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.
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, 2015 backwards to February 1, 2014.
Return to the view of our blog's most recent posts.
or
Date: Sunday, February 1, 2015 5:39 pm CT
Posted by: M.H.
I saw in Crain's Chicago Business that Hyatt is creating a new hotel brand under the "Centric" name. How come Macy's can't have three brands---Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Marshall Field's? It would take nothing away from them and only add more.
Date: Friday, January 30, 2015 3:49 pm CT
Posted by: Kathy Sue King-Watters
It will only be worthwhile if the Fields traditions return with the name, at least to me. I go to State Street once a year for lunch by the tree and every year it seems they drop more traditions. Heartbreaking.
Date: Friday, January 30, 2015 6:40 am CT
Posted by: Susan B.
I've always thought it was ego on the part of Macy's (as opposed to business sense) to get rid of the Marshall Fields name.
Date: Thursday, January 29, 2015 11:37 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Macy's Is In Court AgainMy response to Walter Loeb's new piece...(if you can't see the article or my comments, go to the Forbes site. Thank you.)
http://www.forbes.com/sites/walterloeb/2015/01/29/omg-macys-is-in-court-again/
A leader like Macy’s has to defend itself for many reasons. In March Macy’s will find itself heading to court once again. This time because management forgot to shore up its portfolio of old department store name brands and...I think it was good to roll some of these stores into the Macy's banner--for many it wsa an upgrade.
But in the case of Marshall Field's it's a different story. It's a huge loss of stockholder value. Right before the Macy's and May Department Stores ("MayCo") merger, MayCo SEC 10K filings showed Marshall Field's trade names with a value of $419 Million. By comparison, the ten or so other MayCo trade names (Filene's, Foley's, Robinson-May, etc) PLUS Lord and Taylor and the bridal brands had a COMBINED value of $162M. About the same time, Federated (now Macy's, Inc.) listed Macy's and Bloomingdale's tradenames as $376M. This is not my opinion--this information is the companies' official legal estimates filed with the SEC. Even at half its value, Marshall Field's as a trade name was worth way, way more than a dozen other names combined.
Recent informal surveys of 400-800 Chicago shoppers still find the Marshall Field's is preferred for the State Street flagship by a ratio of 4:1. When Macy's discusses Marshall Field's it really means 62 stores with about 40 being former Daytons and Hudsons locations. Macy's says the legendary State Street flagship is profitable. However, consider that the store inherited some of Carson Pirie Scott's business and is getting an estimated $1.9M annual property tax cut, both which would have occurred under Field's--except they wouldn't have lost all the Marshall Field's customers.
Many of these stores are better now as Macy's--but the exception is Marshall Field's. Macy's would realize significant stockholder value, great increased good will, and a lot less legal hassles, not to mention great respect, if they restored the single Chicago State Street store to being Marshall Field's."
Date: Thursday, January 29, 2015 7:32 pm CT
Posted by: Jim Taylor,
Why shouldn't they? Those service mark/trademarks have long since expired. It would be great to see brick-and-mortar stores down the road, as competition is everything in retail. Having fewer choices isn't good for anyone (except maybe stock holders). Without competition, retailers become rather stagnant (amongst other things) and don't really give anyone much reason to shop their stores.
Date: Thursday, January 29, 2015 7:23 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Thanks for the article which is new, although we have discussed Mr. Kassoff and Strategic Marks before. They are claiming rights to the service mark (store name). Macy's disputes this. The case has been deferred for about three years or more, but appears to be finally going to trial this March 2.
Talking about store names, keep in mind, again, that Marshall Field's trade names were valued at $419M in its last year while Macy's and Bloomingdale's trade names were valued at $376M combined. While the set of other May Department Stores don't entirely correspond to the set of other names to which Strategic Marks is laying claim. However, that said, the other 10 or so May Department Stores names, plus Lord and Taylor, were valued at $162M. What a waste of Macy's stock holder value.
Date: Thursday, January 29, 2015 7:03 pm CT
Posted by: Jim Taylor,
I'm not sure if you're all familiar with the company Strategic Marks, but you should get familiar with them. They fought Macy's and now own the rights to the Marshall Field's name, and they are in the process of bringing it back. Check it out for yourselves at http://www.retrodepartmentstores.com/Marshall.html
Those service mark/trademarks have long since expired. It would be great to see brick-and-mortar stores down the road, as competition is everything in retail. Having fewer choices isn't good for anyone (except maybe stock holders). Without competition, retailers become rather stagnant (amongst other things) and don't really give anyone much reason to shop their stores.
Date: Monday, January 26, 2015 7:38 am CT
Posted by: Paul G.
I have to agree with those who think the plaques should be given over to Detroit civic organizations. This comes off to me as some sort of weird P.R. gimmick. Macy's has a second degree of separation from Hudson's.
We really miss Field's. Quality has suffered under Macy's. Bloomingdale's is simply cold. Why do New Yorkers think everyone wants to be like New York?
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2015 8:46 pm CT
Posted by: Michael D.
At least Macy's appears to get this one ...or...???Macy's to Save Historic Hudson's Plaque
http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2015/01/23/macys-save-ww-plaque-hudsons/22217925/
Date: Friday, January 23, 2015 9:28 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
I would love to see Marshall Field's return to State Street, updated as it surely would be, for 2015.
Regarding Macy's, Inc. vs. Stragtegic Marks, I've seen this case be put on hold over and over again during the past few years. I still think it can be postponed again.
I do hope it's appreciated by Strategic Marks that in 2004, SEC filings indicated that Marshall Field's brand was valued at $419M; a dozen May Department Stores brands--including some of those listed plus Lord and Taylor--were valued at $162M COMBINED; and Macy's and Bloomingdale's brands--including mothballed Federated brands like Rich's and Bon-Marche--were valued at $376M COMBINED. (Clearly Macy's doesn't appreciate the value of the Marshall Field's tradename.)
Again, I'd love to seeMarshall Field's return to State Street, updated as it surely would be, for 2015.
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2015 5:30 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston
The countdown has begun! The trial date against Macy's is set for March 2nd. Marshall Field's is among the trademarks that have been purchased by Strategic Marks, LLC to bring back. Foley's, of course, is one of them as well. Here is a link to the site:http://www.retrodepartmentstores.com/. I have been in discussions with the CEO for several years. I believe they have a really good chance of winning the case. If that occurs, Macy's will likely have to pay punitive damages for using the old trademarks without permission on their "brand heritage" part of their website. Let's hope for a positive outcome of the trial so we can see our regional stores return.
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2015 9:39 pm CT
Posted by: James Covert, New York Post
Macy's plots to keep unused brand names on the shelf
http://nypost.com/2015/01/20/macys-plots-to-keep-unused-brand-names-on-the-shelf/
“Every single community in the country has said, 'We miss our local department store,' whether it was Robinson's-May in Los Angeles, Marshall Field's ...
Date: Sunday, January 18, 2015 5:19 pm CT
Posted by: C.J.
I'm reminded of Jackie Kennedy who said that Cape Kennedy needed to be restored back to its original name, Cape Canaveral. She appreciated the gesture of naming it after her husband, but hated that it replaced by a name that was there for generations and beloved by the locals.
If only Macy's could have that kind of class like Jackie Kennedy.
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 11:15 am CT
Posted by: State Street Watcher
The third season of Mr. Selfridge starts airing the last Sunday in March. Should be interesting. The show airs earlier in the United Kingsom. The new season there starts Sunday, September 25th.
Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 5:29 pm CT
Posted by: Tamara H.
Our family missed Marshall Field's so much. Macy's is not the same. Please bring it back. Until it does come back, I will NEVER shop Macy/s.
Date: Monday, January 12, 2015 3:11 pm CT
Posted by: Tim N.
Outrage as Cadbury's "secretly" Changes Creme Egg RecipeI always like these stories that have parallels to what happened to Field's. New owner buys out brand, makes changes, makes customers angry. It doesn't sound like the British are too happy with Kraft Foods right now. But this kind of thing happens all the time. I know in the US all you have to do is change the ingredient list and it is up to the customer to notice. At least these days, things like this can go "viral" causing a lot more people to take notice.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinknews/11339388/Outrage-as-Cadburys-owner-changes-Creme-Egg-recipe.html
[Comment and correction: Contrary to the above linked article, Cadbury is owned by Mondelez International and not Kraft Foods. Mondelez is the result of 2012 spin-off of Kraft. Macy's Terry Lundgren is a member of the Kraft Foods board but not a member of the Modelez International board.]
Date: Sunday, January 11, 2015 3:28 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Good to hear from, you Jimmy Gimbels.
A few points in followup:
* I also remember Mr. Lundgren saying that he was going to greatly reduce the promotions under Macy's. I seem to recall that the complaint was that Field's was too promotional, but in reality, I think that was under the end of Target and primarily under the year or so of May Department Stores. Regardless it was never to the extent that you now see at Macy's. In his WWD.com interview a few weeks ago, he now indicates an opposite strategy--but just think how much better if Field's was given this mega-amount of promotion.
Lundgren seems to relish his role and the benefits that come with it. While restoring the store’s luster, he makes no apology for Macy’s promotional posture, one of the industry’s most rigid. “Macy’s is a promotional department store. That’s who we are and will always be. The level of promoting this year is not dramatically different from last year or the year before and won’t be next year. We are clearly doing what the customer wants,” he said.Uhh...no. The customer clearly wants a return to Marshall Field's in style, service, quality, ethos, and, of course, name. But congratulations to Lundgren on his successes outside the long-time Marshall Field's market.
* $26 for Frango's down to $19? The Friday and Saturday before Christmas, we had reports of $5.99 for a standard $21-$24 1 pound box of Frangos in the usual flavors, complete with gift wrap. Nice price and all, but stockholders: when did Field's ever need to be that desperate?
- Regarding the outlet stores, it's an interesting possible shift. I forget if it was a streamed conference call or streamed media event, but not too long ago, Macy's CFO, Karen Hoguet responded to an analyst question about the possibility of Macy's outlets by saying thet Macy's promotional atmosphere is already comparable to outlet stores. Maybe people have a perception of outlet stores and they think that would help them.
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2015 4:39 pm CT
Posted by: bettepage
Career made me move from Chicago in the late 80's. Went to MF as a child and worked there part time to help with college at NU.
Sad to hear it's been so Macied. They did the same here with Emporium - the California local MF.
Macy's is so tacky. really sad we can't have anything nice anymore.
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2015 4:36 pm CT
Posted by: bette page
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6043685
2006 Radio spot on NPR: "The Store Formerly Known as Marshall Fields"
Date: Friday, January 9, 2015 4:03 pm CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels
Oh my friends. It has been too long since posting. Please forgive. Just some random thoughts about those wacky people at Macy's.
1. Macys has one promo after another during the holiday season. Gee, didn't the once claim that Fields was a failure because they advertising too much and had too many coupons. Of course, we all now Macy's does not have couponsÖthey have shopping passes.
2. Frango mints are now $26.00 a pound? Whaaaaat? Of course they are put on sale at $19.00! What ever happened to the organic Frango mints Macys boasted about?
3. Macys announced they are looking into opening outlet stores. Seriously. They see how Saks Off Fifth and Neiman Marcus are making a killing with outlet stores. Macys wants in.
4. A new Macys opened by my house. I love it. I always have a place to park near a door because shoppers are parking by the other department stores. So few shoppers that the entire mens department has one salesperson, and one poor lady has the watch over linens, bath, housewares, luggage and kids. Once again Macys serves up no customer service.
6. it's been a while since I took a grand tour of Macy stores. So during the holiday season, I was horrified at the condition of the stores in Vernon Hills, Schaumburg, and Chicago downtown.
7. Horrors. The former Gimbels store at Southridge Mail in Milwaukee was converted into a Macy's It opened with great fanfareÖ.but the customers are largely staying away.
I hope you are all well. And always remember, jimmy gimbals visits Macys so you don't have to.
Date: Friday, January 9, 2015 1;08 pm CT
Posted by: Philip Eichler
The annual store closing lists are coming out. Macy's is closing 14 stores, none are former Field's, though the former Hudson's at Northland is closing. ( I think Jim predicted that one).Penney's is closing about 40 stores, and Sears/K-Mart no one quite knows, as the numbers keep sliding around.
However, Sears has announced it is leasing 750,000 square feet of space to Primark in malls in the northeast. Primark is a junior department store based in Ireland with a few hundred stores throughout the UK and parts of Europe. (It's Irish stores trade under the Penney's moniker, no relation to JCP)Primark is known for its cheap chic style and lack of promotions and it looks like Sears is leasing them space in some prime locations. Since Primark's stores will only take a portion of the Sears space, Sears will still maintain a presence in these malls. With Macy's focus on cheaper merchandise, this is not good news for them.
Date: Friday, January 9, 2015 12:03 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Macy's will close at Northland, stripping mall of last anchor
http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2015/01/08/macys-may-close-northland-mall/21454627/
This was Hudson's first store outside the downtown flagship and one of the first malls in the country. Northland Mall and this store opened over 60 years ago and influenced the construction of Oak Brook Center. The same architect also designed Randhurst. The closing is far from Macy's fault. The community around it radically changed in the past few decades. At over 500,000 sqaure feet, the store is larger than Oak Brook and Old Orchard, although in recent years, whole areas and even a floor was sealed off.
Nevertheless, what is telling are these sentences from the article:
The closure will leave eight Macy's in the greater metro Detroit area. The retailer says it has about 790 total stores.All of this side, Macy's is considered by many on Wall Street to be by far one of the most successful retailers this past holiday shopping season.
In the last several years, Macy's has reduced its staffing significantly at metro Detroit stores. It's not unusual to hear shoppers complain about difficulty finding sales help in the understaffed stores.
Late last year, the size of the Macy's at Oakland Mall was reduced, as the retailer walled off part of its third level. Parts of the Eastland Store have been closed down.
Date: Thursday, January 8, 2015 7:49 am CT
Posted by: Lara H.
We do not shop Macy's and Bloomindale's. Have not setfoot in the stores since Marshall Field's is gone. Good to see efforts to bring it back.
Persevere!
Lara..
N. Bennington, VT.
Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2015 12:19 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
Here's a link that lists insider trading at Macy's.http://www.insidercow.com/history/company.jsp?company=m
Date: Monday, January 5, 2015 6:23 am CT
Posted by: Mel. F.
Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who buys second hand Marshall Field's branded clothing off Ebay. Salvation Army too. The quality is far superior to what Macy's sells currently.
Date: Sunday, January 4, 2015 2:33 pm CT
By mikea
It seems that The River Oaks Macy's may be the next Chicago store to close. The River Oaks mall is getting worse every day. There was a murder at the mall entrance a couple of months ago on a Saturday.
Both Sears and Carson's have closed their stores. I have heard that shoppers are wary of going there for safety concerns.
The area is turning into a haven for gangbangers and crime.
On another note, I was at State Street on the 2nd of January. As usual Macy's seems to take Christmas down so fast for what reason I do not know. They did have SIX BROKEN ESCALATORS. That should not happen in a store with such a large customer volume. There were so many people including small children walking up and down the broken shutoff escalators. The current store manager needs to take better proactive care of the store. When Linda Piepho ran State Street it was a better managed and decorated store especially at Christmastime.
Just before Christmas I was at the downtown Pittsburgh store the old Kaufman's. The store is in bad shape. It is a large store, but needs work on the upper floors. There was not much customer traffic, so I can see why they downsized the store. However there is redevelopment in the area surrounding the store. The Old St.Louis downtown store was in better shape than the current Pittsburgh store is.
Date: Saturday, January 3, 2015 8:59 pm CT
By S.K.
We missed Marshall Field's this past Christmas. So what else is new? What can be done? What is wrong witH Macy's? Why don't they listen?????????
Sharon, Racine, Wisc.
Date: Saturday, January 3, 2015 8:22 pm CT
By Richard in Houston
Watched a documentary of Selfridges which covered Fields quite a bit. I was elated to purchase a genuine Marshall Field cashmere men's sweater in the Field's green this Christmas on EBay. The quality still shows in this fine product that was marketed by one of the finest stores in the world. I am still dumbfounded that Macy's chose to eradicate such a fine establishment. Fields was our Selfridges and was internationally known. BRING THEM BACK!!
Date: Friday, January 2, 2015 1:47 pm CT
By gle
I am always encouraged to see the new posts on this blog.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015 TO FIELD'S FANS!
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2015 7:11 am CT
By Susan NY
Welcome back. Phew.
As time marches on, our culture shifts bit by bit. As one post-er my age noted, I also hope the Return comes pretty soon!
Our generation is beginning to realize we occupied a golden period in history, a very good one despite the obvious bad things that characterize every era. I hate to think the party is over but the rule of ruthless corporate greed seems to be only increasing. It's like a live gel that gets pressed down here and just squishes out somewhere else, still blobby and slimy, and bigger. Like a horror movie.
Keep the dream moving along and remember that it is intimately related to issues of education, the arts, and anything else creative. Support the nurturing of a reflective and observant population! Money-grubbing is a notoriously ageless and dehumanizing human motivation; a dead soul does not "get" Marshall Field's!
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2015
mailto:Happy New Year!
Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2014 10:12 am CT
By Jim McKay
Support for Marshall Field's return to State Street remains great. To be sure, there are those who have resigned themselves for settling for less with Macy's when they would rather have Field's. But our past survey results appear steadfsat. Just for Starters, we passed out several thousand bookmark-style leaflets/flyers under the clock this past holiday season. There was not one person who heckled or disagreed that Field's should come back. As a recent Chicago HIstory Museum members party everyone talked about how they want Field's to return. And that's just the beginning.
Still, What pretty much everyone knows is that 111 North State Street is maximized in so many ways when its run in style, format, spirit, ethos AND name as Marshall Field's.
It's sad for Macy's stockholders because bringing back Marshall Field's to State Street would in no way diminish Macy's or Bloomingdale's. In fact, there are a significant number people who refuse to shop Macy's anywhere when they otherwise would because of what happened to Marshall Field's.
======
A new web site and blog is in the works for our site as we continue our grass-roots quest for Field's return. Submittals to the blog have, for the most part, not been possible in the past couple of months. What follows below for the past six weeks or so of items are items that some have emailed in to our attention rather than actual blog posts that have been customary since about eight years ago. This is due to technical issues which have yet to be resolved. We're a small site of volunteers with a limited budget and full day-jobs. Please don't misunderstand that our small organization size means that interest in Field's has waned. Yes, in the general population, there are those who have resigned themselves to Macy's, but the vast majority of Chicago shoppers--indeed the world--wants the return of Marshall Field's.
If you have an item that you'd like to see here and the posting feature/button above does not work, please email your item to info at FieldsFansChicago.org.
We'll see that it appears here.
======
As noted in our recent newsletter, new events and initiatives that look both backwards and forwards at Marshall Field's are planned. Your support and participation is encourages, warmly welcomed, and appreciated.
Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2014 8:00 pm CT
By: Jim McKay
This past holiday season, FieldsFansChicago.org passed the 173,000 mark in the number of bookmark-style leaflets/flyers distributed on State Street and similar locations. Please note that this does not include all those that were distributed by those of you who printed your own and distributed elsewhere.
======
In the next week or two, Macy's, Inc. will announce which stores will be closing for under-performance. This is an annual occurrence. It's important to remember that closing seven or eight or even a dozen stores is not usually a negative thing from the perspective of Wall Street. Quite to the contrary, from Wall Street's perspective it's considered healthy. Of course, that's not the case for an individual mall or downtown, especially when one thinks of recent years' closings in St. Paul, Houston, etc. If Macy's closes 30 stores then it's a different story. Sometimes, even good stores close if the landlord wants too much rent. (As an example, long ago, I worked at one of the top locations of a major discount chain. While the location was among the top ten grossing stores out of 2,000, the store's rent and crime problems were at such levels that the store eventually closed.)
That said, the rumors--and they are just that--would indicate that the most likely of former Field's stores to close in the coming years would be Louis Joliet and River Oaks. Then again, if Macy's has to keep its store open as terms of a lease, then they would. The former Hudson's at Northland in Southfield, MI is often on the rumor list. That store has an interesting history as its opening in the 1950s in some ways signaled the beginning of the end of the Hudson's downtown Detroit flagship.
Date: Thursday, December 25, 2014
Merry Christmas!
Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2014 7:08 am CT
By: Pete
Macy's Karen Hoguet is named CFO of the year by the Wall Street Journal:Ranking the Top 20 Finance Chiefs
As Markets Roar, CFOs Find Their Place at the Top
http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-top-20-finance-chiefs-1419297855?KEYWORDS=hoguet
Date: Monday, December 22, 2014 9:11 pm CT
By: Judy S.
There are two things I live for and am sticking around until they become real. One is the Cubs winning the pennant and the other is Marshall Field's back on State Street. I'm in my early 70's so something better happen pretty quick.
Being an elevator operator is no great feat and surely nothing to brag about, but in my case I do. I was honored to be chosen to wear that tailored, smart looking uniform. I met many interesting people and certainly learned about the store from top to bottom. I will always hold that store dear to my heart because of the class it exuded....especially during all the holidays.
If I lived in Chicago, I would certainly show up under the clock and pass out leaflets. Please continue your fight. Judy Scrafford
Date: Monday, December 22, 2014 8:31 pm CT
By: Sharon
Still Marching and trying to get her back! I'm not the only one by far!
Date: Monday, December 22, 2014 7:40 pm CT
-------------------------------------------------------
FieldsFansChicago.org
Newsletter No. 40
Monday, December 22, 2014
-------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for reading the 40th edition of
the
FieldsFansChicago.org newsletter.
May
the holiday season find you happy,
healthy and blessed with abundance.
Please help by forwarding this newsletter
on
to family, friends and other interested parties.
-------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
-
What The Ladies Want...MARSHALL FIELD'S
-
SPECIAL REGARDS: "Marshall Field and
Selfridge"
-
Upcoming Events for 2015: " Last Christmas at Field's" and
More...
-
Our 2014-15 Christmas & Holidays Season
Flyer/Leaflet
-
New Books With Marshall Field's Content
-
YouTube Videos Celebrate Marshall Field and Company
-
FieldsFansChicago.org on Facebook & Twitter
-
Read & Write For Our Blog
-
What YOU Have Already Accomplished:
Thoughts & Thanks at Christmas & the Holiday
Season
-
How to Add or Remove Your Email Address From Our List
-------------------------------------------------------
What The Ladies Want...MARSHALL FIELD'S
Appreciation, adulation, adoration and
respect to our Marshall FIeld's Ladies who met under the Great
Marshall Field's Clock on Saturday, November 8, 2014. They
simply couldn't allow the Great Tree in the Walnut Room be lit without
reminding Macy's and Bloomingdale's what the ladies REALLY
want.
What do they
want?
MARSHALL FIELD'S!
When do they want it?
NOW!
The Marshall Field's ladies passed out
hundreds of our bookmark-style flyers while everyone stopped to agree
that things have never been as great as when 111 North State Street
was Marshall Field's in style, service, quality, and ethos, not to
mention name.
A huge regards to you, Marshall Field's
Ladies!
It's all but a certainty that our Marshall
Field's Ladies--and gentlemen--will convene in even greater numbers
next November 7, 2015--or when the Great Tree in the Walnut Room is
lit--ideally to celebrate the return of what four out of five Chicago
shoppers want--Marshall Field's. It's certain they will be out
there. Plan on joining them. Details to follow in future
newsletters.
Forget "My Macy's,"
Chicago--indeed the world--continues to say "I want 'My
Marshall Field's!'"
-------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL REGARDS: "Marshall Field and
Selfridge"
A very special "thank you" to all
who attended, spoke, and otherwise made possible our 2014 Annual
Fall Event, the lecture/panel discussion Marshall Field and
Selfridge, that was held on October 30th at the Chicago Cultural
Center. Our guest and wait lists far exceeded our capacity.
We express our apologies to anyone on our wait list who was unable to
attend.
Thanks to Gayle Soucek, Jim McKay and
Alfred Imhoff for presenting the content of the 100-minute program.
Special thanks to all of the audience members who asked questions or
offered their own questions and commentary, a significant portion of
which came from Marshall Field's alumni. We hope to have a movie
of the event's highlights available on YouTube later this
winter.
.
FieldsFansChicago.org extends immense
thanks to Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events'
(DCASE); Chicago Cultural Center; IIT Community Affairs and Outreach
Programs; and especially the Illinois Humanities Council for making
this event possible.
Illinois Humanities
Council
Twitter: AT ILHumanities
facebook.com/ILHumanities
IIT Community Affairs and Outreach
Programs
Twitter: AT IITCommunity
facebook.com/IITCommunityAffairs
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
and Special Events
Chicago Cultural CenterTwitter-DCASE: AT ChicagoDCASE
Twitter-Chicago Cultural Center
AT ChiCulturCenter
-------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming Events for 2015:
"Last
Christmas at Field's" and More...
Into the 21st Century, Marshall Field and
Company was revered as a world-class emporium and uniquely-Chicago
cultural institution. All of this was possible thanks to the
amazingly talented and dedicated geniuses who made sure that
"There is no place like Field's." In the coming year,
we will have more events showcasing those who are the contemporary
Marshall Fields, Harry Selfridges and John Shedds in our midst.
In doing so, we look to celebrate the amazing people of Marshall Field
and Company who brought so much sheer joy to millions of
us.
In the early planning stages are two events
in the same vein as our recent "Marshall Field and Selfridge"
panel discussion.
Third Quarter 2015
One event in the works for later in 2015 is
a discussion featuring alumni from the Marshall Field's of the 1990s.
Keep in touch with our newsletter and social media for updates as
speakers, guests and details are announced.
Holiday Season 2015
Last Christmas at Field's will be an
overview of everything leading up to the 2005 holiday season and
Marshall Field's. Our curators are actively seeking your slides and
footage to contribute to a show of images, movie footage, and music
recalling the last time we were at Marshall Field's for the holidays
with the hope of meeting again some day under the Great Clock for the
holidays at Marshall Field's. If you can assist our curators,
please email curators AT fieldsfanschicago.org or call
312.662.8980
Saturday, November 7, 2015
(Tentative)
This will likely be the day that the
Marshall Field's Ladies meet under the Great Clock to pass out flyers
and rally for the return of Marshall Field and Company to its rightful
place on State Street. Ladies and gentlemen, plan to be there in
support of Marshall Field's.
Stay in touch for more news about our
upcoming events in 2015.
-------------------------------------------------------
Our
2014-15 Christmas & Holidays Season Flyer/Leaflet
Please see
http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/ffc110814leaflet.pdf for the complete
Adobe Acrobat PDF of our 2014-2015 Christmas and Holiday Season
flyer/leaflet. Instructions for
printing and distributing your own can be found at
http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/leaflets.html. Although the
flyers feature Santa, we're sure you will find them pertinent to
distribute year-round for all sorts of occasions and
circumstances.As the distribution of flyers/leaflets
surpasses 173,000, we thank all of those who have made it possible,
especially Lucie, Judy, Mike, John, Doris, Zelda, Alfred, Gail, and,
as always, "gle". The vast majority of these flyers
have been distributed under the great Marshall Field's clock at State
and Washington where the reception has been overwhelmingly positive
over the past eight years.
-------------------------------------------------------
New
Books With Marshall Field's Content
Please consider the latest additions to the
long list of books that in one manner or another connect with our
quest to restore Marshall Field's on State Street.
What the Lady Wants: A Novel of Marshall
Field and the Gilded Age (New American Library/Penguin Group,
2014) by Renee Rosen is the story of the romance between
socialite Delia Spencer and Marshall Field. The novel starts
with the backdrop of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871; carries through
the rise of the robber barons; and ends with the death of Marshall
Field in 1906. While the writing is fiction, the book is based
on Ms. Rosen's exhaustive research of artifacts and papers made
available through the generous cooperation of the Chicago History
Museum and the Newberry Library archives. Released only weeks
ago, the book has already garnered much acclaim from the likes of Rick
Kogan, the Chicago Tribune, and New City. Rosen's
attention to historical detail is immensely revealing to anyone with
an interest in Chicago, U.S., and world history of the late 19th
Century. The book is widely available at on-line booksellers as
well as bricks-and-mortar bookstores across Chicagoland. Stay in
touch with http://reneerosen.com/news-events, the Chicago Tribune's
Printers Row, and other similar book reviews for upcoming
appearances by Renee Rosen in support of What the Lady
Wants.
Mr. Selfridge in Chicago: Marshall
Field's, the Windy City and the Making of a Merchant Prince
(History Press, 2015) by Gayle Soucek is due this April.
This book highlights and expands on the areas Ms. Soucek presented
during our recent "Marshall Field and Selfridge" panel
discussion while also providing new information and artifacts.
You don't have to be a fan of the ITV/PBS "Masterpiece Classic"
television show "Mr. Selfridge" to be fascinated by this
book which promises to consider rarely covered aspects of Chicago and
international history. Mr. Selfridge in Chicago... is
available for pre-order now at bn.com and amazon.com, among
other booksellers. Soucek is also the author of two other
best-selling books of interest to fans of Marshall Field's:
Marshall Field's: The Store That Helped Build Chicago (History
Press, 2010) is among the publisher's most popular titles. Now
in at least its fifth printing, this is also the first History Press
book to be issued in hard cover and limited edition. (Says a lot
about Marshall Field's as well as the book, doesn't it?) Soucek
is also the author of Carson's: The History of Chicago Shopping
Landmark (History Press, 2013).
Unpredictable Webs (Greenleaf
Book Group Press, 2013) by Darlene Quinn is another in her
series of "factional" books based on the real-life
consolidation of local department stores under Macy's. This
installment of Ms. Quinn's "Webs" books is of special note
because the story is set against the backdrop of outcry and
controversy as an internationally renowned Chicago emporium is
subsumed by an out-of-town retailer. Darleen Quinn writes from
her immense experience as part of the management team of Los Angeles'
internationally celebrated Bullocks Wilshire department store where
she worked with Terry Lundgen, the current CEO of Macy's, Inc.
We hope that the intriguing story line of Ms. Quinn's award-winning
"Webs" books is soon translated into a captivating,
ratings-grabbing television series. Ms. Quinn's books are
available in print and electronically through the likes of amazon.com,
BN.com, and other booksellers.
Do you have a new book that is relevant
to restoring Marshall Field's as Chicago's modern, internationally
renowned, 21st-century emporium? Please submit information about
your book to info AT fieldsfanschicago.org for consideration as a topic
in our future newsletters, blog entries and social media
posts.
-------------------------------------------------------
YouTube Videos Celebrate Marshall Field and Company
While we at FieldsFansChicago.org look to
the future and the "21st Century Marshall Field's for a 21st
Century Chicago," the end of year is the most popular time to
look back with nostalgia.Chicago author and videographer Eric
Bronsky has a new video featuring the historic holiday windows of
Marshall Field and Company's State Street flagship. The video,
produced under his "Electropickle Productions" banner, also
intersperses a few Macy's windows for comparison. The new video
is at http://youtu.be/_WjZRibYwCU
While there, be sure to check out Bronsky's
immensely popular YouTube video, "Marshall Field's Christmas
Memories" at http://youtu.be/juJTB7fxT6s ; With over
150,000 views, it's a bona fide hit.
And lest cynics think Field's best years
were long ago, consider our own video of more contemporary content.
It was only nine years ago that the recently reinvented and
reinvigorated Marshall Field's on State Street was demonstrating new
heights. Check out our special 2012 YouTube video celebrating
the last Christmas at Marshall Field's State Street flagship in 2005.
Intended as a love letter to the season and to all who made Marshall
Field's so special, its message is timeless and rings true today, nine
years since the last Christmas gift from Marshall Field's. Marshall
Field's was awesome to the very end. The full version of the
video can be viewed at http://youtu.be/rt4qVbNj8wU ; (There is
also a link to special edited version for those with smart phones
instead of computers and tablets. It is at
http://youtu.be/i7pCCw4HX-k )
Please share this video with your family
and friends via Facebook, Twitter, email and other social media
outlets.
-------------------------------------------------------
FieldsFansChicago.org on Facebook & Twitter
Facebook |
"FieldsFansChicago.org" |
https://www.facebook.com/groups/fieldsfanschicago/
Twitter |
"FieldsFansChgo" |
http://www.twitter.com/FieldsFansChgo
-------------------------------------------------------
Read & Write For Our Blog
READ COMMENTS AND NEWS from fellow Field's lovers--that would be about
four out of five Chicago shoppers.POST YOUR COMMENTS AND THOUGHTS on Marshall
Field's past, present and future--
The URL is
http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/blog
-------------------------------------------------------
What YOU Have Already Accomplished:
Thoughts & Thanks at Christmas & the Holiday
Season
[ The following is repeated from our
previous newsletter No. 32 dated Friday, December 23, 2011.
]
About three weeks ago, we received a moving
blog post from someone named Robert who claimed to have worked
at Marshall Field's in the Twin Cities (Minnesota) area.
Robert's opinion:
"I used to work at Marshall
Field's which became Macy's North. It's good to see the movement still
rolling onward. We loved Marshall Field's. It was the best place to
work. We all woke up looking forward to the day and went home
satisfied, even on those rare days that were less than
stellar.
I'm writing to congratulate all
of you on what you have accomplished. Marshall Field's may not be back
at State Street or your favorite suburban location. But take heart.
The spirit, while muted, lives on because of
you.
If you customers had not
protested, the difference would be much worse. Please don't stop.
Whether they admit it or not, Macy's put the brakes on reducing other
flagships as well because of your protests. You made them take time to
learn some things they would not have. If it weren't for your outcry,
today's State Street store would [might] now be just three or
four floors plus the lower level. They would have even considered
closing the store and redeveloping it like
Carson's.
Macy's has also become better
because of your fight. While Frangos never really caught fire
nationwide, your pressure caused Macy's to reconsider their customer
service and store quality. They realized that there were many things
about Field's worth keeping. For example, food service was [headed]
for a great reduction, even at the flagship store on State Street.
Now, influenced by Field's, Herald Square is being
bettered...
Terry Lundgren will still be at
Macy's helm for a while. However, I assure you that many of his
current peers would jump at the opportunity to return Marshall Field's
to State Street. That message needs to be sent to Macy's board,
and, moreover, its institutional stock holders.
[FieldsFansChicago's] report comparing Field's to Duane Reade,
F.A.O. and Berdorf-Goodman is right on the money. And it's the
money that talks, not the memories. (Sorry to you people who
carry on.)
More than a few in retail realize
the massive potential that still exists in Marshall Field's. It could
take a while, but it will be back
someday."
We here at FieldsFansChicago.org believe
much of this is true.
In a recent interview, one of the
organizers at FieldsFansChicago.org was asked if they were going to
write a book on Marshall Field's and the experiences of the past five
years: Would it be a historical book of nostalgia or a business
case-study or perhaps another photo book?
The response? It would be a book about
faith.
As we share another Christmas and holiday
season without Marshall Field's, we also know that Marshall Field's
--"The Store of the Christmas Spirit" --still lives on in
all of us. At the climax of Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole
Christmas, the citizens of Whoville still didn't have their
Christmas decorations, gifts, trees and other items returned, but they
kept the faith and continued onward. The Whos practiced the
spirit of Christmas any ways. It was only then that the
Grinch's heart was finally moved. The Grinch returned the
Christmas stuff and even joined the Whos in celebrating
Christmas.
While real-life is no perfect storybook
tale, the truths are real. The minions of Field's lovers
continue to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and the season with the
great spirit of Marshall Field's in our hearts, while we also look
forward to the future.
For the past several years, we've done
surveys so we can know whether to continue on. For the past
three years, the numbers have held quite steadfast: an overwhelming
four out of five Chicago shoppers STILL prefer Marshall Field's to
Macy's and Bloomingdale's.
Macy's advertising campaign tells its
customers to "Believe" and promotes making wishes come
true. With millions making a huge wish for the return of
Marshall Field's. Macy's could provide no greater wish than to
see that Chicago's Marshall Field's was somehow restored to State
Street in name as well as in its unique spirit of quality and
service. The good will and publicity generated would be immense
to Macy's executives and shareholders and priceless to
customers.
We continue to believe in our city and the
store that was so iconic of Chicago's unique spirit. We know
that you will too. Thank you.
-------------------------------------------------------
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to Add or Remove Your Email Address From Our List
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-------------------------------------------------------
This newsletter and the activities and
events described within have NO affiliation whatsoever with Macy's,
Inc. (formerly Federated Department Stores, Inc.), May Department
Stores Company, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Marshall Field's, Selfridges
Group, the Marshall Field Family, the Field Foundation of Chicago,
etc., and the views and opinions expressed here represent only those
of the writer.
-------------------------------------------------------
END
OF NEWSLETTER No. 40
-------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sunday, December 21, 2014 10:34 pm CT
By: Jim McKay
Thanks to all who made leafleting a success under the clock in the afternoon both yesterday and last Sunday, Saturdays, since Black Friday and on Black Friday. Although our time there was 90 minutes each session, over 600 fliers were distributed. Everyone who responded was enthusiastic about Field's.
For more details on the leaflets and how to print your own, please see http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/leaflets.html.
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2014 11:32 pm CT
Posted by: MIA F.
I WAS DEVASTED AT HEARING OF MARSHALL FIELD CLOSING. MACY DOES NOT CUT THE MUSTARD IN CHICAGO. IT IS NOT A LANDMARK AND WILL NEVER BE IN THE DOWNTOWN CHICAGO AREA LOCATION. MARSHALL FIELD CLOCK REMAINS WHERE MACY STORE IS IN MARSHALL FIELD LOCATION AND WILL ALWAYS REPRESENT THE HOME OF THE MARSHALL FIELD STORE.
WE WELCOME MARSHALL FIELD AND THE INTEGRITY OF QUALITY IT REPRESENTS.
GOOD KNOW THIS BLOG EXIST.
THANKS!
Date: Friday, December 19, 2014 8:09 pm CT
Forwarded from by: FROM WWD.COM
[ From Women's Wear Daily. ]
Women's Wear Daily Newsmaker of the Year: Terry J. LundgrenExcerpt:
http://www.wwd.com/retail-news/department-stores/terry-j-lundgren-defender-of-the-faith-8081736
Two weeks ago, Macy's in the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, Calif., had a surprise visitor: the company's top executive.
"I don't tell anyone I'm coming. I call the store manager five minutes before I get there," Terry J. Lundgren, Macy's Inc. chairman and chief executive officer, told WWD.
It could have been a kind of homecoming, considering that, as a young executive, Lundgren managed the store from 1981 to 1983, when...
Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2014 4:20 pm CT
Happy Hanukkah!
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2014 7:00 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Earlier today, the Chicago History Museum held its annual Holiday party where the theme was Marshall Field's. Among the many, many highlights was an exhibit by Amy Meadows on Field's store windows; a mock-up of a Marshall Field's window where you could have your picture taken; and food based on recipes from the Marshall Field's cook book. After the conclusion of the party, Renee Rosen gave a wonderful lecture on Marshall Field, inspired by her new novel, "What The Lady Wants." Aside from a wonderful time, everyone expressed how much they want Marshall Field's to come back.
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2014 6:05 pm CT
Forwarded from by: FROM WWD.COM
[ Extensive coverage of Renee Rosen's book, "What The Lady Wants" was in yesterday's Women's Wear Daily. ]
Renee Rosen Relases Marshall Field Book
http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/renee-rosen-relases-marshall-field-book-8065988
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2014 CT
Happy Thanksgiving!
Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2014 2:23 pm CT
Posted by: Eric Bronsky
This time of the year always brings wistful remembrances of very special trips downtown, where our main destination was invariably Marshall Field's. My newest YouTube video, Marshall Field's Christmas Windows, revisits some of those hallowed memories:http://youtu.be/_WjZRibYwCUA similar video I produced a few years ago titled Marshall Field's Christmas Memories soared off the charts. Considering that it's been viewed more than 145,000 times, it obviously struck an emotional chord with Chicagoans who prefer Field's over Macy's. Field's fans, please help this one to go "viral," too, by sending the link to everyone on your list and sharing through social media sites!
-- Eric (aka "Electropickle Productions")
Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 12:50 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
I was in State Street on Friday the 21 of November. The windows are nice, look good, and that is about it for Christmas at the store.
The first floor decorations are horrible. Large green covered pillars and giant stars . Gone are the wonderful Christmas trees decorated in red and colored ornaments. The beautiful green garlands that adorned the walkway on State Street side. The nice trees and greens that adorned the Wabash side. These were mainly Macy's own decorations since they took over the store. These new do not match they Believe theme that they are using once again.
The tree in the Walnut room is so high tech , it is not even a Christmas Tree. The tree changes colors and colored spot lights. It goes from Field's green to blue, purple, red , white. It takes at least 1/2 hour to see the whole display. What ever happened to doing a classic Christmas Tree in the tradition of Christmas? The blue/purple segment looks like it is a Halloween tree. Instead of spending a lot of money on this high tech eye hurting display they could have changed the decorations on the tree, made it more like the theme of the windows. Whoever coordinated Macy's windows and decorations is a real idiot!!!!!
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2014 3:30 pm CT
Posted by: Elizabeth Z.
I've noticed that Federated/Macy's started selling five items with the Marshall Field's logo on them. There is a t-shirt, a Frango tin, two tote bags (different colors), and a lunch bag. I ran across that while searching for Marshall Field's Collectibles. (I don't shop at Federated/Macy's.) I do wear a Marshall Field's cap a lot (bought at Field's) and get a lot of comments on it. Most people miss shopping there - especially at Christmastime.
Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2014 8:41 pm CT
Posted by: Nick A.
Dear Marshall Field & Co fans..Please don't blame "Macys"..it is not R.H. Macy and Co. that did this.
Once upon a time R.H. Macy and Co. itself was a wonderful traditional historic store..oh my we loved it. When you walked in it you felt the link to the stores traditions of Olde New York.
But when Federated Department Stores took it over.. the personal individual old time service was purposely destroyed. Racks of clothes filled the isles that were once spacious and ment for browsing
It is the mega corporate organizations that are at fault..which incidentally Americans enpower by going to them to shop instead of individually owned shoppes.The great department stores were owned by a small group..or family of individuals with a human character that was projected on to they're business.They're belief system dominated,and it was a human one. What is dominating now is an inhuman..calculating system of base business,that is not human..and because of it..the human experience and humans suffer.
Many who can easily afford to support US/European made quality..craftsmanship/product efforts..do not. They focus only on the bottom line,and that takes all the fun & quality out of the living.
In London there is still Selfridges and they're Tea Room..
Cheers
Date: Monday, November 17, 2014 7:00 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Thanks for your patience while we rebuild the blog. Below you will find some of the posts that were emailed in. Most are below...some of the dates and times may be off. Please contact me with correction. Immense apologies for any omissions or not having the capability to post during October. If you post right now, it will appear, but it may take some time. There are also several items that people asked in private emails that they be posted on their behalf (EB's Video for one) and those are forthcoming. Thank you for your patience.
A few other announcements:
1) Yes, we will be leafleting under The Clock again this holiday season on Black Friday and on select weekend time slots as arranged by the volunteers. Please email info AT fieldsfanschicago.org for more details.
2) We will be sending out a new newsletter in the next ten days. So far our topics are a recap of the "Marshall Field and Selfridge" lecture/panel discussion and Renee Rosen's book, "What The Lady Wants." If you have other ideas or submittals, please email me.
3) Thank you to all who attended "Marshall Field and Selfridge". Our guest list was more than 65% over capacity but it worked out OK. We hope to have a recap and a video of at least highlights, if not the whole event, on the web.
4) If you follow our Facebook page, there are photos of our "Give the Ladies What They Want" leafleting under The Clock at State and Washington on Saturday, November 8th; this year's Great Tree in the Walnut Room; photos of the windows on State Street and the interior decor as well.
Best regards for a blessed holiday season.
Jim
Date: UPDATED on Sunday, November 16, 2014 CT from an earlier post
Posted by: Renee Rosen
If anyone's interested I will giving a series of presentations about Marshall Field--the man and the store--in conjunction with the release of my novel "WHAT THE LADY WANTS" coming from Penguin/NAL as follows:November 16th, 2014 - Chicago, IL[ Additional news and information about Renee Rosen and her books can be found at www.reneerosen.com ]
After Hours with Rick Kogan
WGN AM 720 Radio 10:30PM
November 19th, 2014 - Lake Forest, IL
Lake Forest Book Store 11:30 -1:30
The Grille Restaurant on Laurel
181 E. Laurel
Lake Forest, IL 60645
November 21st, 2014 - Evanston, IL
Mather House
11AM
The Mather
425 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 492-7400
December 4th, 2014 - Chicago, IL
Chicago History Museum Speakeasy
Details to come
Chicago History Museum
1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 642-4600
December 6th, 2014 - Woodstock, GA
FoxTale Book Shoppe 3:30
106 Main St. #138
(770) 516-9989
December 18th, 2014 - Chicago, IL
Mather House Cafe
1-2PM
Mather House Cafe
3235 N. Central Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634
(773) 205.3300
Date: Sunday, November 16, 2014 4:26 pm CT
Posted by: J.E.
VERY PROUD OF YOU ALL! Glad you are so diligent in working for the cause.
Date: Friday, November 14, 2014 4:26 pm CT
Posted by: JasonM
Went to Macy's State Street recently. Wow that place has changed a lot. It just doesn't have any magic to it. It is very standard mall-like store. The architecture is still amazing but the store itself has a lot to be desired.
We have not shopped at M since the takeover. Nothing. Not even a Frango mint.
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2014 11:26 pm CT
Posted by: Eric B.
Macy's inattention to building maintenance has been discussed in this blog before. On November 13, an ABC7 News I-Team investigation revealed that the Marshall Field's building was among several downtown landmarks that failed building inspections in recent months. See the full report at http://abc7chicago.com/news/danger-zone-decaying-chicago-landmarks-failing-city-inspections/394634/
-- Eric
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2014 4:29 pm CT
Posted by: Wall St. Watcher
Macy's released their 3rd quarter results today. Their sales were down but they made a profit by slashing costs. The latter is not a surprise to those of us who knew Field's. Customers be damned.
Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2014 1:23 pm CT
Posted by: Brad
I have not been back to Marshall Fields since Macy's bought them. It utterly makes no sense to force a sub-par brand on such a jewel of a store. Clearly, Macy's marketing is made up of buffoons.
To let the Marshall Field's brand go, as well as prostituting the Frango Mint brand just shows that Macy's hasn't a clue.
Bring back Marshall Field's!!!!!
Date: [ A Message From October. ] CT
Posted by: Drew
To J. Sherry and Patricia:
Thank you for informing us that Kaufmann's was a "good" regional store or that you may have never heard of it. Chicago has always been a world class city and host of many world class attractions; Pittsburgh has been a mid size industrial city now experiencing growth and renewal. While Kaufmann's was a beloved regional icon, Marshall Field's was an international destination. Just as there is no comparison between the cities, there is no comparison between the department stores; most people realize that.
I have been a frequent contributor to this blog and have included info about how the Red Star is downgrading its stores in the Pittsburgh area. I also enjoy reading about how the department stores are changing in other areas--unfortunately not for the better.
May I state that I am personally offended by your comments specifically about Kaufmann's. As thousands of others, I am upset by the loss of Marshall Field's--as well as other regional stores--and I thought blog readers might be interested in what's going on here. Don't ever think that Chicago area stores aren't going to be further downgraded. What they are trying in smaller markets will some come to you!
Marshall Field's and Kaufmann's were NOT in the same league--and most everyone interested in department stores realizes that, but your smug and condescending posts were totally unnecessary and demeaning. Field's WAS better, so what's your point. I hardly think those associated with Marshall Field's found it necessary to degrade others in order to enhance their own reputation.
Date: Sunday, November 9, 2014 1:48 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator
I thought the response to Field's Fans' leafletting on State Street Saturday, November 8 (the day Macy's lit the Christmas tree) was really encouraging. I couldn't believe the number of people who gave us thumbs up as they passed by. It was great to see our pro-Field's workers still out there.
Channels NBC 5 and Fox 32 News did show quickies of the tree lighting, with the celebrity for Make A wish Foundation, but not much else. WBBM radio interviewed a guy who said that even though people want Field's, Macy's IS continuing the tradition with the tree lighting. I wonder if he was an assigned rebuttal.
I can't believe the ugly gray ornaments hanging down the center of the main aisle on the first floor! That has got to be the worst in decorations I have ever seen. The windows aren't too bad this year, but I wouldn't come all the way from someplace else just to look at them. Traffic in the store just before they lit the tree was a good curious trickle with a short line to the Walnut Room, but not the mobs I remember from days of yore/Field's.
That's the eyewitness report from State Street on Saturday, November 8, 2014.
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2014 10:41 am CT
Posted by: Art
I was a Marshall Fields Shopper. (grew up in Chicago for 40 years) Now I live in Orlando Florida. The Florida Store is now Macys. Dillards is More like Marshall Fields: the quality and sales, personnel too.
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2014 1:48 pm CT
Posted by: Eric B.
Chicago Tribune columnist Phil Rosenthal made the following observations in his article about the opening of a Shake Shack (a NYC-based burger chain) in Chicago: "It wasn't that long ago when travelers might make a point to visit Marshall Field's here, and Chicagoans away from home would want to browse Burdines, Jordan Marsh or Foley's. They're all Macy's now ... It's more proof you can travel the world over and, increasingly, feel like you never left home."
The entire article appears at http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/ct-rosenthal-shake-shack-1105-biz-20141104-column.html
-- Eric
Date: Monday, November 3, 2014 9:32 pm CT
Posted by: Eric B.
What would it take to bring back Marshall Field's? In all probability, an investor who has the ability to make a deal with Macy's. At last week's superb program on Marshall Field and Selfridge, it was mentioned that Selfridges' current owner Galen Weston made a bid to purchase Field's back in 2004.
Other investors out there have had success in bringing back once-popular brands. The return of a Dominick's-caliber grocery chain under the Mariano's banner is a triumph for Chicagoans. Here's a link to a Washington Post article about C. Dean Metropoulos, who rescued Hostess Twinkies and other household brands from the brink of oblivion:
So, you see, there IS hope for Field's!
-- Eric
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2014 3:39 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator
Thank you for "Marshall Field and Selfridge" October 30 at the Chicago Cultural Center! Having viewed all of "Mr. Selfridge" on PBS (as well as being a devoted former Field's customer), I enjoyed all the rare photos and the narrative discussion. Wonderful research! I would love to attend more such events, and still want my Marshall Field's!
Date: Monday, September 29, 2014 1:20 pm CT
Posted by: mikeea
I was in State Street the last two Fridays. It seems they are continuing to do small renovations. Handbags being redone along with parts of the 3rd and 4th floors. They have signs all around the third floor stating we are responding and changing to what our customers want. They have moved the St.John shop inside the 28th shop along with furs. the 28th shop is shrinking its merchandise. Whereas the more moderate and trendy younger fashions are taking up more space in the store. The renovated food court looks nice, but broken escalators are still around and being repaired. Holiday Lane is up nothing much different than the past years, except a much smaller offering of Martha Stewart items.
They need to replace the floor tiles on the first floor. Broken, cracked looks horrible.
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2014 12:46 pm CT
Posted by: Drew
Poor Mr Lundgren isn't optimistic about the upcoming holiday season:http://finance.yahoo.com/news/macys-ceo-offers-ominous-insight-172459132.html;_ylt=AwrBEiT0QihUBDMAO5uTmYlQOur country is facing challenging economic times to be sure. But Terry's great macy*fication of the nation has had a negative impact. How many good paying jobs were eliminated when all the department store divisions were consolidated? How many malls were hurt when one of the "competing" stores was shuttered? How many communities lost merchantile, sales, payroll and other tax revenues when you shut down stores and warehouses? Maybe you saved a few bucks on shopping bags and advertising, but what was the long term effect on various aspects of the American economy?
Also, Terry, you took some of America's best loved department stores and eliminated quality merchandise, popular services and amenities; in their place you offered a cookie cutter, down market, same old, nondescript, uninspired, chain store. In other words, you took away whatever made shopping special and created another JCPenney/Kohl's/Target/Walmart.
Sorry that your infatuation with "celebrities" hasn't been the sensation you expected it to be. Martha Stewart and Donald Trump are a sorry replacement for the quality brands offered at the regional stores.
By the way, you were also foolish to get rid of the various gift catalogs produced by Marshall Field's. Oh that's right...the merchandise was unique and interesting so it wouldn't fit the macy*s model of commonplace and bland.
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2014 6:29 pm CT
Posted by: S.R.
I see Nordstrom is building a store in New York City. It will be the second tallest structure in NYC and maybe even North America, topping the Sears Tower. Macy's is too down market to be to concerned about, but I think it will JUST KILL Bloomingdale's a few short blocks away. Such a tall building will be such a big draw to tourists from around the world.
Pete
Date: Friday, September 26, 2014 9:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Just a reminder that an RSVP is REQUIRED for admission to the lecture event, "Marshall Field and Selfridge" at 5:30 PM on Thursday, October 30th at the Chicago Cultural Center. Although we have co-sponsors, from FieldsFansChicago's perspective, this is our annual event in support of the return of Marshall Field's. Be sure to be there. Seats are fast filling up -- At least 90% capacity is taken, last I checked. To sign up, go to http://www.prairie.org/events/28790/marshall-field-and-selfridge or follow the link from the main page of FieldsFansChicago.org
Best regards,
Jim
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2014 9:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
I was in the NYC flagships of both Bloomingdale's and Macy's over the weekend. Some observations:
- Bloomingdale's was well staffed. I was there around noon on Sunday. The store was relatively quiet to what I imagine it much be on a Saturday afternoon. What struck me was the number of staff ready to wait on me. It was very impressive--but it also struck me that since Field's on State became Macy's, the staffing didn't even come close to what it seemed to be. Moreover, both critics of Macy's as well as Macy's themselves have to admit that they COULD run Field's as it should be run on State Street. Someone else recently mentioned and I agree: what is basically two full locations of Bloomingdale's (900 N Michigan/Shriners home store and Old Orchard can't possibly match the excitement that would be Marshall Field's restored to State Street.
- It was my first time inside the newly renovated floors at Macy's flagship at Herald Square. Other floors and sections are still being remodeled. For a Monday morning, the store was packed. I don't think I have seen Field's packed like that on an average September Monday morning in decades. There were some nice touches--Macy's Arcade looks nice. But, overall the main selling floor at Broadway/34th feels more like a casino than a classy department store. It was overwheming with video screens everywhere. Huge video screens and loud music all over. I sure hope this isn't the direction of State Street, but I fear it is. In terms of food options, Macy's has in recent years had mainly middle of the road, franchise offerings for restaurants. However, they have added a new more upscale restaurant, Stella Trattoria, that is sort of an answer to the Walnut Room. While it doesn't have the grand historic space surrounding a central volume space like the Walnut Room, it sure seems like the Walnut Room is what they were attempting. Don't go there expecting Circassian walnut paneling, but it is pretty classy. Situated along Broadway on the 6th(?) floor, it sort of like having just the western part of the Walnut Room along State Street.
Date: Monday, September 22, 2014 7:27 pm CT
Posted by: Anne S.
Ryan Seacrest Menswear? Seriously? Hey, he's a pretty good TV personality but what does he know about designing clothes? Macy's has replaced real designer names with stars and what they like. I'll give that Tommy Hilfiger is a real designer. So is Martha Stewart. But for crying out loud--Ryan Secrest? Carlos Santana? Madonna? Donald Trump? Marilyn Monroe? Style&Co? INC? ALFANI?
Give me a break.
(Response from Jim:
Marshall Field's was among the first to carry Donald Trump's clothing line.)
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2014 5:59 pm CT
Posted by: Frances H.
Field's was one of a kind.
I can only think that the head of Macy's had no idea was Chicago and Marshall Field's was all about. No way did he understand that people would ferociously stand up for Marshall Field's with such longevity. There's got to be a kind of denial on his part and his board of directors and staff that it was a huge mistake.
When oh when will the wrong be righted?
Date: Friday, September 19, 2014 7:02 pm CT
Posted by: Anne S.
I just read a story, I think in the New York Times, about the Brooklyn Bridge. Despite being antiquated and never designed to be part of an interstate highway, engineers, politicians, building experts, everyone agrees that it should never be changed. As one engineer put it, "(The Brooklyn Bridge) is New York. It's who we are. It's part of our legacy."
The exact same is absolutely true about Chicago and Marshall Field's. Shame on Macy's for ruining that!
Date: Friday, September 19, 2014 4:03 pm CT
Posted by: Janiece K.
You guys Rock! MARSHALL FIELD'S!!!!!
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2014 9:26 pm CT
Posted by: NY Joan
This is an interesting, sort of odd place on the Internet. With the ongoing sample of comments, years later, it's safe to say that Macy's still gets letters in support of Marshall Field's. Any reduction in the stream of letters is, in no doubt, due to sad resignation of the poor, dear customers, rather than a subsiding in interest and enthusiasm for Marshall Field's return. It's sad when greed and ego rule.
It's curious to read that Terry Lundgren has sold so much stock. As the earlier post suggested, will he ever repurchase?
Date: Monday, September 15, 2014 3:28 pm CT
Posted by: Anne S.
I remain skeptical that Field's will return. That's the kind of world we live in today. The best is not cherished. Still, I eagerly look forward to the Selfridge lecture in October.
Date: Sunday, September 14, 2014 4:01 am CT
Posted by: David H.
The jokes write themselves.
http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/moscow/logo/
(n.b. its an unofficial, unsolicited design)
Date: Friday, September 12, 2014 3:09 am CT
Posted by: Polly Gone
Been online to order the new iPhone 6. Marshall Field's had customer brand loyalty that could only be rivaled by Apple. BRING IT BACK!~
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2014 9:54 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston
I was at a technology conference in New Orleans this week. There were folks from all over the country there, as well as Chicago. Guess what came up in conversation (and all the diners at our table were men)? Marshall Fields! There was discussion of the blandness of Macy's and the obliteration of other regional stores. The fellas at the table do a lot of traveling and it was nice to visit other cities and sample their unique restaurants/cuisine as well as shop at their regional stores. We all concurred that Field's was an INTERNATIONAL destination as well. Plenty of guys said if Marshall Field's were brought back they would blow Macy's away.
Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2014 8:59 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C.
Thinking of that horrible day when we lost Marshall Field's. Still miss it.
Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2014 5:28 pm CT
Posted by: :-/
Hey Field's Fans! Thinking of eight years ago when we marched around the store. When even the clerks gave us thumbs up through the windows. There was no store like Field's and there's never been a response to match the customer outpouring when Field's went away.
Still missing The World's Greatest Store here! Nowhere else was there such diversity, something for everyone, always special. Yes, I read here now and then about someone missing their local store that became (shudder) Macy's. Really, tho, where are the rallies and large scale talk? There's a reason the conversion of those other stores was announced by Macy's months before while the switch to Field's was announced after the government passed the deal. Field's still remains a missed opportunity by Federated to this day.
What goes around comes around and we can continue to hope and look forward to that amazing day when Chicago finally gets its Marshall Field's back. But it sure is hard to wait!
--Retired Marshall Field's employee
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2014 8:29 am CT
Posted by: J. Sherry
Kaufmann's was a good regional store and they did do good things in our community. Still, Marshall Field's was THE STORE to go to. I don't put them in the same league. It's really too bad what Macy's has done.
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2014 4:29 pm CT
Posted by: Denise
It's been a while. I have not shopped one iota in Macy's. Marshall Field and Company, we miss you!!!!!!!!!
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2014 7:34 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Oh wow! Those murals are amazing but no wonder they were gone in a generation....the risk of going way trendy is that the effect ages fast. Yea Classic! (A certain Tiffany vault has been able to survive thankfully!)
I am glad the murals are together in a good place, and hope they will not just disappear someday at a curatorial whim, but perhaps even find permanent installation somewhere safe.
Whatever fault you may pick with the Robber Barons and other magnates and entrepreneurs of the Victorian and Edwardian periods....at least they understood and valued a certain amount of noblesse oblige, cultural excellence, and to coin a term, entrustment.Today we have some, too, who do Good Things, thankfully--- but Macyfolk seem to not have sprung from that root. They are a bit weedy--everywhere and so what.
Date: Monday, September 8, 2014 11:52 pm CT
Posted by: Patricia
No offense meant--but I never heard of Kaufmann's until Field's went away and some people started talking about it. It probably had local charm and all, but I don't think many people traveled the world to shop, eat and just experience it.
The world needs a little Marshall Field's. We still need it and we still need it now! More than a store, it's part of Chicago!!!!!!!!!!
Date: Monday, September 8, 2014 2:56 pm CT
Posted by: "Marlowe"
I had no idea that there was such a group as this. I'm glad there is. Looking to be at the Culture Center at the end of October.
Date: Monday, September 8, 2014 12:49 pm CT
Posted by: Suzanne
I used to prefer Frangoes to Fannie May. But I've not had a Frango since! NEVER!
Date: Sunday, September 7, 2014 11:01 am CT
Posted by: Drew
Like Chicago's Marshall Field's, Pittsburgh's Kaufmann's was a cultural center as well as a department store. Like Field's, the Kaufmann's family supported the arts and was actively involved in civic improvement. Here's an interesting article about murals commissioned by the Kaufmann's for their flagship downtown store:
http://triblive.com/aande/architecture/6695562-74/kaufmann-art-murals#axzz3Ce2johu3
How sad that both iconic landmarks have become uninspired, bland, utilitarian, generic chain store outlets. How sad that communities have lost stores committed to bringing culture and excitement to shoppers.
Date: Sunday, September 7, 2014 7:34 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
"Ten" years ago a mighty Chicago icon was mugged, kicked around, and left for dead. Meh.
Boy, that gives me bad goosebumps.
Yes, wouldn't it be nice to have a mighty Chicago icon, like, say--ohh-- a spectacular downtown shopping destination. Naaahh-- never would work. Macy's got it right the first time.
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2014 10:39 pm CT
Posted by: Robert H
I find it very interesting to hear of the new deal with neiman marcus in Manhattan since you all probably know they also own bergdorf goodman. Also that lord & Taylors parent company also just bought saks. Now I know new york is a much larger city but this still begs the question of why would have been so out of the question for macys to run bloomingdales and Marshall fields in Chicago? It's obvious fields was way more of a destination especially on state street. Personally I think it makes perfect sense to have two stores that would seem to just compete with each other but turn around and use it as a way to differentiate a company.
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2014 11:07 am CT
Posted by: Philip Eichler
A month or so ago, I commented on Macy's rather unimpressive visitor's website. Well, that appears to have been temporary, as they now have a much better visitor's website. Question is: why would a company the size of Macy's even bother with the temporary site? The new website, www.visitmacysusa.com ties in with the new visitor's centers, which are located in 12 other stores besides State Street. State Street is the only visitor's center in fly over country, all are on the coasts or in tourist heavy locations like Las Vegas. Many great features such as a drop down list of each store with floor by floor offerings, etc. There are a couple of odd things though. They list the Culinary Council under Ionic Events at Philadelphia and Union Square, but not at the birthplace of the council in Chicago. Also, made no mention of Culinary Council restaurant concepts at State Street, which I find odd. Why create them if you're not going to flaunt them? However, for now, it at least shows some commitment to the continued business at a few urban locations. Unfortunately for our Kaufman's fans, your former flagship did not make the cut.
Date: Friday, September 5, 2014 7:25 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
We now have bookmark-style flyers available for our October 30th lecture and panel discussion, "Marshall Field and Selfridge." They can be downloaded here at http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/ffc083014flyer.pdf. Instructions for printing can be found at http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/leaflets.html.
Special thanks to those who donated printing for 2,000 flyers that will be distributed on State Street and elsewhere in the coming weeks leading up to the event.
Date: Friday, September 5, 2014 7:19 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Here's the photo of the boat from 2007 Venetian Night to which R.T. referred. It has been on our homepage gallery for the past six of seven years and is a favorite.
Date: Thursday, September 4, 2014 7:05 pm CT
Posted by: Meanwhile in NYC
The NY Times says that Neiman Marcus will open a Manhattan store at 10th and 31st, not too far from Macy's Herald Square at 34th and 7th. Bloomingdale's is more of a competitor.Neiman-Marcus to Join the Manhattan Elite
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/04/fashion/neiman-marcus-to-join-the-manhattan-elite.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=HpHeadline&module=second-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2014 6:19 pm CT
Posted by: R.T.
After a several year absense, Chicago has started up Venetian Night again. While there is a theme this year, back several years ago, entrants made their own boat themes. The one with Marshall Field's was really cool since it was right after Macy's had did away with it.
Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2014 11:39 am CT
Posted by: Linda R.
I can't imagine the Chinese shoppers wanting Macy's. We sure don't!
Date: Sunday, August 31, 2014 11:29 am CT
Posted by: Pete
Macy's CEO Terry J. Lundgren sells 550,000 shares (M)Wow! "Mr. Macy's" sold off over half his stock. Maybe he has something like an upcoming option to purchase new Macy's stock at a cheaper price or some other strategy so he makes a tidy profit. Then again, could he be running away?????????????? Remains to be seen.
http://www.wkrb13.com/markets/364311/macys-ceo-terry-j-lundgren-sells-550000-shares-m/
Macy's (NYSE:M) CEO Terry J. Lundgren sold 550,000 shares of Macy's stock on the open market in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.35, for a total transaction of $34,292,500.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 413,334 shares in the company, valued at approximately $25,771,375. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC...
Date: Sunday, August 31, 2014 11:04 am CT
Posted by: Pete
ChicagoNow story talks about the recent Glamorama event benefitting Ronald McDonald House. Can't criticize Macy's for helping that cause. Still, remember when Field's hosted Glamorama? It filled the Chicago Theatre, about 3500 seats. Harris is nice, but only 1500??? Another indicator that Macy's isn't as popular as Field's. Where is the stockholder outrage that the Field's name isn't being maximized in value?????
Here's a link to the story:
http://www.chicagonow.com/candid-candace/2014/08/go-behind-the-scenes-at-macys-glamorama-2014-with-jason-derulo-and-before-you-exit-video-and-lotsa-pics/#image/1
Date: Friday, August 29, 2014 3:11 pm CT
Posted by: Luann
continue to dine at Macy's downstairs cafeteria because the food has been delicious, retaining Field's menu, and a number of the food servers date back to Field's. Field's yogurt, in my opinion, is beyond compare. This summer, Macy's remodeled the cafeteria, and moved the hot food variety section to a smaller area, offering less choices, doing away with the favorites that drew me. Most disappointing, is the loss of the yogurt, one of the last vestiges of Field. I mentioned the losses to a few of the workers who, by the way agree, and told me to tell Macy's. When I was inquiring at the Info Desk where I could get a comments card, the girl behind the counter told me she was just a vendor, but said she was curious about what my comments were. I explained the cafeteria changes, and she replied in an unfriendly manner, "Field's was 10 years ago." Actually, it's just short of eight years, but if you don't want to know what the proverbial lady wants, why ask?
Date: Thursday, August 28, 2014 4:52 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Reflection on what Marshall Field and Company meant to gentlemen in Men's Book Chicago:"Field's Day" by Jessie Sardina, August 20, 2014
The legacy of retail forerunner Marshall Field lives on in Chicago.
- See more at: http://www.modernluxury.com/mens-book-chicago/story/fields-day#sthash.k8tqz8Yy.dpuf
Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2014 8:52 pm CT
Posted by: Mary S.
Hello Field's Lovers!
I saw a Choose Chicago tourism presentation recently where it was mentioned that Chicago needs more iconic experiences to differentiate it from the likes of New York, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. Marshall Field's was pretty darn iconic. Now all we have is another Macy's. Stinks!!!
Date: Monday, August 25, 2014 5:05 pm CT
Posted by: Retail Watcher
WWD.com reports that Macy's appears to be close to opening stores in China. I guess having the red star as their logo is a start, but given how they don't understand Chicago's culture, I don't see how they can even begin to understand Chinese shoppers."Macy's Said To Be Near Deal In China"Oh, yes. Four months to Christmas. I won't be shopping at Macy's. Please bring back Marshall Field's!
http://www.wwd.com/retail-news/department-stores/macys-said-near-deal-in-china-7846859?module=hp-topstories
Date: Sunday, August 24, 2014 4:45 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Keeping the faith that Chicago's Marshall Field's returns some day, we always say, "In retail, anything can happen."
That may sound quaint, but a story in Crains Chicago Real Estate demonstrates that maxim. Due to mergers, reorganizations, acquisitions and closures, Jewel-Osco is set--at least temporarily-- to become the owner of three Mariano's locations -- Cumberland/Higgins, Park Ridge: Damen/Chicago, Ukranian Village; and Sheridan/Foster, Edgewater -- as well as a Whole Foods store that will open on Broadway at Elmdale. Safeway owns these stores and leased them to Mariano's and Whole Foods when they shut down Dominick's. Since then, Safeway itself became the target of a purchase by Jewel-Osco's paren. No worries for now for Mariano's and Whole Foods loyalists: not only do the stores' leases expire in 2034, Jewel and Safeway's combined parent are selling the stores to real estate investors. But to the average customer, who knew? It appears that the stores being sold to appease anti-trust regulators. Jewel's had to sell stores in 2006 when their parent was acquired by the owner of Cub Foods. So some twist in that spirit could make it such Field's comes back.
Tangentially, even though Federated/Macy's, Inc. sold Lord and Taylor = seven years ago, Macy's retained ownership of some L & T locations until they were sold to L & T a couple of years ago. During that period, L & T leased certain of their stores from Macy's.
Date: Friday, August 22, 2014 12:38 pm CT
Posted by: Maria H.
Hello.
I just want to say we miss MArshall Field and Company and wish Macy's would let it come back. Please keep trying.
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2014 8:51 pm CT
Posted by: State Street Watcher
Visited State Street today. They are redoing the handbags section in the center of the north lightwell, first floor. It's all walled off. They also have these generic Macy's posters on the wals in the old classy seventh floor visitors center. They are posters that you see at every Macy's store, often near credit offices or the rest rooms. Missing Field's here, still.
Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2014 11:52 pm CT
Posted by: M. R.
Something to consider with retail stores. Its not enough for a store to just make as much as it did the year before. They actually need to make 2% or 3% more each year to keep pace with inflation and also reflect population increases. A 1% increases usually means they are losing ground. 2% increases were what Field's was supposedly doing according to the Trib when Macy's killed it.
Date: Monday, August 18, 2014 10:54 am CT
Posted by: Clare B.
Happy 180th Birthday to Marshall Field! He was born on this day in 1834! BTW: Potter Palmer was shown in Wikipedia as born on May 20, 1826.
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2014 3:23 pm CT
Posted by: Karen K.
Looking forward to the Field's - Selfridges lecture. Will any relatives from their families attend? I guess that they will not announce themselves.
Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2014 7:28 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
According to Forbes.com:"In reporting its second quarter earnings results Wednesday morning, Macy’s cut its full-year sales outlook, saying that the sales decline from the snowy first quarter is too steep a deficit to fully overcome in the next six months. Macy’s reported $6.3 billion in second quarter revenue, a figure that is in line with the analyst consensus and marks a 3.3% increase over revenue reported this time last year. Net income came in at $292 million, resulting in earnings of 80 cents per share — an improvement over the year-ago quarter’s 72 cents per share but growth that failed to meet the Street’s 86-cent per-share earnings estimate.Comparable store sales increased 3.4% during the quarter."
http://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2014/08/13/macys-cuts-full-year-forecast-as-lingering-effects-of-snow-weigh-on-sales/
Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2014 11:01 am CT
Posted by: Sarah W.
How many of you remember the ice cream parlor at State Street? We were trying to remember the flavors. Does anyone remember some of them?
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2014 2:18 pm CT
Posted by: A news watcher
I saw that Terry Lundgren apparently came to town for Glamorama. I wonder how many of the stores in the area that he checks out when he is here. Is he ever seen at Bloomingdale's?
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2014 8:43 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
I am on a closet clean-out mission again and guess what, I found yet another little Marshall Field gift box--from the glossy white-and-gold days. Probably held a piece of costume jewelry. Funny how just a bit of cellulose, and another, and another, can weave themselves into the significant fabric of your life.
Maybe our culture now precludes nice boxes and personal service but something about that seems very wrong. A venue presenting merch that you check out automatically and lug home in a plastic sack does not engage the spirit at all--just a shrug and a so-what, anyplace will do.
Life will go on without Field's but we are missing a precious bit of goodness in an often humdrum existence. Moreover, LSS, I have seen the argument convincingly made that a shared and valued commercial experience can unite a widespread community--as in the Revolutionary War. As so many here have indicated, shopping is not just a matter of buying stuff. I am grateful to have had the Field's experience--at least we had that taste of civilized glory for a while.
Date: Monday, August 11, 2014 8:55 pm CT
Posted by: Drew
Check out the web site: macysrestaurants.com.
Most of the in store restaurants highlighted are located in former Marshall Field's locations. It's laughable (and sickening) that the Red Star takes credit for establishing these fine eateries--when in fact the Red Star closed so many in store restaurants when they took over all the regional department stores. If a person didn't know better, it would seem that the Walnut Room was a long standing Red Star tradition.
IF the macy*mart board of directors had any business sense, they would have used the Field's model of food service and marketing. Make the premier locations in each market a "destination" with the popular regional nameplate which would stock better merchandise and offer enhanced services; make the regular locations macy*s which would stock basic, everyday merchandise.
What the folks at Red Star are doing now sends a mixed message--are they trying to be Kohl's/JCPenney or Bloomingdale's/Nordstrom? A mass market/discounter or a better department store?
Response from Jim, the Webmaster:
I believe this is a legacy web page mainly for restaurants in former Dayton's/Hudson's/Field's stores except the one listed in Florida. Macy's and Bloomingdale's have other restaurants such as Forty Carrots in Bloomingdale's stores, the new Stella 34 Trattoria at Herald Square, a Cheesecake Factory at the top of Union Sqaure and many others. The new Stella 34 Trattoria is thought by some as an attempt to bring to the flagship a restaurant that is of comparable quality as Field's State Street Seventh Floor offerings.
Date: Friday, August 8, 2014 3:29 pm CT
Posted by: A news watcher
It is all over the news that the customers had their voice in convincing Walgreen's to keep its headquarters in the U.S. Wouldn't it be great to see Macy's exercise a wise choice and listen to the voice of customers--we want Field's on State Street.
Date: Thursday, August 7, 2014 8:19 pm CT
Posted by: Amy H.
They have all these commercials from Messay's at the holidays where they splice clips of old movies of stars saying "Macy's." It's never clear if the likes of Bob Hope and Lucille Ball are making cracks about Messay's or what. The clips are too short.
Truth be told, there's plenty of references about Marshall Field's and they are always of the highest esteem. What caught my ear recently was Judy Garland's version of the song "Chicago" from the award winning album of 50+ years ago, "Judy at Carnegie Hall." On it, she brassily sings a bit about Field's: "Let me cool my heels right down at Marshall Field's..."
But lest you think that's old stuff, Rufus Wainwright has his own contemporary recording of "Chicago" recorded in 2006. He sings the same words about Marshall Field's!
If you want to hear both, the part about Marshall Field's happens to be sample clips for BOTH recordings at iTunes store! Check BOTH versions from 45 years apart.
I'm BLOWN AWAY!!! Indeed, they do a lot of things in Chicago, like Marshall Field's, hat they don't do down on Broadway, like Herald Square Messay's. That's why Marshall Field's was so much better!
I.
Miss.
Marshall Field's.
--Amy
Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2014 10:36 pm CT
Posted by: i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
Hey Scott and Field's Fans:
Speaking of Disney World, in 2003 Disney celebrated the 75th anniversary of Mickey Mouse. As part of the celebration, Disney commissioned famous people to decorate 75 Mickey statues. One of these artists was Brian Matson, an art designer at - where else? - Marshall Field's! Here is a picture of the Field's Mickey:
Disney is also known for its pins and pin trading, so these Mickeys were made into pins. The Field's Mickey is listed as "Pin 30738," and you can read more about the celebration here:
http://gallery.pinpics.com/cgi-bin/group.cgi?group=267
Finally (sorry, one more link), Lorus created a limited edition line of "Field Mouse" watches; only 500 were produced. I do not know if this coincided with the celebration; anyone have more info on this item? While not on sale through this link, Amazon has a picture of the watch:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DH6FFSG?tag=mipatusciof-20
As for the "Marshall Field's and Selfridge" event, sorry I live far from Chicago, but this event is sure to be world-class! Best wishes on a successful event and a future full revival of Field and Co.!
i_miss_the_regional_nameplates
Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2014 1:26 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
As Far as Drew's post about other Macy's closing. It would not surprise me to see the River Oaks store closing in the future. Already Carson's and Sears have left the mall. River Oaks also has lost it s upscale customers and it is ranked as the worst shopping center in Chicago area for car thefts. If JCPenney were to close Macys;' would be the only anchor left. The whole area around River Oaks has gone down dramatically. Lincoln Mall on the verge of closing completely, Park Forest closed torn down. The only healthy mall is Orland but Orland is really Southwest suburbs.
Interesting to see what the CEO of Bon ton 's plans are. A Belk /Bon ton combo would possibly work. Bon Ton's stores are very much like Belk. Most Belk stores unless they are flagships are a cross between Bon Ton and JC Penney and Kohl's. Still sad to see that Carson's not ever planning to return to downtown.
Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2014 12:53 pm CT
Posted by: gle
I am registered for "Marshall Field and Selfridge," and look forward to it!
Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2014 5:46 am CT
Posted by: Scott Nelson
I am a former Chicagoan that grew up shopping at Marshall Field's. I loved shopping at the State Street store as well as the Oak Brook and Orland Square stores. I just received yesterday a Marshall Field's t-shirt. I wore it today and stopped by the Mall of Millenia here in Orlando, Florida. As I was walking through Macy's, I did get some stares from Macy's employees that were old enough to remember a name like Marshall Field's. While in the mall though, I was stopped about 7 times by people asking me where I got the short and how they loved shopping at Marshall Field's when they were in Chicago. I thought that was fascinating since this is Orlando, Florida. I work at Walt Disney World so I do know we get a lot of Chicago area tourists, but to actually be stopped and asked about my t-shirt was amazing since most people just walk on by.
Date: Monday, August 4, 2014 4:52 pm CT
Posted by: C. C. Chicago
To Bob & Ann:
My favorite alternative to Frango Mints is Fannie May's Mint Melt Aways. As for Raspberry Frangos, I don't remember the taste, but I like Ghiradelli's Raspberry filled Dark Chocolate Squares.
Date: Sunday, August 3, 2014 7:59 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
Drew: Thanks for posting. Sounds to me that the Macy's in York, PA that is closing is in a struggling mall that is being redeveloped. With over 800 stores, it's not only routine but demonstrates health even if they close up to 20 stores or so a year. That's normal. On the other hand, closing a former Field's location, especially one that once was a very profitable store, is news. With all due respect, this is not, especially from the perspective of our cause.
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2014 7:55 pm CT
Posted by: drew
Wonder if any other Red Star stores are slated to close?
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20140801_ap_a55c6ca7c96044c0ad0aa10023af10a8.html
Date: Friday, August 1, 2014 7:38 am CT
Posted by: State Street Watcher
Macy's will have their second quarter earnings conference call on Wednesday, August 13 at 9:30 am Chicago Time.http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=84477&p=irol-EventDetails&EventId=5166936
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2014 9:58 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Bon-Ton, the parent company of Carson's has a new CEO in Kathryn Bufano. Bufano is not only a Chicagoland native, she also earned her bachelors from Illinois and her Masters from Lake Forest College. She comments that she has been a loyal Carson's shopper for decades, although she has also worked years ago at Macy's, Dress Barn and Sears and most recently comes from Belk. For those who don't know, Belk is a family-owned regional department store chain in the Southeast that is viewed as being very healthy.
It's melancholy to contemplate if someone from Chicago like Bufano was in charge seven or eight years ago. Would Carson's on State have returned after the renovation if she was Bon-Ton's CEO during the last decade? The one year Carson's co-existed with Macy's on State Street, Carson's beat the pants off of Macy's, according to more than a couple of rumors. What if that competition was sustained?
Then again, consider where she is in her career and how she is coming from Belk, I can't help but also think she is preparing Bon-Ton and Carson's for sale to the likes of Belk or Dillards. "Belk, Carson's and Co.?" That could explain why BONT stock went way up last Thursday. That's the day Bufano's appointment was announced. BONT's previous CEO Brendan Hoffman is a relatively young guy who came from Lord and Taylor three years ago and suggested disappointment that there was no Carson's flagship; the previous CEO Bud Bergren was with BONT for years and made the decision that Carson's should not return to State Street after the store was closed for major renovation in 2007.
http://www.wwd.com/business-news/human-resources/kathryn-bufano-named-bon-ton-president-ceo-7820107?module=hp-topstories==============
Also, I visited State Street this week. The old visitors center on 7 is still vacant and not replaced with anything yet. "MikeA" said that I would think much more of the new basement visitors center when I saw the computerized visitors kiosks. No. I was not impressed. I don't go to Field's to use a computer and I wasn't impressed with them as computers no kiosks.
But there was a wonderful suprise outside: I was thrilled to see that after almost nine years, an official landmark designation plaque on the base of one of the great columns by the 111 N State entrance. Here's a photo:
Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2014 11:53 am CT
Posted by: Lisa T.
Not able to register for the Field/Selfridge talk. Can't get the link to work. Suggestions?
Response: Try this link instead: https://go.prairie.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=495
Please contact me at jjmckay at fieldsfanschicago.org if you still have problems. Thank you. Jim McKay
Date: Monday, July 28, 2014 10:22 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Been reading a couple of books by Marvin Traub, the mastermind behind Bloomingdale's in the 70s and 80s and into the early 90s. "Bloomingdales: Like No Other Store" (1992) and "Marvin Traub: Like No Other Career" (2008). Mr. Traub passed away two years ago this month. Great reads. The first book reads like a memoir but most fascinating is the second book which is like scrapbook. Three parts caught my eye as far as Field's fans go. They are on Phil Miller (highly regarded by many Field's alumni); a paragraph on Marshall Field's and Chicago; and section, almost an addendum, on helping to make the deal with Terry Lundgren to open a Bloomingdale's in Dubai. Will write more when I have time to contemplate the writing. Taub comes off as a real merchant with a heart and brains too.
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2014 12:14 pm CT
Posted by: Bob and Ann
Looking forward to the event with Marshall Field and Selfridge.
What is everyone's favorite alternative to Frango mints? We'd especially like to know about candy similar to Raspberry Frangos. Thank you for your advice.
Bob and Ann,
South Holland, Illinois
Date: Friday, July 25, 2014 6:23 pm CT
Posted by: Sandra
Just checking in.
GO MARSHALL FIELD'S! GO CHICAGO!
Date: Friday, July 25, 2014 4:42 pm CT
Posted by: Paul. W.
Good to see this is still going.
Keep up the good work. Even if they don't bring back Field's, it's not good to let them think most people don't care.
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2014 9:07 pm CT
Posted by: I Love Field's, I Miss Field's
I received the email about October. Looking forward to this. I keep hoping Field's will come back, but we live in such an evil world. Even good stuff doesn't seem to make sense to the powers that be. There's always some spin that supposedly makes it right to do stuff like killing Field's.
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2014 3:02 pm CT
Posted by: NICHOLE
LOOKING FORWARD TO COMING THIS FALL. IT'S NICE THAT THIS IS FREE, BUT YOU'D MAKE A LOT OF MONEY. THEN AGAIN, IT WOULD BE A DROP IN THE DEEP BLUE SEA COMPARED TO WHAT MACY'S WOULD MAKE IF IT ALLOWED MARSHALL FIELD'S TO COME BACK! THEY DON'T REALIZE WHAT THEY GOT THERE!
NICHOLE
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2014 11:48 am CT
Posted by: M.W.
Thank you for the email message about the event. Why, O'Why, doesn't Macy's understand that they are sitting on a gold mine that is called Marshall Field's???????????
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2014 5:23 am CT
Posted by: Mary Ann J.
I can't attend the talk on Selfridge and Field coming up. I live in Florida and it's too far. I hope the show is held again for a repeat performance. Are the Selfridges and Fields invited to come? They should know about this.
Sorely missing Marshall Field's here. Won't shop Macy's or Bloomingdale's EVER! I tell all my friends.
Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2014 10:53 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
I'm all signed up. Three months away. Wish we could say the same for Field's return.
Pete
Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2014 9:09 pm CT
Posted by: Longing in Hinsdale
Hello.
I was so glad to hear about the Marshall Field and Harry Selfriges event in October. I am looking forward. I just wanted you to know I like to hear from you and I plan to go.
Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2014 8:52 pm CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago
-------------------------------------------------------FieldsFansChicago.org Newsletter No. 38 Thursday, July 24, 2014 -------------------------------------------------------"MARSHALL FIELD and SELFRIDGE" A Discussion with Gayle Soucek, James McKay & Guests Annual Fall Event 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 30, 2014 Chicago Cultural Center Presented by FieldsFansChicago.org Illinois Institute of Technology Office of Community Affairs Part of The Collaborative City, A Program of the Illinois Humanities Council In Partnership With Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) -------------------------------------------------------"MARSHALL FIELD and SELFRIDGE"
But so much happened BEFORE Selfridge got to London, when "Mile-a-Mnute Harry" met "Silent Marsh."This panel discussion considers Selfridge's previous 25 years in Chicago at Chicago's Marshall Field and Company, when "Mile-a-Minute Harry" met "Silent Marsh." Who--Field or Selfridge?--contributed what to the success and the evolution of Chicago's Marshall Field's? And what aspects of Marshall Field and Company inspired and informed London's Selfridge and Co.? How did Chicago's history have a giant impact on London's history? How could two men of completely opposite sensibilities influence both retail and women's rights. To this day, historians cannot totally agree.
This diverse panel, supplemented by slide images, will discuss and debate the relationship between two distinctly different merchant princes and how they transformed not only retail, but society. The last third of the discussion will engage the audience in this discussion, hopefully generating fresh conclusions and new hypotheses for future consideration.
Gayle Soucek is a historian and author of a diverse collection of books about Chicago and Midwest history including "Marshall Field's: The Store That Helped Build Chicago" (2010, History Press) and "Carson's: The History of a Chicago Shopping Landmark" (2013, History Press). Gayle resides in the Chicago area.James J. McKay has been an administrator and faculty member of architecture and design at UIC, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and, currently, the Illinois Institute of Technology where he is a director in the Community Affairs department. He also co-founded the grass roots organization FieldsFansChicago.org. James lives in Chicago.Other panelists and guests may be featured.The discussion will be moderated by writer and Marshall Field and Company alumnus Alfred Imhoff. Alfred is a Chicago native currently residing in Washington, D.C.
=====
This event is presented by FieldsFansChicago,org and the Office of Community Affairs at the Illinois Institute of Technology as part of The Collaborative City, a program of the Illinois Humanities Council, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).
----------------------
There is no charge for the event. Seating is very limited. Please reserve your place as soon as possible via the Illinois Humanities Council's web site, prarie.org, at http://www.prairie.org/events/28790/marshall-field-and-selfridge Update 8/8/14: This link is now fixed.If after submitting an RSVP you find that you are unable to attend, please kindly follow instructions that you received at the time of registration or email info AT fieldsfanschicago.org so that your place may be offered to others on our waiting list.------------------------------------------------------This newsletter, the event described, and other associated activities and events described within are not in any way sponsored by and have NO affiliation whatsoever with Macy's, Inc. (formerly Federated Department Stores, Inc.), May Department Stores Company, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Marshall Field and Company, the Marshall Field Family, the Field Foundation of Chicago, etc. The views and opinions expressed here solely represent only those of the writer on behalf of FieldsFansChicago.org---END-------------------------------------------------
Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2014 9:38 pm CT
Posted by: Steve, Warwick, NY
Was reading a history book about the legendary NYC music club on Bleeker Street. It's over 50 years. After many years, there was an ownership issue. The guy who ran The Bitter End was kicked out. He opened another club just like it and called it The Other End. After a while he got The Bitter End back. Maybe that can happen here.
Date: Monday, July 21, 2014 1:02 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
Posters still keep thinking that State Street might eventually close. Macy's has just renovated the food court and introduced new menu options. Also a new handbag shop will be opening on the first floor. Who knows what will happen in 10 years. Chicago's crime wave could spread to downtown and Michigan Avenue thereby killing tourism and residential development.
Date: Monday, July 21, 2014 5:48 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Macy's already has a lot to answer for, whether or not it chooses to recognize its folly. What a kick in the gut it has given American merchandising. As saying goes, with friends like that, who needs enemies?
Date: Sunday, July 20, 2014 4:19 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
Christyn and Philip: Thank you for the WWD update. Here's a link to one of the versions of the story for those with access:Macy's Rethinking Brooklyn Unit's FutureSounds like one scenario is that they move into a new store elsewhere, while another suggests that they might stay in a scaled down store either in a renovated version of the store, or a new tower that replaces it--would they do a "facade-ectomy"--where they keep the facade and build above, maybe salvaging key architectural features and re-incorporating them into a new building? That would be revealed when and if there's an official announcement.
http://www.wwd.com/retail-news/department-stores/macys-rethinking-brooklyn-units-future-7801752?navSection=issues
Date: Saturday, July 19, 2014 1:04 pm CT
Posted by: gle
It's always encouraging to see the posts continue on this website. I look forward to a "Marshall Field's and Selfridge" event.
Date: Friday, July 18, 2014 4:42 pm CT
Posted by: Philip Eichler
In response to Janice's question on Sunday hours at State Street, it was under Target that the store opened on Sundays, so that would be the early 90s. Perhaps someone who worked there has an exact date. However, under Batus, the store was open one Sunday a month starting in the mid 80s. It was dubbed "Super Sunday" and offered incredible sales for that day only. Usually, it was merchandise they just wanted to really just get rid of and truly was a one day sale. It was always packed.
Date: Friday, July 18, 2014 11:58 am CT
Posted by: Sandra G.
It always makes me smile to see the MARSHALL FIELD'S CLOCK on the front page of the Chicago Tribune. This week, that's happening.
Date: Friday, July 18, 2014 10:49 am CT
Posted by: Philip Eichler
Another flagship bites the dust. Earlier this week, it was reported in Women's Wear Daily that Macy's has abruptly stopped the renovation of its Brooklyn flagship and is selling it to a developer to convert to apartments. Macy's is considering a lease back of a smaller space. This area of Brooklyn is rebounding quite nicely with new stores (many are outlets, like Nordstrom Rack), so Macy's was going to renovate this location. The 840,000 square foot building was I believe the former Abraham & Strauss flagship, so of course, Macy's has little empathy for the preservation of this location.
Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2014 9:38 pm CT
Posted by: Christyn
Working in Chicago's retail scene, we hear all the time how people miss Marshall Field and Company.
I've been following with interest the banter about Macy's long term plans for State Street. It is apparent when I pass through that store that Macy's is doing all it can to squeeze juice from the fruit. While it could be much more lucrative to run the store as it should be, as Field's, I don't think Macy's collective ego will let that happen, even if it means lesser or no profits.
Downtown Brooklyn is on the upswing. One of the anchors is the old Abraham and Straus store. It has some nice architecture and much hoopla was made back about 18 years ago when the store was converted to Macy's. There were plaques posted suggesting how the store becoming Macy's was simply natural. With the economic, cultural and social renaissance of downtown Brooklyn, Macy's announced it was planning an extensive remodel of the downtown store. The elevator lobby is spectacular. Of course Macy's covered some elevators with retail displays. After seeing that in Brooklyn, it's no surprise that there are closed off escalators and close elevators at State Street.
So to this guy who keeps insisting Macy's will not radically alter State Street, check out the story in today's Women's Wear Daily. Rumors are flying fast and furious that Macy's will redevelop the Brooklyn store with a lot of condos and probably the obligatory ground floor retail spots. You think there be a Subway sandwich shop or Chipotle or both? The story says Macy's will either build a whole new, smaller store in Brooklyn or Macy's might move back in to a significantly downsized store. Think of the old Meier and Frank in Portland. In the case of the latter, the store was largely gutted with a hotel added on upper floors. The downscaled Macy's is nondescript. That's what I think will happen to State Street in a few years. And I agree with the view that Macy's wouldn't mind closing it. It just won't happen under Terry Lundgren because he would be blamed. Why? Macy's already has another flagship at Water Tower. State Street is not worth their trouble, from a Macy's vantage, of course.
It's all very sad what Macy's has done to Field's.
Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2014 12:12 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
In response to Jim on the Visitor's Center. Years ago Field's had the Visitor's Center in the Pedway then moved it to the 7th floor. I know the service desk on 1 has been closed since the first of the year. Probably in response to Macy's cost cutting at every location.The new Visitor's center is in line with and larger than the new one at Herald Square. Herald Square not only does passes, but arranges tickets tours etc. Macy's is doing the same thing in Chicago, expanding not contracting the visitor's center.
FYI I was in the LA area last week and stopped at two Macy's locations one in Century City and the other downtown. Both stores were merchandised very poorly compared to the Chicago stores. The downtown store will be undergoing a complete renovation soon, but Century City near Beverly Hills is a poor example of a high end area Macy store.
Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2014 8:22 pm CT
Posted by: Gloria M., Chevy Chase, MD
Every couple of years we looked forward to visiting Chicago and shopping at Marshall Field and Company. No more. Macy's is all over Maryland, where we are from. Why go all the way to Chicago to visit the store we have down the street. Also, I did USED TO LIKE Macy's, visiting their store sometimes in New York. No more either. A bunch of schmucks!!!! BUt that's too nice a word.
Date: Monday, July 14, 2014 12:44 pm CT
Posted by: Erin Richardson
I was cleaning out my attic and found a ton of old Marshall Field's gift cards. There is no money on them but cool keepsakes for Marshall Field's fans. Please message me if anyone is interested in them. Thanks
Erin Richardson
erinrichardson23 AT hotmail.com
Date: Monday, July 14, 2014 4:28 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
"Stuff'? Lots of it? Is Ms McNair using but one oar on life's ocean? There is also lots of stuff available for the taking in dumps, if that is what this is about.
Date: Sunday, July 13, 2014 10:29 pm CT
Posted by: Joan of Arc
I agree with Jim's remark. Clearly MikeA has a connection to Macy's, directly or indirectly. For someone who thinks bringing back Marshall Field's is a bad idea and that we're all nuts, he (she?) sure spends a lot of time defending Macy's. Why bother with with us small minority of those who don't get it? Well, because it's true, Chicago misses Marshall Field's, fiercely.
Like many of us, I won't drink that Kool-Aid and I won't shop at Macy's. If Macy's had come to Chicago organically, I'd probably shop it like it's other MOR competitors. But because they killed off Field's--NO WAY!!!!
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2014 11:54 pm CT
Posted by: Katie McNair
I don't understand all the fuss. The stores stayed open. You can still buy lots of stuff. Why are you people still complaining. Don't you have something better to do???
Response from Jim:
With that logic, why are you wasting your time checking out this site and posting your comments?
Date: Friday, July 11, 2014 8:07 am CT
Posted by: Janice Hopkins
I'm doing a paper on Marshall Field and Company. I have noticed that in photos of the 1890's store at State and Washington, there is a different clock than the one that is there today. Do you know where this clock is now relocated to? Is it still used? Were any parts recycled for the current clocks?
Also, does anyone remember when the big store on State Street started being open regularly on Sundays? I think it was in the 1990's when it changed.
Thank you.
Janice
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2014 9:29 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
We tentatively have a late September date for our annual fall event, "Marshall Field and Selfridge." However, that date might get reassigned to October due to space availability. We should for sure next week. Sorry for the delay.
Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2014 12:37 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
In response to Jim's comment about the visitors center being relocated to the Cellar area. It is much better to have a larger much more accessible visitors center. The 7th floor was not easy to reach for tourists. Also in the Pedway was not a good location. The pedway closes early during the week and is not open most weekends. Also it is used mainly for inclimate weather and during the winter months mostly by locals. The Kiosks were put there by the City not Macy's.
Also Jim what inside information do you have that you know that Terry Lundgren's successor will consider or close the State Street Store? Terry may not leave for years and the whole retail and economic climate can change by then. Maybe if the crime spreads to downtown and scares away shoppers and tourists the store may close as stores closed in other cities ie St.Louis, Richmond, I would think they would close the downtown Minneapolis, Miami, Seattle stores before State Street. Macy's would not continue to spend money on State Street if they were considering closure in the foreseeable future. I know some Field's fans would still prefer it closed than have the building a Macy's. However unless you have inside information, I do not know how you can continue to make that claim about State Street.
Response from Jim:
Didn't know about the Kiosks being provided by Choose Chicago. Not sure I understand or have heard of the possibility of the pedway as a location for the visitors center. The two visitors centers by the Burnham Fountain and on 7 were classy and great. Again, the design of the new one is generic. No one--not even I--said that Mr. Lundgren's successor would close State Street. We don't even know who that is. What I do know is that part of the reason we went in to full force here in 2006 was there were reports from a good source that Macy's would consider closing State Street. Given the precedence of other downtown flagships, I think the same is possible here as well after 2020 when I suspect Mr. Lundgren will retire, given Macy's "Age 70" retirement policy. What concerns us is the lack of spending and upkeep at State Street--the slow whittling away and deferred maintenance. The consolidated visitors centers are effectively yet another cut from closed elevators and escalators to the worn numbers on the Marshall Field's clocks to the unpolished plaques.
Date: Monday, July 7, 2014 7:08 am CT
Posted by: In Georgia
Today is my sister's birthday. She passed away a few years ago. She loved Marshall Field's with a passion.
In Atlanta, we were somewhat indifferent when Davison's became Macy's since for years it was advertised as a Macy's store. We always had Rich's for the better stuff. In some ways, Rich's was like Marshall Field's. But later, Rich's became Macy's and they closed the Davison's stores that previously had been Macy's. They also closed the downtown flagships, even though Atlanta is a major city with a vibrant downtown.
But we totally couldn't believe it when Macy's got rid of Marshall Field's. How foolish to get rid of such a well-known, beloved store!!!! We have never set foot in a Macy's since. MACY'S!!! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Date: Sunday, July 6, 2014 5:32 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston
Mikea,
I disagree with your assessment that Macy's pulls out of downtowns because they are failing. Foley's Downtown was always busy. Houston has an excellent theater district, the Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park with tons of new housing going up. They never intended on keeping the old Foley's flagship open. Not only did they sell it right after they took over (it was paid for and owned by Foley's when it was built by Federated in 1947) but they let it go downhill in its merchandise and housekeeping as well. Now downtown has no major department store. We are hoping for a win for Strategic Marks, LLC in their suit against Macy's on the their purchase of the trademarks of Field's, Foley's and many others for his intent to eventually bring them back to their respective regions.
Date: Sunday, July 6, 2014 5:03 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Later this week, we will have details and dates for our Fall event, "Marshall Field and Selfridges." There may need to be a date and time tweak from what you may have heard.
Thank you.
Jim
Date: Saturday, July 5, 2014 1:01 pm CT
Posted by: Nancy
Saw the Macy's Fireworks show for a bit last night. Was very nice. Why can't they understand that Field's is another feather they could add to their cap????
Nan
Date: Friday, July 4, 2014 7:29 pm CT
Posted by: R.T.
Macy's Firework show with Miley Cyrus singing the National Anthem? Please! At least she didn't twerk it. An oh yes, sponsorship by Kool Aid which is what Macy's management drinks when they think that Chicago likes Macy's!
Thhhppt!! ACCCKKKK!
Date: Friday, July 4, 2014 10:01 am CT
Posted by: R.T.
FoX Chicago reports that Chicago is the Number 1 place to see the Fourth of July Fireworks. Number 2 is NYC which is by Macy's. Little clue, Macy's, Chicago's department store Marshall Field's is also better. How long before you think some Macy's executive will call Fox and complain?http://www.myfoxchicago.com/story/25930955/8-top-city-spots-to-watch-fourth-of-july-fireworks
Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2014 6:43 am CT
Posted by: Nancy S.
Greetings.
I will buy Frango Mints, but nothing else. Ever. Not from Macy's. Not even in New York City. Never. Ever. Never Macy's.
Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2014 6:23 pm CT
Posted by: Darla
Eight very sad years since fields.com became Macy's. We miss you Marshall Field's. We miss you. We can't wait until you come back!
Darla
Date: Sunday, June 29, 2014 8:26 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
Wore a "Time to Bring Back Marshall Field's button and passed out flyers at the Pride Parade--only had a few dozen. Every single person who spoke to me talked about how they missed Marshall Field's. There was no hesitancy. That button sure is a conversation starter. Be prepared to talk if you wear one.
Jim
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2014 10:23 am CT
Posted by: Pete
Was watching Letterman and some other late night TV. Macy's sure sponsors shows with a huge image attachment to NYC. Makes sense. Just, they don't get that Chicago is so NOT NYC.
Carry on! Vive le boycott!
Date: Thursday, June 26, 2014 9:59 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Have had inquiries about this weekend's Pride Parade. In the past, we have handed out buttons and bookmark flyers with a much favorable response. Macy's does not seem to be participating this year nor sponsoring anyone else. Still, I will pass out some flyers. If you ever need flyers, see our link above to the leaflets (i.e. flyers/bookmarks).
Date: Thursday, June 26, 2014 8:08 pm CT
Posted by: L.K.
Hello!
It's been a while but was reminded of you today. Tribune Letter to the editoreference to the exodus of customers when Marshall Field's became Macy's. Will Walgreen's new owner consider the huge loss of customers?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/chi-letter-walgreens-will-lose-business-if-it-relocates-its-headquarters-overseas-20140626,0,5607578.story
Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 11:28 pm CT
Posted by: Julie R.
Glad to see this cause still going! Marshall Field and Company was Chicago's Best Brand. It makes me sick to see it gone. It's a crime.
I just ordered a used copy of the Marshall Field's cook book. Can't wait for it to come.
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 9:27 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Macy's had added an additional eleventh director to their board, Annie Young-Scrivner. Hailing from Canada, Ms. Young-Scrivner is now a Vice President at Starbucks and President of their newer Teavana division. No one resigned from the board so Ms. Young-Scrivner is an addition. Based on promotional activity for Teavana in the past couple of months, wouldn't surprise me as to why she was asked to join Macy's--perhaps to lure a very influential Field's fan. Best wishes to Ms. Young-Scrivber. And oh yes, please bring back Marshall Field's to Chicago's State Street. You'll be a rock star.
BTW: Many do not know today the reason that State Street Field's and now Macy's a couple of Starbucks locations. When Field's added Starbucks, they weren't at all common like they are today.
Date: Sunday, June 22, 2014 8:25 pm CT
Posted by: A Reader
Been seeing ads for Glamorama here and there. It just doesn't seem as classy as when Field's did it. Granted, charity benefits are great. Why don't they do it at the Chicago Theatre anymore? The Harris Theatre is OK but much smaller. Saw the ad in the Tribune.
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2014 11:59 am CT
Posted by: Pete
There's a new fictional book coming out based on the romance of Mr. Marshall Field I and his second wife, Delia. It is by Chicago author Renee Rosen. She is featured as one of Chicago's top 50 authors in a recent edition of "NEW CITY" newspaper.
Here's a link. Scroll down a bit. Her pic is there too. The book is due later this year.
http://lit.newcity.com/2014/06/05/lit-50-who-really-books-in-chicago-3/5/
Date: Thursday, June 19, 2014 9:51 am CT
Posted by: Drew
A similar article could have been written about the MANY in-store restaurants shut down by the Red Star:http://triblive.com/aande/diningout/6212613-74/tic-toc-says#axzz3561I3BEAThe restaurants and their special meals are a unique attraction; yet another valuable asset squandered in Terry's quest to create a chain of nondescript, uninspired discount outlets.
Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2014 8:28 pm CT
Posted by: Anne R., New Lenox
We still miss Field's and will NEVER shop at Macy's ----- WHAT A TRAVESTY!!!! The stores are horrible. And you can't find help! They dress like it's a funeral. NO MACY'S FOR US! OR ANYONE WE KNOW!
Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2014 7:29 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
"mikea": I wouldn't expect State Street to close under Lundgren. Too much pride at stake. But his successor would seriously consider it.
As for the visitors centers at State Street, the previous two that just closed were quite nice and consistent with the historical character of the store, complete with those giant light up Field's clock and a real Chicago feel. The people who work the new center are most likely very nice, but the decor and design could be most any store or any trinket shop. Yeah, like I want to go to the Marshall Field's historic department store to use a computer like the tablet I have like the smartphone I have like the computer I have at home. Yeah. Right.
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2014 10:23 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
I saw on the news today about the new visitors center in the State Street store. It has been up for about a month, but the kiosks and the other services were not running. It is a good change to move and expand it like they did at Herald Square. They are also doing some minor work to the food court. They need to redo the flooring on the first floor.
In response to Jim's post about State Street going the way of Pittsburgh or St.Louis. If that would happen, the downtown area in Chicago would have to really go downhill. St.Louis downtown is a disaster. If it not were for the Cardinals and sports and special events, there is nothing to downtown St.Louis. Most retail is gone except for small stores. Downtown Pittsburgh is falling. Lord & Taylor closed, Saks closed. A once mighty retail center is now limited to Macy's. A sad fact most downtowns except for New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle are very limited to what they used to be.
Date: Monday, June 16, 2014 3:04 pm CT
Posted by: Drew
Downtown Pittsburgh was a flurry of activity this past weekend. The annual Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pridefest Celebration, and other activities drew large crowds. New office buildings are being constructed and downtown living units are being built or being proposed. Nearby South Side and North Shore neighborhoods are enjoying a a resurgence of housing, restaurants, shops and employment. Surrounded by all this growth, the last remaining department store downtown continues to shrink.
The downtown Red Star has become tattered and rundown. Floor tiles are chipped and cracked, carpets worn and frayed, fixtures worn and chipped. Aside from the addition of styrafoam stars and a minimal bit of paint, nothing has been invested in the store since Kaufmann's was downgraded into a discount store. The wide assortments of merchandise at varied price points is long gone. The Polo, Tommy Hilfiger and Nautica departments are exactly the same as Kaufmann's left them---albeit with less merchandise. Lots of empty spaces and display racks spaced widely apart. The seasonal theme is American Icons--the same as last year. Very uninspired plastic frames with generic pictures.
I was chatting with a salesperson who kindly offered assistance. I said the merchandise was pitiful and the salesperson agreed. "This is the WORST it's ever been. All we get is low end junk. Downtown is building up yet we're not getting what customers want." Also the employees don't know if Arcade Bakery, gourmet foods, cards and stationery, Bradley's Books or the few remaining amenities will survive the imminent downsizing of the store.The store is no longer a destination since it offers nothing special.
There WERE three glass display cases in the men's department on 2 filled with Kaufmann's memorabilia. Old pictures, advertisements and artifacts acknowledged the original tenant of the massive building.
It's sad that Red Star was able to take over so many viable, popular stores and downgrade them to nondescript discount venues. As mentioned on this blog, Red Star has closed several downtown flagships. It seems they are letting some of their remaining flagships fall into disrepair--perhaps as a prelude to closure. I've noticed that several suburban Pittsburgh Red Star stores are also being downsized--selling floors are reduced in size and merchandise selections are cut back. Why would they remake successful, popular, profitable department stores into Kohl's wanna be's?
I would think that the former Marshall Field's flagship is also a victim of neglect and will suffer the same fate as other downtown stores in the near future. It is no longer a destination for shoppers as the unique products and services are removed; this begins the downward spiral. Why go out of the way to venture downtown and pay for parking to visit a boring cookie cutter version of the local mall store. Why would tourists, conventioneers, and traveling business people bother to go to the same store that can be found anywhere USA?
Note from the webmaster: Regarding this or ANY post, Macy's employees or anyone else are always welcome to disagree with and offer their own opinions. Corrections are welcome but it also should be noted that this is a block promoting why Marshall Field's should return. Macy's already has a huge website with a giant staff to reflect their views and offer no space to our views there.
Date: Sunday, June 15, 2014 4:17 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
We've been following Kassoff for some time now. Tracking online court dates and docs, it appears that this has been dragging out for three or four years. Just think--all the millions Mr. Lundgen, Macy's execs and Macy's Board of Directors are spending to NOT profit from a highly valuable brand that the word "popular" only begins to describe.The Mad Genius Behind The Rebirth Of Hydrox, Astro Pops And Maybe Marshall Field’s
http://consumerist.com/2014/06/14/the-mad-genius-behind-the-rebirth-of-hydrox-astro-pops-and-maybe-marshall-fields/
EXCERPT:
Stepping way from Kassoff’s candy-and-cookie quest, there’s an interesting list on his LinkedIn profile of 21 regional department stores, including some very well-known ones, that no longer exist under their original names.
He wants to bring these back as online stores and to test them out as pop-up stores in the regions where they were once dominant retailers.
“I want to bring back the regional flavor, the regional buyers, the regional feel of these communities,” says Kassoff, “because what they did, is they ripped out the heart of each one of these communities. They lost a lot of money — if you add up the sales, they lost a lot of sales when they went to Macy’s because now Macy’s is just some big ass brand from New York.”
Just like his candy ventures, his retail brand adventure began with research into once-popular trademarks that have not been used by the companies that claim to hold those marks. Every ten years, the companies affirm to the Trademark folks that they are indeed using those marks, but if you can prove that it’s years since the mark was actually used in commerce, it could be up for grabs.
That’s how, Kassoff claims, he got the trademark to Marshall Field’s, the once-beloved Chicago-based department store chain that Macy’s parent company purchased in 2005 and subsequently converted to Macy’s stores.
According to Kassoff, Macy’s Inc. (formerly Federated Department Stores) hasn’t been on the up-and-up with its trademark filings.
“They weren’t using these trademarks,” he claims. “We have proof they weren’t using these trademarks… Macy’s went to the Trademark Office and said, ‘No, no! These are ours! These are ours! We started it! This has our heritage! It’s our heritage!’ And the Trademark Office said, ‘Sorry, but you’re not using it. You haven’t used it in years.’”
Kassoff now lists Marshall Field’s, along with dozens of others, in the portfolio for his business called Strategic Marks.
But Macy’s isn’t letting go that easily; it’s filed a federal lawsuit to keep him from using the trademarks.
He also says that, in the wake of his trademark claims, Macy’s began selling items branded with the logos of Marshall Field’s and other long-dead department stores that the company had acquired over the years.
Consumerist reached out to Macy’s for a chance to comment on claims made by Kassoff during this interview; as of the publishing of this story, we have not heard back.
Plans for these stores to re-enter the consumer world are on hold while the two parties fight over the trademark in court.
Date: Sunday, June 15, 2014 CT
Posted by: Field's Fans
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2014 7:17 am CT
Posted by: Paul
The Father's Day/Mother's Day Council announced its annual awards. This year it's Bloomingdale's President Tony Spring, along with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Vinec Camuto and Curtis Martin. Among those recognized last year were Macy's, Inc. CEO Terry Lundgren and Bill Clinton. With so few Dads in the U.S.A., I'll bet that one of next year's awards will default to Macy's President Jeffrey Gennette or another Senior Macy's management. I mean REALLY.
http://www.momanddadday.com/fathers_details.htm
Date: Thursday, June 12, 2014 4:23 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
Saw this blurb on Google News and then in MacysInc.com. Macy's is going to play the national anthem in all of their stores this Flag Day. Like many of us here I am proud to display the US Flag, especially on flag day--so good for Macy's. Yet, surely Macy's realizes that Lord and Taylor has done this EVERY MORNING for generations? Macy's should send out a press release for when they do it every day--not just a for a one-day publicity stunt.
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2014 7:39 pm CT
Posted by: A.K.
We miss Field's.
I don't even go in the store. Not even for a Frangoe Mint!!!!!
Date: Tuesday, June 11, 2014 5:38 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
MARSHALL FIELD
AND
SELFRIDGE
OUR ANNUAL FALL EVENT
When "Mile-a-Minute Harry" met "Silent Marsh"--
So much happened before Selfridge got to London..."
[ Details Forthcoming ]
Date: Sunday, June 8, 2014 10:04 pm CT
Posted by: Paul S.
Wouldn't surprise me if getting rid of all old downtown locations is Macy's idea. Except Harold Square and San Francisco Square. I remember reading in the Wall Street Journal or New York a few years ago that there were rumors of Macy's replacing the 34th Street store. Nothing is sacred except the almighty buck with these Red Star Jokers. The rub is that that attitude ultimately results in failure.
WE MISS MARSHALL FIELD'S!!!!!
Date: Sunday, June 8, 2014 5:38 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Regarding Drew's post about continued downsizing at the former Kaufmann's flagship in Pittsburgh, that's what exactly concerns me about Field's. They may not shutter State Street during Terry Lundgren's tenure since that could be a matter of perceived pride. However, I think it's a matter of time albeit a few years off. Look what happened in Atlanta. They pretty much closed both the Rich's and former Davison's flagships at the same time--that would be like closing the former Field's and Carson's together. And consider what they did in St. Louis. They went from nine or ten floors to three--and then they closed. Sell to competitors? No way! They wouldn't want to see them do better. Their community interest seems simply as far as how it helps its tax and stock situation.
That's why our efforts continue to make a difference. We have helped to slow the deterioration at State Street.
Date: Friday, June 6, 2014 7:29 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Observer
I forget where I saw it, but I have to agree. Mariano's Taste Makers is like the second coming of the old Field's Culinary Council which has not been the same since Macy's took over.
Date: Friday, June 6, 2014 9:28 am CT
Posted by: drew
The last remaining Downtown Pittsburgh department continues to shrink as macy*mart plans a further downsizing:http://www.post-gazette.com/business/2014/06/06/Developer-closes-in-on-Macy-s-building/stories/201406060108The former Kaufmann's flagship was reduced from 12 selling floors to 6, merchandise offerings were pared back, and services were eliminated. Even the remaining 6 floors were understocked with many vacant areas blocked off. By eliminating the breadth of assortments and depth of merchandise, there becomes less incentive to travel downtown. Although a small candy/gourmet department and card department remain on the Arcade level, the elimination of these will cause downtown workers to go elsewhere.
With empty space in the former Marshall Field's flagship store, perhaps additional downsizing and conversion of retail space to other uses lies ahead. macy*mart is competing with Kohl's and JCPenney; they have no idea of how to operate a better department store, demonstrated by their constant elimination of anything that made shopping somewhat unique.
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2014 4:24 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
The Rain on Macy's Parade: How Greed, Ambition, and Folly Ruined America's Greatest Store
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rain-on-macys-parade-jeffrey-a-trachtenberg/1015776551?ean=9780812921557
Ed Finkelstein, head of R.H. Macy's passed away at age 89 this past Saturday. Condolences to his family and loved ones.
His passing reminded me of a really great book that sets the stage for what eventually happened with Marshall Field's. This book is sort of comparable to "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" where it's explained, or at least suggested, how certain people started out and how and why they changed. For example, it suggests how and why Terry Lundgren went from being head of a highly esteemed regional specialty department store (Bullocks Wilshire) that prized itself on not being Macy's to...well, you know what happened in our story.
This book presents a thorough Wall Street-style discussion of competitors R. H. Macy & Co. and Federated/Bloomingdale's from the mid 1980s into the 1990s when both separately went bankrupt because of bad merger deals. It ends in 1994 when Bloomingdale's parent acquired R.H.Macy and Co. and decided that its long-term strategy would be to acquire department store chains and remake them under the Macy's brand. While the Macy's name survived, R.H. Macy's people were largely pushed out of the key positions. It was Federated's culture, ethos and people that would predominate the merged company. If you attended Macy's, Inc. stockholders meeting in 2014, you actually encountered more than a few people mentioned in this book. An implication is that more than a few of the people at today's Macy's have been there for decades--their entire professional career.
The author used to cover retail, but now he writes on publishing business for the Wall Street Journal. A great book.
The book is out of print, but you can find copies online for a couple of bucks.
WWD also had a story on Finkelstein's passing. The story featured comments from Terry Lundgren, CEO of Macy's, Inc. In light of the story as outlined in Trachtenberg's book, I thought Mr. Lungren was pretty graceful in his memorial comments.
Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2014 11:14 pm CT
Posted by: Carol H.
I have NOT even entered a Macy's store since the change and WILL NOT. EVER! As a matter of fact, my family traveled to Chicago a couple of years ago. We walked past Marshall Field's on State Street store on the way to the Park. I did feel tears well up in my eyes as I walked by.
Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2014 6:41 pm CT
Posted by: Josephine S.
Living abroad, I've just realized that this site exists about Marshall Fields. I like what you're doing. I'm behind you. It's still shocking. I can't believe it's gone and should be brought back forthwith!
Date: Monday, June 2, 2014 6:29 pm CT
Posted by: G.F.H.
It appears that Macy's has dropped the optical shops from all the Chicagoland Macy's stores. It used to be with Field's that you would go and get designer frames to go with your designer outfit. Macy's doesn't have that kind of clientele, I guess.
I did hear they still have optical at other stores, like 34th Street in N.Y.C.
More and more generic. That's what these stores have become as Macy's. Bring back Marshall Field's!!!!!!!!
Date: Sunday, June 1, 2014 10:34 pm CT
Posted by: Mark, Minneapolis
Nice to catch up here. Wish we had Field's tho. Long for the day when this site isn't necessary.
I'm very active in Minneapolis-St. Paul's economic development. Downtown Minneapolis is really on the move. I keep thinking of back to about ten years ago when Linda Ahlers and then, briefly, Frank Guzetta was in charge of Marshall Field's and then Macy's North. Remember them???
While Guzetta was more of a placeholder, they were at least astute enough to realize that a vibrant downtown retail scene in Minneapolis would also help the former Dayton's flagship. They even went as far to encourage the likes of Nordstrom to try and find a location near by. They were astute enough to realize that it would also draw business to Marshall Field's/Dayton's. Macy's seems as if they could care little. They seem to view another store like Nordstrom as competition that should be kept out, lest it take away Macy's business. Hard to believe, but they come off as that insecure.
People still bitch and rant at parties about how Macy's doesn't measure up to Dayton's or Marshall Field's. As far as most are concerned, Macy's is just another big box store.
Date: Sunday, June 1, 2014 2:02 pm CT
Posted by: Shirelle M.
Marshall Field's holds many happy years of memories for me and my family. From the time I was a little girl well into being an adult, my grandmother would take me to Marshall Field's twice a year… For my birthday we would get all dressed up - shop and browse followed by lunch in the Walnut Room. It was a very special occasion!
At Christmas time we got all bundled up and would peer into all the magical window displays. Followed by some shopping and of course lunch in the Walnut room!
When I grew older tables turned and it was me who took her to Field's for a day of shopping and lunch.
While my grandmother has passed many years ago, the many warm and happy memories of our "special Fields days" together remain clear and strong.
Macy's does not even come close. Even the Walnut Room is a ghost of itself. Why do they try hard to make something what it is not when what it is is so great!
Date: Friday, May 30, 2014 11:19 am CT
Posted by: Ann
Macy's Chief Financial Officer presented a couple of days ago at CitiBank's Global Consumer Conference in NYC. Karen Houguet, CFO of Macy's, talked all about Macy's long-term plans and their competitors. A lot of it was good, but I couldn't help but shake my head at one point. When asked about the competition, she said that Macy's competition was Target, J.C.Penney, Kohl's, Belk, Bon-Ton, Dillard's and Sears.
When it was Marshall Field's, the competitors you'd associate were Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Lord and Taylor and Carson's (which is Bon-Ton).
Yes, Macy's did take Field's downmarket. Just think if they would have kept Field's and its customers.
Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2014 4:43 pm CT
Posted by: R.J.
I, LIKE SO MANY OTHERS EVERYWHERE WANT MARSHALL FIELD'S DEPARTMENT STORE TO RETURN TO THE GREAT STATE STREET.
MICHIGAN AVENUE, TOO!!! THERE WAS NEVER A DEPARTMENT STORE THAT WAS BETTER!! CARSON PIRIE'S WAS REALLY GOOD TOO, BUT MARSHALL FIELD"S AND COMPANY TOPPED THE LIST. NOTHING ELSE COMPARES. NOTHING!!!!!
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2014 12:17 pm CT
Posted by: James McKay
"London's Selfridges Beats Macy's as World's Best Department Store"
Oxford Street favourite wins retail crown award for third year running.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES UK|BY IBTIMES http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/londons-selfridges-beats-macys-harrods-worlds-best-department-store-1448241
This was my response:
Living here in the USA, know that Macy's doesn't even come close to Selfridges or a number of other US department stores. According to more than a few surveys, Macy's often doesn't rank in the top ten of USA retailers in terms of service. Chicago had Marshall Field's for 154 years. Marshall Field's is where H.G. Selfridge not only got his start, but also made an indelible impression. (The flagship locations of both Selfridges and Field's are eerily similar in architecture, both designed by the same person--Burnham with significant input from Mr. Selfridge.) Field's store was about as good as Selfridges until Macy's bought and converted it in 2006. Everyone -- except Macy's--wishes Selfridges would somehow buyout the former Marshall Field's store and restore it to Marshall Field's. How about it Selfrdiges? Galen Weston could do it, but it probably would mean being an activist shareholder or making a hostile takeover.
Date: Monday, May 26, 2014 12:17 pm CT
Posted by: Philip Eichler
In light of the changes made at the State Street visitor's center, I decided to check out the State Street website. Sure enough, it has been dumbed down. For those unfamiliar, Field's created a visitor's website for State Street after the last renovation. the site had options for both individuals as well as group visits, brief history of the store, shopping highlights, dining, etc. Macy's copied it for what they considered their four flagship locations. The new site Macy's has launched has a generic sort of cartoon at the top of the page that includes what appears to be the Brooklyn bridge, the Sears Tower, Golden Gate bridge and some unidentifiable images. For State Street, there is a very brief paragraph about the store, then a list of all the events throughout the year and what it cost to view the events on a group tour. That tour list is followed by more generic description of the restaurants in the store. Where as they used to list eateries such as Frontera Fresca that are Culinary Council concepts, such listings have been deleted. The link to the Walnut Room menu and reservations doesn't work. This page looks like it is from the earliest days of the internet, not today. In comparison, if you look at any of Galen Weston's stores (Selfridge's, Holt Renfrew, Ogilvy, among others) or the iconic Liberty of London, there are portions of their regular shopping sites devoted to exploring and reinforcing the store and brand experience. These sites have updated seasonal you tube links, seasonal shots of the store windows, how to videos, meet the staff videos. All sorts of things that make the brand special. Macy's has taken the opposite approach: let's take what already makes a place special (111 North State)and make it as generic and uninspiring as possible. What a loss!
Date: Sunday, May 25, 2014 8:00 am CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan
Happy Memorial Day
and
Thank you to All Who Gave All!
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2014 10:59 pm CT
Posted by: G.S.
Was in the State Street store today after the Memorial Parade. It was deader than a doornail. The store was dirty. The only nice touch was the flag. How can they claim they are a success, these Macy's people???????????
These are odd times that we live in. Why can't they give the lady what she wants?
Date: Thursday, May 22, 2014 5:23 pm CT
Posted by: Renee L.
WoW!!! I'm thrilled to see this site is still continuing its support for Marshall Field's revival even though its been a number of years. I'm sure Macys never thought everyone would STILL wante Field's back. BUt that just shows you how little they understand the brand and its value.
Hey! I get that Macys is in the business to make money. It has stock holders to answer to and dividends to pay out. Given that, why would they squander such value of the good will of Field's? How can they consider it effective to build a force of resentment by a substantial amount of consumers. You have an iconic department store and brand identity! Why fritter it away????? This is one of the best jewels they have ever purchased and they treat it like a door stop.
I know they say the store is making money, but like others, its apparent that's simply based on deferred maintenance and cut, cut, cut. That only works for so long.
Imagine if they would have kept some of the best flagship stores in tact. Macy's not only would have shown great tact, they would in fact be dearly beloved. Instead, they demonstrate contempt for the customers.
Maybe some day, Macy's will have an enlightened CEO who knows more than just two tricks--Macy's and Bloomingdale's.
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2014 10:23 pm CT
Posted by: gayle
Hi,
I recently received a beautiful brochure in the mail from a company selling high-end adventure cruises. Imagine my surprise when I opened the advertisement to see the words "Give the lady what she wants!" This company began their advertising--the most critical first paragraph that must catch a potential buyer's attention--with a tribute to Marshall Field! Basically, they said that Field was world-renowned for his superior service and quality, and that they were doing their best to emulate his philosophy. So here, about 8 years after Macy's kicked the brand to the curb, a completely unrelated business has enough faith in what Field's stood for to launch an obviously expensive advertising campaign on the strength of what that brand still means to people. And it appeared that it was a national campaign, not one just geared to Chicago. Can you image the value of that brand and its associated image? Obviously Mr. Lundgren cannot. As a former Field's shopper, it makes me sad. As a Macy's shareholder, it makes me angry.
regards...
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 8:28 pm CT
Posted by: Fan from Romeoville
Do follow this site. Thank you for whoever goes to Macy's and asks for Marshall Field's.
Date: Sunday, May 18, 2014 4:02 pm CT
Posted by: Mary C.
I don't think asking Terry Lungren to bring back Marshall Field's will work. He's way too stubborn.
Will say it's rather gutsy. Terry Lungren is a complete cyborg like figure. Reminds me of the scary face that the Wizard of Oz put on.
You never know.
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2014 10:09 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Yesterday, I attended Macy's annual stockholders meeting at Macy's, Inc. HQ in Cincinnati where I was able to speak for about three minutes.
I would guess that the vast majority of the maybe 100 in attendance were Macy's staff, execs or associated. The meeting is conducted from a "Wall Street" perspective--after all, it is a stockholders meeting. My three minutes acknowledged their successes of the past year. Fact is that they are about the only department store stock up significantly this year and that they also have a data and internet strategy that is better than most. They could fix some of Target's problems instantly. I made some cheeky comments along the lines, "But would Macy's want to run another chain?"
I know some of you are inclined to focus on Field's nostalgia. However, I see our primary cause as focussed on the future. With that in mind, the gist of the second part might be summarized as, "Given your successes and talents in the past year, surely you are talented enough to bring back Field's." I can understand how many of you disagree with that view, but again, consider the context and you can sense where I'm coming from. (Of course, the implication would be that they must not be that talented if they don't bring back Field's.) I have different insights, but will save based on responses.
No other stockholders made comments or asked questions.
Best regards to all and especially Gloria, Frank, Zelda, Eric, D., David, Lucie and, most of all, G., for their support in my attending.
Jim
P.S. Yes, it was fascinating to see the Field's clock on the front of the Tribune all week.
Date: Friday, May 16, 2014 7:17 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
It's been very cool to see the Marshall Field's clock on the masthead of the Chicago Tribune. I wonder why they chose it for this week?
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2014 8:18 pm CT
Posted by: May K.
Hello Field's Fans!
We recently wrere visiting the Emerald Island, and, of course, shopped in Dublin. While there, we shopped in a store called Brown Thomas. It has a lot of class just like Marshall Field's did before Macy's ruined it.
So when I was paying for a blouse I purchased, the clerk asked me where I was from. Clearly I didn't sound local!!!!! (-: After telling her that I was from Chicago, she responded, "Oh! What a horrible thing they did to Marshall Field's! We were shopper there some years back and looked forward to our return visit. We were shocked to see that it had become Macy's. What a waste of a great retailer!" ( I do specifically remember the word "waste" in her comments. )
It's such a shame that such an amazing and iconic institution has been lost.
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2014 5:58 pm CT
Posted by: J.K.
Pleas keep up the great work. We enjoy Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Dillard's stores quite well and refuse to shop at Macy's or Bloomingdale's. They say Mcy's is doing well, but i don't believe them. While you are at it, see if you can't get us Field's back here in Dallas, too!
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2014 10:01 am CT
Posted by: Seth W.
I WILL NEVER SHOP AT A MACY STORE, NEVER! ANYWHERE! TODAY, TOMORROW OR EVER!!!!!
Date: Monday, May 12, 2014 5:59 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
I was in the State Street store today. Recently, I wrote about how the visitors center had moved from the first floor opposite the Burnham Fountain to a new non-descript space in the center of the lower level. It now appears that the visitors center on the 7th floor has been closed and consolidated into the basement. All I saw today was the beautiful service counter and shelves of wood now empty. The Marshall Field's logo t-shirts have been moved to the basement visitors center as well. I've always thought Marshall Field's and T-shirts are a kind of oxymoron. Field's always had more class than t-shirts. At least the Marshall Field's T-shirts would be more imaginative if Field's designed and sold them.
Little by little, Macy's is widdling down what used to be Field's. I'm all for change and reinvention--as was Field's. But that change always had to be better. Macy's is not better.
Date: Monday, May 12, 2014 7:01 am CT
Posted by: A Spectator
Macy's will have its quarterly earnings call this Wednesday. You can listen on line at Macy's corporate site for investors. It's pretty certain they won't bring up Marshall Field's.
Date: Sunday, May 11, 2014 1:29 pm CT
Posted by: A.J.
We miss Marshall Field and Company immensely. The clothes were the best quality and always fit right. I also like to buy the private label shirts for my husband at Lord and Taylor. They are indeed similar or identical to what I would get at Field's.
Getting rid of Field's just didn't make sense.
<> Anna
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2014 9:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Further updates from a couple of weeks ago. I was back in the Woodfield store and Macy's did bring the Frango shelves out from against the wall displayed them more prominently in front of the food service area. Perhaps this was to bring prominence for Mother's Day sales. They also had more Frangos displayed along the eastern escalator on the first floor. Mean while, I don't see how the furniture store on Meacham and Golf stays open. There's few cars in the lot even on weekends.
Date: Thursday, May 8, 2014 1:11 pm CT
Posted by: C.H.
Like some others, I have to agree with those taking a liking to Mariano's. The buzz around the store and with the staff reminds me of the joyful service I used to get at Marshall Field's!
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2014 8:04 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Wrote a bit how maybe Target could hire Terry Lundgren or acquire Macy's. Macy's does do a good job on their e-commerce and cyber-security. Of course, that would free things for Field's to come back, right?
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2014 7:29 am CT
Posted by: Tom T.
I really wish that they would have kept it Marshall FIeld. Every body I know misses It. When will these companies learn?
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2014 10:28 pm CT
Posted by: Vanessa S.K.
Was in Lord and Taylor Old Orchard a week ago. Had a conversation with the clerk about how Lord and Taylor became my favorite department store since Field's has been gone. I asked the clerk how she thought Macy's was doing. She said, "Their stock is doing great, but almost never a day goes by since the change without a customer complaining about Macy's and how it's not as good as Field's." She said they were happy they escaped Macy's and that she doesn't see Field's coming back simply because the stock is doing well, even though the Macy's in the mall isn't as good.
Sad.
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2014 4:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
"neighborhood shopper": I agree--and on top of that Terry Lundgren would be a hero.
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2014 9:37 am CT
Posted by: A neighborhood shopper
The excitement over the opening of my neighborhood Mariano's reminds me of that at the opening of Selfridge's on the PBS mini-series. I think if Selfridge's was a grocery store it would be Mariano's. I wear my Marshall Field's button (the one with the clock that says time to bring back Marshall Field's)on my new Mariano's bag to go shopping--they go perfectly together. Now we just need to return Field's. There would be a hundred times the excitement.
Date: Friday, May 2, 2014 6:27 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
The FY2013 proxy and report has a photo of the Ralph Lauren Polo department, just off the new atrium. I'm not sure that they have ever featured a photo taken in State Street in previous reports. Still it's a far cry from being noticeable that it's in State Street (not the most iconic shot--you have to know to look for it-- and let alone the clock and all the days as Field's.
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2014 2:34 pm CT
Posted by: Nancy E
I remember back in the 60s, Marshall Fields made a wax figure filled with chocolate that you had to dig out. One in particular was a gray mouse. Does anyone else remember these?
Date: Monday, April 28 2014 7:29 pm CT
Posted by: Sharon K.
When they switched to Macy's from Field's, not having to have special bags was supposedly a big deal and saver justifying things. Yet, if you buy any gifty things like crystal, they do in fact have special bags, boxes and tissue paper that's silver and white rather then the usual red and white. They could easily do the same to have special Field's bag. Terry Lundgren is all like the Grinch saying there's a bad Christmas light on the back of the tree. That's why he has to take it away. BALONEY!!
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2014 10:40 pm CT
Posted by: Kenny Barrone
Is Macy's really a company that could bring back Fields and the Fields experience? It would have to be someone else I think.
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2014 10:30 am CT
Posted by: Stephen G.
agree with the comment that Lord & Taylor's Black Brown brand of shirts for men is the closest you will come to what Marshall Field's sold, and I have also felt that they may be made by the same garment maker because the quality and fit are so close. Macy's has noting even close to compare!hr>
Date: Friday, April 25, 2014 4:51 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Macy's, Inc., formerly Federated Department Stores and parent of Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores) has made its fiscal proxy statement and annual report available at its investor web site, http://www.macysinc.com/for-investors/. Follow the links from the right side of the page.
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2014 11:49 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
Terry Lundgren to Receive Drexel University's prestigious Westphal Award on May 28:http://www.drexel.edu/now/news-media/releases/archive/2014/April/Terry-Lundgren/
Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2014 4:46 pm CT
Posted by: Philip Eichler
A note about Pete's post concerning Lord and Taylor's Black Brown 1826 private label. Black Brown refers to the colors historically used at L & T's store for men, 1826 the year of their founding. I believe the main reason for the quality is Black Brown is designed by Joseph Abboud, a designer known for well made products. There is a Field's connection; when Abboud left Ralph Lauren as head of menswear to start his own line, where was the first stand alone department devoted to his clothes? 111 North State Street, of course! Unfortunately, Dayton's quickly dismantled that department when they bought Field's, but over time, reintroduced pieces from his collection.
Date: Monday, April 21, 2014 9:28 pm CT
Posted by: Renee
A really lovely story about a recent Marshall Field's lecture by Leslie Goddard--but the attendees comments are most touching of all.
http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/26863166-418/fans-of-fields-share-many-a-memory-at-sxu.html#.U1chXygkflI
Date: Sunday, April 20, 2014 11:04 am CT
Posted by: Pete
The online version of today's Chicago Tribune has a story about WGN starting television service. They show a photo of their mobile unit or something. It's from State Street and shows Marshall Field's in the background. March 22, 1948. What a great building!http://www.chicagotribune.com/site/chi-vintage-wgn-tv-photos-20140416,0,3070039,photo-article-update.photogalleryHappy Easter everyone!
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2014 9:28 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
After seeing how Marketplace was closed at Old Orchard, I stopped by Woodfield and Oak Brook to see what was going on there.
At Woodfield, there is still the food service counter in the corner of the basement. However, the Frango department has been significantly downsized from what it used to be year-round. When you used to come down the west escalator to the basement, there was a whole area of Frangos along the escalator wall. That has been replaced with Martha Stewart kitchen wares. The Frango's have been moved over to the food service area, only on shelves along a wall adjacent to the rest rooms. The wall is maybe 8-10 feet long. There are a few other Frango displays around the store, but Frangos have been greatly downsized to what they have at Old Orchard. I have to wonder if Marketplace (which they have renamed) will go soon as was the case at Old Orchard.
Oak Brook still has a decent-sized Frango area in a niche near the escalators and the former Marketplace area. The food service appears to be similar to the basement food court at State Street, although there is less seating.
It seems Macy's is slowly eroding at the food traditions that were at Marshall Filed's suburban stores.
Happy Passover, Happy Easter.
Jim
Date: Friday, April 18, 2014 7:10 am CT
Posted by: Anne S.
Our family misses Marshall Field and Company so much. Shopping was dignified and it was a reason to come to Chicago. Macy's is blahhhh.
Someone should restart the letter writing campaign. I remember that they had one back when they made the change. It should be tried now.
Date: Thursday, April 17, 2014 8:29 pm CT
Posted by: Ogden
Dear Field's Loyalists:
I was so disappointed by the flower show at State Street this year. Remember when the flower show was all over the building? Everywhere, but especially the main floor and seven, were incredible displays of exotic color of every variety. As someone else pointed out, this year's flowers were predominated by the kind of common flowers that you see for sale in a local grocery store floral shop before Easter. The one big display on nine didn't make up for the overall diminished effect.
I am requesting that the following be kicked up to bold in large type:
Marshall Field's -- FIVE STARS
Macy's -- ONLY ONE STAR
Until next time, call me...
Ogden
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 6:14 pm CT
Posted by: A Chicago shopper
My neighborhood just got our Mariano's, and everyone as excited as a kid at Christmas. The store is beautiful and busy.
I think it's interesting how Safeway trashed Bob Mariano when they bought Dominick's, and now Mariano's name is ALL over the place. Everybody says Mariano's has the quality and service.
This is a good sign that Field's can come back. Don't customers want quality and service in any business? Yes they do! Mariano's proves it!
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2014 5:23 pm CT
Posted by: gle
HAPPY PASSOVER!
HAPPY EASTER!
HAPPY SPRING
(Yes, I believe Spring can come back too)!
TO FIELD'S FANS
Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2014 6:39 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
In response to Drew's post, I've heard supporters of Field's restoration come down on both sides of the minimum wage issue. However, I understand that one way Macy's saved expenses at former Field's stores is by giving retirement packages to more than a few long-time full-time employees and replacing them with less experienced part-timers who are paid much lower. Last I heard, my understanding is that Macy's in Chicago pay more than the current minimum wage and more than Carson's.
Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2014 2:24 pm CT
Posted by: drew
So Lundgren is against raising the minimum wage to avoid cutting jobs. What about the THOUSANDS of jobs that have been lost since he took over; didn't he eliminate something like 2,500 jobs just this year?http://finance.yahoo.com/news/macys-ceo-explains-why-hes-150704215.htmlLundgren believes that HE is worth the outrageous salary he is making. All he did was "magically" create yet ANOTHER nationwide chain of nondescript discount department stores to compete with JCPenney, Kohl's and Target.
Date: Monday, April 14, 2014 8:38 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
I miss Marshall Field's brand dress shirts. A good substitute has been Lord and Taylor's Black Brown brand shirts which I swear are made by the same people as the Field's men's shirts. They just as perfectly and have great detailing and stitching.
Marshall Field's had clothes that really fit to a T.
Date: Sunday, April 13, 2014 1:13 pm CT
Posted by: Ed G.
I am glad this site keeps going. I check in from time to time.
As far as Macy's new President, there's another possibility. It's kind of odd to have the same person hold all these three positions for so long, over ten years. Perhaps some stock holders behind the scenes want the leadership divided. Gennette is a long-time insider clearly loyal to Lundgren. Making Gennette President could be going through the motions of having the titles shared, but in reality, Gennette is probably a runner stamp. Just speculation.
That said, Macy's is just another store. Really miss Field's.
Date: Friday, April 11, 2014 8:29 pm CT
Posted by: Mark, WI
To put it bluntly, Macy's sucks. The more I look at their crummy clothing, not to mention their haphazard stores, the more I am reminded of the quality and style of Marshall Field's clothing. I have a suit from Field's and some ties, along with the Field's bags and boxes they came in. I am proud of the things I bought at Field's, and I will never discard a single one. Never.
I wish you the best in bringing this great store back to life. Proud to spread the word.
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2014 6:21 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh sigh.
Just when you think they can't sink lower, they do. I don't understand how anyone can think Macy's equals Field's in any way except for occupying the same earthly footprint. Big deal.
Even the lesser department stores here in NY state are so bland and uninteresting, or so trendy and silly, that I lost interest, years ago. I am old enough to recognize the general loss of quality without commensurate lowering of price. Meh.
Date: Wednesday, April 9 2014 8:52 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
There's been some problems with the blog over the past several weeks. I'm in the process of getting the posts from late February through today restored as best that I can. Look for more posts to be restored in the next day. These will cover March 18-April 9, 2014. Thank you for your support and patience.
Best regards,
Jim McKay
Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2014 7:24 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
Walked around the State Street store this afternoon. There have been some changes.
Last week, I noticed that the visitors center in the new atrium, opposite the Burnham Fountain was gone. This is where they had the large maybe three-foot diameter light up Marshall Field's clock. You can still see the same or similar clock replica up on the 7th floor. This visitors center has been replaced by a new one that sells Chicago souvenirs -- and lot of Macy's bags-- on the lower level center/south, west of kitchen utensils and small appliances and north of the greeting cards. The visitors desk is much larger. but it's backed not by a Field's clock. Instead, it shows Chicago's skyline with a Macy's logo and the stylized printing of the word "Chicago" from "Choose Chicago." It's kind of weird. Macy's red star, as many of you know, is tied to the history of Dutch and NYC sea merchants. For hundreds of years, the red star is a symbol of NYC. Just like the many "Macy's Chicago" bags they sell, there is so much irony is having a symbol of New York dominate something that supposedly promotes Chicago. The space itself isn't all that special. Yes, it's shiny and new, but take away the superficial posters and the decor is such that it could be a gift shop that is anywhere. Really too bad as Macy's whittles away at what was and could still be a first rate, unique destination making more money than it is now, not to mention benefitting and inspiring people. I'm sure there will be some favorable P.R., but then one thinks about what was taken away and one realizes what has been lost.
Another change is that it appears Wrigleyville Sports is out at State Street. It appears that a leased Lids sports apparel shop has been added opposite InFields. The Lids shops are being added to select Macy's stores nationwide. They did a huge promotion at Herald Square around the time of the Super Bowl. Again, shiny and new--but not all that unique.
Date: Sunday, April 6, 2014 12:28 pm CT
Posted by: Nancy
Target has Fieldcrest towels on sale this week. I'm stocking up! Glad that they kept the Marshall Field brand.
Date: Friday, April 4, 2014 7:12 am CT
Posted by: Pam Q.
Mariano's grocery has been all the rage here in Chicago. The new grocery chain run by former Dominick's head is sublime. I've heard a few times among people and the news and even on twitter that Mariano's compares favorably with Field's.
AMEN!
AMEN!
Date: Thursday, April 3, 2014 9:23 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Comments on a few recent posts:
-- Immediately following the season premier of "Masterpiece Class: Mr. Selfridge", WTTW11 aired a special 30-minute documentary--twice in a row--on the history of Harry Selfridge, his start and the modern day Selfridges. Good overview, clearly a P.R. piece from Galen Weston Limited, the current owner of the store. Galen Weston is based in Canada. The bulk of the documentary is, understandably, Selfridges in London. It opens with a couple of minutes about Harry Selfridge's difficult life growing up in Michigan and then moving to Chicago where he worked for Marshall Field for 25 years. It's mostly accurate, but it does leave out some details--such as talk about his Chicago store--and gets the photos wrong when it talks about the Marshall Field's where Harry worked. Nevertheless, it's a good source.
-- Regarding the flower show, I do check it out every year. How can bunches of flowers NOT be gorgeous!? In a number of ways, it makes a lot of sense to have much of the show concentrated in one spot. Doing so provides maximum visual impact; lures viewers and potential customers to travel through the store to the ninth floor; and the whole store does not have to be kept at below average temperatures to keep the flowers from wilting, something the employees appreciate while also saving energy.
I thought Macy's two-page ad spread for the flower show looked wonderful. It was spread across the center two pages in the Chicago Tribune and was gorgeous. Yet, I don't think the show was as nice as the ad.
Yet, in a lot of ways, this isn't all too different in spirit from the Christmas store windows of the past couple of years. Remember last Christmas, people were thrilled and excited to see what seemed to be Marshall Field's depicted in the windows. But then when you stopped to think about it, you realized that it was rather sad that people were excited about something -- Marshall Field's--that should be a given. The windows wouldn't be all that exciting if Macy's hadn't taken away Marshall Field's in the first place. Moreover, save for the "Marshall Field and Company" plaques in one scene, Macy's wouldn't mention Marshall Field's and substituted "111 N State" instead. And then you realize that the budget was significantly less than what used to be spent on the windows, all the while realizing that the Herald Square (34th Street) flagship in NYC had a gigantic budget by comparison. What seemed great at first, ended up feeling like leftovers and taking what we could get of what we really wanted.
It's just my opinion, but there's a similar spirit to the flower show. The flowers look great--most flowers do. But then you realize that there really wasn't that much that was exotic and it seemed that concentrating them allowed them to have fewer flowers overall. Fuschia azaleas, tulips, gerberas, tropical house plants and handful of others predominated. Nice, but there're everywhere. And then it seemed a lot of the set for the show was recycled from previous years. And if they didn't concentrate the flowers, there'd be fewer flowers than a few years back. And then I realized that they no longer support Chicago's Annual Flower Show at Navy Pier. Thinking of Christmas, I wondered how did Chicago's show compare with the budget for the show in NYC. So again, Macy's seems to slowly switch out what was so great about Field's and people start settling for what isn't quite as good as it used to be, settling for Macy's instead of Field's.
-- Did some research on Jeffrey Gennette. Save for a couple of stints, he's been at Macy's for the past 30 years. Mr. Lundgren is saying he will still be around for years. Mr. Gennette will especially focus on taking on more responsibility for private label merchandise. Given that the new President is in his early 50s and the CEO won't be going anywhere for a few more years, I read it as simply giving Gennette something to keep him from going elsewhere so he can advance his career. I am simply speculating as outsider, but I don't think much of anything will be different in the immediate future. Just my two cents.
Speaking of private labels and lines, I sure wish I could buy a Marshal Field's labeled dress shirt. Ditto for Field Gear which always fit perfectly.
Best regards.
Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2014 6:57 pm CT
Posted by: Alex in Reno, NV
Marshall Field's is so important to me! You guys rock! Play ball!
Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2014 4:15 pm CT
Posted by: Rhonda M.
Give the lady what she wants! Marshall Field's!
Date: Monday, March 31, 2014 4:15 pm CT
Posted by: E.
As you surely know, I am NOT a fan of Macy's and I will not buy anything in their stores. Wandering through what used to be Marshall Field's proud flagship on State Street is depressing. However, this past Friday I put on my blinders and breezed through the store to view Macy's annual Flower Show, which I have to admit was very pretty. This year's theme is The Secret Garden.
Nowadays, the Flower Show is set up in space on the 9th floor that's normally vacant except for special exhibits. Much of this floor currently houses the Human Resources Department and some executive offices, but many years ago the housewares and appliance departments were located on 9. Some escalators and elevators still service this floor.
Date: Monday, March 31, 2014 3:46 pm CT
Posted by: Philip Eichler
Jeffrey Gennette has assumed the role of president of Macy's, while Terry Lundgren remains as ceo and chairman. Thus, it might appear that Terry Lundgren's successor has emerged. Gennette has been in retail for three decades, most recently has held the title of chief merchant for Macy's. Previously, he was the head of Macy's West and Macy's Northwest. I find his background promising, however, he is also now the chief of private brands. That additional position says to me that there will be more Alfani than less.
Date: Sunday, March 30, 2014 6:50 pm CT
Posted by: Renee
When Harry Selfridge worked at Marshall Field's, his nickname was Mile-a-Minute Harry.
(Tonight starts the second season of Mr. Selfridge on PBS. The second season has already aired in the UK.)
Date: Sunday, March 30, 2014 4:42 pm CT
Posted by: Carol
Missing Marshall Field's here in California! Won't shop Macy's anywhere. Just plain wrong what they did to that store!
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2014 4:10 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator
I got to Macy's "Secret Garden" flower show Friday after work. It is definitely a secret, being all the way on the 9th floor and you have to walk through several areas of springtime gift shop items (t-shirts, soaps and candles, gardening books, etc.), special drawings, and works by a chalk artist before you finally arrive at the exhibit area. The exhibit did appear well done and generally tasteful. (Though I did not like one display showing blue mannequin legs sticking upside down in a pond with flowers on the feet.) A wide variety of foliage nicely filled a rather small space, and most of it still looked fresh after being up a week. The flowers seemed better cared for than when the exhibit sprawled down the main floor aisles. However, I still remember and miss the Marshall Field's flower show that was like an explosion of spring on the main floor and never seemed to wilt.
Happy Spring to Field's Fans!
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2014 6:56 pm CT
Posted by: JasonM
Chicago's unique language. Look at #13 :) Miss it so much.22 Words That Have A Completely Different Meaning In Chicago
http://www.buzzfeed.com/kristinchirico/words-that-have-a-completely-different-meaning-in-chicago
Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2014 10:26 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
The second season of Mr. Selfridge starts this Sunday. Not crazy about the melodrama, but love seeing a building that looks and feels like Marshall Field's.
Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2014 1:42 pm CT
Posted by: Anne Kraus
Sarah Jessica Parker is introducing a new line of shoes. The "Sex and the City" star's shoes will be at Nordstrom--not Macy's. Guess that says a lot about the New York based retailer.
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2014 1:42 pm CT
Posted by: A PBS watcher
Harry Gordon Selfridge's Chicago connection and Marshall Field's recently came up on "Ask Geoffrey" on PBS "Chicago Tonight."
According to PBS expert Geoffrey Baer, Selfridge began as a stockboy at Field's Leiter & Co. After 25 years he worked his way to junior partner and was given an interest in the store. Selfridge is cedited with well-known Field's innovations such as the exceptional customer service, uncluttered displays and tempting bargains. He was also behind the tea service that developed into the Walnut Room. In 1904 Selfridge left Field's and sold his interest, and purchased the Louis Sullivan building at State and Madison. After 8 weeks he sold his interest in the building to Otto Young. A cartoon shows Selfridige reputed for "carved up" the Schlesinger and Meyer department store and serving it to Carson's.
Selfridge moved to England with the money from the sale. He then hired architecht Daniel Burnham to design his London store that looks very much like Marshall Fields.
The PBS drama "Mr. Selfridge" which begins a second season March 30 is sparking interest in Harry Gordon Selfridge, which of course includes Marshall Field's.
A link to the "Ask Geoffrey" interview is:
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2014/03/19/ask-geoffrey-319
Date: Friday, March 21, 2014 1:23 pm CT
Posted by: Fields Fan
All stockholders of record as of the close of today are eligible to attend the annual meeting. It is expected to be Friday, May 16, 2014.
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2014 7:18 pm CT
Posted by: R.K.
We miss Marshall Field and Company. It was always a reason that we came to Chicago. I wish that they would bring it back.
Date: Monday, March 17, 2014 8:28 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
FieldsFansChicago.org was again out for Chicago's annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Columbus Drive through Grant Park. The parade was more packed than ever and moving around was hard. Nevertheless, over 200 bookmark flyers were distributed to enthusiastic Field's supporters and boosters in the short period of about 20 minutes. Below are a few photos.
As always, Chicago STILL wants its Marshall Field's!
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2014 1:44 pm CT
Posted by: gle
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY TO FIELD'S FANS!
Date: Friday, March 14, 2014 2:26 pm CT
Posted by: John M.
Add me to the Field's supporters' list.
Macy's TRIED to win me with THEIR shirts...but it's Marshall Field's Field Gear/Big Shirt that was PERFECT.
Macy's wouldn't even let me know where they were made. I'd have bought a truckload!!
Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2014 12:29 pm CT
Posted by: Gail
Sure appears Frangos are the big bait to get people in the door at Macy's that we're once Field's. With the right coupon and all, you could get Frangos for about $8.75 a box. I like value, but not from Macy's. Field's never had to bait people to shop there.
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2014 8:57 pm CT
Posted by: drew
Along with the TV commercials screaming sale prices on various merchandise and the avalanche of coupons and WOW passes, macy*mart says to me that it is further transitioning to a discount store model.
Date: Friday, March 7, 2014 7:03 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Old Orchard has discontinued the Marketplace food service on the lower level. The candy counter and Frango area remains. There's an outpost of Frontera on the first floor adjacent to the southeast entrance off "The Cube."
Remember when Field's was all about food? A sad loss, I can't help but think Oak Brook will be next to lose their food service.
Slowly but surely Macy's is making the former Field's stores more and more conventional. A real loss to all in the long run, even Macy's.
Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2014 7:03 pm CT
Posted by: M.Dresden
I saw something about Macy's "Week of Wonderful". As Field's, the store was wonderful all the time, year-round, year after year, decade after decade.
Those fools at Macy's don't recognize a good thing when they have it.
Date: Monday, March 3, 2014 9:40 pm CT
Posted by: A.S.
While in the corporate world, I traveled to Chicago often, and always tried to fit in a visit to Marshall Field & Co. Whenever I could, it was always a treat. Macy's is nothing special. I don't bother to stop there when I come to Chicago. Marshall Field's is missed.
Date: Friday, February 28, 2014 1:10 am CT
Posted by: drew
Another Pittsburgh tradition has been eliminated by macy*mart:http://www.post-gazette.com/business/2014/02/27/Macy-s-exits-as-lead-sponsor-of-Pittsburgh-s-holiday-parade/stories/201402270254Interesting how macy*mart takes credit for sponsoring the holiday parade for 32 years. Kaufmann's sponsored the popular "Celebrate the Season" parade through downtown Pittsburgh for many years prior to macy*fication.
So many traditions and services that made the regional department stores special have been discontinued since the takeover; I suspect additional promises to maintain local favorites will be broken. Someone posted that macy*mart shuttered restaurants in former Marshall Field's locations. How many flower shows and other attractions will soon be eliminated in various communities? Downsized stores with downmarket merchandise selections. Constant coupon promotions and obnoxious TV ads screaming lowest prices of the season at the weekly One Day Sale. Ron Johnson almost destroyed JCPenney with his untested schemes. Terry Lundgren HAS ruined the joy and excitement of shopping by reducing favorite department stores to nondescript,uninspired discount emporiums that can be found Anywhere USA.
Date: Monday, February 24, 2014 9:13 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston
Strategic Marks, LLC and Macy's did not come to any agreement on settlement so they are proceeding to trial. If they win, which is very likely, Macy's will be hit with not only losing the trademarks they let expire, but possible punitive damages for wrongly selling the lunch totes on their websites with logos that were clearly not theirs. This could be a way for the regional stores to be brought back. Is Strategic Marks the white knight we have been hoping for? Time will tell.
Date: Monday, February 24, 2014 6:28 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
Macy's, Inc. will have its Q4 and end of fiscal calendar year talk TOMORROW MORNING, February 25th at 9:30 A.M. Chicago time.
As someone else posted, here's the link--you may want to go their earlier to make sure your computer is properly equipped.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=84477&p=irol-calendar
Date: Sunday, February 23, 2014 2:16 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator
I did go through the M-store Friday evening after work. Nothing new to say. Everything seemed very laid-back and transitional like a house that is not tidied up for company. The windows at State and Randolph had "pardon our appearance" curtains, while the State and Washington side still showed "Go Red for Women" displays. In-between windows along State showed flimsy evening gowns that seemed very inappropriate for the weather. Up on "7," the archives room did have two hardcopies and a large stack of author Gayle Soucek's book, "Marshall Field's: The Store that Helped Build Chicago" on its book table. They also had hard and softcover Field's books in the lower level book shop. The usual number of people ambled through the store like they were looking for bargains--no crowds. That's about it for an eyewitness account on State Street during evening rush hour on Friday February 21.
Date: Friday, February 21, 2014 10:23 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Mariano's has become such a prototype of how a Marshall Field's could come back. For those unaware, Dominick's was a very popular local grocery store chain that was doing extremely well in the 1990s. California's Safeway purchased it, let go all the local management and, after 14 years, Dominick's folded. Long time followers of the Dominick's story know that it really should have been sold to the former management led by Bob Mariano back in 2002 or 2003. Flash ahead, Dominick's has folded but is resurrected as Mariano's -- and it's slaying Chicago's grocery competition. If you have been to one, you know that it really reincarnates the spirit of what Dominick's was at its peak in the late 1990s, but updated for 2014. While in this case, the name is stuck with Safeway, you go into the re-converted Park Ridge store that opened a couple of days ago and you realize that stores can come back after a hiatus. This store isn't even fully re-converted and already it's packed with customers and a amazing buzz. And this particular store's light show on the facade transcends a remarkable grocery store comeback to be something that Marshall Field's would be proud to host.
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 3:47 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
This is last minute, but author Gayle Soucek will discuss her books on Marhsll Field's and Carson's this evening from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the book store in Lincoln Square, 4736 N Lincoln Avenue, just southwest of Lawrence and Western and adjacent to the Western Avenue Brown Line station. People still turn out in droves to hear and talk about Marshall Field's, particular as presented by Ms. Soucek's wonderful book.
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 12:29 am CT
Posted by: Robert Mau
Any conjecture regarding what will happen once Lundgren retires? Do you think a new CEO will be amenable to the idea of reviving local brands? Ideally, Macy's would sell the Marshall Field's name and State Street location to some investor who I'm sure would gladly buy it. I'm assuming Macy's believes they have "won" and Chicago has moved-on after losing Field's.
Date: Monday, February 17, 2014 9:51 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan
Macy's, Inc. will have its Q4 and end of fiscal calendar year talk on Tuesday, February 25th at 9:30 A.M. Chicago time.
Here's the link:
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=84477&p=irol-calendar
Date: Sunday, February 16, 2014 10:11 am CT
Posted by: Mary S.
Here's a story about how some grocery stores in California's Bay Area were restored to the Lucky brand after Alberston's abandoned the name several years earlier. The employees and customers alike are all excited. If this is what happens with a discount grocer, just think how excited everyone would be if Marshall Field's returned to State Street:http://supermarketnews.com/retail-amp-financial/lucky-name-bay-area-stores
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 2:10 pm CT
Posted by: drew
The "magic" continues as macy*mart makes more jobs disappear:http://triblive.com/business/headlines/5576713-74/macy-store-pittsburgh#axzz2t8fRJqroSo wasn't Lunkhead being praised for his innovative "localization" program several months ago? Why do so many workers have to be dismissed to "maintain profitability" if they had such an "outstanding" holiday season? I don't know about stores in other regions, but Pittsburgh area macy*mart outlets seem to be downsizing merchandise assortments as selling floor footprints noticeably shrink.
On the positive side, they seem to be maintaining their stores in this area better. The floors are clean, displays are neat (though uninspired)and more name brands are being stocked. The stores are "okay"--nothing special, certainly not a destination of any sort.
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 7:38 am CT
Posted by: Tammy A.
I recently acquired a typewriter desk that was formerly property of Marshall Fields corporation, and to my dismay it will not fit through my office door! I am listing it for sale. I know that the desk was property of Marshall Fields corporation because there is a metal asset/inventory tag applied to one of the drawers. I do not know exactly how old it is but my guess is 1940's. It is a really cool old desk and it kills me to have to sell it. Please contact me at rubysliperz at att.net if you are interested in purchasing.
Tammyt A.
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 5:31 pm CT
Posted by: Arnold
Was in Old Orchard earlier this evening. Two things: 1. They have closed the Market Place foods in the basement. You always thought of Marshall Field's as a special place for food. Not really Macy's. 2. They've stooped to being so promotional that I could have bought a 1 lb. box of Frangos for $8.50 with the right promo. Field's never neededto do that to get people in the store. It is a charade that MAcy's is a success in Former Marshall Field's Stores.
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2014 8:28 pm CT
Posted by: S.L.
Macy's has closed Marshall Field's Marketplace in the basement of Old Orchard. There is a sign thanking customers for past patronage. Candy will stay. The food service counter and the seating are closed off. The remaining gourmet food is priced at a discount. Customers are also asked to visit the Frontera Grill on the first floor. Sadly, they keep whittling away at Marshall Field's.
Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2014 9:23 pm CT
Posted by: V.Rawlings
Good to see this still going. Macy's has this "week of wonderful" nonsense after Christmas. Basically they try to extend Christmas season shopping into January. With Field's it was Christmas year round. BRING IT BACK! bring back the LOVE that was Marshall Field's!!!!!
Date: Monday, February 3, 2014 9:23 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
Some of you asked about the annual Macy's, Inc. stockholders meeting. It is typically held the third Friday in May at 11:00 am, EDT (an hour ahead of Chicago time). Typically anyone who is a stockholder of record by the end of the day on the third Friday of the preceding March (two months prior to the meeting) is eligible to attend. There is a Q & A session upon the completion of the shareholders meeting.
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2014 6:32 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
I just thought of this. By definition, memories stay with you. A store's best merchandising tool is not the merely the merch, but the memory the customer leaves with. Field's memories (now) are like iron filings longing for the Magnet.
Well, Red Star?
Date: Friday, January 31, 2014 8:26 pm CT
Posted by: Rich
GREAT POST SusanNY
I Agree with you COMPLETELY -- That first floor was intoxicating and thrilling -- made you want to stay ALL DAY AND explore every inch of that store to not miss Anything!! It was the beautiful grand invitation to unknown and unexpected discoveries--- and almost always -THAT HAPPENED! A TRUE complete integration of visual excitement matched with unbelievable merchandise to give you one excitement after another --unending -- and in ALL departments. AND with Superb expert interested helpful knowledgable staff!
THERE IS NO PLACE like Marshall Field's
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