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 before February 1, 2018 backwards to February 1, 2016.
Return to the view of our blog's most recent posts.
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Date: Thurs, February 01, 2018, 22:22
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
The big bears were in the old store for men. Abicombie was actually across Wabash next to one of the original Eddie Bauer s. Wabash , had the best men's stores including capper and capper and the I credible van lenti and antoine. The old men's store was fantastic, old school, old money, very proper.
Date: Thurs, February 01, 2018, 22:21
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
The big bears were in the old store for men. Abicombie was actually across Wabash next to one of the original Eddie Bauer s. Wabash , had the best men's stores including capper and capper and the I credible van lenti and antoine. The old men's store was fantastic, old school, old money, very proper.
Date: Thurs, February 01, 2018, 16:17
Posted by: drew,
It says a great deal for the "magic" of The Red Star when a location in the midst of a popular lifestyle center is closing. The Waterfront store was one of Kaufmann's/May Company's planned off mall locations. Many entertainment, eating and shopping venues are nearby. The immediate area surrounding the store is structured like an old downtown with sidewalks, varied storefronts, benches and other amenities. A very pleasant place to walk around, shop and enjoy the day. Across the street is a large strip center with Target, Lowe's, Michael's, Bed Bath & Beyond and Giant Eagle supermarket. A retailer couldn't ask for a better location.
A section of the upper level of the Waterfront store was closed off to provide space for The Red Star regional offices which were moved from the shuttered downtown Pittsburgh store. Newer building. High traffic, popular location. Corporate leaders. So WHY wasn't this store more productive and relevant?
Date: Wed, January 31, 2018, 20:06
Posted by: Rich,
Hey Phil
You are probably correct in BonTon seeking bankruptcy proceedings ---SOON --Sad --the LAST company that STILL sees value in at least holding onto it's local nameplates---going away
Of course what is called Carson's ---is really Bon Ton -- little similarity to what was Carson Pirie Scott & Co. --they WERE a competitor to our Great Field's ---just a step below in the 60's and steadily down as time moved forward -- However their State Street flagship was STILL a GREAT store even close to it's closure -- and STILL had special Christmas things as well, even into the turn of the century time of 2000-- It was taken for granted ---which maybe you can ALSO say for our Great Field's ---the attitude --"well it is there ---it will always be there" -- and as we know UNFORTUNATELY --that is Not the case.
So we will likely lose "Carson's" ---as well as Bergner's-- Boston Store-- Younker's-and the ever-cute----"Herberger's --slipping into the ether of history-- Very sad-- I also have seen that Belk may be interested in pieces--
We MUST continue to resist and attempt to pull Field's OUT of the ether---and BACK into our world --- Think about our world today compared to 2005--- I hate to say it --but it is a Mess! I for one ---could use a little comfort of Marshall Field and Company right about now!
Hope you are all well! Thanks Jim for this site, ongoing concern, and continuing activities!
Date: Tues, January 30, 2018, 20:35
Posted by: Phil Eichlersomewhat off ,
Somewhat off topic, but bon ton /carsons is probably toast. They missed a December interest payment of 14 mil, missed a 30 day grace period. Rumor is they'll file for bankruptcy on or before February 4th.Rumor also is creditors want liquidation. Odd rumor from a really good source is Belk make pick off the bon ton carcass.
Date: Fri, January 26, 2018, 05:47
Posted by: Field Fan,
Ask Geoffrey: Where Are Those 1950s Giant Stuffed Bears?
In the old Marshall Field's Building, I remember being fascinated as a child in the 1950s by an obscure corner on an upper floor which was occupied by Abercrombie & Fitch which was then not a purveyor simply of T-Shirts with their name on them hawked to unsuspecting adolescents and mindless skinny jeaned nuevo-faux-hipsters but an outfitter (non-urban) of African-style safaris. There was a stuffed Kodiak bear on display which, my diminutive size at the time notwithstanding, must have been 8-10 feet tall. Can you verify this vague childhood memory for me and perhaps even track down the fate of the beloved, if terrifying, stuffed bear?
â€â€ÂPeter Werner, Mt. Prospect
There were actually two enormous mounted Kodiak bears, one about 10 feet and the other about 11 feet tall, in the Marshall Field's Men's store, across Washington Street from...
Continues at...
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2018/01/24/ask-geoffrey-where-are-those-1950s-giant-stuffed-bears
Date: Wed, January 24, 2018, 20:50
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Beverly ReviewGuest Viewpointby Jerry Moore Jan 2, 2018
"How difficult would it have been for Macy's to maintain just one of its stores as a Marshall Field's? While there's nothing to suggest the corporate giant intends to budge anytime soon, advocates of such a move remain vigilant."
. . . . . . . . . .
One sign intrigued me. It read: “Believe in miracles. If the Cubs can win the World Series, Marshall Field's can come back better than ever to State Street.â€ÂÂ
. . . . . . . . . .
And who knows? While restoring the Marshall Field's name is highly unlikely, stranger things have happened.
Read the fuil commentary in the Beverly Review:
Date: Wed, January 24, 2018, 20:28
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Frank Farmer Loomis' "Keep On Antiquing" radio show of 1/18/208 based in Cincinnati had a bit about the sign museum which is also in Cinci. It actually has a sign from Marshall Field's.
The curator says it's from State Street, but I think it is a mall sign from what I have seen in a photo. Based on the curator's story, along with a news story on ABC7Chicago back in June 2006, perhaps this is from Orland ?
At any rate, check out this sign as well as the radio story. The part about Marshall Field's starts around 24 minutes in... Thanks, Frank!
https://ice7.securenetsystems.net/media/WMKVFM/ondemand/WMKV-Keep-Antiquing-for-01-18-18.m4a
Date: Fri, January 19, 2018, 20:59
Posted by: Lance,
Sharing per James McKay's request.
NYTIMES.COM
BATTLE OF RETAILERS IN DALLAS
Five miles from the mirrored-glass glitter of downtown Dallas, four lavish shopping malls are drawing the country's major luxury retailers to battle for a share of this city's $21 billion annual retail market. In the last year Tiffany and Saks Fifth Avenue from New York, Gumps from San Francisco, Ma...
Continues:
http://www.nytimes.com/1983/09/05/business/battle-of-retailers-in-dallas.html
Date: Mon, January 15, 2018, 21:09
Posted by: drew,
Hey Pete--
I was NOT aware that so many former Kaufmann's executives are in high level positions at The Red Star. Downtown Pittsburgh was the top money maker in the Kaufmann's chain, offered various amenities and services not available in suburban locations, and outlasted many other stores in the city. Many observers were shocked when The Red Star cheapened the merchandise selections, cut back on food services, let the building fall into disrepair,failed to offer any promotions to publicize the store--they deliberately wanted the downtown store to fail.
According to a 2016 survey, The Red Star had its second biggest loss of market share in the Pittsburgh area. Kaufmann's was ALWAYS the department store market leader. In fact, many of the stores that were converted had been market leaders but lost major sales after the change.
My guess is His Majesty was so arrogant, intimidating and hard headed that the executives were fearful for their jobs if they dared to challenge his infinite wisdom. (I believe there was a Marshall Field's executive who was so intimidated that he tried to convince angry customers that The Red Star was a worthy equivalent to what was taken away.) I just don't think His Majesty would listen to what anyone else thought and it was his way or the highway.
Date: Fri, January 12, 2018, 16:51
Posted by: Pete,
Dear Drew:
I noticed you post a lot about Kauffman's.
DId you know 25% of Macy's executive team are Kaufmann's alums? I'm not sure what to make of that since they got rid of Kaufman's downtown flagship. What is your opinion?
Date: Fri, January 12, 2018, 11:01
Posted by: Pete,
No direct Marshall Field's content....however, the WSJ has a story today about how there has been a resurgence in car brands that are now returning after years. Some are returning after more than two decades. They include:
Jeep Scrambler, Jeep Wagoneer, Chevy Blazer, Ford Bronco, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Elipse.
Marshall Field's CAN come back!
Here's the link to the story:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/auto-makers-in-a-blast-from-the-past-retool-iconic-trucks-1515753001
Date: Wed, January 24, 2018, 20:58
Posted by: Jim McKay,
HELP! SIGN THE PETITION TO SAVE A BURNHAM HOME!
Please share! One of the last of ten homes designed by Daniel Burnham is slated to be demolished to make way for a parking lot at Champaign Centennial High School when other options are available.
Burnham, of course, was the primary architect behind our Marshall Field and Company State Street store which is the template for modern department store architecture, along with its siblings Philadelphia's Wannamaker's flagship, the facade of Filene's in Boston, and, of course, London's Selfridges Oxford Street. This is addition to buildings like NYC's Flat Iron Building and the Reliance Building on the southwest corner of State and Washington, kitty corner from the Marshall Field's building. A couple of decades ago, homes designed by Louis Sullivan (architect of Carson's flagship) were demolished with the argument that there were still others and they cost a lot to rehab.
Suddenly about ten years ago, because of fire, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, there's pretty much nothing left to Sullivan's residential legacy. Let's not let the same happen to Burnham's residential legacy.
Sign the petition here...
Date: Thurs, January 11, 2018, 20:56
Posted by: Michael D,
Marshall Fields former warehouse.
Crate & Barrel moving Chicago office to Logan Square
The housewares seller leased 117,000 square feet in a massive former Marshall Field's warehouse.
CHICAGOBUSINESS.COM
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20180111/CRED03/180119971
Date: Wed, January 10, 2018, 20:53
Posted by: Kathy S,
Regarding the 110th anniversary of the Great Tree:
Fields would have seized the opportunity to have a beautiful ornament for the 110th anniversary. I used to get so excited to see the ornaments each year's tree designer had designed. I have a beautiful crystal Waterford seahorse ornament that was signed with an etcher by their designer. Fields made the whole tree experience and Christmas season absolutely magical in its beauty and class.
Date: Wed, January 10, 2018, 12:56
Posted by: David,
To add to your list of flagships that are still open as Macy's include:
* Jordan Marsh flagship, Downtown Crossing, Boston, doing well
* Bon Marché flagship, downtown Seattle, shrinking more and more, with upper floors leased to Amazon
* O'Connor and Moffat flagship, Union Square, San Francisco, considered number 2 by Macyites, only to Herald Square. The former Liberty House flagship across the street became Macy's men's and is now closing.
* Abraham and Strauss flagship in downtown Brooklyn is in the same spot. It has just been dramatically downsized and remodeled. The interior is largely unrecognizable.
And of course, Marshall Field's State Street and John Wannamakers in Philly, as mentioned.
What others are there?
Date: Sat, January 06, 2018, 22:12
Posted by: Robert ,
Does anyone know of any flagship stores still open besides the Marshall Field building and the John Wanamakerbuilding? It seems like with every wave of closings there is at least one former flagship location on the list.
Date: Fri, January 05, 2018, 19:25
Posted by: drew,
Hey, Rich! Like you, I haven't posted here in a long time but I checked in to see the reactions to the latest round of layoffs and closings at the Red Star.
Kaufmann's absolutely was an awesome destination with wide selections of merchandise and Downtown Pittsburgh was the top producing store in the chain; it was an attraction for many area residents as well as visitors. Lazarus was a Columbus icon; the downtown store was amazing and the suburban stores were also special places to shop.
Kaufmann's, Lazarus, Burdines, Marshall Field's were highly successful and popular department stores--even in this age of online shopping they would have remained profitable because they were UNIQUE. Many people traveling on vacation or business would seek out the regional department stores because they were different than what they had at home. As you mentioned, Burdines, Lazarus and Rich's were doing quite well as units of Federated--smart thing would have been to build on their individual strengths.
People are looking for an experience; there are plenty of places to buy "stuff." The Red Star is equivalent to TJMaxx, Ross Dress for Less, Burlington, Walmart--just a place to buy "stuff"--and their discount store format has made them much less attractive to potential customers.
Date: Fri, January 05, 2018, 19:05
Posted by: dave andrews,
The "magic" continues as macy cut 5,000 jobs and closes more stores.
Sadly the perpetrator of this destruction of iconic American department stores and elimination of THOUSANDS of jobs walks away with a handsome retirement. So unfair that he been rewarded for taking away so much history and so much employment.
Date: Fri, January 05, 2018, 19:05
Posted by: dave andrews,
The "magic" continues as macy cut 5,000 jobs and closes more stores.
Sadly the perpetrator of this destruction of iconic American department stores and elimination of THOUSANDS of jobs walks away with a handsome retirement. So unfair that he been rewarded for taking away so much history and so much employment.
Date: Thurs, January 04, 2018, 20:22
Posted by: Rich ,
Hi All --Haven't posted in couple of years-- But I am STILL here and watching--waiting
Haven't stepped foot in the Red Star -- and I do not need to !!
Lazarus was a GREAT Store !!! Entrenched in Ohio and well loved
Kaufmann's in Pittsburgh was Great Too -- An INCREDIBLE flagship with a fancy boutique in store (Vendome Shop-- to compete with Joseph Horne & Co.-closed I believe in the 90's) ---However at the end of "Kaufmanns" there were still several restaurants - a Bakery, Candy counters, Santaland on 9 at Christmas --and Special Christmas windows ! Downtown Kaufmann's was the number 1 producing Kaufmann's for the chain I believe as long as it was May Dept. Stores!!!!!!!!!
Burdines was a Great Store too -- And that was federated --as was Lazarus! So was Rich's in Atlanta!!! That was Federated TOO!
well-- I hope everyone is well!
STILL MISS Marshall Field's at Christmas-- AND all year long!!!!!!
Rich
Date: Thurs, January 04, 2018, 14:32
Posted by: Erick Johnson,
Another sad chapter in Miami's today. Macy's is closing the 109-year year old store that was once the flagship store of Burdines. I have fond memories of that building while I grew up in Miami. I loved going to the palm restuarant and I worked there briefly after college. I remember the faux Art Deco palm trees and the delicious tangerine yogurt at the Marketplace. What a shame this iconic building on Flagler Street is near its end. Miami doesn't care for historic buildings so I wouldn't be surprised if it was to be demolished after Macy's closes shop.
So much for BELIEVE Macy's!
Date: Wed, January 03, 2018, 19:22
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS! THANK YOU!
Date: Wed, January 03, 2018, 16:40
Posted by: Jim,
Macy's to announce another round of store closures this week, less than 30 and part of the 100 closures they announced a year ago. One closure was announced. They are closing the downtown Cincinnati flagship that is a couple of blocks away from Macy's Cincinnati HQ. It has been operated with financial incentives from the city of Cincinnati for years.
Macy's is about to announce another round of store closings
http://www.businessinsider.com/macys-stores-closing-list-2018-1
This article mentions State Street, but the Cincinnati business leader quoted erroneously compares the downtown Cinci and State Street stores. The Cinci store has had financial problems for years.
Macy's to close downtown Cincinnati store - Cincinnati Business Courier
Cincinnati-based retail giant Macy's Inc. is closing its downtown store as part of the shuttering of 100 locations nationwide.
https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/01/03/macys-to-close-downtown-cincinnati-store.html
Date: Wed, January 03, 2018, 13:00
Posted by: dave andrews,
Here it begins--macy is shuttering their downtown Cincinnati location:
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2018/01/02/downtown-macys-list-closures-week/995775001/
This is a relatively new store which is close to their corporate headquarters. If macy can't make this store work with all the executives and experts nearby, that proves they have no idea how to attract customers and grow the business.
Perhaps retaining LAZARUS would have been a better choice! LAZARUS had a historic and beloved presence in Ohio but the genius didn't understand the importance and value of giving shoppers what they want!
Date: Wed, December 27, 2017, 20:13
Posted by: dave andrews,
Maybe 2018 will bring us a "Marshall Field's Christmas."
Holiday sales showed that brick and mortar retail is still strong and customers will shop in stores if there is some compelling reason to do so. Even in this age of online retail, shoppers crave an "experience" that can't be found on a computer or smartphone screen. Bring back what was so callously discarded and perhaps corporate will also bring back customers who were so wantonly "dis-regarded."
Date: Wed, December 27, 2017, 20:06
Posted by: dave andrews,
How fitting that one of our favorite people is named as one of 20 WORST CEO's in America just as he begins his long overdue retirement:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/20-worst-ceos-america-2017-223551305.html
Maybe--just maybe--if he had listened to the public and gave shoppers what THEY wanted, the situation wouldn't have been this depressing. The entire macy debacle will be a business school case study of how NOT to alienate customers, how NOT to trip over dollars to save a few pennies, how NOT to cut staff, quality and amenities to show a few bucks "profit" in the short term--mistakes, misjudgment and missteps coupled with arrogance and hubris. His legacy will not be what he had hoped it would be, but it is certainly well deserved.
Date: Tues, December 26, 2017, 14:41
Posted by: Anthemn,
The photos are beautiful!
I hope 2018 is the year Macy's come to their senses and start listening to what customers want--MARSHALL FIELD & COMPANY!
Would it be that hard to make State Street Field's again?! NO! And it would make so many customers happy!
Date: Wed, January 24, 2018, 20:54
Posted by: Zabella,
Merry Christmas all! <3
So the kids gave me vintage Fields things for Christmas..Waterford candy Bowl....some ornies.........(((LOVE IT!)))....My daughter painted me a picture of UNCLE MISTLETOE!!!!! its 16 x 21.......SO AWESOME!!!!!! Heck yes I cried!!!!! <3
Date: Mon, December 25, 2017, 12:02
Posted by: Field's Fans,
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM FIELD'S FANS!
🎄🎅🙏☮️💟
Click anywhere on the photo of the 2005 Walnut Room Great Tree
to play our Christmas movie!
Here's to the once and future Marshall Fields on State Street!
Date: Mon, December 25, 2017, 10:54:34 CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Thanks to all who helped make our “season finale†a great success on State Street, especially Alfred, a former Field's employee who flew in all the way from Washington, D.C. to welcome newcomers to Marshall Field's Fans. The outpouring for the return of Marshall Field's remains incredible. Over 500 pin-on buttons and a couple hundred bookmark fliers were given away between noon and 2 PM. Many thanks to all who helped make our holiday season activities happen, especially John, as well as Gloria, Gail, Gayle, Marianne, Frank, Lucie, Sara, of course Alfred, and so many more, not to mention everybody who clicks “like†on our photos or shares them. We have about 40 photos from Saturday so look for the rest in the series. Also scroll down below to see other weeks' photos. BE SURE TO SHARE! And MERRY CHRISTMAS, to all and to all a good night.
All photos (c)2017 FieldsFansChicago & Jim McKay. All rights reserved. Permission for publication granted provided there is a photo credit.
Photos from Noon--2 pm, SATURDAY, December 23, 2017
All photos (c)2017 FieldsFansChicago & Jim McKay. All rights reserved. Permission for publication granted provided there is a photo credit.
Date: Fri, December 22, 2017, 14:27 CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
To make up for our lost Saturday last weekend, we were out on State Street yesterday afternoon for the extended lunch hour. A couple of hundred buttons and bookmark flyers were distributed in all of 75 minutes. Below are the photos
Thanks to all who helped make that Saturday's activities on State Street a great success, especially John, Gloria, Gail, Gayle, Alfred, Frank, Lucie, Marianne, and Sara, just to name a few key people Please plan to join us again tomorrow, Saturday, December 23 from at least noon hour to 2 pm. Everyone who helps really enjoys it--so be sure to bring a friend!
All photos (c)2017 FieldsFansChicago & Jim McKay. All rights reserved. Permission for publication granted provided there is a photo credit.
Photos from 12:20--1:35 pm, THURSDAY, December 21, 2017
All photos (c)2017 FieldsFansChicago & Jim McKay. All rights reserved. Permission for publication granted provided there is a photo credit.
Date: Fri, December 22, 2017, 14:55
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Check out the Selfridges window. (You have to scroll down in the article to see the Selfridges window which looks a lot like one from Marshall Field's back in the dayâ€â€Âthe one in the Facebook preview image is not Selfridges.)
Holiday Windows, a (Sort of) Love Story
Why are we all so bedazzled by the store vitrines of the season?
Date: Fri, December 22, 2017, 14:54
Posted by: Katie L.,
From the Archive: Marshall Field's Christmas Windows
Daniel Hautzinger
DECEMBER 1, 2017
They have been a tradition in Chicago for over one hundred years, and seemingly everyone has fond memories of going to see them. Mention the Christmas windows of Marshall Field's (now Macy's) to a Chicagoan, and you'll almost invariably recall them to their childhood: bundling up against the cold, traveling to State Street to brave the crowds and glimpse the magical, storytelling windows and holiday decorations of the iconic department store.
Begun in 1897 as an elaborate toy display, the holiday windows eventually depicted a common theme, starting with "The Night Before Christmas," in 1944. Two years later, Uncle Mistletoe was introduced as a response to Montgomery Ward's Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and he kept gaining family and friends over...
http://interactive.wttw.com/playlist/2017/12/01/archive-marshall-fields-christmas-windows
Date: Fri, December 22, 2017, 14:52
Posted by: Michael D.,
If only what he said, actually happened inside of Macy's store.
Macy's CEO Jeff Gennette on the direction of the company
Macy's CEO Jeff Gennette discusses the direction of the company with The Enquirer's Alex Coolidge.
Date: Fri, December 22, 2017, 14:51
Posted by: John B P,
Who remembers the Marshall Field's edition of Monopoly? Never saw a Macy's edition.
Date: Fri, December 22, 2017, 14:50
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Resharing The New York Time's Thanksgiving Day article on Macy's real estate. It mentions State Street.
Grand Buildings Help Keep Macy's Afloat
The company's real estate is now worth more than its market value.
By Michael Corkery
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/22/business/macys-retail-real-estate.html?_r=0
Excerpt:
"Any redevelopment of the Marshall Field's is likely to be sensitive. The store features treasured spaces that hark back to the golden age of retail, like a Tiffany-designed vaulted ceiling and the Walnut Room restaurant.
Amid discussion about downsizing the store, Macy's has been careful to note in a statement that “dining in the restored Walnut Room, shopping beneath the Tiffany Dome and meeting under the Great Clocks remain treasured traditions for Chicagoans and visitors alike.â€ÂÂ"
Date: Fri, December 22, 2017, 14:48
Posted by: Jim McKay,
CHICAGO BUSINESS JOURNAL on FRANGO POP-UP at ORD::
Frango mints have new (but fleeting) retail presence at O'Hare Airport
Things are popping for the holidays at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.
In case you haven't been paying attention in recent years, O'Hare has evolved as a shopping mecca in addition to serving as one of the nation's busiest airline transit hubs. The airport at present has nearly 90 retail outlets spread among three principal terminals.
But that number has just grown for the holidays, as three new pop-up shops have popped up at O'Hare.
Likely to be among the most popular of the three pop-ups is a Frango mints boutique now open in Terminal 1, Concourse B, near gate B-12.
Frango, of course, is an iconic candy name in Chicago, having been closely associated with the late great Marshall Field's department store chain, where it was famously sold for many decades. Macy's, after buying Marshall Field's, has continued to sell the popular Frango mints.
But in a different twist, the Frango pop-up shop at O'Hare is being operated by Garrett Brands, which also sells the equally iconic Garrett popcorn at two permanent shops at O'Hare.
InMotion Entertainment also has a holiday pop-up ...
CONTINUES...
Date: Fri, December 22, 2017, 14:46
Posted by: Sara B,
A gorgeous video highlighting the recent years of Christmas & Marshall Field's. I think I number of these photos are from last Christmas as Marshall Fields, 2005. The music and the photos make me cry.
(In case anyone is wondering, it's the 2003 vertical fashion show at 0:41 seconds in; he's an acrobat on a tether, not a man falling. Vertical fashion shows are more common and popular in Europe.)
Date: Fri, December 22, 2017, 14:44
Posted by: Michael D,
Interesting Macy's State Street is carrying both original Frangos ( on sale for one day sale) on both LL and 7 as well as new Frangos. Also interesting Macy's has special 2017 commemorative tins, one featuring the Art Institute Lions and the other a version of the usual Walnut Room tin.
Word has it that the long boxes will no longer be offered at Macys.com--just in store. Online orders will be the new format from Frango.com that is run by Garrett Brands.
Date: Fri, December 22, 2017, 14:41
Posted by: Michael D and Jim M.,
As noted before, Leslie Goddard's wonderful piece on Marshall Field's is at the Smithsonian website.
Here's a link:
For Generations of Chicagoans, Marshall Field's Meant Business, and Christmas
The midwestern mainstay transformed commerce into a communal holiday spectacle
Read more:
Date: Fri, December 22, 2017, 12:02 CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
I'm the guy who stores the signs, pin-on buttons, and bookmark flyers. I was sick with influenza for about ten days earlier this month--so as announced, were unable to be out under the Great Clock last week on Saturday, December 16 with our usual supporters like "gle" and Lucie, The Icekateer."
Right below are photos from Saturday, December 9, 2017. We were out there for perhaps 90 minutes or so. Thanks to all who helped make that Saturday's activities on State Street a great success. Similar to the previous weekend, over 500 pin-on buttons and as many bookmark fliers were given away. Many thanks to all who helped make it happen, especially Gloria, John, Gail, Gayle, Alfred, Frank, Lucie, Marianne, and Sara, just to name a few key people Please plan to join us again tomorrow, Saturday, December 23 from at least noon hour to 2 pm. Everyone who helps really enjoys it--so be sure to bring a friend!
All photos (c)2017 FieldsFansChicago & Jim McKay. All rights reserved. Permission for publication granted provided there is a photo credit.
Photos from Noon-2 pm, Saturday, December 9, 2017
All photos (c)2017 FieldsFansChicago & Jim McKay. All rights reserved. Permission for publication granted provided there is a photo credit.
Date: Mon, December 18, 2017, 12:26
Posted by: Christianne Murrens,
I just love what you are doing!! I absolutely dislike Macy's - I only go there because my body just gravitates to the buildings that were Marshall Fields. It was the only place I shopped! My Mom grew up in Chicago and only shopped Marshall Fields. She has not stepped into a Macys and if get her something from there, I can't let her know!
I was just downtown (12/16/17) and didn't see anyone outside Macy's - this is the first year I didn't see a representative from the group. I wear my "It is time to bring back Marshall Fields" pin all the time and I get so many thumbs up.
How can I help with this worthwhile cause? Let's ship Macy's back to NY - give us back OUR store!
Date: Fri, December 15, 2017, 17:23
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Unfortunately, due to illness, WE WILL ***NOT*** BE OUT UNDER THE CLOCK TOMORROW, Saturday, December 16. We hope to be out there next Saturday, December 23, as well as perhaps lunch hour or after work session next Thursday or Friday. Please make plans to come join us and passing out pin on buttons, bookmark wires, and posing for selfies. Thank you for your support! See you on the 23rd! Here's the once and future Marshall Field's on State Street!
Jim
Date: Wed, December 13, 2017, 22:51
Posted by: Eric B.,
While touring the area around Lancaster, PA, I visited the National Christmas Center, whose enormous collection celebrates 'the world's most beloved holiday.' One of the galleries features an original Marshall Field's window display. Target discovered this elaborate nativity scene, which had been in storage since the 1920s, and donated it to the National Christmas Center. The hand-sculpted figures are life-size, not miniatures, and fill an entire room! Here is a link to photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/112465145@N07/albums/72157688344785192
My surprise and delight at seeing this well-preserved display was tempered by the announcement that National Christmas Center will close permanently on January 7 unless a buyer comes forward.
Let us hope that some day, this marvelous window display and a restored Marshall Field's State Street flagship are somehow reunited. Happy Holidays, Field's Fans!
Date: Tues, December 12, 2017, 20:13
Posted by: Sue Ann Najdzin,
Matshall Fields is a local icon of the Chicago citizenry. While I grew up on the East Coast with Macy's as my department store, after living in Chicagoland for 10 years I grew to love the major department store known as Marshall Fields. In a time of so mich homoginized everything, oit was always so special to have something that was just of Chicago, local, modern, wonderfully istoric in which to shop. I go back to Chicago every year and miss this store. The buildong itself is just so amazong. There is nothng like it in the Macy's world. Bring back Chicago's historic department store. And all os grandeur. Some things should never be changed. This is one of those important things.
Date: Tues, December 12, 2017, 20:13
Posted by: Sue Ann Najdzin,
Matshall Fields is a local icon of the Chicago citizenry. While I grew up on the East Coast with Macy's as my department store, after living in Chicagoland for 10 years I grew to love the major department store known as Marshall Fields. In a time of so mich homoginized everything, oit was always so special to have something that was just of Chicago, local, modern, wonderfully istoric in which to shop. I go back to Chicago every year and miss this store. The buildong itself is just so amazong. There is nothng like it in the Macy's world. Bring back Chicago's historic department store. And all os grandeur. Some things should never be changed. This is one of those important things.
Date: Sat, December 09, 2017, 13:41
Posted by: gle,
So Lundgren is leaving? Sometimes change IS good. Hope this is a change for the better, and for listening to the customers giving them what they want--A RETURN TO MARSHALL FIELD'S IN NAME, QUALITY AND SERVICE!
AND KEEP THE SELFIE PHOTOS COMING! THEY ARE FANTASTIC!
Date: Fri, December 08, 2017, 17:14
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Cincinnati Business Courier:
Macy's chairman, former CEO sets exit
Terry Lundgren, the former CEO of Macy's Inc., is leaving his role as executive chairman of the Cincinnati-based retailer (NYSE: M).
Current CEO Jeff Gennette, who has been in that role since March 2017, has been appointed to replace Lundgren as chairman when Lundgren retires on Jan. 31.
“I am proud of our company's growth, accomplishments and the talent we developed during the 14 years I have led Macy's, Inc.,†Lundgren said in a statement. “I have worked closely with Jeff and his team over the past two years, focusing on the changes and vision required for future success. I am confident that the company has the strategies, resources, talent and leadership to capitalize on the fundamental shifts in consumer shopping patterns we have all experienced.â€ÂÂ
The move completes the transition plan that was announced in June 2016. Following Lundgren's exit, the company's board will have 10 directors and Marna Whittington will remain lead independent director.
“Terry has been an outstanding leader for Macy's and an inspiration for the industry. I thank him for the guidance he has given me during (continues...)
https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2017/12/08/macy-s-chairman-former-ceo-exits.html?ana=e_cinci_bn&u=11830217354dd72fa3959811dffd1e&t=1512770938&j=79310641
Date: Mon, December 04, 2017, 17:47:27
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Thanks to all who helped make this past Saturday's activities on State Street a great success. We were a little shorthanded, so it was a little harder to take photos. Nevertheless, when it was time for me to leave, I could not-people kept walking up to me asking to have their photos taken!!! Over 500 pin-on buttons and as many bookmark fliers were giving away between noon and 2 PM . Many thanks to all who helped make it happen, especially Gloria, John, Gail, Gayle, Alfred, Frank, Lucie, Sara, Please plan to join us and help next Saturday, December 9 from around noon hourâ€â€Âcheck this page or our website for exact time. We hope you can come out and be part of our action. All photos (c)2017 FieldsFansChicago & Jim McKay. All rights reserved. Permission for publication granted provided there is a photo credit.
All photos (c)2017 FieldsFansChicago & Jim McKay. All rights reserved. Permission for publication granted provided there is a photo credit.
Date: Sun, December 03, 2017, 17:41
Posted by: gle,
FANTASTIC PHOTOS!!!!!!!! And I'm getting more comments on my "Time to Bring Back Field's" button again, as I usually get at Christmastime. We have almost no place left to shop for gifts anymore. Some people still love the hands-on experience of a store. I know I do. I wish I could shop at Field's again!
Date: Sat, December 02, 2017, 10:58
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels,
Oh me, oh my. What have those wacky folks at Macy's done to the "great tree" in the Walnut Room? There is no tree. Replaced by what appears to be a molded plastic pyramid. Sad. Macy's has several displays celebrating a century of trees. Photos of real trees with real ornaments. It only proves how downmarket Macy's have taken the wonderful Marshall Fields tradition.
And don't get me started on the uninspired holiday Windows. They are barely worth a glance.
Date: Sat, December 02, 2017, 00:15
Posted by: Timothy E,
Nobody did Christmas better. I loved how they changed their boxes and bags to read "Marshall Field & Christmas" in place of "Company".
Date: Sat, December 02, 2017, 00:15
Posted by: Katie L,
It's that time of year! Revisit your favorite Marshall Field's Christmas windows in this archival footage.
From the Archive: Marshall Field's Christmas Windows
They have been a tradition in Chicago for over one hundred years, and seemingly everyone has fond memories of going to see them. See some of…
INTERACTIVE.WTTW.COM
http://interactive.wttw.com/playlist/2017/12/01/archive-marshall-fields-christmas-windows
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 23:05 CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
PLEASE SHARE! TOMORROW, SATURDAY, 12/2/2017, 11:30 am – 1 pm (& beyond?)! SELFIES RALLY SUPPORTING THE RETURN OF MARSHALL FIELD & CO. to STATE STREET.
We'll be out on State Street under the Great Marshall Field's Clock at State and Washington from 11:30 am–1 pm (& beyond) Saturday, December 2, 2017. Come get one of our pin-on "Time To Bring Back MARSHALL FIELD'S" pin on buttons and one of our bookmark flyers, and pose for a selfie photo with one of our signs with various messages. When posted to our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, the combined effect is our Selfies Rally for Fields.
We will also be out under the clock for 1–2 hours Saturdays through December 23. Please make a plan to stop and help or at least say hello and pose for a selfie.
* Reminder of some rules 1) Please save (ie do not post) nostalgia items on Saturdays when we are out on State Street; and 2) post no regrets about being unable to attend on this group page.
PLEASE DO: Share our photos! Plan to come!
PLEASE DO: If you plan to come, please let me know so we can expect you. Please email jjmckay AT me DOT com or call 312.927.4424 PUT YOUR WORDS HERE INTO ACTION! IT'S FUN...and BRING A FRIEND!!!!!
Special thanks to John, Gloria, Lucie, Gail, Alfred, and everyone who has helped, and of course not forgetting Marianne.
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 22:40 CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
So far, we have over 50 photos of what I estimate to be about 70 people who wanted to be photographed supporting Marshall Field's return. These were taken under The Great Clock at State and Washington during on Black Friday and Saturday, November 24 & 25, 2017 over a period of about 2 hours each day.Thank you to all who supported our campaign under The Great Clock so far this holiday season, especially John, Gloria, Saram Gail, Gayle, Alfred, and Frank. Also not forgetting several of you who prefer to remain anonymous and everyone who has supported us by sharing or "liking" links to our images, posts, and more here and on our other social media channels. And of course all who posed for selfies. THANK YOU!
Below are the thumbnails of the photos. Upon request via email to me at jjmckay AT me DOT com, I will post the larger, full image. The photos are presented roughly in reverse chronological order.
All photos (c)2017 FieldsFansChicago & Jim McKay. All rights reserved. Permission for publication granted provided there is a photo credit.
You will also recall that we had heavy rains and wind on Saturday, November 4, 2017 when we were out under the clock for the unveiling of the holiday season store windows and great tree. Here are the six photos we were able to squeeze in during the gaps in the bad weather.
All photos (c)2017 FieldsFansChicago & Jim McKay. All rights reserved. Permission for publication granted provided there is a photo credit.
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 21:53
Posted by: Megan B,
I went to Macys/former Fields State Street yesterday to take my daughter to the Walnut Room and see Santa. I hadn't been to this store in years and the windows were so sad and disappointing. I do however have to give credit to the employees in the restaurant and in the Santa area. They were very pleasant and organized and friendly to my Mom, daughter and I. The store also seemed cleaner and more organized than I remembered. We also had a wonderful and tasty lunch (pot pie is still amazing) and the tree was actually very pretty and my daughter loved the fairies. The BEST part though was a group of women dining together and they all had those beautiful green Fields shopping bags from around 2002-2003. My mother and I of course commented right away to the women and they were gracious enough to give us a bag! Apparently one of the women had a stockpile of the bags and gave them to her friends. We were so happy to see that green and the Fields name in a sea of red stars. I carried it throughout the rest of my visit with pride!
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 21:52
Posted by: William S,
Just have to say I walked through the first floor cosmetics department through to the handbags and out the side door on Monday night. So depressing. The Tiffany dome was barren - nothing festive at all hanging there, then in the atrium there were some over-sized red nylon boxes suspended from the ceiling but when I said out loud "Well this just looks cheap and depressing" a staff member on her way out said "That's an understatement...it's like they aren't even trying." We made the trek up to see the walnut room, and the tree was completely non-descript. The only stand-out was the star - which looked like it had been ripped right off of the Kremlin and set on top of the tree. Such a jarring sight and we commented on how it looked like a "Soviet" holiday from top to bottom. The windows on state street lacked any music and hardly any animation. Just a depressing and sad state of affairs on all levels. And they wonder why no one wants to shop there...gee I wonder why.
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 21:52
Posted by: Michael D,
Businessweek dated 11/27.2017 has an article on how all these department stores became Macy's. Speaks briefly about State Street.
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 21:50
Posted by: Timothy E,
And, a nice article giving an overview of the origin and history of Field's many restaurants. Caught my eye that the famed Mrs. Herring is here referenced as Mrs. Sarah Haring.
https://restaurant-ingthroughhistory.com/2008/12/11/department-store-restaurants-marshall-fields/
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 21:42
Posted by: Carolyn H,
My fondest memory of that clock had nothing to do with Black Friday or even Christmas (tho I always loved it when we went downtown to see the windows!). One New Year's Eve I was staying with a friend in Chicago and she had heard that the city was doing something similar to the ball drop in NYC, and it would be at the Marshall Field's clock. It was a terrible night, snowing like crazy and when we showed up, I think there were a half dozen other people. Each face had a slightly different time, so we negotiated on which one was "the" time, and at midnight, we cheered, some guy with one of those big plastic horns gave a big BLAT on it, and we scurried for the subway to get back to somewhere warm lolol.
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 21:41
Posted by: Mark K,
Macys ruined their good name. Once they took over and changed the name the merchandise quality went downhill and the classiness disappeared.
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 21:41
Posted by: Ashley T,
i do wished that marshall fields was back over there was my Christmas childhood memories they had the Christmas windows ,santa's cozy cottage display, the fountain that huge Christmas tree with the train that circled around it in the walnut room to be exact - plus those funny Christmas elves wally and victor were there names those picture posters were al way's displayed in every room at the department stores when i was a kid my uncle he use to work there
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 21:41
Posted by: Carol Joy J,
Marshall Field's had some awesome sales, but no one ever got shot or trampled while trying to be the first to cram through the door at 3:00 am. It was never that kind of place. We queued up early in the morning so that our son could see Santa in the Cozy Cloud Cottage, then made a beeline to the 7th floor get our name on the list for lunch under the Great Tree in the Walnut Room. Plenty of other wonderful memories there.I won't shop at Macy's.
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 21:40
Posted by: Timothy R,
Christmas season at MF&Co. was a unique experience. Macy's is a dump and I will never shop there.
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 21:39
Posted by: Melissa F,
I have very clear memories of being taken to the State St. store during the Christmas season. Lunch in the Walnut Room. It was magic.
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 21:39
Posted by: Pamela C,
Wish I was in Chicago. And wish MF was back. Wish Macy's would take better care of that beautiful store.
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 21:38
Posted by: Claudette S,
Fifty years of working for this company and loving every minute. twenty five years😊 in this building!! claudette
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 21:38
Posted by: Jeanie,
Went to Field's every year with my Dad and Sister to buy my Mothers Christmas presents every Black Friday. Wonderful times!
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 21:38
Posted by: Susan C,
I have worked in that building for about 8 Black Fridays.
Date: Fri, December 01, 2017, 21:37
Posted by: Michael D,
Does seeing photos of Marshall Field and Company Building on State Street or the Great Clocks, being back Black Friday memories? Me-TV thinks so via their Facebook page...they ask, "Who wishes Marshall Field's was still around?" over 600 Likes, Loves, and Tears. 78 replies all wishing for Field's return.
Date: Sun, November 26, 2017, 23:04
Posted by: Jim,
The last post should say, "unveiled" not "installed". Thank you.
Date: Sun, November 26, 2017, 22:12
Posted by: JIm,
It was 120 years ago today, November 26, 1897, that the first Marshall Field's clock was installed at the corner of State and Washington Streets, on the corner of the 1879 store building.
The 1897 clock was taken out of service a few years later and a new one was commissioned for the new store building that stands today. Subsequently a second identical clock was also commissioned.
Date: Sun, November 26, 2017, 16:46
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
It was great to be with Field's Fans on State Street yesterday Saturday, and hear comments and stories from people who stopped to pose for selfies in support of Field's. We still want our Marshall Field's for Christmas!
Date: Thurs, November 23, 2017, 15:11
Posted by: Jim McKay,
PLEASE SHARE! TOMORROW, BLACK FRIDAY, 11/24 & SATURDAY, 11/25, 11:30 am – 1 pm! SELFIES RALLY SUPPORTING THE RETURN OF MARSHALL FIELD & CO. to STATE STREET.Because our regular helpers have to work this year, can you come during Friday's lunch hour?
We'll be out on State Street under the Great Marshall FIeld's Clock at State and Washington from 11:30 am–1 pm this Friday and Saturday, November 24 & 25, 2017. Come get one of our pin-on "Time To Bring Back MARSHALL FIELD'S" pin on buttons and one of our bookmark flyers, and pose for a selfie photo with one of our signs with various messages. When posted to our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, the combined effect is our Selfies Rally for Fields.
We will also be out under the clock for 1–2 hours Saturdays from November 25 through December 23. Please make a plan to stop and help or at least say hello and pose for a selfie.
* Reminder of some rules on our group page here 1) Please save (ie do not post) nostalgia items on Saturdays when we are out on State Street; and 2) post no regrets about being unable to attend on this group page.
PLEASE DO: Share our photos! Plan to come!
PLEASE DO: If you plan to come, please let me know so we can expect you. My email is jjmckay AT me DOT com
PUT YOUR WORDS HERE INTO ACTION! My phone is 312.927.4424
Special thanks to John, Gloria, Lucie, Gayle, Alfred, Judy, and everyone who has helped, and of course not forgetting Marianne and Gail.
Date: Thurs, November 23, 2017, 15:05
Posted by: Alfred,
This was on the front of the NYTimes Business Section today. Marshall Field's and the State Street store is mentioned toward the end. But of course, this gives you an overall context of the way things are being handled by Macy's. It suggests what could happen at State Street.
Grand Buildings Help Keep Macy's Afloat
The company's real estate is now worth more than its market value.
NYTIMES.COM
Date: Thurs, November 23, 2017, 15:04
Posted by: Alfred,
Thanks, Leslieâ€â€Âhere's to the once and future Marshall Field's!
Date: Thurs, November 23, 2017, 15:03
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Congratulations! Thank you for posting here, And more importantly, thank you for representing the Field's story.
Date: Thurs, November 23, 2017, 15:03
Posted by: Leslie Goddard,
I'm so delighted that the Saturday Evening Post picked up my article on Christmas as Marshall Field's for the Nov/Dec 2017 issue.
Date: Thurs, November 23, 2017, 15:02
Posted by: Garland,
Darrid:
good point!
Date: Thurs, November 23, 2017, 15:02
Posted by: Darrid,
Did they forget to spell and grammar check this article
Macy's entire staff of executives needs to go they are all complete idiots that know nothing about retail!
As I have said before all of these doors made it through the Great Depression and won't last through the idiots at Macy's now
Date: Thurs, November 23, 2017, 15:01
Posted by: Lance,
I agree that it was a bad decision to purchase May Company. They could have waited for May Company to declare bankruptcy and then cherry picked the assets along with Dillard's. Macy's needs to pair down its portfolio of stores by at least an additional 150 stores. Capital expenditure needs to happen in the stores and bring about the Macy's “look.†They also need to start weening their customers off of the promotions. That was one of Ron Johnson's biggest mistakes. He cut all sales promotions and coupons at once and brought about the fair and square pricing. There was no educating of the customer so it meant nothing. In fact, clearance was renamed “Best Value†and became blue sticker pricing. Who does that after decades and decades of red line clearancing? Johnson did have several great ideas - he cleaned up the stores, decluttered the aisles, brought in better brands like iJeans by Buffalo and Joe Fresh. His cardinal sin with private labels was dumping St John's Bay which was a multi billion dollar brand offering basic polos, t-shirts, sweaters, etc. He also did not exploit the Liz Claiborne brand like he could have and should have.
Date: Thurs, November 23, 2017, 15:01
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Interesting post from Dave Andrews. One thing: I disagree with Dave--Ron Johnson, Terry Lundgren and Jeff Gennette are also merchants unlike the guy who controls Sears.
Date: Wed, November 22, 2017, 11:03
Posted by: dave andrews,
The highly regarded by Wall Street (at that time), genius mastermind who destroyed the nation's popular regional department stores is credited (discredited) with "one of the top 5 worst decisions in retail history."
He, Eddie Lampert at Sears and Ron Johnson at JCPenney will be remembered as arrogant and pompous know-it-all's who did no market research or paid no attention to customer needs and expectations. When their so-called "strategy" failed, they resorted to gimmicks and games in an attempt to correct their mistakes. All three leave a legacy of destruction of iconic retailers, diminished stock values, thousands of lost jobs, hundreds of closed stores, millions of dollars in lost local tax revenues, damage to traffic at numerous shopping venues. A well-respected merchant always said "give the lady what she wants" but these "geniuses" thought they knew better. Their hubris caused irreparable harm.
Date: Sun, November 19, 2017, 21:32
Posted by: Aidan Chism,
Hi all, I would like to give an update on two former Field's stores that i have been to recently. First is river oaks. The store seemed busy for a sunday and I wanted to buy sime frangos for my mother. I went to the basement and could clearly see where the candy counter and food was. It was sad as these were a vital part of fields. Also I was at northbrook last night and it was late so i wont judge the small crowd size. The store is still beautiful and truley a testament of what fields was - even if it was a store built by target. I stepped in to the elevator, still with the ‘MF' on the door and checked out where the marketplace foods were. What i saw was sad as drywall slopily covered the food court and a curtain was blocking an entry. Remnants are more prevalent than in other stores with the marketplace rabbit over where i presume the candy counter was along with the blue tile. There are gabage cans still in the wall and tray return. Its sad to see such beautiful stores in this state and without their bustling food courts.
Date: Thurs, November 16, 2017, 21:16
Posted by: Jim,
Water Tower Frango shop opens tomorrow at 10 am. Free gift to first 100 customers.
https://mobile.twitter.com/chocolatefrango/status/931298712818679809
Date: Thurs, November 16, 2017, 20:29
Posted by: A wondering Field's fan,
I wonder if Frango Boutique will do any better business than Macy's, simply by association with something of Field's that remains--even though it is now like an orphan.
Date: Wed, November 15, 2017, 20:16
Posted by: Jim,
Tomorrow, Garrett Popcorn will likely announce the opening of the Frango Boutique at Woodfield. There will also be Frango samples at this Saturday's Festival of Lights Parade on Michigan Avenue.
Date: Wed, November 15, 2017, 20:12
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Gennette has a lot of good ideas and is quite reasonable. As a Macy's stockholder who attends Macy's stockholders meetings and makes the case that State Street would be much more productive and valuable to stockholders as Marshall Field's , nevertheless, Gennette is a has generally good ideas. He just needs to bring Back Field's which would be worth a 100 great ideas. He is correct that the upper floors of State Street have been empty for over 25 years. Selling or leasing this upper part of the building--provided they don't have to alter the lower levels for access should not hurt the store--and should benefit it, not to mention not prevent a future return of the valuable brand experience that is Marshall Field's .
Date: Wed, November 15, 2017, 20:12
Posted by: Jim McKay,
I have in fact presented Macy's with similar numbers, acquired in a method a little more rigorous than this, without some of the demographic skewing you would find in a Facebook group either. Macy's head didn't dismiss them, they just did not comment. But back to these Facebook numbers, they're interesting, I think that might inspire some more serious study.
Date: Wed, November 15, 2017, 20:10
Posted by: Mike D.,
Now if we could get Macy's to see this!
Date: Wed, November 15, 2017, 20:10
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Michael D:
I went back to the "Original Chicago" post, went through all the responses, making sure every poster/member counted only once--regardless if they had more than one post--and came up with these figures as of 3:15 pm today. (Took me about 90 minutes) "Null" response means that the poster/group member didn't give a clear response.
Prefer Field's
939 responses - 94.7%
===
Macy's
6 - 0.6%
===
BOTH
4 - 0.4%
===
Neither
2 - 0.2%
===
Other
8 - 0.8%
===
Null Response
32 - 3.2%
TOTAL = 991
MOE = 3.1%
Date: Wed, November 15, 2017, 20:05
Posted by: Michael D,
Original Chicago, a Chicago discussion group not focussing on department stores, recently had a discussion/survey of whether people preferred Macy's or Marshall Field's . Over 900 people (and counting) responded.
Not surprisingly, skimming the 900+ comments ALL except a very, very few are wanting Marshall Field's over Macy's.
Why doesn't Macy's get it?!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/951998221479788/permalink/1765655366780732/
Date: Wed, November 15, 2017, 20:02
Posted by: Steve G,
I think the most telling thing in the Tribune interview with Gennette is the line where he says "We are always going to be a promotional department store."
Date: Wed, November 15, 2017, 19:20
Posted by: Michael D.,
No discussion on the fact that Chicagoans want Marshall Fields but reassurance of Walnut Room and holiday traditions.
Macy's CEO: 'We're not where we want to be, but we're working on all the right things'
Like other retailers, Macy's is adapting to customers' changing habits. CEO Jeff Gennette says the company is making progress.
CHICAGOTRIBUNE.COM
Continues at...
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-jeff-gennette-macys-exec-qa-20171114-story.html
Date: Tues, November 14, 2017, 18:03
Posted by: Jim McKay,
During today's Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & retail Conference, Macy's, Inc. CFO, Karen Hoguet commented on the future of the Chicago State Street store that used to be operated as Marshall Field's. From 16:04 until about 16:35, the CFO says that the upper floors of State Street will be repurposed for office space like what is happening at the NYC Lord & Taylor flagship and the downtown Seattle Macy's. You can listen here:
https://cc.talkpoint.com/morg007/111417a_as/?entity=16_YIFESRR or follow the links from macysinc DOT com.
This of course is consistent with the Chicago Tribune's reports of 10/17/2017.
Date: Thurs, November 09, 2017, 20:17
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
Thank you to fellow Field's fans who actually defied the weather to be on State Street November 4. You are amazing!
Date: Tues, November 07, 2017, 22:43
Posted by: dave andrews,
A respected retail analyst discusses why selling off real estate is not a good long term strategy for department stores:
Clearly for macy it's easier to sell off prime locations than to address the real reason for lagging sales--they are NOT offering what the customers want.
Date: Sat, November 04, 2017, 11:31
Posted by: Jim McKay,
UPDATE, 10AM: Right now we're having waves of heavy thunderstorms this morning. I will be in the area starting around 11 AM but if it's raining we might go inside nearby. You can call my cell phone, 312.927.4424 and I can arrange to meet up with you and arrange a dry place place to give your buttons or pose with one of our signs. Planning to stay a little later than 1 PM in fact. Thank you.
PLEASE SHARE! THIS SATURDAY 11-1! SELFIES RALLY SUPPORTING THE RETURN OF MARSHALL FIELD & CO. to STATE STREET.
We'll be out on State Street under the Great Marshall FIeld's Clock at State and Washington from 11 am–1 pm this Saturday, November 4, 2017. Come get one of our pin-on "Time To Bring Back MARSHALL FIELD'S" pin on buttons and one of our bookmark flyers, and pose for a selfie photo with one of our signs with various messages. When posted to our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, the combined effect is our Selfies Rally for Fields.
We will also be out under the clock for 1–2 hours on Black Friday (November 24) and 5 Saturdays from November 25 through December 23. Please make a plan to stop and help or at least say hello and pose for a selfie.
* For this Saturday, we will be using signs and materials mostly from earlier this year and last holiday season, taking the pulse before we update our materials.
* Reminder of some rules on our group page here 1) Please save (ie do not post) nostalgia items on Saturdays when we are out on State Street; and 2) post no regrets about being unable to attend on this group page.
PLEASE DO: Share our photos! GIve our photos "likes" and plan to come!
PLEASE DO: If you plan to come, please let me know so we can expect you. My email is jjmckay AT me DOT com
PUT YOUR WORDS HERE INTO ACTION!
Special thanks to John, Gloria, Lucie, Gayle, Alfred, Judy, and everyone who has helped, and of course not forgetting Marianne and Gail.
Date: Thurs, November 02, 2017, 20:28
Posted by: gle,
I look forward to being with other Field's fans on Saturday November 4, OUTSIDE (not inside) the store on State Street.
Date: Thurs, November 02, 2017, 18:50
Posted by: Timothy E.,
Well golly - sounds like they're pulling out all the stops this year....I, for one, rather preferred when Marshall Field & Company preparred for the Christmas season... ;-)
Date: Thurs, November 02, 2017, 18:48
Posted by: Steve G,
Remember when the tree had big-deal sponsors like Swarovski or Waterford and the ornaments were custom-designed for Field's? Those big shiny plastic balls are nice, too...;-)
Date: Thurs, November 02, 2017, 18:39
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Chicago Tribune reports late this afternoon that Macy's on State Street is getting ready for the holiday season. This years six windows and great tree in the Walnut Room will offiicially be unveiled at Noon this Saturday, November 4.
Here are two links to the Tribune's Photo slide show and a short video giving an overview of the this year's decoration process.
Video:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/media/95029643-132.html
Slide Show:
Date: Wed, November 01, 2017, 20:06
Posted by: Jim McKay,
PLEASE SHARE! THIS SATURDAY 11-1! SELFIES RALLY SUPPORTING THE RETURN OF MARSHALL FIELD & CO. to STATE STREET.
We'll be out on State Street under the Great Marshall FIeld's Clock at State and Washington from 11 am–1 pm this Saturday, November 4, 2017. Come get one of our pin-on "Time To Bring Back MARSHALL FIELD'S" pin on buttons and one of our bookmark flyers, and pose for a selfie photo with one of our signs with various messages. When posted to our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, the combined effect is our Selfies Rally for Fields.
We will also be out under the clock for 1–2 hours on Black Friday (November 24) and 5 Saturdays from November 25 through December 23. Please make a plan to stop and help or at least say hello and pose for a selfie.
* For this Saturday, we will be using signs and materials mostly from earlier this year and last holiday season, taking the pulse before we update our materials.
* Reminder of some rules on our group page here 1) Please save (ie do not post) nostalgia items on Saturdays when we are out on State Street; and 2) post no regrets about being unable to attend on this group page.
PLEASE DO: Share our photos! GIve our photos "likes" and plan to come!
PLEASE DO: If you plan to come, please let me know so we can expect you. My email is jjmckay AT me DOT com
PUT YOUR WORDS HERE INTO ACTION!
Special thanks to John, Gloria, Lucie, Gayle, Alfred, Judy, and everyone who has helped, and of course not forgetting Marianne and Gail.
Date: Wed, November 01, 2017, 18:25
Posted by: Jim McKay,
I liked the Frango.copm web site and have not seen the new Frango packaging in person, but from afar it seems like they have de-Chicagofied them. If you like Frangos then great, but for more than a few people that I know, what was so great was that they were from Marshall Field's in Chicago. (Nothing against Garrett.) With the new marketing, I'm not so sure I would select them when I have Fannie May Meltaways as an option. Just me.
Date: Wed, November 01, 2017, 18:24
Posted by: Jim McKay,
I don't know for sure and certainly am not an official with any of the companies whomake or sell Frangos, however, Macy's still has them this holiday season in the usual boxes, at prices that seem much more promotional than direct from Garrett, the 20% off your first order offer from Frango.com not withstanding.
Date: Wed, November 01, 2017, 18:23
Posted by: Michael D.,
Do we know if Macy's will still be carrying? I recall that was part of the sales agreement.
Date: Wed, November 01, 2017, 18:22
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Aside from the stand alone kiosk in Water Tower Place, a boutique is also being added at Woodfield. Here's a Help Wanted ad:
Date: Wed, November 01, 2017, 18:21
Posted by: Michael D,
Look what they have done to Frangos! I've already posted my comment on their site. (The boxes, the packaging, the logo, etc. are no longer the same. They are now taking orders and there's a kiosk being set up on the first level of Water Tower Place. It is operated by Garrett and is independent of Macy's.)
Date: Tues, October 31, 2017, 21:59
Posted by: dave andrews,
So analysts have finally figured out that macy has to do something to make shopping exciting:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/department-stores-hopeless-retail-cause-201308371.html
Maybe start by giving shoppers what they want,,,and it's NOT macy!
Date: Thurs, October 26, 2017, 13:44
Posted by: dave andrews,
WHAT HAPPENS NOW! Let's hope for the best outcome.
Date: Tues, October 24, 2017, 19:49
Posted by: Jim McKay,
WeWork Buying Lord & Taylor's Manhattan Flagship As Its New HeadquartersHBC's debt will fall by $1.2 billion.
FINANCE.YAHOO.COM
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/wework-buying-lord-taylor-manhattan-133412114.html
Associated Press via NYTimes:
https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/10/24/business/ap-us-lordtaylor-flagship-wework.html
NYTimes:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/24/business/lord-taylor-wework.html
----
This is why last January/February some of us were not so keen on the idea of the HBC/Macy's merger as the deal that would bring back Field's. Basically, the flagship will be the size of a larger suburban L & T.
ALSO: note that CEO and former Field's exec Jerry Storch is also out at HBC. On the other hand, Selfridges Group remains one of our top choices for an operator at State Street. Selfridges Group prides itself on restore store ethos, personality and identity, along with the local name and does so successfully in a contemporary way.
Date: Tues, October 24, 2017, 18:22
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
Lord and Taylor's flagship is getting what we feared for Field's; being sold off and shrunk to a suburban mall footprint. Richard Baker who controls Hudson's Bay sold the store to we work, an office sharing upstart. The store will be reduced from 650,000 sq ft to 150,000 sq ft. Baker is after all a real estate guy first, retailer second. He's doing that same deal with two Hudson's Bay stores as well as the Galeria flagship in Frankfurt. Interesting though, there will be a minor after hours access point to the we work space, but during store hours, office tenants must enter and leave through the retail stores
Date: Mon, October 23, 2017, 16:45
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Beth: Parts of the interior of State Street are protected landmarks and parts are not. If it was too protected, you could run into issues if you even wanted to rearrange say, the bedding department. That said, what is protected inside is largely the State Street side--the first floor "rooms", the atria, the skylight, the Tiffany dome, the columns on State Street side, and the Walnut Room. That doesn't mean they can't be changed though--the remodeling of State/Randolph side (with the Burnham atrium) was such that they killed off the two eastern rows of bays to accommodate a truck court. Now the room's symmetry is severely altered.
All that said, as I've said off and on here, if the plan for the upper floors goes through, I think that they will use one of the Wabash side rooms for a lobby or, less likely something on Washington, perhaps near the 28 Shop entrance or above Holden Court.
Date: Sun, October 22, 2017, 21:17
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
Dayton's will live on in name. The developers that bought the Nicollet mall store is naming the retail portion as Dayton's and plans on using the Dayton's logo for the retail segment. It will be interesting which logo they use; the last Dayton's logo was sans-serif like Macy's, the older logo was a script that looked curiously like Field's.On another note, the great clock ornament is back after dissappearing last year. It is no longer by Christopher Radko, but a cheap house brand in a funny silver color.
Date: Sun, October 22, 2017, 19:42
Posted by: Beth W,
John L: I know. That one breaks my heart. I work in a fairly new building that sits on the site of another one that had been on the National Register of Historic Buildings. It was demolished about 3 or 4 years ago. Money rules.
Date: Sun, October 22, 2017, 17:37
Posted by: John L,
Consider the case of iconic Tribune Tower, teetering on the brink of being gutted and condo-ized for the sake of $$$.
Date: Sun, October 22, 2017, 16:54
Posted by: Beth W,
The building itself is a landmark, but Is the interior of the State Street store protected in any way due to historical status? I mean, for whatever weight that would carry anyway in this city.
Date: Sun, October 22, 2017, 16:51
Posted by: Beth W,
To clarify, what's happening in Minneapolis is sad. They're basically putting the Dayton's name on the building that won't have much of anything like it used to be or in the spirit of Dayton's. THIS STORY ISN'T GOOD. Steve Grobe really hit the nail on the head. I think this is a bad thing. It suggests something along the lines of carving up a building like DePaul and shops in the former Goldblatt's building.
We don't want just the Field's name restored. That would be a disaster. But that's what they're doing. I posted this article as a warning, not something that you should click like or love.
Date: Sun, October 22, 2017, 16:50
Posted by: Jim McKay,
To clarify, what's happening in Minneapolis is sad. They're basically putting the Dayton's name on the building that won't have much of anything like it used to be or in the spirit of Dayton's. THIS STORY ISN'T GOOD. Steve Grobe really hit the nail on the head. I think this is a bad thing. It suggests something along the lines of carving up a building like DePaul and shops in the former Goldblatt's building.
We don't want just the Marshall Field's name restored. That would be a disaster. But that's what they're doing. I posted this article as a warning, not something that you should click like or love.
Date: Sun, October 22, 2017, 11:48
Posted by: Steve G,
Please realize that Minneapolis' last downtown department store was closed by Macy's Inc. Bringing back the Dayton's name would be for the building and the new development, and will not bring the old store back. Any idea that this foreshadows Field's coming back to State Street seems to me a pretty big stretch.
Date: Sun, October 22, 2017, 11:30
Posted by: Beth W,
Only if they also adhered to the Field's legacy of customer service though.
Date: Sun, October 22, 2017, 10:47
Posted by: Patrick J,
If MACY'S was smart they would make the state street store Marshal fields again. It's just a smart decision. I guarantee sales would increase.
Date: Sun, October 22, 2017, 09:49
Posted by: Michael D,
Had the exact same thought! Let's just hope it stays to the upper floors, and the piece of the street level that they're going to have to do to make an entry to the upper floors, is done with the utmost respect to this landmark.
Date: Sun, October 22, 2017, 09:43
Posted by: Jim McKay,
J Buyer of Macy's in downtown Minneapolis plans to revive Dayton's nameDevelopers envision a modern mix of shops, eateries, offices.
---
Note: they are basically turning the former flagship into a shopping mall on the lower levels with offices higher up, but calling the mall "Dayton's". There are no plans to restore the department store. And the space will look way different than it has. ORIGINAL POST. They are hoping to reinstate the Dayton's name and logo, along with the Oak Grill in a new location within, but near the end of this piece it says,
"Even though visitors won't recognize most of the space when the project is complete, developers say they hope the Dayton's legacy will live on." I think what's most important to our cries is that we do need to ask, "To what extent could this happen at State Street under any proposed redevelopment of the upper floors?"
Date: Fri, October 20, 2017, 21:01
Posted by: dave andrews,
Get ready, Chicago! The "magic of macy*s" will make more of the iconic Marshall Field's building disappear very soon. This is only the beginning. Has anyone considered that part of the main floor will have to be closed off as a lobby for the upper floor offices? This would have to be an area near one of the elevator banks. You better believe that the "success" of selling off the upper floors will result in more floors being closed off. Macy has done that in other markets--constantly reducing the selling floors and downsizing merchandise selection.
When there is less merchandise for sale, there is less reason to visit the store. Fewer customers means even more downsizing. It's an endless spiral downward. I read that The Boston Store in downtown Milwaukee will drastically downsized, dropping home wares and children's departments. So anyone who needs these items will have to go elsewhere; think these shoppers are going back to the Boston Store for just to look for clothing? Fewer merchandise selections, fewer reasons to shop, fewer customers, store losing money, close it down.
Date: Wed, October 18, 2017, 13:55
Posted by: Michael D,
For $95 you can buy a replica of 111 N State Street.
Date: Wed, October 18, 2017, 12:45
Posted by: Jim H.,
They continue to burn the furniture to keep warm.
Date: Wed, October 18, 2017, 12:45
Posted by: James F.,
As the Field's/Macy's fiasco continues as a former Chicagoan I sometimes think I know how the Greeks feel about the Elgin Marbles being in the British Museum
Date: Wed, October 18, 2017, 11:58
Posted by: Michael D,
Since we were talking about Frango Mints earlier this week, I thought I'd share this ad from Fredrick & Nelson's.
Date: Wed, October 18, 2017, 11:25
Posted by: Jim McKay,
This was my reply to the Chicago Tribune article on Macy's pending deal to sell the upper floors of State Street:
Floors 9 and up have been marketed for other purposes since the early 1990s. Still, it seems like the death by a thousand cuts for something that is more than a store--what was once until 2006 one of Chicago's top international destinations. Moreover, Selfridges (London's Marshall Field's) was brought back after being thought for dead under the UK's version of Sears, among others. Now it's a 2010s version of what Marshall Field's should be, even overtaking Harrods to be voted the world's #1 department store for multiple years. It is also very profitable. When you look at that, you have to ask why can't Macy's do that?
Date: Wed, October 18, 2017, 11:24
Posted by: Michael D,
There is also lots of open space on LL, including space they have in Pedway. It would make sense to move domestics down there making even more space on 6.
Date: Wed, October 18, 2017, 11:24
Posted by: Andrew P,
Like Jim said, the floors have been marketed since the early '90's. I'm thinking 8 might be included so the atrium escalators could be accessed by the upper floors.
Date: Wed, October 18, 2017, 11:23
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Yup!
Date: Wed, October 18, 2017, 11:23
Posted by: Lance,
Jim McKay: they're polar opposites.
Date: Wed, October 18, 2017, 11:23
Posted by: Jim McKay,
The sad part that we have been pointing out to people who say Marshall Fields and Macy's is the same is that Trend House, renowned institution, is gone.
Date: Wed, October 18, 2017, 11:22
Posted by: Lance,
Sixth Floor has been largely closed off in spots. They could easily redo it so all of furniture comes down to Six. Their offerings are not nearly as extensive as they used to be. The furnishings are no longer grouped according to story.
Date: Wed, October 18, 2017, 11:22
Posted by: Kathy Sue K,
It just seems wrong to sell off part of the building. My dislike of Macy's intensifies by the day.
Date: Tues, October 17, 2017, 22:31
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Gina: Yes, they have been marketing these upper floors--at least from 9 and up--since the early 1990s so it's a long time coming.
Hopefully they won't do like they did in Seattle and whittle their way down the building to take lower floors for repurposing.
Again, the new lobby will be what is the most concerning to us shoppers. Will they use Middle Wabash? The old 28 Shop elevator? ???
Date: Tues, October 17, 2017, 22:29
Posted by: Gina S,
Re: sale of upper part of State Street:
I've seen this coming for awhile. Those top floors are not used at all. I've been dreaming of the amazing condos they could build in the top floors. I've never wanted live in the loop but if I could afford, I'd consider it. My great grandmother and my 2 grandmother's worked at Fields. I'd love to see those floors right now. Bet they have some cool architectural features!
[But now] I see they want it for office space. Boohoo. Condos would be so cool. Now I have yo find a way to see them before they gut the hell out of them and install florescent lights. Ick.
Date: Tues, October 17, 2017, 22:28
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Re: sale of upper part of State Street:
Michael: Thanks for posting. With the Boston store deal in Milwaukee yesterday, and then remembering at the August conference call, I expected something soon will be announced. Sad.
Granted, nine and hugher weren't accessible by us shoppers but the most curious and concerning thing is the new lobby. Where will that go? Will it be on State Street, or on Wabash? I keep thinking it will be Wabash -center. What does this mean for the main floor?
Date: Tues, October 17, 2017, 22:26
Posted by: Marianne S,
Re: sale of upper part of State Street:
There was nothing like hanging out with the ladies on the 13th floor in the candy rooms. They taught us how to “string†chocolates and what all those swirls and doodles meant! Perk of being a retail foods & candy manager!!! I treasure those memories!!!!!
Date: Tues, October 17, 2017, 22:26
Posted by: Michael D,
Chicago Tribune:Macy's has deal to sell top half of State Street flagship
Floors 8 and up
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ori/ct-biz-macys-flagship-sale-ryan-ori-20171017-story.html
Date: Mon, October 16, 2017, 21:36
Posted by: dave andrews,
On my way to visit family, I stopped at Franklin Park Mall outside Toledo, OH. This is a very nice mall--well maintained with a nice variety of stores. My first stop was Dillard's, formerly The Lion Store. Dillard's was bright and welcoming, stocked full of large assortments of brand name merchandise, featured attractive visual displays, and offered unique items for sale (one display had old school record players and reproduction LPs--how cool is that!). I saw a number of items that I definitely planned to purchase.
Walked down the mall to the macy store. To put it kindly, the store looked just like Sears. Other than the cosmetics area, the store was dimly lighted and drab. Uninspired merchandise stacked on tables or hanging on racks. Faded, dated decor. Clothing looked cheap and boring--same as one would find at Sears. Home store merchandise and decor totally blah. This store was formerly Hudson's, then converted to Marshall Field's for a short time.
Headed back to Dillard's, I did some serious shopping and had interesting conversations with several sales associates. One person said macy was the best thing that could have happened to their store; shoppers who want something better or wish to purchase a gift complain there's nothing at macy they want. This associate said he shops at macy but the quality is so bad he's ahead to spend a few dollars more for something substantially better. Another associate pointed out that Dillard's has brand name merchandise, while macy has mostly their own private label stuff. The person said that many of the better designers are pulling out of macy altogether or offering only their lower level lines there. One associate said macy "is getting desperate" by cutting back on store upgrades and stocking cheaper quality goods. She said their department manager sent employees to macy to see if they could learn any ways to improve their store; she laughed and said macy was pathetic. She had worked at this mall for years and said macy hasn't changed anything since the store was Hudson's, except take away various departments and services.
Department stores are supposed to offer aspiration or inspiration.
Dillard's succeeded; macy epic fail.
Date: Mon, October 16, 2017, 15:04
Posted by: Michael D,
Garrett Popcorn now has assumed Frango. It has a website along with Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter page as well.
Links are at http://www.frango.com
Macy's still has a a Frango display at State Street as well, but in the older "only @Macy's" boxes.
Date: Thurs, September 21, 2017, 17:52
Posted by: Jim,
Macy's CEO and CFO recently spoke at Macy's, Inc. at Goldman Sachs 24th Annual Global Retailing Conference. Towards the end they briefly responded to a question about the redevelopment of the Harold Square store. They (CFO Karen Hoguet) said that they were looking at both Harold Square as well as State Street.
You can listen to the entire presentation by following the links from http://www.macysinc.com or https://cc.talkpoint.com/gold006/090617a_as/?entity=2_4LJBRY1
Date: Fri, September 15, 2017, 22:46
Posted by: Eric B.,
Travel+Leisure's online magazine includes a feature titled "World's Most Spectacular Department Stores." Here is the link:
http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/worlds-coolest-department-stores
Of the 15 stores described here, only two are located in the USA and both happen to be in NYC (Hint: NOT Macy's or Bloomingdale's). The stores continue to be successful because they offer shoppers high-quality merchandise, superb service, and - most importantly - uniqueness and a positive shopping experience.
Will Macy's ever learn?
Date: Mon, September 11, 2017, 23:09
Posted by: dave andrews,
Of course, "last Saturday was a pretty dead day on State Street." There's no reason to deal with city traffic and parking problems to visit a nondescript discount store. Especially when most shoppers don't bother to visit that same lackluster discount store in their own neighborhoods.
Despite your best efforts, the powers that be at macy STILL don't get it. Shoppers don't want what they are trying to sell. Keep up the good fight. Perhaps someday soon the board of directors may decide it's worth a try to finally give the shoppers what they want.
Date: Mon, September 11, 2017, 6:46 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
As you know from our press release from four days ago, Saturday was the 11th anniversary of that very sad day when Marshall Field and Company became Macy's.While last Saturday was a pretty dead day on State Street (see photo) we did encounter a number of people were very enthusiastic. More than ever, everyone still wants Marshall Field's back. With retail in trouble these days, Macy's needs to bring back the "IT brand". It's a no-brainer! Slamdunk profits for Macy's, increased tourist revenues, and simply a very cheerful upbeat return to our city. Thanks to GLE, Lucie, Gail, John, Alfred, Frank, Gayle, and many others for making today's 11th anniversary activities all possible. Sorry there was only a couple of days notice. I'm we would have had better turnout if there had been much more warning. Keep in mind that many more than these offered support for Field's but could not for various reasons be in an Internet photo.
All photos (c) Copyright 2017 FieldsFansChicago & James McKay. All rights reserved. Permission for publication granted provided there is a photo credit.
Date: Sun, September 10, 2017, 17:48
Posted by: gle,
Great photos on Facebook! I enjoyed being with other Field's fans on State Street Saturday--CHICAGO STILL WANTS ITS MARSHALL FIELD'S, NOT MACY'S!
Date: Thurs, September 07, 2017, 22:36
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
Doesn't look like amazon wants macys. Just inked a deal to put 1000 sq ft amazon boutiques in kohl's in chicago and Los Angeles. Oh well macys, you f!#$&d up once again.
Date: Thurs, September 07, 2017, 6:10 pm CT
Posted by: James McKay, Chicago
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(CHICAGO--September 7, 2017)
Field’s Fans Chicago Mark 11 Years Since Marshall Field’s Became Macy’s With "Selfies Rally" Supporting Field’s Return
When: Saturday, September 9, 2017, 11:30 am--1 pm
Where: Under the Great Marshall Field Clock, State & Washington Streets.
For more information:
Phone: Jim McKay, (THREE-ONE-TWO) 927-4424
Instagram:Field's Fans Chicago
Email: jjmckay AT me.com
Web: www.fieldsfanschicago.org
Twitter: @fieldsfanschgo
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/fieldsfanschicago/
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?:The grass roots group, FieldsFansChicago will mark the 11th anniversary of the loss of Chicago’s Marshall Field’s with a “Selfies Rally” to support the return of the internationally renowned emporium in name as well as experience.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN: All who support the return of Marshall Field and Company are encouraged to stop by under the Great Marshall Field’s Clock at State and Washington and pose for a selfie holding a protest sign supporting Field’s return. These selfies will be posted to our world-wide social media channels.
Past “Selfies Rallies” supporting the return of Marshall Field’s featured hundreds underneath the Great Clock at State and Washington at holidays and also at civic events such as the Chicago St Patrick’s Day Parades and Chicago Pride Parade. Last year's "Selfies Rallies for Field’s" featured over 200 selfies featuring over 350 participants and received global response. To see the photos, please go to http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org
STATEMENT: "A world-renowned emporium and institution, Marshall Field's on State Street was 'Chicago's #3 destination'* until its end. Chicagoans and tourists alike still overwhelmingly want Marshall Field's to return to State Street even as there is talk of a partial redevelopment of the iconic store's upper floors. With all these pending changes, we believe the time to act is now. Sure, there are more serious things in the world and we supporters are engaged in helping those as well. However, these relatively little things matter, just like the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series. And if the Cubs can win the World Series, it's entirely possible that Marshall Field's can come back after 152 winning years as part of Chicago."
*Source: Federated Department Stores (aka Macy's, Inc.) Literature, 2005.
WHO IS FIELD'S FANS CHICAGO?Field’s Fans Chicago is a grass roots organization supporting the return of Marshall Field and Company to Chicago’s State Street. Just some of its activities include
- SPEAK AT MACY’S MEETINGS: Since 2008, making the case for Marshall Field’s Return to Macy’s stockholders, directors, CEO, and senior execs in Cincinnati at the conclusion of each annual meeting.
- FLYER & BUTTON DISTRIBUTION: Since 2006, distribution of over 180,000 bookmark flyers and 150,000 pin on buttons supporter the return of Marshall Field’s to State Street.
- RALLIES featuring up to 400 participants on State Street.
- MEDIA COVERAGE REPRESENTING TOURISTS, SHOPPERS featured in over 1,000 publications--BBC World Service, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, US Network News Coverage on CBS News, ABC News, New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, all Chicago local news shows, and many others world-wide.
- 2,000 SURVEYED on the street from 2009-2012. 4 of 5 prefer Marshall Field's.
FieldsFansChicago is solely responsible for the content of this press release. It is not connected with nor endorsed by Marshall Field’s, Macy's, Inc., or others.
-30-
###
Date: Wed, September 06, 2017, 19:02
Posted by: gle,
I have a fall hat that came from Marshall Field's that I wore to work today because Chicago weather is already chilling. You should hear the compliments I got on it. It started a big discussion about Field's and how everybody in the office still misses it.
Date: Fri, September 01, 2017, 14:57
Posted by: dave andrews,
A friend and I were shopping the other day, and he wanted to go into macy to look for bargains. He is a millenial (age 30) who said that his friends all consider macy a "discount store" just like TJMaxx, Marshall's, Ross Dress for Less; if he or his friends want something "better," they head to Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor or Von Maur. We were shocked that macy is stocking men's WRANGLER jeans--those are sold at Walmart! Yep, a large display of Wrangler jeans right next to a Last Act section. Very classy!
There have been several news reports about upscale designers pulling out of department stores. Coach, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Prada and others are choosing to open their own shops rather than affiliate with department stores. Evidently the decision to make macy comparable to Kohl's and various off price stores may have led these designers to pull out because they don't want to be associated with a "discount store." Sorry, but buying something at macy is not equivalent to a purchase from Marshall Field's, Burdines, Foleys, Lazarus, Kaufmanns, Filenes. Is it too late to undo the marketing disaster and to give shoppers what they want?
Date: Sat, August 26, 2017, 14:51
Posted by: Eric B.,
Here, belatedly, is a link to my Flickr photo album featuring images of the 2017 Flower Show at 111 N. State St. The theme of this year's show was "Carnival." With the sale and repurposing of the upper floors of this store and the revamping of the lower floors now imminent, we do not yet know where (or even if) Macy's will host future flower shows of this caliber.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/112465145@N07/sets/72157685613917604
I hasten to add that this album is part of my effort to photographically document the ongoing history of the historic building at 111 N. State St. I am NOT a fan of the building's current tenant.
As nice as these displays were, Macy's efforts were again usurped by the creativity of Marshall Field's designers. For the sake of comparison, check out the photos of Field's 1999 Flower Show:
Date: Fri, August 25, 2017, 20:03
Posted by: gle,
I look forward to being on State Street on September to let the world know Chicago still wants its Marshall Field's!
Date: Fri, August 25, 2017, 18:20
Posted by: Jim McKay,
SAVE THE DATE & "SHARE"!
Saturday, September 9, 2017 from at least 11:30 AM to 1 PM (and probably before and after) under the Marshall Field's Great Clock at State and Washington.
It will be exactly 11 years to that very sad Saturday in both Chicago and world retail history that Marshall Field and Company on State Street was officially turned into another Macy's location.
On Saturday, September 9, 2017, come by and show that Chicago and the world wants more than ever the return of Marshall Field and Company to State Street. Stop by for a selfie with one of our signs--or bring your own sign. Stay the whole time or just drop by to pose for a selfie. AND BE SURE TO BRING YOUR FRIENDS.
More details will be forthcoming.
(Please note: As always, all posted "regrets" before the event will be removed from our board and saved for after the event.)
Thank you and best regards.
Date: Tues, August 22, 2017, 00:38
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Dave:
I agree that things must be pretty serious because they're going outside to. Someone at such a high level as president of Macy's. At the same time don't discount this new guy. He's done some pretty amazing things for online at both Home Depot and eBay. Of course not sure he understands heritage brand so much--but then again clearly he must be aware of how well Marshall Fields merchandise does on eBay.
It's also interesting that although Terry Lundgren is still chairman of the board, he's not mentioned at all in regards to this as far as I can tell.
Date: Tues, August 22, 2017, 00:31
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Senior Vice President at eBay named president of Macy's.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=84477&p=irol-newsArticle&cat=news&id=2294900
The Wall Street Journal:
Don't overlook the significance here. In the decades of lineage of Federated Department Stores I don't ever recall that a new president was somebody selected from outside the organization. This is a seismic change for the Federated/Macy's culture. I don't know who initiated the change, but it's pretty radical for Jeff Gennette to relinquish the title of president, even though he stays CEO. It could be the board, it could be major stockholders, it could be Jeff himself who unselfishly decided something much more radical is needed. Of course, we're all about Marshall Field's. Could they be equally radical about the future of State Street? Good radical? Bad radical?
Date: Mon, August 21, 2017, 23:51
Posted by: dave andrews,
So the strategy de jour at macy is a management shake-up:
https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/macy-poaches-ebay-exec-management-223203368.html
There should have been a shake-up years ago before one arrogant executive was allowed to destroy hundreds of popular department stores and terminate thousands of loyal employees. Clearly macy is only "rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic" while ignoring the obvious solution--give the shoppers what they want!
Date: Wed, August 16, 2017, 00:28
Posted by: dave andrews,
Another excellent analysis of the problems at macy written by Mark Cohen, who was CEO of the Lazarus stores based in Columbus, Ohio. Lazarus was a middle to better regional department store with a loyal following that was beloved by generations of shoppers. Sadly this iconic chain was converted to macy; the former Lazarus stores were among the biggest losers following the changeover.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcohen/2017/08/14/macys-continued-decline-no-surprise-macys-recovery-no-sure-thing/#191c2fa114e4
Mr Cohen calls out macy for their many "empty promises" and believes the initiatives proposed by the new CEO won't help the ailing retailer.
Date: Thurs, August 10, 2017, 17:33
Posted by: dave andrews,
Not a very positive outlook for macy:
I liked Mr Gennette's comment about analyzing the stores as if macy were building "from the ground up." If macy had entered a market and competed fairly instead of buying out other stores, perhaps their fortunes would be better. Online shopping has had a tremendous impact on brick and mortar, but shoppers are looking for an experience which macy certainly doesn't offer.
Date: Thurs, August 10, 2017, 16:51
Posted by: dave andrews,
In response to Jim's post:
So sales to tourists are down 9% at macy. Did the retailing genius perhaps think that once something is commonplace and can be found anywhere, it is no longer an attraction. By converting department stores across the nation to one lackluster brand, there is NO reason for tourists to seek out a store that can be found wherever. It is no longer anything special or any special attraction. Walgreen's is a good pharmacy, but I hardly think any tourists to Chicago will make it a "must see" on their itinerary.
I would bet that sales at the Herald Square macy are down, simply because it's no longer unique--just one of many.
Date: Thurs, August 10, 2017, 12:24
Posted by: Jim McKay,
UPDATE to my post from a few days ago about Macy's, Inc. Q2 2017 Conference Call.
The short of the call as far as we Field's Fans are concerned is there is nothing new to made public today, but marketing for the upper floors of State Street are "well underway" and they expect to report progress during the Q3 conference call in mid-November 2017. In general, no geographic area of stores did better or worse than others, but sales to tourists was down about 9% which is significant. State Street and Water Tower, along with Herald Square/34th St, NYC, Union Square, San Francisco, and others are the prime tourist stores. (My opinion is that they could report on State Street before November if they have big news or if word gets out somehow.)
Date: Mon, August 07, 2017, 18:21
Posted by: Michael D.,
In response to Bob W, I used to like the Frango liquors, especially the raspberry. Blended with vanilla ice cream delicious! Also used to like the Frango teabags, again raspberry with my favorite. Can you guess my favorite Frango candy flavor? 😁
Date: Mon, August 07, 2017, 18:20
Posted by: Bob W,
It will be interesting to see the Frango brand under Garrett's ownership. I hope they restore some of the Frango items that Macy's discontinued. The Ice cream topping was the best Chocolate-Mint ever and in the old days, the Frango mint Ice cream was a favorite.
Date: Mon, August 07, 2017, 18:20
Posted by: Michael D,
A nice article on Seattle department stores, including Frederick & Nelson's.
http://tendingourgardens.blogspot.com/2013/11/vintage-shopping-memories-in-seattles.html
Date: Mon, August 07, 2017, 18:19
Posted by: Michael D,
The 1988 movie, "Vice Versa" features scenes from State Street and Water Tower locations of Marshall Field's.
Date: Mon, August 07, 2017, 18:18
Posted by: Michael D,
The new book, "Iconic Chicago Dishes, Drinks and Desert" also features the recipe for Mrs. Herring's Chicken Pot Pie.
Date: Mon, August 07, 2017, 18:17
Posted by: Michael D,
The new book, "Iconic Chicago Dishes, Drinks and Desert" features the recipe for Frango Mint Chocolate Cheesecake.
Date: Mon, August 07, 2017, 18:16
Posted by: Tina N,
My Mom used 222 laundry detergent. She swore it was the best on the market at the time. She worked for Field's in the early to mid '50s and said the dry cleaning dept. laundered the customer's wedding gowns in 222 to prep them to be preserved.
Date: Mon, August 07, 2017, 18:15
Posted by: Steve G,
At the end we used 111 State as a house brand for contemporary casual mens and home items...
Date: Mon, August 07, 2017, 18:15
Posted by: Michael D,
Marshall Field's sold household cleaning supplies under the "222" co-branding. Why was it called "222"? It crossed my mind that it may it was a play on "111", the street number of the State Street store, but why did they pick 222 instead of 111?
Date: Mon, August 07, 2017, 18:08
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Just a reminder that Macy's, Inc. will be releasing their second quarter, 2017 results this Thursday, August 10, 2017. They will also hold an online conference call at 9 AM Chicago time. You can listen by following the links to investors information at http://www.macysinc.com.
PLEASE NOTE: for this morning, please refrain from making posts of a non-immediate nature until discussions of these immediate topics have been exhausted.
This is to promote our efforts to bring back Field's. Any such posts will be removed and re-posted later. It will be interesting to see if they discuss the sale of the upper floors at State Street--maybe there will be significant details explained or maybe it will just recapitulate in passing information we already heard a couple weeks ago.
And also, remember to help by posting your comments after Chicago Tribune articles--here isn't such a priority since you're speaking to the choir.
Date: Mon, July 31, 2017, 22:39
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
I mostly agree with stan, Bon ton is headed for chapter 7. They have huge debt and little assets. Out of almost 300 doors, they own about 30. However, I don't see anyone picking up carsons stores, all are b tier or worse. I could see them grabbing certain other stores such as the Boston store at west Towne in Madison or Younker's Des Moines locations at Jordan creek or valley west. All are in very healthy growing markets and desirable malls with middle to better tenants.Plus Macy's has no presence in Iowa.
Date: Wed, July 19, 2017, 18:45
Posted by: Stan,
Mikea: No No No No No No No. Then again maybe you are joking. No way Amazon would be interested in buying Bon Ton even just for real estate. B-tier malls. Only in the Great Plains, Upper Midwest, and small-town Northeast markets.
Belk is rumored to be one of those who kicked Bon Ton's tires.
What will probably happen is that Bon Ton will go Chapter 7. Maybe Macy's will pick up one or two decent Chicagoland locations that happen to be Bon Ton's best performers. Maybe Macy's will buy Bon Ton's credit card business too in an attempt to get customers lost with Field's.
Date: Tues, July 18, 2017, 14:03
Posted by: mikea,
Just read in Crain's Chicago that Bon-Ton's days may be numbered. Without making a profit in almost 7 years, keeping capital expeditures way low, analysts are expecting either a bankruptcy, closings many stores or liquidation. Heard that employees are expecting the worst. Also rumored there are interests from two sources in the company maybe Amazon is one.
Date: Wed, July 12, 2017, 20:14
Posted by: Philip Eichler ,
Jimmy, the Amazon Macy's rumor has been circulating in both retail and investment circles for months. The rumor is that amazon doesn't want Macy's, but it's real estate. The theory is that they would convert the stores into fulfilment centers with a showroom for select products. Makes sense, since brick and clicks retailers have an 80% plus conversion rate of an additional sale when someone orders on line and picks up in store. State street would not fit into this paradigm, so there may be hope!
Date: Wed, July 12, 2017, 13:20
Posted by: dave andrews,
A rather negative observation on the long term health of macy:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/macy-shares-gutted-more-bad-102504984.html
Closing stores and cutting back employees is NOT going to turn this around. Sears has been using this "strategy" which has proven to be an epic fail. Shopping is an emotional experience and brick-and-mortar stores must provide an "experience" to encourage shoppers to purchase merchandise; buying utilitarian items from a nondescript big box store or online is mundane task. The arrogant CEO who decided that shoppers would simply love macy and flock to the stores should be held accountable in large measure for this disaster. Had the CEO listened and "given the shoppers what they want," the situation might not have become so bleak.
Date: Wed, July 12, 2017, 13:06
Posted by: dave andrews,
Interesting observation that the macy rebranding might have been the beginning of the end for department stores:
http://wdwayfind.com/research/the-macys-effect/
Converting all the popular local brands and standardizing the merchandise didn't work out so well for macy. The CEO thought destroying the competition would force shoppers into buying at macy. What made the regional stores special was gone, and the country certainly didn't need a TJMaxx, Kohl's, JCPeney or Target wanna be! There are many other alternatives, and customers moved on.
Notice the picture of the extremely popular department store pictured in the article. Did the editors select Marshall Field's as a classic example of everything macy did wrong?
Date: Wed, July 05, 2017, 22:38
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels,
Oh me, oh my. Rumors are circulating that Amazon wants to buy Macy's. Some sources claim Amazon already made a bid. We live in a crazy world.
Date: Mon, July 03, 2017, 20:18
Posted by: gle,
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO FIELD'S FANS!
Date: Wed, June 28, 2017, 20:21
Posted by: gle,
GREAT PHOTOS FROM THE PRIDE PARADE! THANK YOU FOR SHARING.
Date: Mon, June 26, 2017, 22:19
Posted by: Marlena Myers,
Back in the 90's I frequently worked in the greater Chicago area. It was always my intent to venture over to a Marshall Fields store in the evenings. I recall the great merchandise, in which no one in Tennessee would duplicate, upon my return home. The service was special as they always wrapped my purchases in tissue, prior to bagging. Personal attention, that was genuine, is extremely hard to match in the greater Chicago area today.
Having a "go to place is greatly missed upon returning to Chicago. The thought of Marshall Fields returning is exciting, as I am hopeful this is possible!!
Date: Mon, June 26, 2017, 6:46 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Thanks to all who offered support, took photos and posed for photos at yesterdays Chicago Pride Parade. Special thanks to everyone past and present who had made this possible for the 11th year, especially Gail, Daniel, Alfred, Paul, Gayle, and many, many others.
Chicago wants Marshall Field's return more than ever.
The photos below or ones similar to them were also posted to our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Keep in mind that those who posed for the photos approached us about taking a photo. Because of increased security this year, we were only able to walk about 40% of the route, from Montrose/Broadway to Addison/Halsted with a couple of drop-in points beyond. We also walked on the sidewalk BEHIND the crowd--so 90% of the attendees were looking at parade and away from us. With those disadvantages, maybe 40 people approached us to be photographed for the photos you see below.
All photos (c) Copyright 2017 FieldsFansChicago & James McKay. All rights reserved. Permission for publication granted provided there is a photo credit.
Date: Sun, June 25, 2017, 11:08
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Just a reminder that today, as in past years (and until Field's returns) we'll be out along the route of today's Chicago Pride Parade today passing out "TIME TO BRING BACK MARSHALL FIELD'S" pin on buttons as well as bookmark flyers.
If you are trying to get a button, email jjmckay AT me
DOT com. Maybe we can meet up in the crowd. You can even carry a sign or pose for a photo.
Look for photos later on from the parade route. Thanks to all--many, many, past and present--who have made our efforts at the parade possible, especially John, Alfred, Gayle, Paul, Daniel, and always Gail.
BTW: Someone asked if Macy's was in this year's parade. According to the list of entrants, Macy's is not but Bloomingdale's is participating towards the end, Only 150 entrants/floats are allowed this year. It used to be unlimited with about 250 entries typically participating.
Below are photos from last year.
Scenes from the 2016
Chicago Pride ParadeSigns calling for the restoration of Marshall Field's were walked up and down the 2.5 mile parade route. While there were thousands of cheers, the following are among those who called us back to have their pic taken with our sign and say, more than ever, Chicago wants its Marshall Field's!
Our Blog was on hiatus from June 8-June 24, 2017.
Thank you for your support and patience.
It is back and running since June 25, 2017
Date: Wed, June 07, 2017, 13:19
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Macy's, Inc. had its annual analyst/investor day in NYC.
One can watch the entire 2-1/2 hour event by following the links from http://www.macysinc.com/investors (Adobe Flash player is required.)
IMHO, the most interesting part is with Doug Sesler, Macy's EVP of real estate, which starts at about 1 hour, 6 minutes into the presentation.
A few interesting tidbits (be sure to check out the video replay for the actual words and context rather than my interpretation):
First (and not in order of the presentation): We're all most interested in what will happen at State Street. Mr. Sesler says the "marketing for sale the upper portion of our Chicago State asset which we hope will be a very interesting transaction--more (information) to come on that." (That's at about 1:15 into the presentation).
* Macy's has 72% of their stores in A-class/A-rated malls. JCP has only 44% of their stores in A-class malls.
* Sesler explains the many options and ways they are approaching utilizing Macy's real estate--from major redevelopment or simply leasing a small portion of a Macy's parking lot for use as an outlots for a small business or even carving out a small corner of a store for a Starbucks. (It made me think of Woodfield and Wabash/Randolph at State Street).
* New term I've not heard before: VCO = Value Creation Opportunity
* 50 stores (not including flagships) identified as VCOs -- that might have a some or a lot of redevelopment. Brookfield has exclusive rights to develop VCOs for 18-24 months.
* Some redevelopment options include a building retail flanking, "bolted on," or adjacent to entrances. This is referred to as a "Wrap and Hug" or Outparcel development. (Explained at about 1:13 into the meeting.)
* Other redevelopment involves utilizing excess land like excess parking space. Parking space requirements are less today than they were 30-40 years ago when a number of Macy's locations were built. The excess parking space can be sold or subleased for redevelopment. (My example--not Macy's :take a big parking lot for a Macy's and use the section by the highway, farthest away from the store for an Olive Garden. If you live in Chicago, you may know that this is what Kmart did at the opposite end of their lot at the Addison & Kennedy store.)
* Macy's got $250 million for the Union Square Men's store (at one point it was Liberty House) or about $1,000 a square foot. The main Union Sqaure store is about 933,800 sq ft. Mr. Sesler explains that they want to create about 10,000 sq feet of small shops facing Union Square. (My comparison is that the total square footage is about the size of an average Walgreens.) He gives an extended discussion of how Macy's construction resolved some unique site issues. That would be very interesting to some of you, I think.
* Plans to make more space at Herald Square. One interesting concept (please note, a concept--NOT a plan or by any means a done deal or "go plan") is adding a roof top terrance to the top of the store to draw people to the upper floors and then have potential customers trickle down from the upper floors.
* Herald Square is the 4th most visited tourist attraction in NYC and also part of the hot Hudson Yard development area.
Again, the section on the real estates contains lots of images and plans which I think you will find interesting. I'd post the images but, besides being copyrighted, they are better understood if you listen to Mr. Sesler's If you can only watch the real estate part, it's about 15 minutes of 2-1/2 hours starting at around 1:06:00
Date: Mon, June 05, 2017, 15:23
Posted by: dave andrews,
Another article about the debacle at macy. The pictures tell the story.
I think JCPenney might have a better chance to turn things around; the newly installed appliance department may draw former Sears shoppers and most JCP stores offer services not available at macy (hair salons, for example). Perhaps this particular JCP store is a bad example because many of their locations are attractive and well merchandised. On the other hand, most of the macy stores I've visited still look just like they did when run by their predecessors--only more worn down, messy and stocked with uninspired merchandise.
Again, there is no compelling reason to shop at macy. Younger shoppers who may not have experienced the well maintained, operated and merchandised iconic regional department stores just view macy as a larger but run down version of TJMaxx or Marshalls. Surely the new CEO has seen how poorly organized and uninviting the macy stores are; surely he could hire more staff to maintain the store.
Date: Sat, May 27, 2017, 23:31
Posted by: dave andrews,
Perhaps people held hope that the new CEO would have a vision for the future of macy. Apparently not:
So being "inspired" by the history of the Red Star is the basis for innovation and reinvigorating the rapidly declining department stores? The problem started when the previous CEO decided to remove all vestiges of the iconic regional department stores and slap Red Stars everywhere. Didn't work 10 years ago, so what makes him think it will work this time?
Give the shoppers what they want--and it ISN'T Red Stars!
Date: Sat, May 27, 2017, 23:20
Posted by: dave andrews,
Analysts warn that upscale footwear maker UGG would make a "dangerous" mistake by selling their products at macy:
UGG is currently sold at better stores like Von Maur, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor--stocking their merchandise at macy discount stores would do nothing to enhance the brand's value; in fact, some of the nicer retailers would probably drop UGG since it was being sold at macy.
UGG would have hit a home run by associating with Marshall Field and other iconic regional department stores, but would definitely strike out by affiliating with macy.
Date: Fri, May 19, 2017, 19:14
Posted by: gle,
Thank you for your post, Jim, and thanks to you (and others) who have made the trip EVERY YEAR to Macy's shareholder meeting to petition for a return of our Marshall Field's! There are many rooting for you and Field's.
Date: Fri, May 19, 2017, 16:16
Posted by: Matt M,
Great to hear! Hopefully it resonates well with them and they don't ruin floors 8 and below!
Date: Fri, May 19, 2017, 16:15
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Timothy:
Thanks for your kind words. I'm not so sure I did a great job but at any rate please someone brought it up this year again.
Matt:
Let me start by explaining my approach. First, since the discussion was a lot about how Macy's had a poor year, I did open by pointing out that pretty much every retailer--except Amazon--had a poor year. With that in mind, I said that Macy's is going to survive JCPenney and Sears among others more questionable. Macy's will do relatively well in the long run. Yes, they do need to close stores --everybody does with retail as it is today. And then I pointed out that State Street been trying to market the upper floors for decades. And it might be needed to do that. But the only way that would be successful is if they brought back Marshall Fields. Otherwise it will look like they're just shrinking the store more and more and more. That what was once Marshall Fields is getting more more removed and diminished. I then explained how we had hundreds of photos with hundreds of people posing from last holiday season with sign supporting Marshall Field's as well as Selfridge's. I closed with something like, "I know you people keep saying no. However, as we been saying under the clock this past year, if the Cubs can Win the World Series, then it's a no-brainer for Marshall Fields to come back because it always was a winner. It would be a complete piece of cake for Macy's. "
So how was it received?
Jeff Gennete said that there's no way they would bring back the Marshall Fields name but they are going to try do something with the upper floors and I think it will happen soon. Moreover Jeff, et al is looking forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of the mechanical motorized windows Christmas this holiday season. That will be the theme. The 50th anniversary of animated windows.
So to me, that is the bottom line is terms of a reaction. Now some secondary reactions are as follows:
The audience applauded after I spoke, but I think it was more because I said that I think Macy's would survive where JCPenney and Sears would not. That's just my opinion maybe I'm too cynical. The other thing was that Jeff came up to me afterwards in the audience--it surprised me. And spoke with me, thanking me for the speech with a handshake. I could go on but I'll leave it at that for now...
I'm having a little bit of my problems and I'm using a phone to post this, so please forgive the typos and grammatical errors let alone any accidental mistake and words. Thank you.
-----
Jeff, in his speech also brought up a brief history of Mr. Macy. So I brought up the part about Marshall Field as a counterpoint. (Only get less than three minutes. It goes so fast)
Date: Fri, May 19, 2017, 16:13
Posted by: Matt M,
How did it go? Did they seem receptive?
Date: Fri, May 19, 2017, 16:11
Posted by: Matt M,
How did it go? Did they seem receptive?
Date: Fri, May 19, 2017, 16:10
Posted by: Timothy E,
Wish I could have been there... :)
(Way to represent.)
Date: Fri, May 19, 2017, 16:09
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Field'sFans were down at Macy's corporate headquarters for the annual stockholders meeting in Cincinnati today again making a plea for the return of the world's greatest retailer. After the meeting, I was joined by Frank Farmer Loomis of Cincinnati, and Bernice (88 don't tell her I told you) of Chicago for some photos I will post later this weekend.
So as I mentioned, today was the annual stockholders meeting for Macy's Incorporated. Admittedly, I have a bad bout of bronchitis and fever so I'm not sure I did such a great job at speaking as pitbull I should've been, but I did the best I could to represent our views that Marshall Fields should and must come back to maximize Macy's, Inc. stockholder value. I'll report more when I am in better shape. Thank you for your support. And thanks to John, Frank, Gayle,Gail, Daniel, Paul, Darrid, Gloria, Alfred, and so many others who have made this activity possible in one way or another during the past decade.
Jim
Date: Sat, May 13, 2017, 14:54
Posted by: Robert Hanson,
In response to Joan GreeneThere's a book called State street one brick at a time. And the quotes from Lucy and Desi, Kathy Bates,Julia Child..etc are printed in that book with the date of their visit. I remember those quotes they were painted in green in the archive section on the seventh floor on the wall between the men's restroom and women's restroom. I guess macy's didn't want people to see that.
Date: Sat, May 13, 2017, 10:12
Posted by: Michael D,
Joan Greene:
Are you sure it was 2 and not 7?
I remember quotes as part of the archive on 7.
Date: Sat, May 13, 2017, 10:10
Posted by: Joan Greene,
Hi, I am looking for a photo of the wall of quotes that was on the 2nd Floor just out of the museum section of Marshall Fields.
They were lines from notes that had been sent to Field's from famous people over the years about shopping at Field's.
Thanks,
Joan Greene
joangreenedesign AT live.com
Date: Sat, May 13, 2017, 10:08
Posted by: Debra Ann B,
And now their new head guy wants to compete with discount chains. ????? Where do they find such incompetence?
Date: Sat, May 13, 2017, 10:07
Posted by: Jeanie W,
Regarding the WaPo article from Dave.
"It's crowded , it's messy, and the service is poor".
Their strategy is a race to the bottom. How very sad. It's heartbreaking.
Date: Fri, May 12, 2017, 20:06
Posted by: dave andrews,
A scathing analysis of the problems confronting macy, with no positive outlook for a quick turnaround:
Clearly there is no compelling reason to shop at macy stores. Anything unique or special offered by the popular regional department stores was crushed by the red star. The blame for this debacle falls directly on the "genius" who stubbornly and arrogantly ignored the needs and wants of shoppers--to the peril of the macy organization. Since there is so much concern about "unlocking shareholder value," bring back what was so foolishly thrown away--before it's too late.
Date: Thurs, May 11, 2017, 18:12
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Regarding the Wall Street Journal story, no one asked if Macy's was dead.
Does bringing it up mean it's a possibility?
Probably the weakest Macy's conference call in all the 8-9 years that I have been listening.
Date: Thurs, May 11, 2017, 18:12
Posted by: Gabriel M,
Macy's owns the Marshall Field's brand. They could bring it back exclusively to State Street. However, they are too arrogant to admit they made a mistake by getting rid of it in the first place. Shoppers did not embrace the Macy name as a national brand.
Date: Thurs, May 11, 2017, 18:11
Posted by: Michael R.,
�Don�t count us out, we�re not dead,� Karen Hoguet, Macy�s chief financial officer, said in an interview. The company is rolling out several initiatives that it expects to lift sales, including reconfigured shoe and fine-jewelry departments."
Amid Retail Funk, Macy�s Says �We�re Not Dead�
Profit, sales decline at department-store chain ahead of other earnings reports in beleaguered retail sector
https://www.wsj.com/articles/macys-continues-to-feel-the-retail-pinch-1494506154?mod=e2fb
Date: Thurs, May 11, 2017, 18:10
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Based on the conference call, it hear the CFO and CEO of Macy's, Karen Hoguet and Jeff Genntee, are very focused on listening to their customers and the shoes revamp is also a big part of what they see as heading in the right direction.
IMHO: If they listened to their customers they's know they have many who want their exclusive brand, Marshall Field's.
Date: Thurs, May 11, 2017, 18:08
Posted by: Michael D,
Just finished listening to Macy's earnings call. Other than a brief sentence in the CFOs opening comments, no mention of State Street. Same story, selling upper floors reinvesting some of the cash to make remaining store more exciting.
Date: Thurs, May 11, 2017, 18:08
Posted by: Jim McKay,
All major department stores are down today, but Macy's and Dillards are down the most. Down 17%. That's about $5 per share to around $24.30 today.
(BTW: It should be noted that Bon-Ton's CEO, Kathryn Buffano, is retiring in August. Not a good sign for them. Buffano is very positive on keeping local name plates and even loathes the loss of Marshall Field's
Date: Thurs, May 11, 2017, 15:14
Posted by: dave andrews,
TOO FUNNY! Tailored Brands/Men's Wearhouse will benefit by breaking off their relationship with macy:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/men-wearhouse-parent-tailored-brands-110752427.html
Evidently the off price, discount demographic that shops at macy isn't interested in formal attire.
Date: Thurs, May 11, 2017, 13:53
Posted by: dave andrews,
I just read through Jim's summary of the macy CFO report. It seems as though the news would be much worse if macy hadn't made money by selling off properties, and their long term plans include selling or leasing off more properties. This financial game is familiar what happened at Sears--sell off the properties to keep the doors open but do NOTHING to address the core problems.
Also interesting is that business is off at the "flagship" locations, and it's not just the international tourists who aren't shopping. My buddy and I were recently in Philadelphia; we visited the former John Wanamaker store which is now unfortunately a macy. We enjoyed the beautiful John Burnham designed Grand Court and Wanamaker organ, BUT we didn't purchase anything because it's the same merchandise we could get back home. My buddy wanted to buy a gift for his wife but said macy is nothing special since they're everywhere; he stated a gift from macy would be about as unique as buying something at CVS.
Date: Thurs, May 11, 2017, 13:39
Posted by: dave andrews,
This analysis suggests that going discount might not be a sure fire success for macy:
https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/05/10/can-an-off-price-strategy-help-macys-inc-steal-sho.aspx
The off price strategy will further cheapen the macy brand and confuse shoppers.
Date: Thurs, May 11, 2017, 10:33
Posted by: Aaron M,
In response to self-service shoes being expanded, remember that Payless is not doing well these days!
Date: Thurs, May 11, 2017, 10:32
Posted by: Jim McKay,
The following is not a transcript but my understanding/ interpretation by listening via the link at http://www.macysinc.com Karen Hoguet (CFO) and Jeff Gennette (CEO) are both present. Lungren wasn't always present. Please check the transcripts and official re-broadcast for accurate info, not my post.
Real Estate:
--Just a mention that the upper floors of State Street are being actively marketed.
--They just announced that the Seattle flagship will be reduced further from the downsizing of 2015 (floors 5-8 sold then; now Macy's will operate on the lower three floors which I think means floors 3 & 4 will also be sold or redeveloped.
--They received
$37M$47M as part of the redevelopment of the Dayton's flagship.--They received $9M as part of the redevelopment and reimagining of Downtown Brooklyn, the former Abraham and Straus Flagship.
--Still working with Brookfield to market/sublease space in 50 other locations.
Transactions declined by over 7%. Southwest area performed best; the northeast performed the least. (IMHO, they did have winter with lots of snow there, unlike in Chicago.) Bloomingdales's had similar numbers to Macy's, Bluemercury did well. Proceeds from selling Union Square Men's store will be equate to about 47� a share if I heard correctly.
International tourism declined at the same level as domestic sales. (For us that means stores like State Street, NYC/34th St/ Herarld Square, and San Francisco/Union Square did no better nor any worse than typical stores.)
Gross margins were 38%, worse than last year. Weak sales in Feb. (more in comments below...add you own too, please.)
End of my comments on the CFO's report
Jeff Gennette says that they will have another June 6 investor meeting. Deets aren't clear as to who can attend.
Still listening and will comment more....
Date: Thurs, May 11, 2017, 10:30
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Clearly running State Street is not part of their long-term business model. They need to sell it so they can focus on being a TJ Maxx competitor. The maximum value of the store be obtained by selling to another retailer who knows how to run it as a first rate department store.
Date: Thurs, May 11, 2017, 10:30
Posted by: Aaron M,
"Shortly after starting in his new role, Gennette said he wants to make Macy's more of a competitor with off-price chains, by bringing a model similar to that of Ross Stores or TJ Maxx into traditional malls."
Meh ...
Date: Thurs, May 11, 2017, 10:30
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Macy's sales for the first quarter down, at one point, stock was off by 12% this morning
Macy's shares plunge after huge earnings, sales miss; shows recovery a long way off
Macy's reported adjusted EPS of 24 cents vs. an estimate of 35 cents, according to Thomson Reuters.
Revenue came in at $5.34 billion for the first quarter, missing an estimate of $5.47 billion, according to analysts.
Same-store sales fell 4.6 percent, more than the forecast 2.7 percent drop, according to FactSet.
http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/11/macys-reports-first-quarter-earnings.html
Date: Thurs, May 11, 2017, 08:10
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Just a reminder that Macy's, Inc. will be releasing their first quarter, 2017 results today. They will also hold an online conference call at 9 AM Chicago time. You can listen by following the links to investors information at http://www.macysinc.com. PLEASE NOTE: for this morning, please refrain from posting historic photos and other posts of a non-immediate nature until discussions of these immediate topics have been exhausted. This is to promote our efforts to bring back Field's. Any such posts will be removed and re-posted later. No doubt they will discuss the sale of the upper floors at State Street--maybe there will be significant details explained or maybe it will just recapitulate in passing information we already heard a couple weeks ago. And also, remember to help my posting your comments after Chicago Tribune article's--here isn't such a priority since you're speaking to the choir.
Date: Wed, May 10, 2017, 20:48
Posted by: From Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune:"Frangos, Sears Tower and now WGN � when local isn't so local anymore"
Mary SchmichContact Reporter
First, they took our Frangos.
Now they've come for WGN.
Continues...
Date: Tues, May 09, 2017, 17:57
Posted by: Jim McKay,
"More gloom for department stores"Crains Chicago Business:
May 09, 2017
Comments Email Print
By ALBY GALLUN
"The decline underscores the struggles of department store chains like Sears, JCPenney and Macy's, which are trying to stay relevant..." Continues at...
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20170509/CRED03/170509828/more-gloom-for-department-stores
From Comments:
"If Macy's again made only their State Street store a one-of-a-kind destination under the Marshall Field's brand and ethos, it would give people even more reason to shop there as opposed to their local Macy's, Penney's, etc back home. Moreover, with many facets of food courts and the bargain basement/off price store pioneered over 100 years ago at State Street as Field's, they would have another reason to be a national and international destination. Macy's needs to prune the ordinary stores and make the most of their unique advantages. Running just the State Street store as Marshall Field's as a sort of retail theme experience is an asset that Macy's is neglecting by continuing to run the store as Macy's. State Street does well, apparently, but it could do so much more."
Date: Tues, May 09, 2017, 08:33
Posted by: David Aharon Lindsay [no email address],
As a student of Napoleon Hill's Law of Success Philosophy, I commend the efforts of those in Chicago, who are working to restore the damage done by the uncalled for removal of the Marshall Field's from his stores under the Macy group ownership. To quote from Napoleon Hill's LAW OF SUCCESS of 1928:
regarding the Great Chicago Fire of the 19th Century:
After the Chicago fire, scores of merchants whose stores went
up in smoke stood near the smoldering embers of their former places
of business, grieving over their loss. Many of them decided to go
away into other cities and start over again. In the group was Marshall
Field, who saw, in his own imagination, the world's greatest retail
store, standing on the same spot where his former store had stood,
which was then but a ruined mass of smoking timbers. That store
became a reality.
Marshall Field says: You see that fire: I will build my store on the very ashes of the first NO MATTER HOW MANY Times it may burn down. Macy's put their own name on it and sales went plummeting. Marshall Field's lifetime ideas of service can not be matched anywhere else. Please keep his name alive in the 21st Century and beyond.
Date: Fri, May 05, 2017, 11:58
Posted by: JamesFrom WI,
Hello Everyone. I had a favor if anyone could help. Marshall Field's in 2004 or perhaps 2005 had published a bridal guide. It had I believe on the cover a woman in a gown outdoors facing one of the windows of the store in the evening with dramatic lighting. It was a really beautiful catalog with great photography and layout featuring "how to"s" on dining, kitchen and entertaining ideas. I had a copy in PDF form yet someone I lost it. I was wondering if anyone had a copy in PDF that they could send me. I tried to find it on the web but it doesn't seem to exist. I'd really appreciate it.
Date: Thurs, May 04, 2017, 21:40
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
Another Macy's flop. Tailored brands (men's warehouse) is closing all of its tuxedo rental shops in Macy's stores less than two years after starting the partnership. They hemorrhaged money.Guess the average low end Macy's shopper doesn't bother with a wedding tux, and I'm sure that shopper doesn't own a tux. But Macy's continues its March into low end oblivion.
The retail landscape has changed radically over the last few years, many things are beyond Macy's control. I have to believe fields state street would have weathered the changes, as it was a beloved destination.
Date: Mon, May 01, 2017, 19:21
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Another story. This time it's from Cincinnati's business journal of record. It covers Macy's quite closely since it is one of Cincinnati's largest employers. A special notice in the Cincinnati article is a reference to activists (i.e. people like us) would like to bring back Marshall Field's. Of course, I, for one, will speak at the conclusion of the Macy's annual meeting of stockholders on Friday, May 19 in Cincinnati to express our view that operating State Street as Marshall Field's is the highest and best use.
Macy's officially selling its Chicago flagship - Cincinnati Business Courier
Cincinnati-based retailer Macy's Inc. is selling at least a portion of its downtown Chicago flagship store, the iconic former Marshall Field's.
BIZJOURNALS.COM
Date: Mon, May 01, 2017, 18:18
Posted by: Susan C,
Macy's is selling the upper floors of its flagship State Street store
There's a big sale happening at Macy's flagship right now, but it's not the kind that will save you any extra money on a new outfit. After closing 68 stores across the nation earlier this year, the retail chain is looking for new sources of revenue, so it's putting the top seven floors of the historic Marshall Field and Company Building on the market. According to the Chicago Tribune, 700,000 square feet of prime Loop real estate is being shopped to "potential buyers or joint venture partners," which could result in as much as $130 million for Macy's.
In the face of falling sales and the continued rise of online shopping, Macy's representatives have frequently mentioned the possibility of redeveloping its flagship stores over the past few years. Macy's spokeswoman Andrea Schwartz told the Tribune that the company is "still working on a plan for a downsized Macy's State Street store," while noting that the retailer intends to "keep the tradition of the Walnut Room."
Opened in 1907 in what was then...
Continues at
Date: Mon, May 01, 2017, 14:27
Posted by: Bob W,
In Philadelphia the Grand Courtyard and area's where the Wanamaker pipe organ Chambers are located are still part of Macy's. The interior of State St, light wells and Tiffany dome, column capitals etc are protected.
Date: Mon, May 01, 2017, 13:04
Posted by: Aaron M.,
Confirming North Wabash has employee elevators to all floors. Elevators facing the South State section also have employee elevators to all floors.
Date: Mon, May 01, 2017, 11:01
Posted by: Timothy E.,
South State, and North Wabash, as best I recall.
Date: Mon, May 01, 2017, 15:25
Posted by: Jack K,
Better not include the center space on 8&9. It would be even more of a travesty to lower the ceiling and open space there.
Anyone know/remember which bank of elevators run to 14?
That will dictate where the entrance for the upper floors will be. Otherwise really $$$
Date: Mon, May 01, 2017, 10:52
Posted by: Michael D,
Agreed. But Macy has shown in the past it's stupidity in treating it's Marshall Field heritage, starting with eliminating the brand.
Date: Mon, May 01, 2017, 10:49
Posted by: Tina T,
The Walnut Room is iconic! They'd better not touch it. It's the one thing that draws potential customers to their store.
Date: Mon, May 01, 2017, 10:35
Posted by: Michael D,
A little good news, if you can trust what Macy's says.
--------
Macy's To Keep Walnut Room on State Street Despite Loop Flagship Sale
By David Matthews | May 1, 2017 6:21am | Updated May 1, 2017 8:27am
@DavidLMatthews
THE LOOP � Macy's will keep its famed Walnut Room despite the future redevelopment of the former Marshall Field's store on State Street.
Macy's will officially list the eighth through 14th floors of the historic department store at 111 N. State St. for sale to developers, Macy's spokeswoman Andrea Schwartz said in an email.
Such a sale wouldn't affect the Walnut Room restaurant, which has been a fixture on the seventh floor of the Macy's, ne� Marshall Field's, store since 1907.
Macy's is closing stores throughout the country, and the chain told....
Continues...
Date: Mon, May 01, 2017, 00:50
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
I would not to be quick lumping state street with stores like Pittsburgh and Minneapolis. State street is one of 3 top doors. When the top 150 was released last year, the Minneapolis store was not even on the list. Plus, as I posted previously, Macy's dumped Minneapolis because it was loaded with asbestos. That would account for its cheap sale price of $59.00 per square foot. State street may have deferred maintenance, but it is a relatively modern store in a historic building, unlike these other properties.
Date: Sun, April 30, 2017, 23:17
Posted by: Virginia,
After all the stores Macy's has been closing across the US, I guess it was only a matter of time that they tried to do something with the upper floors at State Street. I hope this allows the rest of the store to remain open for many generations to come. I hope there's a protest rally if they start going below floor 9.
Date: Sun, April 30, 2017, 01:04
Posted by: mikea,
It is hard to imagine what is happening now in2017 compared t the 80's when all of the great stores, Gimbels, Macy's hudson' Dayton's, Kaufman's, Famous Barr, bullock.s Broadway, Hecht's Ivey;s Gayfers, etc werea round. The discount chains and especially the cancer of all retail AMAZon killed the shopping experience.
Date: Sat, April 29, 2017, 19:19
Posted by: dave andrews,
Don't breathe a sigh of relief quite yet, Chicago! The management at macy is just blowing smoke--this is the same thing they said in Pittsburgh and Minneapolis. Oh, we're just gonna downsize to make the store "productive" and we definitely want to maintain a presence here. Once the initial announcement has been made, various options will be proposed then a buyer will appear who wants to purchase the entire building and macy will bail out.
I previously posted a link to a Business Insider article on how macy is transitioning to a discount operation. Their flagship store is a disgraceful mess and macy is going even further downmarket to compete with TJMaxx and Marshall's.
They are NOT interested in maintaining a vintage building and paying high city taxes. Has the Field's building has become rundown and worn? They will say it's cost prohibitive to bring it up to current standards. macy is following the same path as Sears--invest nothing in the stores, stock lower quality merchandise, sell off the assets to keep the stores afloat, cut staff and services, announce various turn around strategies. Everything EXCEPT giving shoppers what they want.
Date: Sat, April 29, 2017, 12:28
Posted by: gle,
I heard the announcement on WBBM Radio last night. While Landmark status protects many traditional aspects that Field's fans hold dear, I certainly hope someone worthy gets those upper floors. This is a nailbiter like when the CUBS played World Series last fall, but THEY came back. Let's hope Field's can come back!
Date: Sat, April 29, 2017, 02:14
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
The cast iron stairs, the first floor column capitals, the Tiffany ceiling, v the walnut room are all protected chicago landmarks. They cannot be compromised.Remember Macy's wanted to put big signs on the top of the store and landmarks said no. Parts of Field�s can never be compromised.
.
Date: Sat, April 29, 2017, 01:12
Posted by: Eric B.,
The just-announced downsizing of State Street doesn't seem so extreme in comparison with how Macy's has decimated flagship-caliber stores in other cities. The furniture, rugs, etc. can certainly be moved elsewhere. But we should be concerned about two historic features of the 8th floor that might now be in limbo. First, the viewing gallery overlooking the Walnut Room atrium, together with elevator/escalator access, may be compromised. Viewing the Great Tree from above is a part of the Walnut Room tradition, and eliminating this feature would be painful.
Second is the spectacular grand staircase with gilded ceiling between the 8th and 9th floors on the Washington Street side. Dating to 1907, this element was beautifully restored in the 1990s. I'm unsure of its original purpose, but what a splendid setting for fashion photography back in its day.
Date: Fri, April 28, 2017, 21:28
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
Whew, I feel like we dodged a bullet. It could have been way worse. Since state street is one of their top 3 doors, it made no sense to me to compromise it.Macy's abandoned the interior and fine furniture business, so 8 doesn't have a purpose, 6 is highly compromised since Macy's doesn't sell fine China or crystal, so that floor could be folded into the housewares in the first basement.Smartest thing was to not cut off food service on seven from the store. And after closing food service in former Field's stores, the new ceo is talking about bringing dining experiences into the stores. Moron.
Date: Fri, April 28, 2017, 20:19
Posted by: Timothy E,
I won't even begin to open my mouth, because what I might have to say would be entirely unbecoming and beneath the dignity of Field's....
Date: Fri, April 28, 2017, 19:53
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Reporters seeking contact with us may call or text me at 312.927.4424
Jim McKay
Wemaster
Co-organizer, FieldsFansChicago.org
Date: Fri, April 28, 2017, 19:52
Posted by: Jim McKay,
I will concur with Michael Dannhauser.
It could be much worse. Also, keep in mind they have been shopping floors nine and higher for different uses for at least 20 years. And, as the Trib pointed out, they will have to take one of the rooms on the main floor and upwards above it to get people to the upper floors. Based on the way elevators are currently laid out, I suspect that would probably be middle Wabash. (South Wabash, the section that Harry Selfridge was involved with for 1893, does not go all the way to the top floors, although it could.) There's some other factors which, if they don't move the Walnut room or take over some significant parts of floor 8, won't make this such a bad thing. At the same time we still want to get Marshall Fields back. As usual, I plan to go to the stockholders meeting in three weeks. Can youy come with me? If you are a Chicago Tribune subscriber, please write a letter to the editor.
Date: Fri, April 28, 2017, 19:52
Posted by: Michael D,
As hurtful as this is, only 8 is currently used for retail, so it could have been much worse. Still sad.
Date: Fri, April 28, 2017, 19:51
Posted by: Roberta M.,
Wow. I literally have no words.
My Grandma worked in the Employee Cafeteria at Fields for years (I have her retirement certificate). She would be disgusted as am I. 😢
Date: Fri, April 28, 2017, 19:51
Posted by: Matt M,
They had better tread lightly. And Furniture is on eight, too! Hmm.
Date: Fri, April 28, 2017, 19:50
Posted by: Susan C.,
What a sad day. I really hate Macy's more than I hate Dayton Hudson's.
Date: Fri, April 28, 2017, 19:50
Posted by: Jennifer A.,
I loathe the M-word even more now.
Date: Fri, April 28, 2017, 19:49
Posted by: Jack Kenney,
What a sad day.
Macy's puts State Street flagship up for sale � at least, top half of it
Macy's Loop flagship is for sale � or, to be more precise, the top half of the building is available to potential buyers or joint venture partners.
Date: Mon, April 24, 2017, 22:05
Posted by: dave andrews,
Well, folks--the retail genius has accomplished his dream of dismantling America's iconic department stores (like Field's, Lazarus, Burdine's, Kaufmanns and other market leaders) and creating a chain of discount outlets to compete with TJMaxx and Marshall's. For those who study retail history, trying to beat an established retailer at their own game can have disastrous results; remember what happened when Kmart tried to beat Walmart on lowest price. That ill conceived decision was a big part of Kmart's epic fail. Surely the board at macy can't believe that going discount will save the day.
Clearly macy has no sense of direction or purpose. Let's take over and make the stores all the same--because EVERYONE just loves New York and is thrilled by "the magic of macy." Now let's localize the assortment. There are too many coupons. How about a weekly One Day Sale with the lowest prices of the season. How about we bring better merchandise to our "top doors." Now the new guy wants to add eateries to the stores--after the great one closed most of them. Let's sell off assets to make the shareholders happy (that really worked out great at Sears). Let's cut the staff to save money. How about putting deep mark down clearance merchandise right next to the newest arrivals. Let's bring in stuff we don't normally carry and offer it in a special area. How about closing loads of stores to make ourselves even MORE irrelevant to shoppers.
It's hard to imagine how the board allowed him to spin aimlessly while the stores continued to lose market share. The past few years at macy have truly been a "comedy of errors."
Business Insider visited the "flagship" macy store in New York. If this is their best, macy is definitely on its way out!
Date: Tues, April 18, 2017, 01:08
Posted by: Eric B.,
The Chicago History Museum, in cooperation with Getty Images, posted a number of historic photos of Marshall Field & Co. online. Prints may be ordered for non-commercial use. Here is the link:
The photos appear in random order. The most practical way to view these is to scroll through all 23 pages, one at a time. Photos of other Field's stores and warehouses are included in the mix. Most of the photos date to the 1940s.
These images are - in one word - incredible. They depict the State Street flagship as it then appeared - gorgeous and immaculate. All merchandise displays were neat as a pin; aisles were not crammed with tables and racks, and garments were not piled helter-skelter as in Macy�s stores of today.
Regrettably, this set of photos appears incomplete; views of several areas within the flagship store are absent. But you will find photos of office and work areas seldom seen by the general public (and did you know that Field's once had a gun department?).
Sadly, much of the building's original interior apparent in these photos was obliterated through subsequent remodelings. And now, we are apprehensive about just how Macy�s intends to "repurpose" portions of the building to accommodate new tenants. Landmark protection? Don't bet on it.
Does Macy�s need to downsize this venerable flagship store and emulate TJ Maxx's business model in order to survive? Heck, no! State Street is already saturated with discount stores renowned for banal merchandise, central checkouts, and zero customer service. What State Street DOES need is a unique, upscale, world-class store, one that functions as a magnet to draw in tourists and local shoppers who might otherwise have no reason to shop downtown. In other words, we need our Marshall Field�s back.
We observe that luxury retailers including Selfridge's, Bergdorf-Goodman and (closer to home) Von Maur and Nordstrom are currently outperforming Macy�s and other major discount chains. The merchandise quality and luxurious ambience of the aforementioned stores are truly closer to Marshall Field & Co. as depicted in the 1940s photos than to any Macy's stores of today.
Date: Mon, April 17, 2017, 16:05
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Fox32 accidentally let folks slip a peek at their new news set coming later this month. The Great Marshall Field's Clock is shown in the background. Channel 9 news also features the Great Clock in its rotation of background images. It's unclear if the clock image will be a stationary image or part of a number of images on rotation. And oh yes, the clock is historic because of Marshall Field's--not Macy's.
Date: Fri, April 14, 2017, 19:09
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
I worked downtown during the "Great Chicago Flood." I remember busy State Street suddenly transformed into a ghost town, with just a few curious people wandering about. The stillness reminded me of photos from after the Chicago Fire. Field's windows appeared suspended in time, with perky pastel-covered mannequins and "Fling into Spring" signs--oblivious to what was going on outside the windows. Field's soon added mops to the hands of the mannequins. A machine with large hoses pumped water from the north driveway of the building for several days. Filene's around the corner had a similar contraption. The buildings made me think of people in an emergency room all hooked up to tubes. I remember orange metal boxes labeled "aggreco" laying all over outside the store. Eventually life returned to normal and Field's again opened for business. Everyone was relieved.
Date: Fri, April 14, 2017, 00:46
Posted by: Stephen F,
Field's Santa since 1980, Jim Roetheli, passes away
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/obituaries/ct-jim-roetheli-obituary-20170413-story.html
Date: Thurs, April 13, 2017, 20:14
Posted by: Jim ,
Ha! I didn't even know that was out there.
Date: Thurs, April 13, 2017, 20:14
Posted by: Chris R.,
Fun photo I found [in the Chicago Tribune Archives from 11/25/2017].
Return to Marshall Field's
Jim McKay holds signs with Marshall Field's logo in front of Macy's store on State Street in Chicago on Nov. 25, 2016.
CHICAGOTRIBUNE.COM
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-black25-ct0044852120-20161125-photo.html
Date: Thurs, April 13, 2017, 20:12
Posted by: Claire O.,
There's a Field's Chicago Flood Commemorative shirt that Jeanne mentioned on eBay right now for $60!
Date: Thurs, April 13, 2017, 20:10
Posted by: Jeanne S,
I read a recent article that the State Street store was only closed for a week because of the Great Flood of 1992, but I think it was longer like 2 or 3 weeks, it sure seemed like forever!
A year later, Field's gave out T-shirts commemorating the flood. I didn't work there, but they must have had signs up in the store that they were going to give a limited number of these away and I was there when they opened and got one.
Date: Thurs, April 13, 2017, 20:08
Posted by: Susan C.,
I cannot believe 25 years have past. I worked in luggage in the basement when the flood hit. The smell for months afterward was awful.
When the store reopened I got sick from the smell and went outside to the State and Randolph corner for fresh air. Linda Yu from Channel 7 was out there and approached me to ask questions. When I told her what was wrong she left me alone.
On the first anniversary of the flood the store had a little party for the employee's in the 3rd basement. The display people painted the doors to look like your were looking out a window of a ship under water. For refreshments we had blue punch and fish cookies. The employee's were also give a commemorative t-shirt. I still have mine somewhere.
Date: Thurs, April 13, 2017, 20:07
Posted by: Claire O.,
I picked up a framed newspaper page of the Marshall Fields ad from the flood at an antique store in Naperville a few years ago. I think State St. was closed.
Date: Thurs, April 13, 2017, 20:06
Posted by: Jim,
It was nice to see Marshall Field and Company --not Macy's--on the front page of the Sunday Sun-Times yesterday, even though it was because of the great flood of 25 years ago. If you scroll down a bit in Neil Steinberg's story, you can see a larger version of the photo.
http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/steinberg-25-years-on-the-soggy-story-of-the-loop-flood-lingers/
By the way: sometime back, I posted a really cool image of a full-page ad Field's had in the Chicago Tribune. The ad thanked Field's customers for their loyalty during the problems associated with the flood and shows the Marshall Field's logo all kind of warped in water with some fish swimming around it.
Date: Thurs, April 13, 2017, 20:05
Posted by: Jim,
Was just looking at the WWD interview of Terry Lundgren on 3/22/2017 again.
Quote: "The performance was lifted to the point where from 2010 to 2012, Chicago was Macy�s top performing city."
Thinking in the same vein as Sara A and the credit card example. Given that Chicago has two tourist stores and to the best of my knowledge no other city has that, would that mean, that Chicago was a top performer with sales from State Street plus Water Tower combined? Sure, that's possible. But how did that compare with the two stores as Field's? Or, moreover, did he mean Macy's, Inc. which would include Bloomingdale's at 900 Michigan and Medinah too?
======
Aaron: Regarding promises to Daley, the Frangos weren't a certain deal. The promise was that no jobs would immediately be lost in the city--and that promise was kept. I would have to check but I also believe promises included upgrading the building--replacing the windows and some other improvements.
The Frangos promise was based on an issue as to whether confectioner workers qualified to make Frangos could be found. Ebert made a big deal out of Lungren saying that Frango production **might** be returned to Chicago. Ebert compared it to a mouse being made to go through a huge maze only to get a small or partial peanut.
I'm sure that you know, production was returned on a limited basis a couple of years later via Cupid Candies on the Southwest side. According to some posts by other fans here, an ABC7 interview with a Macy's exec, something to the effect was mentioned that Cupid even managed to eventually get the taste right. On air, supposedly the staff asked after the story something to the effect, "You mean they don't know the recipe?"
Simply my opinion, but through the years, it appeared to me in photos and the media that Mayor Daley looked less and less happy around Lundgren.
As far as I know, Rahm and Lundgren have only been at one public event together; a spring 2011 Chicagoland Chamber Commerce meeting. Rahm was on the bill as the new mayor. Lundgren was put on the bill as well. I wonder if Lundgren was added because PNC bank was involved in the event and at the time PNC was effectively one of Macy's biggest stockholders through a significant stake in Blackrock. The Sun-Times made a deal about Rahm and Lundgen being together. I've never heard another report placing them in the same room together since.
Date: Thurs, April 13, 2017, 19:46
Posted by: Sara A,
I don't have access to WWD.com however I'm always skeptical of what Terry Lundgren says.
One, I've read many interviews with Terry Lundgren. He often selectively manipulates the facts, in my humble opinion. For example, when he decided to switch to the Macy's name, he said one reason was that the first 200 Marshall Field's credit card accounts he pulled up had not been used in ages. OK--but how did that compare with the first 200 Macy's credit card accounts? He didn't answer. 200 accounts out of how many? If out of 400 then that would be pretty bad. Out of 1 million? That's nothing.
Two, Macy's has been extraordinarily promotional, much more so than Marshall Field's. If they spent half, or even a third, of what they spent pushing Macy's on Chicago on Marshall Fields instead, I'm sure it would be doing much better in Chicago then it's doing as Macy's.
There's more to this, but I have not seen the article. I just think Lundgren engages in a lot of spin. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if someday it came out that things could've been a lot better if Lundgren had left Marshall Field's alone, or better yet nurtured it, in Chicago.
It's amazing how much people still lament the loss of Marshall Field's in Chicago and how much they loathe Macy's.
Date: Thurs, April 13, 2017, 19:45
Posted by: Aaron M,
I think Mayor Daley's only stipulation was to bring Frango production back.
Date: Thurs, April 13, 2017, 19:45
Posted by: Jim M,
As Roger Ebert pointed out, Lundgren never revealed specifics about methodology. Ebert said something like, "and if the survey really did show that he'd fire the survey company because Chicagoans really don't think that." Now when I presented our own survey results in 2009, 2010 & 2011, I did present our methodology and they showed between 78% and 80% wanted Field's. 2,300 uniquely surveyed on Michigan Avenue and State Street between 2009 and 2012 n the spring., etc. Lundgren and staff did not dispute.
Date: Thurs, April 13, 2017, 19:44
Posted by: Michael D.,
Would love to see the survey referred to in the article, showing that Chicago supported a name change to Macy's. As everyone in this group likely knows , based on the polls this wonderful group has done, it's so far from the truth it would be laughable, if it weren't so sad.
Date: Thurs, April 13, 2017, 19:44
Posted by: Michael D.,
[ On March 22, 2017, the last day of Terry Lundgren as CEO pf Macy's, WWD.com ran an interview with him. He discussed many things including the switch from Marshall Field's to Macy's.
Below is the link to the actual words, but the gist is that it was OK to do because Richard M. Daley was OK with the switch.
Moreover, Lundgren says that Chicago was Macy's top performing city in 2010-2012 thanks to changes he made.
The full story is at http://wwd.com/business-news/retail/terry-j-lundgren-on-moving-aside-and-his-new-role-10846737/
]
Date: Thurs, April 06, 2017, 19:47
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Michael: Then again, they did something similar at Portland, OR. Eventually it closed because, according to some, the store didn't even look special after the rehab.
Moreover, when it was Field's, we never had to look for a silver lining--it was all silver--and gold, platinum and diamond, too, even almost to the end. Ever since Federated/Macy's took over, the media and of course Macy's keeps telling us to look for silver linings as the linings get thinner and thinner. Department stores can't do well? Then how come you see stores like Von Maur expanding? Because they use Marshall FIeld's ethos.
Date: Thurs, April 06, 2017, 19:45
Posted by: Michael D,
Looking for the silver lining, at least they're spending millions on renovating/restoring the remaining store. Let's hope it's mostly restoring.
Date: Thurs, April 06, 2017, 19:45
Posted by: Timothy E.,
Regarding Brooklyn:
Yuck, yuck, yuck. Architecturally speaking, I loathe 'modernizing' older, traditional styled buildings with tons of steel and glass. It's become as cliched (and boring) as those ubiquitous drum-shaped ceiling light fixtures that are seen installed everywhere for the past ten years. Yuck.
Date: Thurs, April 06, 2017, 19:44
Posted by: Aaron M.,
Let's hope [they don't do to State Street what they are doing in Brooklyn.]
Date: Thurs, April 06, 2017, 19:43
Posted by: Jim McKay,
"Downtown Brooklyn�s Macy�s will sprout a 10-story �creative office hub�The redevelopment of Macy�s Brooklyn flagship store will bring 620,000 square feet of office space to the neighborhood.
NY.CURBED.COM
Continues:
http://ny.curbed.com/2017/4/5/15185542/downtown-brooklyn-macys-tishman-speyer-office
====
Tishman Speyer is also the same group that is working on plans for redeveloping the State Street store. Could this be the similar to what they have in mind?
Date: Thurs, April 06, 2017, 19:38
Posted by: Michael D.,
"Macy's CEO Jeff Gennette: Acquisition rumors are not reality"Cincinnati Business Courier
Macy's new CEO told a business publication that rumors that the retailer may be acquired aren't based in reality...
Continues at:
Date: Thurs, April 06, 2017, 19:36
Posted by: Ken A,
An interview with Macy's new CEO,
THESTREET.COM
Macy's New CEO Has a Plan to Get the Retailer Winning Again - Here's What It Is
With stores closing and in-store retail tanking, Macy's new CEO has a big job ahead....
Continues:
https://www.thestreet.com/story/14068170/4/macy-s-ceo-here-is-how-we-plan-to-win-again.html
Date: Thurs, April 06, 2017, 19:32
Posted by: Aaron M.,
Apparently it's now just an event space? Not exactly a private area. Everyone heading to the Walnut Room from most escalators will be walking by!
Date: Thurs, April 06, 2017, 19:31
Posted by: Michael D.,
I did find some irony in Macy's talking about tradition. And noticed a State Street tradition not a Marshall Field tradition. I believe the Frango Caf� was added as part of the 1990s renovation when 7on State was also added but I don't recall for certain.
Date: Thurs, April 06, 2017, 19:31
Posted by: Timothy E.,
The sign for having an event at the Frango Cafe says, "A State Street Tradition" - ??? Oh really? Since when- 2014?
Date: Thurs, April 06, 2017, 19:29
Posted by: Michael D.,
A couple of weeks ago on March 22, I wrote on Facebook that it appears the Frango Cafe on Seven is permanently closed and that Macy's always treated this as a stepchild.
Now Macy's has a sign up that one can "Host your next family gathering, business lunch, or company celebration right here at the Frango Cafe." along with contact info.
Date: Thurs, April 06, 2017, 19:27
Posted by: Christy W,
I just noticed Soucek's Marshall Field's book at the Rosemont Target as well. Ironic given the past relationship with Target/Fields.
Date: Thurs, April 06, 2017, 19:26
Posted by: Jim McKay,
I was a bit surprised in a good way to see that Chicago area Target stores are now carrying Gayle Soucek's book along with books on Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs, River View, State Street and Chicago Blues. How come Macy's doesn't realize they have something special--that even their competitors carry books on what they own. A fun coincidence: the particular Chicago Target where I saw the Marshall Field's book is on Broadway and Sunnyside, located about 500-1000 feet away from Mr. Marshall Field's grave in Graceland Cemetery.
Date: Wed, April 05, 2017, 22:56
Posted by: Pete,
Dave:
I respectfully disagree. The new CEO is basically talking about Terry Lundgren's "localization" initiative which we've been hearing about since 2008 or 2009. And that was something other chains had been doing for years. While they localize a few areas of merchandise, I hear nothing about having distinctively localized chains of department stores brought back. And I certainly don't hear anything about bringing back Marshall Field's even though it was more valuable than all the other dust-binned department store names combined.
I'm not encouraged. Perhaps next Christmas will be bad enough that they will finally get the message, hopefully before it's too late.
Date: Wed, April 05, 2017, 21:52
Posted by: dave andrews,
New CEO at macy clearly "gets it:"
https://www.thestreet.com/story/14068170/2/macy-s-ceo-here-is-how-we-plan-to-win-again.html
This observation by Mr Gennette was certainly NOT understood by his predecessor:
"I've noticed there's a big difference in customers and how they engage with apparel, accessories and the home department, depending of what part of the country they're from."
Perhaps if more reasonable minds had prevailed 10 years ago, the macy board and executives would have realized that one size does NOT fit all and their emphasis should have been on developing the strength of the regional department stores rather than slapping red stars everywhere while expecting shoppers to be excited by some elusive "magic."
It's a bit early in his tenure, but one wonders if Mr Gennette would be willing to bring back some of the iconic department stores and give shoppers what THEY want.
Date: Mon, March 27, 2017, 19:19
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Blues museum opening in 2019 in Loop
The privately run, 50,000-square-foot facility is slated to open in spring 2019 near Millennium Park. The group behind it has raised $25 million.
( This will be in the former Marshall Field's Men's store. The building at the SW corner of Washington and Wabash. )
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20170327/NEWS09/170329889
Date: Mon, March 27, 2017, 19:15
Posted by: John C,
RE: WSJ.com story on Genntte:
Back in the 70s when I worked for Macy's in Kansas City, all their stores had a department called the Budget Shop with off-price clothing with labels cut out. Sounds like they may be rethinking getting rid of those departments.
Date: Mon, March 27, 2017, 19:15
Posted by: Timothy E,
RE: WSJ.com story on Genntte:
As long as Chicago gets back it's Marshall Field's - in name, quality, and service - Mr. Gennette can do whatever he likes with Macy's - and I'll wish him all the best.
Date: Mon, March 27, 2017, 19:14
Posted by: Jim H,
RE: WSJ.com story on Genntte:
Another TJ Maxx? That is his vision? No thanks
Date: Mon, March 27, 2017, 19:14
Posted by: Michael D,
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
Can This Man Save Macy�s?
The new CEO of Macy�s discusses his plans for the iconic department store to stay atop a shrinking market.
More...
https://www.wsj.com/articles/can-this-man-save-macys-1490270402
Date: Mon, March 27, 2017, 19:12
Posted by: Timothy E,
The Field's clock motif (on flags or bags or boxes and so forth....) is (well, *was*) relatively recent. Historically, Field's utilized the Field Crest much more commonly, right up until the 70's. At about the same time that the name was changed from "Marshall Field & Company" to just "Marshall Field's" they also stopped using the old family crest and began using the clock face in it's stead. It's certainly no deal breaker for me - I love them both - but I actually prefer the old crest over the clock as a signature design motif for our favorite store.
Date: Mon, March 27, 2017, 19:11
Posted by: Michael D.,
Or even Selfridges yellow flags.
Date: Mon, March 27, 2017, 19:11
Posted by: John R.,
Now if all those Macy's flags on State Street were the wonderful MF logo with the clock motif and the *green* background, it could work. This definitely does NOT.
Date: Mon, March 27, 2017, 19:10
Posted by: Michael D.,
Macy's has replaced all flags on the State Street store except the ones above the great columns with Macy's flags, white star on a red background.
As tacky as the merchandise inside!
Date: Mon, March 27, 2017, 19:07
Posted by: Michael D.,
WWW.CINCINNATI.COM
"Macy's lures shoppers with coupons and shoes as takeover fizzles
In a sudden turnaround this month, Macy�s appears to be free to find new ways to grow after a key investor has pulled out and a potential rival is shopping�"
Continues at http://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2017/03/23/macys-lures-shoppers-coupons-and-shoes-takeover-fizzles/99462488/
Date: Mon, March 27, 2017, 19:05
Posted by: Michael D.,
It appears it's not only Minneapolis that lost the annual Macy's flower show, but Philadelphia too. It's understandable having closed downtown location, although it could've relocated it at least in part to one of the suburban stores, I find no explanation why they canceled Philadelphia, but it's missing from the website. It's great events like this generate traffic that flagships need.
Date: Mon, March 27, 2017, 19:04
Posted by: Susan C.,
Regarding the Cincinnati Business Courier's story from March 17, 2017: I hope the whole building is being sold to another retailer to restore Marshall Field's. Our activist activities did get a mention and that is good.
Date: Mon, March 27, 2017, 19:03
Posted by: Pamela C.,
If this store goes away entirely, I will never visit Chicago again. I miss MF a lot, but I still go in to visit the Walnut Room, admire the Tiffany ceiling, and appreciate the art deco elevator detail and wish that Macy's care enough to polish the brass and repair the floors.
Date: Fri, March 24, 2017, 21:08
Posted by: dave andrews,
The new CEO at macy has a difficult task ahead:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/man-save-macy-202200539.html
Online shopping has indeed taken away business from traditional department stores, but much of the damage here has been self-inflicted. Too many nondescript stores stocked with bland, boring merchandise.
Date: Fri, March 24, 2017, 01:46
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
The rumor is that Macy's decided to abandon Minneapolis is the building was l Iloaded with asbestos and was not worth the cost of renovations.
Date: Sun, March 19, 2017, 23:50
Posted by: Jim ,
TOMORROW, MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2017, IS A DEADLINE: Want to comment to Macy's Executive Chairman Terry Lundgren, CFO Karen Hoguet, CEO Jeff Gennette, the Board of Directors, and other stockholders on Marshall Field and Company and what will happen to the State Street store at Macy's stockholder meeting? Monday morning, March 20, 2017 is a deadline if you wish to participate in a critical Macy's stockholder meeting in Cincinnati at 11 AM on Friday, May 19, 2017. All Macy's stockholders as of this Thursday, March 23, 2017, are eligible to be admitted and to offer questions and comments up to 2-3 minutes upon the adjournment of Macy's annual stockholders meeting, usually in Cincinnati. Since it takes 72 hours for all stock purchases to be official, you need to make your purchase of at least one share of Macy's, Inc. stock first thing this Monday morning. At current prices, that would be under $31, plus a small fee paid to your broker. (My broker charges about $7.) it is true that you can represent somebody else who owns stock at this meeting, provided you present a notarized proxy statement from the stockholder. However, Macy's officials have given a hard time to some people who have traveled and presented such a proxy statement. In the end, they have despicably delayed entry past the start of the meeting so as to prevent entry to the meeting. So it's important that you just buy stock by Monday morning.
Date: Fri, March 17, 2017, 15:33
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Scary news, given the horrible track record macy has had with it's "crown jewels;"
Somehow evil and destruction are the motivating factors for a certain despicable, vile, power mad despot!
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 20:44
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO SELFRIDGE'S!
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 20:42
Posted by: gle,
FANTASTIC ST. PATRICK'S DAY PHOTOS!
Since Macy's doesn't want to serve customers anymore (never did in my opinion) I can just try on shoes at Payless. OR go to the shoe shore in Andersonville where a former Field's employee works, and you still get good service.
And if Starboard pulled out of Macy's, let's hope whoever they sold their interests to is worth it!
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:59
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Last Saturday was the day of Saint Patrick's day parade here in Chicago (six days early because it's always the Saturday before the actual St. Patrick's Day).
That said, we were out on State Street from about 11:30 am to 1:30 pm (the parade was three blocks east starting at noon until about 2:30 PM). Support for Marshall Field's and Company's return continued greater than ever.
Special thanks to John, Lucie, Aaron, Gail, Gayle, Gloria, and Alfred, among many others, who offered support in one way or another.
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:52
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Selfridges Oxford Street opened March 15, 1909.
Link to store photo provided by Official Selfridges Instragram. It's Marshall Field's architectural sibling:
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:48
Posted by: Paulette, Re: Chris D's post about Macy's Self Serve Shoe Depts,
So...it's like getting your shoes at the bowling alley.
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:47
Posted by: Chris R, Re: Chris D's post about Macy's Self Serve Shoe Depts,
Yeah, because you know everyone's willing to go out of their way to get the same kind of service they get at Target, Walmart, or Payless shoes---SARCASM!Good God, as a Macy's stockholder, I think my investment is screwed. These people supposedly leaving Macy's have no idea what they're doing. The CFO, who was voted one of the best by the Wall Street Journal, is full of it. She needs to go. Too bad she'll making money
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:46
Posted by: Susan C, Re: Chris D's post about Macy's Self Serve Shoe Depts,
I was in a Payless on State St. about a half a black from a Macy's and they helped me.
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:46
Posted by: Marty B, Re: Chris D's post about Macy's Self Serve Shoe Depts,
Macy's=Payless
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:46
Posted by: Susan C, Re: Chris D's post about Macy's Self Serve Shoe Depts,
this is why stores are closing. When they do not have something they tell you to order it online. Some stores will ship to store but want you to pay for it up front and tie up your money until you try it on. I want to take my shoes home with me.
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:44
Posted by: Michael P, Re: Chris D's post about Macy's Self Serve Shoe Depts,
My wife tried yesterday. She's a size 11. A) No one bothered to help her at all, she had to find someone. B) Macy's never carries a woman's size 11 in the stores even though the shoe comes in a size 11. Their response was she could order the shoe on line. Went over to Nordstrom, sales person came over when she was ready. One of the shoe's she wanted was not in stock in her size (the carry 11 just was sold out) and offered to order them for her if she wanted. The other shoe she wanted was in the store in her size. We bought it and left happy. That's how you run a successful retail store, Macy's should take note.
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:44
Posted by: Natalie R, Re: Chris D's post about Macy's Self Serve Shoe Depts,
No.
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:44
Posted by: Donald M., Re: Chris D's post about Macy's Self Serve Shoe Depts,
Are the self chekouts next? I don't go places that make me do their work unless I get a discount for doing so. I haven't seen a discount on self checkouts yet
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:41
Posted by: Aaron M.,
It's not good for the retail sector, that's for sure. I see NM and Saks as direct competitors, although at the Fashion Outlets today, when I couldn't find a specific shirt (replacing one I was wearing), most stores said to try Last Call. No one suggested Off Fifth, Bloomie's Outlet, or Nordstrom Rack. FWIW, Last Call has distinguished itself at least among employees at that mall!
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:41
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Looks like Hudsons Bay is looking at some other deal other than Macy's (and Marshall Field's)... not necessarily a bad thing. I've been hearing from some Field's retirees they think Hudson Bay would have made State Street even more about real estate� Simply their opinion.
Hudson�s Bay in Discussions to Buy Neiman Marcus
The private-equity firms that own Neiman Marcus are in discussions to sell the struggling retail chain to rival Hudson�s Bay, which could create a luxury powerhouse.
WSJ.COM
Continues...
---
I wonder how that works when they have the Saks and N-M flagships kitty-corner on Michigan Ave...not to mention off-price stores at the like of the Fashion Outlets at Rosemont...???? Will they really close one?
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:39
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Exclusive: Activist investor Starboard exits Macy's stock - sources
Reuters, Yahoo Finance
The move gives Macy's incoming Chief Executive Officer Jeff Gennette more space to execute on the company's turnaround plan. It also comes after an acquisition approach by Canada's Hudson's Bay Co (HBC.TO), the owner of the Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue retail chains, failed to...
Continues...
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/exclusive-activist-investor-starboard-exits-225711565.html
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:37
Posted by: Sara B, Re: Jim & CNBC story on Macy's New CEO 5 Big Changes,
At best they will be like Kohl's. At worse, Walmart.
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:37
Posted by: Aaron M, Re: Jim & CNBC story on Macy's New CEO 5 Big Changes,
Amen to that! :-)
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:37
Posted by: Timothy E, Re: Jim & CNBC story on Macy's New CEO 5 Big Changes,
They have a nice Corelle Boutique at the local Goodwill - and better prices and service than M@cy's... ;-)
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:36
Posted by: Aaron M, Re: Jim & CNBC story on Macy's New CEO 5 Big Changes,
You can't do self-serve shoes and keep it high-end. Stores that implemented this ended up with a Kohl's selection. Then again, they also had "Corelle Boutique" in their china department. I believe it was Spring Hill Mall where I saw this. :-(
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:35
Posted by: Steve G, Re: Jim & CNBC story on Macy's New CEO 5 Big Changes,
Your post, Jim, is spot on!
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:35
Posted by: Sandy W, Re: Jim & CNBC story on Macy's New CEO 5 Big Changes,
Can you even imagine? In his flagship store! Inside the very walls!
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:34
Posted by: Susan C, Re: Jim & CNBC story on Macy's New CEO 5 Big Changes,
OMG, Marshall Field is rolling over in his grave at that one.
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:34
Posted by: Sandy W, Re: Jim & CNBC story on Macy's New CEO 5 Big Changes,
I stood in the middle of a department at State Street after waiting to check out for 15 minutes and yelled loudly "Does anyone work here?" They came pretty quick after that.
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:34
Posted by: Susan C, Re: Jim & CNBC story on Macy's New CEO 5 Big Changes,
Well said.
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:33
Posted by: Timothy E Re: Jim & CNBC story on Macy's New CEO 5 Big Changes,
Yeah, seriously. How can we persuade Selfridges to make Macy's an offer they can't refuse for those locations, along with all rights to the Marshall Field's name / brand?
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:33
Posted by: David K, Re: Jim & CNBC story on Macy's New CEO 5 Big Changes,
Is there a way we could petition that?
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:33
Posted by: Linda A, Re: Jim & CNBC story on Macy's New CEO 5 Big Changes,
Hawthorn in Vernon Hills also.
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:32
Posted by: Timothy E, Re: Jim and CNBC story on Macy's New CEO 5 Big Change,
Agreed, whole-heartedly. Sell off State Street. Oakbrook, Old Orchard, (and Woodfield?) to Selfridges, and let them do it up right.
Date: Thurs, March 16, 2017, 11:30
Posted by: Jim McKay,
CNBC: FIVE BIG CHANGES MACY'S CEO WANTS TO MAJE
IMHO--COMMENT:
Less reliance on sales associates is a new concept? Golly, by most accounts here, they've implemented that about 10 or 11 years ago. Less service, clearance racks, self-service cosmetics� Big stores like Marshall Field's on State Street don't fit that concept. People who shop at a store like State Street want service. They want experience. Sell off State Street now to someone who does like Selfridges. They could use the money from the sale to remodel the rest of the Macy's to be more Target-like.
Date: Wed, March 15, 2017, 14:33
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
So here are the "big changes" planned by the incoming CEO at macy:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/macys-next-ceo-wants-5-194720657.html
Let's see--The Bon Ton stores have had self serve shoe racks for years; all of the old school department stores had "bargain basements;" macy stores have operated on a barebones staff for years; many retailers have had long term leased departments (Walmart has had leased optical, hair salons, Subway and McDonald's restaurants to serve their customers); JCPenney stores have been operating and expanding Sephora cosmetic departments--and offering coupons similar to what Mr Gennette is proposing.
WOW! Those "big changes" will certainly recapture all the lost shoppers!
Date: Tues, March 14, 2017, 22:38
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
If Macy's wants to maximize 111 north state sell the store and the nameplate to someone that wants to operate a unique experience, something millenials seek.Hudson's Bay perusing niemans makes sense. Richard Baker prefers better to high end retail. Macy's made little sense, first thing he did when buying Hudson's Bay was dump their discount chain, Zellers on Target. Macy's has been targeted as a take over by off price retailer ross stores, which is still expanding and has twice the market cap as Macy's and a pretty good fit with Macy's statements about mimicking off price retailers rather than being a real department store.
Date: Tues, March 14, 2017, 17:01
Posted by: Jim McKay,
CNBC: FIVE BIG CHANGES MACY'S CEO WANTS TO MAJE
IMHO--COMMENT:
Less reliance on sales associates is a new concept? Golly, by most accounts here, they've implemented that about 10 or 11 years ago. Less service, clearance racks, self-service cosmetics� Big stores like Marshall Field's on State Street don't fit that concept. People who shop at a store like State Street want service. They want experience. Sell off State Street now to someone who does like Selfridges. They could use the money from the sale to remodel the rest of the Macy's to be more Target-like.
Date: Tues, March 14, 2017, 10:54
Posted by: KPOM,
The WSJ is reporting that Hudson's Bay is turning its attention away from Macys and toward Neiman Marcus.
Date: Sun, March 12, 2017, 20:02
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Business Insider analyst depicts what this blog has warned would happen since the macy*fication of America's department stores:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/macys-just-signaled-end-department-205119792.html
The picture of an outside macy entrance is representative of how run down and neglected the stores have become.
Somehow missing from all the discussions about the many problems at macy is the fact many of the failing stores were converted from popular regional department stores into a nationwide retailer that never gained traction with the communities it entered. Perhaps if Federated/May had recognized and capitalized on the strengths and popularity of the regional stores, the corporation would not be in serious trouble. Also amazing is the "mastermind" who orchestrated this debacle is not held responsible for this massive destruction.
The "mastermind" has caused irreparable harm across the nation. Somehow it's too far gone now to bring back the cherished shopping venues customers loved. His parting shot will be to downsize, divide, demolish and develop the State Street store so no semblance of Field's could ever be restored.
Date: Fri, March 03, 2017, 14:23
Posted by: Jim McKayj,
BIZJOURNALS.COMReport: Hudson's Bay Co. struggling to finance Macy's takeover - Cincinnati Business Courier
A news wire service reports that a Canadian company currently in a bid to take over Cincinnati megaretailer Macy's Inc. is having trouble lining up funding. More...
Date: Thurs, March 02, 2017, 22:32
Posted by: Pete,
http://m.moodys.com/research/Moodys-downgrades-Macys-Inc-senior-unsecured-rating-to-Baa3--PR_362926
Rating Action: Moody's downgrades Macy's Inc. senior unsecured rating to Baa3
Global Credit Research - 02 Mar 2017
New York, March 02, 2017 -- Moody's Investors Service, ("Moody's") downgraded Macy's, Inc., senior unsecured rating to Baa3. Its senior unsecured commercial paper rating was downgraded to P-3. The outlook was changed to stable from negative.
Christina Boni, VP Senior Analyst. "Weak 2016 holiday results highlight the need to accelerate efforts to stem market share erosion."
Date: Wed, March 01, 2017, 22:21
Posted by: Rich,
I Have to say it--- I do not trust red star-- They could arrange and agree with "partners" that the Walnut Room will remain -- and perhaps there could be a certain set of elevators that will take you to 7 for the Walnut room --- and that is the ONLY thing accessable on 7 --and perhaps the retail store is only lower level 1 - 3 and the Tiffany ceiling remains --also through special negotiation and accomadation in terms and agreements ---but above 3 - the building is then offices --or hotel--or condo's -- or whatever the "partners" see fit to do with it !!!I remain very concerned and worried about State Street -- Unfortunately it has been proven that red star does not have the ability --or vision--- to see WHAT Sate Street IS --or can be -- and they seem desperate at this point to commoditise all of their property----- Very concerning and Very scary!
Date: Mon, February 27, 2017, 19:41
Posted by: Natalie R,
NBC5 Chicago Reports:
Amid Speculation, Macy's Says Walnut Room is 'Staying'
No, the Walnut Room at Chicago�s flagship Macy�s store isn�t going anywhere, a company spokesperson said Monday, but questions surrounding the future of the State Street location remain unanswered.
Despite speculation on what might happen to the iconic restaurant following Macy�s announcement that it plans to downsize its Chicago location, spokesperson Andrea Schwartz said the company has �no thoughts of closing our Walnut Room.�
More...
Date: Sat, February 25, 2017, 16:04
Posted by: Beth Walsh,
Do they not realize that the Walnut Room is the one thing that keeps even the Field's supporters coming into the store? I know I'm preaching to the choir, but could the execs at macy's seriously be that stupid or out of touch?
Date: Thurs, February 23, 2017, 22:50
Posted by: Paul Gambrowski,
Macy's State Street Flagiship Could Be Headed For A Big DownsizingChicagoist
Last year, Macy's announced plans to close 100 stores nationwide�an ongoing move that local Marshall Field's diehards championed at the time ...
http://chicagoist.com/2017/02/23/macys_on_state_st_could_be_headed_f.php
Date: Thurs, February 23, 2017, 22:00
Posted by: dave andrews,
Sad news about the Walnut Room, but somehow not surprising. The comment "to keep the tradition of the Walnut Room" seems to imply the iconic eatery will not remain as is. The executives at macy care nothing about long term planning, just short term profits. It wouldn't be too far fetched for them to open a suburban chain type restaurant in the store and name it "The Walnut Room," perhaps throwing around a Marshall Fields few artifacts here and there.
Some may remember the famous Higbee's store at Tower City in downtown Cleveland. That iconic department store housed the popular Silver Grille. Higbee's was taken over by Dillard's, the store was downsized to five sales floors, and the tenth floor restaurant was closed. Fortunately the restaurant was not dismantled after it was shut down. Years later Dillard's pulled out of downtown Cleveland and the building subsequently was converted into a casino. The Silver Grille was beautifully refurbished but it is currently NOT open to the public; it is operated as a private banquet venue by the adjacent Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
Date: Thurs, February 23, 2017, 13:05
Posted by: Kathy Sue W,
Response at DNAinfo:
[Many of us already don't go or boycott, but] the Walnut Room is the only thing that keeps me coming back every Christmas. I absolutely love the room, the views, the ambiance (not so much that dumbass wine bar.) If they move the Walnut Room, or get rid of it, I won't go there anymore at all, I'll have no reason to.
Date: Thurs, February 23, 2017, 13:03
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Macy's won't confirm or deny that it will move the Walnut Room as part of a major redevelopment.
DNAinfo Chicago
Would you visit a Walnut Room II?
Is A Move Coming For Macy's Famed Walnut Room?
Macy's wants to redevelop the top of its State Street store, home to the old Marshall Field's holdover.
Date: Wed, February 22, 2017, 17:37
Posted by: dave andrews,
When will HE finally GO AWAY!!! The same marketing and retailing "genius" who destroyed cherished regional department stores now states that macy will transition away from coupons and gimmicks:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/macys-earnings-beat-expectations-revenue-130323106.html
Wasn't HE the one who transitioned to the coupon and discount format in an attempt to recapture the customers who abandoned the New York store which replaced their favorite emporiums.
Why can't the analysts admit that his failed strategy caused the loss of hundreds of stores and thousands of jobs! Instead of publicizing his opinions on how macy can be profitable, analysts should hold him accountable for his arrogance and poor judgement. How about comparison of money saved on purchasing shopping bags to the money lost when shoppers abandoned the stores. How about salaries and tax revenues lost when stores closed. It has become painfully evident that shoppers don't want macy!
Indeed online shopping has had a significant impact on brick and mortar stores. One wonders if the situation would have been this drastic had HE not worked his "magic" in taking away what were once unique shopping venues.
Date: Wed, February 22, 2017, 00:25
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
I have said this before, they should re open the frangos kitchen on the upper floors ala willy wonka. It would be a huge traffic driver into 111 north stat
Date: Tues, February 21, 2017, 22:30
Posted by: Jim,
CNBC:
@Macys CEO Terry Lundgren on sale rumors:
Company will do 'the right thing for our shareholders'
He didn't rule out a deal...
Date: Tues, February 21, 2017, 19:01
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Crains Chicago Business has more extensive coverage. The comments are less than favorable. Sure, the upper floors aren't used, but office space is so mundane compared to what Macy's COULD do to increase business on State Street. These floors should be repurposed to drive traffic to this store so it is an international destination as it was when it was Marshall Field's. What sort of repurposes? A world class hotel, along with a department store museum. Everybody's wonky about their favorite deparment store. How about a world wide department store Mecca in the Marshall Field and Company Building which is the precedence for all other MODERN department stores world wide but especially in the UK, Europe, and North America. They want entertainment? That it would be, maximized in a world class department store known as Marshall Field's. (The casino proposed a few years back for the upper floors would be a bit over the top although it worked at Cleveland's former Higbees.)
Offices atop Macy's State Street flagship?
Date: Tues, February 21, 2017, 13:39
Posted by: mikea,
I did not hear the entire conference call and questions, but Macy's says they want to downsize State Street like they did in Seattle. how much can they downsize the store without loosing its character and customers, and appeal?
If they go below the 7th Floor the eateries and the Walnut Room will close. Without the Walnut Room and the tree they might as well close the store since that brings in the customer base for Christmas shopping season. They could move the offices from 11 to 8 and rent out floors 9-12. Floor 13 has no windows and would be hard to lease out. Since the building is landmarked I don't think the city would allow structural changes to it. Currently 9-10-12-13 are pretty much vacant and unused. Target tried to lease out space in the upper floors and could not do it yeas ago.
Still a merges or somewhat merger with Hudson's bay could happen and the Macy's Inc . plans would most likely change
Date: Tues, February 21, 2017, 10:29
Posted by: Jim McKay,
During the conference call, Macy's CFO says that State Street will be downsized similar to Seattle store where upper floors were redeveloped as office space.
http://investors.macysinc.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=84477&p=irol-EventDetails&EventId=5249684
Date: Tues, February 21, 2017, 09:59
Posted by: Jim McKay,
No, he's not gone 3/23. Am I missing it? Says nothing about when he will also step down as Chairman of the Board. Maybe after the May Stockhokder meeting? Listen for more information on real estate sales and other deals, senior management, etc. during the 9 AM conference call which you can listen to via the links from macysinc.com.
Date: Sun, February 19, 2017, 17:41
Posted by: Mary Fordham,
We miss Marshall Field's so much. Macy's does not compare.
Date: Sun, February 19, 2017, 10:24
Posted by: Pete,
Was just reading through the Sunday papers. It sure seems like Macy's does a lot less advertising in the newspaper on Sundays. Maybe it's just that they advertise on the Internet more or on Thursday and Friday before the weekend. Or it could be that they're in trouble.
Date: Sat, February 18, 2017, 11:41
Posted by: Louis E,
A decade after homogenizing America's regional icons of department store retailing into a JC Penney clone with older buildings, it looks like Macy's, Inc. (really Federated without the federation aspect) looks like it may be folding into NRDC's Hudson's Bay Company operation.
I was grateful that Lord & Taylor,unlike Marshall Field's,was able to escape the Macification. After its sale to NRDC it was joined under NRDC control by Hudson's Bay and by Saks Fifth Avenue. I note that the L&T and Saks flagships just 11 blocks apart on
Fifth Avenue have not been merged into one brand,and I hope the Hudson's Bay 350th and Lord & Taylor 200th anniversaries in the next decade happen with operations still being carried on under those distinct nameplates.
Perhaps NRC/Hudson's Bay should be petitioned to "re-regionalize" Macy's if they buy it?...Strategic Marks pried loose a number of historic brands Lundgren's regime had abandoned, but others are still in the portfolio and could be reused,with Marshall Field's the best example.
I see former 40-year Marshall Field executive George G. Rinder died last April at 95...he may not have lived to see a rebirth but I guess other old employees survive.
Have members of the Marshall Field family (I know there's a Marshall Field VI, did he have a VII?) been involved in the movement to restore Marshall Field's?
-=-=-
The World Trade Center towers MUST rise again, at least as tall as before...or terror has triumphed.
Date: Sat, February 18, 2017, 11:03
Posted by: Melissa S,
From Houston:
Bring Back Marshall Field's & Selfridges Come Home To Chicago!
Date: Sat, February 18, 2017, 11:02
Posted by: Tony C,
Field's was the best. We loved it even here in West Virginia.
Date: Sat, February 18, 2017, 10:59
Posted by: Dorothy,
I grew up with Marshall Field�s. Also from a town with many connections to the Marshall Field family. We miss Field�s.
So dissatisfied with Macys!
Date: Wed, February 15, 2017, 16:04
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Macy's, Inc. (parent of Bloomingdale's, Macy's and Bluemercury) will have their 4th Q and year end 2016 conference call this Tuesday, February 21 at 9 a.m. Chicago time. You can listen by following the links from http://www.macysinc.com
There's a decent change that they will announce some deals perhaps even about the fate of State Street.
Date: Mon, February 13, 2017, 19:17
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Ralph Hughes, Macy's VP retired in the past year. Last Thursday, the Chicago Loop Alliance made him a Director Emeritus. Mr, Hughes came from Atlanta's Rich's and was at Marshall FIeld's in the early 1990s, and stayed into the Macyization.
While more than a couple Field's supporters sparred with him over the conversion to Macy's, more than a couple of former Field's employees have spoken warmly of working under his direction.
Based on last Thursday's presentation, it seems Mr. Hughes no longer lives in the Chicao area.
Congratulations!
Date: Mon, February 13, 2017, 19:09
Posted by: Jim McKay,
A few more articles on the possibility -- or improbability -- of a Hudon's Bay Buyout of Macy's (including former Marshall Field's locations and Bloomingdale's).
======
A Hudson's Bay buyout of Macy's could end badly
If the owner of Saks acquires Macy's in a debt-heavy deal, it'd do about as much good as all those IOUs did Tribune when real estate mogul Sam Zell bought the media company in 2007.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20170210/ISSUE10/170219999
======
Barron's, WSJ's sibling publication, has high hopes today for and acquisition by Hudson's Bay despite the fact that Macy's is much larger.
Macy's could be acquired by Hudson's Bay, retail expert Kniffen claims
Macy's shares could have 50% upside if it gets bought, Barron's said on Sunday.
THESTREET.COM|BY NATALIE WALTERS
======
Macy�s Could Have 50% Upside in a Sale
Investors have many ways to win with the beleaguered retailer, including a takeover and real estate spinoff.
By VITO J. RACANELLI
Updated Feb. 11, 2017 2:01 a.m. ET
Macy�s is known for promoting marked-down merchandise with bright red tags. After...
(Even if you don't have paid access to Barron's, the comments after the article are interesting and accessible.)
http://www.barrons.com/articles/macys-could-have-50-upside-in-a-sale-1486789444
Date: Mon, February 13, 2017, 19:03
Posted by: Michael D,
Department store restaurants: Marshall Field�s
In 1890 Harry Gordon Selfridge, manager of Field�s in Chicago, took the then-unusual step of persuading a middle-class woman to help with a new project at the�
Continues at�
https://restaurant-ingthroughhistory.com/2008/12/11/department-store-restaurants-marshall-fields/
Date: Sun, February 12, 2017, 16:59
Posted by: gle,
The Chicago History Book Discussion Group reviewed "The Marshall Fields" by Axel Madsen yesterday at Edgewater Library. Several participants were former Field's employees. Hearing their stories could have created another book. The group was very interested in the impending fate of the State Street store and also in what Field's Fans is doing. I never saw our buttons and leaflets disappear so fast. It was a great group of people. I hope we can meet again as customers of a restored Marshall Field's.
Date: Fri, February 10, 2017, 13:35
Posted by: mikea,
The future of retail is going down. Nordstrom sales down along with Sears almost ready to file chapter 11, Kohl's, JcPenney, Bon-Ton, Dillard's and of course Macy's.
The worrisome thing is that if Hudson's bay does somehow manage to leverage a Macy's buyout, the State Street store will be very vulnerable. Even if the activist investors take control, I fear for State Street. I do not know how the building can be preserved if it is turned into a office/residential use. The floor spaces are very large and expansive with limited windows that would make it difficult for a hotel or residential units. Also since the building is landmarked , I don't think they could change the exterior of it or add floors to the top of it.
Hudsons' bay stores are very nice kinda like a upscale Macy's or similar to Macy's best stores In fact in 2012 the Toronto flagship sold green dog, first impressions , style & co, INC, Hotel to name a few Macy's brands. They are so similar that images show Hudson's bay stores having a clearance area like Last Act in Macy stores.
I heard a commercial that now Last Act is going to carry home items, maybe <Macy's should just bring back the bargain basement that they got rid of in the 70's.
Date: Fri, February 10, 2017, 12:43
Posted by: Jimmy gimbels,
Hello everyone. Let's get into the way back machine and travel back to those days when the wacky folks at Macy's said Marshall Field "failed" because they were too. promotional. Back to today, Macy's has a "one day sale" every weekend, the sales really run for three days (huh?) and lots of mailings. And still their business continues to sink.
True story
I was in one of the newer Macy's stores to return a gift. Outside of cosmetics ( who will not assist with general merchandise), I walked the entire store and could not locate a single sales person. Nice! So I went to the executive offices for help. The woman at desk said I was lying. So I challenged her to find someone to process the return. She couldn't. Macy's had an entire store void of sales help. The few people scheduled all went to lunch. Good employee management.
Date: Wed, February 08, 2017, 22:19
Posted by: Arnie. ,
NY Jewish Voice article on the possible deal, its rationale....
Date: Wed, February 08, 2017, 22:07
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Another bit of info from Andy Brownfield and the Cincinnati Business Courier. Here is what Macy's senior execs make if they sell Macy's Inc.
Terry Lundgren, CEO:$80 million
Karen Hoguet, chief financial officer:$15 million
Jeff Gennette, president:$12 million
Jeffrey Kantor, chief stores and human resources officer:$14 million
Date: Mon, February 06, 2017, 20:44
Posted by: Facebooker,
I cannot wrap my head around this relatively speaking tiny company buying a giant company. Even though this is a much different scenario, I'm frighteningly reminded of KMart buying Sears. And as far as Macy's highly valuable real estate, I always shake my head because in most cases, who else wants it? There's no line of department stores waiting to take their vacated spaces. Apparently mall owners are still willing to pay high just to acquire the land and knock the facilities down and start over; a lot like buying a 50's ranch home only to knock it down and replace it with a McMansion.
Date: Mon, February 06, 2017, 20:40
Posted by: James M,
A Bloomberg article republished in Crains Chciago. This one's not that cheery. HBC doesn't have to be the only solution...
Macy's takeover by Hudson's Bay would end retail star
Visit Crain's Chicago Business for complete business news and analysis including healthcare, real estate, manufacturing, government, sports and more.
CHICAGOBUSINESS.COM
Date: Mon, February 06, 2017, 20:38
Posted by: Chris R,
TJ Maxx could buy just to get access to Macy's clearance items for TJ Maxx. But just maybe TJ Maxx would sell Bloomingdale's and Field's to Selfridge. Selfridge runs Primark too.
Date: Mon, February 06, 2017, 20:38
Posted by: Sara B,
I don�t agree. Hudson Bay has largely gone down hill in recent years. The Toronto store might be an exception. Let them but all of Macy�s including the old Dayton�s and Hudson�s. Doesn�t anyone remember that D-H dragged Field�s down? Let Hudson Bay take all of the Macy�s and Hudson�s and Dayton�s and let someone else have Field�s be a stand alone store.
Date: Mon, February 06, 2017, 20:37
Posted by: Susan C,
Just buy the Marshall Field's and Dayton Hudson stores and leave Macy's with everything else.
Date: Mon, February 06, 2017, 20:37
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Barron's is a respected sister publication of The Wall Street Journal.
http://blogs.barrons.com/stockstowatchtoday/2017/02/06/macys-too-big-to-swallow/
Macy�s: Too Big To Swallow?
Last week, news broke that Macy's (M) has begun takeover talks with Hudson's Bay, helping to send its shares up 6.4%. At the time, Cowen's Oliver Chen concluded that "a deal would be difficult," though Stifel's Richard Jaffe wrote that "crazier things�
BLOGS.BARRONS.COM|BY BEN LEVISOHN
Date: Sun, February 05, 2017, 15:10
Posted by: gle,
Everything is happening so fast it is nail-biting. I would so love to see the State Street store purchased by someone who values Marshall Field's in quality and service, and is willing to restore it.
Date: Sun, February 05, 2017, 10:37
Posted by: Jim,
ICYMI: From Andy Brownfield's column in the Cincinnati Business Courier:
A @Macys competitor made a takeover bid today that temporarily halted the stock's trading
Date: Sun, February 05, 2017, 00:27
Posted by: Alfred,
The New York Times story on Hudson's Bay and Macy's deal:
https://nyti.ms/2k3Zu2Z
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 16:57
Posted by: Susan C,
Seeing Marshall Field's State Street back in-operation would be truly wonderful.
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 16:51
Posted by: Jim McKay,
In response to my earlier question, Jerry Storch is the person I was looking for. Check out the link below.
Storch is CEO of HBC. He was with Target where, for part of that time, he headed Dayton's/Hudson's*/Marshall Field's. (*Note that Hudsons Bay and Hudson's are two completely different entities that have never had a relationship.) Also note towards the bottom of this page where they describe HBC's stores. In terms of sheer numbers of stores, the combined number of Hudsons Bay, Lord and Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, and outlet stores are less the size of Bon Ton (Parent of Carson Pirie Scott, among others). In other words, Hudsons Bay is about 1/3 to 1/2 the size of Macy's/Bloomingdale's. I'm curious as to when Jerry Storch was heading Target's department store division and if it was when they started emulating Selfridge's (real high point) or when it was controversial like around 1990 when they introduced to Brown Marshall Field and Company bags. Another article I can't find seems to suggest a Terry Lundgren and others will get a huge package deal if they exit Macy's at this time. If you find out her article, please post.
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 15:26
Posted by: Timothy E,
I always appreciated Field's demographic approach of marketing to the up-scale crowd, but also to the (much larger) 'aspirational' crowd - those who aspire to luxury and affluence. Upon first arriving in Chicago in the 1850's, Marshall Field himself, under the tutelage of Potter Palmer, quickly recognized the social and material aspirations of the ladies of Chicago who wished for a lifestyle that was significantly above that of a muddy western 'cow town.' By catering to that yearning for elegance, Field was able to successfully grow his firm into a retail - and cultural - force to be reckoned with. It's time to take that approach again, by creating an over-all retail experience that flatters the aspirations of the Chicago consumer.
-------
The merchandising approach is to showcase the high-end merchandise, but then to also have available similar items of high quality but at a significantly more 'modest' price (the secret of Field's various house brands). Provide good value to the aspirational customer by making available well-designed quality goods at an affordable price.
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 15:23
Posted by: Jim McKay,
You have to wonder what the general price point would be for a revived Field's under either HBC or Selfridges/Weston.
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:51
Posted by: Frank F,
The Bay in downtown Toronto has all been updated and very upscale.
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:49
Posted by: Timothy E,
So long as they restore Marshall Field's to 111 N. State - in name, quality, ethos, and service - I'm all for a Weston / Selfridge's buy-out.
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:48
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Some have been asking about Hudson's Bay Company(HBC). Here is a link to the corporate site. If you shop at Lord and Taylor, Sak's Fifth Avenue or Sak's Off Fifth, you already shop HBC. If you have a Lord and Taylor credit card (like I do) or a Sak's credit card, you already have a credit card that's good at Hudson's Bay department stores in Canada. In fact, the Hudson's Bay logo appears on the back of the credit cards I mentioned if you received the card in the past couple of years. I have never been a to Hudson's Bay store--perhaps some of you here can comment and confirm your impressions. Sometimes I hear people say that Hudson's Bay stores are like Canada's version of Macy's. I've heard others say that the flagship store is gorgeous and shared with a new Sak's. I understand that one of the most senior execs with HBC is a former Marshall Field exec who is familiar with State Street. I would love to hear your impressions of all this. One piece of information that is interesting is that while HBC also has a significant real estate investment trust (REIT), HBC is also significantly smaller that Macy's/Bloomingdale's/Bluemercury which may complicate a merger. I look forward to comments about your first-hand experiences with HBC.
======
Selfridges Group is another department store operator that Field's Fans have expressed support for Field's stewardship. It not only operates Selfridges in London but other stores in the UK, Europe, and Canada. What impresses me is how much they try to retain and restore the ethos of the historic department stores of which they take stewardship. The company is largely controlled by Galen Weston Limited of Toronto which also owns Loblaws, Canada's largest grocer. You know Loblaws if you remember National Tea grocery stores which was based here in Chicago and then Rosemont until about 20-25 years ago. So the family that effectively "owns" Selfridges actually is familiar with Chicago and Field's. Here's a link to Selfridges Group:
http://www.selfridgesgroup.com
=======
And here's the site for for Galen Weston Limited:
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:47
Posted by: James P,
They'd be wise to spin off a portion of what was the Dayton/ Hudson/ MF division and let it RE-evolve into something better.
- Restore Burdines to FL
- Restore Richs to Atlanta.
Those are at least areas they can grow brand identity beyond Macy's.
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:46
Posted by: Timothy N,
HBC has shown success in running big city flagships. And having no decent mid-,to upper-range department stores here in the Pac NW, I shop L&T online constantly. One part that concerns me is the size of this take over and if HBC can manage it.
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:46
Posted by: James P,
Hopefully this starts the process to restore Marshall field's to Chicago!
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:46
Posted by: Steve G,
Macy's shares reopen, surging more than 6 percent, after report that Hudson's Bay may bid for the company
Macy's shares surged more than 6 percent, after being briefly halted, as takeover�
CNBC.COM|BY CHRISTINA CHEDDAR-BERK
More...
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:44
Posted by: Susan C,
Macy's Receives Takeover Approach From Hudson's Bay
Canada�s Hudson�s Bay has approached Macy�s about a takeover, people familiar with the matter said, as the biggest U.S. department-store chain grapples with disappointing results and restive shareholders. Continues...
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:44
Posted by: James J,
Hudsons Bay owns Saks fifth Avenue and Lord and Taylor. One of their top two or three executives is a former senior executive with Marshall Field and Company.
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:43
Posted by: Jennifer J,
Hhhhmmmm... Hudson's Bay???
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:43
Posted by: Timothy E,
Well, let's pool our pennies...;-)
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:43
Posted by: James M,
Another thorough story by Andy Brownfield.
Macy's is looking for a buyer, report says - Cincinnati Business Courier
Cincinnati-based retail giant Macy's Inc. could be shopping around for a buyer, according to a published report.
http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2017/02/02/report-macys-is-looking-for-a-buyer.html
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:42
Posted by: James M,
This was a big topic of discussion five years ago here.
J.C. Penney, Macy's end 5-year feud over selling Martha Stewart products - Dallas Business Journal
J.C. Penney and Macy's were granted dismissal this week of a lawsuit that claimed J.C. Penney violated�continues...
http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2017/02/03/j-c-penney-macys-end-5-year-feud-over-martha.html
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:41
Posted by: Rich W,
Prediction: Hudson�s Bay Will Try To Buy Macy�s in 2016FORTUNE.COM|BY PHIL WAHBA
http://fortune.com/2015/11/28/hudsons-bay-company-macys-acquisition-prediction/
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:41
Posted by: Rich W,
I recall reading about a year ago how Hudson Bay had an eye on Macy's because they felt the Herald Square location had an understated value, making the chain an attractive buy.
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:40
Posted by: James M,
If Terry Lundgren wanted Marshall Field's to survive as part of the deal, my opinion is that he probably would not have done a deal with Frango. Still, let's fight the fight to bring back Marshall Field and company.
Also, another inside track for Hudson Bay is that it has sold some of Macy's private brands in the past.
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:39
Posted by: Rich W,
Wonder if Hudson Bay will make an offer
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:39
Posted by: Jim M,
Macy's shares jump after report says CEO seeking buyer
Departing Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren is open to offers in an attempt to avoid a board shakeup that could stain his legacy, the New York Post reports.
http://www.cnbc.com/2017/02/02/macys-shares-jump-after-report-says-ceo-seeking-buyer.html
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:38
Posted by: Jim M,
BATUS owned Gimbels, Saks, and Field's in the 1980s. They closed Gimbels in the 1980s and then sold off Saks and Field's by the end of the decade.
Carson's became part of Sak's Norther Department Store Group. Then Saks became Profitts and then the two separated with Dillard's acquiring a lot of Profitts but Parisian stores in Detroit went to Bon-Ton with the rest of the Northern Departement Stores Group...golly, I'm losing track...
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:35
Posted by: Aaron M.,
Saks was a stand-alone company at the time, and they purchased Proffitt's, the parent company of Carson's at the time (within the last 20 years or so).
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:34
Posted by: Susan C,
The sale to Carson's must have happened a long time ago because at one point in time BATUS owned Sak's
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:34
Posted by: Jim M,
HBC has Sak's on Michigan Avenue. (I am underwhelmed by the architecture of that store.) One rumor I heard a couple years ago was that they would like all the Chicagoland Lord and Taylor stores branded as Sak's. I even heard a rumor that HBC would lease the Marshall Fields name and use it for their Lord and Taylor and Sak's stores in Chicago. Sounds crazy--but too complicated to explain here in Facebook.
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:33
Posted by: Aaron M.,
HB lost out on it's Water Tower Place Lord and Taylor (I realize this is way oversimplified), so they would probably love to get a footprint in the city.
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:32
Posted by: James McKay,
Barbara: that would be interesting. Hudson's Bay and Selfridges are huge rivals in Canada right now. Selfridge's operates Holt Renfrew. personally, I think would be a great thing if Hudson Bay ended up with Macy's and Selfridges ended up with the A list locations of Field's plus Bloomingdale's. [ According to what I have read, Hudson's Bay is much smaller than Macy's/Bloomingdale's.]
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:32
Posted by: Barbara J,
If Hudsons Bay becomes the new owner, perhaps the selling off of Fields will make some sense to them.
Date: Sat, February 04, 2017, 13:31
Posted by: Jim,
Based on my study of the building and some media stories, I think State Street will continue to have a major department store but it will be reduced to the State Street side and go up to the 8th floor. Wabash side will be used tor other purposes, with one room on the main floor used as a lobby to all the other floors, especially floors 9 and up which would belong to someone else, including the State Street side. But the building has maximum value when it is connected with Marshall Field's.
Date: Fri, February 03, 2017, 12:57
Posted by: Carolyn Cullen,
Maybe there is another chance, for Hudson's Bay to do the right thing and bring back Marshall Field's?http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-macys-hudson-bay-20170203-story.html
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2017, 13:24
Posted by: mikea,
The whole problem with Macy's is their stock shot up way high in 2015 and the activist investors made a poor decision to jump onboard. They now want t heir money and do not care if the company is forced to liquidate all of their properties and go out of business. They have no caring for any of the operations let alone the names of the regional stores and of course the CUSTOMERS!!!!
Looking back in the 80's that is the reason why MF&CO sold out to BAtus activist investors out for short term profits which sold it to Dayton/Hudson to May to FDS.
Maybe Bloomingdale's might be sold first and then Macy's. Also The Gap on State Street is closing this month. It seems so many retailers are having problems, especially the mall stores. Off Price TJX Companies are doing very well. They have a surprise format in their stores. The worst that could possibly happen would be for the activist investors to get seats on the board and force the company to sell off State Street and the store portfolio. GREED AT ITS WORST
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2017, 10:14
Posted by: James M,
Macy's Jumps On Talk Of PE-Structured Real Estate Dealhttp://seekingalpha.com/news/3239980-macys-jumps-talk-pe-structured-real-estate-deal
Another story. Yes, we have contacted all of Starboards execs to remind them that State Street's value is maximized when the store is reunited with the Marshall Field's name.
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2017, 10:11
Posted by: Aaron M,
[ BTW:
These are the poll results form the story just cited:
Do you agree that much of Macy�s recent struggles can be linked to the company�s decision to consolidate regional nameplates under one national banner?
Strongly agree (57% Votes)
Somewhat agree (20% Votes)
Somewhat disagree (7% Votes)
Strongly disagree (9% Votes)
Not sure/no opinion (7% Votes)
]
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2017, 10:10
Posted by: Aaron M,
Duh!(Field's gets mentioned in the article.
Should Macy�s have never gone national? � RetailWire
http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/should-macys-have-never-gone-national/
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2017, 10:08
Posted by: Jim McKay,
YouGov Article | Macy's hits eight-year perception low
"Macy�s hit its lowest consumer perception score in eight years in the middle of January, the result of a sharp drop right after New Year�s Day..."
https://today.yougov.com/news/2017/02/01/macy-hits-eight-year-perception-low/
(YouGov is a regarded pollster which I believe is based in the UK.)
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2017, 10:07
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Aaron Mosesbro, Michael Russell Totally agree. I think this is make or break time. We did contact some of the activist investors and are making attempts again now. All they care about is money but there are a couple of parties I'm thinking of -- Selfridges Group (for reasons we have discussed) and Hudson's Bay as well (who would be good stewards).
Hudson's Bay, owner of Sak's and Lord and Taylor, has a former senior Marshall Field's exec in one of the top positions. Selfridges Group operates Holt's in Canada.
Contributing to all the uncertainty is the tumultuous US political circumstances are making it idea for something bad (or good) to happen because politics, not stores are not a central focus these days.
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2017, 10:04
Posted by: Aaron M,
Those activist investors are really just looking to sell off the property and earn a tidy sum. They care not about Macy's, much less Marshall Field and Company. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2017, 10:04
Posted by: Michael R,
It will be interesting to see if Lundgren is forced to step down or if he tries to sell the company and steps down to preserve his "legacy".
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2017, 10:03
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Do keep in mind that Terry Lundgren will still be chairman of the board until further notice. So he will still have a role in Macy's and Bloomingdale's operations.
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2017, 10:02
Posted by: Kevin H,
New York Post
Macy�s sale rumored as long-time CEO steps down
By Lisa Fickenscher, Josh Kosman and Claire Atkinson February 1, 2017 | 10:33pm
http://nypost.com/2017/02/01/macys-sale-rumored-as-long-time-ceo-steps-down/
Date: Thurs, February 02, 2017, 10:00
Posted by: Jim McKay,
CLARIFICATION:
Some of our regulars now prefer to post at our Facebook group. Whenever it seems to translate well to this forum, those Facebook posts will be cross-posted here. The posts here will show the poster's first name and last initial. The time stamp here may be the time it first was crossposted here rather than its original Facebook time stamp.
As always, those Facebook posts remain solely the opinion of the original poster on Facebook, are presented for discussion and even disagreement and request for correction by anyone who might read the post. The posts do not necessarily represent the opinion of those who operate FieldsFansChicago.org.
Thank you.
Jim
Date: Wed, February 01, 2017, 02:03
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
Selling frangos makes no sense the sales price is a fraction of Macy's problems. Plus they just gave away a very good private brand.This only makes sense if Macy's is getting ready to shut down
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 4:14 pm Ct
Posted by: dave andrews,
Just as selling off the Craftsman brand is one less reason to bother going to what's left of Sears, getting rid of Frango is one less reason to bother going to what remains of Marshall Field's. The major issues are quality and distribution. The Craftsman tools sold at Sears today are nowhere near what were sold there years ago; one wonders about the Craftsman tools which will be made by Black & Decker. With no quality control or standardization, the name will surely mean nothing. In fact, many tool buyers have found better items at Lowe's or Home Depot and have totally abandoned Craftsman. In many cases, the husband might go to Sears specifically to look at tools while the wife and children would come along to purchase other items.
The fine quality of Frango has declined greatly since macy took over. One wonders if the new owners will make the brand into a "commodity" which will sold everywhere and no longer anything special. Just like macy did to the stores it took over. There's not much reason to shop at macy now, the mass production and distribution of Frangos will make them available at Walgreens and the neighborhood grocery store.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 3:57 pm Ct
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Re Dave Andrews:
The reporter who wrote the story you cite does a really fair and balanced job of covering Macy's, Field's, etc.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 3:2 pm CT
Posted by: dave andrews,
Seems that macy is becoming more like Sears as stores and other assets are sold off. After iconic stores have been destroyed, the few remaining valuable brands are sold to raise money:
Perhaps the Frango brand isn't worth much since Marshall Field's is no longer in existence--and who deserves the blame for that! Hard to believe the board of directors would allow one egomaniac "genius" to make such poor decisions.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 2:02 pm CT
Posted by: David H,
Garrett's has stores in like 10 countries
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 2:00 pm CT
Posted by: Michael D.,
Haven't seen a price mentioned. And I wonder for how long Macy's will carry Frangos (and whether it's part of the contract. ) And most importantly will Macy's continue to offer it on sale every other week!?
Didn't realize only some Macy stores sold. Guessing where MF, BM and Ohio stores, where they sold before.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 1:22 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Michael R:
Agreed. The Segment on 780/105.9 that just aired interviewed a food marketing expert from L.A. I was skeptical at first but he turned out to be very astute. He totally "got" the Marshall Field's and Frango brand, pointed out that MF&Co did a much better job of promoting Frango and then said that this seemed as if Macy's was starting a firesale.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 1:21 pm CT
Posted by: Michael R,
Jim H,: as long as the quality was the same.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 1:21 pm CT
Posted by: Jim H.,
Sears was known for Craftsman tools, while Marshall Field's had Field Gear. At a bare bones minimum, it would not be ideal, but it would be "ok" if I could buy Field Gear clothes again - regardless of who owns the brand.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 1:20 pm CT
Posted by: Michael R,
They are selling things off like Sears. They'll never be able to sell off their house brands though..........nobody wants that crap! I am wearing a Field Gear Cashmere sweater today!!!!!! Jealous?
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 1:20 pm CT
Posted by: Mike P,
I believe Garrett's is a Chicago company....and I don't think that they have too much of a reach outside the Chicago area. This potentially extends the brand outside the area...and perhaps also brings Garrett's to places like the West Coast.
Far as MF&CO? I like to think that Garrett's is keeping it local and if our beloved MF&CO comes back, perhaps Garrett.s can be a part of that.Exactly. Good for Frangos, per se; not so good for M.F. & Co.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 1:19 pm CT
Posted by: Timothy E,
Exactly. Good for Frangos, per se; not so good for M.F. & Co.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 1:19 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
I think you are right, Timothy Eischen. If Frangos everywhere, why special? On the other hand, we tend to forget that Frangos have been sold in the Pacific Northwest as well all these years. I have heard that Garrett's owners are good.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 1:19 pm CT
Posted by: Timothy E,
Potentially good for the Frango 'brand'; not good news for the future return of Marshall Field's.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 12:59 pm CT
Posted by: Chris R,
So sad. And Field's could come back. As some have pointed out, cars have come back. Stores have come back. They are trying to separate State Street from the Field's legacy.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 12:59 pm CT
Posted by: Michael T,
And so Macy's follows the path of Sears...
Sad sad sad.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 12:58 pm CT
Posted by: Sara B,
Anyone who thinks this is a good thing for Chicago is seriously misguided. Macy's is setting things up so Marshall Field's does not come back in any recognizable form. No, it's not awesome. It's a tragedy.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 12:58 pm CT
Posted by: John K,
Haven't set foot in a Macy since the takeover. Just think that this might be an opportunity for someone to pick up the MAFCO tm and run with it.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 13:57
Posted by: Marty B,
Reminds me of Sears selling off their assets such as Craftman and Kenmore.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 12:57 pm CT
Posted by: Kathy Sue W,
I'm not sure how I feel about this. I think I will have to wait and see what exactly they do with it.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 12:54 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Please go to the original articles and try to leave comments.
Marketwatch on the sale of Frango to Garrett's
And perhaps the most thorough -- via the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-garrett-buys-frango-0131-biz-20170130-story.html
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 12:48 pm CT
Posted by: mikea,
This latest announcement by Macy's is probably the road of one of two things for the company
1) selling off assets real estate and closing stores to make the company more attractable for sale
2) enable the company to go private
If bloomingdale's is sold or spun off then for sure the company will go private or a buyer is in the works.
They are trying to raise cash in a big way.
Frangos will now be sold in the Garrett shops, but now maybe at higher prices which can in turn hurt Macy's sales and the affordable for customers.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 12:41 pm CT
Posted by: Eric B,
The one positive aspect of Garrett buying Frango is that it returns the brand to local ownership. Otherwise, this smacks of Sears selling the Kenmore brand, which amounts to buying a little more time to keep a doomed company afloat.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 11:29 am CT
Posted by: Anna,
Sickening to watch Macy's dismantle the very valuable and much beloved Field's brand by selling off Frango's. A Travesty.
Date: Mon, January 30, 2017, 8:06 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Not good at all. Means less of a reason to ever shop these stores. Sadly, I believe this is one of the first moves of the new CEO. Basically dismantling Field's. Will you be ready to picket when they attempt to close State Street?
Date: Fri, January 27, 2017, 4:44 am CT
Posted by: Pete,
Put Marshall Field's in Bloomingdale's locations?
DUMB!!!!!!!!
Bring back Field's to State Street, Water Tower, Old Orchard, Oak Brook, Orland Park.
Date: Thu, January 26, 2017, 11:30 pm CT
Posted by: Rich Ionozze,
I have not posted in a L O N G Time -- But STILL with the cause !!!!Every time I visited a red-star store over the holidays (not to purchase--just as a walk through to the rest of the mall)- I put a card into Santa's mailbox saying "Please bring back Marshall Field's"
This article was interesting -- I read it today --
http://wdwayfind.com/research/the-macys-effect/
Pretty much it states what we all already know and understood 11 years ago when this whole debacle of the destruction of the local stores and the wonton dismantling and destruction of Field's occurred -- they probably could have asked ANY of us at that time and we could have told them the problems that would develop- it is NOT ok - but what is there to do about it ??? we can only do what we have been doing and perhaps someone in power will realise the way forward (red star STILL Owns dozens of nameplates and rights to those names and can potentially use them --- they would need to un-do the dismantling--I don't believe they know how - or would want to - even with a sinking ship----
Truly a sad situation and a mess
Date: Thurs, January 26, 2017, 3:29 am CT
Posted by: Mary Ellen Connor,
Exhilarating to read that the fight continues for Marshall Field's. I saw this link after the Crain's Chicago article. I really agree with the counter opinion that mentioned this site.
Below, the person who is Mike, who focuses on Fox Valley and saying that Marshall Field's should move into the old Bloomingdale's locations doesn't really know much. (Maybe they are a former Macy's employee?) The Water Tower Place and State Street stores are so intertwined with Marshall Field and Company brand experience. Putting Marshall Field's in the Bloomingdale store would just make things worse. It's the same kind of crazy Macy's thinking that had us lose Marshall Field's in the first place. I'm sure Macy's insists on having a Michigan Avenue store. Let them move Macy's into Bloomingdale's on N. Michigan Ave. and have a home store over at Wabash Avenue. I don't think people are so concerned at all about what happened at Fox Valley.
All the horrible things happening in our world, bringing back Marshall Field's would be a sweet respite.
Mary Ellen
Date: Wed, January 25, 2017, 5:47 pm CT
Posted by: Robert ,
Mikea I'm glad to hear you say that Marshall Fields should be brought back to Chicago. However it MUST come back to its state street flagship. The Fields brand and that location go hand and hand. Other current bloomingdales or macy's locations can follow but if it doesn't came back to state street I don't see the point of bringing it back.I would love to see MF back at Old Orchard and Oakbrook as well!!!
Date: Wed, January 25, 2017, 2:57 pm CT
Posted by: David S,
I can't help but be moved today by the passing of Mary Tyler Moore, who threw up her hat in front of the Dayton's Flagship, later Marshall Fields in Downtown Minneapolis.
I'm sure everyone knows the Dayton's Flagship is in the process of being closed, and now the iconic store and the person who gave it visibility to the whole country is gone as well......
A Sad Day
Date: Wed, January 25, 2017, 12:59 pm CT
Posted by: mikea,
I agree with the Crain's author somewhat. Macy's big mistake was to end their service departments ie gift wrap close in store eateries ie Old orchard Fox Valley. They also stopped the localization program of my macy's in favor of a more amazon like approach which is failing.
They could have expanded their my macy's program more and made the flagship stores take on the flavor of the regional stores they once were even co naming them. Instead they closed some and shrunk others only to retreat and take the real estate value and alienate the customers.
Macy's should in Chicago close the three bloomingdale's stores, they are empty and a waste on the company. They should be rebranded Marshall Field's and run by Bloomingdale's. Maybe Macy's should split off blomingdales' or sell them.
They do not even respond to their online tell us what you think anymore. It just shows they no longer care for the customers.
Date: Tues, January 24, 2017, 3:13 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Crain's Chicago Business is reprinting an opinion piece that originally ran in Advertising Age. It is by Rance Crain, president of Crains Communication and editor-in-chief of from Advertising Age. If you have Crains login, please consider leaving your comments afterwards or even submitting a letter to the editor at letters@chicagobusiness.com, editor@chicagobusiness.com
January 24, 2017
OPINION
The demise of the department store experience
Comments Email Print
By: RANCE CRAIN
http://adage.com/article/rance-crain/demise-department-store-experience/307661/
My response:
"Regarding the Marshall Field's brand and experience, at the time of the Federated/Macy's-May Department Stores merger, their own official SEC 10K filings listed Marshall Field's tradenames as $419M. At that same time, Macy's/Bloomingdale's tradenames were valued at $377M. (Yes, less.) A dozen other department store tradenames, including Lord and Taylor, Filene's, Hecht's, Famous Barr, and others had a COMBINED value of less than $190M. 5-8 years ago, the grass roots group, Field'sFansChicago surveyed 2,300 Michigan Avenue and State Street shoppers. Surveys consistently showed 78%-80% -- about 4 out of 5 -- preferred Marshall Field's over Macy's and wanted it to return to the two tourist shopping destinations and shopped Macy's less. When Macy's says that Marshall Field's was losing money, that division included about 40 out of 62 stores which were Dayton's and Hudson's stores. (Target still owns those two store names.). Of about 10 stores closed by Macy's in the former Dayton's/Hudson's/Field's division, only Lake Forest and Bloomingdale/Stratford were Marshall Field's stores in 2001. The rest were Dayton's or Hudson's--those stores were doing poorly and among recent closures. Stockholder reps from Field's Fans Chicago have spoken at the conclusion of annual Macy's stockholder meetings in Cincinnati every year since 2008. After speaking, other stockholders have responded to FieldsFansChicago that they agree, that they think it's been a mistake to get rid of Marshall Field's at key Chicago locations and/or that Field's would have been a stronger brand in Chicago than Bloomingdale's. Support for the Field's brand and experience continues to be very strong. A few weeks ago during the holidays, Close to 250 posed for photos pleading for Field's return to State Street. This is documented in about 200 of these photos which can be viewed at http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org Shoppers and stockholders aren't asking to have all 20 Marshall Field's stores to come back. They probably overbuilt in the 1980s. But it makes so much sense from the perspective of stockholders, shoppers, and even tax payers who could realize greater sales taxes to restore Marshall Field's in name AND EXPERIENCE to at least State Street. Perhaps a few other locations like Old Orchard, Water Tower, Oak Brook, Woodfield, Mayfair should also be considered for restoration to the Field's brand and experience. And no, it shoudn't be co-branding--"Marshall Field's by Macy's" would sounds as great as "Cadillac by Chevy." If there's not enough room in Chicago for Bloomies, Field's, and Macy's, they should make Bloomingdale's Michigan Avenue Macy's and restore Field's to it's former location. Bloomingdale's is really just regional, doing best in the Northeast, Florida and California."
Date: Fri, January 20, 2017, 14:03
Posted by: mikea,
I agree with Tim's post. Department stores need to stop chasing Amazon. Macy's especially thinks this. In the last two years their my macy's localization program has fallen apart in favor a more amazon like approach. Instead of closing the profitable downtown stores, they should have capitalized on them for more localization in merchandise and promotions. Pittsburgh, Portland and Minneapolis are cities with a rising downtown office and resident populations.
The stores can keep the Macy's name, but change the merchandise to reflect local flavor, tastes, traditions, the regional stores had.
it is still not to late to do that to STATE STREET, Water Tower, Seattle, Miami, Boston, and San Francisco. The stores all cannot be alike.
They need new management that understands that localization will differentiate them from online retailers and bring customers back to them as destination stores. Stop cutting back on promotions events ie Glamoarama, departments, staffing just to save money and think the customers won't notice.
Date: Tues, January 17, 2017, 6:35 pm CT
Posted by: Authored by Tim Parry on Linked In ,
Department Stores Need to Stop Chasing Amazon and Become Destinations Again
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/department-stores-need-stop-chasing-amazon-become-again-tim-parry
Date: Sun, January 15, 2017, 11:11 pm CT
Posted by: Sarah W,
All those photos are amazing! Macy's continue to ignore?????
Date: Sat, January 14, 2017, 5:39 pm CT
Posted by: Jim,
To follow up on and thank Dave's post from yesterday:
Since before the takeover of Field's, Sachse was one of Terry Lungren's closest, and a huge supporter of Macyization of everything including Field's. In one sense it could be a good sign; yet, there's an unknown quantity with Gennette who becomes Macy's CEO in February. Lundgren is slated to still continue as Chairman of the Board after that. Regardless, I will be at the stockholders meeting on Friday, May 19, 2017 to stand up for Marshall Field and Company.
Here's another couple of more links to typically decent sources to more information:
From Cincinnati.com:
Macy's fires top executive in charge of growth
Struggling department store operator Macy's said Friday that it has fired its chief growth officer Peter Sachse.
The Street
Date: Fri, January 13, 2017, 5:17 pm CT
Posted by: dave andrews,
So it appears that macy identified a scapegoat for declining sales:
Again, the REAL culprit still occupies his seat in the executive suite. Had there been some oversight or HONEST market research 10 years ago, one wonders how many of the 200 plus shuttered stores would still be operating and how many of the thousands of laid off employees would still have a job. Granted, online shopping and declining mall locations would have necessitated SOME store closures but not to the magnitude seen the past few years. How many successful stores rapidly lost business and went downhill once converted to macy? Guess a vintage holiday movie and red stars everywhere didn't equate to retail success.
Date: Tues, January 10, 2017, 1:26 pm CT
Posted by: mikea,
I agree with Dave's post . Macy's big problem is lack of leadership and cost cutting. Before FDs bought May Company, Macy's was a great store with great values, merchandise and traditions. Even the first few years after absorbing MAY THEY WERE GOOD< HOWEVER THEY BROUGHT IN SOME OF THE CHEAP TACKY May merchandise and that brought down the quality.
The last two to three years the bottom is falling out. Constant cost cutting with staff and confusing sales and deals, lack of merchandise that is special, merchandise that the web says is at a store and then is not there. not only does this confuse the customers, but the associates too.
What does Macy's Inc do fire another 6,000 managers planners, buyers and back office support people. Do they actually think that service and sales will not suffer. I cannot believe they had 6,000 useless people working at the company. Still they do this after two to three years of cost cutting in staff. The real problem is the top executives and executive committee. However like all US companies those at the top responsible for a company's performance never take the blame only those who do the actual work.
Macy's needs new leadership and goals, continued store closings unless it is a dead or dying location and layoffs will not solve the core problems!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: Mon, January 09, 2017, 10:49 pm CT
Posted by: dave andrews,
This analyst calls out macy for lack of leadership:
Not only is macy lacking in creativity and innovation, they have destroyed valued services and traditions offered by the department stores they consumed. Simply stated, there is NO compelling reason to visit a macy store--nothing special, same old same old, nondescript. Closing stores will not solve the problem of declining sales and decreasing stock values; the cause of the problem must be addressed and corrected. Perhaps the NEW leadership will look back at what was successful and give the shoppers what they want! Ten years later and macy is still an epic fail.
Date: Mon, January 09, 2017, 3:03 am CT
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
PeteYou are correct, the carsons store at Springhill was built as a prototype chas weisse store and is a real step from Fields.
Date: Fri, January 06, 2017, 5:37 pm CT
Posted by: Pete,
I mostly agree with Phil. I also think Joliet is a closure candidate. The fixtures and store is in bad shape, not to mention in 1980s mauve/dusty pink in places. It hasn't been remodeled in a while. Then again, I haven't been in there a while. Spring Hill is a troubled mall. They better do something. The now-Macy's is actually kind of old, opened in 1980/81 as Field's. 36 years ago or so. The Carson's there is actually nicer than Field's/Macy's. The stores have moved around there, but if I recall correctly, it was originally P.A. Bergner/Weisse. It's still a nicer store than Macy's. JCPenney pulled out a couple of years ago. I see Macy's pulling out of SPring Hill, just my opinion as a customer.
Date: Thurs, January 05, 2017, 8:31 pm, CT
Posted by: mikea,
Once again Macy's is thinking shortsighted. Closing of the downtown Minneapolis store may bring in short term revenue, but at what cost. Consider the goodwill and customers they will loose from the closing.
Some of the store closings ie Eastland Mission Valley are in dead malls and need to be closed. I was surprised to See River Oaks, Horton PLaza and Glenbrook not on the list.
Also the announcement of many management positions being eliminated, is this going to mean even less customer service!!!! Also what about merchandising is this going to mean more just hohum basic stock merchandise that seems to have permenated the stores in the last two years.
The first years Macy's performed well good merchandise at good pricing, however ever since they became investment grade and the investor activists have taken over, the company is spirling downward.
Sales are not even real sales anymore just trying to confuse customers, Decorations and events in the stores are going downward, merchandise is becoming very basic no pizazzz etc. The company needs to be sold and taken private. Bloomingdale's needs to be spun off and sold. Bluemercury was a big mistake for the company. The investor activists need to be disposed of or the company will continue to downward slide and be liquidated in 10 years or less.
Date: Wed, January 04, 2017, 10:15 pm CT
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
As far as store closings go, Macy's usually closes old storesOf the former Field's stores, the oldest are Mayfair, old orchard, Oakbrook and river oaks. Other than River oaks, all very very profitable. Stratford was always a dog and too close to Woodfield. Springhill is at the edge of the sticks, pretty much new and the mall is under 45 million redevelopment. I think Northbrook could be a closure candidate, too close to old orchard. Northbrook Neiman's is a top producer, but the Neiman's client never enters the mall
Date: Wed, January 04, 2017, 5:28 pm CT
Posted by: Kevin C,
I wonder what will move into the Stratford Square store?
I thought maybe Mayfair and Spring Hill would be on the list.
(Comment from Jim McKay: I think Mayfair is one of their better performing stores.)
Date: Wed, January 04, 2017, 5:24 pm CT
Posted by: Michael D,
The saddest news is the loss of yet another downtown flagship- Dayton's Minneapolis. :-( :-(
Date: Wed, January 04, 2017, 5:23 pm CT
Posted by: Timothy E,
Ah, the "Magic of Macy's" - making things disappear into thin air....
Date: Wed, January 04, 2017, 5:17 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
They sure are closing a lot of former Hudson's and Dayton's stores (four). They closed Northland about two years ago. Of course, all five stores were branded as Marshall Field's for about 4 years, 2002-06.
Former Hudson's
- Lakeview Square Mall, Battle Creek, MI (102,000 square feet: opened 1983; 51 associates);
- Eastland Center, Harper Woods, MI (433,000 square feet; opened in 1957; 121 associates);
- Lansing, Lansing, MI (103,000 square feet; opened in 1979; 57 associates);
- Westland, Westland, MI (334,000 square feet; opened in 1965; 106 associates);
Former Dayton's:
- Minneapolis Downtown, Minneapolis, MN (1,276,000 square feet; opened in 1902; 280 associates);
- Columbia, Grand Forks, ND (99,000 square feet; opened in 1978; 53 associates);
- Valley View, La Crosse, WI (101,000 square feet; opened in 1980; 57 associates)
There's also one in Ohio that used to be Field's in the 1990s but it became a Kaufmann's.
Date: Wed, January 04, 2017, 3:10 pm to 5:13 pm CT
Posted by: Susan C,
Closing the former Dayton's flagship is so sad. What a loss for Minneapolis. I ran into one of my Marshall Field's co-workers on the 6th floor on the bus shortly before Christmas. I told her about the rumors for this store and she has no idea what is going on with the company she works for. I told her about this page and the up to date information. I will right the page information down and go into the store and give it to her. She also worked for Marshall Field's when Dayton Hudson bought it.
Date: Wed, January 04, 2017, 5:08 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
At about 3 pm Chicago time today, Macy's announced which additional 68 stores would close as part of the 100 closures announced last summer. The other 32 have already been announced.
Stratford Square store is only former Chicagoland Field's location to close. Downstate Bloomington (-Normal) and Alton, IL stores, formerly Famous Barr, will also close.
As of 5:00 pm, WGN TV News' Facebook page has about 200 posts on the topic with dozens saying they wished Marshall Field's would come back.
http://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/04/here-are-68-of-the-100-stores-that-macys-will-close.html
Macy's also revised its guidance. It said recent comp sales were down 2.1% overall.
Of the 100, three are former Dayton's locations, including the former flagship, and four are former Hudson's locations.
I thought for sure they would close River Oaks and bring the Woodfield and Oak Brook furniture stores back into the main stores. Joliet and Spring Hill always look shaky to me as well.
These are the links to Macy's press releases from today:
Store closures:
http://investors.macysinc.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=84477&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2234057
Revised Guidance for Nov/Dec:
http://investors.macysinc.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=84477&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2234058>
Date: Wed, January 04, 2017, 2:12 pm CT
Posted by: Aaron M.,
Macy's is officially announced the sale of the Dayton's building in Downtown Minneapolis and the closing of its store there.
An era ends: Macy's sells downtown Minneapolis store, will close it in March
Macy�s Inc.
STARTRIBUNE.COM
Date: Wed, January 04, 2017, 11:11 am CT
Posted by: Chris R,
Actually, since you are considering precedents, later today could be the day. After the bell. First Wednesday of the first full week of the new year. For example, Wednesday, January 7, 2015, Wednesday, January 9, 2013, Wednesday, January 4, 2012. All days when they announced. Maybe today?
Date: Tues, January 03, 2017, 12:15 am CT
Posted by: Jim,
If past years' precedents are any indication, it's very possible that we will hear TODAY (Tuesday) or at least sometime this week as to the full list of 100 Macy's, Inc. stores that are closing.
I have no idea if any stores in Chicagoland are among those. At the same time, I think it's 99.9% likely that State Street, Water Tower Place, Woodfield, Oak Brook, Old Orchard, and Orland Park Macy's locations, along with Bloomingdale's at 900 N. Michigan Ave., are safe. Remember that some of the criteria include that in the store makes more money as another purpose instead of being run is a department store and also terms of leases. And, according to Macy's, Inc. conference calls in the past, all of the stores that are closing in the United States are all currently profitable but just could be more profitable if use differently.
In the past, under the category of "pure speculation", posters here have speculated that River Oaks/Calumet City, Louis Joliet, Spring Hill, Stratford Square, and even perhaps either Northbrook Court or Hawthorne might be among the hundred stores closing. Others have speculated that Bloomingdale's at Old Orchard or at the Wabash home store could be candidates, as could the two Macy's home stores at Oakbrook and Schaumburg. Of course, there are two other Macy's that are never on our radar because they never were once Marshall Field stores. Those are Bolingbrook and Gurnee Mills. Those are pretty new but you never know.
Date: Fri, December 30, 2016, 8:13 pm CT
Posted by: dave andrews,
This retail analyst feels that macy might be acquired by Ross Stores in 2017:http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2016/12/30/could-macys-be-acquired-in-2017.html?ana=yahoo&yptr=yahooFor those who don't know, Ross Dress for Less is a closeout/clearance store, a few steps BELOW TJMaxx and Marshalls. Whereas the latter two discount stores do have some decent displays and fixtures, Ross is more of a bare bones operation-- only having long pipe racks packed with miscellaneous clothing and plain metal shelving with spotty assortments of merchandise. The clothing and home goods at Ross are also of a lower quality, in my opinion.
For those who follow the history of American retailing and who believe the old adage "history repeats itself," this scenario with Ross Stores is reminiscent of what happened with Schottenstein Stores in the 1980s. Schottenstein was a discount store operation based in Columbus OH which bought out ailing regional chains--Halle's in Cleveland, Steinbach in New Jersey, Hochschild Kohn in Baltimore, Crowely's in Detroit, Korvettes on the East Coast. Many locations were liquidated and sold off, while others were converted to their Value City format.
My guess is that Ross would eventually remake the macy stores into the discount format. By converting the regional department stores into macy and eliminating what made these stores special, sales and stock prices have plummeted. By failing to maintain stores plus adding the Backstage and Last Act clearance areas, macy has further cheapened their brand name. There is truly no magic!
Date: Thurs, December 29, 2016, 6:19 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
FANTASTIC PHOTOS! AND THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CONTINUES TO PARTICIPATE TO BRING BACK FIELD'S, GOOD OR BAD CHICAGO WEATHER! GO FIELD'S! GO CHICAGO!
Date: Wed, December 28, 2016, 9:43 pm CT
Posted by: Anna from South Bend,
Thank you for all the pictures.
Really miss Hudson's and Marshall Field's.
Date: Wed, December 28, 2016, 3:42 pm CT
Posted by: Linda W.,
Wow!!!
All those photos are impressive. How can Macy's not listen? Especially when they seem so desperate closing stores.
Date: Tues, December 27, 2016, 9:06 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
We have close to 200 photos of what I estimate to be about 250 people who wanted to be photographed under The Great Clock at State and Washington during seven extended lunch hours this holiday season on November 5, 25, & 26 and December 3, 10, 17, & 23, 2016.
I've finally got the photos available--see below. Each square has a larger counterpart. Upon request via email to me at jjmckay AT me DOT com, I will post the larger, full image. The photos are presented roughly in reverse chronological order,
Thank you to all who supported our campaign under The Great Clock this past holiday season, especially Gloria, Lucie, Judy, Ren�e, and Marie for efforts under the clock; Gail, Gayle, Alfred, and John. Also not forgetting several of you who prefer to remain anonymous and everyone who has supported us by sharing or "liking" links to our images, posts, and more here and on our other social media channels. And of course all who posed for selfies.
THANK YOU.
All photos �2016 FieldsFansChicago & Jim McKay. All rights reserved. Permission for publication granted provided there is a photo credit.
Date: Mon, December 26, 2016, 1-:21 am CT
Posted by: Mr. JTS,
Selfridges is now offering a service for international delivery to every country in the world that they ship to for an annual fee of fifty US dollars. I signed up for this service and have acquired many British gifts for Christmas presents. Two orders are basically all it takes to cover the annual fee in itself and there is no minimum purchase threshold.Chicago desires a high quality retail institution which operates under the same principles that Field's used to.
As the Best Department Store in the World and a history tied to Marshall Field's, this is an opportunity to further the Selfridges Come Home to Chicago/Selfies for Selfridges campaign.
The link to the page for Selfridges Plus is posted below.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Happy Shopping!
Date: Sun, December 25, 2016, 10:04 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
https://youtu.be/rt4qVbNj8wU
Happy Hanukkah! Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa! Four years ago, in 2012, was for various reasons perhaps the most challenging year for those of us who stood out on State Street. FACT: for whatever reason, encouraging us on, we kept spontaneously hearing Luciano Pavarotti singing Ave Maria and The Night That Christ Was Born--car driving by playing it, somebody with a music player walking by, our car driving to State Street, and once even on the subway on our way to stand underneath the clock. It's the music we heard and the beauty we were encouraged by. Go figure. Inspired by this, we got together with some Field's alumni/retirees and put together this message for the season. Not saying it's the best video or anything but we just want to sure our heartfelt feelings of being out there on State Street in the cold for the cause of bringing back Marshall Field and company. This is the preferred version and it should play OK now on any type of computer or device, unlike a few years ago where we had another version which wasn't as nice sounding.) I like a lot of the photos in this slideshow/video because it demonstrates that Marshall Field was great even into its very last year. Are cause it's not just about nostalgia for something 40 or 50 years ago but something that's very contemporary and constantly being reinvented. That was Marshall Field and Company. As Alfred often says, here's to the once & future Marshall Field's.
Date: Sat, December 24, 2016, 9:30 pm CT
Posted by: dave andrews,
TEN YEARS AGO shoppers made their feelings known--they wanted their beloved local department stores. Now after years of lost customers and declining sales, analysts realize the May Company merger and rebranding of stores was a colossal mistake:
Simply closing stores isn't going to solve the problem. Shoppers have no connection to macy. Perhaps if they had come to town, opened their own stores, and competed fairly, macy might have gained some traction by trying to offer a better alternative. Instead they bought out the competition and brought their abrasive New York "better than everywhere else" attitude. Entering a macy store in Baltimore and seeing big pictures of their Herald Square flagship doesn't much matter,
Here's a suggestion--instead of CLOSING stores to regain profitability, how about REOPENING some? Start with the crown jewel Marshall Field's. Don't just put the name on a building filled with macy merchandise and management--bring back what was taken away and watch the customers return. Convert what were the top locations back to Fields! Keep the lower tier stores as macy. Once this catches on in Chicago, restore other beloved nameplates to their respective cities. Operate at least a few of the better stores in each market under the regional names. This would help their online business too--order a bathing suit from Burdines, The Florida Store or Frango mints from Marshall Field's. Then shoppers could have something special again!
Date: Sat, December 24, 2016, 2:08 pm CT
Posted by: dave andrews,
Not a very flattering evaluation of the departing CEO at macy:
Terry Lundgren's "legacy" is equivalent to those of Ron Johnson at JCPenney and Eddie Lampert at Sears. Future business school classes can study how arrogance, indifference to consumer wants and needs, failure to understand their customer base, and lack of market research lead to the near destruction of iconic American retailers.In all three cases the CEOs thought they knew best and failed to provide what the customers wanted. In all three cases, the results have been disastrous--lost jobs, closed stores, lower stock values.
Date: Thurs, December 22, 2016, 6:36 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
Thank you for the beautiful article by Leslie Goddard! I still remember my first trip to Marshall Field's to see Santa when I was 5 years old. For a child it was like the experience of a lifetime. Thank-you to all Field's Fans for your continued efforts to restore the experience of Field's to State Street!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
HAPPY HANUKKAH!
HAPPY KWANZAA!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Date: Wed, December 21, 2016, 5:15 pm CT
Posted by: Sandra,
It seems like there is less advertising and attention to the Walnut Room this Christmas season. I wonder if this is because it will be redeveloped as part of the rumored building deal.
Date: Tues, December 20, 2016, 12:00 pm CT
Posted by: David P.,
Growing up in Chicago, very Fond memories of Marshall Field's Chicago - the trip downtown on the el from Jefferson Park, the trip through the underground tunnels and the walkthrough into the store below ground level. The hustle and bustle of the massive store, the very high ceilings, the many eateries ( I think on the 8th floor). The Holiday Decorating and sparing NO Expense. The massive christmas tree, the Walnut Room, Frango Mints, the Holiday windows outside and finally the magical wait and chatter with Santa Clause. Marshall Field's a store like no other in Chicago. It was a very sad day when Macy's purchased Field's and rebranded it as their one of many chain stores. Marshall Field's losing its character, losing its uniqueness that made the store, its "Brand" Great - it WAS Chicago.
Date: Tues, December 20, 2016, 9:33 am CT
Posted by: Jim H.,
I miss heading to the store at the Water Tower Place after Christmas and buying Field Gear clothes at the after Christmas sales.
Date: Tues, December 20, 2016, 7:45 am CT
Posted by: Leslie Goddard,
Thanks Jim! It's an honor and such a lovely time of year to be remembering and celebrating our beloved Field's. Thanks for all that you and Fields Fans Forever do!!
Date: Mon, December 19, 2016, 11:33 pm ET
Posted by: Eric B.,
Here's another look back at Field's and Christmas. Leslie Goddard, author of the book Remembering Marshall Field's, has posted a marvelous essay online at smithsonianmag.com: "For Generations of Chicagoans, Marshall Field's Meant Business and Christmas." This brilliant piece discusses how and why Field's holiday traditions evolved into something much more significant than mere retail strategy. It's a must-read for all Field's Fans. The link is below. Bravo, Leslie!!
Date: Mon, December 19, 2016, 7:56 pm CT
Posted by: Marianne,
Wonderful Just love this!
Date: Mon, December 19, 2016, 7:51 pm CT
Posted by: James McKay,
A wonderful new story in a publication worthy of Marshall Field and Company by Leslie Goddard. I'm sure you'll want to read several times and share to your own Facebook pages. Thanks, Leslie.
For Generations of Chicagoans, Marshall Field�s Meant Business, and Christmas
The midwestern mainstay transformed commerce into a communal holiday spectacle
CONTINUES:
Date: Sat, December 17, 2016, 6:54 pm CT
Posted by: Eric B.,
Here is a link to a wonderful story which appeared in Evanston RoundTable. It's about Sallie Posniak, who worked for Marshall Field's Display Department for many years and was ultimately in charge of decorating the Great Tree:
http://www.evanstonroundtable.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=4&ArticleID=12951
Date: Sat, December 17, 2016, 4:49 pm CT
Posted by: Michael D.,
The print edition of this month's Time Out Chicago has a "Then and Now" story about the Marshall Field and Company Building.
Date: Sat, December 17, 2016, 3:49 pm CT
Posted by: Neil G,
[ Both Marshall Field I and R. H. Macy had sons who led troubled lives.]
Woman Clears Mystery of Marshall Field Jr. Death in November of 1905.
SAYS SHE MURDERED MARSHALL FIELD, JR.
WOMEN CLEARS MYSTERY OF CHICAGO MILLIONAIRE'S DEATH.
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 22, 1913 � The mystery surrounding the death of Marshall Field, Jr., heir to $100,000,000, in Chicago November 23, 1905, was cleared up today, if the confession made by Mrs. Vera Scott, wife of Lloyd D. Scott, a Kansas City musician, can be believed. For eight years Field�s death has been unexplained. He was shot, but that is all the public has known.
Besides killing Field, Mrs. Scott confessed that ...
Continues at http://drloihjournal.blogspot.com/2016/11/woman-clears-mystery-of-marshall-field.html
Date: Sat, December 17, 2016, 2:04 pm
Posted by: James McKay,
Neither sleet not freezing rain could keep us Field's Fans from being out on State Street today. Even had to squeegee off sleet from the signs.
There were significantly less people out on State Street today than might be expected for the last full Saturday of shopping before Christmas.
While the weather made it more difficult than usual to take photos, We did get ten shots that cane out pretty well and ar forthcoming.
Special thanks to Dianne (who came almost 100 miles to help out) and Ms Moore (embarrassed to say I may have the wrong name but she's from here) who made the afternoon extra special. Also many, many thanks to Gail,Gaylee, John, and of course Alfred for making it possible with their support.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2016: Because of the weather and the unusual nature of Christmas Eve falling on a Saturday, we're going to try for one more time out on State Street this Friday afternoon, December 23. Watch this Group for exact details. Hope you can make it out. Thanks for all you do to help bring back Marshall Field and Company.
Date: Fri, December 16, 2016, 4:16 pm CT
Posted by: Carrie H,
I guess I'm a bit of a Field's junkie
I saved a CD from 2001 Fab Fields Mix " Bond " [ It might have been part of atrium opening. ]
Date: Fri, December 16, 2016, 3:29 pm CT
Posted by: Carol H,
Cleaning out the Christmas closet & came across this gem of a shopping bag thinking just how much this cost to make ( the ornament is a clear pane and the harlequin print is on the interior opposite side bag ) [From about 2001 or 2002]
It's a little beat up but I've kept it to store my gift bags all these years
Always unique & classy that Marshall Field & Co.
Date: Thurs, December 15, 2016, 9:38 pm CT
Posted by: Kate,
Really Missing Marshall Field andCompany. Macy's is not the same.
Date: Wed, December 14, 2016, 8:38 am CT
Posted by: Carol H,
Stumbled upon the group when I was trying to research the history of an antique apron from M Fields
Glad to be here !
Date: Sun, December 11, 2016,ق:58 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
Those are great photos from a very cold Saturday. Thank-you for taking the time go go out there!
Date: Sat, December 10, 2016, 2:58 pm
Posted by: James McKay,
It was very cold and windy today from 11:45 am-2 pm but enthusiasm for Field's was again hot. We passed out hundreds of our brand-new 2016 edition of the flyers and almost as many pin-on "Time To Bring Back Marshall Field's" pin-on buttons. Due to the wind and cold, it was a little harder to take photos, but we will have about a dozen different subjects here in today's photos. Thanks to all for the support, especially Gail, Alfred, Gayle, J., And everyone else who stopped by to help, especially the two different annons who helped with holding the signs and passing out leaflets for a while. Please join us next Saturday, December 17, 2016, from at least 11:30 AM to 1 PM when we will repeat again. Thanks for all you do to help bring back Marshall Field and company.
PHOTOS FORTHCOMING
Date: Fri, December 09, 2016, 6:49 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Please join us at State and Washington Streets under the great clock from 11:30 a.m.�1 p.m. (and beyond?) this Saturday, December 10th and next Saturday, December 17, 2016. You can join us in distributing pin-on buttons and bookmark flyers in support of our case. There will also be a few protest signs with which people can pose, continuing our �Selfies Protest Rally� from last year�s holiday season and this past September. Many end up enjoying the fellowship of meeting other Chicagoans on State Street and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year.
Your presence would be an immense help as we hope and work, little by little, to have Marshall Field's restored to State Street in name, ethos, and style.
While it�'s not required, it is recommended that if you plan to come, please RSVP.Sometimes weather or unforeseen activities on State Street mean we have to relocate nearby where we make our stand for Field�s. If we know that you are coming and we have contact info, we can forward any unlikely last minute changes to you. If you have further questions either in advance or even during the 90 minutes we will be on State Street, please email jjmckay at me dot com
Photos from our previous activities on can be found by scrolling down our blog at http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/blog/ Although updates have delayed, look for photos and posts from past couple of weekend�s activities to appear soon. Thank you to all who helped make it a success, especially Lucie, Renee and of course Gloria.
We are also especially thankful for the support of Gail, Gayle, J., and Alfred in providing the pin-on buttons that we distribute on State Street. Thank you so very much.
If you would like to contribute money to help us continue our pin-on buttons this holiday season, please Facebook Mesenger me for details.
Please stay in ouch with our social media outlets (below) for any last-minute announcements or changes to our Saturday activities..
� Web Blog/Guestbook: www.fieldsfanschicago.org/blog/index.html
� Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/FieldsFansChicago
� Twitter: @fieldsfanschgo or www.twitter.com/fieldsfanschgo
� Instagram: Field�s Fans Chicago
Best regards and many, many thanks,
Jim McKay
Co-Organizer & Webmaster
jjmckay at me dot com
Date: Thurs, December 08, 2016, 12:17 am ET
Posted by: David,
The recent news of the Meier and Frank Building closing in Portland, which I just go to see for the first time in October, and the Dayton's building in Minneapolis is just so sad. I was able to visit that store a few years ago, and who can forget seeing it every week when we watched the Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Of course this is the Fields blog, and Fields was my favorite, was in Chicago a few weeks ago, and went to Oakbrook and Woodfield, I did buy some Frango's couldn't help myself in the Woodfield "Marketplace" at least it was still there for the moment, although no wine shop, and no green stripes.
Being in retail, the traffic is just not coming, the migration to online is shocking this season.....
I honestly totally believe that if they took State Street and Water Tower and rebranded them Field's again, it would really help, maybe i'm being optimistic, but I think with the retro trends everywhere, they would get some great press out of it...
Wish we were all carrying green bags this season.....
Merry Christmas
Date: Tues, December 6, 2016,
Posted by: Jacob H,
Does anyone recall the Marklin train layout in the toy department at the State Street store in the early 1980s? I tried finding pictures or video of it, but haven't had any luck. I remember it had catenary lines for power, it was the first time I'd seen such a thing in a model.
Date: Mon, December 5, 2016,
Posted by: Brooks C,
It was a family tradition of ours to get up early Christmas Eve morning be the first in line to eat at the Walnut room then visit Santa. Even in the winter of '83 when the actual temperature was -3.
Date: Mon, December 4, 2016,
Posted by: Timothy E,
In the 80's, Santa Bear was called 'Mistletoe Bear'.
Date: Mon December 4, 2016,
Posted by: Claire O,
The Walnut Room mugs now are just boring. Same old Christmas tree. At least Field's changed it up every year. I have Santabear mugs going back to the early 80's (Thank you, various thrift stores and eBay!!).
Date: Sat, December 3, 2016,
Posted by: James McKay,
arson's Santa is back on State Street, at least on weekends. Kathryn Bufano, The former exec with many department store chains including Federated/Macy's and Belk became CEO OF Carson's/Bon-Ton. Having grown up in Chicago, she is quoted how much she missed Marshall Field's, suggesting it was a mistake to get rid of it. So it's interesting this year that Carsons is partnering with block 37 to have Santa's Pantry on weekends, competition to Macy's Santaland across street. I wouldn't be surprised if she's disappointed that Bon Ton got rid of Carson's on State Street some years before she arrived on the scene here in Chicago.
Date: Sat, December 3, 2016,
Posted by: James McKay,
It was very cold and windy today from 11:50 am-2 pm but enthusiasm for Field's was hot. The reaction for bringing back Marshall Field and company to State Street was plain to see. Even more people just insisted on taking a photo of our signs. Photos Forthcoming
Date: Sat, December 3, 2016, 3:05 am CT
Posted by: Michael E.,
Macy's in talks about downtown Minneapolis site; no decision on closing the iconic storeMacy�s is in talks with a potential developer for its downtown Minneapolis property but has not yet committed to whether it will shutter its store.
M.STARTRIBUNE.COM
http://m.startribune.com/macy-s-in-talks-about-downtown-site-no-decision-on-closing-the-iconic-store/404363196/
Date: Sat, December 3, 2016, 20:55
Posted by: Wendy C,
Christmas means unpacking Walnut Room mugs featuring Santa Bear and the Marshall Field's logo.
Date: Sat, December 3, 2016, 11:22a am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Please join us at State and Washington Streets under the great clock TODAY FROM 11:50 a.m.�1:15 p.m. (and beyond?). Sorry this is late notice--weren't sure that would be able to do it today. Please be so kind to hold nostalgic photos another similar posts until after 6 pm today so that we can generate attention on our activities today. Thank you
You can join us in distributing some pin-on buttons and bookmark flyers in support of our case. There will also be a few protest signs with which people can pose, continuing our �Selfies Protest Rally� from last year�s holiday season and this past September.
PLEASE NOTE: please do not post any "regrets" about being unable to attend i.e. "wish I could but�" type comments until after the event occurs. Such comments before the event will be removed and posted at a later date.
This is an excellent opportunity for us to make our case for Marshall Field's return in front of the media who may stop by, as they did last year.
Your presence would be an immense help as we hope and work, little by little, to have Marshall Field's restored to State Street in name, ethos, and style.
While it�s not required, it is recommended that if you plan to come, please RSVP. Sometimes weather or unforeseen activities on State Street mean we have to relocate nearby where we make our stand for Field�s. If we know that you are coming and we have contact info, we can forward any unlikely last minute changes to you. If you have further questions either in advance or even during the 90 minutes we will be on State Street, please respond to this email, or call AREA CODE THREE ONE TWO dash 927 dash 4424.
Photos from our previous activities on Saturday, November 5, 2016 can be found by scrolling down our blog at http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/blog/ Thank you to all who helped make it a success, and especially Lucie and Gloria.
We are also especially thankful for the support of Gail, Gayle, John and Alfred in providing the pin-on buttons that we distribute on State Street. Thank you so very much.
We expect that we will repeat these activities at the time, at least 11:30 a.m.�1 p.m. on the first three Saturdays of December, December 10, and 17, 2016, Check out social media outlets (below) for confirmation.
� Web Blog/Guestbook: www.fieldsfanschicago.org/blog/index.html
� Facebook: FieldsFansChicago.org
� Twitter: @fieldsfanschgo or www.twitter.com/fieldsfanschgo
� Instagram: Field�s Fans Chicago
Best regards and many, many thanks,
Jim McKay
Co-Organizer & Webmaster
AREA CODE THREE ONE TWO dash 927 dash 4424
jjmckay AT me dot com
Date: Fri, December 02, 2016, 4:24 pm CT
Posted by: dave andrews,
"The Magic of macy" makes another iconic flagship disappear:
http://tcbmag.com/News/Recent-News/2016/December/Macy-s-Tells-City-It-Intends-to-Close-Nicollet-Mal
Beware, Chicago! Notice the list of flagship locations that have closed since macy took over. Shoppers aren't buying what they're selling, so now they liquidate the assets. This scenario is reminiscent of what has happened at Sears. The downward spiral continues.
Date: Fri, December 02, 2016, 4:11 pm CT
Posted by: dave andrews,
Evidently the developers of the shuttered macy in downtown Pittsburgh realize the value of the building's heritage:
Kaufmann's and other regional department stores were part of the fabric of their communities; macy, not so much. If these developers understand the Kaufmann's name still has cachet, why can't the board of directors and executives at Herald Square realize that Marshall Field's would be massively successful even after all these years?
Date: Thurs, December 1, 2016, 9:47 pm CT
Posted by: Mike S., Haddon Heights, NJ,
The thing that really upsets me about Macy's and the possible impending closure of Minneapolis is that they seem to damage everything they touch. I really, really want to shop at Macy's. I want to support them, but I seldom find anything worth buying. If you can believe it I remember there was a time when Macy's actually was an upper middle class department store. But when I go into their stores, they're messy, dirty, you have to hunt down someone to help you and a fair majority of the merchandise is something I could get cheaper at Target. Half of shopping is atmosphere and that is why you walk into places like Nordstrom and Saks and Neimans and you see clean stores and compelling merchandise. Not everyone can afford to shop there and I get that. But that is what made places like Marshall Field's special...the stores were clean, inviting, special and no matter what your budget you could find something. When you walked in there you knew you were in a special place. You want to know why Macy's isn't doing well or why they need to close stores? The answer is simple...they don't listen to their customers. You would think that after the closing of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th downtown store they'd take a look at say....gee what are we doing wrong here? It is possible to run a profitable downtown store, but you have to give people a reason to shop there. The merchandise needs to be compelling and fresh and ever changing. I applaud Macy's and their team for their stewardship of the Wanamaker Organ and their commitment to that location, but beyond that, Macy's has downgraded Marshall Fields in Chicago and clearly now they're about to decimate the Minneapolis store. To be honest with you, I'm not sure why they don't use Center City Philadelphia as an example of what Pittsburgh and Minneapolis could have been...a mixed use building with a very profitable Macy's operating on its lower floors. I can understand the need to downsize Minneapolis, but why not renovate it and keep the first 4 or 5 floors open and the auditorium and 12th floor. Fill the remaining place with residential apartments or office space and then those people would probably shop in that very store. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. But the bean counters in Cincinnati will never get it. They don't understand the concept of spending money to make money. It's all about a quick buck. I'm sorry for the people who work in Minneapolis. For me I think this will just strengthen my resolve to support Lord and Taylor, Boscov's and Nordstrom...so in summation this is a sad day. If I lived in Minnesota I would run to this store to enjoy it this holiday season. I'm hoping they'll still be open into late January so I can fly out and see it one last time. Shame Macy's doesn't realize the gold they have. This will be the end of an era...so sad.
Date: Thurs, December 1, 2016, 8:29 pm
Posted by: J.P.,
Yeah...the slow murder of downtown shopping environments by a visionless, yet once great chain. Between Amazon and the fear of Wall Street, Macy's has chosen the path of no resistance and no desire to re-imagine what it can be. If you can't make it work in a downtown like Minneapolis, then you're not even trying. This is what 35 years of MBA-think has done to once great American businesses.
Date: Thurs, December 1, 2016, 7:41 pm CT
Posted by: Michael R.,
Sad!!!!!
Date: Thurs, December 1, 2016, 4:20 pm CT
Posted by: Jeremy S,
Just as suspected...flagship Minneapolis Macy*s to close...I started my work (first job out of college) with Target Corporation, then Dayton-Hudson Corporation in the buying office on the sixth floor of this building. [ It was also the HQ of Marshall Field's in the 1990s through 2006 ] I still work for Target about 18 years later, just a few blocks down the mall at Target Plaza.
Story That Macy's May Close Former Minneapolis Flagship
http://tcbmag.com/News/Recent-News/2016/December/Macy-s-Tells-City-It-Intends-to-Close-Nicollet-Mal
Date: Monday, November 28, 2016, 6:48 am CT
Posted by: James McKay,
Leslie Goddard presents in Schaumburg.
Schaumburg event recalls holidays at Marshall Field and Co.
You'd be hard pressed to find any Chicago-area natives over 30 who don't have a holiday memory involving Marshall Field and Co. Those memories were brought�
Date: Sat, November 26, 2016, 2:59 pm CT
Posted by: James McKay,
B L A C K . . S A T U R D A Y. Special thanks to Gail, Gayle, Alfred and especially J., Lucie, & Gloria for making today a repeat success of yesterday. Photos will be forthcoming.
Most likely we will be out there again next Saturday, December 3 from 11:30 AM until at least 1 PM.
By the way, I can't emphasize enough how many people just take pictures of us posing for photos.
Date: Sat, November 26, 2016, 10:11 am CT
Posted by: James McKay,
BLACK FRIDAY: Special thanks to everyone who helped make our Black Friday activities on State Street a huge success. I am especially appreciative of Gail, Gayle, and Alfred, Renee, and of course never forgetting Gloria. Our message resonated during the two hours we were out there (from 11:30 AM to 1:45 PM). Photos from the event will be forthcoming. Will be out there again today from at least 11:30 AM until after 1:00 PM.
Date: Thurs, November 24, 2016, 10:14 pm CT
Posted by: Michael D.,
GHOSTS OF BLACK FRIDAYS PAST ON CHICAGO�S STATE STREETNovember 23, 2016 By Alex Bean
"Black Friday in Chicago always brings hordes of deal-seekers to downtown State Street shopping district. The term Black Friday arose in the 1980s, but State Street, that �great street,� has been a shopping mecca since the days of the great department stores. What about the stores of holidays past, the ones that are no longer around?
Starting it all, Field, Leiter, and Co., the predecessor of the legendary Marshall Field�s, moved into its �marble palace� store at State and Washington in 1868. In the century and a half since then, scores of grand department stores and retailers have occupied huge chunks of real estate along the mile of State Street within the Loop.
Back in the day, department stories really had �bargain basements� and..."
CONTINUES...
http://www.chicagodetours.com/2016/11/state-street-shopping-history/
Date: Tues, November 22, 2016, Updated 11:18 pm CT
Posted by: James McKay,
On our Facebook page there is the whole sequence of store windows by Macy's on State Street for the 2016 holiday season. The first two windows are along Randolph to the corner at State Street and appear to promote holiday fashion. Then along State Street there is the traditional theme of windows. Finally, The corner window at State and Washington is treated as two separate windows, each promoting fashions at Macy's for the holiday season. I would say these are better than some years, perhaps not as good as some other years. The artistry and craft by those who did the windows is great--but please restrain yourself and criticism--you don't know what sort of limited budget these talented people had to work with. That said, I still miss the magical windows of Marshall Field and Company.
Date: Tues, November 22, 2016, 10:35 pm
Posted by: Katie L,
WTTW reminisces about Marshall Field's:
Facebook Membership may be required: https://www.facebook.com/wttw11/videos/10154313440223645/
Date: Tues, November 22, 2016, 4:22 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Please join us at State and Washington Streets under the great clock from 11:30 a.m.�1 p.m. (and beyond?) this Friday AND Saturday, November 25 & 26, 2016, �Black Friday and Saturday". You can join us in distributing some pin-on buttons and bookmark flyers in support of our case. There will also be a few protest signs with which people can pose, continuing our �Selfies Protest Rally� from last year�s holiday season and this past September.
PLEASE NOTE: please do not post any "regrets" about being unable to attend i.e. "wish I could but�" type comments until after the event occurs. Such comments before the event will be removed and posted at a later date.
This is an excellent opportunity for us to make our case for Marshall Field's return in front of the media who may stop by, as they did last year.
Your presence would be an immense help as we hope and work, little by little, to have Marshall Field's restored to State Street in name, ethos, and style.
While it�s not required, it is recommended that if you plan to come, please RSVP. Sometimes weather or unforeseen activities on State Street mean we have to relocate nearby where we make our stand for Field�s. If we know that you are coming and we have contact info, we can forward any unlikely last minute changes to you. If you have further questions either in advance or even during the 90 minutes we will be on State Street, please respond to this email, or call area code THREE ONE TWO DASH 927 dash 4424.
Photos from our previous activities on Saturday, November 5, 2016 can be found by scrolling down our blog at http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/blog/ Thank you to all who helped make it a success, and especially Lucie and Gloria.
We are also especially thankful for the support of Gail, Gayle, and Alfred in providing the pin-on buttons that we distribute on State Street. Thank you so very much.
If you would like to contribute money to help us continue our pin-on buttons this holiday season, please also respond to this email or call AREA CODE THREE ONE TWO dash 927 dash 4424 for details. If we cannot take your call, please leave a message and someone will return your call ASAP.
We expect that we will repeat these activities at the time, at least 11:30 a.m.�1 p.m. on the first three Saturdays of December, December 3, 10, and 17, 2016, Check out social media outlets (below) for confirmation.
� Web Blog/Guestbook: www.fieldsfanschicago.org/blog/index.html
� Facebook: FieldsFansChicago.org
� Twitter: @fieldsfanschgo or www.twitter.com/fieldsfanschgo
� Instagram: Field�s Fans Chicago
Best regards and many, many thanks,
Jim McKay
Co-Organizer & Webmaster
AREA CODE THREE ONE TWO dash 927 dash 4424
jjmckay AT me DOT com
Date: Thurs, November 17, 2016, 10:52 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Just read Jim's link to the article about the holiday windows. How amazing that macy started this tradition in Chicago over 100 years ago!
Date: Thurs, November 17, 2016, 10:47 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Another "expert analysis" on what's wrong at macy:
http://www.cheatsheet.com/money-career/hell-wrong-macys.html/?a=viewall
The big problem is the CEO didn't listen to what the customers wanted--and his arrogance has come back to bite the company where it hurts the most. Wonder if all the "experts" who were so excited that macy*fication could save a few dollars on shopping bags and advertising are now so thrilled that millions have been lost by dwindling sales and profits. How much have sales and stock prices fallen the past few years?
There are macy stores in almost every mall everywhere; the stores truly are nothing special and offer no compelling reason for shoppers to visit.
Date: Thurs, November 17, 2016, 11:46 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
John Wilkinson: Thanks for your post. Two comments. One, Thanksgiving is just one week away--times flies, doesn't it? Two, Macy's says that working on Thanksgiving is voluntary.
Date: Thurs, November 17, 2016, 12:14
Posted by: John Wilkinson ,
The third quarter numbers are in, and they are not encouraging: Macy�s sales and profits both slid.
Its sales were off 4.2 percent, marking the seventh straight quarterly decline. Its profit of $17 million sounds impressive until we learn that it was $118 million a year ago; shares dropped from 36 cents to a nickel.
The Macy�s Thanksgiving Day Parade is two weeks from today
Macy�s is making its workers show up on Thanksgiving. It did so last year�for the first time�but this year it is opening two hours earlier. This is yet another sign that it is both ethically and financially challenged.
Date: Tues, November 15, 2016, 10:34 pm CT
Posted by: Jim,
NBC also reports on the Cubs logo and lighting the Walnut Room Tree in "Cubs blue."
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Macys-Holiday-Window-Displays-2016-401128676.html
Date: Mon, November 14, 2016, 9:23 pm CT
Posted by: Jim,
Macy's puts what looks like a Cubs sticker on the replica of the Navy Pier Ferries wheel in it's Holiday store window. This is a news story?
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20161111/downtown/macys-holiday-windows-great-tree
Date: Fri, November 11, 2016, 9:59 pm CT
Posted by: dave andrews,
Not a very positive perspective on the future of macy:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/macys-looks-spiraling-terminal-decline-211200654.html
Perhaps--just perhaps--if the CEO of macy had listened to what customers wanted, the company wouldn't be in this predicament. This analysis suggests bringing back much of what has been taken away and which made the regional department stores unique. A cookie cutter store is fine if one is looking for basic items, like towels or socks, and discount prices; this model works for Kohl's and Target but not so much for macy.
We can only hope that common sense prevails and the incoming CEO gives shoppers what they want.
Date: Fri, November 11, 2016, 6:41 am CT
Posted by: Alan W,
[ Macy's is closing the former Meier and Frank flagship that was massively remodeled into a smaller store and hotel complex not too many years ago. May point to reconsideration of the Minneapolis flagship and others.]
Date: Thurs, November 10, 2016, 10:18 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Some notes from the Macy's Inc. conference call; check Macysinc.com later today to listen to the actual call and develop your own impressions.
- Despite a drop in sales, it sounds like Macy's, Inc is holding its own, overall. With Marshall Field's State Street in mind, Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores that are geared to tourism performed as well as typical stores. In previous quarters, there were problems due reduced exchange rates with the dollar reducing sales to tourists from international destinations.
- Portland, OR (former Meier and Frank flagship) to close after Christmas.
- Three categories of stores for leveraging real estate value:
1) FLAGSHIPS Specifically, a. NYC Herald Square/34th Street, 2. Union Square (where Mens Store across the street/former Liberty House) will be merged into main flagship; 3. State Street; 4. Minneapolis. They expect to have plans for all four in the coming two years, but 34th Street will take the longest because it is the most complicated.
2) THE 100 STORES THAT WILL BE CLOSING AFTER CHRISTMAS
3) NEW ALLIANCE with Brookfield Properties. Look at using parts or all of current Macy's stores. An example they used is taking a Macy's Furniture store and consolidating it back into a nearby Macy's and redeveloping the furniture store. (Woodfield and Oak Brook in Chicagoland, as well as others, fit this description. They never specifically mentioned Chicagoland stores in this regard.)
During one of the questions, an analyst asked if the Michigan Avenue store might be remodeled to match performance of other Michigan Avenue competitors. Macy's, Inc. CFO Karen Hoguet asked to clarify if he meant State Street because Michigan Avenue already had some remodeling relatively recently. He confirmed Michigan Avenue. Hoguet responded that Michigan Avenue was doing fine. She understandably had a touch of incredulity in her tone and I agree with her. Yes, I think it would be doing better as Field's, but Water Tower performs well, in my humble opinion, better than State Street. It's always busy, closer to hotels, and since the store is only 40 years old, it's a much more efficient building.
-----
To me this makes it more probable that Downtown Minneapolis will close:
http://www.oregonlive.com/window-shop/index.ssf/2016/11/macys_confirms_sale_closure_of.html
Date: Thurs, November 10, 2016, 8:43 am CT
Posted by: mikea,
I was at State Street last week after the Cubs celebration. The store was actually busy, but that was about it . This years decorations keep getting worse and worse. The wonderful Tiffany dome atrium =has cardboard ornaments hanging like K Mart and target would do. The first floor main aisle always with excellent decorations even for 8 years under Macy's are stark and void and just down tight ugly.
They keep cost cutting more and more. They are selling now the nice downtown Portland store that was downsized and renovated. They continue to sell and close profitable stores. They are retreating like Sears, and yet they still continue to make profits.
The only way now to save this great company is for them to be sold or go private. These investor activists all they want is a short term profit and if it means the eventual end of the company so be it.
Don't look for Macy's to spend any money rebranding stores to Field's The only hope for this company is for it to be sold, go private and then focus on its business of retail and not a real estate company.
Date: Thurs, November 10, 2016, 7:27 am CT
Posted by: Dave,
Despite the former Kaufmann's/Macy's in downtown Pittsburgh having closed, civic organizations are trying to keep the store windows and visits with Santa going. Some of the windows will even extend beyond the former department store. Meanwhile, I heard that some of the store plaques from the former Famous-Barr & May Department Stores HQ in St Louis have stolen. The remainder have been removed by the owner to protect them for the time being. When Macy's occupied the store, they covered up the Famous-Barr plaques with Macy's plaques. The Macy's plaques were removed when they left, again exposing the Famous-Barr plaques. Just posting all this here because perhaps it's a suggestion of what could happen if Macy's closes any former Marshall Field and Company stores.
Date: Wed, November 09, 2016, 19:34
Posted by: Jim,
Macy's, Inc will release its 3rd Quarter results tomorrow morning. A conference call will be streamed over the web beginning at 9:00 am Chicago Time. Just follow the links from http://www.macysinc.com/
There could be some information about the future of the State Street store and others. So stay tuned.
Date: Mon, November 07, 2016, 6:54 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
I was encouraged by all the passersby (including the many Cubs fans) on Saturday who want to see Marshall Field's return to State Street. Those are great selfies!
Date: Sun, November 6, 2016, 5:12 pm CT
Posted by: Jim,
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Thanks to all who made our "Selfies Rally" a success yesterday. We especially thank Gloria, and Lucie for making it all happen!
We were out for about 80 minutes yesterday. the day that the holiday windows and the Great Tree wer unveiled at State Street. We distributed close to 200 bookmark flyers and a few dozen pin-on buttons. About three dozen posed for photos, some of which are posted below.
We look forward to similar activities on on Black Friday as well as on Saturdays after Thanksgiving through December 17, 2016. Please keep in touch with this web site for more details on exact times as they become available.
Here's to the once and future Marshall Field's!
All photos �2016 FieldsFansChicago & Jim McKay Permission for publication granted as long as there is a photo credit.
Date: Thurs, November 03, 2016, 19:48
Posted by: gle,
THE CUBS CAME BACK!MARSHALL FIELD'S CAN COME BACK!
GO CUBS! GO FIELD'S! GO CHICAGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: Wed, November 02, 2016, 11:47 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay ,
Apparently activist investor Starboard thinks that they bought into Macy's too soon. This is the group that wanted Macy's to parts of and re-organize its real estate portfolio to make more money for stockholders. Possibilities were and are being considered for a number of stores including Chicago's State Street store.
Date: Wed, November 02, 2016, 11:43 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay ,
Macy's announces three of the upcoming store closures part of a sale or five stores to General Growth. One is a former Dayton's they operated for four years as Marshall Field's in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Date: Wed, November 02, 2016, 9:59 am CT
Posted by: Michael,
i definately dont like Macys,..I miss Marshall fields so so much
Date: Wed, November 02, 2016, 1:02 am CT
Posted by: Mommy Doggy,
I hope Field's comes back too...just saw my last (and sad) Marshall F's shopping bag in a stack of gift bags
Date: Tues, November 01, 2016, 7:18 pm CT
Posted by: Judy D,
I live in California....would be there if I could. Wishing for two things......Marshall Field's back on State Street and the Cubbies winnning the World Series.
Date: Tues, November 01, 2016, 6:31 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
Thank you! I look forward to being there this Saturday!
Date: Tues, November 01, 2016, 6:27 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Dear Field's Fans Chicago and other Friends supporting the return of Marshall Field�s to State Street.
At noon, this Saturday, November 5, 2016, Macy�s will unveil the Great Tree in the Walnut Room, the holiday windows, and in-store decor at the State Street store that once was and we hope again will be Marshall Field�s.
This is an excellent opportunity for us to make our case for Marshall Field's return in front of the media who may stop by, as they did last year..
Please join us at State and Washington Streets under the great clock from 11:30 a.m.�1 p.m. (and beyond?) this Saturday, November 5, 2016. You can join us in distributing some pin-on buttons and bookmark flyers in support of our case. There will also be a few protest signs with which people can pose, continuing our �Selfies Protest Rally� from last year�s holiday season and this past September.
Your presence would be an immense help as we hope and work, little by little, to have Marshall Field's restored to State Street in name, ethos, and style.
While it�s not required, it is recommended that if you plan to come, please RSVP. Sometimes weather or unforeseen activities on State Street mean we have to relocate nearby where we make our stand for Field�s. If we know that you are coming and we have contact info, we can forward any unlikely last minute changes to you. If you have further questions either in advance or even during the 90 minutes we will be on State Street, please email jjmckay (AT) me (DOT) com, or call 312.927.4424.
If you would like to contribute money to help us continue our pin-on buttons this holiday season, please also email jjmckay (AT) me (DOT) com or call 312.927.4424 for details. If we cannot take your call, please leave a message and someone will return your call ASAP.
Next week, there will be more details about how you can help bring back Marshall Field�s during similar events this holiday season. As always, we ask you that participate at our following social media outlets:
This Web Blog/Guestbook that you are reading: www.fieldsfanschicago.org/blog/index.html
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/FieldsFansChicago
Twitter: @fieldsfanschgo or www.twitter.com/fieldsfanschgo
Instagram: Field�s Fans Chicago
Best regards and many, many thanks,
Jim McKay
Co-Organizer & Webmaster
jjmckay (AT) me (DOT) com
312.927.4424
Date: Sun, October 30, 2016, 8:09 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
I agree with you, Phil. I don't think State Street will close. However, I do think, based on comments made by Alderman Riley last November in the Chicago Sun-Times, that there's the possibility that the store could shrink with even some of the rooms on the first floor of Wabash being repurposed as lobbies or something similar for access to spaces on other floors. Or, as Riley said, it's possible some street level spaces could go to other tenants. Whatever Macy's does, it would have to some degree involve Alderman Riley for his approval and he said he was open.
Date: Fri, October 28, 2016, 02:48
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
I'm still not worried about state street. When Macy's just published their top doors, there was Herald square then state street and then water tower. MINNEAPOLIS store should be really worried. Plus Minneapolis is a crappy market, ralph lauren opened and closed Bloomingdale's, Saks, Neiman's all closed. However, Saks and Neiman's were in that horrid gavidea commons, possibly the dumbest mall ever after chicago place.
Date: Tues, October 25, 2016, 6:06 pm CT
Posted by: Michael D,
From Business insider:
"REI CEO Jerry Stritzke says Macy's decision to open earlier than ever on Thanksgiving reflects poorly on the entire retail industry.
Macy's is one of a few retailers that have revealed their opening hours during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
The department-store chain will open at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day to kick off its Black Friday sales.
In an interview with Business Insider, Stritzke called Macy's decision "very disappointing" and said it "misses the point of what Thanksgiving is about."
Continues...
http://www.businessinsider.com/rei-ceo-rips-apart-macys-for-opening-on-thanksgiving-2016-10
Date: Tues, October 25, 2016, 3:46 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
The article talks about turning the State Street store into a "mixed use" building.
From Chicago Business Journal, by Lewis Lazare
Macy's on State getting a headstart on annual holiday celebration - Chicago Business Journal
And why shouldn't it? The giant department store chain will begin shuttering scores of stores early next year...
Date: Mon, October 24, 2016, 20:39
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Looks like the 'magic' continues as macy moves to sell its downtown Minneapolis location. Don't believe for a minute that they are going to operate a smaller store. The exact same scenario played out in Pittsburgh. They took what was Kaufmann's most profitable store and ran it into the ground by doing nothing to attract shoppers. Stocking poor quality, overpriced merchandise while cutting staff and building maintenance isn't going draw customers. If Minneapolis is one of their 'flagship' stores, what does the future hold for the Chicago landmark?
Date: Sun, October 23, 2016, 15:20
Posted by: gle,
The Chicago Cubs are headed for the World Series!Marshall Field's can come back. We hope it won't take as long, but things do come back. GO CUBS! GO FIELD'S! GO CHICAGO!
Date: Sat, October 22, 2016, 02:53
Posted by: Phil Eichlerch,
[ blank post.]
Date: Fri, October 21, 2016, 6:52 pm CT
Posted by: Michael D.,
An update to an old story in the LA Times on former Macy brands:
Miss May Co. and I. Magnin? Newport businessman plans to bring them back
http://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-dpt-me-0302-macys-settlement-20160301-story.html
Date: Fri, October 21, 2016, 17:23
Posted by: Jim,
Macy's considers closing downtown Minneapolis store, a Minnesota retail landmarkMacy's is negotiating a sale of its 1-million-square foot complex on Nicollet Mall and its store is in limbo.
http://www.startribune.com/macy-s-considers-closing-downtown-minneapolis-store-a-minnesota-retail-landmark/397946281/
Macy's closed similar flagships in Atlanta (two of them, Davisons and Rich's), Pittsburgh, Houston, Filene's in Boston, St Louis, and of course St Paul. No surprise...I suspect that it will likely happen in Minneapolis as well.
Thiis is how the end progresses. Note the comments that incorrectly say that Marshall Field's took over Dayton's. it was the opposite, of course, but then Dayton's converted to the Marshall Field's name.
Date: Wed, October 19, 2016, 9:51 am CT
Posted by: Jim,
The inside cover of the November 2016 Chicago Magazine (a tronc publication) has a full page ad for this year's unveiling of the Great Treen in the Walnut Room at Macy's on State Street. The date will be Saturday, November 5 at noon. That's the Saturday after Halloween, which has been typical in recent years. The ad says that the event will be "starring Aloe Blacc."
Presumably this year's windows will also be unveiled. After the decent job they did on teh flower show last spring, one of their better efforts, I wonder if they will also do a better job on the windows and other in-store decorations as well.
Yes, We will be out there on State Street under the clock from at least 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. More details to follow.
Best regards,
Jim
Date: Wed, October 19, 2016, 9:39 am CT
Posted by: Jim,
Chicago Tribune (A tronc publication) article:
Macy's to open an hour earlier on Thanksgiving Day
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-macys-thanksgiving-day-20161017-story.html
"Macy's is staying committed to Thanksgiving Day shopping, saying it'll open an hour earlier this year.
The company plans to open at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving, with most Macy's stores closing at 2 a.m., and then reopening at 5 a.m. Friday. It cited "ongoing customer interest in shopping on Thanksgiving, both at Macy's and at many other retailers."
The department store chain has been open on Thanksgiving evening since 2013, but had remained open through the night."
The Field's Fans Blog has been on hiatus for four weeks, from Wednesday, September 21--Wednesday, October 19, 2016. Thank you for your support and well wishes. You will see some items from this period that were submitted via email or Facebook. Postings during this time period did not appear until about 9:30 am, Chicago Time on Wedneday, October 19, 2016.
Thank you patience!
Date: Wed, October 12, 2016,
Posted by: gle,
GO CUBS!
GO FIELD'S!
GO CHICAGO!
Date: Sun, October 9, 2016,
Posted by: Judy E,
I MISS Marshall Fields. Every year we say we're going Christmas shopping at Marshall Field's State Street store (just can't bring myself to call is Macy's). Back in 1970 was my first trip to the store where my boyfriends Mom bought my gloves and purse for the prom. And I still have them. The Walnut Room may look the same but is just not the same at Christmas.
Date: Friday, September 30, 2016, 8:29 am CT
Posted to Facebook in September by: Aaron M,
From a link about Field's history, http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3429000069.html :
1885:
Field's retail store opens its bargain basement area.
[<i>While not answered directly, the page further suggests that the bargain basement disappeared in the 1980s, perhaps when the atrium connecting the State Street and Wabash sides was built.</i>]
Date: Thursday, September 29, 2016, 10:19 pm CT
Posted by: Timothy E,
As best I recall, Field's basement was renovated and 're-imagined' as a new home for housewares (from 9), gourmet foods (from 7), and books, stationery, and luggage (3 or 4?) in about 1982.
Date: Monday, September 26, 2016, 9:26 pm CT
Posted by: Vicki B. R.,
I remember it being known as the 'Bargain Basement' in the early 70's.
Date: Monday, September 26, 2016, 3:03 pm CT
Posted by: Michael D.,
When did Marshall Field's open and close it budget store on State Street?If memory serves me Henry Selfridge came up with the concept and Marshall Field's had the first budget floor. I believe for a time it was called the downstairs store. If I recall correctly it was turned into a housewares floor in the 80s prior to the major renovation in the 90s of the whole store including the enclosure of the atrium. Anyone have any additional information or pictures?
Date: Wed, September 21, 2016, 18:18
Posted by: Pete,
Glad to see the Field's supporters out in full force! AWESOME!
Date: Tues, September 20, 2016, 19:37
Posted by: gle,
GREAT SELFIES!
Date: Mon, September 19, 2016, 8:12 pm CT
Posted by: Jim,
Friday & Saturday, September 9 & 10, 2016
Marking ten years since that very sad day in Chicago and world history alike, when Marshall Field's was officially converted to Macy's.
Although on short notice, we decided to conduct one of our "Selfie Rallies" as we did last holiday season so as to allow supporters to show up (on very short notice, if at all planned) on a flexible schedule. We all thank Tim, Aaron, Gloria, and Lucie for making it all happen!
We were out for about two hours on Friday and distributed close to 200 bookmark flyers and a few dozen pin-on buttons. While Saturday afternoons in September rarely come close to matching the number of people out on State Street that you find during the holiday season, we did speak with over 250 who received our bookmark flyers. Close to 100 pin-on buttons were also distributed. About three dozen posed for photos, some of which are posted below.
We look forward to similar activities on Saturday afternoons in November and December during the holiday season. Please keep in touch with this web site for more details on exact times as they become available.
Here's to the once and future Marshall Field's!
All photos �2016 FieldsFansChicago & Jim McKay Permission for publication granted as long as there is a photo credit.
Date: Mon, September 19, 2016, 7:56 pm CT
Posted by: Jim,
From a month ago...story speculating what might happen if the River Oak's Macy's (built as Marshall Field's) closes. This is something that myself, "mikea" and others have discussed in the past, along with the likes of Louis Joliet, Stratford, Spring Hill, and Northbrook and/or Hawthorn.
Date: Fri, September 16, 2016, 10:07 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay ,
Chicagist story that only considers the naming aspect of Field's:
http://chicagoist.com/2016/09/16/the_chicago_sites_whose_official_na.php
Includes Photos of several Field'sFans.
Date: Wed, September 14, 2016, 6:44 pm CT
Posted by: Tony, Hollywood, California,
Regarding the September 8 Press Release and all the activities:
Keep going James! One day it will return!
Date: Tues, September 13, 2016, 11:30 am CT
Posted by: mikea,
It seems the problems the Macy's is going through will really not end until it is either bought up by another company or goes private.
Investment and wall street analysts keep pushing the company to increase profits even though it is profitable. They want higher profits every quarter . If that means selling and closing stores until Macy's is a online only company than that is what they want. Target was forced to sell their department stores to satisfy investors and wall street analysts.
Right now converting back to regional stores would cost the company millions in new investment in rebranding and hiring more associates, along with increased cost of operations. Theses wall street and investor groups would not tolerate this added expense.
They have some problems that are out of their control
1) weather the last year has not been normal for winter and fall and pring
2) International tourism down due to the dollar
3) The new millennial generation does not shop for clothes and fashion as earlier generations did
4) The rise of outlet /offprice stores and the internet sales
5) Macy's reluctance to change to more different merchandise and localize the stores more to local tastes
The biggest though is the hard push by investor activist groups and wall street for higher profits and lower costs at any cost to the customer/and the overall long term health of the company.
Date: Mon, September 12, 2016, 10:04 pm CT
Posted by: Sara,
Sorry!!!!! The guy just sounds too phony to me. Emotional breakdown? I think he's making it up or exaggerating.
Date: Sun, September 11, 2016, 8:44 am CT
Posted by: gle,
WBBM radio gave Field's Fans some good coverage Saturday September 10, and said our selfies would be posted worldwide. They rebroadcasted a short interview about every hour throughout the night.
Date: Sat, September 10, 2016, 15:00
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
I enjoyed meeting Field's Fans under the clock yesterday evening to once again rally for the return of Chicago's favorite store. The continued support and comments of passers-by is always encouraging and hits home a point--CUSTOMERS STILL MISS MARSHALL FIELD'S AFTER TEN YEARS! I didn't get any comments like, "Why don't you give if up after all this time?" In fact, a few people who never saw us before told me, "How come it took you ten years to get out here? You should have done it long ago!"
Date: Fri, September 09, 2016, 10:40 pm CT
Posted by: DepartmentStoreTime,
Dear Department Store Lovers: The following words are general thoughts and observations offered with great respect for all people concerned including present Macy�s management. It is our hope and strong desire that there be a sense of encouragement for everyone involved with shopping and managing these great stores we love including the world class Marshall Field & Company ! We respectfully thank you for reading.
First of all, many thanks to all of the people who have offered respectful and insightful suggestions. The warm,caring ,supportive and graceful expressions of desire to make the full-service department store shine include many great accomplishments put forth thanks to this site. From the foundations of Mr.McKay�s work to manage this site in a classy way, to the creation of Ms.Gayle�s beautiful book, to the costume displays and all the goodness put forth in honorable ways that make this site so wonderful. Let�s hope that the pathway of this site continues in the classy and warm ways always associated with the shoppers,management and staff that continue to try to keep the great spirit of service,style and sophistication of nameplates alive everywhere ! Thanks to family for keeping up with what news there is here. Respectfully,thank you again.
Today,we mark the tenth anniversary of the merger that created the loss of Marshall Field�s and many of the other beloved May Department Stores Company department stores around our nation . We are also noting the THIRTIETH anniversary (the year,not the exact day), of the loss of Bamberger's,as we understand it,one of the most successful divisions of the original R.H.Macy & Company !
We dearly miss the full service department store experience of the fabulous in-store restaurants,and the full compliment of in-store services and departments that we could depend every day. We also remember the time when we could be assisted by merchants, rather than cashiers in-store. It was great to see happy co-workers that approached our sales with a team approach. It was nice to not be hounded about signing up for the an in-store credit card multiple times in a day. In addition, we felt comfortable knowing that the stores were clean,comfortable and most certainly very much an inclusive part of the community.
Incidentally, we saw the loss of Bamberger�s back then as much more than a nameplate change thirty years ago and that�s why we were concerned when the name changes occurred ten years ago today! We were worried that a major change of these stores would lead to the kind of things guests encountered during the Bamberger�s to Macy�s change. We experienced the loss of many of the different departments, beloved department store restaurants and most of all, the specialized way of doing business and offering service the Bamberger�s way had changed. We had always cherished the many co-worker merchants that we knew by name.After Bamberger's,they had to handle the service process differently... In fact, it just seemed that the stores we loved that were known to us as Bamberger�s were close to our hearts because they offered personalized service and the people worked as a team,like family. We loved the localized management and buying and service offerings. After all, the name Bamberger�s, although owned by Macy�s was NOT Macy�s. It was Bamberger�s ! We have many specific types of examples but again, our aim is to encourage and show respect to all concerned.
We thought it was amazing that the Bamberger�s stores that we dearly loved were actually owned (since around 1930 incidentally by MACY�S !) Bamberger�s management were allegedly allowed to run their stores as a subsidiary with offices in the Newark,New Jersey flagship store.The store that began WOR radio by the way !
REGARDING MACY�S (pre-1995) We loved the traditions of the downtown store although we did not have a wonderful restaurant like the Marshall Field�s Walnut Room, Strawbridge & Clothier�s Corinthian Room or the John Wanamaker Crystal Tea Room, we did have restaurants to go to throughout the main store. We also enjoyed the other department such as the leased piano department, culinary department including a butcher shop,bakery and gourmet deparment and while very busy,we were thankful for the traditions !
Essentially, what we are marking here is the tenth anniversary of much more than just a name change. After all what is in a name ? We are marking the change in the very fabric of what these once proud nameplates stood for. It just seemed like we were finding more and more reasons not to shop the stores the way we once did because these stores were not and are not the same stores that promised what so many of us took for granted in a department store. Now, ten years later,further complicating some of our stores on the East Coast possibly throughout the country are having their square footage reduced by the addition of Macy�s discounting concept called �Macy�s Backstage.� Considering that there was a fabulous store in the New York/New Jersey area called Stern�s,the discount department store with a family flavor and allegedly Federated�s division of the year just before it was closed, we can�t understand it and would love to better understand what happened considering that Century 21 is in the former flagship of Stern�s in New Jersey. What do you think of this development?
Now the positive: We believe in this day of shopping changes and the millennial desire for experiences that Macy�s Inc. is ahead of the game when it comes to bringing these back into the store. While we know that this department store group offers the kind of things like fireworks,restaurants in some stores ,flower shows and other types of promotions, isn�t it true that the biggest thing that these stores have going for them are the multi-generational respected nameplates and their traditions that were a beloved part of their cities. Macy�s Inc. should be applauded for maintaining the Walnut Room in Chicago, Oak Room in Minneapolis, and most certainly the Wanamaker organ & the light show in Philadelphia. We believe that the restaurant across from the pipe organ should be reopened along with many other full-service restaurants throughout the country be re-opened !
Here is a question.Thinking back,it looked like more people were not marking time with a tap dance or a box step when watching the coverage on the news on this day 10 years ago.Were they ? Let's hope that will be the year of re-dedication to the local department store traditions of America starting with one of the greatest known throughout the world...the amazing and legendary Marshall Field's !
By the way, although Macy�s has embraced the Thanksgiving Day Parade, it is actually a Bamberger�s innovation.
We find it interesting that people may not know that it was actually Bamberger's that started the annual Thanksgiving Day parade in Newark,New Jersey ! (Source: https://newarksattic.wordpress.com/2015/07/29/thankgiving-day-parade-started-by-louis-bamberger-in-newark/)
The legacy of the local department stores that mean so much to multiple generations of families EXPERIENCES & TRADITIONS that are valued not only in the pocketbook but in the heart ! We hope that the future brings great excitement and experiences to look forward to.Cordially,with respect,we thank you.
Date: Fri, September 09, 2016, 3:18 pm CT
Posted by: Field's Fan,
Mentions Field's Fans.
Marshall Field's Lives On At Macy's, 10 Years After The Big Name Change
Date: Fri, September 09, 2016, 00:27
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
The incoming macy CEO has a challenging task ahead of him:
Mr Gennette would be wise to undo some of the changes made by his arrogant predecessor. Bringing in Starbucks isn't going to help. Perhaps restoring some of the beloved regional stores with their traditions, marketing and merchandising. Do what department stores did back in the day to attract customers--make themselves a destination. The ill-conceived plan to force a coast-to-coast cookie cutter store into numerous regions has been an abject failure. Here's a suggestion, Mr Gennette--give the customers what THEY want, and it's painfully obvious they DON'T want macy!
Perhaps someone could write a book on "The Misadventures of Macy" which would document how one person could be the single handed cause of the closure of hundreds of department stores, the loss of thousands of jobs, the cost of millions of dollars in tax revenue, and the destruction of popular shopping venues. In retrospect, his legacy will be the massive destruction of iconic department stores across the nation. In so many cities, the local stores were part of the history and culture. Looking at recent news articles and reader comments, the New York store featured in a vintage holiday movie hasn't been a success in other markets as attested by its continuing decline in market share. His grand vision of saving a few dollars on shopping bags has been decimated by losing billions in sales and in falling stock prices.
Good luck and best wishes to Mr Gennette! If he truly wants to "save the company," he should restore what was so callously thrown away.
Date: Fri, September 8, 2016, 11:05 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Although the list of store closings has not been announced, this mall operator is seeking replacements for macy locations:
Online shopping has hurt traditional retailers, but macy does nothing to attract shoppers. One wonders if the "genius" hadn't converted all the popular regional stores (including those owned by Federated) into macy if so many store closings and major job losses would have been necessary.
Date: Thurs, September 08, 2016, 11:33 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
(See you Friday after work or Saturday Noon/Early Afternoon)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(CHICAGO-September 8, 2016)
Field�s Fans Chicago Mark 10 Years Since Marshall Field�s Became Macy�s With Selfies Rally Supporting Field�s Return
When: Fri, 9.9.2016, 4�6 pm AND
Sat, 9.10.2016, Noon�2:30 pm
Where: Under the Great Marshall Field Clock, State & Washington Streets.
For more information:
Phone: Jim McKay, (Area Code Three One Two) Nine Two Seven -Four Four Two Four
Email: jjmckay AT me.com
Web: www.FieldsFansChicago.org
Instagram: FieldsFansChicago
Twitter: @FieldsFansChgoFacebook: facebook.com/groups/fieldsfanschicago/
WHAT: The grass roots group, FieldsFansChicago will mark the 10th anniversary of the loss of Chicago�s Marshall Field�s with a �Selfies Rally� to support the return of the internationally renowned emporium experience.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN: All who support the return of Marshall Field and Company are encouraged to stop by under the Great Marshall Field�s Clock at State and Washington and pose for a selfie holding a protest sign supporting Field�s return. These selfies will be posted to our world-wide social media channels.
Past �Selfies Rallies� supporting the return of Marshall Field�s featured hundreds underneath the Great Clock at State and Washington at holidays and also at civic events such as the Chicago St Patrick�s Day Parades and Chicago Pride Parade. Last holiday�s Selfies Rally for Field�s featured over 120 selfies featuring over 200 participants and received global response. Please see http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/blog/s4s.html
WHO IS FIELD'S FANS CHICAGO? Field�s Fans Chicago is a grass roots organization supporting the return of Marshall Field and Company to Chicago�s State Street. Just some of its activities include
- SPEAK AT MACY�S MEETINGS: Since 2008, making the case for Marshall Field�s Return to Macy�s stockholders, directors, CEO, and senior execs in Cincinnati at the conclusion of each annual meeting.
- FLYER & BUTTON DISTRIBUTION: Since 2006, distribution of over 175,000 bookmark flyers and 145,000 pin on buttons supporter the return of Marshall Field�s to State Street.
- RALLIES featuring up to 400 participants on State Street.
MEDIA COVERAGE REPRESENTING TOURISTS, SHOPPERS featured in over 1,000 publications--BBC World Service, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, US Network News Coverage on CBS News, ABC News, New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, all Chicago local news shows, and many others world-wide.
2,000 SURVEYED on the street from 2009-2012. 4 of 5 prefer Marshall Field's.
Jim McKay is the primary spokesperson for Field�s Fans Chicago and an expert on the switch from Marshall Field's to Macy. McKay has over 25 years experience in Design, Architectural, Community Affairs, branding, and retail consulting. He has taught at major universities including University of Illinois, UIC, and Illinois Institute of Technology.
FieldsFansChicago is solely responsible for the content of this press release. It is not connected with nor endorsed by Marshall Field�s, Macy's, Inc., or others.
-30-
###
Date: Mon, September 05, 2016, 10:45 pm CT
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
We can all speculate which stores Macy's will close. I doubt many if any wI'll be former Field's locations. Field's owned all their stores except Mayfair, river oaks and water tower. That counts for alot. If you own the real estate, stores think twice before closing. Even laggard stores like spring hill are owned and that mall is under a 45 million dollar rehab.
Field's was Co developer of water tower, so they probably hAve a gazillion lease.
Date: Thurs, September 01, 2016, 2:25 pm CT
Posted by: inetryconydot,
Hi to all visitors fieldsfanschicago.org forum. I want to share with you the latest news about MTV Video Music Awards.
Since MTV revived its highest honor � the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award � at the network�s annual Video Music Awards in 2011, it has gone to Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce and Kanye West, a lineup of artists who, from the beginning of their careers, understood the power of a well-executed music video.
That�s partly because of their ages: Like MTV, Ms. Spears, Mr. Timberlake and Beyonce were born in 1981, and Mr. West was born in 1977. They�re old enough to have lived through the era in which MTV dominance was integral to a pop star�s ascendance. Even if the channel�s relationship with music was in decline during the peak of their own careers, they understood its legacy, and executed top-notch videos accordingly.
Please move topic if forums this was not chosen correctly.
Date: Tues, August 30, 2016, 5:57 pm CT
Posted by: Ken A,
short, but interesting story about Macy's, and it's market share in the St. Louis Metro area. What's noteworthy here is he fact that the article reports that Dillard's and Nordstrom gained in this market while Macy's has lost share. I say this as back in 1984 one of they key reasons why ADG sold Stix,Baer and Fuller, to Dillards was their loss of market share to Famous-Barr.
Date: Tues, August 30, 2016, 5:54 pm CT
Posted by: A Few Links,
1010data.com's original report:Macy�s recently announced its decision to close nearly 100 stores across the United States, suggesting that the still-growing influence of e-commerce is lessening the need for a strong brick and mortar presence. The company did not indicate which stores it would be closing, stating that the company would announce its decisions at a later date. We at 1010data didn�t want to wait so, using our Local Market Intelligence (LMI) product, we examined where Macy�s business has declined the most and, if possible, attempted to understand some of the drivers behind their decline.
https://www.1010data.com/company/blog/anticipating-the-parade-of-macy-s-store-closures/
========
More stories
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Here's when we'll know which Macy's stores are closing
Aug 30, 2016, 3:01pm EDT
Andy Brownfield
Reporter
Cincinnati Business Courier
RELATED CONTENT
Shoppers, investors and people who follow the Cincinnati-based retail giant Macy's Inc. will have to wait until after the 2016 holiday shopping season to find out if their local stores are closing.
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Are these the cities where Macy's is closing stores?
Aug 25, 2016, 12:58pm EDT
Andy Brownfield
Reporter
Cincinnati Business Courier
Map:
Full Article
=======
Macy�s is closing 100 stores: Does yours stand a chance?
=======
Macy's stores near Detroit: Are they among most likely to close in U.S.?
http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2016/08/macys_close_detroit_stores.html
Date: Sat, August 27, 2016, 10:12 pm CT
Posted by: John Brocato,
I am not surprised about the sales decline in St. Louis. At first I was impressed with Macy's when they took over from Famous-Barr. However, they have let their stores go downhill the past five years, most notably downsizing and then closing the downtown store. Macy's has also closed three other stores in the St. Louis suburbs.
Last Christmas season the Macy's stores did not feel festive. They have overdone the "Letters to Santa" campaign and need a fresh theme.
I really hope Chicago finds a way to get Marshall Field's back. Well-run downtown department stores are a treasure.
Date: Sat, August 27, 2016, 7:47 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Simply closing stores isn't going to solve all the problems at macy.
http://mspmag.com/shop-and-style/ali-shops/closing-100-stores-will-not-fix-macys/
Date: Sat, August 27, 2016, 16:32
Posted by: Jim McKay ,
Mary:
The Nordstrom opening does not figure into the report that said Macy's sales drop 14%. 14% is between 2014 and 2015. Nordstrom did not open until last fall 2015.
Date: Sat, August 27, 2016, 2:55 pm
Posted by: Mary,
Macy's opened a second Milwaukee store over four years ago at Southdale. Mayfair Macy's is no doubt impacted by Nordstrom which is actually already open, not under construction as Phil indicated. As in Chicago, a certain segment of Marshall Field shoppers, not to mention staff, have moved to Nordstrom. On top of that, both Macy's competes with Boston Store locations that were recently remodeled. Boston Store is the brand Carson's parent Bon Ton used in Milwaukee. Bon Ton is co-headquartered in Milwaukee. Hometown store. I'm sure those two competitors have taken market from Macy's, but if any store closes, I would expect the new one and not Mayfair to close.
Date: Fri, August 26, 2016, 11:48 pm Ct
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
Biggest Macy's decrease is milwaukee, that would be Field's at Mayfair, Field's did not have any other stores there. Ma fair was one of Field's top doors. Nordstrom is now building a huge store there. Macy's junk doesn't cut it.
Date: Thurs, August 25, 2016, 4:36 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Shopping at macy is likely to get more confusing and frustrating:
I just don�t understand this at all. So Backstage is part of a macy store but has its own entrance doors and buying team. Last Act is located in a macy store but is just marked down regular merchandise from the store, different than regular "clearance" merchandise but adjacent to it. Will their numerous coupons be accepted at Backstage, or will they provide different promotions? Shoppers are already upset that coupons are accepted on clearance items but not on Last Act. To make room for Backstage, macy will have to cut back on its regular stock items. With all the discount and clearance sections, how does macy think it's going to promote itself as a "premium" department store? Will better merchandise lines want to be associated with a discounter?
Somehow this will play out like the fiasco at JCPenney where the store lost its way and shoppers moved on. The complex pricing games and unfamiliar merchandise pushed JCP toward bankruptcy. I also think it's insulting to other regions of the country when macy picked the names "Last Act" and "Backstage" which are clearly references to New York.
Memo to macy: Clearly your grand plan to bring convert all the regional department stores to an outpost of New York has been an epic fail. The rest of the nation is NOT in love with or impressed by your New York "magic." Give the shoppers what THEY want!
Date: Wed, August 24, 2016, 6:56 pm CT
Posted by: Pete,
Another analyst has its own study on where Macy's may be closing.
Macy's is closing 100 stores � here's where they will likely shut down
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/macys-closing-100-stores-heres-171352828.html
Milwaukee, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis are among those with the steepest decline in sales in the past couple years. There's a map. The green areas seem to be doing best if I'm reading that right. Chicago was yellow which I think means so so.
Date: Tues, August 23, 2016, 6:07 pm CT
Posted by: jai skot,
here's a thought -perhaps an appeal to "raised in Evanston" Jeremy Piven to consider reviving his PBS 'Mister Selfridge' in a PREquel, going back to the Marshall Field 'roots', which then might in turn garner enough interest that the Weston Family Group that restored Selfridges might be enticed to do the same for Field's
Date: Tues, August 23, 2016, 5:21 pm CT
Posted by: jai skot,
went on line to do my periodic search trying to track down any lead that might take me to a magic place where some possible substitute for any of what were Marshall Field's unique comestibles available on the 7th floor Food Court - might yet be found.and happened to come across this web-site.
spent more time than I had reading posts triggering a plethora of fond memories.
not one to usually succumb to such nostalgia, but as most here would no doubt agree, Marshall Fields 'the special exception' to most rules.
Already a loyal Fields advocate for years, was so taken aback my first trip to London, and stepping into Selfridges, the imposing columns so familiar, as was so much else; my initial reaction having been one of: 'oh, THIS must be where Field's got it's ideas and inspiration,' that is until the greater shock reading on one of the larger posters in their own restaurant area, that it had been the other way round, and Harry Selfridges had been a Marshall Field's man first.
so many posts here with individuals waxing nostalgic about the 'bygone days' harking back to the '60s but not even including THE FAIR, or mention of STOP&SHOP, the up-scale neighbour of HILMANS, the former having the most exotic items that one would have had to go to London or Paris to find.
... the bygone era when Field's still had their 3rd floor "waiting room",
where among other long since obsolete services, one could find BLANK checks from ANY of the cities banks, 'just in case' one had �run out� or left their own at home ... this was also a period when even I thought a favourite high school teacher unbelievably 'old fashioned' when she declined an invitation to join my friends & I for lunch at the Walnut Room because [ wait for it ] she had not brought a pair of gloves with her that day ... we might not be flying round in Jetson space-mobiles, but could we possibly be anymore removed from a past which this old man's mind still is not THAT long ago.
Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 10:49 am CT
Posted by: Jim,
What's fascinating about Macy's top 150 doors list is, according to this document, these 150 stores account for about 50% of all of Macy's sales.
James McKay Ernesto: Regarding Northbrook vs Hawthorn or any stores, there's also the consideration of the terms of the leases. In general, one store might be busier but the other may sell fewer but more expensive items. Generally, I hear Northbrook is a more prestigious "A-list" mall while Hawthorne is viewed as "B-tier." More complicated is that Field's fit in well with the class of other stores at Northbrook while Macy's is more in line with the class of stores at Hawthorn. That's a factor why JCP didn't do so well and moved out of Northbrook. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the Macy's closes. That said, I would say that River Oaks, Joliet, Stratford, Spring HIll and the furniture stores near Oak Brook and Woodfield are most vulnerable to closing. Then again, the two furniture stores could be viewed like mattress stores--and heaven knows how all those Mattress Firms co-exist successfully, yet Mattress Firm recently said in the Tribune recently that they do.
Date: Thurs, August 18, 2016, 10:09 am CT
Posted by: Ernesto C.,
It's also good to take a look at stores where Macy's has just given up, stores either slated by corporate for an upcoming closure or lease to expire or just not maintained well.... The 2 stores that come to mind are Stratford and Northbrook. If you go to these locations compared to other better kept stores like Hawthorn or Orland, I think the writing's on the wall for some of these stores, not to mention being in malls that are struggling doesn't help. Sad to see Northbrook in the condition it's in, it was a beautiful store when it opened.
Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 11:44 pm CT
Posted by: Jim,
MACY'S BEST PERFORMING STORES?
Back in May 2015, after some announcements by Macy's, Inc., myself and others discussed their new concept of "top 150 doors"
Thanks to Ken Allen [ on one of Facebook's historic department stores groups ] who unearthed amongst all the material on Macy's website a list of what these "top 150 doors" are. You will note of former Chicagoland Marshall Fields locations that State Street and Water Tower are in the top tier of the top 150, or "Platinun". Platinum doors are there most profitable stores. Oak Brook is a "Market Leader" which is the next tier of the 150. Then under the category of "other top doors" are Old Orchard and Woodfield. The PDF that is linked below describes the categories a better than I informally have. As I noted last week after the conference calls, these are among the stores I would be shocked if they closed. (Of course, some of you know that I once worked for a discount department store chain and one of their top 10 stores--one of my stores--had to close for very unusual reasons.).
https://macysnet.com/mdocweb/documents.aspx?document=Omnichannel+-+Top+Doors+Initiative
Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 6:21 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
PBS "Chicago Tonight" discussed Macy's possible store closings on August 16. Neil Stern from the retail consulting firm of McMillan Doolittle said likely Macy's will want to get through the holidays and then announce which stores will close. Host Eddie Arruza asked if it was a mistake for Macy's to overtake some of the very legendary department stores. Stern replied that Macy's was growing, but "Now I think they are stuck with a bland sort of centralized kind of store at a time when you want to be more unique." He added, "So that Marshall Field's asset probably would be very valuable to them now to bring back some of the things that Marshall Field's did well, which was a unique store, unique experience, great customer service. I think Macy's has lost that along the way." Stern pointed out that his firm has worked with Mariano's, which has added piano bars etc. in an effort to get people to leave their computers and come into the store.
It seems like people are noticing what customers have been trying to say for 10 years.
Date: Tue, August 16, 2016, 9:09 pm CT
Posted by: Sara B.,
This guy always seems to have an excuse. That probably goes for bringing back Marshall Field and Company.The Eternal Optimism of Macy's CEO, Year After Year, Is Really Hard to Watch
http://www.alternet.org/economy/eternal-optimism-macys-ceo-year-after-year-really-hard-watch
Date: Sun, August 14, 2016, 7:30 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Here's what Macy's has to do with the stores it isn't closing
Rosenthal seems cautious in mentioning Field's, but good article. Please leave comments afterwards if you have the Tribune login. It helps our cause.
Date: Sun, August 14, 2016, 7:16 am CT
Posted by: David D.,
It is fascinating to watch Macy's most recent announcement about store closings and the strong reaction in the media to them. Focusing on cutting costs through store closings will leave a structure of fixed costs spread across less stores overall.
In other news my tribute page to Marshall Field is now up and running!
Date: Sun, August 14, 2016, 10:33 am CT
Posted by: Michael R.,
Interesting read.Store Wars
Over the next three years, New York City’s vaunted department stores are reimagining themselves for the future of luxury shoppingâ€â€ÂÂand will soon face stiff competition from a couple of out-of-towners: Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom WSJ.COM|BY CHRISTINA BINKLEY
http://www.wsj.com/articles/store-wars-1470674201
Date: Sat, August 13, 2016, 12:03 pm CT
Posted by: Steve Ginardi,
Below was my comment on the CNBC site regarding the closing of the 100 Macy's stores.
"Keeping local department store brands along with their quality service and merchandise (eg. Marshall Fields in Chicago) instead of re-branding and dumbing down everything to Macy's, would have averted much of the damage that has occurred to Macy's over the past 10 years! A Macy's "everywhere" does not make for a unique shopping experience!"
You can help Field's return by leaving your own comments after the article, http://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/11/too-many-stores-too-much-luxury-macys-looks-to-rewrite-retail.html
Date: Fri, August 12, 2016, 12:42 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Glenn H.
Thanks for the correction. I did a little digging and found that that the building that currently houses the Macy's Men's Store was constructed in 1974 as the San Francisco flagship of Hawaii-based Liberty House. Liberty House had previously acquired J. Magnin. Perhaps you are saying that the site was previously a J. Magnin store. In 1984, Liberty House closed the store as it retreated from the West Coast to concentrate on the Pacific. Macy's ended up purchasing it and putting the men's departments there, much in the same way as Field's had moved its men's departments to the southwest corner of Washington and Wabash. Now, as Field's had done several decades ago, Macy's is bringing the Men's departments back into the main Union Square store which incorporates I. Magnin's 1940's flagship. Here's a link to a photo of when the Macy's Mens Store at Union Square was Liberty House and another as it is recently.
1970s:
http://www.thedepartmentstoremuseum.org/2010/11/liberty-house-san-francisco-california.html
Recently:
https://www.instagram.com/p/w1yV-FKAi8/
Again, thank you.
Date: Fri, August 12, 2016, 11:56 am CT
Posted by: GlennH,
Jim, slight correction regarding your Aug 11th post. The SF Union Square stand-alone Men's Store in negotiation for sale is not the former I Magnin flagship, but rather the former Joseph Magnin store (easily confused, but different establishments).
The former Joseph Magnin (currently Macy's Men's Store annex) is at 120 Stockton---across the street eastward from the main store. The former I Magnin flagship is north of the main store, at the corner of Stockton & Geary--facing Union Square. There is no space between the latter two structures, and I believe when Macy's purchased I Magnin, they installed doorways between the two.
Date: Thurs, August 11, 2016, 4:52 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Latest Tribune article with comments by Macy's Andrea Schwartz. Be sure to leave comments after the article if you are able. It helps.Macy's to Close 100 Stores
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-macys-store-closings-illinois-0812-biz-20160811-story.html
Date: Thurs, August 11, 2016, 3:47 pm CT
Posted by: Paully,
Extensive story on Field's Fans the stores closures at Chicagoist website. We represent our cause well!Macy's Is Closing 100 Stores. Where Does That Leave Marshall Field's Loyalists?
http://chicagoist.com/2016/08/11/where_does_macys_planned_store_clos.php
Date: Thurs, August 11, 2016, 12:40 pm CT
Posted by: Erick Johnson,
Lundgren's retail philosphy of bigger is better is shrinking and failing. I miss Marshall Fields. I'm crossing my fingers that Macy's new CEO will reverse Lundgren's decision and bring back this retail icon.
Date: Thurs, August 11, 2016, 12:00
Posted by: John,
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3734684/Macys-plans-close-100-stores.html
It even made the news in England. I am disgusted this man has lasted so long in retail. I think what he did was just as stupid as the marriage between Sears and Kmart. His arrogance, which you can tell he has a great deal of even from pictures, shows he should have been put out to pasture a while ago. Something tells me the board at Macy's is terrified of him.
Date: Thurs, August 11, 2016, 11:08
Posted by: Mikea,
Heard the news about the store closings. The main problem is what this will do to the malls, the communities where these stores are located. I know especially in CA there are way to many stores close together. I expect a number of Bloomingdales will close too.
I expect Spring Hill, Stratford River Oaks and maybe Joliet will close in this area. Spring Hill Stratford, and River Oaks have been loosing tenents and those malls are going down fast. I would not be surprised if the Bloomingdale's at Medinah and Old Orchard close too.
The rise of Amazon and the less shopping mentality of the younger generation is to blame. I expect more store closing s from Bon-Ton, Nordstrom, Kohls, Dillards, Sears and JC Penney. I just don't know what to expect in the future , if we are going to be a generation that justs sits at home ordering everything online from our computers. The job losses is my biggest concern along with the loss of sales tax revenue for the cities and the states.
Companies have a responsibility to the communitites they serve and I guess Macy's justs does not care at all.
Date: Thurs, August 11, 2016, 8:19 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Be sure to comment after ALL of the articles that you will see today before your comment here by mentioning Marshall Field's. Here you preach to the choir.Macy's to Close About 15% of Stores, Cut JobsMacy's also intends to sell the Union Sqaure Men's Store. The Men's Store at Union Square is adjacent to the San Francisco flagship that once was the I. Magnin flagship. It's sort of like the separate Marshall Field's Mens Store at Washington and Wabash.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/macys-to-close-about-15-of-stores-cut-jobs-1470918685#livefyre-comment
Closing 10-20 stores after Christmas is no big deal; closing 100 or 15% of their stores is a big deal. No specific locations yet but I'd expect that Louis Joliet, Spring Hill, Stratford, and Hawthorn, along with Oak Brook Furniture and Woodfield Furniture are among those vulnerable.
Nothing about State Street was mentioned but they will have their conference call at 9 am Chicago time, accessible at http://www.macysinc.com under the ivestors relations section.
Jim McKay
312.927.4424
jjmckay AT me DOT com
Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 5:31 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Macy's will have a new Chief Legal Officier, Elisa Garcia. She replaces legal officier Dennis Broderick who was with Federated since 1990. Broderick was CLO for Federated's acquisition of R.H. Macy and Co. in 1994 as well as when May Department Stores and Marshall Field's were acquired 11 years ago. So it's a change of the guard.
Garcia comes from Office Depot where she has been since 2007. Before that, she was with Domino's Pizza for seven years.
The official press release can be found at:
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=84477&p=irol-newsArticle&cat=news&id=2192060
Date: Wed, August 03, 2016, 11:04 am CT
Posted by: Mike R.,
WSJ.com: Macy's, Kohl's, Nordstrom shares fall
Shares of Macy's Inc., Nordstrom Inc. and Kohl's Corp. fell on Tuesday after reports about weak summer sales reignited fears of a department-store slump.Macy’s, the biggest department-store company, suffered a sales downturn in July, following improving trends in late May and June, Cleveland Research said in a note.
Continues... http://www.jsonline.com/story/money/2016/08/02/macys-kohls-nordstrom-shares-fall/87974902/
Date: Tues, August 02, 2016, 11:29 pm CT
Posted by: Anna P,
I guess Macy's no longer has Glamorama. Instead it seems they have something called Fashion's Front Row, now based in NYC. Glamorama used to be a lot of fun in the Twin Cities and in Chicago. Too bad. Remember when the B-52s headlined?
Date: Sun, July 31, 2016, 9:03 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Mark M.: just do a search for branded items at macys . com if you're interested in seeing certain store names--but of course I do not endorse buying them. I believe that you are a fan of Hudson's. Remember that Hudson's, and Dayton's, and certain related intellectual property including branding associated with those two still belong to Target Corporation. That's why hudsons.com and daytons.com still take you to target.com. For reasons that I won't go into, there's other store names that are also not owned by Macy's even though one would think they would be. So except for discussing the fate of the Hudson's Veterans plaque that Macy's inherited when they acquired Northland, I don't think Macy's mentions Hudsons at all. Target remains the curator of Hudson's history.
Date: Sun, July 31, 2016, 2:11 am CT
Posted by: Mark M.,
Jim McKay: I can't find the Heritage brands section on Macys.com
Date: Sat, July 30, 2016, 7:23 am CT
Posted by: Field's Watcher,
Hedge fund takes loss by exiting Macy's after 2016 guidance aka projections of success are reduced.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/greenlights-einhorn-exits-macys-loss-142210201.html
Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 6:18 pm CT
Posted by: Gabriel M.,
[Regarding Jim McKay's post about Retro Department Stores/Strategic Marks and Macy's:]
This is one of the greatest events in recent American retail history. I was very happy that day.
It will never be the same without the original, historic downtown stores. Unfortunately, unlike State Street, they can't be brought back. The flagships of these chains have now been repurposed.
Mall stores aren't special in any sense.
Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 6:16 pm CT
Posted by: Gabriel M.,
Regarding Retro Department Stores, it will never be the same without the original, historic downtown stores. Unfortunately, unlike State Street, they can't be brought back. The flagships of these chains have now been repurposed.
Mall stores aren't special in any sense.
Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 5:57 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
As proud curators of the Marshall Field's legacy they outsourced the MF&Co archives to the Chicago History Museum--that's what proud curators do?
Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 5:53 pm CT
Posted by: Michael D.,
In the Pedway, [there's an exhibit of American Victorial Stained Glass co-spoonsored by the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, Chicago Cultural Mile Association.] Information posters say, "A proud curator of Marshall Field's legacy, Macy's..."
Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 5:50 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Regarding the settlement between Macy's, Inc. and Strategic Marks, it looks like things are now final and in full gear.
Strategic Marks’ http://www.retrodepartmentstores.com now only shows the names as agreed in the settlement: Jordan Marsh, Bullock's, Robinsons, I. Magnin & Co., Joseph Magnin, Bamberger's, Foley's, and May Company. They are selling T-shirts with logos for these stores. They have also removed some other names that they used to show on the site but apparently are with Macy's.
Meanwhile, it appears that the "Heritage Brands" section of macys.com no longer offers the t-shirts and bags that they used to offer for these names. However, they still have the t-shirts, names and bags for Marshall Field's, Filene's, etc. that they have had going back for at least four years.
Date: Thurs, July 28, 2016, 5:27 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
It's been a few months since I last looked at Macy's site for its tourist stores, but it seems to have some updates. They now do mention Marshal Field's in at least three places but they still seem overall to be reluctant to mention Marshall Field's. The three places they mention Field's is including the "Marshall Field and Company" plaque with the exterior great columns on State Street; a claim that at State Street, some harken back to Marshall Field's days by calling Macy's "Santaland" "Cozy Cloud" (they left out "cottage"; and they tell how Marshall Field commissioned the clocks because people were leaving notes in the cracks of the windows, I assume to confirm meeting up. (I wonder if who ever wrote this realizes that the clock Marshall Field commissioned is not the two that have been there the past hundred years.)
Macy's Chicago State Street Visitors Site
http://www.visitmacysusa.com/visitor-center/macys-state-street
On the one hand, it's a touch better than a few years ago when about the only time they mentioned Marshall Field's was to say that the founder didn't want to build the Burnham Fountain that was eventually added in the 1990s.
The description also drops a line that there is also another Macy's on Michigan Avenue. (Since anyone I know who still shops Macy's just goes there for stuff rather than experience, I guess that it's State Street and the birthplace of the modern department store doesn't really matter since those types just want "stuff"!
On the other hand, the descriptions of other tourist Macy's stores aren’t afraid to mention predecessors. Philadelphia Center City isn't shy at all about mentioning Wanamaker's and discussing it's history, although it's worded such that you would think the store's design by Daniel Turnham was the first of its kind when in fact, it's mostly a clone of Burnham's design originated at Marshall Field's on State Street.
For Boston, they mention that the store used to be the Jordan Marsh flagship.
For Union Square (San Francisco) they mention how the store originated for just 19 years as O'Connor, Moffat, and Company and was converted to Macy's. They also discuss how it expanded in the former I.Magnin flagship, a brand which R.H. Macy & Co. folded.
Again, the bottom line is that on State Street is so much more valuable when it's run as Marshall Field's to the point it's an international destination. What a shame. Perhaps, though, it's not treated as badly as downtown Minneapolis. The former Dayton's flagship isn’t even listed on Macy's tourist page.
Date: Wed, July 27, 2016, 8:01 pm CT
Posted by: Marcia Long,
It's been a few years but I wanted to see if you all were still here. Keep it up!
Date: Mon, July 25, 2016, 9:03 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
A co-worker and some of her friends recently vacationed in New York City. They saw some Broadway shows, did some sightseeing and spend some time shopping. I asked her if they visited the flagship Herald Square macy. She replied, "Of course NOT. Nobody wanted to go to macy. That store is nothing special any more since it's everywhere."
This is just an example of six women tourists who had no interest in what was once a NYC icon. How many THOUSANDS of tourists have no interest in visiting other department stores that were once destinations in their respective cities? Clearly macy is no longer an attraction to domestic or international tourists; in addition to destroying the value of beloved regional stores, macy diluted its own reputation.
Date: Sun, July 24, 2016, 12:40 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
I loved the experience of Marshall Field's, and I'm not Millennial. I always walked through the store, just to be there, even if I didn't think I needed something at the time. Field's was an experience, Selfridge's is an experience and now Mariano's is an experience. Hey, bring on the experience. Bring back Field's!
Date: Sat, July 23, 2016, 12:21 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Millennials only want to spend money on one thing Â and it's killing Macy'shttp://finance.yahoo.com/news/millennials-only-want-spend-money-143303750.html
"Macy's has a problem: It's not a laser-tag center or a Cheesecake Factory.Millennials prefer to spend their money on experiences, not the apparel that is Macy's bread and butter. "
====
Millennials will spend money on an experience? Golly! That's what Marshall Field's was know for world-wide--being Chicgao's number three destination and a world-class experiential emporium. Moreover, look at all of our many, many photos and you see Millennials who are holding signs to bring back Marshall Field's. What a waste not restore such a unique experience that only Macy's or someone who knew what they were doing with a top stochholder asset could have. Screams "Exclusive experience that Millennials want!"
Date: Fri, July 22, 2016, 8:29 am CT
Posted by: Holly J.,
Macy's is now hoping artificial intelligence and talking to one's smartphone will revive sales. Hey! How about bringing back Marshall Field's!? That would be so easy and so successful! Apparently ten locations are part of the trial. None are former Marshall Field's.
Macy's New Answers App Powered by IBM's Watson
The Macy's (NYSE: M) customer service person who answers your next question for the retailer may not in fact be human. The company has begun testing "Macy's On Call," a tool that allows customers ...
Macy's to offer customers artificial intelligence-powered help at Mall of Georgia, Lenox Square
Date: Wed, July 20, 2016, 8:01 pm CT
Posted by: Field's Watcher,
Macy's will announce its 2nd quarter 2016 results on Thursday, August 11th at 9 a.m. Chicago time. There is a web cast where you can listen for free. Follow the links to the "Investors" section at the black-colored navigation at Macy's corporate site at www.macysinc.com, not macys.com
Macy's, Inc. is formerly Federated Department Stores, founded in the late 1920s. Bloomingdale's is its oldest current brand dating almost back to the founding. Macy's, Inc., nee Federated, has only owned Macy's brand since 1994.
Date: Wed, July 20, 2016, 3:07 am CT
Posted by: Karen Thompson,
We miss Marshall Field's. It's sad to see the home of such a beautiful, amazing place filled by a vanilla store. What a mistake!!!
Date: Mon, July 18, 2016, 1:43 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Oh,oh...it seems that macy is looking to create more "shareholder value" by selling off yet another iconic downtown location:
Is The Downtown Macy's Building Portland's Next?
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/real-estate-daily/2016/07/is-the-downtown-macys-building-portlands-next.html?ana=yahoo&yptr=yahoo
Consumers are abandoning shopping malls and there is a trend toward invigorating downtown areas, yet macy isn't capitalizing on this trend by making their downtown stores a destination for millenials who are bored with malls. The old school merchants realized that shopping had to be entertainment to draw consumers; macy offers mostly acres of women's apparel which can be found anywhere. Sales and stock values decline because macy is not an attraction.
Watch out, Chicago! macy knows they can "increase shareholder value" by selling off prime real estate, and they have a track record of running a store into the ground, declaring it unprofitable then making a nice profit from its closure and sale.
Date: Thurs, July 14, 2016, 3:50 am CT
Posted by: Gail White,
That is a good article, Dave.
I fear that Macy's will do the same eventually with State St. Marshall Field's. I think The current CEO doesn't want to change the store because any big shift looks like he failed. Of course, he did. But I worry once there is the new CEO in place in the next year, he won't care what happens because the massive screwup won't be blamed on him but the CEO of the past 10 years.
I also think that guy from Target who then went to Apple stores and then to JCPenney was unfairly derided. He was right about all the stupid business with couponing and never ending sales. In fact, I recall that Macy's tried to do the same thing about nine years ago, but people wouldn't listen. The JCPenney guy should have done it much, much, much more slowly. The problem with department stores right now is that they've cut back their service so much that they have effectively become not much more than a discount store with a few shops you would find at the mall like LensCrafters at Macy's.
I also disagree with Phillip. There are contemporary businesses do well and are consistent with Marshall Field's because they offer good service. Mariano's is indeed a good example. So is Wegman's on the East Coast. I had put Von Maur also in the same category. I don't think everybody who was working at State street 25 to 30 years ago needs to come back. Just a handful. That's very realistic. I also get tired of Pondens saying that Marshall Field can't come back. It's a great, world-class brand. The scenario that MikeA describes, his point of view, is that of a Macy's bean counter. The bean counter mentality is what is killing department stores.
Gail.
Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 10:01 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Another analysis on how macy has lost its "magic":
http://www.businessinsider.com/macys-has-lost-its-premiere-positioning-2016-7
Let's all hope the new executive will realize that macy*fication of the nation's department stores was an ill-advised, irreversible mistake and that the ONLY way the company will survive is to GIVE THE SHOPPERS WHAT THEY WANT--and it ISN'T macy!
Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 9:51 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
To mikea:
The downtown Pittsburgh macy store was the top moneymaker in the Kaufmann's chain; macy deliberately ran the store into the ground then sold the building off because they claimed the store wasn't profitable.
Downtown is growing with new apartment buildings and offices under construction. The city is sponsoring numerous activities to attract people and a well managed department store, stocked with merchandise to meet the needs of downtown workers and residents, would be very successful. macy had no interest in making the store successful. Truth be told, macy isn't very popular in Pittsburgh because the market already has much better discount and clearance stores.
Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 9:36 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
The constant discounting and continuous sales at macy have hurt sales at better department stores like Nordstrom:
Because of all the discounts, many premium brands have lost their status appeal and shoppers are not willing to pay full price. Michael Kors is one brand that has been hurt because macy discounts have cheapened its image.
The macy*fication has been a epic fail. The initial profitability was based on cutbacks in staffing and services, was later sustained by substitution of lower quality merchandise then was followed by extreme discounting. Sales and stock prices continue to plummet as macy fails to draw any interest from consumers. Their weekly One Day Sales and TV ads screaming out prices aren't working.
Date: Wed, July 13, 2016, 9:34 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
The constant discounting and continuous sales at macy have hurt sales at better department stores like Nordstrom:
Because of all the discounts, many premium brands have lost their status appeal and shoppers are not willing to pay full price. Michael Kors is one brand that has been hurt because macy discounts have cheapened its image.
The macy*fication has been a epic fail. The initial profitability was based on cutbacks in staffing and services, was later sustained by substitution of lower quality merchandise then was followed by extreme discounting. Sales and stock prices continue to plummet as macy fails to draw any interest from consumers. Their weekly One Day Sales and TV ads screaming out prices aren't working.
Date: Mon, July 11, 2016, 1:16 pm CT
Posted by: mikea,
Just got back from a CUbs weekend in Pittsburgh. They had their bicentennial going on with great fireworks. Downtown was lively and full. It is horrible how Macy's for a one time short term profit closed the entire downtown store and thumbing their nose on the city of Pittsburgh.
Most locals are not happy with what they did. Reading that analysts want Macy's to sell and lease back their stores which would prompt many more closings and job losses.
Also the story of the Muslim woman detained and charged $500.00 to go home for doing nothing wrong is criminal. Macy's security staff should be prosecuted for these false arrests and detentions.
Profiling innocent people is really good PR. Maybe the new chief will shake things up!!!
Date: Sun, July 10, 2016, 11:41 pm CT
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
Jim and othersThere are so many things that you have taken out of context or mistated. However, you do not understand fields had rafts of buyers beyond modern standards. They had women with mild mental issues knitting zandra Rhodes sweaters, buckets of women k nitting for the country shop. I'm not wishing the buyers come back to 30 years ago, just that fields had buyers that would be really hard to duplicate. That said, without the continued tradition,it will go away
I guess I'm stupid, but I don't get your nasty comments Pete, I'm just a fourth generation fields shopper, not a bitter employee.
Date: Sat, July 09, 2016, 6:56 pm CT
Posted by: Paula ,
I've driven by several shopping centers recently noticed that both TJ Maxx and Marshalls are right nearby or even across the street from each other. Why couldn't have Macy's existed with Marshall Field and Company?
Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 6:51 pm CT
Posted by: An observant shopper,
In response to Jim's July 4 comments about Mariano's newer employees: I live around the corner from the Ravenswood Mariano's. Many of its employees are so young they could never have worked at Dominick's, but do a bang-up good job. Someone has trained them well. That store is THE place to be in the neighborhood, and I believe that could still happen with Field's on State Street.
Date: Fri, July 08, 2016, 6:38 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
I am shocked by the "Cincinnati Business Courier" article mentioned in the July 1 post by Joan S. about Macy's detaining and fining suspected shoplifters. We all know Macy's is hard up for cash, but this is so disgusting I wouldn't even imagine it of them if the facts weren't right there for all to read.
Date: Tues, July 05, 2016, 1:11 pm CT
Posted by: mikea,
To Pete and Phil's comments. Yes the Fields that most want here comes from the Batus era, which is like a Bloomingdale's. Maybe Macy's could convert the Bloomingdale's' stores to the Field's name and have Bloomingdale's run those stores.
It would be extremely expensive to start a whole new division with merchandising, advertising. The problem that people here are not addressing is the changing retail climate especially with the millenials.
Not only is Macy's Inc having a slowdown in sales, but Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Dillard's, Bon-Ton. Millenials don't shop as previous generations did. They want experiences not fashion and style. Also the rise of online Amazon and now Jet is taking away from brick and mortar stores in all sectors. A sad reality the great stores and shopping experiences of the past is becoming harder to duplicate and run in this ever changing environment.
Date: Monday, July 04, 2016, 12:57 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Phillip and Pete: Yes, some contingency of former Field's staff returning is essential to the success to reborn Field's, and yes, Phillip, I'm not only well aware of that, I've heard from more than a few who have retired from Field's, perhaps under Dayton-Hudson, Target, May or Federated. They are at our events and volunteer to me that they would be back in a second. (Not that each and everyone will actually come back.) But certainly DO hope that all the staff from Field's circa 1989 DO NOT return. I would hate to walk into State Street after a return and find it was stuck in a past time warp. Field's at it's best has a good dose of the "next up and coming thing." Yes, some institutional history is needed but there's also new blood that's needed. And I'm sure those who left would come back with new experiences to contribute. One weakness about Field's is that many of their employees are so perfectionistic that they are cynical to the point that they don't see how even Field's on a bad or mediocre day was still in many ways better than Macy's.
Back to my precedence with Mariano's, which is basically Dominick's reincarnated 12-17 years later. Yes, there are some former Dominick's people in key positions who've helped revive what was lost. But the success is also due to new people as well.
Like Pete, I felt offended with the suggestion that myself and others are naive. Not so.
Best, Jim
Date: Monday, July 4, 2016 CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago.org
Happy Fourth of July!
Date: Sun, July 2, 2016, 10:28 pm CT
Posted by: Gail White,
Story says clutter a reason people are staying away from Macy's and some others. Uses Herald Square as an example.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/retailers-trapped-vicious-cycle-clutter-173834289.html
Date: Sat, July 01, 2016, 10:26 pm CT
Posted by: Joan S.,
Scary Stuff! Who knew this could happen when I went in Macy's, although I guess I'm reading this as only happening in NY. Did Field's ever do this? Does any Chicagoland retailer do this?
Judge: Macy's must stop jailing shoplifters
http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2016/07/01/judge-macys-must-stop-jailing-shoplifters.html
Date: Fri, July 01, 2016, 12:22 am ET
Posted by: Pete,
Phillip I'm not sure who to think is clueless, but I think the talent is out there. For starters, Selfridge's and Hudson Bay have been mentioned as potential stewards of Marshall Field and Company. I can't believe they wouldn't have talent to select some of the unique things. I also know that there are other retired former buyers we would love to come back for a second stint, perhaps as a late career capstone or encore after moving on after the Dayton's-Target and Macy's take over. I know my neighbor is one of those former buyers who used to be at State Street and would love to come out of retirement. To say nobody in Chicago has that sort of talent is quite insulting, although I hope they would have some in touch with current Chicago tastes rather than the tastes that prevailed under BATUS ownership. You sound perhaps as if you either work for Macy's or are a bitter Field's employee let go by Target. Sure, there will be challenges but I think so many talented people including buyers would want to see Field's come back and would except the challenge. Your comments are harsh and rude so you must not be one of them.
Date: Thurs, June 30, 2016, 8:30 pm CT
Posted by: Phil Eichler,
While Staff Is One issue, MoSt Of YOU are clueless that fields had massive buying groups to bring really unique products into the stores. Target killed that. The fields most of you remember is a shadow of fields under Phil Miller and batus . That will be really hard to bring back, if ever.
Date: Wed, June 29, 2016, 19:12
Posted by: gle,
THANKS FOR THE GREAT PHOTOS OF FIELD'S SUPPORTERS AT PRIDE PARADE!
Date: Wed, June 29, 2016, 11:04 am CT
Posted by: Sara ,
Thank you for representing us. I especially love the photos of the couples.
Sara
Date: Wed, June 29, 2016, 9:56 am CT
Posted by: Gina,
What a great show of support for Marshall Field's to come back. I know of no one who like's Macy's better. Ditto for Bloomingdale's.
Gina
Date: Tues, June 28, 2016, 6:31 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Thanks to all who offered support, took photos and posed for photos at Sunday's Chicago Pride Parade. We were positively received. I didn't hear a negative word from the crowd. The photos below or ones similar to them were also posted to our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Keep in mind that those who posed for the photos approached us about taking a photo. Because of different security blockages, we were only able to walk about 60% of the route, from Montrose to Belmont/Halsted with a couple of drop-in points beyond. We also walked on the sidewalk BEHIND the crowd--so 90% of the attendees were looking at parade and away from us. With those disadvantages, about 40 people approached us to be photographed for the photos you see below.
Also: About 30 Bloomingdale's employees did walk in the parade. We didn't see them last year. They all wore very tasteful black t-shirts with a rainbow "pride" logos. Unlike some previous years (like 2008) where it seemed in our opinion to be a Macy's ad first, this seemed to be more about Bloomingdale's letting their employees show their pride. That we can respect. So we did not walk the route with them as we did with Macy's like in 2008 or other years. (Again, for those who don't know, Bloomingdale's is part of Macy's and, as historically a competitor to Field's, some experts think that Field's was discontinued to help Bloomingdale's.)
Scenes from the 2016
Chicago Pride ParadeSigns calling for the restoration of Marshall Field's were walked up and down the 2.5 mile parade route. While there were thousands of cheers, the following are among those who called us back to have their pic taken with our sign and say, more than ever, Chicago wants its Marshall Field's!
Date: Tues, June 28, 2016, 5:36 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
In response to Mark and James K's conversation from Saturday asking is it too late to get back Field's-quality assistance? Thanks for your patience. There are several examples but the two that stand out as having significant parallels are Seflridges and Dominick's/Safeway/Mariano's.
But first, don't you think there would be so much buzz about Field's return that some of the best would want to come and work there?
In the case of Selfridges, a little over 20 years ago, it was moribund and dowdy. No pizzazz and considered not unlike some of the middle of the road stores run by BONT or perhaps today's Lord and Taylor. Selfridges changed hands twice in the past 20 or so years but especially under Toronoto's Weston family, it's become the premier department store in the world--voted as such even by its peers. And this forum, we've beaten to death the historic connections between Selfridges and Marshall Field's, as well as Chicago and the Westons.
Dominick's never had the world-class rep, history and impact of Field's, but it was a beloved grocery store of loyal Chicagoland shoppers. When it was purchased by Safeway in 1998, it had almost the same market share as Jewel (28% vs 32%) with only two-thirds the stores of Jewel-Osco. Dominick DiMateo, Jr. died and eventually they sold out to Safeway who in turn fired the Dominick's management. The stores were converted in Safeway in virtually every way EXCEPT name. The stores fell to 10% market share. (This is why I'm glad that Macy's did change the name--can you imagine if they changed everything to the way it is but left the Marshall Field's name? Exiled to a Wisconsin grocer for several years because of non-compete agreements, the former Dominick's management started a new chain in 2010. No, they weren't able to use the Dominick's name, but in most every other way, the stores--named Mariano's for the former Dominick DiMateo, Jr. President who started it--were a 2010s version of what Dominick's would have been had it not become Safeway. Mariano's rise is considered a reason for at least half of Safeway's/Dominick's slip to 10%. Today, Mariano's is nationally recognized in the industry as a peer of Wegmann's and Harris Teeter. Yes, there have been a couple of hiccups--but none that are comparable to being reasons for not bringing back Field's. One is that Mariano's was only 20% of the it's parent company's stores. The other 80% of the stores, located in Wisconsin and Minnesota had a long history of problems. So the parent company, Roundy's, was bought out by Kroger. Kroger is pretty much leaving the Mariano's stores alone while providing the capital to convert 12 former Dominick's fully into Mariano's. (They are starting with the Park Ridge store.) So yes, the parent company did get bought out; however, had Mariano's not been created, Roundy's would have gone out of business rather than be sold. Related to this is a few growing pains Mariano's had when it suddenly was able to purchase a dozen former Dominick's stores, almost doubling the size of the chain. I understand that the problem is they had to hire hundreds of new employees--Mariano's isn't staffed by the same union while Jewel and Dominick's were. So it's taken time to get the employees up to speed to provide quality help.
Staffing could be a real problem at reborn Field's if they brought it back to all 60+ locations nor should it. But I don't see that. What I do see is it at least returning to State Street. Beyond that and less likely, it would be great if they could return to a handful of classic, A-list mall locations like Old Orchard, Oak Brook and Mayfair. Personally, I think Macy's should fold Bloomingdale's in Chicagoland and convert the Michigan Avenue store to Macy's while restoring Field's to Water Tower Place. It's amazing that Macy's spends so much in news advertising on Bloomingdale's in Chicago for what are basically two locations -- Old Orchard and Michigan Avenue/Medinah.
Date: Sun, June 26, 2016, 4:066 pm CT
Posted by: Lucie D.,
Commenting on the many photos posted to Field's social media outlets on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram from the Chicago Pride Parade:
Thanks to everyone of you who stopped by and had a photo taken, thanks Jim for your hard work. ." where there is a will" (many wills) "there will be a way"...........
Date: Sat, June 25, 2016, 11:01 am CT
Posted by: Jim,
We'll be out along the Chicago Pride Parade route tomorrow. Look for us and our signs if you want a "Time to Bring Back Marshall Field's", "Selfridges Come Home To Chicago: The DNA of Marshall Field's" or both.
Date: Sat, June 25, 2016, 9:07 am CT
Posted by: Jim,
James McKay Mark M., James K.: good points about staffing--those are the kind of questions to ask. There's actually current precedence of retailers that basically went away and is now being reincarnated with overwhelming success acclaim: they are doing tremendously (Selfridges and Mariano's). (More explained above on Tuesday, June 28, 2016.)
Date: Sat, June 25, 2016, 2:54 am CT
Posted by: Mark K.,
I think the answer is you go back to a very old fashioned concept and train them. It’s like the front of the house staff in a fine restaurant they are knowledgable, skilled, and choreographed. And it doesn’t happen by accident. But a return to that kind of service might just catch on.
Date: Sat, June 25, 2016, 1:27 am CT
Posted by: Mark M.,
Much as I hope for a new Fields, how do you staff it? It's not just the building or even the merchandise, it's the people. It's that "How may I help you?" attitude AND the ability to actually help. There was a time, when other old-line retailers were closing, that you could have hired 30 year veterans of Magnin's or Bonwit's or specialty retailers like Mark Cross, but those people are retired now. You can poach a few from Tiffany and Saks....maybe Nordstrom and a few Oak St. stores, but those won't even give you department heads. I'm just terrified that it's too late.......and that makes me very sad.
(See above for Jim McKay response on Tuesday, June 28, 2016.)
Date: Fri, June 24, 2016, 6:40 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
Lundgren's pending departure is a LONG OVERDUE relief, but I wonder what the next one will be like and what he's been trained to do. I can't picture Lundgren letting go without somehow making sure things remain his way. I would rather see Selfridge's take the helm. The Galen Weston family has a better track record.
I do love the "Tribune" headline, "MACY'S CEO WHO KILLED MARSHALL FIELD'S TO STEP DOWN NEXT YEAR." I guess the newspapers don't have to be nice to him any more.
Date: Sat, June 25, 2016, 11:24 am CT
Posted by: James K.,
Life is all about embracing heritage and identity at one and the same time as "re-inventing" oneself. It would seem like now is the time to stir things up and make things interesting with a return of Fields that signifies identity, heritage, and reinventing! Jeff Gennette-- just think-- you could start off as a hero. Picturing it now-- "Excuse me-- could you direct me to the department that carries cajones!?"
Date: Fri, June 24, 2016, 11:12 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
As a WSJ subscriber, I was able to comment as follows at the end of the article.Macy's New Chief Aims to Liven Up Department-Store ChainCompany veteran Jeff Gennette to draw on Macy's heritage as "entertainment brand" amid retailing upheaval
http://www.wsj.com/articles/macys-new-chief-aims-to-liven-up-department-store-chain-1466778800
Marshall Field's was a world-wide attraction when it was Marshall Field's. Now not so much. He could score a bases-loaded home run if he brought back Marshall Field's. People overwhelmingly want it back and it was a trade name that SEC 10 K filings at the time of the merger showed was valued as the same or even more than Macy's/Bloomingdale's and more than all the rest of May Dept Stores' tradenames combined.
In these joint interviews of the past 24-hours, Terry Lundgren comes off like a helicopter parent. He needs to give Gennette his space to be his own guy. I understand an orderly transition but this transition is so slo mo (started in 2014, complete in 2017-18?) that it comes off as if Gennette can't be trusted. Then again, Terry Lundgren designed his wife's wedding dress and set up much of the rest without letting her see much of anything until the wedding. (See WSJ, 7/17/2006.)
Date: Fri, June 24, 2016, 10:20 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
New Macy's CEO: Here Is My Vision
https://www.thestreet.com/story/13618837/1/new-macy-s-ceo-here-is-my-vision.html
Some quotes:Lundgren: I have been the CEO for 13 years, by the time I turn it over to Jeff next year it will be 14 years and I will be 65 years old. How many CEOs of Fortune 500 companies do you know that have been around as long as I have? I would say very, very few. I have had a phenomenal experience and run here, in particular the five years prior to this past one, but really all throughout my career.
I'm feeling great about my ability right now to hand over the reins to Jeff in the first quarter. It honestly will go down as one of my greatest accomplishments in being able to give the CEO title to Jeff and do it in such an orderly way.
We planned this for two years when we made Jeff the president of the company. It was all part of our succession plan.
.......
Gennette: We are philosophically very similar, which serves us well. Whatever gaps Terry and I have in our individual portfolios we surround ourselves with talent to cover that. Neither Terry nor I operate from a position of arrogant thinking. So, I know what my shortfalls are, and I have a deep respect for the talent that I can assemble.
I have had the pleasure of serving with Terry and the talent he has assembled. So I look at him as a role model.
Date: Fri, June 24, 2016, 9:02 am CT
Posted by: M.N.,
Hate Lundgren. What he did to Marshall Field's will go down in retailing history as arrogant and stupid.
Date: Fri, June 24, 2016, 3:52 am CT
Posted by: Susan C.,
Regarding the post on the former Marshall Field's locations in Evanston and Oak Park, I go to the Evanston Panera Bread in the former Field's all the time. I told the employee's once I worked there when it was Marshall Field's. The employee's wanted to know a few things about the building and what departments were in the location the bread shop[ is. they said the City of Evanston would not let them make changes to some of the inside of the building because of the landmark status.
Date: Thurs, June 23, 2016, 10:54 pm CT
Posted by: Susan B., Atlanta,
Regarding Tribune article, Wow... what a dweebNasty, Brutish & Short: Federated C.E.O. Has Carefully Cultivated Image As...Excerpts:
NASTYBRUTISH-N-SHORT.COM|BY NASTY, BRUTISH & SHORT
http://nastybrutish-n-short.com/blog/2006/07/federated_ceo_has_carefully_cu.htmlOr is he just an ass, because that's what he sounds like to us. Thank God The Post has reprinted this article, which first appeared last week in the Wall Street Journal. When we saw it then, we could not believe it--or that it profiles the C.E.O. of a company based in Cincinnati.
........
Okay. We don't care if you are the C.E.O. of a department store, anal-retentive, and a clothes horse. The groom does not get to pick what the bride gets to wear, and have it be a surprise. It just doesn't work that way. And what kind of self-respecting woman would farm out ALL of the wedding planning--even down to the design of the wedding dress--to her fiance? Can't she figure out how to dress herself?
The whole piece is lengthy, and the entire thing is worth reading. Throughout it, though, we are struck by one thought: He probably thinks this is really good PR! How could he have no idea how awful this makes him sound? (Continues at link above)
Date: Thurs, June 23, 2016, 10:27 pm CT
Posted by: Marty B.,
Re: Tribune Article, Terry Lundgren destroyed two brands.
Date: Thurs, June 23, 2016, 6:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Dead on headline: if you can, please go to the Chicago Tribune website and leave comments after the article.
Chicago Tribune
MACY'S CEO WHO KILLED MARSHALL FIELD'S TO STEP DOWN NEXT YEARhttp://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-macys-ceo-retiring-20160623-story.html
Date: Thurs, June 23, 2016, 4:30 pm CT
Posted by: Pete,
Story about the new CEOs plans. Nothing specific about Marshall Field and company.
http://fortune.com/2016/06/23/macys-next-ceo/?curator=FashionREDEF
Date: Thurs, June 23, 2016, 4:10 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Bank of America aims to open in Marshall Field's buildingThe building's near-twin in Evanston currently features a similar bank operated by Citibank as well as a Panera bread store and restaurant. When I drive by, I often fantasize how cool it would be for Marshall Field and Company to return and open a holiday pop up in the store. I still miss it as borders books. In reality, this is a much better proposal then the Sleepys mattress store that was proposed and rejected two or three years ago.
http://mobile.oakpark.com/News/Articles/6-23-2016/Bank-of-America-aims-to-open-in-Marshall-Field%27s-building
Water Tower Realty, owner of the historic Marshall Field's building at 1144 Lake St., was recently given a variance from Oak Park's zoning code to lease the rear half to...
Date: Thurs, June 23, 2016, 1:47 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Perhaps this long overdue departure will be the turning point in giving shoppers what they want.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/macys-terry-lundgren-step-ceo-year-40072905
Date: Thurs, June 23, 2016, 10:53 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Thanks Phil...Amazing the amount of retweets and other media attention. Showed up as an urgent alert from WSJ.com on my smartphone, on par with supreme court decisions announced today.
As mentioned, Terry Lundgren will still be Executive Chairman which I don't think they previously have had. I'm not sure how independent Gennette is from Mr, Lundgren but I think he must be pretty well connected else he wouldn't have been groomed for the job.
Here are a few more links. Please add your own reader comments if you can.
NYTimes:
http://www.wsj.com/articles/macys-ceo-lundgren-to-step-down-next-year-1466688061
Wall Street Journal
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/06/23/us/ap-us-macys-ceo.html
American Business Journals
http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2016/06/23/macys-names-replacement-for-ceo-lundgren.html
Forbes (by former Macy's exec Walter Loeb)
Walter Loeb writes:
"Jeff Gennette will succeed Terry Lundgren as CEO of Macy's M +3.23% in the first quarter of 2017, the retailer announced Thursday morning. It will be a seamless transition. The move has been widely expected since GennetteÂÂ's appointment as president of MacyÂÂ's in 2014. The 64-year-old Lundgren will continue as executive chairman of the company."
"Gennnette, 55, who will join the board of MacyÂÂ's today, is a consummate merchant who will undoubtedly add his vision for growth to the enterprise. Over the past two years, he has developed as a skilled retail operator, rounding out his experience to service customers. He has been with MacyÂÂ's for 33 years and grew through the ranks in several key areas."
"I expect changes after Gennette takes over. They will not be sudden, but evolutionary as new ideas to stimulate growth will be developed. Current efforts to reduce costs and make the company leaner are likely to pay off in better earnings next year. However, I expect merchandise innovation and a clear vision for growth through strategic acquisitions. Some real estate is likely to be divested and more stores are likely to be closed."
\
Date: Thurs, June 23, 2016, 8:41 am CT
Posted by: Philip Eichler ,
Macy's announced this morning that Terry Lundgren will step down in 2017, but will remain with the company.
Date: Mon, June 18, 2016, 2:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Bloomingdale's/Macy's will again be in this year's Pride Parade. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THIS SUNDAY'S CHICAGO PRIDE PARADE! WILL YOU HELP FIELD'S? AS USUAL PLEASE DO NOT POST REGRETS UNTIL AFTER THE EVENT (ie please do not post "I can't come because...") Such comments will be removed. Here are some shots of FieldsFansChicago at Chicago Pride Parades past including last year, our signs, 2008 (Macy's float behind the sign) 2010 and 2011. One year, Gail H. flew in from far away to help.
Macy's has skipped some years while others they have sponsored others' floats. A couple of years ago Bloomingdale's was in the parade. Last year Bloomingdale's was listed but apparently did not participate. This year, Macy's/Bloomingdale's will have their float under the Bloomingdale's banner. We have signs, fliers, buttons to pass out--ever -- Please contact me via email jjmckay -AT- me.com or by leaving a message at 312.662.8980 if you can help get the message about Marshall Field's out. Thanks!
2008 2010 2011 Scenes from the 2015
Chicago Pride ParadeSigns calling for the restoration of Marshall Field's were walked up and down the 2.5 mile parade route. While there were thousands of cheers, the following are among those who called us back to have their pic taken with our sign and say, more than ever, Chicago wants its Marshall Field's!
Date: Mon, June 18, 2016, 11:58 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
As its sales continue to plummet, macy can please its shareholders by selling off valuable real estate:http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/06/14/macys-a-real-estate-company-masquerading-as-a-reta.aspx?source=yahoo-2&utm_campaign=article&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=yahoo-2During the past few months, macy has been shuttering desirable downtown store locations and selling the buildings. In the case of Pittsburgh, the most profitable department store in the Kaufmann's chain was allowed to deteriorate and was not marketed to attract customers; macy had no desire for the store to succeed. Money from the sale of the property could compensate for declining sales.
Note the list of their most valuable, desirable properties. The former Marshall Field's building would certainly be attractive to developers! The current store could be downsized (like Brooklyn) or sold off. The executives at macy clearly don't show much interest in providing a dynamic retail environment, and the situation is very similar to what has happened at Sears.
Date: Mon, June 18, 2016, 11:36 am CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
The lack of customer "experience" and bargain store atmosphere is causing macy to lose its once lucrative cosmetics business:http://www.businessinsider.com/people-are-spending-money-on-beauty-2016-6Recent articles have noted that better brands like Michael Kors and Coach plan to discontinue selling their wares at macy because their image is destroyed by the store's constant discounting.
Shoppers are looking for something other than One Day Sales and multiple coupons. There are plenty of stores like TJMaxx, Marshall's and Ross that do a great job as clearance/discount shopping venues. Shoppers did NOT need another bargain bin!
Maybe, just maybe, if macy would give customers what they want...
Date: Sunday, June 19, 2016 CT
Posted by: gle,
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Date: Sat, June 18, 2016, 8:29 pm CT
Posted by: Sara G.,
Walked through the store that used to be the great Marshall Field and Company on State Street a few days ago.
The store looks so tired. So sad that Macy's doesn't see the jewel they have in Marshall Field's.
Date: Fri, June 17, 2016, 9:17 pm CT
Posted by: Kathryn S.,
Field's return would mean enjoying a nice drink in the tea room! :) Ahhh
Date: Wed, June 15, 2016, 9:19 am CT
Posted by: Anna N.,
Field's was more than just a store. It was part of Chicago's history, a part of the city's spirit. A major piece of Christmas magic was staring wide eyed at the beautiful displays and lights, the music of the season in the store, and a MF Christmas bear under the tree. Christmas was never the same without Field's. My hope is that someday my children will know the magic and spirit that was and is Marshall Field's. -A.N.
Date: Tues, June 14, 2016, 12:33 pm CT
Posted by: Patt P,
Field's on state street was such a special place for our family. We were farmers from Alpha and Galesburg Illinois and every year, we would take the train to Chicago the day after Thanksgiving to look at the windows at Field's, shop at Field's and have tea in the walnut room. Gramma Beulah, our mother, Agnes, and my two sister and I. It was a long day, we left around 6 in the morning and didn't get back on until very late. We would spend all day there. We looked at everything, and mother let us each buy a few things. We got to pick out an ornament for the Christmas tree. I still have the ornaments, and until a few years ago, some red stretch pants I got in 1963. We would eat supper in the cafeteria, and buy chocolate, Frangos, of course.
I loved the huge rest room on the 7th floor, all the wood doors, and I swear it had a bathtub in it. It was towards the front of the rest room and I always wondered about it. I never saw anyone use it, but it fascinated me. The room has been updated now, of course.
Date: Tues, June 14, 2016, 11:52 pm CT
Posted by: A.M.P.,
Hello,
Today I saw a lady with a Forever Fields button on her jacket. I loved Marshall Fields from the time I was a little girl. It was always a special trip to go downtown (from Beverly on the southside) to Marshall Fields, but it was magical at Christmas time.
Every year we went to see the windows and my dad would read aloud the narrative at each window--long after we could all read ourselves--it was a tradition. They were always beautiful. We have noted that Macy's is more of an advertisement.
Then we would go see the tree with Mr. Mistletoe (I'm not sure I remember his name) on the top. We didn't usually eat in the Walnut room because there were too many very hungry boys in my family. They would have needed two Walnut Room meals! In college I worked on State Street and frequently spent my paychecks at Field's on my lunch hour.
Date: Mon, June 13, 2016, 7:02 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
I watched the final episode of PBS' "Mr. Selfridge" with trepidation. I had already read Lindy Woodhead's and Gayle Soucek's bios of Selfridge and knew full well how it ended. I was relieved that the show handled things gracefully, and only took the drama to the point where Mr. Selfridge left the store for the last time. The employees, who knew he had been sacked, applauded and thanked him for all he had done for the store and for their careers. He thanked them for their part in building Selfridge's and told them to hang in there and keep up the good work. He sadly said he wished he could not be there to share it with them in the future. (The story also hinted that he and Mae would be married. Mae did not exist in real life.)
In spite of personal difficulties, Selfridge did accomplish much that lasts today. I am glad the series treated him well and emphasized the success.
I did not like the "Tribune" article and wrote to tell them. I don't think they know as much of the subject matter as they claim.
Date: Sun, June 12, 2016, 9:10 am CT
Posted by: Jim,
Chicago Tribune's Sunday flashback section page has awful story of Mr. Selfridge's years in Chicago.Please leave comments after the stories--the "comments" button is towards the bottom of the piece. Furthermore, you can help by sending letters to the editor of the Chicago Tribune can be sent to ctc-tribletter@tribune.com Be sure to include your name, city, state and phone number, along with the phrase, "FOR PUBLICATION."http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-mr-selfridge-chicago-harry-gordon-flashback-perspec-0612-md-20160609-story.html
Date: Fri, May 27, 2016, 5:39 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
GOOD WORK AND THANKS JIM AND OTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: Wed, May 25, 2016, 5:38 pm CT
Posted by: James K.,
Bravo James McKay (and comrades) and thank you! Just a thought-- would there be any structure through which to purchase stock in the new Field's. Could there be some sort of stock offering contingent on the restoration of the Fields name, brand, image. They might be surprised at how many would buy in. This is also such an opportune time to harken all the way back to Selfridge's-- there is a window of opportunity with the conclusion of the PBS Masterpiece Theater series.
Date: Wed, May 25, 2016, 12:28 am CT
Posted by: M.N.,
Re Stockholders Meeting: You represent the thousands who want Field's to return. Well done!
Date: Tues, May 24, 2016, 9:34 pm CT
Posted by: Jim H.,
The Business Insider article posted 3 hours ago misses mark. The lack of shoppers is not about "price." It is also not about "presentation." Those factors may be necessary in retail, but if exceptional product quality and the customer service are absent, why bother at all. If I want TJ MAXX bargain bin garbage, I will go there instead of Macy's. I used to have wonderful Field Gear clothes and a corresponding fashion adviser. I want them back, Macy's.
Date: Tues, May 24, 2016, 6:47 pm CT
Posted by: Hector M. via Michael R.,
Business Insider:
"We went to Macy's and saw why the brand is a disaster
Macy's sales have been plummeting. The company might blame the lack of seasonal weather, but that's clearly not the only reason." http://www.businessinsider.com/macys-tour-and-business-analysis-2016-5
Date: Tues, May 24, 2016, 6:56 am CT
Posted by: Ami M.,
Pray for Marshall Fields to return!
Date: Mon, May 23, 2016, 11:31 pm CT
Posted by: Tim E.,
Well done; very impressive.
Date: Mon, May 23, 2016, 8:50 pm CT
Posted by: Alfred I.,
BRAVO, James and companions!!!
Date: Mon, May 23, 2016, 6:57 pm CT
Posted by: Natalie T.,
Thank you for all your hard work and dedication!!
Date: Mon, May 23, 2016, 5:55 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
And now here's the "More later..." in follow up to my photo post on Friday, May 20, 2016.
After the meeting (and talking with some stockholders and unidentified suits on the street in front of the headquarters) Frank said, ""Field's is coming back!" I wouldn't say it's a slam dunk, and since even Field's never remained the same, it would be different, but I came away from the annual meeting feeling more hopeful.
The stockholders meeting was filled to capacity with people standing, unlike some previous years when there were plenty of empty seats. Macy's, Inc. (Macy's/Bloomingdale's/Bluemercury) CEO and Chairman Terry Lundgen gave a presentation that seemed longer than usual. A lot of it reiterated the recent problems that have beset Macy's as well as other retailers as well as much of their recent plans for reviving business.
An exception was that three long-time directors are retiring including the chief legal officier as well as two directors who have been with Federated/Bloomingdale's before it acquired R.H. Macy & Co. out of bankruptcy. Is this a change of the old guard?
At the formal conclusion of the meeting, any stockholder can address the audience or ask questions for a couple of minutes. Interaction between myself and Mr. Lundgren was cordial. As proof of continued value of Field's brand, I announced how over 120 photos of about 200 supporters were taken over several hours on Saturday afternoons during the holidays and posted here and at our website. ( See http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/blog/s4s.html ) I also pointed out how the value of the Field's tradenames were listed higher in SEC 10K forms than all other May Department Stores combined and the Field's tradename/brand is most valuable when attached to the State Street store. I also pointed out that while Macy's may be jumping on the TJ Maxx/off-price store bandwagon (a prominent part of Mr. Lundgren's presentation), the reality is that the off-price store as founded by a young Harry Selfridge in the basement of Marshall Field and Company is the original. (Isn't Bluemercury just a reincarnation of the comprehensive services offered by Marshall Fields back in the day?) If Macy's were to restore Field's and the "bargain basement," they could actually point out that THEY started the off-price movement--not the likes of TJ Maxx. There are a few other details, but I made a special point of addressing any activist investors who may have been in the audience that as real estate, the State Street store is still by far most valuable when it is operated in name and ethos as Field's.
Afterwards, in the meeting and on the street, there were those who were clearly more than customers or passersby on the street--who agreed with what I had said. One insisted on posing for a selfie outside with our signs. (Sorry, I don't feel comfortable getting too specific on social media.)
So I hope I represented our collective views as much as possible. Thank you for reading this and offering input. Private responses with suggestions can be sent to jjmckay AT me.com
Date: Fri, May 20, 2016, 6:47 pm CT
Posted by: Alfred I.,
Thanks a zillion, James and all!
Date: Fri, May 20, 2016, 3:13 pm CT
Posted by: Gabriel M.,
Thank you so much for all you have done.
Date: Fri, May 20, 2016, 12.25 pm CT
Posted by: Jeane W.,
Thank you for taking your time to do this!
Date: Fri, May 20, 2016, 11:17 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Once again Marshall Field supporters attended the stockholders annual meeting in Cincinnati of Macy's/Bloomingdale's. Thanks to Frank who made it possible and a special thank you to Bernice (age 87) who came all the way from Chicago to support the return of Marshall Field's. More later…
Date: Thurs, May 19, 2016, 7:41 am CT
Posted by: gle,
Once again I voted against all of Macy's directors on the ballot for the annual shareholder meeting to be held Friday May 20. A BIG thanks to those able to attend these meetings in person and represent the Field's cause. The fact that we continue to have someone show up says a lot.
I read the headlines and would so much love to see the Selfridge's group acquire the State Street store. They seem to be the people who know how to turn a department store around in today's economy.
Date: Tues, May 17, 2016, 11:06
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Buckle Your Seatbelt: Macy's Is In For A Rough RideMy response:
May 17, 2016 10:48 AM
http://seekingalpha.com/article/3975655-macys-earnings-quite-bad-heading?
A whole other angle on the real estate is in Chicago where the historic Marshall Field's Building could see immense value unlocked and MAXIMIZED if it were sold to likes of Canada/London's Selfridges Group or Canada's Hudson Bay. There's a grass roots campaign by customers.
Press Release
http://tinyurl.com/znyyc48
Photos of over 200 customers picketing for something like this to happen:
http://tinyurl.com/h7qglln
Date: Mon, May 16, 2016, 4:39 pm CT
Posted by: Pete,
It's down to the final episodes of Mr. Selfridge. You can watch online at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch-online/ Everyone knows the man had a sad ending but the store went on to its future and current greatness!
Date: Sat, May 14, 2016, 12:01 pm CT
Posted by: Observer,
Macy's doesn't seem as busy as when it was Marshall Field's. So Sad.....:-(
Date: Fri, May 13, 2016, 9:22 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
We have several family weddings in the upcoming months and it's a problem WHERE to find special, unique gifts. Up until the macy*fication, there were stores which offered items sure to be appreciated and treasured.
My cousin and his fiancee were deciding on stores for their bridal registry. They went to macy and were not impressed with the home store merchandise; they found that macy carried much of the same goods found at JCPenney and Kohl's but macy goods were priced higher than their competitors. They felt that the macy "exclusive, celebrity" home wares were nothing they would want. Another relative is so upset at the loss of Hudson's/ Marshall Field's that she specifically stated she DID NOT want a gift or gift card from macy.
Memo to macy buyers-- there are millenials who value quality over "celebrity" names.
Date: Thurs, May 12, 2016, 11:17 pm ET
Posted by: mikea,
It was a disappointing quarter for Macy's and Nordstrom, Kohl.s, Dillard's as of today.
Macy's does need to make their stores more special again. They need to capitalize more on special and unique departments especially in their large flagship and platinum stores. The old answer of selling soft goods where profit is high is not working in today's retail environment. Customers today are choosing internet shopping, and spending more of their income in other categories than shopping at the mall.
Auto sales, housing, home improvement, travel, and entertainment.
Look at how crowded airports, hotels and entertainment venues are.
It is becoming not only a problem for Macy's, but for all traditional brick and mortar department stores. Even Neiman Marcus had a bad quarter during the holiday season. Interesting to watch as Neimans and the other retailers report their quarterly earnings.
Hopefully the sad reality does not mean massive store and mall closings, leaving thousand unemployed and vacant buildings and lowered sales tax revenue for states and cities. Retailers like Amamzon not only hurt traditional stores, but cities and states, since they do not charge sales tax.
Date: Thurs, May 12, 2016, 10:00 pm CT
Posted by: Pete,
Hello friends! It's been a while since I've posted. The news these past few days is really something, isn't it?
I don't think department stores are dead like some supposed experts are saying. Rather, I think they're trying to be too much in the gutter with the likes of Walmart and Target, TJ Maxx, Ross, and so forth.
What needs to happen, is not what happened 10 years ago when all those stores became Macy's. Instead, they need to be special and unique. The State Street store will always be Marshall Field and Company. Macy's really needs to capitalize on a few very key stores. I read where they were talking about their top 150 stores. So maybe they keep 300 of them at most. But let the most special of these stores like State Street become special again. Right now there's no reason for people to make a special trip. That is why Selfridge's does so well in England. They only have four stores for the entire country! Macy's should do the same for a number of specialized chains. Let Marshall Field and Company be the first to come back in a couple of key locations.
Pete
Date: Thurs, May 12, 2016, 2:20 pm CT
Posted by: Kim Johnson,
We miss Marshall Field's A LOT!
Macy's, PLease bring it back!
Date: Thurs, May 12, 2016, 5:49 am CT
Posted by: Stephanie LaPierre,
It will be interesting to see what happens with Macy's in the next few months. If they have another bad quarter, I don't think one from his long for this world as Macy's head. But if he goes, I worry what will happen to Marshall Fields former stores. It could be even worse.
Date: Wed, May 11, 2016, 20:40
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Interesting analysis explaining how macy "is becoming the new Sears"http://finance.yahoo.com/news/macys-officially-becoming-sears-133615129.html;_ylt=A0LEVy8tzzNXNyQA0J9XNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEyaHZjYzhtBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDQjE4NzlfMQRzZWMDc2M-All of the mistakes made by macy have been discussed in this fields fans blog, but evidently the powers that be at macy know better. Stock prices were propped up by cutting back on services, personnel and other expenditures. Now there is nothing left to cut. Many wonderful stores were run into the ground, shoppers have been disappointed and have moved on. Is macy a better store with high end merchandise, a mid level store with constant promotions, or a discount store? Confused customers don't know what a macy is.
Date: Wed, May 11, 2016, 7:28 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
More bad press for macy:https://finance.yahoo.com/news/macys-struggles-outlook-slashed-122944847.htmlBottom line --there is NO compelling reason to shop these stores. By taking over the regional department stores and reducing them to the lowest common denominator in merchandising, getting rid of special services, community events and popular restaurants, trying to be both upscale and discount, constantly running One Day Sales and flooding customers' mailboxes with coupons that don't work on anything, macy is desperately trying to find its niche.
Haven't they figured out that slapping red stars and pictures of the Herald Square flagship all over a store isn't going to attract customers? Not everyone is infatuated with "Noo Yawk" and "celebrity" merchandise. Quite frankly a clothing line associated with two somewhat past their prime musicians and home wares associated with a daytime gossip show hostess who has widely publicized personal relationship problems aren't all that much of an attraction.
Maybe try quality merchandise, good value and service, clean and attractive stores--just for starters.
Date: Wed, May 11, 2016, 6:40 pm CT
Posted by: Jim,
