es book was around. The Walnut room was busy and the area around the room was crowded. The tree still looks not good at all. I still think Macy's could have done a retro tree in keeping with the theme of the windows.
Saturday I was at my Aunts house helping her and I found a great old painting she had from the 60's still with the Field's price tag on it from the fine art gallery. It reminded me of the true Field's that was a real Chicago local store and the great departments and wide selection of merchandise in many price points that was available back then. Also that day I price compared at Orland on a few items between Carson's JC Penney and Macy's and yes for the one day sale Macy's beats the competition in price.
Date: Sunday, December 9, 2012 3:33 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator
I checked out the State Street store Friday, December 7 after work. A fresh supply of "Marshall Field's, The Store that Helped Build Chicago," by Gayle Soucek, appeared throughout the 7th floor. I noted approximately:9 - table near entrance to Walnut Room;
5 - table at exit by Walnut Room;
7 - shelves near 7th floor food court;
5 - on stand at cash register in 7th floor archives room;
11- holiday decor department on 6th floor.
The tree still looked blah--just light green and silver, with a bunch of big white stars. The tree at Daley Plaza is much simpler (and probably much cheaper), but compared with "Messy's" it comes across as real, warm and sincere. The Daley Plaza tree is an enormous traditional live dark green, with "millions" of tiny multicolored lights.
Kristkindlemarket at Daley Plaza was crowded and happy, the way I remember Marshall Field's at Christmas. Target was busy, with lines at the registers. "Messy's" had curious customers in the aisles, but I only noted a few shopping bags and about 1 or 2 customers per register. The 7th floor seemed to be where the most action was. A Toys R Us Express has been added, along with a letters to Santa table, and a quickie Christmas souvenir/gift shop in the archives room. It's as if "Messy's" figured out the 7th floor at Christmas is all the public is still interested in.
Date: Sunday, December 9, 2012 9:12 am CT
Posted by: Judy P.M.
Once again, at a get-together and EVERYONE said they hated Macy's. One friend said it reminded her of Woolworth...not one I've heard before and I'm not sure that's totally accurate, but it gives an idea of what she thinks of the place! Sat around for a good long while talking about the "good old days" of the Christmas department, the Walnut Room, the Field's Tree...a bittersweet evening.
Date: Sunday, December 9, 2012 9:03 am CT
Posted by: Erin M.
It will never be Macy's for me-it will ALWAYS be Marshall Fields. Macy's isn't as nearly as good. I hope Marshall Fields will come back to Chicago.
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2012 10:31 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Thanks to all who helped make flyer and button distribution a success today. It was my turn to go solo today, since it rained for much of the time. I was there for about an hour, plus I toured the store. During the hour, I passed out close to 250 flyers. Again, no one expressed a preference for Macy's, and more than a few doubled back to get a flyer or to talk.
We'll be out again next weekend, if not sooner. Email me if you'd like to help.
=============Regarding s.b.'s post, it is interesting to note Field's peers Selfridges and Harrods are represented, but most of all it's fascinating that Bloomingdale's is there. Of course the windows are great--but Blooomgdale's demonstrates that Macy's CAN have Field's-quality windows and maintain a store to boot. One keeps hearing how Macy's can't have a single Field's store on State Street but then at 59th and Lexington or even 900 they have clean bathrooms, floor tiles in good repair and plenty of help. When I was last at 59th and Lex, they even had a special event at Bloomingdale's that weekend. It featured special color bags that weren't even co-branded as far as I could tell. Now Bloomingdale's has a long history of custom shopping bags, but I thought the big deal was that Macy's can't afford that!
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2012 9:01 pm CT
Posted by: Sara H.
Was at a party where they opened a sealed box of Frangos. Several of us noticed that they tasted dried out or chalky, as others have noted. What's with that?
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2012 7:04 pm CT
Posted by: Stephanie Kohl, Lombard
I LOVE MY MARSHALL FIELD'S PIN GIVEN TO ME TODAY ON STATE STREET!!!! IT IS INDEED TIME TO BRING BACK MARSHALL FIELD'S. I DO HAVE A QUESTION THOUGH. WHY DID THE GUY PASING OUT PINS WEAR ALL MACY'S BLACK????? HE SHOULD BE GREEN!
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2012 6:35 pm CT
Posted by: s.b.
Reminds me of the quality of Marshall Field's windows! And note that Macy's didn't make the list.http://www.luxeinacity.com/news/top-10-luxury-department-store-christmas-windows-display-of-2012/#.UMPb35PjlhN
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2012 9:24 am CT
Posted by: Mark
We don't shop at Macy's. Miss Marshall Field's.
Date: Friday, December 7, 2012 3:23 pm CT
Posted by: Leslie
We still miss Marshall Field's.
Date: Friday, December 7, 2012 12:08 pm CT
Posted by: Missing Field's
It's sad to see Marshall Field's as Macy's and Carson's as Target. Sad.
Date: Thursday, December 6, 2012 11:23 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
Happy St. Nicholas Day, everyone!
St Nick is the patron saint of merchants, those who do fair trade and treat their customers with respect and dignity.
St. Nicholas, please use your power to invoke the just return of Marshall Field's!
Date: Thursday, December 6, 2012 5:02 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan
Sixty-nine years ago today, on December 6, 1943, the "Field Museum of Natural History" became the "Chicago Museum of Natural History."
Everybody preferred the old name.
It took 23 years, but effective February 28, 1966, it reverted back to being the "Field Museum of Natural History."
The Field Museum's newsletter, Field Notes, noted how elated everyone was to have the name back.
Date: Thursday, December 6, 2012 4:49 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
Jen Cook has a great blog entry about Marshall Field's and Christmas.http://mrsjennifercook.com/2012/12/06/marshall-fields-and-christmas/#comment-793
Date: Thursday, December 6, 2012 2:18 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
In response to the loss of Hudson's, yes it was sad to see that great institution fall. It fell in 1983 when Dayton/Hudson closed the downtown store and moved all of the merchandising to Minneapolis. The store still had some local character to it, however when Field's came in to the picture more and more of Hudson's became like Field's. Once the name was changed the store was upscaled much more and all remnants of Hudson's were removed from the stores. In fact even at the archive in downtown Minneapolis Target displays some history on both Dayton's and Hudson's, but the way it is presented is as if Dayton's and Hudson's were part of Field's and not Field's being a part of Dayton/Hudson or Dayton's department store.
Target realized for the value of the business and economy of scale they had to operate the stores as one division and one group of stores and also to better prepare them for sale. As reported by the webmaster both Dayton's and Hudson's can be brought back to life, but not by Macy's they do not own those naming rights Target does.
It was reported today that most Macy's stores proabably all in Chicago will operate 24 hours from the 21st-the morning of the 23rd and Oakbrook and Woodfield will be 24 hours until Christmas Eve.
Date: Wednesday, December 5, 2012 9:02 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
Came home today and had those ValuPak coupons in my mailbox. If you live in Chicago, you probably have received them. They come in a blue envelope with coupons for local pizza joints, oil change shops and aluminum gutters. This time they had coupon codes for MACY'S! They put an ad on the outside of the envelope and then a sheet with an online code inside for 25% OFF internet orders. When did Marshall Field's ever have to get business by mailing ads with pizza "joynts?"
Date: Wednesday, December 5, 2012 9:13 am CT
Posted by: Michael D.S.
Sorry I can't be in Chicago to support the Fields campaign;
I live and work in Phoenix, AZ.
Good Luck with all your efforts ! Macy's management is shortsighted and losing to the Targets + Walmarts of today----they just don't have the guts to make the right choices + are more afraid of losing their jobs.
Date: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 1:01 pm CT
Posted by: Sandy G.
The web address for this site was on a pin I received on State Street Saturday. I am enjoying wearing the pin. People complement me on it. I hope all this does something to give us back Marshall Field's and Company. It is sorely missed.
Date: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 12:28 am CT
Posted by: CC
Paul: I will still try. They are a State street icon. Doing something is better than doing nothing. But I would like to do more to help bring Fields back. We had Hudson's originally in Michigan, and it was upscale, we were saddened when it changed, because it was a Michigan institution. We had family that worked in the flagship store on Woodward Avenue, in downtown Detroit. But when it changed, it was only in name, the colors were very similar, and the merchandise was the same, if not improved. Detroit Hudson's was demolished, and I know the Hudson's name won't come back, but at least it was of the same quality that we were used to seeing. What can I do to make sure that Marshall Fields has some hope of returning? Field's still has the original building, in a great and vibrant location, and that should help.
Note from the webmaster:
While Macy's owns Hudson's (and Dayton's) former stores, Target retains the rights to the name. In fact, if you go to hudsons.com and daytons.com you are redirected to target.com. So if one wanted Hudson's to come back, they'd need to bark up Target's tree. Of course, it was Dayton/Hudson/Target that chose to slap Marshall Field's name on their stores in preparation for selling or spinning the off.
Date: Monday, December 3, 2012 4:50 pm CT
Posted by: Paul
CC: Good luck with that. If they won't listen to millions wanting Marshall Field's, I don't think their interest in the Marshall Field's clock stands a chance in H-E-Double Hockey Sticks.
Date: Monday, December 3, 2012 7:28 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Lundgren in a position of even wider influence? Shudder!! But maybe it would be good for Chicago that he be distracted with other mischief.
Grinchdom has thrust Field's into the black hole on purpose. If Lundgren moved on to Greater Things the grinch culture at Macy's probably would not change significantlyóafter all, they have supported him for a long time now. Presumably they like his style and would seek a successor to carry out the grinch program with comparable zeal. One could hope/pray there is no one else willing to be associated as CEO with that deep nonsense. Macy's might have to settle for someone who insists that either they divest themselves of Field's or they restore it to what it has always been: brilliant.
Date: Sunday, December 2, 2012 7:00 pm CT
Posted by: CC
I went to the old Field's flagship store on State Street, and the faces of the clock on Randolph and State are fading........ Sad. I will be contacting Macy's tomorrow to lodge a complaint.
Date: Sunday, December 2, 2012 4:52 pm CT
Posted by: gle
I wore my Marshall Field's button to a neighborhood holiday event. One of the vendors commented that she loved it, and added that she was marketing a book about her family's immigrant experience which included Marshall Field's and what it meant to the American Dream. Her name is Julia Anderson, and her book is titled "Through Christina's Eyes." I haven't started to read it yet, but look forward to doing so.
Santa paid a visit to the same event. Since I had one of our leaflets in my hand about asking Santa to return Marshall Field's, I couldn't resist giving it to him. He looked at it and then said, "Well, I'll try."
Date: Sunday, December 2, 2012 2:10 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Lover
Saw a dark green delivery truck yesterday near McCormick and Devon. When I got closer, my suspicions were verified. I could see the faint outline of where the Marshall Field's logo was on the sides and back of the truck. Remember when that truck used to pull up? Even if it was for your neighbor, you wondered what it was they were getting. Whatever it was, you knew it must be special.
Date: Sunday, December 2, 2012 10:23 am CT
Posted by: Gail R.
The Sunday section in today's Chicago Tribune had a full spread ad in the middle from Walgreens and various City of Chicago agencies. It was about a special program to get flu inoculations.
The headline was something like, "Time to get a flu shot."
But the best part was that a third of the spread featured a giant photo of the giant Marshall Field's clock with the time set to 11:47 am.
It simply felt great to see this clock without Macy's logo. We all miss Marshall Field's!!!!
Date: Saturday, December 1, 2012 11:23 pm CT
Posted by: Pat
From Seattle here. We have Macy's out here. We miss Field's the most. I'm 27 and don't remember Frederick & Nelson which I understand was owned by Field's. But my Dad used to travel to Chicago so I could spend time with my half-sister. We'd spend the afternoon at Field's, in the cafes on the seventh floor. Since becoming Macy's, it's not the same. And with Macy's here in Seattle, why go to Macy's in Chicago?
I''m not sure Field's will come back since corporate greed wins too often.
Date: Saturday, December 1, 2012 4:32 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Thanks to all who made flyer distribution a huge hit on State Street at mid-day today.
It was much busier than Black Friday and Saturday, with maybe three to four times then crowds out on the street. Likewise, the number of flyers passed out also increased by as much, with roughly 450-500 distributed in a couple hours, putting us over the 160,000 mark and counting mark for flyers distributed on State Street since October 28, 2006.
WHAT ESPECIALLY STRUCK ME was how many people made a special effort to get a flyer. Some would cut across several people on the sidewalk, going out of their way to get one. Others would walk by and then double back because they realized that it was all about Marshall Field's. Now, we've experienced that in the past, but never like this. And there was not a single person who disagreed--everyone wanted Field's to come back. There was maybe one of two who debated how it could come back. But NOBODY said or even suggested that they preferred Macy's over Field's.
So it was very fascinating. For a store that tries to encourage people to "Believe" in dreams, they could fulfill a huge dream for four out of five Chicago shoppers who continue to want Marshall Field's to return. Moreover, they'd have much good will and unlocked value.
On the way home, I stopped at Mariano's Market, a store more than a few are citing as the best thing to happen to Chicago retail in years. I happened to be wearing on my "Time to Bring Back Marshall Field's" pin-on button. I was stopped six times for conversations with a total of nine people about how they missed Marshall Field's and wished it would come back. Maybe Terry Lundgren could wear a disguise, wear a button and listen to what Chicago wants--Marshall Field's.=======
Regardless, whenever you wear a Marshall Field's button, you HAVE TO allow extra time to hear from people how much they miss Field's and want its return.
Date: Saturday, December 1, 2012 10:23 am CT
Posted by: Dawn, Atlanta
With Terry Lundgren at the head of the National Retail Federation board and also on the NYC Federal Reserve Bank, do you think it's possible that Terry Lundgen will exit Macy's to become a public official? Maybe he won't be the next Tim Geitner, but methinks he could be a trade secretary. That could Lundgren a happy way to save face allowing Field's to come back to State Street. In fact, with all the other behind-doors meetings and deals that enabled Field's to go away (Hi Mayor Daley!), maybe Obama could make a deal to have Lundgren get a big job in exchange for Field's coming back.
We can only hope! Whatever it takes. Things don't get done because they make sense. They happen because someone gets favors. That's reality.
Date: Friday, November 30, 2012 6:23 pm CT
Posted by: Paul B.
We miss Field's. It's sorely missed.
Date: Friday, November 30, 2012 5:29 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
I attended the wonderful lecture by Amy Meadows last night at the Lake Bluff Public Library. Ms. Meadows was masterful in presenting what was a sweeping survey of Marshall Field's and Macy's on State's windows and store displays. Her many anecdotes were captivating and, in the spirit of Marshall Field's, her narrative was filled with sartorial eloquence. Truly classy all the way. Probably the best lecture on Marshall Field's that I have attended.
A few things I learned, had reinforced or had forgotten. For a long time, years ago, the Christmas window displays were used to sell merchandise as well. Then there was a shift of to having Christmas stories and then finally the windows shifted in them to a story in the spirit of the season. For many years, there were 12-13 windows for the display. My favorite part of the windows discussion was how Field's had the foresight to license Harry Potter as a windows theme long before the Harry Potter books were licensed for the movies and much before Harry Potter hit it big in the USA. Other interesting stories were about the preparation for a Field's event in conjunction with a visit by members of the British Royal Family, as well as how some windows and displays would be taken from State Street and redisplayed at the likes of the Evanston, Oak Park and Lake Forest stores.
Captivating and graceful, Ms. Meadows expressed deep gratitude for all the opportunities she had during her tenure at 111 N. State, as well as how Macy's still continues the windows today.
I hope that you have the opportunity to attend the final two repeats of Ms. Meadows' lecture this week. I don't have the links, but the two remaining events will be held this week at the Northbrook and Algonquin public libraries. RSVP is required.
Date: Friday, November 30, 2012 10:02 am CT
Posted by: Marianna F.
We still miss Marshall Field's. Overall, the merchandise isn't as good as it used to be as Field's. People wouldn't be crying for Field's if Macy's was doing the job as well as or better than Field's.
I hope this is eventually successful.
Date: Thursday, November 29, 2012 5:29 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
For decades, Amy Meadows was the mastermind behind the world-class, world-noticed, world-beloved Marshall Field's Christmas windows. Ms. Meadows continued in this capacity until January 2008 when Macy's let her go.
Ms. Meadows will be presenting "Behind the Scenes--Marshall Field's and Christmas" at the following libraries @ 7:00 pm in Nov and Dec: (Tonight) Lake Bluff (11/29), Northbrook (12/4) and Algonquin (12/6). Ms. Meadows has already presented to a full house at McHenry Library.
Please google the individual libraries and call to RSVP (required for admittance).
Date: Thursday, November 29, 2012 7:01 am CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago
We're assisting with a "second volume" of "Marshall Field's Christmas Memories" for Electropickle to put up on YouTube.
Can let us use digital copies of your personal images or video footage of Marshall Field's? We're looking for anything up and through Christmas 2005. It would be a big help.
Please email jjmckay @ FieldsFansChicago.org if you can help. Many thanks!
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 11:49 pm CT
Posted by: Elaine V.
It's Christmas and we still really miss Marshall Field's. Bring it back! Someone tell Macy's to get it through their thick skull!
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 2:12 pm CT
Posted by: Tony H.
Beloved brands can come back!
Chrysler is bringing back an updated version of the Dodge Daytona. The return of the Dodge Dart was a huge it and so they are bringing back the Daytona.
If Macy's owned Chrysler, they'd probably not do this, just like how they still won't bring back Marshall Field's. Macy's would still be making the much derided Dodge Neon instead.
The Dart and Daytona are leagues below the class and beauty of Field's. If popular cars can come back, the surely an internationally revered institution like Marshall Field's can and will come back eventually!
Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 7:12 pm CT
Posted by: Amy Liu
I've noticed that Macy's is again offering an Aflac Duck doll for Christmas with a donation to charity. The thing is, I don't get what an Aflac duck has to do with Christmas. Can't we have Santa Bear back? Does everything have to be product placement? Do we have to get kids in touch with a brand of insurance at such a young age?
Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 2:39 pm CT
Posted by: Mary Ward
My Grandfather worked for Marshall Fields for over 50 years, he passed away in 1965, but my mother spoke about him working as a merchandiser at the State Street Store all those years.
I have a 50 year service pin with a diamond in it. I often wondered if there were many of them awarded. I recall a photo in a newspaper, not sure if it was a MF paper or Chicago. It was about 5 men, my Grandfather included, standing on a trolley car posing for the photo, not sure if they were all 50 year men or not. IT was taken at the Museum of Science and Industry on the Trolley. I am almost positive that I have the paper some where, but he pin and the photo have some meaning to me, I wonder if there was a collection of things like this in a museum some place, or just stuck in drawers, passed down to generations who would not remember these people.
Most people do not have a grandfather who was born in 1885, a mom in 1915 and me 1958, seems like 5 or more generations would have been born in that time frame.
Date: Monday, November 26, 2012 5:39 am CT
Posted by: Hannah I.
I was only 12 when Fields sold to Macy's and I remember quite well how much it affected my family. We lived about half an hour away from Chicago and we would go to see the windows every christmas and go and pick out one piece of chocolate out of the chocolate shop that they had on the lower levels. It was a tradition ever since I could remember. But when they were taken over by Macy's my mom was extremely upset because it destroyed our tradition and no matter how many aspects that they tried to keep they aren't able to replicate a family tradition. My mother still refuses to give Macy's her support.
Right now I am a soph. in college and I am currently doing a research paper on what happens when a franchise sells and how it affects the fan based community built around it. I used Macy's and Fields as a prime example. Keep on fighting.
Date: Sunday, November 25, 2012 5:33 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator
I checked out State Street on Black Friday circa 3:00 p.m. after work.
Target and "Messy's" both had the expected crowds for that day. The differences I noted were:
Target had a labyrinth of roped-off area for customers waiting to check out, and a "traffic monitor" directing them to the next open register.
"Messy's" had a lot of people, but they seemed mostly to be in the aisles. While there were people at the registers, there were no long lines I could see.
I also noted a fresh supply of "Marshall Field's, The Store that Helped Build Chicago" by Gayle Soucek throughout the 7th floor and in the 6th floor holiday decor department. The book appeared to be a 2nd printing 2012 edition.
I also finally located some religious Christmas nativity figures in the 6th floor holiday decor section. On the day they lit the tree, I had searched every corner and wondered if the original "reason for the season" had become extinct. Oh well, "Messy's" doesn't always get things done when we think they should.
Date: Sunday, November 25, 2012 12:27 pm CT
Posted by: Philip Eichler
I just read an article at 24/7 Wall Street about the 12 worst places to work in regard to overall compensation. All of the companies were large retailers or restaurant chains. Number 1 was of course, Walmart, #4 was Target, #5 Sears, #9 MACY"S, #12, JC Penney. Interesting to note; none of Macy's other competitors such as Bon Ton (Carson's), Belk, Dillard's or even Kohl's made it on this list.Field's valued their employees. Remember how on their name tags, it indicated their years of service? They did not wish to churn and burn their labor force, but rather encourage long term employment. Field's also compensated non-comissioned employees well. The system was called a progressive ring system; where the more an associate rung up, the higher their hourly wage. Field's like any intelligent organization, always recognized hard work and effort, something the current occupant of 111 North State obviously does not. We feel for you, Ms. Reed.
Response from the webmaster:
I could not find a story from the past few months at 24/7 Wall Street or any other site about Macy's being a "worst place to work." I DID find a story at Marketwatch that I think was also at 24/7 Wall Street and other sources that gave the same or similar rankings in terms of employers with the most minimum wage employees. (Link to that story is athttp://www.marketwatch.com/story/12-companies-with-most-minimum-wage-workers-2012-11-22)
Date: Sunday, November 24, 2012 11:53 am CT
Posted by: Drew
For many years, Kaufmann's sponsored a large holiday parade through downtown Pittsburgh. The parade was called "Celebrate the Season," in recognition of ALL the holidays celebrated by people in the community.
Of course, since the Red Star invasion, the parade has been renamed to the "my macy*s Holiday Parade."
What was once a popular holiday tradition (sponsored by macy*s for 32 years, according to one TV news report) has become just another advertising promotion for the Red Star. "Believe" there was a good deal of free publicity by incorportating macy*s name into the parade title?
Date: Saturday, November 24, 2012 8:23 pm CT
Posted by: Lynn B.
We miss Field's. It is good to see this still going. I see that Macy's has a new recipe book. The Field's Culinary Coucil has become the Macy's Culinary Council. In doing so, the Council and its recipe books have become national and has ceased to be a premier showcase for Chicago's culinary scene. What a loss. Macy's has carpetbagged part of Chicago and disrespected us all and our culture.
Date: Saturday, November 24, 2012 4:25 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Thanks to all who made flyer distribution on State Street a success during today's lunch hour. State Street as a whole (beyond Macy's) was busy but still not as busy as in past years. Comments were very similar to yesterday's. People still REALLY WANT MARSHALL FIELD'S.
Date: Saturday, November 24, 2012 4:21 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
In response to Mikea's post.
First, Joe O. responded retracting his post a few minutes after he sent it feeling it was too harsh. I thought it should still appear because it reflects a view that I hear often--from Chicagoans to New Yorkers and even in media interviews. Interviewers often use the word "hubris." (Hey, half my family is from Brooklyn, worked at the likes of R.H. Macy's and A&S, LOVED Marshall Field's much more than Macy's but never worked at Field's.)
Personally, I think it's more about Macy's hubris rather than NYC hurbis. And keep in mind that circa 2006 we heard from more than a couple Macy's clerks and other staff working at the Herald Square store that they thought it a shame that Macy's would get rid of such as asset as Marshall Field's.
As I've said on more than a few occasions, I will say that a substantial amount of our support--in terms of activity and donated flyers and buttons comes from New Yorkers. What's more, part of what motivated my participation was that I was in NYC for a wedding when the switch was official announced in Fall 2005. Native New Yorkers spontaneously came up to me expressing how sad they were that Field's was going to become Macy's, how much they loved coming to Chicago to shop at Field's and how Macy's was a huge step down from Field's. Among them were a couple of New Yorkers with that stereotypical attitude Joe O. evoked. They said that they didn't like much about Chicago but Marshall Field's was ONE thing that they DID really like.
Boston is another favorite city of mine, because of the people. As such, Mikea's comments say a lot more about Mikea than it does about New Yorkers and Bostonians.
Date: Saturday, November 24, 2012 1:17 pm CT
Posted by: Mikea
in response to Joe O's comments.
1) New Yorkers are not mean, nasty arrogant etc, they are a hearty good natured people. They are more direct being living in the environment they are in. As a regular visitor to New york in over 25 years , I had one occurance of a rude inidividual whereas as oppsed to those in the Boston area that are very much self centered on New England and only the New England area.
I guess Joe has a chip on his shoulder or had a bad experience with New Yorkers.
2) The only reason FDS in 2005 eliminated the Field's brand was economy of scale like they did with all of the other brands they owned. They first consolidated their own brands starting in 1995 when they acquired the true Macy's. Target in 2001 rebranded the Daytons and Hudsons stored into Field's for economy of scale and the internet retailing. They in turn eliminated all of the old Dayton Hudson brands and upsclaed those stores. The rebranding was not part of I hate Marshall Fie;d's and Chicago it was economy of scale. Other industries have been doing this for years, Railroads, Airlines, Banks, aerospace to name a few.
Corporations care only about the bottom line and short term profits to satisfy Wall Street investors.
Date: Friday, November 23, 2012 7:10 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Thanks to all who helped make leafleting a success today, Black Friday. We were out under the Great Marshall Field's Clock today for much of the time from 10:45 am through 1:45 pm and gave away hundreds of bookmark-style flyers.
Special thanks to Judy M. who passed out the flyers. She has the sweetest, most persuasive voice!
Everybody who we spoke with was adamant in their wish for Field's return...there were no naysayers. There were a lot of personal stories told--special "shout-out" to Norman. But perhaps the highlight was a family who knew nothing about our website or our efforts but came to protest Macy's being in Field's. They explained that they came down every Black Friday to shop the stores of State Street (except at Macy's) and they they walked through 111 N State Street. And, their protest signs were that they carried Marshall Field's shopping bags throughout. They did this every year since the switch. They simply are outraged that Macy's got rid of Marshall Field's and all of its culture.
Other comments focused on how the store windows were about Field's--but that they weren't nearly as good as they were under Field's. Furthermore, the comments tended towards how sad that they had to remind people of what was inside as Field's when the real thing was inside. The reactions simply supported the idea that 111 N State is way better in every day when run as Marshall Field's.
More than just Macy's, State Street in general was much more dead than previous Black Fridays. Perhaps there was less interest. Maybe having Macy's, Sears and Target open all night diffused the crowds over a longer time period. Regardless, there was plenty of empty space to walk on the sidewalks. Long-time followers will remember that the crush of Black Friday shoppers was so dense in some years past that it was impossible to move.
Date: Friday, November 23, 2012 6:25 pm CT
Posted by: s.b.
I went to downtown to see what was going on for the holidays. Saw the new Michigan Ave with the Burberry building and all (not sure what to think of it. I think they ruined a really nice old building... and the new one is too fancy). Anyway I wanted to go to State Street to see Field's but there was no point. There is no Field's! I didn't even bother.
Field's being gone is really endemic of greater American (and worldwide) culture in that EVERYWHERE is becoming the same. McD's on the Champs-…lysÈes? (I never eat at McD like I never shop at Macy's) Macy's on Michigan Ave? Target in Manhattan, etc. This is crazy! What is the use of going to other cities if ALL the stores, restaurants, experiences are the same? The only difference is the landscape and people. Seriously this is big problem. I love traveling but for food, restaurants, stores, it makes no sense.
Okay back to Field's. Let's get it back! We need something uniquely Chicago.
Date: Friday, November 23, 2012 6:02 pm CT
Posted by: Leslie
Thank you for the button today on State Street. We really want Marshall Field's to come back.
Date: Thursday, November 22, 2012 11:34 pm CT
Posted by: S.F.
When the papers came this morning, I immediately put my Macy's ads in the recycling bin. I never even look at those ads. And they are ugly!
Date: Thursday, November 22, 2012 11:49 am CT
Posted by: Reed H.
Caught the Macy's Thankgiving Parade this morning. Terry Lundgren looks like an mannequin. Carson's had commercials during Macy's TGD parade. Amazing!
They sure put a lot of money into the Herald Square flagship. Meanwhile, they can't fix the floors at State Street.
Date: Thursday, November 22, 2012 11:34 am CT
Posted by: Anna A.
Didn't want to watch Macy's Thanksgiving Parade so I turned on Chicago's parade. (Ironic that that the "Turkey Day" parade is sponsored by a hamburger company!)
It was sad to see the Chicago parade have to be set against a Macy's, effectively an ad to turn on the other parade. It's almost like a monopoly in some weird way.
Date: Thursday, November 22, 2012 7;00 am CT
Posted by: Shari
We just simply miss Marshall Field's!
No Macy's for us!
Date: Thursday, November 22, 2012 11:34 pm CT
Posted by: S.F.
When the papers came this morning, I immediately put my Macy's ads in the recycling bin. I never even look at those ads. And they are ugly!
Date: Thursday, November 22, 2012 11:49 am CT
Posted by: Reed H.
Caught the Macy's Thankgiving Parade this morning. Terry Lundgren looks like an mannequin. Carson's had commercials during Macy's TGD parade. Amazing!
They sure put a lot of money into the Herald Square flagship. Meanwhile, they can't fix the floors at State Street.
Date: Thursday, November 22, 2012 11:34 am CT
Posted by: Anna A.
Didn't want to watch Macy's Thanksgiving Parade so I turned on Chicago's parade. (Ironic that that the "Turkey Day" parade is sponsored by a hamburger company!)
It was sad to see the Chicago parade have to be set against a Macy's, effectively an ad to turn on the other parade. It's almost like a monopoly in some weird way.
Date: Thursday, November 22, 2012 7;00 am CT
Posted by: Shari
We just simply miss Marshall Field's!
No Macy's for us!
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 9:49 pm CT
Posted by: Richard leas
With everyone interested in Marshall Fields returning to State Street, my question is what is being done about this? Clearly everyone wants it, but how is this being communicated to the Macy's board, and how can we help in this cause. All this interest needs to be put to productive use. Marshall Fields must be returned to Chicago!
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 8:23 pm CT
Posted by: Norman Swensen T.
I'm reminded of back in the 1960s and early 1970s when even quality beaux arts buildings were torn down in the name of urban renewal and modernization
Those that survived are now cherished.
I think Macy's taking away Field's is in the same mindset. But give it a decade or so and it's coming back will be favored if not realized. Note: Even though it's been gone, Field's has never fallen out of favor with the public.
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 2:33 pm CT
Posted by: gle
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO FIELD'S FANS!
I AM THANKFUL FOR THIS MOVEMENT EVERYONE'S CONTINUED SUPPORT!<
Date: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 12:50 pm CT
Posted by: Joe O.
There are two very basic and related reasons New York's Macy's threw out the names Marshall Field & Company, Field's and Marshall Field's. First, that someone might have something less than 100% idolatry for all things Macy's and New York, that is a foreign and incomprehensible concept to a some types of New Yorkers. Macy's doesn't how to describe such a mindset of hubris; it is so ingrained. The other three hundred million Americans, however, would use words like provincial or snobbish, or possibly terms like over-compensating or inferiority-complex.
Second, The Stereotypical New Yorker can't handle being eclipsed by anything or anyone, in any way. Field's was more popular, better regarded, and was simply classier than Macy's. New Yorkers hated that. It bugged them. It bugged them a lot. For a century. One can imagine the collective sigh of relief at Macy's that unfortunate day, when they finessed the purchase of Field's. Something like, "Finally! Now we can kill it!"
When Macy's bought Field's and dropped the name, the press releases said it was to save on branding, distribution, product purchasing, etc. Seriously, that was the stated reason. A name that was (and is still) known all over the world, that was held in higher regard than its own name, that depicted the epitome of a memorable shopping experience, and a name that was infinitely more than just a "brand" was chucked in order to save a few million dollars. We were supposed to believe that. Call us hayseeds out here in the Middle West if you want, but really - who was the real rube?
Date: Monday, November 19, 2012 9:58 pm CT
Posted by: Drew
How's this for a quality, class department store? Shopping bags which include flyers offering "A $100 macy*s gift card when you sign up for DIRECTV!"
BELIEVE it! Customers in Pittsburgh area stores can have their choice of DIRECTV packages made so much better with a macy*mart gift card. Perhaps they will soon have a big main floor display featuring a dish, TV and DVR.
Date: Monday, November 19, 2012 3:51 pm CT
Posted by: Robert Mau
I wonder if anyone who comments here has any pull with Mayor Emanuel. I wish he'd get behind the effort to bring back Field's on State Street; maybe not publicly but bully Macy's...entice them with tax incentives, etc. Didn't he mention that shopping at Field's was one of his favorite memories as a kid??
Date: Sunday, November 18, 2012 3:23 pm CT
Posted by: Bernice
Attended the Festival of Lights Parade last night. It was an enjoyable event.
A conversation I got into with some people in the crowd was about the floats. The woman saw my Marshall Field's pin. She asked about it. I gave her mine since I have a couple.
We like to see the Marshall Field's windows, but we agreed that even a single float at the parade was better than the windows at Macy's State St.
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2012 12:57 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
R.K. You're right. I agree that Marshall Field's would have listened to the petition, based on what you have presented.
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2012 10:32 am CT
Posted by: Pete
Re: Mikea. The windows suck. They look like a sixth grader made them out of construction paper and then threw an Uncle Mistletoe doll in the window. And really, wouldn't people rather go inside and see the real Walnut Room and the real Tiffany Ceiling? Well I guess not because they don't want to go in Macy's so they want to remind them that they carpet bagged Field's. Pathetic!
And when did Frangos ever need to go sale at Field's for less than $8 a box? That's how desperate Macy's is.
Date: Friday, November 16, 2012 4:23 pm CT
Posted by: Mary Ellen S., Barrington, IL
We miss Field's. It's not the same. The windows brought us a warm feeling, but for Marshall Field's. They should understand that that store does best as Marshall Field's. So much for pleasing customers.
Date: Friday, November 16, 2012 7:20 am CT
Posted by: R.K.
Is Macy's for same sex marriage or against it? If I shop there, or, worse, if I worked there, I'd want to know. But Macy's actions don't say.
I have to take issue with Macy's and Donald Trump as a matter of character, or lack thereof. Macy's is courting the dollars of gay couples by having a same sex wedding registry. OK. But then it says it is further developing the Donald Trump brand. And Donald Trump has explicitly said that if he were president, he'd work against same-sex marriage. That was his presidential platform so that's part of his brand. If Donald Trump said he was working against interracial marriage, would Macy's dismiss the position as just being about Donald, not Macy's? My point is this: Macy's doesn't have much ethics one or another. They don't care what they stand for. They just care about making money. Regardless if you're gay or hate gays, all they want is your money. Just like when they hurt Chicago as a community in the name of easy profit, they have no sense of ethics. That's why I don't shop at Macy's. Even the Make A Wish letters to Santa is a "cause" only because it gives them tax free advertising. Macy's represents all that is wrong with corporate America, no integrity flip-flopping to make a buck. What next? Will they start selling Klu Klux Klan bed sheets because they sell well in some markets as part of their localization strategy? Given their precedence with Trump, it's conceivable. Another thing Macy's and Trump have in common is that they both went bankrupt and yet fools don't seem to mind that they are both so arrogant.
Field's used sell Trump clothes, but I think they would have listened to the petition and dropped The Donald. Macy's won't.
Date: Thursday, November 15, 2012 11:20 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
I was at State Street last week to look at the windows. This year Macy's has had the best windows they ever did in Chicago. It seems that this year they are going back to the traditions of the regional stores for Christmas. It was nice to see the animation and design just like Field's would have done the windowsa nd especially Uncle Mistletoe.
The inside decorations are nice, alot of trees, color and very festive throughout the store even trees in the furniture department. The Great tree is another issue. Once again a big disappointment. It seems ever since they got this new cone shaped tree it is bland and dull. Way to much green the lights are not even clear. If they want LED use multicolored lights to give the tree a festive appearance. I miss the old classic tree that Macy's used until 2009. Even last year the tree had some color with the flashing lights and the designer trees around the base. If Macy's really wanted to do a classic Christmas bring back the old tree and decorate it the way Field's would have.
The store seemed busy and they did have some good prcing for tthe One Day Sale, Frangos for 7.64 with a coupon.
Date: Thursday, November 15, 2012 7:35 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Print & Distribute Our NEW 2012 Holiday Season Bookmark Flyer.
Just a reminder of our new flyer updated for the 2012 holiday season, just like the ones we'll be passing out on State Street under the clock this holiday season.
View the flyer at:
http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/ffc111012leaflet.pdfView printing instructions at:http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/leaflets.htmlGet the word out about how and why Field's should come back!
Date: Thursday, November 15, 2012 9:15 am CT
Posted by: drew
The Christmas windows at the Downtown Pittsburgh Red Star will be unveiled soon:http://triblive.com/news/2951932-74/macy-windows-downtown-holiday-store-window-zwirn-pittsburgh-displays-celebrate#axzz2CIsKv4PTSome Pittsburgh images will be included this year, such as the iconic Kaufmann's clock which has graced the corner of Fifth and Smithfield for 100 years.
According to the article, these windows have been a long-time macy*s tradition. Really? Wouldn't it have been more historically accurate to say "macy*s is proud to continue Kaufmann's beloved holiday traditions"?
As with Marshall Field's, Red Star uses "revisionist history" to convince shoppers they have been part of the community for many decades. I find the large display pictures of their "Nooo Yawk" flagship store especially offensive; it's like an in-your-face insult that Red Star triumphantly conquered and totally destroyed your regional department store.
Date: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 2:40 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator
There ARE lights on the Christmas tree in the Walnut room after all. On November 3 (tree-lighting day) I posted I had gone in about 3 pm and noticed the tree was dark except for a few large plain white star decorations and several stars-made-of-lights at the foot of the tree. I thought this strange since the tree-lighting news coverage showed what looked like lights going on for the whole tree. I don't know what happened, but November 7 about Noon I noted the entire tree lit again.
The Walnut Room could have been half full, but the food court seemed to be where all the action was. General holiday decor throughout the store is green (fake) pine branches decked with plain red and silver balls and yellow lights. It is very simple and repetitive. The Believe sign still appears with variations such as be-entertaining, be-imaginative, etc. I don't believe, and that's about it.
Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 7:16 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda
Hi Field's Fans!
I, too, walked through the State Street store recently - red everywhere and music blaring and people carrying ugly plastic red star bags. They can invoke the name of Marshall Field's but this is nothing like Field's at Christmastime. It had elegance. It had tradition. It was special in a way that the m store never could be. So I too took a moment and wrote to Santa with a crayon that all I wanted for Christmas was my Marshall Field's back. Knowing Macy's, they probably don't even read these things, but sharing my gesture with you guys makes it seem worthwhile. Happy holidays to all of you, and keep that Marshall Field's spirit alive. We are all better off for having loved and known Field's.
Zelda
Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 7:15 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
No doubt you have heard about some controversey surrounding Macy's and it's selling Donald Trump-branded merchandise. Some have written as to whether Field's Fans should somehow be engaged.
Here's somethings to consider:
I do know when we deviate from our primary focus of restoring Marshall Field's back to State Street to focus on secondary, subordinate causes, then we're placed in the position of splintering our unity. Let's focus on our primary aim of bringing Field's back to State Street. That's not to say we can't learn something to further our cause by watching what happens with this other controversy.
- Marshall Field's sold the Donald Trump-line of clothing when the store was owned by May Department Stores and, I believe, even under Target. I don't know if Trump's agreement was renewed under Macy's or not.
- Regardless of whether you like Trump or not, our official, collective position is not to buy anything from Macy's so the Trump items fall under that umbrella already.
Jim
Date: Monday, November 12, 2012 9:48 pm CT
Posted by: Michael D. Schelter
Yes I deeply miss Fields like everyone else; bottom line---it was a true Chicago trademark and the gut feeling of coming home again.I agree the Walmart-CostCO-Target competition is more than a challenge for Macys, but do something about it Mr Macy!
You can own the place but stop flaunting it in the face of every
hard working Chicagoan ! Get rid of the hideous red stars and
Macys logo on every item; try going back to Fields GREEN bags
and highlite the place with TRADITIONAL Chicago items + culture.
Put back some of the Fields class that made shopping there a true experience. Fields had magic; it touched each customer's heart in a special way. Fields made you feel important by just being there.
It's simply putting the customer first ! Fields was Chicago and
Macys could do it too-----a Chicago Macys can never be a New York City style Macys.
Make Macys something the people of Chicago could be proud of.
Michael D. Schelter
Date: Monday, November 12, 2012 3:37 pm CT
Posted by: Rudy Lindich
Really miss Christmas at the old Field's . . . the windows, the Walnut Room . . . not the same with Macy's . . . leaves me with a hollow feeling, like losing a close friend. A tip of the hat to the old girl. Merry Christmas!
Date: Sunday, November 11, 2012 8:00 pm CT
Posted by: One of the regular organizers
In these heady days of presidential election politics, it's heartening to know that the cause to bring back Marshall Field's is very bi-partisan!
As such, I think the following experience would have been the same if Mitt Romney was from Chicago and had his election night rally here in Chicago. I'm not trying to push a political agenda, but I do want to show how much Chicago still wants its Marshall Field's.
That said, I was invited to and attended Barrack Obama's election night festivities at McCormick Place. Aside from a political button, I also wore a "Time To Bring Back Marshall Field's" button. I also had a bag of about two dozen of those Field's buttons with me. As I was standing in the crowd, waiting for the results about 7:30 pm, my Field's button was noticed. Suddenly everyone around me was asking about the button: where could get one? People starting talking about how much they preferred Field's and how Macy's wasn't nearly as good. I'd like to point out that the majority of these dozen or so people were in their early- to mid-20s, mostly female, and Latino and African-American--a priority target demographic for Macy's. I intended to pass out buttons, but I was surprised at ALL the positive comments about Field's as well as the degree of negativity towards Macy's. I mean, we have our cause, but Macy's tries to make you believe that people are getting used to Macy's if not loving it. But the reaction said that Chicago DEFINITELY wants it's Marshall Field's!
Date: Sunday, November 11, 2012 7:30 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Please Note:
The ability to post and submit items to this blog was unavailable from Monday evening, November 5 through Sunday evening, November 11. If you wanted to submit something but could not do so, please post now. If you wish to indicate that you intended the post to appear on a certain date between November 5 and 11, please indicated that in your post. Thank you for your patience and my apologies for any difficulty this may have caused.
Many thanks and best regards,
Jim McKay
Date: Monday, November 5, 2012 1:31 pm CT
Posted by: Melissa Reed
n response to Jim Mckay' s statement to the shouting on the "seven".. It is regarding the unfair wages that the Macy' s employees are currently receiving. Many of them have families and bills which is not supported by the wages that they made. We are fighting for the rights of Macy's along with other companies that pay people the bare minimum to live. We are overworked and underpaid! We are sick of it. It's time for a change. I speak for all the people downtown that can barely make ends meet. This is the first of many. Fight for 15!!!
Date: Sunday, November 4, 2012 4:13 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator
I checked out the State Street store circa 3 pm tree-lighting day November 3, and was rather shocked to see the traditional animated windows as shown in Jim's post and facebook link. They are a definite improvement over Macy's previous attempts. The store seemed to be trying to tidy up its holiday act. There was even holiday music playing when I entered the main floor. One window displayed a caption about "Chicago traditions so dear." I did notice Marshall Field's was not given credit for originating any traditions.
Fox 32 News, Ch 5, Ch9 and Ch 7 all showed a very brief flick of tree lights going on to cheers, with an unidentified man, woman and 2 kids in front. Ch 9 announced this year's theme is "you're a star." The unidentified man happened to be the celebrity guest. Ch 5 gave him a few seconds to sing, and added "Macy's celebrated its 105th tree lighting." Ch 7, however, actually claimed "The store says this year it is emphasizing the commitment of both Marshall Field's and Macy's." Figure that one out.
The TV news reports appeared to show an entire tree lighting up, but what I saw at the store was different. The tree was green with all silver and white glitzy decor, and NO strands of lights. The only lights were a few large plain white stars on the tree, and several large stars made up of lights standing at the foot of the tree. I found the tree bland and un-inspiring, and wonder if there were lights that burned out (like everything else that breaks). The down-escalator by the Walnut Room was not working, incidentally.
The Walnut Room was about half full. No eager holiday crowds stormed the store, only a few casual curious. The 7th floor did have extra holiday merchandise it was trying to push, and a Toys R Us Express. I located 3 copies of Gayle Soucek's beautiful Marshall Field's book on a table by the exit of the Walnut Room, but did not find it at any other book location in the store.
Sadly, I found no Nativity or religious scenes in the tree-trimming department, though Santa is still welcome. However, anyone who wants to see Santa has to walk through a cave-like labyrinth on the 5th floor (that I found absolutely claustrophobic). I cannot picture anyone being stuck in line there for any amount of time. Santa was out in the open in a bright glittery room the first time I visited him at Field's.
Since only one family was in front of me at the letters to Santa table, I located a green crayon and wrote another letter telling Santa a return of Marshall Field's to State Street would be the perfect Christmas present for our city.
That is the eye-witness report from State Street circa 3 pm Saturday November 3, 2012.
Date: Sunday, November 4, 2012 10:12 am CT
Posted by: Chris M.
Glad to see the a grudging acknowledgement of Marshall Field's. But Macy's needs to swallow their pride--for the customers--and give us back Marshall Field's.
Date: Saturday, November 3, 2012 11:59 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
I did a quick tour of the Water Tower store (inside around Noon) and State Street (outside only, around 12:45 pm) today.
PLEASE LOOK The photos (over 50 of them) are at the URL below; note that there are descriptions I've written for most. They appear either below or at the upper right corner.
Unlike what some predicted, the windows are new this year and promote the history of the State Street store's holiday traditions--but there's a subtle catch. "Marshall Field's" seem to be "bad words."http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.10151214928134347&type=1
At first I was pleasantly surprised and excited! After all, there was the Marshall Field's stuff there! And then I realized it was kinda of chintzy in terms of execution. And then I realized they were implying these were MACY'S traditions and it was MACY'S HISTORY! Humpf!
There are windows--geared towards kids--dedicated to the Walnut Room, the Tiffany Dome, "the State Street clock," Santa--even Uncle Mistletoe and Ollie from "Kukla, Fran and Ollie!" One thing: it seems to me that they want to convince you that this is all about MACY'S not Marshall Field's! Except for the Marshall Field's plaque in one scene, it seems you really shouldn't say "Marshall Field's." That would be BAD! One might argue it's a subtle sort of brainwashing thing or revisionist history. They also have a window dedicated to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and "Miracle on 34th Street" and the whole new "Believe" letter writing benefit and TV Special. Even though there weren't a lot of people, there were some and I kept hearing that they missed Marshall Field's and similar remarks.
Water Tower (which I visited first around Noon to 12:30 pm) seemed packed although the State Street store had some traffic. Water Tower is done up in what seemed like 90% Macy's red as well as black and gold. I even overheard some customers on the escalators remark with sarcasm about all the red, and especially the black Christmas decorations, although they said nothing about whether they miss Field's. One line they said: "I guess black is the new Christmas color of hope! Who knew!" The reality was, IMHO, that there weren't a lot of black decorations--it just seemed that way because two or three prominent scenes of black Christmas snowflakes and globe shaped ornaments grab your attention.
So look at the photo album (see link above) and I want to hear what you think.
=====
Regarding jeff s.'s story about the shouting or protest or something on "seven" at the tree unveiling I wonder if any one can tell us what it was all about. Maybe it was some performance as part of the unveiling. Or maybe another protest. Through the years, I've seen the fur people protest (every Black Friday) as well as in 2007 when some union was striking. Heck, I know of a group of ladies who don't boycott the store but insist on bringing Marshall Field's bags and telling the clerks that they are at Marshall Field's. We're not the only group protesting, you know? And heck, I might even personally support Macy's on an issue--I know I did on a non-Field's related issue at a shareholders meeting three or four years ago. So if you know what the controversy or incident was about, assuming there was any, let us know--post here or send me a private email.
We'll have new holiday leaflets in the coming week.
Best wishes,
Jim
Date: Saturday, November 3, 2012 10:05 pm CT
Posted by: tommy
I was watching WGN America and on the 9 o'clock news they showed the opening day of christmas at the State Street Store. On the trumpets on State Street it looks as if they have taken the Macy's name off. Every year since Macy's degraded this store, they have had Macy's name on the trumpets, some years having a red clock and some years having a red star, but I did notice they took Macy's name off. I wonder what the reasoning was to do this?
Response from Jim McKay:
Macy's name is only on one side of the trumpets. They appear on the north-facing side for the north half of the block and similarly for the south. See http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151094777495872&set=oa.10151214928134347&type=1&permPage=1.
Date: Saturday, November 3, 2012 6:40 pm CT
Posted by: jeff s.
Was at our old Marshall Field's today for the tree lighting. I've noticed that since they've been using the "cone type" tree, it typically looks like the "tree from Tron". The only thing that really changes is the foundation. Last year it was smaller, colorful trees. This year it is giant white light-up stars.Also, does anyone know what was said before the tree was lit? It sounded like there was a group on "7" shouting something as a protest. I noticed before the tree lighting there was an overwhelming presence of security that I had not noticed on previous occassions.
I do have to say, the windows this year are much, much nicer over the last 2 years; they had gotten pretty bad. It did my heart good to see an animated Uncle Mistletoe in one of the windows!
Date: Saturday, November 3, 2012 3:16 pm CT
Posted by: j.
Still won't shop there. Overpriced junk! Bring back Marshall Field's and the quality merchandise.
Date: Saturday, November 3, 2012 9:31 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Given the last few posts, one wonders what the point would be of going to the Walnut Room any more. It was a splendor within splendors. A be-tinseled ghost-within-dump on death row is not much of an enticement. We probably are not far from seeing choice walnut thrown into the dumpster, although that would not be worth the effort.... waitaminit--spite is what this is about so of course, into the dumpster in splinters is perfect.
Yes, Macy's, you have finally succeeded in leaving yourself standing un-challenged by Marshall Field's. Even the memory has been managed so as to be very gradually replaced with Macyness. What a splendid accomplishment to savor: while everyone watches, you play dirty to achieve...what? The legacy for which you will be remembered is the willful destruction of a national treasure at a slow torture pace. In so doing, even the long-respected Macy's tradition has been dishonored. And-- see what a fine, loyal clientele you have built up! Noblesse oblige gets short shrift in your myopic culture, for sure.
Date: Friday, November 2, 2012 9:52 am CT
Posted by: Marla Jacobson
Does anyone know the name of the man who designed the Marshall Fields script logo? thanks
Date: Thursday, November 1, 2012 11:01 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
FOX 32 WFLD (as in W Field) had a story on Christmas earlier tonight. They showed that Macy's will have new Christmas windows this year. Anything's gotta be better than last year. I think this is the earliest they've ever unveiled the tree in the Walnut room.
Date: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 10:14 am CT
Posted by: Richard leas
I was in Macy's State Street this weekend and what a depressing dump! Elevator banks shuts down, windows covered up, shops and boutiques in the 28 Shop were empty and had black screens in front of them, cracks in the marble floors and a total state of disrepair. This Fields location was a friend of ours for decades and now it is time for us to return the favor! It should be no suprise that Macy's does not need two downtown Chicago locations, and certainly not one as large as State Street...and I would bet that closing State Street would be on a to-do list shortly. Are they letting this building get beat up on purpose.? If this location is NEVER again going to be turned over to Marshall Fields, we must protect the beauty of it! This magnificent building must be turned over to the people and the spirit of the City of Chicago! I would suggest a boutique hotel, a restaurant row with a restored Walnut Room, a Jazz and cultural venue, offices, Broadway Theater space, creative retail shops on the ground floor, all with the name Marshall Fields. This building is the size of a small city. Macy's is the bottom of the ladder, and makes everything positive going on downtown look cheap.
Macy's is not a good caretaker of our friend and the people of Chicago deserve more. We must take this call to action to the Macy's Inc board before it is too late.
Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:32 pm CT
Posted by: Paul Mahoney, Boston
Field's was a great store to visit and we did every time we came to Chicago. We're still aghast at how Macy's bought BOTH Jordan Marsh AND Filene's and THEN decimated Filene's.
This got me wondering after seeing your new Field's for the century page. Since Field's flagship has been rebuilt before because of fire or just general improvement, why not a new Field's flagship built from the ground up for the 21st Century????? Clearly Macy's doesn't value Field's. They should donate it to someone who would build a new emporium for Chicago.
Think about it. It makes sense!
Date: Monday, October 29, 2012 10:23 pm CT
Posted by: Mary A.
They had a separate circular for City Target this weekend in papers across the city. I live near Park Ridge and I received the ad for the store. There's only one City Target--that's in the former Carson's on State.
The same paper also had a separate Target circular. The City Target circular was just a subset of the regular Target circular. Maybe City Target isn't doing so well. Not surprising. Why go all the way to the State Street for Target?
Date: Monday, October 29, 2012 6:23 am CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan
Was in St. Louis over the weekend. Walked through -- but will never buy at -- a suburban Macy's. They had a shelving unit about 5' tall by 18" square with maybe 3-4 dozen boxes of Frangos. Full price for a one-pound box of Frangos is up to $24.00. (!!!) With sales and coupons, they could be purchased for about $13-$14. Rarely necessary to put Frangos on sale when it was Field's. With the price inflated and then the coupons to bring it down, you gotta wonder about other Macy's prices, numbers, etc.
The Macy's wasn't awful, just generic. Field's was special and unique.
Date: Sunday, October 28, 2012 8:39 am CT
Posted by: Judy P.M.
I was recently at a benefit attended by people in the fashion and beauty industries and Marshall Field's came up! NO ONE liked Macy's! Everyone was talking about how they long for the good old days of Marshall Field's. Obviously, I told them about this group - I think we'll see some new members!
Date: Saturday, October 27, 2012 11:55 pm CT
Posted by: Marshall Field's Forever
After reading Philip Eichler's post, I can only worry that next Macy's will sell "Boo Boo by Honey Boo Boo" clothing for brats. Sure, you say that's too dumb to happen, but Macy's was dumb enough to get rid of Marshall Field's, too!
Date: Saturday, October 27, 2012 9:15 pm CT
Posted by: Drew
Holiday decorations have begun to appear at Pittsburgh area macy*mart stores. Posters with the "Believe" theme are displayed in various locations, and the three red boxes tied with red ribbon are situated atop display cases. Red balls in several sizes hang from the ceiling.
No doubt the Santa mailboxes will soon be dusted off and placed back into service. How "exciting" that macy*mart has reused the same decorations for like the past five years.
Perhaps it's a safe bet the holiday windows at their "flagship" stores will be the same as in years past...unless they decide to "downsize" and make them even more nondescript and forgettable.
Date: Saturday, October 27, 2012 3:17 pm CT
Posted by: Philip Eichler
A week or so ago, Macy's had a press release that touted all their new brands and in the same release, reinforced their commitment to be the store of choice for Millennials. Of the dozen or more anticipated "brands" is a line of women's footwear by Madonna called the "Truth or Dare" collection. I kid you not, that will really get Millennials flocking into the nearest Macy's. Boy, did the pundits on Retailwire have fun with that one.I don't know if many know this, but two of Field's original house brands were so strong, they are still around as brands: Fieldcrest and Karastan. Fieldcrest is at Target, I believe. Field's also built their own model company town to produce Fieldcrest. I don't recall if it was in Georgia or one of the Carolinas, but I do remember it was the first town it it's county to have electricity and other modern utilities.
Date: Friday, October 26, 2012 2:55 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
In followup to i_miss_the_regional_nameplates and Steve R's posts: the thing is that Marshall Field's was a store name and brand known world wide. Field's was at least as well known as Bloomingdale's, if not more. Moreover, I used to shop at Famous Barr and I know plenty of people in the St Louis area who accept Famous becoming Macy's but don't like that Field's became Macy's. Moreover, I also know more than a few people who would have just some nostalgia but otherwise be OK if Carson's ever became Macy's. But Marshall Field's was much more than just a regional.
Regarding the Toys R Us Shops. They are intended as a conveniece that carried only Toys R Us' best selling items. It's meant to saved stops for shoppers and also play on nostalgia for the department store which used to have full-fledged toy departments. Keep in mind, as indicated, and as was the case when FAO was in Macy's and Carson's, these shops are a little bigger than the Hallmark department in a typical Walgreen's. They're not full-fledged toy stores or departments. That's intentional.
Sci Fi write Dennis Higgins has a new book out, "Katya and Cyrus." Set in the future, the book features Marshall Field's in several scenes--Field's comes back in this book! How about that? I don't think you would see such appreciations if Macy's went away.
Date: Thursday, October 25, 2012 8:43 pm CT
Posted by: Steve R.
Big companies like Macy's are destroying the diversity and individuality of smaller regional department stores. We have experienced much the same here in Ohio, where Macy's has taken over our own hometown favorite, Lazarus. They have done this all over the country, I. Magnin in California, Kaufman's in Pennsylvania and many others. It was quite the shock to here that they had done the same to Marshall Field's, a store and a brand known around the world. The least that they could have done is keep the brand, like they did with Bloomingdale's. I would think that it would be in Macy's better interest.
Date: Thursday, October 25, 2012 7:19 pm CT
Posted by: i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
Hi again,
Nice to hear that Strategic Marks will have another chance at fighting macy*mart for the rights to some of the old names (Filene's, The Bon, etc.) If successful, this could be another nail in the coffin for this terrible homogenization! Here's hoping macy*mart will be like what happened to the Bell System a long time ago -- broken up into their old regional names and sold off!
i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
P.S. On October 26, 2012 at Wikipedia, guess what the featured picture of the day is? That's right, a State Street landmark! It's a picture of the world-famous Chicago Theatre! Wikipedia still sees value in State Street! Hopefully this value will skyrocket when the true, original Marshall Field's returns!
Date: Thursday, October 25, 2012 2:24 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator
I took a peek at Toys R Us at the State Street store Wednesday circa 2:00 P.M.
For all the media fuss, there is no sign indicating where Toys R Us is located within the store. You just notice several shelves of toys when you get off the 5th floor elevator like there has been anyway. No clerk was present at the register, where a customer nervously paced waiting for someone to show up. The display and selection does not seem much different from that at Target down the street--just several rows of shelves with toys in boxes. I remember from Field's endless displays for a child could look at, and even touch, and this fantastic train set which appeared large enough to fit a whole living room. My impression of Toys R Us is a bunch of toys in boxes on shelves, rather like the library.
Also, the store is putting up the Christmas decorations. You can even watch while they do it, but look out for the ladders. The whole store shows half-finished pine branches and ornaments.
The windows are at the usual "pardon our appearance mode." That's about it. And the Walnut Room did not have a crowd.
Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 8:23 pm CT
Posted by: Steve T.
I won't name the details of where and what store, but I will say that I walk through a Macy's most every day simply to get where I'm going.
I see the same carpet stains, damaged tiles, broke handles, etc. day after day, week after week. It's like they are owned by a government body that has to wait for the new fiscal year for there to be money to make repairs.
Date: Monday, October 22, 2012 9:09 pm CT
Posted by: Karen T.
Macy's may not be as good Field's. That I agree. But I do like the sales and sometimes the merchandise is just as good as what I get at Kohl's, Penneys or Sears, but at a discount that can be more. Maybe if they had opened Macy's in old Sears or entirely new locations, they'd be better loved by Chicago.
Date: Sunday, October 21, 2012 11:13 am CT
Posted by: Pat B.V.
Of course I don't shop at Macy's, but I've noticed that their coupons in ads are getting more and more limited.
I guess all sorts of stores need coupons these days, but Field's was a placed you came to shop not just because there was a coupon, but because it was an experience. Macy's on State doesn't compare to Field's.
Date: Friday, October 19, 2012 2:24 pm CT
Posted by: Mary Sandoval, Addison
Our family missed Marshall Field's. Macy's is not as good. I hope somehow it comes back. MAcy's is just BLAH!
Date: Thursday, October 18, 2012 6:18 pm CT
Posted by: Marc Jenkins
I recently ate in the Walnut Room and one of the managers stopped by to see how our meal was. It was interesting to find out from her that the original Marshall Field's restaurant division is still intact and they are operating all restaurants across Macy's stores nationwide now. I'm glad to hear at least Macy's has had the smarts to keep this group from Field's going. Maybe they could rename the Walnut Room "Field's Walnut Room"...????
Date: Thursday, October 18, 2012 1:16 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectato
So Macy's is getting a Toys R Us just in time for Christmas! Big deal. I wonder if they feel threatened by Target, which always seems crowded when I pass through. I no longer have kids to shop for, but would like to give them a better experience (not to mention my childhood memories of a day at Field's) if I still had kids left to spoil.
Date: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 7:01 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
The November 2012 issue of Chicago Magazine has a full page ad for the "Great Tree lighting" on page 33. Really early this year...November 3rd, three days after Halloween!!!!!! The art work for the ad is the same as last year so I wonder if the tree will be the same as last year's. Another Macy's ad in the magazine shows that they are using the same Believe campaign, probably with the same or similar bags. And Aflac is back as premier tree sponsor.
Nothing says Christmas like having Chris Mann of NBC's "The Voice" light the tree. Maybe my sarcasm is misplaced. Does he ever and will sing something Christmassy? And nothing says Christmas like the Aflac duck plushy. They had a ton left over last year after Christmas when I passed through but did not shop at some Macy's stores.
Earlier this week I saw they were adding Pepperidge Farm goldfish to the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC...excuse me, aren't we supposed to call it the "Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade?" How about Lundgren offering words of Thanksgiving? Or is it supposed to be one big parade of commercials and product placement.
Whatever. Remember when Daley and Lundgren would light the tree? Doesn't look like Rahm and Lundgren will be doing that this year, again. Who knows? Did or will those two show up for the Macy's Chicago fashion show? Who knows? I hope it's a good sign of a chilly relationship between those two.
Date: Monday, October 15, 2012 9:02 pm CT
Posted by: Evelyn
Miss Field's out here in Elgin. Spring Hill's Macy's is especially lame even when compared with the Carsons here. I don't shop Macy's. Bring Back Field's!
Date: Monday, October 15, 2012 11:05 am CT
Posted by: A Supporter of the cause.
Some of you remember that a company called Strategic Brands was wrangling over store names that appear to have been abandoned by Macy's--Filene's, Jordan Marsh, Bullocks and a few more. That case has been pushed back to next April 26, 2013. I bet Macy's will try to delay it farther back so the opinion comes after the May stock holders meeting.
Date: Sunday, October 14, 2012 11:09 am CT
Posted by: B.H.
I read the report on this site. I have a girlfriend of mine who manages a State Street clothing store. Without mentioning Field's at all, I asked if she could name any store name that is more associated with Chicago worldwide. All she could say was Marshall Field's. Nothing else came close.
Date: Saturday, October 13, 2012 12:27 pm CT
Posted by: Adam Berlinger
Every year for my birthday mom would get me this chocolate "double fudge" (I think) cake. The outside was this hard like frosting shell with this layer of the sweetest fudge in the middle. WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE?!!! I would appreciate anyone's help. Thank you!
Date: Friday, October 12, 2012 12:27 pm CT
Posted by: Mikea
It is sad to see Toys R Us coming to Macy's nothing special etc, except maybe they will carry some of the FAO merchandise in the stores. I too rmember as a small child Candy Cane Lane and the great Toyland that State Street had. However those days have been gone for about 30 years. Field's closed that and many other departments cbecasue they could not compete with the large discount and toy and specialty stores popping up. Sad when I talk to younger people at work, most do not go to department stores except to look and then go and buy online to save the sales tax and lower price.
Shopping has changed and will continue to change, I for one am not happy with online shopping, it hardly ever works for me, most items have to be returned.
Macy's and all retailers have to keep updating and reinventing themselves to survive. The old way of and old department stores of the past cannot survive today.
Date: Friday, October 12, 2012 12:07 pm CT
Posted by: s.b.
business never made business sense to me. it is all about super-short-term profits. here we are in year seven and no one thinks for a second that resurrecting Field's may be the way to go? corporate america is a horrendous place. i know i worked in it for many years. never again.
Date: Friday, October 12, 2012 7:12 am CT
Posted by: SusanNY
Gayle- I hope and pray for that corporate savior too- but if M won't sell, a dozen interested buyers could appear, to no avail. And I would be REAL surprised if they sold, because their last wish is to see a thriving Field's. That is abundantly clear. I, too, like to think they are being stupid (why just pick on Lundgren?-- the board upholds him so they are in it together) but stupidity can't keep all those stores afloat (if barely). It's calculated meanness which is self-defeating in the end-- stupid, actually.
They want no threat to their pretensions in NYC. They are being nice to Wanamaker's, last I heard, presumably because it could be an appealing but clearly secondary nearby branch. That makes great sense for the day they must sell off all the rest including 111 State. And I would not be surprised if Field's was the last one to be offered up.
Filling Field's up with banal bits and having it available 24/7 at Christmas (so what) sounds more like desperation than prosperity.
Date: Thursday, October 11, 2012 8:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Today's Sun-Times print edition and online have a short story about Toys R Us shops being set up in some Macy's, including locally at State Street, Woodfield and Oak Brook.Toys R Us Comes to 3 Local Macy'sPlease comment if you like; to do so on-line, you must have access to Sun-Times digital access (everyone gets to view ten stories a month) and a login.
http://www.suntimes.com/business/15673668-420/toys-r-us-comes-to-3-local-macys.htmlThe story points out that the shop is about 1,500 square feet--about one-and-a-half times the size of the Hallmark shop in a typical Walgreen's.
Aside from what Gayle pointed out about the downmarket nature of Toys R Us, what is also interesting is that Toys R Us is the owner of FAO Schwarz. FAO used to run shops in Macy's including on State Street before they were bought out by Toys R Us; before Macy's, they ran an FAO shop in Carson's. But what is most interesting Toys R Us still runs a single FAO flagship in NYC: that's an precedence we point to in our "21st Century Field's" report.
Date: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 8:23 pm CT
Posted by: gayle
I saw a blurb in the news today that Macy's is teaming up with Toys R Us this Christmas, and will open leasehold toy departments in many of their stores. Seriously? I mean nothing against Toys R Us, but could they possibly come up with a blander, more homogenous partnership? Are tourists going to race into Macy's because they can't find a Toys R Us in their own neighborhood? When I think of Field's legendary Candy Cane Lane, and compare it with this Lame Street, Anywhere, USA, it makes me sad. We really have fallen to the lowest common denominator, haven't we? Nothing unique, nothing exciting. In the early days of the takeover, some of us used to joke that the Walnut Room would soon be a McDonald's. I don't find that joke funny anymore--it's WAY too close to being a possibility.
Where is a corporate saviour who will buy the brand a create a Field's for the 21st Century? Something that will make shopping fun again? Macy's could do it, but not with a corporate mentality that encourages banality and uniformity....
gayle
Date: Tuesday, October 9, 2012 5:34 pm CT
Posted by: Sandra S.
Today is the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire.
Marshall Field's came back from this and another fire. But while it did that, it also helped our city come back.
It's been decades since the Field's owned any part of the famous department store, but as part of history, we fight for the store to come back!
Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012 8:26 pm CT
Posted by: Mikea
I guess the State Stret store must be doing well for Macy's since I heard froma insider that it will be a 24 hour store near Christmas.
Date: Sunday, October 7, 2012 12:34 pm CT
Posted by: PJ Jackson
It's been seven years since we lost our beloved Marshall Fields. Every holiday season, I become sad and very nostalgic that the legacy of Marshall Fields has been strangely overshadowed by Macys.
Future generations will never know and get the chance to experience the history and class of Marshall Fields.
Marshall Fields will always have a special place in my heart!
Happy Holidays 2012
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012 6:28 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Sorry to keep harping on it but all the good merchandising ideas in the world are of no consequence to Macy's when it comes to Field's, the arch enemy. Anyone glancing through an art history book will see ample illustration of the pharaoh (king, emperor) with a foot on the enemy's neck. That's what is going on with 111, whose sad escalators are grinding along (if at all) while in NYC certain others are being tenderly shepherded.
I love Appleness but I would much prefer to see those turn of the century counters back on the first floor. In fact, Apple stores, as far as I am concerned, draw strength from the kind of sensibility represented by that kind of Field's: dignity, order, grace, quality, attentiveness. They have a lot in common even a century apart. And M can't bear that. The dog-in-the-manger hanging on to a neglected icon is beyond biz, it is a vendetta. A stupid one as we all can see, but there you have it.
Moreover, they so-don't-get-it that they are turning their own hallowed nest into trendyspace, apparently. Dim vision and blinkers can get you only so far. Imagine how they would fix up Field's! Just as well they are letting it fall apart-- it will be easier to restore in the Great Bye and Bye.
Date: Friday, October 5, 2012 11:37 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston
To all Marshall Field's lovers:
Watch the first episode of "Revolution" on Hulu. When it shows Chicago 15 years after the collapse of the world as we know it, it shows State Street. And, guess what? You can see Fields and it has GREEN AWNINGS. Perhaps those in production also miss Fields and gave her a tribute?
Date: Friday, October 5, 2012 5:34 pm CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago.org
Electopickle, producer of that great Marshall Field's memories video with over 102,000 views now has a new video out capturing points from our 2012 rally on State Street. Be sure to check it out--and be sure to tell a friend, too!
Bring Back Marshall Field's!SPECIAL THANKS TO ELECTROPICKLE!
http://youtu.be/AXp-8BXxJN8
Date: Friday, October 5, 2012 12:03 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
In response to Richard Leas' post, Mayor Emanuel is very much a champion of getting companies, teams, and other institutions to move back to Chicago and the like. Myself and others have attended more than a few presentations by the Mayor to get ideas in our quest to restore Marshall Field's. As you know, we've been promoting the forward-looking vantages of our cause with the concept, "A 21st-century Marshall Field's for a 21st-century Chicago." Since we started that, we've been very pleased to hear Mayor Emanuel own goal of making Chicago "one of the top 50 international cities of the 21st Century." So we think our goal is very consistent with the Mayor's vision.
That said, be it Mayor Emanuel--or any politician or celeb (think Oprah, Michael Jordan, etc.) aren't likely to come out publicly unless they can first get their ducks in a row and a deal is made. Just my two cents.
More later...and thank you.
Date: Friday, October 5, 2012 9:41 am CT
Posted by: Richard Leas
Might I suggest you get the mayor involved, he is such a great City of Chicago fan and is doing an amazing job of getting business, sports teams, etc to move back to the city. I bet he would be very interested in getting Marshall Fields back downtown. Maybe a tax tie-in of some sort. This cause needs some muscle against Macy's Inc...who on the board is on the side of Chicago?
Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2012 7:12 pm CT
Posted by: Eric B.
Chicago Loop Alliance, which succeeded the State Street Council several years ago, publishes an online blog. Go to:http://www.chicagoloopalliance.com/blog/2012/9/18/CLA_Blog/Then__Now_Photographic_Comparisons/ar/37/There's some really good material here, but scroll down to almost the bottom of that page and click on the thumbnail image of Marshall Field's clock. Note that the accompanying caption reads, "The Great Clock at the Marshall Field Building." Thank goodness, they didn't call it "The Great Clock at Macy's."
Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2012 7:12 pm CT
Posted by: State Street Watcher
I've noticed that they have re-done the store window displays on State Street. They show current 28 Shop offerings with giant black-and-white images of Marshall Field's 28 Shop of the 20th Century as the backdrop.
The message is clear. Maybe Macy's has some new stuff, but the reason people come to State Street is for Marshall Field's, not Macy's.
Date: Monday, October 1, 2012 9:28 am CT
Posted by: Mikea
was at State sTREET AGAIN LAST WEEK AND SAW THAT mACY'S IS ONCE AGAIN CHANGING THE STORE AROUND. nOW THEY DOUBLED THE SIZE OF MENS SHOES AND ONCE AGAIN MOVED AROUND DEPARTMENTS. Also Oakbrook is getting renovated once again all departments are getting renovations except mens. I am wondering if they are thinking of moving mens out of the main store as they do in San Fran stores.
I was in San Fran last week nad yes the Macy's mens store was enlarged now to 6 levels and completely renovated. It seems that the San Fran Macy's is more like Field's than the Chicago State Street sore is.
Date: Sunday, September 30, 2012 9:28 am CT
Posted by: Richard leas
Now more then ever, bring back Marshall Fields to State Street! Keep the pressure on until the goal is finished .
Date: Saturday, September 29, 2012 8:07 am CT
Posted by: JoEllen B.
I have very fond memories of shopping at Marshall Field's!
Date: Friday, September 28, 2012 9:12 am CT
Posted by: Danielle M.
I worked at the State Street store back in the late 90's.
I was seasonal for the Christmas department.
I would bring my daughter to see the window display and see the department I worked in.
As a true lover of Marshall fields, to this day, I haven't shopped at Crazy's, I mean Macy..lol! It's like cheating on Marshall Fields; sorry, can't do it!
A TRUE Marshal Fields aficionado takes more than a couple of sentences to explain the love they have for a true Chicago staple!
Date: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 9:12 am CT
Posted by: P.D.
You have to wonder what Dorothy Fuller, founder of Chicago's Apparel Industry Board would have thought of the Macyization of Marshall Field's. Her assistant at Marshall Field's was a young Yves Saint Laurent. Lagerfield sought her out when he first came to Chicago. She was a huge advocate for Chicago fashion and Marshall Field's.http://www.suntimes.com/news/obituaries/15299609-418/dorothy-fuller-put-the-chic-in-chicago.html
Date: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 6:37 am CT
Posted by: T.G.
We miss Field's!
Date: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 3:33 pm CT
Posted by: Drew
If Bergdorf Goodman can successfully operate in only one location, why can't Marshall Field's:http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/life/fashion/bergdorf-goodman-marks-111-years-in-the-luxury-trade-654772/BG is a destination and is evidently a profitable enterprise. Although BG is owned by a large retail corporation, the management saw the tremendous value in keeping Bergdorf Goodman on the marquee instead of trying to save a few cents on shopping bags!
Date: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 2:41 pm CT
Posted by: Mike Russell
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/9562846/From-Selfridges-to-John-Lewis-weve-a-treat-in-store.html
Here is a link to a London Telegraph article on two series about department stores that are going to be broadcast in Britain.
Date: Monday, September 24, 2012 7:21 pm CT
Posted by: i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
You know, I was just thinking exactly the same thing s.b. explained: sell 111 N. State Street, the Marshall Field trademark, and all things Field's (Frangos and all) to another retailer. Two possible scenarios:
1. We all know that Neiman Marcus owns New York's famed Bergdorf Goodman, right? Perhaps Neiman's could also buy Field's in Chicago and either buy J.W. Robinson's, Bullocks, or (re-acquire, thanks to the late Carter Hawley Hale) The Broadway in Los Angeles. NM could show that they are more than just the store with the world's greatest Christmas catalog by operating three historic merchants in America's three largest cities alongside their 30-40 or so locations. If anti-trust prevents this, however...
2. I despise bringing up "el cheapo" nameplates here at FFC, but maybe Wisconsin's Kohl's might want to bring Field's back? History CAN repeat itself here: when Dayton-Hudson (also parent of Target and the late Mervyn's) owned Marshall Field's, they did a great job running the great Chicago store (except for that one time they DID NOT have the green bags everyone adored). This could be the ultimate Midwest retail power team! Sears, too; if they could bring Field's back as a destination store, it may vastly help the mother company, too!
Look, I don't care what Wall Street or even mikea says about macy*mart trying to strut its way to profitability as an 800-store chain, I just want to see Field's back!
i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
Date: Monday, September 24, 2012 12:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
Story about the major remodeling at Macy's flagship, on 34th Street on NYC's Herald Sqaure; comments about Marshall Field's included afterwards.A Makeover on 34th St., but Not All Believe in It
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/13/macys-is-losing-its-marble-annoying-a-preservationist/?comments#permid=9
Date: Sunday, September 23, 2012 7:04 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
Someone asked me about the value of the tradenames and where those numbers were from.
The numbers for Marshall Field's and other MayCo names were from May Department Stores' 2004 annual report issued in early 2005. Macy's/Blooomingdale's numbers came from Federated's 2004 and 2005 annual reports issued around the same time for 2004.
- Marshall Field's tradenames were listed as $419 M.
- Federated's tradenames were listed as $377 M.
- Other Mayco names including Famous-Barr, Foleys, Hecht's, Filene's, etc. AND Lord & Taylor were listed as about $165 M.
Date: Friday, September 21, 2012 11:10 am CT
Posted by: Field's Fan
Apple Store in Paris: Clearly traces its roots to the precedence of State Street.http://cdn.macrumors.com/article-new/2012/09/apple_store_paris_opera.jpg
Date: Wednesday, September 19, 2012 6:24 pm CT
Posted by: chitown fielder
Jan Rodgers, former SVP of May dept. stores refers to Target as being cool, hip and up to date. That cool came from Marshall Field's and their buyers made Target a trendy national retailer. Field's was always ahead of the times and the brand remains too powerful to leave sitting around. Macy's is clueless of the untapped potential that lies in Field's brands and reputation.
http://marketday.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/10/13785906-jc-penney-making-free-haircuts-for-kids-promotion-permanent#comments
Date: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 6:24 pm CT
Posted by: s.b.
Perhaps there is a way to help Terry L. avoid embarassement and just have him sell the land, store, and trademark to Harrod's, Neiman Marcus, or anyone else who could bring it back as Marshall Field's a stand-alone destination store. I just don't think a super egotistical man like Lundgren is going to admit any mistake. He reminds me a lot of Donald Trump. Classless and egotistical.
Date: Monday, September 17, 2012 10:42 pm CT
Posted by: Alan
@ "private," what's interesting about JC Penney is that they hired the former head of Apple's retail operations, Ron Johnson, to be their CEO. He built up Apple stores into the highest revenue by square footage (they outpace even Tiffany on 5th Avenue), but unfortunately it didn't transfer well to JC Penney. I think Johnson would have been better suited to Nordstrom or even Macy's if they intended to restore Marshall Field's and some of their other regional nameplates.
Date: Monday, September 17, 2012 10:35 pm CT
Posted by: Alan
@HS, Macy's relative neglect of Frango is doubly perplexing given how heavily they promote private label brands. They have full ownership of a distinctive mint that is popular not only in Chicago and surrounding states, but also the Pacific Northwest (albeit a slightly different formula). Management is held in fairly high regard as they have managed to weather the recession and slow recovery better than their peers, but I'm not sure whether they are particularly well suited to actually expand their appeal. If they were, they probably wouldn't have neglected the brand so much.
Date: Monday, September 17, 2012 6:30 pm CT
Posted by: N.H. in Georgia
Marshall Field's means home to me!
Date: Sunday, September 16, 2012 8:34 pm CT
Posted by: Bill Roe
My great uncle worked for Marshall Field's as a Salesperson, before he died in 1949. Anyone know of how to locate old employee records with all the takeovers since then. His name was George Ralph Roe.
Date: Saturday, September 15, 2012 6:01 pm CT
Posted by: Mark Weiser Russell
We were in Oakbrook, Illinois over Labor Day, and did we miss Marshall Field's! Macy's might try its best to make the Oak Brook store somethiong special, but it misses the mark. Broken tile, filthy restrooms, a shrinking gourmet foods section do not make the store attractive. The merchandise on display was uninspring. Luckily, I was able to buy some Frango Mints in teh vintage Marshall Field and Company box.
I continue to be impressed by this grass roots effort to resurrect my favorite department store.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Mark Russell
Lexington, Kentucky
Date: Friday, September 14, 2012 8:34 pm CT
Posted by: Ronald
When I walk down State Street and see the black awnings and Macy's name on it make me sad but I walk down Randolph and see the green awnings on the L station that Marshall Fields Dept. Store in 1957 fund that make me happy and I maybe in few years Marshall Field Green will back on State Street.
Date: Friday, September 14, 2012 12:13 pm CT
Posted by: MIkea
To I miss the regional namepaltes
Yes the regional stores were part of every town and cities history. However there were so many stores in the late 1800's and early 20th century like every town had their own bank, grocery and drug store.
The problem is CHANGE times change. If it were profitable for local merchants to compete and make money and the regional stores would still be around.
Consumers as a whole want low prices. The Walmarting and Targeting of America has ruined local merchants. The department stores as regional department stores were inefeective in competing with the national stores ie Target, Kohl's, Sears, JC Penney, Norstrom, Saks, Neiman's. and the specialty mall based chains. Field's in its heyday carried merchandise from Target level to Neiman's. In the current retail environment that is not possible.
Macy's merged the regional stores into one brand for economy of scale. Whty carry almost the same merchandise in all the stores yet have to market them under 7-10 different names, therefore driving up the cost of business and the price of the merchandise or the business in the long term will suffer. Why did the May Company swallow up so many stores and change their names? Why did Target change the names of their flagship Dayton's and Hudsons's stores?
You talk about the value of bringing something special back from stores ie Field's etc. That is great and when I was in Toronto I though ahh The Bay , Holt Renfrew and to my surprise The Bay is very simiiar to Macy's with the exception of some house and name brands in fact The Bay carries 6 or 7 of Macy's own brands. Holt Renfrew is a cross between Neiman's and Nordstrom in a Neiman's sized store. Yes I too wish the regional stores were around, but in the current environment it is not possible.
[Response from the webmaster, Jim:
Certainly there's an argument for consolidation. Bon-Ton has attempted to keep seven regional name plates with mixed results. As a former Famous Barr customer, I don't know that I miss Famous Barr--just my personal opinion. However, Marshall Field's was on an international class. State Street would certainly be brought back as Fields's with great success, on par with Bergdorf's, FAO Schwarz, Harrods, and others. It's a "no-brainer."]
Date: Thursday, September 13, 2012 4:23 pm CT
Posted by: H.S.
You people on State Street last Sunday are my heroes.
I don't understand why Macy's didn't do much with Frango as a national brand. They tried it for a few months and that was it. They really should have done much more to market them nationally with full pages ads, etc., with the same excitement as Martha Stewart merch. Like I.N.C., they should have carried Frangos at both Blooomingdale's and Macy's.
Perhaps Frango is too synonymous with Macy's deep-sixing Field's.
I just don't get the wacky people who run Macy's.
Date: Wednesday, September 12, 2012 9:52 pm CT
Posted by: i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
Richard, Drew, and Jim; y'all are on the right mark. After all, what was Field's longtime slogan? Give the Lady What She Wants, of course! And now, Field's isn't just what the lady wants...it's what Chicago and the whole world wants! What we DON'T WANT is an egotistical businessman keeping the old names in captivity and grubbing up the money that goes into this ill-fated retail operation (if one can call it that).
- To Richard in Houston: I slowly read that history excerpt about Houston "lacking" a department store in 1944 and I thought, "balderdash!" I knew that Houston has had Foley's since 1900 until the macy*marting in 2006! Just another reason for Lunkhead to erase what identified America's great communities, large and small! And about the 1986 original Macy's that has now fallen apart, I know exactly what you're talking about! We here in Dallas have had a real Macy's since 1985 and it, too, has the same problems the Houston store has (ripped carpet and all)! The Sonny Bryan's Barbecue our store had closed down recently, since I no longer see the Galleria Macy's listed as a location (check out the Yelp picture of its current state - how shoddy!). Hey, at least Sonny's has good local taste now that they no longer want to be associated with what was a nice-looking store once upon a time...
- To Drew: You're right - even in sleepy, rust-belt communities like Cleveland or Pittsburgh, every community needs a local mercantile icon that not only serves the community and gives back to local charities (for example), but gives visitors something different and something to look forward to. On past trips and vacations in my lifetime, I had that same feeling, usually with supermarkets and restaurants.
- Finally, to Jim: Very excellent reasons from the 2012 rally flyer to bring Marshall Field's back! Just imagine: less-than-stellar annual reports from super-rare fashion houses because Field's is gone, lighter luggage at O'Hare and Midway due to little or no opportunity for great Chicago souvenirs (why? Because of no Field's and no Carson's, among other prized stores!), and reduced or cut staff from Chicago's government and public works (maintenance, road repair, etc.) due to tax dollars lost from losing Field's. I think we should track down documents showing these dismal changes dating back 15 years or so: numbers from before 9/9/06, and numbers after that date. Then we can present them to Mr. Lunkhead next May (in addition to the State St. Surveys - I hope for 5 out of 5 next year!) and he can see how his homogenization plan has hurt Chicago and the nation!†
Keep up the fantastic work, Field's Fans! We would love to eat creamy Frangos and wear high-quality clothing now and forever! And please, Mr. Lunkhead: no more pushing the macy*mart brand hard. If I want to be subjected to falling-apart stores with minimal help and cheap, counterfeit brand merchandise, I'll go dumpster diving and see what someone has thrown out in there...
YOU GO, FIELD'S FANS CHICAGO!!!!!
i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
Date: Wednesday, September 12, 2012 11:01 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
There were no colored lines through 1968 when I left town. Maybe Howard is remembering some other city. Or if he is using "green line" simply as a modern point of reference, maybe he is remembering Wieboldt's which would make Macy's look smart. I suppose it is possible Field's could look ordinary to some people but that is beyond my ability to imagine.
I remember riding, as a young child with my mother, from what must have been the Logan Square stop of the Douglas Park el to the loop- a very romantic and exciting adventure. Yes, the smells, the grinding, rattling, racking and squealing- and the old cars which were long in the tooth.....the reversible seat backs with serious bronze handles and dark green scratchy mohair (probably) velour upholstery. Heavy windows that snapped into place up or down. And COLD COLD COLD in the winter.
At the end of the journey- Field's-- marble, mahogany? and cast iron splendor.
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 9:19 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston
To clarify, I am referencing their "history overview" in the prior post, not the individual years one can click on next to it. I think Marshall Fields is powerful enough to mention moreso than Shillito's, Rike's and Mainstreet.
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 9:17 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston
Where does Macy's get its facts? I am cutting and pasting a part of their "history overview" from their own website: "As the nation went on to recover from the strife of a long war, Federated surged forward into a new era of the companyís history. It was about to embark on a new venture sparked by another epiphany credited to Mr. Fred. During a trip to Houston, TX, in 1944, he was astonished to find that the sizeable city had not a single department store. It became obvious to him that Federated had to begin acting on such opportunities that were there for the taking. Upon his return, he convinced Federatedís directors that remaining a holding company was no longer conducive to achieving the kind of success possible in the countryís booming retail industry."
This is so not true. Mr. Fred Lazarus visited Houston in 1944 and saw Foley's and the potential to grow the store to match those on the East Coast. Subsequently, Federated invested millions purchasing Foley's and opening the new flagship store in October, 1947. Macy's, there WAS a department store in Houston in 1944.
What is sad is there is NO MENTION of Marshall Fields at all. That was their most prized store.
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 7:45 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston
I am astounded. Without words. I just looked up Macy's flagships and they list the old, dilapidated original 1986 Macy's Houston Galleria as their flagship??!! The Foley's was only 2 or 3 years old that they took over in the same mall. The Galleria is one of Houston's attractions and sees millions of international visitors yearly. Are they crazy? The store they are referencing has filthy, torn carpet, broken tiles, housewares stacked in what was obviously the Cellar Restaurant in the 80s. It is just horrible. What about the Downtown Houston store? That was 9 floors and has been reduced to 5 (the last time I saw it when Macy's first took over). Federated and, subsequently May Co., had reduced the floors to 6 solely for buying offices and personnel since the chain was the largest in both Federated and May.
Whoever is in the PR department at Macy's sure has a strange interpretation of their magic for international visitors to Houston.
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 4:35 pm CT
Posted by: gle
It was great to see the Field's Fans who came to State Street Sunday, September 9 to voice continued support for a return to Marshall Field's, and espcially by the many passers-by who stopped to talk to us and take our leaflets. It is encouraging to to hear people say they are glad Field's Fans were out there and how they wished the store was still there as well.
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 3:23 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
Crain's Chicago Business has an interview with Marshall Field V. It's in this week's print edition and on the web. BTW: MFV never worked at Marshall Field's and was raised in the NYC area. He did work at Bloomingdale's on 59th and 5th in Manhattan in the 1960s. The Field Family stopped being involved in day-to-day management of the store in the 1920s and sold its remaining shares of stock in 1965.http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20120908/ISSUE01/309089978/marshall-field-v-on-fishing-philanthropy-and-family
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 11:56 am CT
Posted by: Mary
I stopped by the picketteers on Sunday. It would be really special to have Marshall Field's back on State Street, but how are you going to do it? The head of Macy's is an ogre with a botoxed face who deep down is too ashamed to have messed up something so good. Well, good luck with that!
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 8:12 am CT
Posted by: Bertha A.
Thank you for the pins the other day. If only We could bring back Field's.!
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago.org
Remembering those who lost their lives 11 years ago today.
Date: Monday, September 10, 2012 9:29 pm CT
Posted by: Marla
I really like the Doggie sweater. Did Field's sell those?
Date: Monday, September 10, 2012 8:41 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Four photos from yesterday's rally have been added to the top of the main page. Check them out!
Date: Monday, September 10, 2012 10:01 am CT
Posted by: howard einhorn m.d.
61 been riding the green line downtown since the 1950's....love the L, the old buildings, the sounds the smells, and the improvements..like millenium and Macy's......Fields was just ok...my wife and i love macys..just better...key is the old building is left intact, and so is our wonderful; downtown..truth..i went downtown to fields maybe twice a year..we go to macys maybe 5 or 6 times a month ....WE LOVE MACYS....better, cleaner,...a great shopping experience
Date: Monday, September 10, 2012 7:02 am CT
Posted by: L/K/
We live in Florida but support what you are trying to do. Macy's is everywhere......and it's no where as good as Marshall F. I. E. L. D. S.
Good luck! You fight for minions!
Date: Sunday, September 9, 2012 9:41 pm CT
Posted by: Carla
Sorry I couldn't make it today. Hope to make the next one!
Date: Sunday, September 9, 2012 9:23 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Thanks to all who helped make this year's September rally for the return of Marshall Field's a success.
About 18-24 people showed up and cycled through the rally through the course of the event. Normally, we publicize the event beginning in mid-July, if not earlier. But because of other personal resposibilities, the rally was only announced five days before, last Tuesday, September 4. So that was a good turn out on such short notice.
Moreover, there were dozens who stopped to talk about how much they missed Field's; their main cynicism wasn't about wanting Field's back but how to convince Macy's to listen to the vast majority of customers. I'll didn't encounter anyone opposed to our cause, but I will guess there one or two, not that I heard them.
Also what was interesting was that on two separate occasions, people stopped to take rally signs! At one point a couple driving by on State St. slammed on their brakes, grabbed a pair of signs, put them in their car, got back in and left saying they just had to have those Marshall Field's signs! A young man came by and took a sign and then proceeded to march through the Loop with it, last seen headed west on Washington. It all reminded me of how popular Marshall Field's shopping bags were, so popular that in the late 1990s, so many employees were giving them to friends that they were asked to stop. The head of Field's even asked them to bring them back!
I know many of you couldn't attend because there was only five days notice but we hope you will attend next year, probably on the second weekend of September.
Thanks to all, especially, A., Chris, Marianne, Gail, Gloria, Lucie, Carole, Paul, W., Gayle & Pete, and many more.
Date: Sunday, September 9, 2012 6:01 pm CT
Posted by: Sharon K
It was good to meet the protesters today. We miss Field's.
Date: Sunday, September 9, 2012 6:06 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Interesting, Kay! I worked there for about 7 years and while I knew I was happy there in the midst of personal misery, I had not thought to frame it as the happiest years of my work life. That is a great way to put it. On my breaks I could choose some part of the store to wander-- some new part of paradise or a favorite part. Didn't leave the store til I had to. And it has never left me.... take that, Macy's. Even the employes wanted to be at Field's. It wasn't for the pay-- sorry! Wonder how much of the salaries Field's dispensed went right back into the coffers. Maybe it is just as well we were not paid more. (:-)
Macy's can kill the store but they can't kill the idea. Their heritage will be the memories of the destruction they wrought.
So kudos to those out there still demonstrating the faith today.
Date: Sunday, September 9, 2012 12:01 am CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(CHICAGO-September 9, 2012)
FieldsFansChicago.org ANNOUNCES
RALLY for THE RETURN OF CHICAGO'S MARSHALL FIELD'S TO STATE ST.WHEN:TODAY, !:00-1:45 pm, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2012
WHERE:State & Washington Streets, Under the Great Marshall Field's Clock
CONTACT:Jim McKay, Co-Organizer, FieldsFansChicago.org
PHONE:312.662.8980
WEB:www.FieldsFansChicago.org AT 1:00 pm, TODAY, SUN., SEPT. 9, 2012, Marshall Field's supporters will once again meet under the great clock to rally and demonstrate that more than ever, Chicagoans and want the return of Marshall Field's to State Street.
While Marshall Field's great history and legacy is widely recognized locally and internationally, the main focus of FieldsFansChicago's activities is on the future. FieldFansChicago organizers assert, "To be one of the 21st century's greatest 50 international cities, Chicago's Marshall Field's on State Street must be restored and reinvented as a premiere 21st-century, international emporium. In the process, the value and power of Marshall Field's assets will be unlocked and maximized for Chicago's citizens and tourists as well as Macy's stockholders. There is still no other Chicago retail brand that is better known and respected world-wide; in fact, when last compared, Marshall Field's brands and trade names were valued at $419 million, while Macy's brands and trade names were valued at $377 million. The increased store performance will significantly increase tourism and tax revenues. Civic pride will be boosted greatly."
FieldsFansChicago's 2012 annual survey of hundreds of Chicago shoppers found that four out of five still want to see Marshall Field's return to State Street.
Started in 2005, FieldsFansChicago.org is a grassroots organization that has staged protest rallies, letter-writing campaigns and boycott activities with the goal of restoring Marshall Field's in quality and service, as well as name. Its activities have included distributing more than 150,000 leaflets and almost as many pin-on buttons and lapel stickers; participation at Macy's stockholders meetings; and media coverage at the local, national and international levels with coverage by Reuters, Associated Press, BBC World Service, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, New York Post, CBS Sunday Morning, WGN TV and Radio, National Public Radio, Chicago Public Radio, the local and national television news reports of ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, and more.
For further information, please contact Jim McKay, Co-Organizer of FieldsFansChicago.org, 312.662.8980 .
--30--
Date: Sunday, September 9, 2012 12:01 am CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago.org
-------------------------------------------------------RALLY FOR MARSHALL FIELD'S!T O D A Y ! S U N D A Y ! ! !1:00--1:45 PM,SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2012Under the Marshall Field's Great Clock atSTATE & WASHINGTON STREETSSUPPORT THE RETURN OF CHICAGO'SBEST KNOWN BRAND AND STORE!We're asking for less than an hour of your timeto stand up for our beloved emporiumand our great city.-----* Field's Fans should start gathering at 12:45 PMunder the Great Marshall Field's Clock atState & Washington Streets* Wear your "Marshall Field's Best" -- Field's always dressed us well--
or something dark green (please, no profane t-shirts).* Bring signs and placards with Marshall Field's slogans.* A limited number of additional signs will be available at the protest.* Do carry a Marshall Field's shopping bag.* Carry a City of Chicago flag.* Please be peaceable and dignified in the spirit of Marshall Field's.* Please do not obstruct the doors to the store.* Please stand at least three feet away from the store building.* Please do not stand in or block the street.* Check http://www.FieldsFansChicago.org, our Facebook Group,our Twitter crawl, and your Email box for last-minute news and bulletins.Please join us at 1:00 PM TODAY, September 9, 2012, to remind Macy's, Chicago, Wall Street--indeed the whole world--that Chicago overwhelmingly STILL wants the return of its iconic MARSHALL FIELD & COMPANY to STATE STREET.Overwhelming demand for Marshall Field's continues to hold steady among Chicago shoppers. Our Spring 2012 survey of over 475 Michigan Avenue and State Street shoppers found that 78%--four out of five Chicago shoppers--still prefer Marshall Field's over Macy's. Similar results were yielded in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Full results are athttp://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/survey2012.htmlEven after six years, Marshall Field's is STILL, by far, Chicago's best-known international brand, unmatched by any other Chicago name. This Sunday, September 9th, we will celebrate Marshall Field's amazing 154-year history. Moreover, we will demonstrate support for a reborn Marshall Field's on State Street as Chicago's priceless emporium and international brand with immense potential for the 21st century.We need YOU to come out to State and Washington Streets at 1:00 PM, SUNDAY, September 9, 2012, to make the message even clearer to Macy's: Chicago wants its Marshall Field's!Please join us. You will help to make history.BE THERE FOR OUR BELOVED MARSHALL FIELD'S!BE THERE FOR OUR BELOVED CHICAGO!-------------------------------------------------------A 21st-CENTURY MARSHALL FIELD'SFOR A 21st-CENTURY CHICAGOPlease review our comprehensive, four-part report,FIELD'S OF THE FUTURE: A 21st-Century Marshall Field's for a 21st-Century ChicagoIt can be found athttp://www.fieldsfanschicago.org./21This report can in many ways be highlighted as follows:Every great international city has a great international emporium. London's Harrods, Paris' Le Bon MarchŽ, and Berlin's KaDeWe are just a few examples. But all trace their greatness to the profound influence of Chicago's Marshall Field's. To be one of the 21st century's greatest 50 international cities, Chicago's Marshall Field's on State Street must be restored and reinvented as a premiere 21st-century, international emporium. In the process, the value and power of Marshall Field's assets will be unlocked and maximized for Chicago's citizens and tourists as well as Macy's stockholders.
Here are more reasons.
UNLOCK AND LEVERAGE CHICAGO'S MOST RECOGNIZED, RESPECTED AND VALUABLE RETAIL BRAND IDENTITY. Why should Chicago develop its fashion, design and culinary reputation and identity under a New York City brand? No other Chicago-identified brand comes close to matching Marshall Field's in international recognition and respect in fashion, design and culinary arts. When last compared before the conversion to Macy's, Marshall Field's brands and trade names were valued at $419 million, while Macy's brands and trade names were valued at $377 million.
INCREASED STORE PERFORMANCE. While Macy's notes increased performance at State Street, a significant reason is the loss of competition from Carson's and the gain of some Carson's customers. This increase in business would have been much greater under Marshall Field's. Restoring Marshall Field's would bring back its disaffected customers and attract even more former Carson's customers and business.
INCREASED TAX REVENUES. New as well as previous brands, shops, and boutiques that left because of the switch to Macy's would return to Marshall Field's on State Street. They would significantly occupy empty retail space for which Macy's began receiving a $1.9 million property tax reduction in 2009. Most of all, the return of Field's and additional Carson's customers would reinvigorate 111 North State Street as an international tourist destination. The result? A dramatic increase in sales tax revenues.
2012 SURVEY: 4 of 5 Chicago shoppers still want Marshall Field's.
The reasons to bring back Marshall Field's continue on and on. For more reasons, statistics, and precedents, please see our extensive, special web page:
http://www.FieldsFansChicago.org/21-------------------------------------------------------
Date: Saturday, September 8, 2012 9:12 pm CT
Posted by: Ramone
We miss Field's.
Date: Saturday, September 8, 2012 7:32 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
Thanks to all who helped make flyer and button distribution on State Street a success these past couple of days, especially Alf.
Over the period of about three hours, we passed out about 700 flyers for our cause, including info about tomorrow's rally under the Great Clock. EVERYONE was hugely enthusiastic towards Field's returning. Only one person said that they preferred Macy's; I'll say two in case I didn't hear the other! ;-)
Looking forward to meeting you all under the clock tomorrow at 1:00 pm! And you can join us for lunch afterwards.
Jim
Date: Saturday, September 8, 2012 2:13 pm CT
Posted by: Pat
I liked the year there was the ladies in the old time old fashioned big dresses. That was cool. Will try to make it.
Date: Saturday, September 8, 2012 10:01 am CT
Posted by: Pat
Noticed something about Macy's web page for Fashion's Night Out. They had one flagship store for San Fran, L.A., Houston, Miami, Philadelphia and even New York City.
But when it came to Chicago they had TWO stores, State Street and Water Tower. If they don't have two flagships in New York City, why do they need two in Chicago? They should make or sell one back into Marshall Field's!
Date: Friday, September 7, 2012 10:10 pm CT
Posted by: Drew
I find it laughable that "analysts" praise macy*s for its unique, innovative localization program. Other stores have done that forever, and these experts seem to forget that the macy*fication project was supposed to make all their stores the same. Since Lunkhead is basking in praise for his genius in differentiation of merchandise, why not go an additional step and bring back the regional nameplates?http://beta.fool.com/chrismarasco/2012/09/07/iiiiii/11251/?ticker=WMT&source=eogyholnk0000001While it is commendable macy*s is upgrading and remodeling the Herald Square flagship in Manhattan, having macy*s stores all over the country somehow lessens the "excitement" of visiting the New York City landmark. How about returning macy*s to its rightful place as a NEW YORK icon and returning Marshall Field's and the beloved regional stores to their rightful places throughout the nation? The macy*s stores would be a destination in New York, Marshall Field's would be a destination for Chicago, Filene's would be back in Boston, Kaufmann's would be welcoming Pittsburgh shoppers...
Date: Friday, September 7, 2012 2:24 pm CT
Posted by: Friend of Field's
Glamorama isn't what it used to be. Used to be special. You won't hear West Coast people complaining that they took Passport and turned it in to Glamorama.
Date: Friday, September 7, 2012 2:15 pm CT
Posted by: philip Eichler
While I agree that the change of vennue for Glamorama is definitely about the optics of a half full hall, I stand by my assertation that its about the $$ too. A smaller hall is simply cheaper than a larger hall and why pay for all those un-used seats?In regard to Macy's Luxe Hall, it sounds like a real estate deal to me. These aren't typical department store shops, but rather a true store within a store. I'll bet they are a leased piece of real estate.
Date: Friday, September 7, 2012 7:02 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
I don't remember Field's having a better side unless wonderful is better than marvelous or vice-versa.
Now admittedly I am thinking of the Good Old Days while there was still a Holden Court, but not pre-Gucci or Burberry or Vuitton-- then I did not care about names but I remember the awe of the castle of lustrous leather splendor on the Wabash side of the store. The fine handbags and wallets were also ensconced in a dedicated corner section like so many crown jewels, not visible storage.
Makes me wonder: was having it all together like the gems in Alladin's cave better than discrete modules with the brand name in your face? Psychologically, the sense of treasures to be discovered is more exciting than going to a stall as far as I am concerned. It's all about the drama, as MF knew! And come to think of it, the Alladin way left Marshall Field the supreme ruler. The present practice of subletting to tenant luxury vendors suggests a yielding of dominion....a drift to indifferent malldom. Might it be said the store becomes a basket instead of a hand-- a hand belonging to a discerning entity whose name on a bag or box ensures palpitations?
It makes me shudder now to think of all the clothing from Field's that I sent off to Goodwill...little thinking one day the well would run dry, and no other would satisfy.
I chanced to find this just now.....a directory. ohhhhh be still my heart. http://departmentstoremuseum.blogspot.com/2010/05/marshall-field-company-chicago.html
Date: Friday, September 7, 2012 12:45 am CT
Posted by: Drew
The downtown Pittsburgh Red Star building doesn't seem to be drawing much interest from buyers or tenants:http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/macys-is-still-seeking-a-buyer-652086/So sad that Red Star won't turn their iconic flagship locations into "destinations" rather downsizing to suburban mall clones.
Date: Thursday, September 6, 2012 9:17 pm CT
Posted by: Kay
Hoping to come Sunday! The weather's supposed to be good.
I worked at Field's for 13 years and it was the happiest of my life! Work life, that is.
Date: Thursday, September 6, 2012 3:37 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Here's something you history buffs and nostalginistas can answer.
Historically, Herald Square has been considered by more than a few to be not even be close to State Street or Philly's City Center in terms of class and niceness, so it is undergoing the biggest renovation ever over the next four years.
Today, Macy's has announced "Luxe Hall," a collection of boutiques to be located on the better-revered Broadway side of the Herald Square flagship. The boutiques feature exclusive shops for the following designers. My question for you is a) which, if any, of these designers/brands had shops at Marshall Field's on State Street; b) which, if any, left during the conversion to Macy's, and c) also, which stayed under Macy's. These boutiques actually sound like full scale stores and have been announced as second in size only to each's flagship stores.
- Louis VuittonYour response would be a big help. Thanks in advance!
- Burberry
- Longchamp
- Gucci
Here's the link to Macy's Press Release:
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=84477&p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=1732195Jim
Date: Thursday, September 6, 2012 1:21 pm CT
Posted by: gle
I look forward to seeing other Field's Fans under the clock this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Chicago still wants its Marshall Field's.
Date: Thursday, September 6, 2012 10:23 am CT
Posted by: Sharyl
Here's to the success of you bringing back Field's!
Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2012 1:36 pm CT
Posted by: BSD
Thank's for sharing and, "BRAVO" for the rally!
Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2012 12:26 pm CT
Posted by: Geoff
We hope to come. Looks like great weather for Sunday's Rally!
We came three years ago. We miss Field's but haven't spent a cent at Macy's since they were stupid and dumped Field's.
What a waste of a great thing!
Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2012 11:43 am CT
Posted by: JasonMChicago
I've been doing some vintage shopping at thrift stores recently. It's a fun way to find some interesting stuff. Anyway have run into a lot of Alfani and Taso Elba (sp?) and Material London there. Also run into some Field's Store for Men blazer. Real vintage and old school. Hopefully one day we'll be able to shop at the new Store for Men at Field's 111 N State Street.
Date: Tuesday, September 4, 2012 11:28 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
I will be at the rally.
Date: Tuesday, September 4, 2012 9:27 pm CT
Posted by: Mary
Glad to hear about the rally. Will it ever work?
Date: Tuesday, September 4, 2012 7:53 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston
Does anyone have any photos of Field's Houston Galleria or Town & Country? I cannot locate any anywhere. We really miss them here. Macy's has two stores now at The Galleria. One, a former new Foley's, the other a 1980s original RH Macy's that they have let run into the ground. It is absolutely filthy.
Date: Tuesday, September 4, 2012 3:00 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Rally for Field's
This Sunday, September 9th at 1:00 pm
Under the Great Clock at State & Washington.
Be there for Marshall Field's!
Be there for Chicago!
FULL DETAILS:http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/rally2012.html
Date: Monday, September 3, 2012 10:27 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
This story talks about how in the short term, Macy's is doing well by having lots of coupons. But in the long term, it's not a good strategy. The thing about Field's was that it loyalty. I think most people who shop Macy's in Chicago do so as a choice between Kohl's, Penney's, Sears, etc. It's about the best coupons.
Remember six years ago when Terry Lundgren said part of the strategy was to wean customers off coupons? Looks like Lundgren traded the valuable Field's loyalty for the fleeting fix of coupons and promotions.
Deal junkies hurt stores' profits
Stores try to wean sales-addicted shoppers off discounts, but it's not easy
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/deal-junkies-hurt-stores-profits-141440685.html
Date: Sunday, September 2, 2012 11:23 am CT
Posted by: Mike
The fight to save the former Prentice Women's Hospital building sounds a lot like the fight for Field's. A lot of big guns, but the main figure at Northwestern is insistent that the only place they can find cures is if they build across the street. Really? Who knew!? Speaking of Who's.......Hmmmmm.........sounds like one Department store CEO we've all heard of. This all sounds rather Grinchy, you know? "There's a little light on the back of the tree I need to fix......let me take it to my workshop......
Date: Friday, August 31, 2012 6:31 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan
You never heard about Field's competing with J.C. Penney and Kmart for designers:
Penney scores a win against Macy's in latest fight over Martha Stewart products
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/penney-scores-win-dispute-over-162418184.html
Date: Thursday, August 30, 2012 9:58 pm CT
Posted by: {private}
Macy's sales in August beat estimates, as did Target, Kohl's, and some others. J.C.Penney didn't fare so well. Part of Macy's increase has to be due to their getting J.C.Penney's customers who want coupons. J.C.Penney stopped coupons earlier this year and Macy's continues to throw them everywhere.
Date: Wednesday, August 29, 2012 4:23 pm CT
Posted by: Mary A.
You would think Macy's would offer Marshall Field's shopping bags at the holidays. It would help their business.
Date: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 12:29 pm CT
Posted by: Sue Petersen, Gary, IN
I think why Macy's kille Marshall Field's is along the same line as the bank consolidation. I just hope we don't have a store that's too big too fail and is bailed out because of the stupid things they did with Field's. I will scream bloody murder if that happens!
Date: Sunday, August 26, 2012 2:35 pm CT
Posted by: J.M.W., Rhode Island
Marshall Fields means Chicago to me.
Date: Friday, August 24, 2012 7:21 pm CT
Posted by: Kelly
I just ran out of the Crane's stationery that I bought at Marshall Field's. Searching stores and online for more, I recalled my correspondence with some Teflon-coated representative of Macy's just after the takeover. I listed the brands that I relied on Field's to carry, none of which were offered by Macy's (for example, Cross pens, Crane's stationery, Eileen Fisher clothing, etc.). She responded with certainty that I'd find equal or better products at Macy's. Alfani and The Country Shop in the same breath? Not a chance!
Macy's seems to attract customers with coupons and "deals" rather than quality, flair, elegance, innovation, and attention to detail. Certanly I can now buy my favorite items from other stores, but somehow the thump of a package on the doorstep just isn't the same as an enchanted afternoon on State Street.
I've been sad and disappointed for years at the destruction of Marshall Field's, and every time I use or wear something I bought there--my house is full of Field's goods, from lamps to clothing to cookware--I feel the same pangs of sadness and anger.
In the Boston area, Macy's big promotion this weekend is a charity shopping day. Buy a "savings pass" and shop 'til you drop, and a portion of the proceeds go to charity with Macys' name as the donor. How very thoughtful, and how typical.
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2012 11:19 am CT
Posted by: Philip Eichler
I would read nothing into Glamorama's change of venue other than Macy's motive for everything: dollars. I would venture to guess it was cheaper to hold the event and after party at The Harris Theater. Having attended many after hour events at State Street when it was Field's, I can tell you it is no small undertaking to create these events and I can imagine the cost associated with them. Does anyone know the venue size of The Chicago Theater compared to the Harris? That could also be a possible reason. Interesting to note that Macy's has taken Glamorama to the West coast, replacing it's own Passport event with Glamorama. Just another facet of Field's they have taken and claimed for their own.
Response from Jim:
Thanks for writing. To allude to my earlier post (which I'm sorry was not available when Phil responded), my understanding is that the Chicago Theatre had not been sold out close to capacity in recent years. When you have an event like this, you want the space to look packed. Probably having it at the Harris, where there is only 1,400 seats or so compared with 3,800 or so at the Chicago Theatre, fills the room. Harris has also been the site of other fashion events and also has space enough for food service.
Date: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 4:41 pm CT
Posted by: C. C. Chicago
It's sad that Glamorama did not benefit the Art Institute this year. They need the funds and seem to be a natural second (or first) destination if you're a Macy's shopper downtown.
I really wonder about the State St. store. What is Macy's plan for that location?
It seems to be still a mess on a recent visit. I found that there were broken water fountains on the Randolph St. side on floors B, 1, 4 & 5. Faucets were not working in the washrooms, and there were no paper towels or soap in some dispensers. Clothing displays are not in order. You might have to dig. Clerks are scarce, or downright rude and refuse to help. I was assaulted by INC, Style & Co., Alfani, etc., (none of which I can relate to.) When will they stop showcasing their cheap house brands?
Martha Stewart? (I just don't like her things.) Cheap Style & Co. jewelry? (Are you kidding me?) It's just so disappointing walking through that store...
However, it would be a shame to have that giant retail empire standing empty downtown. If Macy's closed it, I hope Nordstrom would buy it.
Date: Monday, August 20, 2012 2:06 pm CT
Posted by: {private}
State Street is a vast warehouse of Messy's business as usual. I could have organized that certain display in 20 minutes flat, and I don't even work in retail. They have LOTS of room for improvement in that store! Perhaps they just don't care about sales and want to drive it into the ground. A vacant Marshall Field's on State St. would not be a pretty sight or help the City at all.
It is SO sad that they have let that store go. I still have wonderful memories of Marshall Field's, however.
Date: Monday, August 20, 2012 6:08 am CT
Posted by: Jim
"mikea:" The Harris Theatre seats about 1,400. The Chicago Theatre seats about 3,800. It's understandable that they'd want to tighten the audience up together; sadly, in recent years since Field's was lost, the crowds have left the Chicago Theatre with a lot of empty seats.
Regarding the other part of your post: Your JCP part was omitted because it was not substantiated and it's beyond the scope of this forum. While I agree JCPenney has problems, so far the only way I see them connecting to this blog is that JCPenney shoppers are moving to Macy's because they like the coupons; that could have potentially happened under Field's.
Date: Sunday, August 19, 2012 10:53 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
In response to the Glamorama being held at the HArris theater this year. The Sun-Times reported that Macy's moved it there since it is a larger venue for them as opposed to the Chicago theater.
Date: Saturday, August 18, 2012 7:21 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
I was trading emails with Jim yesterday. Macy's has sued J.C. Penney over the whole Martha Stewart thing. For one, The bigger deal Macy's makes over Martha Stewart, the more they make it plain that J.C. Penney is their equal. And Field's was NEVER discussed as J.C. Penny's equal. Macy's is affirming their image as a store that is downmarket from J.C. Penney.
Date: Friday, August 17, 2012 9:13 am CT
Posted by: fanni
Field's always lent an expert touch to things.
Date: Thursday, August 16, 2012 2:58 pm CT
Posted by: sb
I REALLY think Sears is on the way out. They had financial result today and sales were lower. I also hear they are getting rid of some Canadian stores (selling or leasing them to Nordstrom)... and they are just not going to be here. It's weird when Sears and Montgomery Ward left I really didin't feel anything. Even Woolworth. But damn I felt A LOT when Field's left. It's not a retailer is was so much part of the city. It just can't be described. Marshalll Field the store and the man were quiet amazing. (Montgomery Ward was also wonderful, he fought for the open lakefront).
Date: Thursday, August 16, 2012 2:40 am CT
Posted by: Sad Chicagoan
I miss the green bags with the fantastic script. I miss not getting Frangos in my Christmas stocking. I miss waiting to get in the Walnut Room around the holidays, always having a nice chat with those, fellow Chicagoans around you. I miss the learned staff of the store, especially the 28 shop. I miss it all. It's a crime against Chicago, for us to not have a native, landmark store. We've been robbed...sad but true
PS Cried like a baby last year, when my Christmas tree took a tumble and my Uncle Mistletoe ornament shattered. It was one of the first ornaments I bought as an adult, for my first, own, Christmas tree...again, sad
Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 8:58 pm CT
Posted by: sb
Jim's last post is scary... sounds to me like two things may be happening 1. macy's is going to shut down state street or 2. it is going back to field's. hope the latter one!
Date: Monday, August 13, 2012 7:26 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Interesting to note that for the first time that I can remember, Glamorama and the followup was not held at the Chicago Theatre and the after-party was not held at State Street. I'm happy that Ronald McDonald House can have this money for the good work that they do--so that should be noted. Remember when Field's ran it and it benefited the Art Institute of Chicago? Macy's first Glamoramas also benefited the Art Institute. Interesting that they didn't have the after party at State Street; just as it was interesting that the Windy City Gay Men's Chorus performed at Water Tower instead of State Street this year for "Pride Month."
Speaking of NYC's Penn Station, there is a lot of activity around replacing the current Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. Several years ago--around 2007-2008?--the NY Times had a story about one plan being considered. It included building a new Macy's flagship as part of a new Penn Station / MSG complex and the Herald Square store being re-purposed or redeveloped. Macy's never commented on the story. Most likely a new Penn Station would go in part of the current main Post Office, but it shows the lack of regard in some circles for the Herald Square store. That said, Herald Square is now being renovated with the first phase being the world's largest shoe department. It was designed by architects from west suburban Westchester (Illinois, not New York) who also did work for Field's, the mega Starbucks at Streets of Woodfield, and the Hancock Center Best Buy location.
Date: Monday, August 13, 2012 10:45 am CT
Posted by: sb
I lived in NYC for a while and I was thinking [ Timothy G. ] meant the NEW [current] Penn Station. I kept thinking if there was any significance to it. I read the article and it was the OLD Penn Station. what a nice piece of architecture. The new one is horrible! Not nice at all.
I heard Soldier Field lost its national historic landmark recognition after the reno. Let's not let that ever happen to 111 State.
Date: Sunday, August 12, 2012 1:23 pm CT
Posted by: sb
Catching up on news and it looks like Sears is on it's last leg. If they close then perhaps Von Maur can take the spot on State Street. That would be SOME excitement back to State. I remember when we had two shopping streets. I don't even go to State anymore... nothing to do without Field's (or Carson's). It is like a strip mall in Schaumburg! (sorry not a fan of strip malls in the city). Go to Von Maur's facebook and tell them to open a downtown Chicago store. We'll have something until Field's comes back. With Field's gone the street really went downmarket.
BTW - anyone know what is coming to the Filene's on Michigan Ave? I like Filene's but it had NO PLACE on Michigan Ave. You'd never see that on 5th Ave.
[ 1) A while back it was mentioned that we heard informally other deparment stores were interested in the Carson's store, provided Field's was to come back. Sears' agreement for the State Street store requires that they stay there for some time yet, unless they go BK or work out a really out there sublet.]
Date: Saturday, August 11, 2012 10:49 pm CT
Posted by: a Field's Fan
Sometimes you hear critics say, "Well the Field's family shouldn't have sold to Macy's anyways..." Actually, no member of the Field family has been connected with the operation of Marshall Field's since the 1920s. The Field's sold their last stock in the store around 1965.
Given how some Field's supporters attend Macy's shareholders meetings in Cincinnati by virtue of owning Macy's stock, who, indeed, does own Macy's?
According to Macy's reports of the past year or two, 94% of Macy's stock is owned by institutions. The following story lists the ten biggest shareholders. If you do the math correctly, the biggest shareholder owns no more than 2.26% (!) of Macy's.
http://wallstcheatsheet.com/investing/will-macys-top-institutional-shareholders-buy-or-sell-after-earnings.html/?ref=YFBreaking this down according to the price of a share on June 30, 2012, the following is the percentage of Macy's, Inc. that they own. Following that percentage is the number of shares they held as of about June 30, 2012.Keep in mind that Macy's is also but a drop in the ocean compared to their other assets. It's no wonder that don't care so much about Field's.
- Bank of New York/Mellon, 2.26%, 9,388,412 shares
- Alliancebernstein, L.P., 1.74%, 7,243,899 shares
- Schwab Charles Investment Management, Inc. 0.67%, 2,801,819 shares
- UBS Global Asset Management Americas, Inc. 0.64%, 2,676,211 shares
- PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. 0.58%, 2,398,755 shares
- Numeric Investors, LLC, 0.40%, 1,675,283 shares
- General Electric Co. (for many years, parent of NBC TV), 0.37%, 1,536,962 shares
- Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp., 0.35%, 1,467,255 shares
- Pictet Asset Management, Ltd., 0.32%, 1,317,294 shares
- Navellier & Associates, 0.31%, 1,303,613 shares
Date: Friday, August 10, 2012 10:49 pm CT
Posted by: sb
I just heard that Nordstrom is going to open in Manhattan. That's pretty big news. Anyone know if Field's ever tried to go into the East Coast. I know they were in TX and WI and Ohio.
[Scroll down to about six or seven weeks ago and there's some interesting posts about Norstrom opening a store near Bloomindale's, probably by 2017 or 2018. Back circa the first half of the 20th century, had an gentlemen's agreement not to compete that can be traced back to the stores' founders who were friends and gold buddies.]
Date: Thursday, August 9, 2012 12:51 am CT
Posted by: Donna Greene
We need to bring back Marshall Fields. Several years ago there was a rumor that some previous Fields' executives were trying to buy the midwest division of Macy's and return quality to Chicago. What happened?
Date: Wednesday, August 8, 2012 9:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
I don't think I interpret it your way, Drew. But I do agree that Macy's is doing well at the expense of JCPenney. For those who don't know, JCP is making major changes to the store's operations. While JCP plans to have dramatically changed layouts, merchandise and POS in the future, so far, the only thing they have implemented is low "every day" prices and dropping sales and coupons. This has turned off shoppers which are conditioned to likes of Macy's, Kohl's and, of course, the old JCPenney offering coupons all the time and always getting a discount. People have been conditioned to prefer buying a $70 coat with a 50% off coupon for $35 rather than simply buying the same coat for $35 every day. The sales and coupons create this urgency.
I think Macy's is doing well because they are doing things the exact opposite of what they said they were going to do when they converted Field's to Macy's. They are doing well because of heavy promotions (coupons and sales ads). Macy's also deserves recognition for good data and inventory systems.
But think if they were using those same assets for a newly reborn Field's, first and foremost on State? They'd be doing even better.
In fact, during the conference call today, Macy's CFO, Karen Hoguet said tourist stores weren't doing so well, especially Harold Square which is being renovated and contributes significantly to Macy's bottom line. I believe Ms. Houguet said Herald Square was a drag on sales. A report in New York Magazine made an educated guess that Herald Square was doing $60 million year.
So today's news and 2012 Q2 conference call supports the case for bringing back Field's. If Field's had all the coupons and unprecedented promotions that Macy's has, they'd be doing even better.
Date: Wednesday, August 8, 2012 6:47 pm CT
Posted by: Drew
It pains me to read articles which praise macy*mart and their better than expected performance:http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2012/08/08/macys-profits-surge-remains-gem-in-the-retail-spac.aspxThe increased profits are NOT the result of great marketing or outstanding merchandise; instead the disastrous policies implemented by JCPenney have chased the bargain shoppers to macy*mart. Many blogs contain comments from shoppers who have found cheaper merchandise and lower prices at macy*mart. It's not about quality merchandise or superior service; it's all about CHEAP! I don't personally agree with Ron Johnson's ideas to "re-educate" consumers to give up sales and coupons, but Terry Lunkhead has taken discount shopping to new depths.
Many shoppers ARE finally starting to realize that poor quality cheap merchandise is no bargain, and they are finding that constantly replacing "bargain" items costs more in the long run. Sadly the destruction of JCPenney leaves consumers with one less option to purchase better, brand name merchandise.
Martha Stewart, anyone?
Date: Tuesday, August 7, 2012 7:12 am CT
Posted by: Mary Ellen
Hi Field's Fans!
We keep hoping this nightmare is over. Sure, it's a small thing, but little things mean a lot. Field's knew that. That's what made it special.
Keep the faith! This is about much more than shopping!
Mary Ellen
Date: Monday, August 6, 2012 8:12 pm CT
Posted by: Anne
The Sun Times recently had a story about the most popular tourist destinations in North America. The top was New York City. Second was Chicago. Others on the list included San Francisco, Vancouver, Santa Fe, San Diego, New Orleans and others.
A world-class city like Chicago deserves to have it's own retail identity.. Bring back Marshall Field's.
Date: Saturday, August 4, 2012 9:02 pm CT
Posted by: Timothy G.
The New York Times had a story this past Tuesday about the modern architectural preservation movement and Penn Station.
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/31/50-years-ago-sharply-dressed-protesters-stood-up-for-a-train-station-they-revered/
On August 2, 1962, dozens of architects picketed around New York City's beloved Penn Station to save it from demolition. Most everyone was outraged except those who wanted to replace it with a new Madison Square Garden. While they did not succeed in saving Penn Station, they did succeed in advancing the modern preservation movement and saving Grand Central Terminal. Grand Central still stands today and remains a jewel.
While it's been six years since the world senselessly lost the jewel of international retail, Marshall Field's, I'm sure all of your activities have made a difference in saving other institutions. Be it Wrigley Field, Grant Park or even things we don't know about because they ended up not coming to pass, the efforts to save Field's have made a difference elsewhere.
Thank you.
Date: Friday, August 3, 2012 6:42 pm CT
Posted by: Dounya G, Brooklyn, NY
marshall field's means a lot to me.
Date: Thursday, August 2, 2012 10:10 pm CT
Posted by: Schaumburg
Page 3 of the Trib had a half-page ad for Macy's "Furniture and Mattress Clearance Center" on Golf and Meacham Roads. It used to be Marshall Field's Furniture Gallery. What a down grade. They would do a lot better if they sold more quality and variety. It seems almost everything they sell is some shade of brown or black leather, real or simulated. Boring...that's the magic of Macy's.
Date: Wednesday, August 1, 2012 4:23 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
"mikeA" calls Macy's "the only remnant of a the great stores left."
"Remnant" is the right word for it. Macy's is sure not equal to a whole Marshall Field's.
From what I've observed, mikeA, you take great pride in Macy's being in there and not having Field's. Why do you even bother coming here except to gloat?
Date: Monday, July 30, 2012 12:10 pm CT
Posted by: drew
Everyone will be glad to know "America's Favorite Store" is now demonstrating their "exclusive" Belgique and Tools of the Trade cookware on ShopNBC. The chef informed viewers that Red Star "took the best of the best" when designing their own Belgique line.
Not to worry about paying full price. Retail value/ShopNBC Price are reduced to Today's Top Value.
Maybe they can hire Ron Popeil for future infomercials.
Date: Monday, July 30, 2012 12:08 am CT
Posted by: mikeA
I was in the new Target, what a horrible thing happened to 1 S. State Street. Itl ooks like a Walgreens where the great Carson Pirie Scott was. Also for a Target about 1/2 the size of the Target by me in the suburbs. From the looks State treet is a place for lower end retail . The great stores have all moved to michigan Avenuue. Macy's is the only remnant of a the great stores left.
Date: Sunday, July 29, 2012 7:13 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
PLEASE NOTE:
For a couple of reasons, posts submitted from July 16-29, 2012 are just appearing now rather than in real time on the day they were posted. Please also note that the quantity of responses to these posts probably would have been greater in number had they been appeared in real time. My apologies for the delay. Thank you.
Date: Sunday, July 29, 2012 3:08 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator
I checked out State Street last Wednesday circa lunchtime for the opening of new City Target in the former Carson's building--a bright red new bulls eye with red awnings to compete with Messy's RED star. The store was CROWDED with curious people loading up shopping carts, much more crowded than Messy's, Sears and even the new upscale Walgreen's that same day. Personally I didn't have much trouble with new Target as a store. It made me think of what Woolworth's used to be, except it is bigger, cleaner and has an upscale grocery tucked away on the Wabash side of the second floor. The only problem I had was its not being what I really prefer for State Street, and not the highest and best use of the Sullivan building. (The ornate ironwork facade is still there and nicely polished, however.)
Messy's the same day revealed the Walnut Room less than half full. The 7th floor food court area strangely seemed to be where the buzz and the lunchtime eaters were. Sales associates on the first floor chatted with each other. A few had a customer or two at the register.
Fox 32 News showed a past Field's Fans protest when they announced the opening of Target, and then interviewed people on the street for opinions. Those who responded did not have a problem with Target in the Sullivan building.
I, however, miss State Street when it was that Great Street. I remember shopping when it was that Great Street. I believe it can be better.
Date: Saturday, July 28, 2012 7:23 pm CT
Posted by: Field's Fan
Was poking around and found that back in the spring of 2010, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce proposed locating the new casino in Block 37. This is a pretty serious organization with a lot of political heft. Most notably, is one of the biggest objectives: the Chicagoland Chamber sees the casino as a way of helping Macy's at 111 N. State St. Even more curious is that Macy's joined the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce around the same time and Terry Lundgren was the keynote at their 2011 annual meeting the following year. You can better believe that Terry Lundgren and Macy's are pushing for that casino in Block 37 or in the store itself. If it's going in Block 37, YOU PEOPLE NEED TO RALLY for it being on the condition of the store going back to Marshall Field's. Otherwise, Macy's business will go up just because it is there and they will erroneously credit it to not being Marshall Field's. Just like they forget to credit the closure of Carson's as giving them business at State Street.
Here's the story
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/story/17813930/chicago-chamber-of-commerce-pushes-block-37-casino-planand the videohttp://www.myfoxchicago.com/video?clipId=7064094&autostart=true
Date: Friday, July 27, 2012 11:21 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
If we hadn't lost Field's, we wouldn't have lost Carson's on State.
Date: Friday, July 27, 2012 5:41 pm CT
Posted by: Drew
The Red Star wants to "reintroduce" the Tic Toc restaurant in its downtown Pittsburgh store:http://triblive.com/home/2258147-74/domek-tic-toc-downtown-chef-macy-pittsburgh-salad-store-executive?printerfriendly=trueThe former Kaufmann's flagship location once hosted several restaurants and snack bars, in addition to a bakery featuring a wide selection of in-house baked goods. Only the Tic Toc (named after the landmark Kaufmann's clock) and a scaled down bakery selling commercially produced baked goods survived the macy*fication.
Perhaps the powers-that-be at Red Star realize there IS some value to maintaining and promoting local tradition. Hopefully they will unlock the value of the regional nameplates and bring back more things customers love.
Date: Thursday, July 26, 2012 8:02 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Over the past few years, different parties that I've privately spoken with have often said behind the scenes, Carson's may or may not have stayed if Field's hadn't left. However, they think they would have thought more about coming back after the facade renovation. Moreover, had Carson's left, there were other department stores who would have considered if there was Field's on State Street rather than Macy's. Comes off as sort of a domino effect.
If you are going to stick a discount store in the Carson's space than Target did the best job possible for now, and in the long run. Good corporate citizens. And I sure see them sponsoring a lot more city events than Macy's.
Date: Thursday, July 26, 2012 4:36 pm CT
Posted by: Nancy S.
I grew up in Evanston, Illinois in the 1950's,and shopping at "Fields" located in Fountain Square was the place to go. All brides registered their wedding gift list and delivery was at no cost. Sad that the store has been converted into condos but time marches on. I am looking for a plate that has the famous State Street clock on it along with the famous Marchall Field script logo. Does anyone know where I might purchase one??????
Date: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 7:10 pm CT
Posted by: sb
FoxChicago story talking about Target opening in the former Carson's. It starts out with Field's rally footage from 2006:http://www.myfoxchicago.com/story/19104787/2012/07/24/target-to-open-in-historic-carson-pirie-scott-building
Date: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 12:01 pm CT
Posted by: sb
Here that Target has opened at 1 S. I miss Carson's and Field's. It was a cool traditional shopping street. Now it is just like Woodfield Mall or Anytown USA. It really was a Chicago thing.
Date: Tuesday, July 24, 2012 9:22 pm CT
Posted by: i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
I am so glad to hear that macy*mart is suffering in terms of tourist spending dollars! Hopefully that will be the first nail in the coffin of this horrible macy*fication experiment...
Since we're on topic, take a look at what macy*mart taking over the historic downtown stores have done to the shopping area around it:
- Chicago: macy*mart replaced the great Marshall Field and Company store at 111 N. State Street, more el-cheapo and off-price retailers move in to State Street, Carson Pirie Scott is replaced with a Target.
- Pittsburgh: macy*mart replaced the downtown Kaufmann's, services reduced/eliminated, longtime neighbor Saks Fifth Avenue closes its doors.
- Boston: Jordan Marsh turns into a mini-macy*mart surrounded by other retailers, Filene's closes its doors and becomes a hollowed-out shell.
- Philadelphia: John Wanamaker becomes Lord and Taylor which becomes yet another mini-macy*mart, and the downtown shopping center over time lost JCPenney in favor of KMART!
- And now, Minneapolis: Neiman Marcus's first and only Minnesota store will close by July 2013; that store was open since 1991. Remember, NM is such a great store that store closings/market withdrawals are so rare, it's almost a myth. (Ditto for Nordstrom, although they closed an Indianapolis location not too long ago.) Gee, I wonder why NM decided to leave: perhaps upset because they're close to a macy*mart that was once...well, you know...(it originally started as a Dayton's, BTW)
Here's the article: http://www.startribune.com/business/163417366.html?clmob=y&c=n&refer=y
This is my favorite quote from the article:
"You have a luxury store anchoring downtown along with a Target store, a Macy's and a Saks outlet, what does that tell you?" asked McComb, referring to the middle-market sensibilities of most downtown shoppers.
Hopefully Neiman's could return to the Twin Cities at Mall of America, or residents could make frequent trips to Chicago for their Neiman Marcus fix (hey, something for Minnesotans to look forward to in Chicago or even NM's hometown of Dallas!)
Please, fans, anything BUT macy*mart. Spend your hard-earned dollars at Neiman's, Nordstrom, Von Maur, Saks, Harrods, etc. even Chicago's CARSON'S AND SEARS! Help us bring glitz, glamour, and our regional names (FIELD'S mostly) back!!!!!
i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
Date: Sunday, July 22, 2012 11:01 pm CT
Posted by: Alex P.
State Street is no longer That Great Street without Field's. Target does what it does well, but State Street is so much the worse, thanks to Macy's.
Macy's hypes Brasil, but kills Chicago culture. How sad that they don't realize that they have the real thing.
Date: Friday, July 20, 2012 7:25 am CT
Posted by: Gail M M
I don't care what Macy's does. It will never be the same !I like many others was devastated when Macy's bought Marshall Field's and slapped their ugly Russian Star all over everything !
My very first credit card was with Marshal Fields. I bought my crystal from them.
Christmas time was a real treat, to shop in Fields and have lunch in the famous Walnut Room. So many memories, the phone boothes that you could call anywhere in the world. The Olde Fashioned Ice Cream shop that they put in during the 1970's The stained glass was stunning. You felt transported back in time.
Getting off the "L" and walk directly into the store, transfixed by the glimmering crystal section, then the finest of china. The finest quality of goods was the standard for Fields. The Christmas window displays were breathtaking, it warmed the souls and hearts of everyone who came to see them.
Marshal Fields may be gone forever. But the memories that have been created for so many , will endure forever !
I will never shop in Macy's. I don't know why Marshall Field's sold out to them. But it's like losing a dearly beloved friend to cancer.
G.M.M.
Date: Thursday, July 19, 2012 1:03 am CT
Posted by: Marshall Field's Credit Card Holder
We haven't spent a dime there since the switch. What a bone-headed idea to get rid of such a rich name. Anyone else would be glad to have it as an asset.
Date: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 3:29 pm CT
Posted by: Elise A.
Does anyone know of a link to the recipe for the best possible approximation of Frangos?????
I used to buy dozens of boxes a year, but have not since they got rid of Marshall Field's.
Thank you. Please do not give up hope.
Date: Monday, July 16, 2012 11:59 pm CT
Posted by: Lauren D.
We STILL Miss Marshall Field's. Macy's is store more like Kohl's.
Date: Monday, July 16, 2012 8:00 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Been getting inquiries and proposals about having another rally for Field's in September. Most likely this would be either Saturday, September 8 or Sunday, September 9. The ninth is the six anniversary of the official switch. Many have inquired about another rally; others have suggested Marshall Field's book talks; Marshall Field's antiques and memorabilia showcases and sales; and another idea is a panel discussion about what a 21st Century Field's would be like.
Please send your ideas and comments to: infoATfieldsfanschicagoDOTorg (Change AT to @ and DOT to . )
Thank you.
Date: Sunday, July 15, 2012 3:46 pm CT
Posted by: Daniel Y.
It sucks that Marshall Field's is gone. Yet I fear it's like the parking meters deal. The politicians and the business people didn't care about the citizens. Lundgren, Daley, other suits don't understand "Give The Lady What She Wants!" We're cheated out of what should be.
Date: Sunday, July 15, 2012 1:46 pm CT
Posted by: drew
Just finished finished reading "FILENE'S: Boston's Great Specialty Store" by Michael Lisicky. This volume is part of the Images of America series and contains many historical photographs as well as interesting text.
The author notes Filene's "was one of Boston's leading tourist attractions" and "The city of Boston suffered a devastating blow when Filene's closed its flagship store in 2006." Wonder how many of today's visitors plan to shop at Boston's Red Star?
Date: Sunday, July 15, 2012 11:33 am CT
Posted by: E.L.
We live in Peru but we travel to the States, especially Chicago, with frequency. We do miss Marshall Field in Chicago. It was a special place. We liked to bring back gifts from there. Macy's is not quite as special, even in New York. We DO HOPE Marshall Field's comes back.
Date: Saturday, July 14, 2012 2:34 pm CT
Posted by: State Street Planner
Losing Marshall Field's really put a hole in State Street. It really made it a destination. The New Target looks interesting, but it's not the destinations that Field's and Carson's were.
Date: Thursday, July 12, 2012 1:21 pm CT
Posted by: Myrna F.
We miss Field's. It was a really special place. Macy's is pretty common and reminds of Kohl's.
Missing Field's here!
Date: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 6:47 pm CT
Posted by: Tim R.
I was recently in New York City as I was about this same time last year. I wanted to do some shopping but didn't feel the need either time to make the effort to go to Macy's on 34th St. We have a Macy's here in my city of Fort Wayne and if I even wanted to shop there, there's no point in taking time to visit the Herald Square store too. I spent my shopping time both years at Lord & Taylor on Fifth Avenue and bought some very nice Alex Cannon men's shirts. I also made a trip to Sak's Fifth Avenue and bought a nice shirt there. I was in Nashville last week and got a good deal on a shirt at Nordstrom and also shopped at Dillard's although I didn't buy anything there. I did like their selection though. These are all stores that aren't as present in all parts of the US as Macy's. Therefore, why wouldn't more people want to shop at stores that are a little more unique? Macy's would definitely do more business if they returned many of their stores to local names and had some unique merchandise. Those wacky (stupid!) folks just don't get it!
Date: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 12:59 pm CT
Posted by: gle
I like the idea of putting Field's logo on fans to hand out during the summer. Perhaps we could do a design like we did with the Time to Bring Back Marshall Field's buttons that have a picture of the clock. People seem to love Marshall Field's clocks. I saw them on a lot of artwork and photography at my neighborhood summerfest.
I made another trip to State Street Tuesday during evening rush. Nothing was rushing inside the store. The same blighted half-empty apathy greeted me as always. I noted a Brazil theme in the State Street windows, but that was about all that looked new. Time to bring back Marshall Field's--long overdue.
Date: Monday, July 9, 2012 2:08 pm CT
Posted by: Margaret V
Beginning in 1969 or 1970, I was a customer of a hairdresser named Bill at the Oak Park Marshall Field's; I went to him for 10-12 years, and in all the intervening years, I've never found as good a hairdresser. Ever. I never knew his last name, and I suspect he has passed away, but I wonder if anyone remembers him and might know his last name. He was tall, with salt-and-pepper hair, and for some reason I seem to remember that he told me he played (or had played) the banjo. Does this ring a bell with anyone?
Thank you for your help!
Date: Monday, July 9, 2012 9:05 am CT
Posted by: Zelda
Hi Field's Fans,
Once again, the handle is off the door on Randolph Street (on the Wabash side) of the former Field's flagship store. I cannot even count the number of times this has happened since the m store took over. Eventually it gets repaired, but it is never done in a timely manner and it is never done effectively. I swear, that door handle could stand for all the cheapness and shoddiness that is macy's, and all that it has done to sink the high maintenance standard set by Marshall Field's. Such poor stewardship of a landmark building - no surprise by now - but continually disheartening.
On another note, the other day some tourists were walking down Wabash and were looking at the Marshall Field & Company sign on the outside, and one of the men asked his wife if she wanted to genuflect. He understood how she - and so many of us - felt and still feel about Marshall Field's It was one store in a million, it was a feel-great place, it was all that was and could be good in retailing,
Signing off for now,
Your Friend in Field's,
ZELDA
Date: Monday, July 9, 2012 6:18 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
That's funny- Macy's seriously thinks tourists will schedule their limited, special, change-of-pace time to include dumping some of their tourist budget at an omnipresent commonplace store, especially in a major city with wonderful things to do and see. Which puts the desecration of 111 N. State firmly into the shooting-yourself-in-the-foot category, doesn't it? But wait, we all knew that a long time ago.
Date: Sunday, July 8, 2012 11:08 pm CT
Posted by: julie t
When I think of Chicago I think of Marshall fields.
Date: Friday, July 6, 2012 4:22 pm CT
Posted by: Drew
Chairman Lunkhead cites "lower spending by tourists" as reason Red Star's June sales didn't meet expectations:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/weak-june-retailers-sweat-summer-200130772.html
Really! Tourists aren't seeking out the Red Star, even the flagship Herald Square location? Perhaps placing Red Star outlets across the nation have somehow made them less "exciting" and less a destination for travelers. Wasn't a certain Chicago department store a top tourist attraction until Wall Street's darling proclaimed Red Star would be such a smashing success everywhere?
Date: Thursday, July 5, 2012 12:56 am CT
Posted by: E.E.
Marshall Field's is like family to me. When I used to go to the store, growing up, I felt like I belonged there. Not so with Macy's.
Date: Wednesday, July 4, 2012 CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago.org
Happy
Independence
Day!
Date: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 11:32 am CT
Posted by: sb
they had a story on 190 North about Chicago restaurant and retail establishments that have stood the test of time. There were some really cool places, a cigar shop, a diner, and a few other restaurants... many of which were over 100 years old. All were mom-and-pop places, but if Field's was still around it would definitely have made the list. It will come back one day... it just makes business sense. Macy's can go bankrupt, get bought out, get broken apart, who knows! 111 N State is a amazing building and it should be turned into a stand-along flagship like Harrods of London or Bergdorff Goodman of New York.
Date: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 1:01 am CT
Posted by: Anne, Wheaton
When Macy's took over Field's in 2006, they sponsored the 4th of July Eve fireworks on the Lakefront. Now they don't.
Date: Monday, July 2, 2012 11:26 am CT
Posted by: Sarah K.S.
Sarah's Pastries is closing on Oak Street and along with it, their space in Macy*s State Street. The closing does isn't related to Macy's. It's more about having a place to bake at Oak Street.
Wonder if Macy's will find another bakery or if they will quietly let another "tradition of Marshall Field's" quietly slip away like Trend House. What's next? The 28 Shop?????????????
I miss the ice cream shop. Change is inevitable, but please don't tell me I have to like it when the change means things are not as good. How about a change for the better? How about bringing back Marshall Field's?
Date: Sunday, July 1, 2012 8:08 pm CT
Posted by: Pining for Marshall Field's to come back
I thought it was a joke when I saw it a few weeks ago. Then I saw it again in the paper today. Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks in Manhattan are being co-sponsored by Kool-Aid.
Yes, Kool-Aid!
I'd ROFL it weren't so sad. Not only is this what has come to our favorite store, it's symptomatic of what has come to our country! Sad, sad, sad, sad...
This reminds me of when they had Chevy ads on the State Street building or when they had Clorox wipes featured in what should have been jewelery display windows on Washington St.
"Macy's is the same as Marshall Field's. It's just a name change."
Uh...yeah. Right.
Date: Friday, June 29, 2012 3:02 pm CT
Posted by: S.J.
Losing Marshall Field's reminds me a lot of the loss of Riverview Amusement Park. No one was happy about it -- except the landowners who made a ton of money off it. Everyone else still laments the loss of Riverview to this very day.
One big difference: Field's was 1000X more integral to Chicago's international identity than Riverview. Another difference, at least stock holders/owners of River View didn't lose the immense value that Macy's stock holders lost when Marshall Field's was mothballed.
Date: Thursday, June 28, 2012 10:01 pm CT
Posted by: Mitch
You guys should pass out Field's fans at next year's parade.
People just took the Macy's fans because they were hot--not hot for Macy's!
Date: Thursday, June 28, 2012 12:23 am CT
Posted by: i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
Hello again Fields Fans of Chicago (and all over)!
Recently I was reading about some of the regional department store names that have been taken from us (thanks to Terry Lunkhead) and there was one in particular worth noticing: Robinsons-May of Southern California. A January 25, 2009 version of their Wikipedia page had a store list, and thankfully, there was one closing that occurred just before the dreaded conversion: the Wilshire Boulevard location in Beverly Hills:
"Opened 1952 as JW Robinson's, closed 2006, currently vacant"
Hmm...those wacky folks at macy*mart felt that Alphony, STINC, Choker Club, and Donald Schlump wouldn't make a good fit in the 90210? I've even noticed not a single macy*mart-related store on Fifth Avenue in New York City, too! So why should the Marshall Field and Company Building on 111 N. State Street fall victim to counterfeit-sounding brands and a total lack of maintenance, even after six long years?
We need our Field's now!!!!!
i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
Date: Wednesday, June 27, 2012 12:30 pm CT
Posted by: Pat
For the second year in a row, it appears that Macy's has eeked into the Pride Parade here in Chicago by using the CGMC as a shield from the disdain of Chicagoans. It's interesting to note that the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus did their public performance for Pride week at Water Tower instead of State Street this year. Seems to say that they view both stores as flagships--why do they need two of them? Let one be Marshall Field's.
Regarding the fans Macy's passed out at the parade. It was so hot that I don't think people cared what was printed on them. Maybe Field's Fans fans should be passed out next year(????).
Chicago still wants Marshall Field's back!
Date: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 5:41 pm CT
Posted by: Drew
A friend recently went on a "long weekend" to Washington DC. He had not been to the area for several years and was very disappointed that Woodward & Lothrop and Hecht's were no longer in existence. He and his girlfriend did not shop at any mall in the Washington area because the stores were the same as those in the Pittsburgh region.
Now that the summer vacation season is here, one wonders how many tourist dollars are lost throughout the country because the same stores are everywhere? Whereas a gift from Kaufmann's, Rich's, Lazarus, Filene's, Marshall Field's, Foley's and the other regionals would have been special, a gift from macy*s is nothing because that store is everywhere. Bringing home something from macy*s would be as "exciting" as a gift from walmart. I would suspect many visitors bypass shopping venues which feature stores available back home.
Wonder how many legacy macy*s stores aren't doing as well with tourists and visitors since they too are no longer anything special? I posted previously that a teacher who took student groups to New York City mentioned that kids weren't interested in visiting the Herald Square macy*s since they felt it would be something they could do anytime at home.
Date: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 5:12 pm CT
Posted by: Drew
Designer Francisco Costa is offering a special collection of dresses at selected Red Star stores. In addition, the Red Star is offering special Brasil merchandise at 300 stores.
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/life/fashion/francisco-costas-brazilian-cool-fashion-641931/
In the Pittsburgh area, Ross Park and South Hills Village are the two most upscale malls and are offering the designer dresses. The Brasil merchandise is offered at the "better" mall locations but not more downmarket locations. So basically the Red Star is basically running three tiers of stores according to merchandising.
So what's the problem with returning Marshall Field's (and other regional nameplates) as the "premium" department store for all the better merchandise in each market and keeping macy*s as the "basic" department store? Didn't Mr Lunkhead say the standardization of names and marketing was to provide economies of scale? Aren't all the Wall Street "experts" now praising his differentiation of merchandise as some earth shattering innovation? Which is it--all the same or tailored to the location? Upmarket department store or discounter? What exactly does the Red Star represent in the retail world?
Date: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 12:21 pm CT
Posted by: Field's Fan
Part of a comment on a super Walgreens coming to the Tribune Tower. It received four times the response of any other comments.
"That said, it suggests mediocrity when the most buzz Chicago's retail scene can generate is an innovative drugstore on Michigan Avenue. What would REALLY be exciting would be if Macy's brought back Marshall Field's to State Street as a one-of-a-kind international emporium in the same vein as Selfridges and Harrods, but with true Chicago substance. (Note: a red five-point star is a common symbol of NYC, not Chicago.)"
Date: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 3:02 am CT
Posted by: chitown fielder
Forbes credits Field's with pioneering the store within a store concept at the State Street flagship under the Target era and left out the short lived May era completely. Disappointing to see the conditions of some stores. Basic maintenance and cleaning are undoubtedly overlooked. I believe the only reason macy's survives in Chicago is because they affix their name onto something they're not. The buildings. Macy's essentially left many stationary things unchanged and changed others over the past six years. Field's stores were built to last and still remain unique with an unmistakable upscale vibe that exists to this day in anything macy's hasn't renovated. On the contrary, a typical macy's is representative of a bland, cookie cutter store. Why macy's doesn't unlock and tap into the Field brand is a mystery.
Hope Johnson is able to follow through on the promise of upgraded merchandise and services and the rebirth of the store in a store concept that macy's saw no value in. He clearly sees a future for it at penney's though their fair and square pricing needs to be improved upon. Went in store a few times after the transition and unfortunately wasn't impressed with prices. Penney's has to remember the competition runs on the sale/coupon model so they can't afford to disappoint with their "fair" pricing. Products I compared were consistently cheaper at the competition including identical, brand name items for far less. These factors will add up to what will make or break jcpenney.
Date: Monday, June 25, 2012 4:32 pm CT
Posted by: gle
Glad to hear there is still so much pride for Field's! Needless to say, my button continues to generate support for our cause. People keep telling me Field's was THE store.
Date: Sunday, June 24, 2012 7:34 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Even longer than helping out with our cause to bring back Field's, I've also been with other causes. For various reasons, I helped out with that group's efforts at today's Chicago Pride Parade. Macy's, of course, has finally started participating in the Chicago Pride Parade by sponsoring one of the gay men's choral groups.
Even though I was helping a different not-for-profit, I had maybe a dozen of our "Time To Bring Back Marshall Field's" buttons with me. I gave out a few to a couple of friends.
Macy's, from the joint float also passed out what I estimated to be about 10,000 cardboard-and-wooden-stick fans that said "Pride + Joy" with the Macy's logo. So my friends, took the Macy's fans and put Field's buttons over the Macy's logos. Well, as you might expect, the balance of the buttons went quickly, with all being pinned to the fans over the Macy's logo. People stopped to ask me and friends where they could get a "doctored" fan like that. People took pictures of us holding the fans with the Field's fans button over the Macy's logo, while more than a few others gave us "thumbs up." Later I went to visit some friends, forgetting I was carrying a fan the Field's button. The topic of wanting Field's to come back came up all over again with everyone agreeing that they wanted Field's back.
As much as Macy's tries to kill the Marshall Field's brand, it still surprises me as to just how valuable people consider it. People still want their Marshall Field's!
Date: Friday, June 22, 2012 8:22 pm CT
Posted by: Julie W.
We miss field's. Macy's doesn't have quality.
Date: Friday, June 22, 2012 5:23 pm CT
Posted by: Pat Kohler, Hoffman Estates
Glad to see the cause lives on.
Was flipping through Crains Business on line site. It's a pay site, but maybe your boss has given you a subscription. Some interesting stories about Macy's some years back. In February 1998, they were quietly looking to open an anchor in Block 37 at State and Randolph:
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/19980131/ISSUE01/10003620There are several stories on the negotiations, but then in fall 1998, Macy's backed out because it wanted $55 Million in tax breaks:
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/19981017/ISSUE01/10002132"STATE STREET. Macy's, a unit of Cincinnati-based Federated Department Stores Inc., dropped plans to build a store on the famed street. While Mayor Daley said the store backed out because the city rejected its request for a $55-million subsidy, insiders said the deal fell through because City Hall publicized -- and ridiculed -- the company's financing request."
I wished they would have stayed away. It's clear that they thought they couldn't compete with Marshall Field's.
Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2012 5:55 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Sigh. Nobody is all bad, not even Macy's (choke).
My husband and I have a big interest in this museum...........so even though it hurts I must bow to M ONCE anyway and give them thanks and credit for this saving act:
http://gcvmblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/macys-miracle-says-museum-ceo-civil-war.html
Step-in-the-Right-Direction, guys!
Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2012 5:44 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Smith
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1061139883&srvc=rss
Apparently Barbara's books is coming to Macy's in Downtown Crossing.
Date: Monday, June 18, 2012 7:24 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
oh dear.......I grew up with Jack Benny and Space Patrol too...... happy memories but believe me, while I do not delight in certain modern messes like insurance paperwork, I am grateful for my cell phone and podcasts and Bose. Plenty of room there for Field's!
We don't need to abandon Apple for radio sets to find happiness with Fieldsness. In fact I consider Apple to be a living model of Field's sensibility. I am listening to my wonderful public radio station WXXI streaming on the computer as I write, grateful that it can happen, because TWarner could not spare a strand of cable to deliver it directly to our rural radios here like their momnpop predecessors did. The Field's model did not have to go the way of the checker board on the barrel. Neither did the Field's State Street store have to be defiled and squandered.
Sears et al figured out catalogs over a century ago, changing the way business was done, and it made a lot of people happy without a palace experience. Online shopping has carried this useful option into the 21st century. Through it all (almost) there has been a unique Marshall Field's downtown doing what it has done so magnificently for so long--making believers--until a certain person decided it was too good for the likes of us.
Buying shoes online or at Shoos R US, ain't the same as gawking, before and after a wonderful lunch, at mercantile splendor in a beautiful place staffed with helpful "associates." While wearing a pair of great new shoes with the old ones in the Field's bag. Right? At least I still get a chip of that old thrill from the Apple store--a two-hour one-way pilgrimage--culminating with a Field's style bag in tow, and a product that more than satisfies.
Date: Saturday, June 16, 2012 1:58 pm CT
Posted by: Joy marie Hoxter
I called FRIEND RECENTLY AND HE TOLD ME THAT MARSHALL FIELD'S WAS GONE! I was shock as this the place that I did all my Christmas shopping so many years ago with my friends...
Like all good things it is gone... Just like the old people cast aside... for the young. My gosh what has happened to this world... That we can not still be side by side and live together .... Too much electronics for me... Give me the old radio stations and a good imagination or the early TV day... with jackie Gleason and the I love Lucy shows, where one could still laugh instead of being stunned by such horrible things that are on TV today... I will miss you Marshall fields.... maybe a in another life time.... joy
Date: Friday, June 15, 2012 1:56 pm CT
Posted by: Liz R.
They should make Marshall Field Company on State Street just like Harrod's. A one of a kind store. It would be a world wide attraction!
Miss Field's!
Liz
Date: Thursday, June 14, 2012 11:23 pm CT
Posted by: J. D., Pleasanton, Calif.
You have to wonder about the media. One the one hand, you have a story like this, "This Is 1 Incredible CEO" by Sean Williams. He's of the Motley Fool, but apparently they wouldn't publish his man-crush swoonarama to Terry Lundgren. So it's at Daily Finance.com http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/06/13/this-is-1-incredible-ceo/. Speaking of which, Cramer of MSNBC also chortled like a school boy in the past day, also gushing his love to Terry Lundgren while interviewing His Highness. Don't get me, wrong. Lundgren is doing a terrific job from Wall Street's perspective. But I couldn't help but ponder if these two stories were put out there to counter balance how we Macy's employees in the San Francisco area held a protest today. Mr. Lundren makes more before noon on a given day what a manager makes in a year.
From the San Francisco Chronicle and PR Web:
Macy's Workers to Greet CEO's Visit to SF Protest Focuses on Conditions & Wages http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/06/13/prweb9602902.DTL
"Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren will visit the company's flagship store at Union Square in San Francisco. Workers from the Macy's furniture store and their allies from the San Francisco stores will be there to greet him and rally for better conditions and wages."
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/06/13/prweb9602902.DTL#ixzz1y6GvW3ca and at http://www.melodika.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=312653&Itemid=54
Marshall Field's was a sublime place. This is what Chicago is up against. What to do when Macy's has such clout????????????????????
Date: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 4:39 pm CT
Posted by: Ken R.
Out farther west, we had The Jones Store in Kansas City. It was an alright store, but no match for Marshall Field's. Macy's was in Kansas City several decades ago. It pulled out and its stores, became Dillard's. Macy's seemed down market then. Macy's taking over The Jones Store was not exactly a big deal. Today, people don't care one way or another here, but if you ask about Chicago and Marshall Field's, they say they miss THAT store!
Date: Monday, June 11, 2012 10:25 pm CT
Posted by: Field's Fan
Comments to a story about Downtown Life and people moving back to the down town. One comment laments the "evisceration" of Marshall Field's as a negative milestone, suggesting it should be corrected. It was tied for most popular comment at #13. No others came close.http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20120609/ISSUE01/306099978
Date: Monday, June 11, 2012 4:39 pm CT
Posted by: Another Chicago Girl, Pam Q.
The Chicago + Girl = Love Blog at Chicago Now gives a first-timer's tour of Chicago. They say to visit what was once Marshall Field's on State Street, but they make it clear they wish Marshall Field's was back.http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-girl-love/2012/06/chicago-for-first-time-visitors/
Date: Sunday, June 10, 2012 9:34 pm CT
Posted by: Tribune Reader
Today's Sunday Chicago Tribune had a story about Chicago's worst ever disaster, The Eastland capsizing. Marshall Field's was there to help with the dead and comfort the families in many ways including offering their delivery vehicles to help with the funerals. Sad. But Field's was always there for us.
Date: Friday, June 8, 2012 12:54 pm CT
Posted by: Mary Knolls
We miss Field's a lot!
Date: Thursday, June 7, 2012 9:01 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
Forbes on article reminding everyone of the spirit of Marshall Field's--Give The Lady What She Wants! The story reminds the retail world that it is missing Marshall Field's!
Macy's has been saying a lot lately how it wants to compete with Amazon. Well, the antithesis of Amazon is a unique special store with the ultimate experience: Marshall Field's! Amazon's success is simply the response to the Macy's blahs. Macy's can't offer what Field's did so people just stay home and shop from their PC.
Date: Thursday, June 7, 2012 12:01 am CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston
Greetings Fields Fans! I sincerely wish you success in bringing the international destination back to Chicago (and I wish to Houston). We had the Galleria and Town & Country locations until the early 90s.
I ventured into the Deerbrook Foley's (I just hate to refer to it as Macy's). They completely remodeled it. I really don't care for the cheap looking fixtures but it was clean and organized. One thing I really was disappointed about was the exterior entrance into the mall. When Foley's built the store in 1984 they had the local children impress their handprints on the walls surrounding the Foley's logo (it was similar to a clover with a star in the center for Texas). It remained until Macy's took over. What is baffling is they left the 2 logos on the wall but plastered over all the handprints to make the wall smooth. What a sad thing to do in erasing the history of the town of Humble's children's memories.
Separately, I went into the legacy RH Macy store that was taken over by Dillards when Macy's exited the Houston market in the mid 90s. Dillards did an excellent job with the store. They left all the marble floors, expensive wood showcases, mirrored atrium escalators and detail work that was put into the store when it was built in 1984. It is such a contrast to what Macy's does today. The original RH Macy was so much more elegant with quality merchandise.
Please continue your efforts to bring back Marshall Fields. We miss our regional stores so much but, of course, they were not of the scale and elegance of Fields in being a destination for world travelers.
Date: Wednesday, June 6, 2012 5:01 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan
A Lot of Interest in leasing the former Marshall Field's store in Oak Park:
http://riverforest.suntimes.com/news/12999307-418/a-lot-of-interest-paid-to-fields-building.html
Date: Wednesday, June 6, 2012 7:59 am CT
Posted by: Mike
Sadly, I took the cellophane off the last of my Marshall Field's white dress shirts that I stockpiled back in 2006. They were the best. Alfani doesn't even come close! How do I know? I see them all the time, used, on the racks of Thrift shops. I rarely see Field's shirts there. We all know why.
I need more shirts! We need Field's back! Too bad Macy's wasn't/isn't smart enough to carry Marshall Field's dress shirts at all Macy's stores. A real brand. Real quality. A real seller!
Date: Tuesday, June 5, 2012 8:11 pm CT
Posted by: sb
Business-wise it makes sense for Field's to come back. This is obvious and shouldn't even be an issue. I also wish Von Maur would come to Chicago. There is so much real estate on Michigan Ave, why not!
Date: Monday, June 4, 2012 8:12 pm CT
Posted by: P.Y.
Keep this up! I hope that you guys succeed in getting Marshall Field's back.
Date: Sunday, June 3, 2012 10:19 pm CT
Posted by: Steph
You should do a survey comparing shoppers' preferences for Bloomingdale's. I think more would prefer Field's over Bloomingdale's than they do over Macy's. Macy's has different customers now who are more into bargains. Macy's is like a TJMaxx but you have to use lots of coupons. Same mentality.
Date: Saturday, June 2, 2012 2:15 pm CT
Posted by: G/M/
I grew up shopping Marshall Field's. My dad use to work there here in Houston. Everyone I know wishes we still had it here in Houston.
Date: Friday, June 1, 2012 6:39 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
Today's San Jose Mercury News
http://www.mercurynews.com/san-jose-neighborhoods/ci_20756141/time-zone-vintage-returns-san-jose
"There are women's rompers, including some in terry cloth; smart suits with pillbox hats to accessorize them; sweaters decorated with sequins and jewels; luxurious shrugs, including one with a Marshall Field's label; little black cocktail dresses;..."
Even in California, they love our Marshall Field's! They're talking about a store in Chicago with a world wide rep! Bring it back!
Date: Friday, June 1, 2012 5:19 pm CT
Posted by: Richard leas
Bring back Marshall Fields, no question! It could be the best of the Macy's and the Bloomingdales divisions and be "best of class." Buyers are in place, advertising is in place, and web is already in place. Macy's corporate could have three great businesses in Chicago! Why not?
Date: Friday, June 1, 2012 4:09 pm CT
Posted by: S.A.
Mikea do you work for Ikea? Actually you come across as someone who works for Macy's. Any how, lowly Sears can arrange to sell DieHard batteries, Kenmore appliances and Craftsman tools in Kmart, not to mention some Menards and Ace Hardware shops. How come Macy's can't arrange to have a single Field's store share Macy's and Bloomingdale's best inventories and merch??? Sears really is on life support with a bunch of extension cords hanging out of its behind. Yet, they can manage some shared goods between chains. If you say Macy's can't, then you aren't speaking well for their logistical management and buying.
Speaking of Sears, I know some of you wish Macy's had taken over Carsons or Lord and Taylor in the Chicago area instead of Field's. But I say Macy's would have hit the grand slam if they purchased Sears instead of Field's and May Department Stores and converted only the best locations to Macy's. Macy's over Sears at Woodfield or Oak Brook? Fine by me.
Macy's should just be honest and say, "The Whole Wide World loves Marshall Field's, except Terry Lndgren who's got some problem."
Date: Friday, June 1, 2012 12:01 pm CT
Posted by: John
Greetings, Marshall Field's loyalists and Chicago supporters.
I worked at Marshall Field's at Old Orchard. I am still grateful for all the wonderful people I have met through the years, especially the customers. My co-workers share a special place in my heart, just like my family. We still meet at the holidays and for birthdays.
When the store converted to being Macy's, I accepted Federated's offer to leave. I'm still sad about what happened to our store. It was the best place to work. We took great pride in our work. Every action and task felt like it mattered.
So I miss my Marshall Field's days immensely. I also know it is now not even close to the same as Macy's. So I made the right choice to leave.
When I hear what's going on with Macy's or read posts like the ones by MIkea, it makes me furious! It is all a lot of excuses and smoke and mirrors for Macy's to do what they have done to other great retail establishments, from Los Angeles to Boston to Atlanta and more. But what they did with Marshall Field's was most brazen and arrogant.
If Macy's took only a fraction the efforts to push Macy's on Chicago and instead spent it promoting the best locations as Marshall Field's, they'd be realizing four or five times what they have. What Macy's has been doing is certainly legal, but it is the wrong way to make money. I feel like Macy's even tries to minimize or play down Marshall Field's history and what we have accomplished. It's like Macy's is competing with Marshall Field's. Field's is an asset they should embrace and use to augment Macy's portfolio. More than bad business, it is corrosive to our society.
We Marshall Field's alumni respect you people who protest since you keep our work alive rather then denigrate it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Date: Thursday, May 31, 2012 9:50 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
Jim
In response that Macy's operates Herald Square as a separate division. It does to some extent. It is a seperate division with in the Macy organization, but not a separate entity as Bloomingdale's is and would be the Field's you want.
Herald Square operates with the same advertising ie catalogs, print, website, omnichannel, radio and tv that the the rest of the NY Macy stores do within the Macy buying and merchandising group. Herald Square in fact has lower end merchandise in some categories than State Street does. It does not have the 28th shop, St.John, certain lines of furniture, rugs, China, Crystal, food service, wine shop, candy that State Street carries. This is part of the My Macy program and Macy's trying to keep part of the Field's image. In my opionion State Street overall has better merchandise than Herald Square, and even Union Square.
My comment on Carson's State Street was from my experiences on a weekly basis in that store. It was crowded only when they had the store closing sale. In fact recent conference calls to Bon-Ton had analysts questioning whether Macy's was stealing customers away from Bon-Ton. It will be interesting to see what happens to Carson's and the rest of Bon-Ton under the new CEO Brenden Hoffman's leadership. Recent conference calls seem to point to growth coming from the smaller stores in smaller markets as opposed to larger markets as Chicago.
Date: Thursday, May 31, 2012 8:39 pm CT
Posted by: Steve Anderson
We miss Marshall Field's a great deal. Glad to see that the support continues!
Date: Thursday, May 31, 2012 6:49 am CT
Posted by: susan ny
Re: mikea: Oh boohoo about having to go the trouble of running a fine store in order to have a fine store to continue the tradition of a fine store. It's trouble is it? Then get out of the biz.
I will once again assert that it is a PLAN to deface and then obliterate all that was Field's to, by default, elevate Macy's as the only game in the nation, if not the world. The fact that has been put forward here repeatedly--that Field's was/is superior--is the reason the ruination of Field's is a Lundgren stratagem. Sure, it's his ego all over the place, and yes as far as I am concerned it is stupid, self-defeating and stubborn but there we are. Someday he will fizz out and maybe a savvy entrepreneur will be able to put things to rights again, proving the world has not sunk to the low depths certain folks would have us believe is all there is.
I am tired of getting jerked around by a newly-imposed insurance carrier that has to get the max profit. And so on. I am tired of being told that everything from pencil-making to Wall Street is all business with the sole goal of maximizing profit. If that is the only thing we are here for on this planet, to make stockholders grin, and execs and stars search for more mansions to add to their collections, we have lost our souls for sure. You can make money, you can even be filthy rich, you can be a robber baron--but in the past it has been possible to do it while incorporating some soul satisfaction into the bargain, like a great team or a great store or a great sandwich or a great performance. Out of piles of money, questionably amassed or not, have come educational institutions, libraries, museums, musical venues, parks, hospitals, clinics, etc. Now those are too much trouble as well, I suppose.
Thank goodness there are still people and businesses that take the trouble to incorporate creative and humanitarian excellence in their operations. I think that is an American virtue and pray it will never be entirely squashed out for the sake of contrived bottom lines acceptable to wannabee fat cats.
Date: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 11:14 pm CT
Posted by: gayle
Oh my gosh, I am having such a hard time keeping Macy's various stories straight. I seem to recall that when M moved in, they did their level best to convince us that it was "only a name change" and that they were not cutting back on any quality, service or brands, and the name change was just to save money on bags and advertising.
Now, however, they are being compared to their "peers," JCP and Kohl's. Don't get me wrong--I like JCP and Kohl's--but they were NEVER considered peers of Field's, not even in their wildest corporate fantasies. Not only is M being compared to them by outsiders, but I believe they have used the comparisons internally in various conference calls and press releases.
And here, on this very blog, one of their main defenders, MikeA, says the following (and I quote): "A Field's on State Street would require Macy's to remerchandise the store [and]add more associates..." Ya think? So does that mean Macy's DID change the merchandise selection, cut back on help, and--Heavens to Betsy--LIE to us?
I think their marketing strategy is based on the fond hope that we will eventually grow tired and shop there because they're the only game in town. Thanks to stores such as Von Maur and Nordstrom's, and thanks to the wonder of the Internet, that will never happen.
Every time I walk into one of their stores, I'm reminded of an old Monty Python skit: The Cheese Store. Anyone else remember this: "It's not much of a cheese store, is it?"
aaarrrgghhh.
Date: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 1:59 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
mikea / daveb --
Bon-Ton closed State Street because of the building renovation. True, Bon-Ton has a history of closing older downtown locations and it sucks that they didn't move back in when the renovation was done. At one point around 2007 or 2008, I was personally told by a senior Bon-Ton exec that they would have come back if Field's was back as a draw. (I do think their supposed quest for a new Loop or Michigan Avenue location was more lip-service than reality.)
That aside, Carson's creamed Macy's in fall 2006. We were out there Saturdays and other days passing out flyers from October through Christmas 2006 and the Carson's bags outnumbered Macy's bags by at least four-to-one and even six-to-one. We talked about here a lot. Don't go implying falsehoods that Carson's was empty when many here reported the opposite.
Regarding having to have special help at a revived Field's on State Street, Herald Square is already run separately from the rest of Macy's in more than a few ways and has merchandise they don't have elsewhere. Even their staff there is different and unionized. So State Street could also be an exception as well. Moreover, if Macy's isn't interested in "operating a museum" as you put it, then they should sell the State Street store to someone else who would run it as Field's. Those parties are out there. Macy's, as proposed in the 90s, could have opened a fresh store in, say Block 37, assuming they'd want to have to flagships a mile apart as they do now. It's redundant and Chicago's the only place where they have two flagships.
There are plenty of reasons and ways it could work. The rationale of Macy's (and you) is more about saving face then making sense with the highest and best use of State Street.
Date: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 1:25 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
Jim is failing to realize that Carson's competed with Macy's for about 3 months before they had their closing sale. As a regular weekly customer on State Street, the Carson's was so poorly patronized that a bowling ball could have been rolled down the main aisle on a Friday afternoon around 4-5PM. Even less people were on the upper floors. The store was doing so poorly that Bon-Ton's first thing to do was to announce its closing.
If Macy's was to be so hated in Chicago why did Bon-Ton not stay in Chicago to try to lure disgruntled Field's customers.
True Macy's made money by closing off hardly used escalators and a tax abatement along with clsoing parts of 9 down which Field's under their original renovation only had clearance furniture on 9 until 2003. In fact Macy's by making State Street a regional store has buying and merchandise staff along with designers back in the store. It was Target in 1990 that effectively closed off floors 10 and above.
A Field's on State Street would require Macy's to remerchandise the store add more associates create a whiole new division for one store. That would require seperate advertising be it newspaper, radio, tv, website, omnichannel and catalogs. The true Macy values would not be able to passed on since alot of the new merchandise would be specific to one store and therefore eliminating alot of the cost savings that Macy's can now pass on to their customers and still make a profit. Also they would effectively be competing against themselves in downtown Chicago between their Water Tower and Bloomingdale's stores. A Field's as you want would be carrying competing merchandise that Bloomingdale's and Macy's Water Tower does to some extent.
Macy's operating a Field's would
1) Be competing against their Bloomingdale's Chicago stores and Macy's Water Tower in some categories
2) Cost them much more in operating costs than it currently does with no guarantee that would be making more profit than they are now out of State Street
Macy's and all corporations care about profit, history is for the musuem
Date: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 1:18 pm CT
Posted by: Frank, Niles, MI.
Was reading a quote about Wrigley Field today. "The negotiations (about Wrigley) underscore an age-old dilemma...It is a private asset, yet it is treated as a public treasure...that should be preserved for future generations."
When I'm in the Chicago area, I pass through former Marshall Field's stores that are now Macy's. I don't shop there, of course. But I notice how much nicer these stores are than the other Macy's stores I encounter when traveling throughout the country as a salesman. Given the gorgeous stores they have in Chicagoland, you would think they would exploit that. I just don't understand why they didn't just keep the nicer locations as Marshall Field's. They could put the words "a Macy's store" in small print below the logo. You'd know the Macy's ads were good there while they'd have the "extra" that made the stores Field's.
Instead, I keep reading these news stories where Macy's is compared to its so-called peers, Kohl's and J.C.Penney. Field's peers were always the likes of Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor and Bloomingdale's. Field's had the quality of a specialty store with the breadth of a department store.
I miss Marshall Field's. Macy's has squandered a very valuable asset.
Date: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 10:27 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
No one is asserting that Macy's should not make gobs of money or be efficient. The surprising thing is that they choose to do it in Chicago by "not pleas[ing] everyone" with lackluster offerings in a global shoppers' Valhalla suffering from deferred maintenance and obvious, outright disregard (at best).
By withdrawing merchandise, quality, service, atmosphere, and respect for clientele, Macy's may feel they are being "efficient" and cost-effective, but as the old lady indignantly asked years ago-- "Where's the BEEF???" Without that a burger is irrelevant.
Date: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 10:09 am CT
Posted by: Jim
mikea (aka daveb) is right. Macy's is a corporation out to make money and rightfully so. That's our point here, too. But mikea, you (and assuming Macy's shares the same logic) have it wrong. The State Street store could and should now be realizing much more in profits these days. That would happen if it were Field's.
Here's where you have it wrong. During ALL of the Target years (and MayCo years, too), Field's on State Street had a very worthy, primary competitor in Carson Pirie Scott. (Sears is there too but it was more of a secondary competitor with Field's.) Macy's competed with Carson's for about five months. During that time, Macy's did so badly that, according to ChicagoBusiness.com on 2/27/2007, the local tax collecting authority was obliged to investigate because sales tax revenues dropped so much at Macy's on State. I believe a drop of at least 30% was given as the figure triggering the inquiry.
After Carson's closed, don't you think Macy's should have at least picked up at least 30 to 50% of Carson's sales and profits? Of course they should have. Macy's should have picked up even more than that, but even picking up a minority of Carson's business would make 111 N State profitable. The truth is that Field's would have gotten the same profit boost and even more.
Then consider that starting around 2009, it appears that Macy's no longer had to pay taxes on unused space at the State Street flagship. It appears that this amount saved was about $1.9M.* I suspect that if the store was still Field's, they would have had less empty space, but Field's would have easily gotten $1M in savings.
But it is probably true that if the store was still Field's, they wouldn't be able to save money on deferred maintenance, or closed off elevators and escalators, not to mention buy out a number of long-time, experienced employees and replace them with part-timers. But if the store was run as Field's, that all would have been covered -- and more. But is that the really sustainable way of making a profit?
So, the store is making a profit, using less than ideal methods, but it could be doing even better. Look they have some of Field's customers and Carson's former customers too. And from what I hear, more than a few of those customers would rather have Field's.
mikea, you say, "All sports teams are out to win even the Cubs. The goal is to win the championship." Chicago sports teams may not consistently win, but as we've said here time and time again, Marshall Field's was almost always Chicago's winner. For a while I was often quoted as saying, "Even Chicagoans may not always like our sports teams, but even New Yorkers thought Marshall Field's was a huge winner."
* This is based on the appeals sections at the Cook County Assessor's Office web site.
Date: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 10:58 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
Susan, is right. MAcy's is a corporation out to make money and rightfully so. All sports teams are out to win even the Cubs. The goal is to win the championship. A company would not exist if they were not out to make money.
Macy's knows how to run stores effeciently and make money. They cannot satisfy all customers. Currently the State Street store is regarded as one of their top flagship stores equal to Herald Square. The associates are told that State Street operates at a profit almost equal to some of the highest volume stores the company has. Whereas in some of the Target years the associates were told the store is operating in the Red. May old grand dame stores went closed and went out of business because they diod not change and try to be profitable over tradition ie Garfinkels, Wannamakers, Woodward & Lothrop, Miller and Rhodes to name a few. The old Carson's on State Street alternative is not an option for 111 N State Street.
Date: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 10:24 pm CT
Posted by: S.B.
I haven't posted in a while. I went down Michigan Ave today and noticed that WOW so many. I'm talking about dozens of places have gone out of business. High end (Escada?), low end (Filene's Basement) and everything in between. I think the reason is because there's NOTHING SPECIAL about these stores. Who wants to walk down the amazing Mich Ave and see what they can see anywhere else in anytown, USA? Field's State Street was just SO AMAZING. I can't even put it in words. It was really like no other. I can't think of anywhere no-a-days that comes close. To get s special feeling I go to Millenium Park, Lincoln Park Green House, the Lake Front, the Rookery, the Chicago Cultural Center, or something like that. I really see no reason to go to Michigan Ave or State Street (maybe to go to Bearded Papa :) ) but otherwise no use!.
Date: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 8:03 am CT
Posted by: Kenia
I'm a student at the University of Washington and visited CHICAGO over the weekend on break. Marshall Field's was a really cool place to visit. Went through what is now called Macy's and have to say it is so lame by comparison. Field's was a reason I looked forward to Chicago. Not so any more. We have Macy's here in Seattle. It's no match for Field's.
Date: Monday, May 28, 2012 12:26 pm CT
Posted by: Philip Eichler
To reinforce Jim's comments about Macy's regard for the former Wanamaker's location, Macy's considers that location one of their national flagship stores. The reason I can say this is that when Macy's bought Field's, they kept Field's State Street visitor website and have since used that web template for what they consider flagship stores: Herald Square in NYC, Union Square in San Francisco, and the former Wanamaker's location in Philadelphia. They also have included locations in New Orleans and Houston, but those seem to be included because those states offer some sort of tax free shopping for purchases made by foreign visitors, not because the store is a large old grand dame like State Street. I have said this before and will say it again, I think Field's State Street made Macy's realize there is value for these larger,urban destination locations. Now if Macy's would just get some management that realizes there would be even greater value, if State Street was converted back into Marshall Field's.......
Date: Sunday, May 27, 2012 11:45 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Regarding the past couple of posts about Wannamaker's, I simply have to disagree with certain aspects of what is written. There's a tendency for some to lump other cities' local hometown department stores in with Field's. Not true. Maybe it's so with Chicago's hometown stores Wieboldt's or Carson's or Madigan's, but not with Marshall Field's. Marshall Field's was an international destination emporium based out of Chicago. And I'd like to point out that I don't see web sites, petitions, rallies, buttons, etc. for any other store continuing on in a degree that even comes close to what goes on for Field's.
I'd also like to point out that more than a few Field's supporters are Philadelphians. They tell me time and time again--backed up by good sources--how Wannamaker's was Philly's peer to Field's back 80-100 years ago, but Wanamaker's also went downmarket in the mid 1950s, eventually going bankrupt in 1993-94. The Marshall Field's of the 70s, 80s and 90s was cuts above the likes of Wannamaker's. Let me say it again: R.H. Macy's and Federated and even Wannamaker's went bankrupt. That alone should tell you that for last decade or two, Wannamaker's was not Field's equal. Field's (and corporate parents since the 1980s) never went bankrupt--never even flirted with bankruptcy. Yes, there were some quarters and years when Field's didn't break even and lost money. But bankruptcy was NEVER an issue for Marshall Field's.
I do hear from these Field's fans in Philadelphia and they consistently tell me that, while Macy's is no match for Field's, Macy's has done the best job of any of the succession of stores that have taken over the former Wannamaker's flagship. While Philly has an intense rivalry with NYC, Philly also has warmed up a bit to Macy's because they have made the City Centre store the best it's been in decades. Having to keep certain aspects of Field's (in part to our ongoing pressure) has motivated Macy's to reinstate and enhance features and traditions begun at Wannamaker's. One Field's supporter living in Philadelphia even claims that Macy's ideally would like to reclaim a floor or two back from those lost when it was downsized to become Lord and Taylor. (Lord and Taylor locations are "specialty department stores" often smaller than most Macy's or Field's.)
Finally, for those of you interested in history, are at least three department stores by Burnham that are based on the first at 111 N. State Street. Wannamakers is said to be, arguably in some ways, a perfected version of State Street, because, unlike Field's, it doesn't have that one "unmatching" corner like at Wabash and Washington. Another is Selfridges flagship in London. And then there is the former Filene's flagship in Boston which had a facade designed by Burnham that looked like an "Egyptianized" version of State Street's facade. Today, only the facade remains while it awaits a new building behind it.
The history is great and is what Field's reputation stands upon. However, let's not lose focus of what a reborn Marshall Field's on State Street would hold for Chicago and the world in the 21st Century. The best would be to come. "The first 150 years were just a warm-up," as Field's literature said ten years ago.
Date: Sunday, May 27, 2012 8:42 pm CT
Posted by: Drew
TO JIMMY GIMBELS:
The Center City (downtown) Philadelphia Red Star was originally the flagship John Wanamaker department store. The Wanamaker store was designed by Daniel Burnham who was also responsible for the iconic Marshall Field's store on State Street. The Grand Court is/was a magnificent public space, highlighted by the famous Wanamaker Organ.
Wanamaker's was bought out and partnered with Woodward & Lothrop (Woodie's) of Washington DC. After the parent company fell into bankruptcy, the Wanamaker stores were purchased by May Company in 1994 and rebranded Hecht's (May Company's Washington DC division). A year later May bought out privately owned Strawbridge & Clothier, whose Center City flagship department store was a few blocks down Market Street from the former Wanamaker's. May decided to convert their Philly area stores under the shortened moniker Strawbridge's and to remake the Wanamaker's building into a Lord & Taylor. When Federated purchased the May Company, they chose to shutter the Strawbridge & Clothier building and operate the Wanamaker building as macy*s. Only three floors of the department store were used by Lord & Taylor; the selling floors had previously been reduced from 9 to 5 by the Woodward & Lothrop ownership.
Although the building has great historical significance, it has been degraded to "just another macy*s" with poor maintenance and uninspired merchandising. Wish you could have seen Wanamaker's and Strawbridge & Clothier back in the 1980s and 1990s when they were beautiful flagship stores with a wide assortment of quality merchandise at various price points, interesting displays and great amenities. The management obviously had PRIDE in their building, merchandise and services as they worked to provide a first class shopping experience to their customers.
Date: Sunday, May 27, 2012 8:35 pm CT
Posted by: i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
Way to go, Jimmy Gimbels! You always write the best comments. ;-)
That store you were in may have been the old John Wanamaker flagship at Center City in Philadelphia. The building itself was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1978, and was known for its massive pipe organ. The store, of course, changed hands over the course of time: Lord and Taylor from 1997 to 2005, and macy*mart from 2006 onward. Also, the store shrank in floor count and selling space.
What Jimmy had observed recently is EXACTLY what's happening to much of America's old flagship department stores that have been macy*ized, including our own Field's at State Street. This is NEVER acceptable!
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wanamaker's
i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
Date: Sunday, May 27, 2012 6:28 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Yes again.... sorry but I Just had to make another comment-- rereading these, I STILL marvel that Terry and his Pirates think that you maximize profit by offering the mediocre to Chicago ....IN PLACE OF and WITHIN THE HALLS OF a plug-n-play merchandising palace.
Date: Saturday, May 26, 2012 5:50 pm CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels
I just returned from the city of Philadelphia...and had the displeasure of doing a quicky walk-thru of the downtown Macy's. Those wacky folk at Macy's seem to have an onoing theme in their stores:-dirty walls-threadbare carpets
-minimal sales staff coverage
-broken escalators
-uninspired displays
I need my Field's
Date: Saturday, May 26, 2012 12:01 pm CT
Posted by: keisha
I didn't know this organization existed. I was just talking to my friend about the dinnerware I have from Marshall Field's and thinking I want "my" Marshall Field's back.
Then I began searching the Web to see if Field's would ever be back and stumbled upon this site.
Date: Friday, May 25, 2012 9:11 pm CT
Posted by: Judy Marth
To Susan, former Field's employee:
You may be right, but certainly NOTHING will happen if people don't even try. So for those of us who refuse to give in to big corporatation greed and ego, we stand firm in the belief that Marshall Fields' can and WILL come back. Lundgren won't be around forever. Remember that even Rome finally saw defeat and collapsed. At some point, the Lundgren empire will, too.
To the once and future Marshall Field's!!!
JM
Date: Thursday, May 24, 2012 11:59 pm CT
Posted by: A Poster
Saw that Macy's is now expanding into China's e-commerce. I know the red star is Macy's logo because it is the symbol of both merchant marines and NYC. Given the red-star is the symbol of communist China, I always found that kinda weird. Then again, maybe not.
Date: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 7:56 pm CT
Posted by: James Koenig
Chicago is a great American city! It has character, culture, and a unique identity-- Marshall Field & Company was part and partial to the identity and retail "branding" of Chicago. There is definitely a Chicago style-- it is different than New York style, or Boston, or Atlanta, or L.A. We don't want equal rights for all Americans, but we do NOT want a generic America.
Actually if Macy's were to respond to the desire of Chicagoans and those with an affinity for the city, they would be making a smart business move. Create a Marshall Field for the 21st Century. It's personal to Chicago-- it's in the retail DNA of Chicagoans. I went to school at Northwester-- where I had a double major in music and Chicago! I now have singing students in Chicago area schools. I find myself educating those students about Chicago-- the history, the traditions, Chicago-lore, etc. And it's exciting that the urban life of Chicago is fresh and vital and exciting. Chicago deserves to have her store back! A major retail brand that says "Windy City!" I think that Macy's has even lost some of its New York cache by being the generic mall department store.
On we go-- we don't need just "accomodations" and "provisions"-- we need community.
BRING BACK FIELDS
Date: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 5:54 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Susan- we share a name and an opinion! Except for one thing. Never mind what he thinks, Terry L is not God, and I believe in miracles. One fine day, the Berlin wall did come down.
Rapacious greed and self-will can't hold out forever. A place as exceptional as Field's, while some might consider it to be just another moneymaking scheme, did the job coming from another part of the human soul, where it ought, or we would not still be howling years after the loss. A wise man once said "Vitality is mightier than size." We'll stand our ground. This is not just about shopping.
Date: Monday, May 21, 2012 9:46 pm CT
Posted by: Susan
I was an employee of Marshall Fields-Dayton-Hudson-Macys for over 30 years.I would be thrilled beyond all measure if Marshall Fields came back, but it will never happen. Your organization mistakenly believes that what the customers want is important to Macy's-it is not. Macys does not give a damn about the customers. Macys does not even care about being a decent department store. Macys is a corporation. The purpose of a corporation is to make money. Macys utilizes the form of a retail store to make money. The form the corporation takes is immaterial-the only object is to make money. An intelligent person will argue that by respecting the customers and selling quality merchandise a store WILL make more money but here one comes to the enormous ego of Terry Lunkhead. The change was his idea and he will never ever admit he made an error.
Date: Sunday, May 20, 2012 5:42 pm CT
Posted by: L., In Miami and Not a Macy's Shopper
Thank you for your ongoing efforts to see Marshall Field's restored to Chicago. I applaud your tenacity and, although I have relocated to Miami, send my moral support. That store was the essence of my beloved hometown, Chicago, and I continued to order from Marshall Field's long after moving to Florida. Again, thank you
Date: Sunday, May 20, 2012 6:46 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Perhaps this period of wandering in the desert will sharpen everyone's appreciation of Field's WHEN it returns....I am at the point of shopping online rather than trek over an endless mall looking for what I want, and finding the same thing that I don't want everywhere.
The resourcefulness of buyers (yea!) in individualizing a department store's offerings used to make each store a destination, at whatever level. At least you knew what to expect and had a choice. You may argue that today's ginormous mall is a sort of department store but boyhowdy--- you have to be in shape to trot all over Kingdom Come to find those shoes or that salad bowl. No horizontal escalators or elevators (or transporters?) to expedite the trip, and certainly no helpful gathering of like merch into one space. And nothing like the reassuring imprimatur that even a Wieboldt's name gave. (Although mention of Old Orchard or Oakbrook used to stir the shopping corpuscles but--that was the Field's Ripple Effect.)
Date: Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:47 am CT
Posted by: Shirley
Marshall Fields means memories -- of the Walnut Room and the "classy" lunches (what a treat). One dressed up prettily for these occasions and carried in the lovely shopping bag with the latest in fashion resting in the bottom to sit beside the chair during the repast; walking through the front door into the wide center aisle where young ladies waited to make sure you were directed to the right department for whatever shopping you had in mind. . . We took this service for granted -- it is sorely missed! When one walked through the doors, one expected quality and there it was! They "had" to close those doors and the only thing I have left are two umbrellas--out of the ordinary and very beautiful.
Date: Friday, May 18, 2012 11:09 pm CT
Posted by: gayle
A big thanks to Frank Farmer Loomis, the Cincinnati radio personality who so graciously and eloquently represented us today at the Macy's annual shareholder's meeting!It's time Macy's sees that it's not only Chicagoans who want to see Field's restored to its rightful home on State.
Thanks Frank!
Date: Friday, May 18, 2012 11:05 pm CT
Posted by: Mark
I can't believe that there are ANY (let alone 20%) of Chicagoans that either prefer Macy's or "don't care". Marshall Field's IS Chicago.
Macy's is...well, a fancy Target.
Date: Friday, May 18, 2012 10:45 pm CT
Posted by: Carolyn
Love the survey results.
Date: Friday, May 18, 2012 5:08 pm CT
Posted by: Judy
Thank you for the press release.
Next time you conduct a survey, ask the shoppers who are pro-Macy's if they are as offended as I am by Macy's advertising that states they have been your store for over 150 years, something like that. Marshall Field's was our store for over 150 years, Federated/Macy's is just a carpetbagger.
Another question to ask, "Do celebrities like Donald Trump, Jessica Simpson and Martha Stewart influence you to shop at Macy's? Do you care?"
I liked the store under previous owners, when they kept it Marshall Field's. Not now.
And some of the help has defected as well. I met a woman at Nordstrom's at Old Orchard who left Macy's because they didn't have enought help.
Keep up the good work.
Judy
Date: Friday, May 18, 2012 4:49 pm CT
Posted by: gle
Bravo! Thank-you to Mr. Farmer Loomis!
Date: Friday, May 18, 2012 3:08 pm CT
Posted by: A., Washington, D.C.
Congrats--Great!
Date: Friday, May 18, 2012 2:39 pm CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(CHICAGO-May 18, 2012)
FieldsFansChicago.org Annual Survey Results
Survey Shows Overwhelming Demand for Marshall Field's Continues to Hold Steady:
Four Out of Five Chicago Shoppers Still Prefer Marshall Field's Over Macy's
Contact:Email: info AT FieldsFansChicago DOT org
The latest survey of North Michigan Avenue and State Street shoppers completed in the past eleven weeks indicates that 78% continue to prefer Marshall Field's over Macy's. Comparable surveys administered in 2009, 2010 and 2011 showed that 78%, 81% and 79% (respectively) preferred Marshall Field's to Macy's. As such, there has been no statistically significant change in the shopping preference for Marshall Field's in the past four years.
The survey of 477 shoppers was conducted anonymously by the grassroots organization FieldsFansChicago.org. Three questions were administered. Results from 2009, 2010 and 2011 are shown in parenthesis. This year's survey had a margin of error of 4.43% ( < 5.0%), with a confidence level of 95% and a response distribution of 50%.
* Do you prefer Marshall Field's, Macy's or both about the same?
- 78.4% preferred Marshall Field's (2009: 78.0% / 2010: 80.8% / 2011: 79.0%)
- 14.0% preferred Macy's (2009: 12.6% / 2010: 12.7% / 2011: 12.5%)
- 7.5% preferred both equally (2009: 9.4% / 2010: 6.5% / 2011: 8.4%)
* Do you shop at the store more, less or about the same since the store became Macy's?
- 7.1% said that they shop more (2009: 8.6% / 2010: 6.7% / 2011: 7.8%)
- 72.3% said that they shop less (2009: 72.2% / 2010: 71.5% / 2011: 72.5%)
- 20.6% said that they shop with the same frequency (2009: 19.2% / 2010: 21.7% / 2011: 19.7%)
* Would you shop at the store more, less or about the same if the store was converted back to
Marshall Field's from Macy's?
- 78.0% said that they would shop more (2009: 78.3% / 2010: 77.1% / 2011: 78.2%)
- 3.5% said that they would shop less (2009: 2.9% / 2010: 4.7% / 2011: 3.1%)
- 18.5% would shop with the same frequency as now (2009: 18.8% / 2010: 18.1% / 2011: 18.6%)
The statistically rigorous survey is a preliminary assessment of respondents' preferences and perceptions and should be considered as the basis for future, more in-depth analysis and more in-depth questions.
The results were related to Macy's, Inc.'s CEO, President and Chairman, Terry J. Lundgren, and Macy's Board of Directors by Mr. Frank Farmer Loomis immediately after today's annual meeting of shareholders in Cincinnati. Based in Cincinnati, Mr. Farmer Loomis is an antique authority with his own radio show in Macy's "co-hometown." Said Mr. Jim McKay, Co-organizer at FieldsFansChicago.org, "Mr. Farmer Loomis is representative of the millions nationally and internationally -- outside of Chicagoland -- who continue to want to see Marshall Field's restored to its rightful place on State Street."
Further information about the survey, results and the grass-roots organization FieldsFansChicago.org can be found at http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org
---30---
Date: Thursday, May 17, 2012 3:27 pm CT
Posted by: gle
Thanks and best wishes to anyone who is representing our cause at the Annual Shareholder meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio on Friday, May 18, 2012!
Date: Wednesday, May 16, 2012 1:23 pm CT
Posted by: Carole from Milwaukee
We miss Marshall Field's up here too! Bring it back!
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.
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ve this
great Chicago institution. The views and opinions expressed on these
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e who operate this site. This site is NOT affiliated
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Stores, Macy's, Inc., or keepitfields.org. ©2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 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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