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Below are blog posts from October 31, 2008 backwards to May 1, 2008.

Date: Friday, October 31, 2008  8:51 pm CT
Posted by: John

Here is the link to the just announced Macy's Christmas campaign "Believe"......

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20081031005323&newsLang=en

Date: Friday, October 31, 2008  2:09 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

Just a thought, but one that won't leave me:

Hearing of the graffiti on the Marshall Field and Company plaque was quite disturbing. I believe that I am even more disturbed by the fact that 1. no photo of this has been taken and 2. that no local Field's Fan has attempted to clean it off.

While the graffiti on the plaque is surely a testament to the fact that Macy's doesn't care at all about the Marshall Field legacy, the fact that it is still there could possibly suggest that no one in Chicago cares enough to make an attempt to clean it off. This has bothered me. I live in Michigan and cannot make it down there right now to clean it off or I would!

Another thought along the same lines: Would it not be a news story in itself to have photos of not only the graffitied plaque, but also the duct-taped tile floors, the dirty windows, the broken door handle, etc.? Of course Macy's wouldn't want photos to be taken of these things, and would probably have security chasing out anyone with a camera, but is this possible to capture on film, or cellphone camera, the neglect and disrepair?

These are honest questions. I am not intending to offend anyone since I am a Field's Fan too.

BTW - I recently moved and now, as "current resident", I am receiving sale catalogs nearly EVERY DAY from Macy's. Talk about overkill! Give it a rest, Macy's! You could at least save a good many trees!

Warm regards to my fellow Field's Fans,

L. Grand, Grand Rapids, MI

Date: Friday, October 31, 2008  1:45 pm CT
Posted by: Amie

To mds in mount prospect,Macy's/Marshall Field's selling hot dogs on a cart is not new.

Field's had bought hot dog carts for River Oaks, State Street, Orland Square, State Street and a few others back in 2003 when they had the Grand Reopening celebration. On State Street, the Hot Dog cart was located in the short lived 1st floor Coca Cola cafe on the Wabash/Randolph side, then moved to Marketplace on the Lower Lever, for a very very short time moved to 7 on State and now no longer being used (to my knowledge).

Back in 2003, you got a Hot Dog with chips for $3. Unfortunately, the Hot Dog has gotten thinner since the name change and now I don't think they have offer all the "trimmings" besided mustard and ketchup.

I miss Field's!

Date: Friday, October 31, 2008  8:00 am CT
Posted by: gle

Messy's press release for their holiday theme, "Believe," is in the "Tribune" stock quotes section (enter "M" for Messy's and hit go).

"Macy's Inspires America To "Believe" This Holiday Season"

http://markets.chicagotribune.com/custom/tribune-interactive/html-story.asp?symb=M&siteid=chicagotribune&guid={5CABC8AA-5291-43F3-818B-BABAB40FDBB9}

The Make-a-Wish Foundation stuff sounds nice on the surface, but I have learned not to trust Messy's to do anything right. Any charitable giving I plan over the holidays will be directly to organizations, not through Messy's.

My wish is that Marshall Field's will come back and believe that it can.

Letters to ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com

Date: Thurs, October 30, 2008  9:08 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Link to a piece with a comment on Field's.

http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/creative/news/e3i08392902a19f2955b6a09485583982a3

Date: Thurs, October 30, 2008  4:20 pm CT
Posted by: gle

I found a Messy's junk mail ad flier on the floor in the lobby of my building yesterday. It (overly)emphasised the sinful passions of red for the holidays. Some of the wording was absolutely obscene. I used to think of holidays as being connected with religion. What's interesting, though, is that for all its pornographic bent (including underwear the minute you come in on the first floor), nobody seems very excited about Messy's.

BRING BACK FIELD'S PLEASE!

Date: Wed, October 29, 2008  7:42 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C.

Here is a concise history of Marshall Field & Company with the many highlights over her long, venerable history. Many of you longtime Field's Fans are well familiar with it, but I thought people new to our website and our efforts within the last year, would find it informative. No other U.S. department store has had such a unique history, full of "firsts" and genuine pure class in all aspects of its way of conducting business. No wonder why people over the years love Marshall Field's and always will. Marshall Field's IS Chicago!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Field_and_Company

Date: Wed, October 29, 2008  7:32 pm CT
Posted by: Shirley C.

What was written in 2007, still rings true---even more, about Marshall Field's and Field's Fans' efforts.

http://svmomblog.typepad.com/chicago_moms/2007/09/draft---methink.html

Date: Wed, October 29, 2008  3:22 pm CT
Posted by: gle

I went through the State Street store today. The aisles were packed with construction crews finishing the Christmas decorations. No wonder the decorations looked so half-done yesterday--they were. Ladders and hard-hat guys were all over the first floor, and plastic bags that things had been wrapped in, and glitter dust and paper scraps on the red carpet.

The exclusive new men's department has added red to as much as possible. The underwear is in red boxes, if not red itself. Yes there are some red socks, as well as the boring white socks, and even a few green socks.

Some of the Frango Mints are wrapped in red paper or in red boxes.

About a half-hour later I had to give out more buttons. I was eating lunch outside and a woman said, "WHERE ON EARTH DID YOU GET THAT BUTTON!" She loved it, and had to have one for herself and one for a friend. I happily gave them to her, and referred her to our website. She wished Field's Fans luck.

Date: Wed, October 29, 2008  3:01 pm CT
Posted by: drew

How about an "upscale move to macy*s"??? Nobody that I know has ever considered macy*s "upscale."

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_44/b4106000742804.htm?campaign_id=yhoo

Date: Wed, October 29, 2008  8:13 am CT
Posted by: leslie galligan

i was born and raised in chicago till we moved in 1965 to new jersey and i still remember clearly my mother taking me on the IC downtown to shop on those special occasions - usually a birthday - and going to marshall fields and carson pirie scott and i think saks was there too in those days - it was such a wonderful experience - especially at christmas when i got to see those beautiful holiday windows - just absolutely loved it. i am visiting the city today and am so upset to find that marshall's is now a macy's (we have those all over new jersey too - like locusts) and CPS just closed it's doors. so sad. i was very much hoping to relive some of those happy childhood memories browsing through those old stores!! there was nothing like shopping at marshall fields and the fact that it is no longer there is just like losing an old and dear friend. please bring it back!!!

Date: Wed, October 29, 2008  7:38 am CT
Posted by: denise rule

to ray who said:"I personally don't see why people care if Oprah supports Macy's or not. It doesn't change the way the vast majority of true Chicagoans feel." Well, I guess I care because I think every time Oprah, or anyone else, DOES NOT use macy's, ESPECIALLY someone as big as Oprah, it's ONE MORE GOOD THING! I read her magazine and know that she does NOT (sadly) exclusively use Nordstrom's or anyone else. And I can guess how Oprah herself personally feels about macy's. Still, every time she uses another store and NOT macy's it's good BECAUSE of exactly what was said: she's international, as well as local.

Also, while I agree with the comment about Palin and Obama (someone referring to Palin and the RNC using macy's and what Obama has and has not done), quite a while back it was posted: LEAVE ALL COMMENTS ABOUT POLITICS OUT OF THIS BLOG! I agree with that, and think everyone would do well to follow that guideline.

Date: Tues, October 28, 2008  9:02 pm CT
Posted by: Mikea

On the Roe Conn radio show today, there were talking about the stock market and someone made the comment that ratail stocks were very low and a good buy. When their guest mentioned Macy's stock was low, Roe Conn jumped in with "yes, and they deserve to be low" The guest then said he agreed because of their decision to change Field's to Macy's

Date: Tues, October 28, 2008  6:32 pm CT
Posted by: darrid

A few days ago I was wondering through Woodfield Mall and walked through Macy's. As usual, I wonder the store to see what is going on. I think it is amazing that after the big re-carpeting and re-modeling this summer that they didn't do much cleaning. There are big clumps of giant dust bunnies hanging precariously off of the lips of the faux wood/marble walls in cosmetics.

In any event, I was downstairs in the fine china section and watched a couple who was wandering around. I overheard the lady tell her husband, "Don't bother going over to that register, there is never anyone down here anymore. Just forget it!" I looked at her and mentioned that that would have never happened at Field's. She agreed and proceeded to tell me about her whole experience. She had been up in ladies clothing and wanted a pair of Ralph Lauren slacks but they didn't have them in her petite size anymore. The clerk said they could only transfer from another store if you have a Macy's card. She told me, Marshall Field's would always get me what I wanted!

This must be part of the new "My Macy's" program.

Marketing 101 - A happy customer may tell one or two of their friends, an unhappy customer will tell 10!

Date: Tues, October 28, 2008  2:58 pm CT
Posted by: gle

I just went through the State Street store to see what they've done to it for Messy's 150th. The State Street windows had 150th birthday posters, not window displays. There is a lot of red color, and a scene of a couple blowing out birthday candles repeated over and over throughout the store. Perhaps the red is a detractor from the chips and stains on the exterior facade. One thing that is not red is the blue graffiti still on the Wabash and Washington Field's nameplates. Inside the store everything appears saturated in red. The couple blowing out candles is everywhere, including banners hung down the escalator atrium over the fountain. Holiday decorations are up, and have a rather makeshift look like there was no budget and somebody made the best of what they had. There is a BRIGHT red carpet that could use a little vacuuming. Large red 150 numbers are also everywhere. Sales associates are still dressed in black, not red. They actually said hello and gave me perfume samples, even though I had my Marshall Field's button on.

I miss Marshall Field's. I miss seeing merchandise I want. I miss not being hit in the face with red everyplace I turn. I miss green, and other colors besides red. I miss seeing a stately, elegant building Chicago can take pride in. I miss having something to look forward to on State Street.

Date: Tues, October 28, 2008  10:43 am CT
Posted by: gle

The "Sun-Times" photo gallery has a preview of Messy's holiday windows in the making. It says "Macy's on State Street is preparing for the holiday season by working on its window displays--which were made famous in Chicago when Marshall Field's occupied the building."

"Macy's window displays"

http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/shopping/1237728,102308macysg.photogallery

Date: Mon, October 27, 2008  8:11 pm CT
Posted by: mds

Hi All,

I just returned from a whirl-wind trip to Chicago this weekend. While I have driven through several times in the last couple of years, it was the first time I actualy stopped since the change.

I went to State Street not knowing what to expect. Simply put, it felt dead. For a company that claims to be magical there was none left here except for the architecture. The absence of green was odd and the addition of red made it feel like Target--not to mention the assortment.

For a company celebrating 150 years-it didn't feel like much of a party. More like a grand opening sale at Kohls. Not really a celebration, just another reason to have a 'fake' sale.

I then walked up towards Watertower to inspect the damage. Honestly no stores along the way impressed me very much. I did know if it was the lack of the Field's experience, other store missing from downtown, me getting older and my interests changing or just the way of the world now. At any rate, Watertower was a mess. What was up with the tacky red stars hanging from the chandeliers? Where were the designer goods? This store rivaled State Street with high end goods at one time!

The last former Fields I visited was Woodfield--What the hell happened? What is up with all the white paint and the new layout? It felt like K-Mart. It simply made no sense.

I was planning to go to Oak Brook on my way out of town, but was so bummed by what I had seen or had not seen, based on how you look at it, that I just hit the road for home.

Chicago is a great city and I will always love it, but without Field's there is no real reason to return in terms of shopping. I have almost the same assortment of stores where I live and much lower sales tax. I have to wonder how many other visitors to Chicago feel the same way.

Date: Mon, October 27, 2008  7:59 pm CT
Posted by: gayle

I drive by Oak Brook daily on my way home from work, and often on the weekends too. (Used to stop there several times a week---sigh) The Oak Brook furniture store is absolutely devoid of cars whenever I pass by. I am certain they're going to close it---how could they not? This is the same store where hubby and I furnished most of our home after remodeling, including rugs and fine art. So sad!

The Oak Brook mall store does have a fair amount of foot traffic, but I see very few M bags. It's hard to judge their sales, because a lot of people pass through from the parking lot, and the lower level Starbucks and Market Place generate a lot of traffic. If you count bags out in the mall however, Nordstrom's and L&T beat M about 2 or 3 to 1. Even Sears beat them last time I was there and counted! If it doesn't come back as Fields, I wish they'd close the damn place and remove that blight from the mall!

Date: Mon, October 27, 2008  2:11 pm CT
Posted by: R

Oprah works with all sorts of retailers--today' just happened to be Nordstrom's. Look for Macy's and Bloomies to be featured on her upcoming shows.

Oprah is continuing her relationship with both Macy's and Bloomingdale's. There are special bracelets designed in collaboration between Oprah, Macy's and women of Rowanda and Zimbawee and the Rawandan Baskets for peace still are a staple for Oprah, O magazine and Macy's. This is ongoing and still current.

I personally don't see why people care if Oprah supports Macy's or not. It doesn't change the way the vast majority of true Chicagoans feel. Oprah probably feels the same way but she is national and international.

To the person who mocked Sarah Palin and the RNC for shopping at Macy's and Bloomingdale's, remember that Obama has been sighted in the press carrying a Macy's bag. Palin is in Alaska and doesn't know about Field's all that much. Obama represents Chicago and should know about Field's but he chose to carry a Macy's bag for publicity.

Date: Mon, October 27, 2008  10:11 am CT
Posted by: denise rule

Just a quick note: The Oprah show today (10/27) featured a fashion makeover. At the end of the show Oprah said: 'Thanks to Nordstrom for providing all......'. Hopefully this is a sign of the end of the Oprah show's SILLY, but brief association with the inferior 'm' store. As we all know, Oprah used Marshall Field's almost exclusively for al her fashion shows in the past. Also, in the credits, just to be sure, no hint of macy's being involved in any way. Good to see.

Date: Mon, October 27, 2008  9:43 am CT
Posted by: L.M.

I'm a Chicago native and I currently live near detroit Mi and was thrilled when our Hudson's became Marshall Field's, now however we have Macy's - yuck! This store does not have the same class as Marshall Field's. If they brought the store back to Chicago I would go more often just to shop there!

Keep up the good work!

Date: Mon, October 27, 2008  7:07 am CT
Posted by: Jim

If that rumor about Oak Brook is correct, I wonder if they mean the Oak Brook Furniture Store across the street from the mall. That seems much more likely to close than the main store at Oak Brook Mall. From the reports that I have read here, the Oak Brook furniture store is often dead, the main store at Oak Brook Centre apparently has a lot of space that could incorportae the furniture and the main store is relatively busy compared to the furniture store.

Date: Sun, October 26, 2008  9:07 pm CT
Posted by: Jim W.

My son is attending Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Recently, Colin told me of an episode in his graduate-level marketing class which I must relate.

Another student raised his hand and asked the professor what the best piece of advice he could give his students to be successful in business.

Here is the answer (which was given instantly, as I understand it):

Quote: Read about how Macy's took over Chicago's Marshall Field's department store...and DO JUST THE OPPOSITE! Use macy's as the example how NOT to do good business.

Just then, the class burst into applause...and one of them said, "Hear, Hear"!

P.S. My son mentioned this Field's Fans website to the class. The professor replied that he reads it often to stay current.

Date: Sun, October 26, 2008  7:46 pm CT
Posted by: JC

Here is my plea to each and every Field's Fan (and regional department store fan) to make an early New Year's Resolution. The resolution, to begin today, is to...

Tell five people, in your daily travels, EVERY DAY, to boycott macy's and bloomingdale's for what they have done in destroying Marshall Field's and other regional U.S. department stores. Then ask each of them to tell tell five other people each day and to pass it on.

Do you realize how the numbers of people boycotting macy's and bloomindale's would increase proportionately...by Thanksgiving, by Christmas, by Hanauka, by New Year's, by Easter...etc??

Date: Sun, October 26, 2008  7:41 pm CT
Posted by: CD

We REFUSE to shop at Macy's. I took a stroll thru one at the mall and was thoroughly disgusted at how they have 'junked up' our beloved Marshall Fields. I use to buy all my Clinque items at Fields, and now I will only go to Carson's because I won't give Macy's a dime. Thanks to all for putting into action, what everyone was feeling.

Date: Sun, October 26, 2008  7:17 pm CT
Posted by: JasonM

This is the year... of? What I'm going to do this holiday is pick one retailer that I will try to do most of my shopping. Still deciding but thought that it would be the best way to ensure that retailer succeeds (and Macy's fails).

Never have entered a Macy's in the Midwest - never will.

Bring back Marshall Field's - in name, quality, and service.

Date: Sun, October 26, 2008  7:00 pm CT
Posted by: T in GA

Good luck in your efforts to bring back the magnificent Marshall Field's.

Date: Sun, October 26, 2008  4:32 pm CT
Posted by: Phil

A Home Textiles Today article had an interview with Frank Guzzetta. quite interesting and seemed like a smart guy. He mentioned Lauren Ralph Lauren home brand as a "promotional" brand and said they were in talks to make it a Macy's exclusive. Describing the regular Ralph Lauren brand in luxury terms. Also took the department store sector to task for needing better staff and better store appearance. (probably a swipe at his former employer?)

Date: Sun, October 26, 2008  11:20 am CT
Posted by: Don D.

Everything macy's CEO, Pres & Chairman has done in the macy's fiasco has been proven to be the WRONG decisions. He has demonstrated he is totally out of touch with reality in business.

He forced all the Federated and May department stores, including our own Marshall Field's, carry the macy name for uniformity across the nation. He wanted a NATIONAL department store. His thinking was that we did not have one up to that point in time. Well, how about JCPenney, Sears, Kohls, and for that matter, Nordstrom and Neiman-Marcus in the major U.S. cities.

He contrived his own survey to reflect only his own thinking that he did not want any other department store names...MF included...to exist. He wanted macy's to dominate. He lied with the data when he said that the vast majority of Chicagoans did not care if the name was changed from Marshall Field's. No one, absolutely NO ONE, I know, was contacted for input into the Lundgren survey in 2006. He obviously tilted his own so-called FACTS into his own style of officialdom.

I have also asked a friend who is associated with the Gallup polling company headquartered in Omaha, and he said that there is no registered official survey on record by ANY polling company relating to preferences for macy's over Marshall Field's in 2006. (Surprise, surprise!) Biased macy employees must have conducted the survey, if it were ever actually accomplished at all.

Now, recently, he has stated that he wants to LOCALIZE the stores!! (Excuse, me, Mr. Lundgren, but isn't that the complete opposite of what you said was the way to go two years ago??! Are you admitting that your nationalization scheme is a failure??)

All you have to do is to have Marshall Field's brought back in service, merchandising, presentation, quality of brand names, style and name. However, you have demonstrated that you are incapable of operating a fine world-class department store such as Marshall Field's. Thanks to you, the former stores have slid rapidly into decline. No longer do we have a U.S. department store with the name recognition and merchandising and service levels of the fine department stores of Tokyo, London, Paris, Rome and Milan.

There is only one real way to return Marshall Field's to the way we knew it. The only way is for you to sell the stores formerly known as Marshall Field & Company to person or company who deeply cares about traditions, name recognition and service and have them show you how to manage a true American department store of international acclaim, Marshall Field.

Date: Sun, October 26, 2008  10:23 am CT
Posted by: Phil

Check out the website retail-worker.com. The two most active up to date blogs are Macy's and Sears. Obviously, their employees are the most disguntled, because if you look at other brands, employees sometimes don't post for months at a time. One quote I saw months ago on the Macy's thread was from an employee in another region posting to a former Field's employee "that it is common knowledge that the "North" was pulling the enitre company down. Keep up your fight!

Date: Sat, October 25, 2008  6:33 pm CT
Posted by: Paul in Baltimore

So, the theme for the windows this year is "Believe." That's the same slogan the City of Baltimore used when it was on the ropes.

Date: Sat, October 25, 2008  1:14 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Hi, Field's Fans!

Yes, the graffiti on the Field's nameplates is an insult to all of Chicagoland. What also gets to me is that the clock at State and Washington, one of the few defining Field's treasures left to us, almost never runs on time. I'm also in a complete state of puzzlement over the men's underwear takeover of the northeast main floor of 111 N. State. Is that what customers want to see when they enter a landmark store? Where is the dignity? Where is the class?

It seems like the powers that be have put a big chunk of their money into security staff, when they should have put it into maintenance. Of course the store is being written up as poorly run! Any business person would wonder where Lundgren's head is. His heart disappeared long ago.

But Chicago has heart! We remember how great Field's was, especially at this time of the year. We continue to boycott, and write, and hope. And I do believe, with all my heart, that Macy's cannot last. And perhaps there's a brilliant business group out there that will seize the opportunity to bring back Marshall Field's. This is the year of HOPE.

Your eternal friend in Field's,

Zelda

Date: Sat, October 25, 2008  8:32 am CT
Posted by: Mike P

Regarding changed in the Bridal Registry: My 90+ year old grandma will be disappointed...she worked in the State Street Fields store for 23 years in Bridal Registry and in Personnel...

I want Marshall Fields Back!!!!!

Date: Sat, October 25, 2008  12:01 am CT
Posted by: Michael Murray

I really can't see the State st store going one more year as a macy's store. Macy's has 9 billion in long term debt which they can not service. The reason they have promised to reinstate monthly reporting without same store sales as part of the report is they look really bad when the Fields stores come into play. They will not pay out the dividend they have just anounced because their holiday sales are worse than anyone could imagine. If ceo Terry promises a dividend the shareholders will keep him through the holidays and then it's lights out.I have been the GM of a big box retailer and there is no way any other company besides Sears would do something this erratic.I feel strongly that the Fields cache will survive,look for something right after Christmas................

Date: Fri, October 24, 2008  8:46 pm CT
Posted by: John D.

Isn't it the responsibility of the store manager to ensure that a store is maintained in the best possible way to present it in the best light for customers? GLE has mentioned a long laundry list of deficiencies at the store historically known as the Marshall Field & Company Building.

Just where is Linda Piepho??! What does she do all day? Every store manager should walk around the interior and the exterior of the store to ensure that floors are clean, dust removed from display cabinets and escalators, carpets are clean and in good condition, ceramic tiles are replaced neatly (not duct-taped), exterior brass plaques are shiny and all graffiti removed within one day! I really wonder what kind of sanitary and housekeeping standards that Linda Piepho, herself, possesses. We already know that the quality of macy's merchandise stinks, and customer service is non-existant.

I recall when Linda Piepho was announced as the new 111 North State Street store manager. Terry Lundgren indicated that she would turn everything around with her Chicago roots. The Chicago Tribune and the Sun-Times stated that she would be the answer macy's was awaiting. Customers would be piling into the store since Ms. Piepho was the Chicago-born savior of macy's.

Ms. Piepho, in an interview, stated that her own mother was a longtime employee of Marshall Field's in earlier days. She said she knew what Marshall Field's reputation was and how her mother loved working for Marshall Field's.

I am quite sure that Ms. Piepho's mother would be shocked and quite annoyed (to put it mildly) if she saw how neglectful and non-caring her own daughter, Linda Piepho, was in being such a poor steward and custodian of the Marshall Field & Company Bulding that macy's has massacred!!

Date: Fri, October 24, 2008  5:53 pm CT
Posted by: jimmy gimbels

Interesting note in the Chicago Tribune on 10/23:

"...The RNC (Republican National Committee) spent more for (Sarah) Palin just at Bloomingdales in New York, $5,102.71. And $9,447.71 in three stops at Macy's in Minneapolis." ICK. I wonder if she has the $18.00 Martha Stewart cake mix or "trendy" Jessica Simpson shoes.

Hi to the wacky folks at Macy's. We know you read this blog. Let's see you claimed everything Field's did as yours. Then you pretend that "My Macy's" regional buying program was a fresh, new idea. And then, you claim "Believe" is an exciting new idea for what few holiday windows are left. Please watch the movie, "Miracle on 34th Street" (remake version). Is that where you got the idea?

I can hardy wait to see the tree this year in what is left of the Walnut Room. Remember that tacky tree by ex-con Martha Stewart? And how the tree looks like they simply broke off the top?

With Macy stock in the junk catagory, now is the time to pick up a single share so Macy's has to send you investor information and ballots.

Yes kids, Macy's is decorating their stores for the holidays. The tacky towers of red boxes held together by cheap ribbon is again being passed off as a holiday decoration. And, they have taped more thin, red cardboard stars all over the store. Tacky, but then what do you expect from Macy's?

Date: Fri, October 24, 2008  4:41 pm CT
Posted by: drew

The "drama" continues as "those wacky folks at macy*s" have decided to issue monthly reports again:

http://www.forbes.com/2008/10/24/macys-retail-update-markets-equity-cx_lal_1024markets32.html?partner=yahootix

Wonder what REALLY motivated Triple-Headed Terry to make this change?

Date: Fri, October 24, 2008  4:33 pm CT
Posted by: drew

Who would have guessed? This analyst considers macy*mart among a listing of "mismanaged companies," highlighting the stupid decision to eliminate Marshall Field's:

http://www.thestreet.com/story/10444177/2/how-to-spot-the-worst-managed-companies.html

Didn't Mr Lunkhead ASSure everyone that shoppers would absolutely love macy*mart? Weren't all the number crunchers praising him as a "marketing genius"?

Date: Fri, October 24, 2008  2:58 pm CT
Posted by: Phil

Macy's will resume posting monthly same sales and will post October sales November 6th. TL explained this is only temporary and is being offered to give investors better "transparency".

Date: Fri, October 24, 2008  1:41 pm CT
Posted by: Phil

Tommy Hilfiger might not be designing the Great Tree, but he's the guest lighting it! Check out the events section on Macy's website.

Also, if you look at the list of Chicago area stores, the third tier stores no longer offer bridal registry. How frustrating is that? A national chain that picks and chooses which stores offer a very basic service that has been a money making mainstay for the department store industry (and a Field's invention!).

Date: Fri, October 24, 2008  12:28 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff W.

Source: BW

Date: 10:26 AM

10/24 10:26 Macy's, Inc. Board Declares Quarterly Dividend

Company Announces Resumption of Monthly Sales Reporting and Timing

of Quarterly Conference Call

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--October 24, 2008--

The board of directors of Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M) today declared a regular quarterly dividend of 13.25 cents per share on Macy's common stock, payable January 2, 2009, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 15, 2008.

Separately, the company announced it will temporarily reinstate monthly reporting of its sales data, beginning on November 6, 2008, for October sales and continuing until further notice. "We want to provide investors as much information and transparency as possible," said Terry J. Lundgren, Macy's, Inc. chairman, president and chief executive office. "While we continue to believe that sales on a monthly basis are an incomplete and sometimes misleading measure of a retailer's performance, we will again provide this information so investors have a sense of the direction of our business on a more frequent basis through this uncertain time."

Macy's, Inc. is scheduled to report its third quarter 2008 earnings on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, and will Webcast a call with financial analysts that day at 10:30 a.m. ET. The Webcast is accessible to the media and general public either via the company's Web site at www.macysinc.com or by calling in on 1-888-684-1262 (913-312-0975 for international callers), passcode 5642242.

Looks like corporate finances are good enough to pay out another dividend, even though sales are crashing! Got to give credit to that inept Macy's Board. They do take care of their own pockets in spite of what is happening to the stores. Or is it simply capitalist greed in spite of the bad times? Time will tell.

Date: Fri, October 24, 2008  11:13 am CT
Posted by: J.C.

Macy's to issue dividend and resume monthly sales reports:

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=84477&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1217066&highlight=

Date: Fri, October 24, 2008  10:16 am CT
Posted by: gle

It seems strange that a store celebrating a 150th anniversary can't take pride in how their building looks. The State Street store still has blue graffiti on the Washington and Wabash Field's nameplates, chips and stains parts on the exterior walls and an obvious green stain under the clock at State and Randolph. They seem to be attempting to spruce up the merchandise displays (in THEIR way) with crumpled trendy dresses in the Wabash windows instead of men's socks, but men's plain white socks are still piled on racks behind the dresses and the combination doesn't exactly match. Even if they managed really fantastic displays in all the windows, it would still contrast with the sad neglect of the building.

I was terrified they would hang Tommy Hilfiger men's socks on the Christmas tree (or something worse) and maybe stuff them with Messy's tacky other gifts. I wouldn't be surprised if they try not to waste one penny on Christmas decorations, even if it meant using left-over Field's decorations. It's not like anybody's crowding the store to look.

One of my co-workers tried to buy something, and expressed disappointment that Messy's couldn't even come up with special souvenir anniversary shopping bags. If anyone has noticed, the WOW! logo on the anniversary shopping bags looks like the WOW! logo that Walgreen's uses for their $1 sale ads.

I WANT MY MARSHALL FIELD'S! Everybody wants their Marshall Field's. Even before the store was sold to Federated, it didn't have the lack of customers and lack of care it does now.

Date: Fri, October 24, 2008  8:52 am CT
Posted by: WeNEEDFields

Is it true that shopping is all about emotion ? Is it true that people may be willing to spend more if there is a sincere effort to bring back fine quality,service and respect for their patronage ?

Marshall Field's IS a national treasure and the greatest gift that the powers that be at Macy's can offer their loyal shoppers is to BRING BACK MARSHALL FIELD'S !

PLEASE BRING MARSHALL FIELD'S BACK ON-LINE AND BACK TO THE WORLD.

Thank you very much.

Date: Thurs, October 23, 2008  8:16 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

CBS2 Chicago had a story last night about the State Street store windows as an attempty to lure shoppers.

Yeah, Right. All they have to do is bring back Field's in quality and service as well as name.

Leave comments:

http://cbs2chicago.com/consumer/macys.windows.shopping.2.846667.html

Date: Thurs, October 23, 2008  7:40 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

When I was reading this past Sunday's Tribune, I noticed planty of Macy's ads, including one listing special 150th Birthday events for Macy's (i.e. former Marshall Field's) stores in the Chicago area. Although there were events listed for some other stores like Oak Brook and Woodfield, I didn't see anything very much connected to a birthday celebration at State Street, what is supposedly one of Macy's three major flagships, along with Herald Square in NYC and Union Square in San Fran. Very odd, don't you think? Sure, there are $15.00 gift cards for the first 150 shoppers -- but that is at all Macy's stores across the nation. There's an Eileen Fisher event of some sort but nothing really celebrating 150 years of Macy's at it's second largest store and--I have to say it again--one of its three major flagships. Are they getting the message? Are they laying low? What do you think?

Here's Macy's Events Link for State Street and area stores:
http://www1.macys.com/store/event/index.ognc?action=locatorSearch&ZipCode=60602&City=&State=NOSELECTION&Submit.x=38&Submit.y=14&adref=SLevents

Then, reading the info about this year's tree, I can't help but wonder: will they be using ornaments from past years as a way of bowing to Field's, in hopes of eeking some former customers back into the mix? Or are they broke and that's what they can afford? Or are they they thinking, "well, this is it for the State Street store." I have no idea. Let us know what you think. I'm sincerely grateful that they aren't having a Tommy Hilfiger designed tree. After Martha Stewart last year, I was truly beginning to worry that they would turn the tree over to him.

Be sure to contact the Sun-Times (see below) and be ready for a similar story from the Tribune.

Date: Thurs, October 23, 2008  4:48 pm CT
Posted by: Kurt G

I remember, as a kid, watching Uncle Mistletoe and Aunt Holly on TV after school during the weeks before Christmas and then taking the Lake Street "L" downtown to go with my family to shop at Field's and always finish by standing in line in the Walnut Room for an early dinner. In Europe, they still maintain the great department stores. Harrod's, Selfridge's, Galleries Lafayette, Bon Marche, etc. all do well exactly because they provide an experience no "big box" store can match. Investors need to realized what a great opportunity would be to return a great name to Chicago, provide an unmatched tourist destination, and give the "Loop" a boost in these difficult times.

Date: Thurs, October 23, 2008  12:27 pm CT
Posted by: gle

The "Sun-Times" announced Messy's plans for holiday windows. The theme is "Believe." I know what I believe, and it sure has no connection to Messy's.

"Macy's preps holiday windows"
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/shopping/1237824,macys-holiday-windows-102308.article

The "Sun-Times" has a comment blog (registration required). Letters can be sent to: Letters to the "Sun-Times" can be sent to letters@suntimes.com and there is the "Talk Back" feature which you can call or email short comments to the Sun-Times Talk Back column. Email for TalkBack is talkback@suntimes.com or it's even quicker to contact TalkBack by phone, (312) 321-2360.

Date: Thurs, October 23, 2008  10:04 pm CT
Posted by: gle

The "Tribune" has a listing of Chicago tours that includes a 'Tiffany on Wednesdays' tour by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. It highlights "A walking tour of Loop buildings featuring Tiffany glass, such as the Art Institute, the Marquette Building and Macy's...."

http://www.topix.net/forum/source/chicago-tribune/TD24BDBJQJACLLUJC#lastPost

I am writing the "Tribune" and the Architecture Foundation to let them know Marshall Field's should get credit for any Tiffany in the building. And maybe they could point out the blue graffiti on the Washington and Wabash name plates, cobwebs, cracked floors, green stains under the clock and a few other "additions" to the architecture at 111 N. State Street under Messy's management.

ctc-TribLetters@tribune.com

tours@architecture.org
>
Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 S. Michigan Avenue

Date: Wed, October 22, 2008  10:52 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff

Specifics on the tree and windows:

The 41st Annual Animated Holiday Windows

Experience an original and truly magical tale in the animated windows on State Street this holiday season, inspired by the magical process behind the creation of the decorations on the Great Tree. Each window speaks to the spirit of the season and a special Chicago twist.

To kick off a new season of tradition in the world famous Walnut Room, this year's tree will feature iconic ornaments from Great Tree's of the past along with toys from Santa's workshop, red bows and tinsel and thousands of lights!

And Cozy Cloud Cottage has now been rebranded "Macy's Santaland." I wonder if Uncle Mistletoe will make an appearance under the tree.

Date: Wed, October 22, 2008  8:41 pm CT
Posted by: John D.

Ms. Carol Carter, a columnist for ALL BUSINESS, a Dunn & Bradstreet, Inc. business strategy newsletter, speaks for the millions of shoppers who are avoiding macy's and bloomingdale's!

http://www.allbusiness.com/retail-trade/3878128-1.html

Date: Wed, October 22, 2008  7:20 pm CT
Posted by: J.C.

Another article from last Winter. And no Macy's still is not a success on State Steet.

http://chicagoist.com/2008/02/09/roller_coaster.php

Date: Wed, October 22, 2008  3:38 pm CT
Posted by: PaulF

Mr. Mark Ishaug

President/CEO, AIDS Foundation of Chicago

411 S. Wells St., Ste 300

Chicago, IL 60607

Dear Mr. Ishaug,

In response to the recent e-mail sent to my attention regarding your solicitation for "Macy's Passport: Fashion CinemaC. by which The AIDS Foundation invites participants to buy tickets to [celebrate] Macy's 150th AnniversaryC. I regret to inform you how absolutely disgusted I am with the Foundation to have ever received such a thing. In fact, I am seriously considering foregoing attendance at the annual chocolate gala, and discontinuing any further relationship with your organization as a result.

Apparently, Mr. Ishaug, you are unaware that I, and other donors, happen to live in the City of Chicago. You may likewise be further ignorant of the fact that mere continued presence of Macy's in this community following its universally condemned destruction of Marshall Field's is still a festering wound and source of resentment that has not diminished with time -- and, in fact, has actually worsened. I find it totally disgraceful that the AIDS Foundation would so willingly continue to associate itself with a hated and boycotted company like Macy's, regardless of the corporate donations they apparently must offer the Association.

There are far better, native corporate donors to associate with, both in and outside the City of Chicago and state of Illinois -- certainly far better than a tainted, foreign company like Macy's. Why the AIDS Association has chosen to hitch its wagon to Macy's like this, now offering these "Fashion CinemaC. tickets, or in the year before, tickets to plays with lunches held in the Walnut Room, etc., is beyond me.

If I ever again see another Macy's-focused promotion by the Foundation, Mr. Ishaug, then please, now even, permanently remove me and my household from your donor list.

Sincerely,

Paul Fine

Date: Wed, October 22, 2008  12:30 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

Hello Field's Fans,

Well, it's been some time since I've written in but I want to let you know I'm still with you--wearing buttons, speaking up and out, etc. Since I haven't been reading the blogs this may be old news to some of you. However, what do you all think about the new 'm' ads celebrating 150 years of being in busy? Notice they have to go back to the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's to help lend any validity to the fact that they are seen as one of America's quality places to shop.

Keep up the good work!

Doris

Date: Tues, October 21, 2008  8:50 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

I spent Columbus Day weekend in Chicago, and I've got a lot of interesting observations about State Street, which I don't have time to write now...

I'm watching "Dancing With The Stars." They have a dance troupe that performs on the Tuesday results show that's sponsored by M***'s. In honor of their 150th Anniversary, they're running a commercial that features times when the store was mentioned in movies and TV shows.

But one of the scenes shows Andrew McCarthy and Estelle Getty walking through an enormous colonnaded atrium of a grand department store. It's a scene from the beginning of "Mannequin," and the store is John Wanamaker. Now, unfortunately, a M***'s, but everything else in the commercial features Herald Square.

Maybe they don't think that Herald Square's interiors are worth showing? And I think it's funny that they're celebrating their anniversary when so many hundred-year-old stores disappeared under their thumb.

Date: Mon, October 20, 2008  8:16 pm CT
Posted by: J.C.

A couple of links to past web pages involving our cause.

http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/BuildingDetail/1005.php

Following the April, 2006 date, the article states thatB macy's planned to spend several millions of dollars renovating the interior and exterior of 111 North State Street.B It also states that an elevator which had been an elevator for VIPs, would beB uncovered and restored. Since I have not been in the store since the summer of 2006, I wonder ifB any of these things have been done. Most likely NOT, I would assume.

Finally, I think we know the answer to the lastB sentence of the piece. The boycott has been more than angry words. The boycott continued to getB stronger with the week and has had a profound effect on macy's revenues.

http://www.thedeal.com/corporatedealmaker/2008/02/nearly_twoandahalf_years_after.php

Things still have not turned around for Macy's. How can they be successful when they trash their most successful assets like Field's?

Date: Mon, October 20, 2008  12:59 pm CT
Posted by: Stephanie

I just discovered your website and I plan to wear one of the "I Want My Marshall Field's" buttons while I am Christmas shopping in the city this year. Thank you.

Date: Mon, October 20, 2008  12:59 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Today's on-line "Tribune" has a story about the newly-rennovated Palmer House. The comments on the blog indicate a lot of people are happy with the restoration of something old and elegant.

"Palmer House chic gets early unveiling" by Kathy Bergen

http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-mon-palmer-house-reopening-oct20,0,2987500.story

Date: Mon, October 20, 2008  9:42 am CT
Posted by: Jeff S.

Another nail in the Macy coffin: They are doing away with the Cozy Cloud Cottage! It will be renamed Macy*s Santaland -- just like New York! The world has gone MAD!

Date: Sun, October 19, 2008  9:20 pm CT
Posted by: mds in mt. prospect

My family and I went to Woodfield today to go to the Apple store. We cut through Marshall Fields as we always used to do and to my utter disgust, what did I find those macy's idiots doing at the mall door? Selling hot dogs from a cart!!! How classy is that? I'm guessing that management wasn't too concerned about people eating and wiping their hands on the merchandise because they never have had to deal with the problem of "customers" before - clean hands or otherwise, so why start now. They were probably thinking, if people aren't going to buy our crap, maybe we could at least bring our cost per share up by selling them hot dogs as they pass from the mall to the parking lot! I didn't even stop to see how much they were, but I could bet that they weren't Chicago style dogs! Seriously, how much longer...?!!!

Date: Sun, October 19, 2008  9:59 am CT
Posted by: MarshallFieldsRestoration

Let's hope they realize the ultimate goal, which is restoring Marshall Field's in name,quality,service and excellence.

It's the legacy of one of one of the finest department stores in the whole world, Marshall Field's !

Date: Sun, October 19, 2008  9:55 am CT
Posted by: LovingTheRegionalDeptStores

One of the greatest gifts to be given would be to restore Marshall Field's in name,service,quality and style in store and on the web.

Please, bring back Marshall Field's and the other fine regional department stores.

Sincerely,

Another Family of Loyal Department Store Shoppers

Date: Sat, October 18, 2008  7:18 pm CT
Posted by: Colleen

Hi Fields Fans!!!

Well, my mother grew up in Chicago and Marshall Fields was a special treat for her. I'd been listening to stories about shopping there since MY BIRTH. In 2005, I moved to Chicago, and was lucky enough to shop VERY VERY frequently at Marshall Fields before the store went all "Macy" on me. My mother and I were devastated. My charge card, and my personal shopper- GONE. The calming green tones replaced by an alarming red... My mother never had a chance to go shop there for her last time, but I did buy her a Marshall Fields Christmas Ornament, and I think it means more to her than she says. She recently has finished a personal work of fiction (maybe someday she'll want to publish it) and one of the most touching moments occurs at Marshall Fields between she and her mother in the Walnut Room.

I now live in Houston Texas, but look forward to sportng one of your sharp Marshall Fields buttons down here. I know there are displaced Chicagoans who would love to see it.

I plan to buy Macys stock, JUST so that I can go to their stockholders meetings and discuss bringing Marshall Fields back.

I think people would embrace the Fields cause quickly- NO one likes to see an icon destroyed by a mega-mart.

Thank you, Good luck- I hope we win back Field's!

Yours in Field-ness,
Colleen

Date: Sat, October 18, 2008  7:28 am CT
Posted by: drew

A guest at a party I attended last night was a former co-worker who has been living in Florida for the past 20 years. We were reminiscing about Pittsburgh's grand old department (Gimbels, Horne's and Kaufmann's) and the unique shopping experience and merchandise of each. She said that when she began working in suburban Tampa, she really enjoyed shopping at Burdine's.

I laughed when she lamented that Burdine's was replaced by "a stupid closeout store." She said that the Red Star Store is "stocked with junk they couldn't sell in New York." She said her friends and co-workers laugh because "that store is so stupid trying to sell heavy sweaters, winter coats, scarves and gloves in Florida." Of course, she doesn't buy anything there, but she stated the stores are always deserted if she happens to walk through.

We agreed that the Red Star Store can't stay in business much longer since the brilliant merchandisers aren't giving the customers what they want. Evidently shoppers in Florida aren't buying Charter Club wool blankets and Alfani snow boots!

Date: Fri, October 17, 2008  2:22 pm CT
Posted by: gle

For anyone who thinks interest in Marshall Field's might be fizzling out:

I talked to a neighbor on the train today, and found out he and his wife used to work at Field's. They hate Messy's. I gave out a button.

I stopped by Illinois Artisan shop at the Thompson Center, which has an artist who does pictures of Marshall Field's clocks backed by the Chicago Theatre sign. Jim was kind enough to bring over some buttons to go with the clock pictures at their indoor sidewalk sale. They said the artist's table was swamped, and he was handing out "I Want My Marshall Field's" buttons all afternoon.

A pro-Field's security guard by the elevator at work asked how Field's Fans are doing. She already has a button.

A lady on the elevator said she liked my button, so I gave it to her. She hates Macy's and wished Field's Fans luck.

And that all happened before lunch.

Date: Thurs, October 16, 2008  10:32 pm CT
Posted by: Calle L.

I am planning to come home to Chicago for the Holidays this year after about an 8 year absence and I dread coming to State Street and experiencing the absence of the store that I loved so much while growing up in Chicago. In every city that I have lived in during my adult years I have told my friends and colleagues about Marshall Field's. There is and has never been another store on earth like it. Where can you have lunch on Saturdays during the Christmas season in the Walnut Room? Where can you get Frango Mints? Where can you get top of the line customer service with a smile. In all of my travels I have never experience quality, hospitality, and warmth as I experienced in the store that I loved. Marshall Field's is a Chicago family staple where multiple generations have grown up. It was a meeting place where you ran into neighbors, friends, co-workers and local celebrities. It was my part-time employer during my years as a student at Loyola University. I dread coming back to see the store that I loved so much destroyed.

Calle

Date: Thurs, October 16, 2008  1:48 am CT
Posted by: PDX Tim

Well, I have another example of how Macy's just doesn't get it, and not only in Chicago. It seems they decided to boot some of the middle school bands out of the holiday parade here in Portland, OR, to make room for more floats, which I am sure will be plastered with Macy stars and logos. The official reason is that not everything will fit into the one-hour run time on TV, thus showing that they view this as just a big, free commercial. Now they backpedaled, sort of, and will allow the kids to be in the parade, at the end after the Santa finale, ...what an honor!!

Also the store's statement mentioned their "long-standing tradition" of sponsoring the parade, when actually it has only been two years. The store they killed, Meier and Frank, is the one with the tradition. Another example of how they try to rewrite history and claim things as their own.

Here is the link with the Oregonian's editorial response to the situation:

http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/10/tone_deaf_at_macys.html

You can leave comments.

Date: Wed, October 15, 2008  7:51 pm CT
Posted by: drew

How ironic--macy*mart's stock status matches its merchandise. JUNK!

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idINN1531195920081015?rpc=44

Date: Wed, October 15, 2008  2:29 pm CT
Posted by: gle

There is an artist at the Illinois Artisan shop on the second floor of the Thompson Center who sells pictures of the Marshall Field's clock backed by the Chicago Theatre sign in all sizes and frame types. He had some out for an "indoor sidewalk" sale on the ground floor of the Thompson Center today, and asked for some of our buttons to hand out when he exhibits his Field's clock pictures. He hates Macy's! We had quite a discussion about it. I gave him the two buttons I had with (on my coat and in my pocket), and told him I would bring more from home tomorrow. He was really excited about the work Field's Fans is doing, and wished us all the best.

Date: Wed, October 15, 2008  1:08 pm CT
Posted by: JEFF W.

-----excerpt-----

DJ Moody's Takes 1st Step Toward Lowering Macy's Rating To Junk

Source: DJ

Date: 11:15 AM

10/15 11:15 =DJ Moody's Takes 1st Step Toward Lowering Macy's Rating To Junk

DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

Moody's Investors Service took the first step toward lowering its credit ratings on Macy's Inc. (M) to junk status, reflecting its concerns about the company's credit metrics following its guidance cut last week.

The ratings firm, which currently pegs the retailer's senior unsecured rating at Baa3 - one notch above junk status - said the projected earnings decline could result in debt protection measures that are too weak for the current rating. Moody's changed its ratings outlook on the department-store giant to negative.

On Friday, Macy's cut its fiscal-year earnings estimate again and also lowered its view for fall same-store sales, citing the weakening economic environment and consumer confidence, adding more gloom to the retail sector. The nation's largest department-store operator now expects same-store sales for the fall season will drop 3% to 6%, much worse than its prior estimate for a 1% decline.

Based on the lowered same-store sales view, Macy's projects the year's earnings excluding items will come in at $1.30 to $1.50 a share, down from its prior view of $1.70 to $1.85 a share.

Without other changes in the company's capital structure or cash flow expectations, Moody's warned debt-protection measures could weaken further and be more appropriate for a junk rating if operating performance were to decline by more than Macy's expects.

The agency previously cut its ratings on the company by one notch in May. Wednesday's move by Moody's follows a similar step taken last week by rival ratings firm Standard & Poor's, which also rates Macy's at one notch above junk status and lowered its outlook to negative. That firm cited a deepening consumer-spending pullback for the change.

Macy's shares were recently down 5.2% to $9.95.

-----End of Excerpt-----

Can anyone who reads this blog and supports the re-emergence of our Marhsall Field's be surprised that Macy's is on the verge of being declared "junk" status? With financial wizzards like Lunkhead, perhaps the end for Macy's may not be far behind? Of course, the Board of Macy's is more irresponsible than Lunkhead, for they have done nothing to throw the "bum" out. Perhaps the new limitations on golden parachutes will have some effect on Lunkhead's departure?

Date: Wed, October 15, 2008  12:53 pm CT
Posted by: Kathleen in Salt Lake

We were raised in Naperville and when I visit family, Field's was always a "must stop"--so sad it's gone!

Date: Wed, October 15, 2008  11:00 am CT
Posted by: Molly

Like the button says, "I WANT MY MARSHALL FIELD'S!

Date: Wed, October 15, 2008  10:20 am CT
Posted by: John

Hi Fields Fans,

I am still amazed that these people don't get it. As a proud gay man, I was mortified when a very good friend mine, who is also gay, accepted the role as DJ for their Fashion Event last weekend. I told him I would not be able to go lest I start yelling at the top of my lungs about what hypocrites and liars these people are. He of course understood. The gay community here in Chicago refuses to shop at Macy's, and were thoroughly insulted they had that cheap and trashy float in the parade.

I am all for trying new things..but not in this case. They have destroyed this store, it's history, and it's heritage.

Date: Tues, October 14, 2008  10:07 pm CT
Posted by: Shirley Coffman

I'm with you all the way, Field's Fans. Most of my life, I have made regular trips to Chicago every few months from Michigan, and two or three times during each December...just to shop at Marshall Field's. You are so right. There will never be another store even remotely like Marshall Field's! I'll do my part in writing to the Tribune and Sun-Times whenever I am able. Hope each and every one of you all do the same! People will shop at Marshall Field's (as it was) whatever the economy is doing! Those macy's people should not have any excuses. Bring back the real Marshall Field's!!

Date: Tues, October 14, 2008  9:11 pm CT
Posted by: Mike M

Macy's has made a very bad business decision. The boycott here in the Chicago is just killing Macy's. The State Street Store is an absolute ghost town.

Macy's shareholders will eventually force a change. Once a new owner takes over the State Street Store, Chicagoans will do whatever it takes to get the new owner to bring back Marshall FieldC-s.

Chicagoans and visiting tourists will NEVER accept the MacyC-s on State Street. THE BOYCOTT IS WORKING!

Date: Tues, October 14, 2008  5:35 pm CT
Posted by: Josh

I noticed that the Joffrey Ballet has changed their logo. When they were in NYC, they had the five point star of NYC (and Macy's) as part of their logo. Now they have the six point Chicago staar as part of their logo.

Date: Tues, October 14, 2008  4:19 pm CT
Posted by: gle

I'm rather amused at the "Sun-Times" mention that Mike Dervos " ...has met with more than 1,300 executives in Macy's offices here, in Detroit and in Minneapolis to set goals and strategy." That's a lot more people than I have seen in the State Street store in the last two years (counting the sales associates).

Date: Tues, October 14, 2008  1:33 pm CT
Posted by: C. C. Chicago

A New Low

As of Oct. 13th, there is now blue graffiti on the bronze Marshall Field's sign at the corner of Wabash and Washington.

Can't Macy's take a little pride in it's appearance in a LANDMARK building in downtown Chicago and have it cleaned off before the store opens for business on a Monday morning?

Date: Tues, October 14, 2008  1:23 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

As Michael notes below, today's Sun-Times has an article about Macy's and it's "localization" efforts.

Sandra Guy interviews Mike Dervos, senior vice president and director of stores for Macy's north region. Dervos has worked for Macy' for a long time and most recently oversaw all NYC area Macy's except Herald Square and Westchester County. Dervos says he has respect for Field's traditions and hopes to win Field's customers back one at a time although he admits not all will be won over to Macy's.

As far as the localization goes, the addition of Hart Schaffner Marx suits to State Street and Water Tower is cited as an example among others.

The full article was featured on page 38 of today's Sun-Times along with a color file photo of some Macy's store.

Online, you can read the article at the following link:

http://www.suntimes.com/business/1219220,CST-FIN-macys14.article

--------------------------------

As always, you are very much encouraged to respond to this article and the Sun-Times has some options for this.

Letters to the "Sun-Times" can be sent to letters@suntimes.com and there is the "Talk Back" feature which you can call or email short comments to the Sun-Times Talk Back column. Email for TalkBack is talkback@suntimes.com or it's even quicker to contact TalkBack by phone, (312) 321-2360.

There is also a comment blog that requires registration.

--------------------------------

I'm sure we Field's Fans have many points on this, but quickly, I'd like to point out last Tuesday's Wall Street Journal--specificially the front of the Marketplace section where there was an article about Home Depot following the lead of department stores that already have what Macy's calls "localization" in place. I believe one example was JCPenney or Nordstrom. The point is that while Macy's touts "localization" as being something innovative, it really is something that other stores have been doing for years. Furthermore, true "localization" for the Chicago market would mean bringing back Marshall Field's in quality, service and selection as well as name.

Jim

Date: Tues, October 14, 2008  2:39 pm CT
Posted by: michael C.

Macy's stores trying to go local Suntimes Article

http://www.suntimes.com/business/1219220,CST-FIN-macys14.article

Date: Mon, October 13, 2008  2:39 pm CT
Posted by: Shirley C.

Most Field's Fans most likely noticed my phrase of Hudson's IN ITS HEYDAY in my recent posting. I was speaking of Hudson's in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, Bob, when it was an independent company and sold Hudson cars...and practically everything! I can relate to that fact because I am nearly 92 years of age. I'm deeply sorry that I did not make it more clear that I was not speaking of the combined corporation Dayton-Hudson of the 1970s and 80s, which did do a lot of questionable downgrades.

I strongly agree with you that when Dayton's and Hudson's was combined, Target stores were begun, and then when the company bought Field's, things were not the same at all at Hudson's. I have been confined physically to a nursing home and enjoy telling it like it was, in order that historical perspectives from way back my be realized for future generations. I still feel that the Golden Age of retailing in its heyday did show Hudson's as a fine store.

Date: Mon, October 13, 2008  8:03 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

If Bob and others look at the Hudson's site referenced by Shirley, you will see that she is referring to classic Hudson's. While it was different than Field's, it was very revered by those in the Detroit area. Even the Macy's of the "burghandy-colored box" era, run in major part by the Strauses for generations, is well revered in a special way unlike the Macy's since the mid-1980s when the Strauses were put out the company.

I don't think Shirley or others are talking about Target-era Hudson's.

Jim

Date: Sun, October 12, 2008  10:45 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

ABC 7's 190 N. show just had a segment on the "Fashion Incubator" at Macy's on State. I didn't know that in addition to the hype and the illusion created that Macy's is a fashion forward store, Macy's also charges each of the six designers in their fashion incubator a "modest rent". How cheap can Macy's get?

You can comment by phone, email or U.S. Mail -- the information is at http://www.190north.com/

Date: Sun, October 12, 2008  10:23 pm CT
Posted by: Bob

Regarding Shirley's post about Hudson's I simply have to point out that Hudson's and its sibling Dayton's did much to cheapen Marshall Field's as a brand. It was Hudson's that purchased Field's, took away the green bags for a time and even usurped a significant portion of the north floor at State Street by adding a loading dock, thus bastardizing the space. Hudson's and Dayton's took all the buyers out of State Street. Ultimately Hudsons's cheapened the Marshall field's brand by commonizing Marshall Field's Frangos with their sale at Hudson's and Dayton's stores and finally slapping the Marshall Field's name on what were otherwise Hudons's stores. When Terry Lundgren says Marshall Field's wasn't profitable, he really means Hudson's and Dayton's were not profitable. In short, Hudson's started what Macy's finished on September 9, 2006.

I understand that you have warm memories of your hometown store in Detroit, but having shopped both Hudson 's and Field's, let me tell you, Hudson's was no Marshall Field's. It deserves little reverence in hearts of Field's Fans everywhere.

Date: Sun, October 12, 2008  8:54 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C.

Marshall Field's knew how to commemorate a 150th Anniversary with its slogan: "As Chicago as It Gets!" in traditional customary forest green and along with Chicago Landmarks. Here is a 30-second commercial that had aired on metro television stations that should pull at the heart strings of every Chicagoan and Midwesterner. True Class...and Pure Chicago...all the way!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx1GOmUyM2k

You may also watch the 9 minute video of "Marshall Field & Company" whose link appears at the right margin. Take a break and refresh yourselves as to what "class" really represents and means in Chicago.

Date: Sun, October 12, 2008  8:24 pm CT
Posted by: drew

As macy*mart's share values hit a 13 year low and same-store sales continue to plummet, they maintain "a healthy balance sheet."

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/081010/macy_s_mover.html?.v=3

Sure, they have cut services and maintained lean inventories, but how long can they continue on this slippery slope? People are NOT buying at macy*mart now and as Mr Lunkhead cuts back to preserve resources, there will be even LESS incentive to visit the stores in the future. I would think the actual holiday sales will be even WORSE than predicted.

Date: Sun, October 12, 2008  8:19 pm CT
Posted by: J.C.

A Chicago Tribune Topix forum from last Spring covering Macy's and State Street STILL is getting additions.

http://www.topix.com/forum/source/chicago-tribune/TAUV8MH67HFSFV578/p23#lastPost

Date: Sun, October 12, 2008  8:02 pm CT
Posted by: John D.

Professionals in the name branding business have had lots to say about the loss of the venerable, priceless brand name of our Marshall Field's! Read on...

http://www.namedevelopment.com/mt/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=2&MaxResults=10&search=Marshall+Field%27s

There are three separate articles on Marshall Field's, so keep scrolling down to read all three. Thank you!

Date: Sun, October 12, 2008  8:00 pm CT
Posted by: drew

"Those wacky folks at macy*s" don't need a miracle, they just need a clean sweep of the top management--starting with Terry the Troika.

http://www.forbes.com/2008/10/11/macys-retail-closer-markets-equity-cx_ra_1010markets32.html?partner=yahootix

With stock values UNDER $10 and same store sales in a perpetual freefall, shouldn't it be painfully obvious to the shareholders that the macy*fication of America has been alienated shoppers even before the current economic meltdown? How can the shareholders continue to lose money while allowing the Lunkster to continue his madcap ways?

Date: Sun, October 12, 2008  7:47 pm CT
Posted by: Shirley C.

Many of you fine Field's Fans probably already know what a complete and fine department store Hudson's of Detroit was in its heyday. It was huge and what an experience it was to shop there. With its many floors, you could spend an entire day, just like at Marshall Field's. Well, guess what! It's remaining suburban stores are now macy's after having the revered and highly respected Marshall Field's nameplate on them. We mourn the loss of Field's too.

Here is a tribute to Hudson's:

http://fakinggoodbreeding.blogspot.com/2007/03/why-i-hate-macys.html

(By the way, how many of you knew that the Hudson automobile was a division of Hudsons' of Detroit?? Yes, you could even shop for a car at Hudson's and at its franchised dealers across the USA through the 1950s. You could even charge your new Hudson at Hudson's at its display floor in the downtown store!)

Date: Sun, October 12, 2008  7:26 pm CT
Posted by: Monica Wright

More power to you all for what you all are doing to show how you feel about the "macy-ification" of America. Terry Lundgren said he wanted to make a national department store. Duh! Hadn't he already heard of JCPenney, Sears, Kohl's, Dillard's, just to name a few and each of them consistently have clean floors, restrooms and display areas, unlike the "m" stores!

Here is a blogsite which last year started fielding comments about macy's taking over over famous department stores. Many of the remarks are from the age group to which macy's CEO claims he is aiming---the "20 and 30-somethings". Believe me, most shoppers in that age group cannot find anything fashionable at macy's either and hate macy's for taking over and destroying the stores we grew up with.

http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/archive/yea_or_nay_macys_department_store/

(Please note: There are four pages of postings.)

Date: Sun, October 12, 2008  6:49 pm CT
Posted by: L.C. in N.Y.C.

Shame on Macy's for even taking the Marshall Field's name off the Frangos box.

Date: Sun, October 12, 2008  12:44 pm CT
Posted by: C.M.

I love M. Fields! Every December, my family and I would look at the Christmas windows at M.F. And shop around a bit. Now that Macy's has taken over, it's not the same.

Date: Sat, October 11, 2008  9:54 pm CT
Posted by: drew

The "magic of macy*s" has reached the Downtown Pittsburgh flagship. I have commented several times on this blog that macy*mart was AT LEAST maintaining their facilities in this area; unfortunately this is no longer true.

*The landmark brass Kaufmann's clock at the corner of Fifth and Smithfield is faded and tarnished. Several years ago May Company spent thousands of dollars to have this local icon refurbished, but macy*mart doesn't feel it is worth preserving. The brass plaques from Kaufmann's are badly in need of cleaning, and the newer macy*s plaques on the outside pillars of the building show a lack of upkeep.

*The glass doors at several entrances were dirty and full of fingerprints.

*The marble floors on the main levels WERE clean but were badly in need of a coat of wax. The marble was dull and featured numerous scuff marks.

*The elevators were dirty and the stainless steel trim was in need of cleaning. The brass doors were badly in need of polishing. The two restrooms I checked were dirty--sinks and mirrors soiled and trash cans overflowing with paper. The areas around the escalators were littered--and several elevators were out of service.

*There was oblviously even less merchandise than the last time I visited as displays were set futher apart.

*The Arcade Bakery which always featured a wide variety of freshly in-store baked goods dwindled down to a limited selection of items that were brought in; the shop is now closed on Saturdays. The selection in the candy department is vastly reduced. There were a few boxes of Frango in green boxes. Gourmet foods are gone.

*The Holiday Lane shop is up and running--merchandise is ALREADY 25% off with an additional 10% off when using a macy*mart credit card. The Martha Stewart decorations are nondescript to say the least. Nothing worth more than a quick glance.

Evidently the store that was Kaufmann's top-performer won't hold that distinction since it was macy*fied.

Date: Sat, October 11, 2008  8:20 pm CT
Posted by: S.B.

With access to capital so difficult because of the current state of the economy, I don't see Macy's making it much longer. Unfortunately, this holiday is a make or break for many retailers - definitely for Macy's Chicago. They just can't keep going. The only way they get the cash register ringing is by basically giving away the merchandise. A await the day when Macy's Inc. files for bankruptcy.

Date: Sat, October 11, 2008  12:01 pm CT
Posted by: jlb

What happened to the archives on 7? I remember when we were promised several rotating exhibits each year that the History Museum would do in collaboration with Macy's. Of course, firing Ms. Meadows probably put an end to that. If they would put some interesting exhibits up there they would at least get some foot trafice from field fantatics, but then again, they've written off the Field's customer, so why would they need an archives section? THAT is the magic of Macy's.

Date: Sat, October 11, 2008  11:57 am CT
Posted by: dlf

I was at the OUT Magazine event at Messy's last evening to "salute 150 years and promote INC's clothing line." Obviously, the fact that they would promote 150 years in Chicago is ludicrous since they have only been here 2 years - against everyone's will. Here were my observations. 1)Everyone was stuck in a pen created by stanchions around the INC clothing...nobody was even paying attention to the bland clothing. 2)Nobody had a shopping bag with a stare, but I did notice a bloomingdale's one. 3)The "event planner" from OUT(a new yorker) did not understand our loss of Fields, go figure, and told us to just "get over it." We told him he didn't understand what he was missing since he never experienced Fields. 4)While it was free, the party stunk. I struck up a conversation with someone that rememberd the party Field's held when they re-launched State Street several year ago.

Date: Fri, October 10, 2008  11:18 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Things are pretty bad all around for retail but it's clear that Macy's is doing much worse than most of the others. While Dillards has declined over 20% in after hours trading, Macy's was down over 13% today with a little spike back up in after hours.

I think today was more than a 52 week low. It appears to be a five year low--$9.23 a share.

And consider all the customers they lost when they got rid of Field's.

The S & P has downgraded Macy's from stable to negative.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/sp-revises-macys-outlook-negative/story.aspx?guid=%7B2B31E7D2%2D7796%2D4722%2DAF73%2D971B11BA1D1B%7D&dist=TQP_Mod_mktwN

Date: Fri, October 10, 2008  8:37 pm CT
Posted by: FieldsFans123

Someone at work was getting married and we started a collection to buy a giftcard. I handed the woman who was collecting the money and said "As long as we don't get a giftcard from Macy's -- I'm in!" She laughed and said she would never do that, she was getting one from Crate & Barrel. These opportunities are great for reminding people to not shop at Macy's.

Date: Fri, October 10, 2008  8:16 pm CT
Posted by: James Wright

Isn't it good to see the familiar and revered MARSHALL FIELD'S cursive logo script on the dark forest green background...even at a glance???

Just click and you will be able to read summary postings of the LOWLIGHTS (as opposed to HIGHLIGHTS) of the macy sloppy takeover and disrespectful ruination of Field's during the past two years.

http://forums.tannerworld.com/showthread.php?t=11632

Date: Fri, October 10, 2008  5:51 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Macy's stock fell below Dillard's today. For the ecomomy of scale, they should be doing better with 850 stores compared to the 330 that Dillard's has.

Macy's - $9.92

Dillards - $10.00

Date: Fri, October 10, 2008  10:11 am CT
Posted by: gle

In today's "Sun-Times:"

"Macy's slashes profit outlook"

by Associated Press

http://www.suntimes.com/business/earnings/1213875,macys-earnings-101008.article#

Date: Fri, October 10, 2008  9:57 am CT
Posted by: drew

Now here's a surprise:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08284/918942-100.stm

The economy is INDEED very difficult for all retailers, but especially for a store that offers no compelling reason for shoppers to visit. Lunkhead's arrogant refusal to give the customer what they want and his indifference in connecting to host communities has nade macy*mart totally irrelevant. He evidently missed the sessions in Marketing 101 concerning customer loyalty--keep the customers you have and build upon that base--and meeting customer needs and wants.

NOBODY shops at macy*mart!

Date: Fri, October 10, 2008  9:15 am CT
Posted by: gle

Hello Field's Fans,

Messy's stock was $9.73 this morning according to "Tribune" stock quotes (enter "M" for Messy's and hit go). Their accompanying press release says much about economic conditions and adds, "predictions of future performance remain difficult."

"Macy's, Inc. Updates Business Performance and 2008 Guidance"

http://markets.chicagotribune.com/custom/tribune-interactive/html-story.asp?symb=M&siteid=chicagotribune&guid={D37F679D-F560-4506-A4BB-E6BEC5B20AC4}

In the meantime, my co-workers and I are reminiscing about how great State Street was when there was actually something there. We (and the masses) have gravitated to Farmers' Markets and other events at Daley Plaza this summer as the place to be in the Loop. Yesterday we were actually crying because it was the season end of Farmers' Market with its variety of pastries and fresh-cut flowers. We really miss Field's. Economic conditions wouldn't keep us away from Field's.

Date: Fri, October 10, 2008  12:37 am CT
Posted by: James Wright

For those of you who have recently learned about this website and joined out cause, here is an article from the Chicago Tribune, from one year ago which generated 441 comments!

http://www.topix.com/forum/source/chicago-tribune/TAUV8MH67HFSFV578

It's just one of many articles in the newspapers which has generated tremendous numbers of replies and letters to the editors on the Pro-Field's side of the fence.

We encourage each of you to write letters to the editors and to respond to news reporter's article in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, TV stations etc. expressing how we want and need Marshall Field's, and boycotting macy's and bloomingdale's stores.

Date: Fri, October 10, 2008  12:28 am CT
Posted by: Donald Dornstadter

Here is another blogsite which mourns the loss of Marshall Field's and condemns Terry Lundgren for intentionally destroying such a famous and valuable nameplate as Marshall Field's department stores.

http://stanleybing.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2007/09/27/mourning-the-death-of-marshall-fields/

There have been 84 responses so far.

Date: Thurs, October 9, 2008  11:25 pm CT
Posted by: PaulF

See

http://www.out.com/rsvp/index.asp?id=MACYSCHICAGO

Out magazine should be called out on this in the blog and also contacted. It's offensive they would partner like that in Chicago. I will try to contact them and others should as well. I was forwarded the info by a friend. I'm not yet sure where Out is located.

Date: Thurs, October 9, 2008  1:20 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

Read a story in the news the other day that struck me funny, in a sad sort of way.

Seems like two AT&T workers in Berwyn were robbed at gunpoint during their lunch break by two gang-banging thugs. The workers weren't hurt, but their wallets were stolen. Two hours later, the thieves charged nearly $1200 on the stolen credit cards at Macy's on State.

I'm sorry for the trauma and hassle the AT&T guys went through, but at least I can take comfort in the fact that Macy's has succesfully established their target demographic.

gayle

Date: Thurs, October 9, 2008  12:15 pm CT
Posted by: Gail

Macy's put out a press release on October 6th that celebrates Macy's 150th anniversary. In it, Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren asserts that there are "very few brands today that can claim [Macy's] longevity ...." Ugh. Well, Terry, why do you suppose that is? Field's is gone only because in a shockingly foolish business judgment, you got rid of it. That's a significant part of the reason that your sales have been declining since the ill-fated Macy-ification and your stock has decline by 70% in the last few years.

Date: Thurs, October 9, 2008  11:13 am CT
Posted by: Jeff S.

Hello, Fellow Field Fans. Want to buy a Marshall Field Clock ornament and not have to give Macy the dough for it? Well, just head on over to your local Kohl's Department store and look for the SAME Chicago ornament with the Marshall Field clock in the center of it! It's in the Christmas Trim department, selling at $9.99, vs. Macy's price of $13. Also, the day I was at the Kohl's store in Yorkville it was on sale for $5.99! This is the same ornament at MacyMart. It has the red feathers glued to the back of the Marshall Field clock -- hard to miss.

Date: Thurs, October 9, 2008  1:23 am CT
Posted by: Jim W.

I keep hearing that macy's employees are not rated by the degree of customer service and product knowledge they provide, but by how many credit applications they open for customers. They are pressured from the top to hound customers to open accounts. Their continuation with the company depends upon it. Here is one example:

http://www.my3cents.com/showReview.cgi?id=41807

Date: Wed, October 8, 2008  10:54 am CT
Posted by: James Miller

Well, Macy's people, it appears that the window of opportunity is closing. I will be very surprised if Macy's is to be seen on State Street by this time next year. At least you can blame it on the economy, if that makes you feel any better.

Date: Tues, October 7, 2008  5:45 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff

I see that Tommy Hilfiger after teaming up with Macy's for his exclusive clothing lines will be designing/lighting the Walnut Room tree on November 8th (and of course signing his book after wards). If Uncle Mistletoe still makes an appearance I wonder if he will be stripped of his robe and dressed in Tommy Hilfiger attire, jk. Ooh I Miss the Magic of Marshall Field's!

Date: Tues, October 7, 2008  2:29 pm CT
Posted by: JC

In doing my part in Iowa City, which is the temporary home to thousands of Chicagolanders at the University of Iowa, I continue to find that people detest (and hate) macy's for what they did to Marshall Field's. (Approximately 36% of the undergraduate student body and about 21% of the graduate level students/faculty hail from Northern Illinois.)

As always, we need to emphasize our boycott against bloomingdale's, along with macy's. Some people seem surprised when they learn that bloomingdale's is owned by macy's. Some say they have been going to the "b" store to shop as an option on their own boycott of the renamed-macy stores when they are back home on vacation and breaks. Upon hearing that bloomingdale's is also owned by "that awful macy's", they immediately promise not to go to that store either.

Date: Tues, October 7, 2008  11:39 am CT
Posted by: J.C.

To fully demonstrate how the department store scene has changed in the last 25-30 years or so, here is a listing of department store names which operated in large and medium-sized American cities.

It's amazing, isn't it, how we had such variety and options in local and regional names back then?! How much we have lost! You Field's Fans and Fans of various regional department stores names will appreciate taking a look at this listing.

One final note: The vast majority of these department stores are now called...(take a guess!)...(you get only one guess)...

..macy's!

The local charm has been eradicated from each of these venerable store names, topped off with the degradation of Marshall Field & Company.

http://www.dshistory.com/site_map.html

You may click on each department store name, to learn more about each.

Date: Tues, October 7, 2008  9:04 am CT
Posted by: gle

I can't believe Lunkhead's quote in their 150th anniversary press release from the "Tribune" stock quotes. The guy is just plain nuts:

"... said Terry J. Lundgren, chairman, president and CEO of Macy's, Inc. 'There are very few brands today that can claim the longevity and legacy of ours, and I am endlessly proud to be at the helm of such a dynamic and beloved American institution.'"

WE WANT OUR MARSHALL FIELD'S!

Date: Tues, October 7, 2008  2:36 am CT
Posted by: Mike

I'm having trouble finding dress shirts that fit right since Macy's bought Marshall Field's. Who made Fields' store brand dress shirts for them over the years?

Hope you can come up with something or refer me to someone.

Date: Tues, October 7, 2008  1:55 am CT
Posted by: Al

Just saw an ad from macy's to celebrate THEIR 150th anniversary. They claim they've been MY department store for generations. The Nerve!

Yeah, Don't mention all the countless local names you crushed to get where you are now.(Does Lazarus ring a bell?) How's that for gratitude.

Date: Mon, October 6, 2008  5:49 pm CT
Posted by: Jon

Having been a history major, along with having a deep interest in department store marketing in college, I love to read all I can about department store histories.

I just came upon this one, which is the most comprehensive listing I have seen for department stores of big and medium sized U.S. cities. Readers may click on each to learn more about the many, colorful, and local stores we once had.

http://www.dshistory.com/site_map.html

Very Respectfully, to all of you.

Jon

Date: Mon, October 6, 2008  4:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jon

In a new press release from Macy's issued today:

"There are very brands today that can claim the longevity and legacy of ours..."
(as quoted from T. Lundgren.)

THAT'S because he closed down the rest of the brand names, with longer histories than macy's.

Also, his egotism really comes through with the next phase...

"and I am endlessly proud to be at the helm of such a dynamic and beloved American institution".

Pardon me, while I throw up!

Date: Mon, October 6, 2008  12:34 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Messy's announces its 150th anniversary celebrations in the stock quotes section of the "Tribune" (enter M for Messy's and hit go). It's really a laugh. They seem to be on their last leg, have destroyed several beloved department stores across the country and most of the people who could be valued customers hate them. I can't see what they are so excited about. Even the Cubs have more reason to brag--at least they tried their best.

"Macy's Celebrates Milestone 150th Birthday on October 28, 2008"

http://markets.chicagotribune.com/custom/tribune-interactive/html-story.asp?symb=M&siteid=chicagotribune&guid={E4C6B486-0654-4F7F-9F4B-3F0EE4C65D8C}

Date: Mon, October 6, 2008  9:28 am CT
Posted by: Jon D.

Executives of macy's, Terry Lundgren and Frank Guzzetta, uttered those infamous words just over two years ago, Field's Fans:

"Nothing will change at all at Field's Stores. Everything will remain the same when they are called macy's. We will keep all the fine traditions and everything you expect at Field's stores. You won't notice any difference, except for the name change outside."

Well, we Field's Fans were not gullible. We all knew better and knew Lundgren's plan, based upon what he had done with other department stores that fell under his power. It was too bad Mayor Daley fell for the empty promises, when Terry Lundgren met with Mayor Daley, just after the buyout. We were skeptical and knew better. Their words were downright lies. Just more big corporate greed with no concern at all for the customer and what the customer wants.

With all the recent bailouts of financial institutions by the U.S. Government, there had better NOT be any money given to macy's Inc. when Lundgren leads macy's and bloomingdale's downword to bankruptcy. Only thing is that he should not blame it on the economy. The blame would go to his inepitude in running a fine retail business down the tubes. His reputation as a "bean-counter", rather than as a real merchant would clearly be the cause.

Keep boycotting Macy's and Bloomingdale's. Tell your friends. At every convenient moment, pass the word on. Tell your dentist. Tell your seatmate on airline flights and commuter trains. Tell all extended family members. Tell your neighbors. Write letters to the editors of newspapers and TV stations. You can do your part in helping restore Marshall Field's way of doing business under its name. Thank you.

Date: Mon, October 6, 2008  9:12 am CT
Posted by: A Swedish Field's Fan

Last week I checked out the Kosta Boda Swedish crystal mentioned in Messy's "Tribune" ad. I hadn't been to the 6th floor in quite a while. They were set up for an evening reception for the Swedish Kosta Boda artist. NOBODY was up there. The silence was awesome. A team of black clad sales associates suddenly swooped down on me and hoped I was interested in the evening event. It was very awkward. They didn't even care that I had a Marshall Field's button on. I discussed the technique for making Kosta Boda with them and tactfully left.

The Christmas tree department was already set up on the same floor, with NOBODY there. One sales associate said hello as I walked by. NOBODY was looking at Christmas decorations.

Since Swedes know they can purchase fine crystal at the Swedish-American Museum gift shop in Andersonville, I went there on the weekend and got a nice little Kosta Boda candle holder. Somebody had put a big stack of flyers for the Messy's event on a table, and the big stack was still there three days after the event. I put a pile of Field's buttons and and some leaflets on the table. The next day only one leaflet was left so I put some more buttons out.

I wrote the "Tribune" that I am insulted at seeing my proud cultural heritage associated with Macy's and cc:'d the Swedish Consulate office (which happens to be a block from the store at 150 N. Michigan Avenue). Swedish-Americans don't like Messy's. Chicago doesn't like Messy's.

Date: Sun, October 5, 2008  4:20 pm CT
Posted by: Gene

I plan to wear my "I want my Marshall Field's" button around in the Jordan Marsh (now "Macy's") store in Boston.

About four years ago I saw two clipboard-bearing Macy's executives outside the store on the sidewalk. I went up to them and said, right out of the blue, "IF YOU CHANGE THE NAME OF MARSHALL FIELD'S IN CHICAGO, I SWEAR THAT I WILL NEVER BUY ANYTHING FROM ANOTHER FEDERATED STORE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE." And I mean it! And I never have!

My mother was a native of LaSalle/Peru/Oglesby and brought me up on Marshall Field's, although I have only been in the State Street store a few times.

All the best to you, and I will NEVER buy from ANY Macy's, Bloomingdales, etc.

Date: Sat, October 4, 2008  4:20 pm CT
Posted by: E

There are many wonderful web pages dedicated to the memory of Field's, but I applaud all of the EFFORTS and ACTIVITIES OF THOSE OF YOU AT THIS SITE and sites that are proactive like it.

Date: Sat, October 4, 2008  2:17 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

O - M - G! I just went to the Cincinnati Enquirer website and read the article about Lundgren. UNBELIEVABLE and I mean that sincerely!

As another poster suggested, please do go to the website and sound off! You'll have to register, but so what? Depending on your nature, mood, and general physical constitution, you'll likely either laugh out loud at his ludicrous statements or you'll want to vomit. This guy is just too strange, and I don't see why the shareholders and business leaders are so blinded by his snake-charms. Well, if they hang around long enough they'll get bitten but will never be able to say they weren't warned by multitudes.

Reeling once again in a state of incredulity and general disgust,

L. Grand, Grand Rapids, MI

Date: Fri, October 3, 2008  9:58 pm CT
Posted by: John D

Just as we suspected...

macy's is a bad place to work...in addition to being a rotten place to shop.

Read the following weblog with many postings by macy employees, as to what they have to put up with in their jobs.

http://www.rateitall.com/i-11745-macys.aspx

Speaking of employee training...

Heaven Help Us All!

How many of you know that there is a "Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing" at the University of Arizona? Through Mr. Lundgren's donations to his alma mater, where he received his B.A., the center has his name on it. Is this his way to ensure his name will live on perpetually, as well as his methods and attitudes of his kind of retailing?

http://www.insidearizonabusiness.com/on_campus.asp?ID=

Date: Fri, October 3, 2008  7:43 pm CT
Posted by: Steve

Here is the confirmation about what I have been saying on here for a while. Bon-Ton (Carson's) is just holding on. Here is the link:

http://www.centralpennbusiness.com/article.asp?aID=68661

Date: Thurs, October 2, 2008  6:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Today's Noon Business Hour show on WBBM 780 AM had some discussion with an analyst about retail stocks. They considered Target, Macy's and Costco.

When it came to Macy's, the hosts immediately made it clear that they were talking chain wide and that Chicago was clearly a problem for Macy's.

Date: Thurs, October 2, 2008  4:21 pm CT
Posted by: Christine Carrigan

This past weekend I went through the new Trend House at the State Street Store. What a disappointment! Macy's sure took the cheap way out. Not only was it just a collection of Baker Furniture, they abandoned the traditional Trend House on the Eighth Floor! It is just a collection of display areas in the regular furniture department. (The former Trend House space is now just a storage area--screened off, and filled with piles of boxes and unused displays.)

As if that wasn't enough, their literature described the long history of "Macy's Trend House!"

They just don't get it. . .

Date: Thurs, October 2, 2008  1:00 pm CT
Posted by: B.C.

I was disappointed to hear that Marshall Field's has been purchased by Macy's. I live in Massachusetts

Date: Wed, October 1, 2008  9:23 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Well Northbrook Court isn't looking too good. I was in the area this week and wandered around a bit. Displays had clothes strung across them and many items were out of place.

The coffee bar upstairs has closed and there was hardly a sales person to be found.

I also noticed that some of the new Frango boxes finally have the clock watermark corrected on the back of the box. Raspberry had returned to this store as well but in the old box without the new artwork.

I finally looked through the Christmas department. This year they have made the famous clock ornaments MARTHA STEWART BLUE! I would pretend to be shocked, but nothing about that place shocks me.

Darrid

Date: Wed, October 1, 2008  4:16 pm CT
Posted by: John D.

Where's the Justice?

Ms. Jane Elfers gets ousted from her position as President of Lord & Taylor department stores...after exceeding any and all expectations on elevating L&T to new heights in merchandising, presentation, service and vibrancy. She gained the accolades and acclamations in the business and marketing media publications as a retailing genius, a modern-day REAL merchant, and savior of the department store after working hard to do her job in the very best way she knew.

Seems ironic...and depressingly sad, doesn't it? - - -

Mr. Terry Lundgren, after destroying so very many American department store legendary names, gets to hold onto his job. Something here just does not make sense. He has spent his time being political instead of properly respecting the cultures of Marshall Field's and many other department stores. When will the board members and shareholders of macy's f-i-n-a-l-l-y realize what damage he has done and fire him. All he had to was to let Marshall Field's continue to be Marshall Field's...and the profits and sales revenue would be his most stable division, even in these economic times.

The statement of the person who said that Mr. Lundgren eliminated and brought down Marshall Field's to increase the lower sales revenue at the Chicago area Bloomingdale's stores is absolutely correct! Keep spreading the word to one and all to boycott Macy's...AND...Bloomingdale's all over the U.S.A.

Date: Wed, October 1, 2008  3:54 pm CT
Posted by: George Miller

This past weekend I went through the new Trend House at the State Street Store. What a disappointment! Macy's sure took the cheap way out. Not only was it just a collection of Baker Furniture, they abandoned the traditional Trend House on the Eighth Floor! It is just a collection of display areas in the regular furniture department. (The former Trend House space is now just a storage area--screened off, and filled with piles of boxes and unused displays.)

As if that wasn't enough, their literature described the long history of "Macy's Trend House!"

They just don't get it. . .

Date: Tues, September 30, 2008  8:39 pm CT
Posted by: S.B.

I'm curious to know how people climb the ranks in the retail world. The ousting of L&T CEO came as a huge surprise. She totally turned that company up-side-down (in a good way). She brought in major designers, removed ones that didn't resonate with consumers, hired a new ad agency, created word-of-mouth by leveraging the heritage of the brand (rose photography competition for the shopping bags), created a new brand image for the company (yellow inside shopping bags), hired a new ad agency, etc. The list could go on and on. And now what? She's let go for someone who knows nothing about customer experience as he use to work in the direct side of NM not the physical stores. Things just don't make sense. If I see a downfall of the brand... I may have to stick to Von Maur, Nordstrom, etc.

Date: Tues, September 30, 2008  7:53 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

Hi All,

Had to go to Oak Brook this Sunday to pick up some stuff at Williams-Sonoma (that I previously would have gotten at Field's). Couldn't bear to walk in the M store, but hubby and I sat directly outside the store for a while and counted bags. In 20 minutes, we only counted 7 M bags, and most appeared to be small purchases. During that same time, we counted 8 Sears bags, and the Nordstrom and L&T bags were too numerous---we lost count. When Field's was in the mall, it would have been a sea of green bags. Went to Nordstrom's, it was so crowded I got a headache and decided to come back during the week when it's less crowded. Nice to know where all the Field's shoppers have gone! Also walked through Bloomingdale's home store--empty!

M also had a rug tent sale at their Oak Brook Home Store, replete with cheap cardboard signs staked in the grass. There were only about half a dozen cars in the lot, despite a huge tent and lots of signage. I don't understand how they're keeping the doors open.

regards

gayle

Date: Tues, September 30, 2008  7:45 pm CT
Posted by: rex wickland

Some time ago, I used to look through the Sunday Wisconsin State Journal, and pick through the sales circulars. I ALWAYS left the Marshall Field's circular for last. There was no better way to start off the paper. No more. Macy's is crap. Field's was so much better in so many ways. Let's all hope that Macy's has lots of derivatives in their portfolio. Watching White Sox and looking at downtown Chicago. My town, all the way. Go Cubs, go.

Date: Tues, September 30, 2008  1:50 pm CT
Posted by: Mary In Minnesota

My mother, sister and I spent many a days at the State Street Marshall Fields shopping and taking in the views of the store. Oh and christmas the feeling outside looking at the windows, its what i think of when i think of christmas!! You have my full support for bringing it back!

Date: Tues, September 30, 2008  1:13 pm CT
Posted by: drew

What Lunkhead and the other marketing geniuses fail to realize is that the little touches differentiate one store from another and help to build a customer base. As various services (such as free gift wrap, restaurants, in-store tailoring, hair salons) and certain departments (stationery, gourmet foods, candy) are dropped because they aren't sufficiently profitable, the customer has fewer reasons to visit the store. Perhaps Lunkhead saved a few cents by using cheaper plastic shopping bags and cutting services, but he lost many dollars from shoppers who found fewer reasons to patronize his bland and boring stores.

Date: Tues, September 30, 2008  1:00 pm CT
Posted by: drew15401

The removal of Jane Elfers after her successful revitalization of Lord & Taylor should sound familiar to members of this blog. In the name of "economies of scale" the owners of Lord & Taylor are "consolidating" various operations. This is essentially what Grand Poobah Lunkhead did with Marshall Fields and the other regional stores--take something that's working well and "fix" it.

This is another example of listening to the bean counters rather than the customers. On the surface, this scheme appears to save money and make higher profits. But by offering only generic merchandise and lessening customer amenities, the shoppers will go elsewhere and sales will plummet. Isn't that the same thing that happened at macy*mart? Couldn't the "experts" at Lord & Taylor see the misguided macy*fication as a dismal failure?

Date: Tues, September 30, 2008  12:17 am CT
Posted by: James In Minneapolis

Hi All----

Per the information from Peter, I have also noticed a real uptick in macy's advertising as well as direct mail here in Minneapolis. I get something every single day from them in the mail-----no exaggeration. They frequently do the Dayton's/Field's style Sunday magazine advertising supplement; plus several days per week, there are many full page ads in the Star Tribune. There is also a job that they are trying to fill here in community promotions that would work in just the Minneapolis and Chicago markets. I got the same sense as other writers here------this is an all out effort and if it doesn't work for macy's with all this cash and effort going into marketing here, they will have to recognize that macy's won't ever make it in Minneapolis.

On a different topic, I was really surprised to read about the CEO switch at Lord & Taylor. It smells like a "Hudsonization" to me. Keep us posted on your observations inside the stores of L&T. All that talk about more "efficient buying" just plain smells bad and suggests that now that the stores were lifted up and made successful, they will be beaten down again by the accounting morons who don't understand the passion of retail.

Regards.

Date: Mon, September 29, 2008  3:15 pm CT
Posted by: Rich W

Jimmy Gimbels...of course you are a reminder of that great store! All I hope is that we make some changes happen soon to secure the return of Marshall Field's before it becomes a memory as happened with Gimbels twenty plus years ago. We are already at the two year mark, so the more we can hurt m*cy's business by not spending there, and encouraging others all across the country to boycott them as well, the sooner we may have our wish granted :)

Date: Mon, September 29, 2008  2:10 pm CT
Posted by: M.I.

Next week my husband and I are going to Chicago. As elderly residents of Lincoln Nebraska, we both spent years knowing and loving trips to Chicago and shopping and eating at Marshall Fields. Of course Macys never should have changed the name, but they did. Perhaps they could modify it, like Invesco did when they built a new Mile High stadium in Denver. Mile High was the best stadium name in the country, so now it is Invesco Field at Mile High. How about Macys at Marshall Fields? The Macys executives would find that millions of people nationwide would reward their stores with increased patronage.

Date: Mon, September 29, 2008  10:03 am CT
Posted by: A Swedish Field's Fan

Messy's had so many ads in the Sunday "Tribune" print edition there was hardly room for any serious news. One that had me spitting mad was for an event promoting Swedish Kosta Boda crystal, complete with a free cookbook bribe for every $150 purchase. The Swedish half of me is outraged. How dare Messy's tarnish our culture by trying to associate it with their crap. MARSHALL FIELD'S was a big part of the Swedish American Dream in Chicago. Every Swede I know, and even a few Norwegians, LOVED Marshall Field's. Messy's is a classic example of where Swedes DON'T want to shop.

I was also shocked to read about Jane Elfers being dumped by the corporate owners of Lord & Taylor. Is there any way we could grab her for Field's before someone else gets her?

Date: Sun, September 28, 2008  9:28 pm CT
Posted by: Tim

Any "M" ads I receive whether in the newspaper or via mail go straight to my trash can. They are not even worthy of putting in the recycle bin!

Tim

Date: Sun, September 28, 2008  2:34 pm CT
Posted by: Peter

Macy's must be really getting desperate in the Chicago area. There was at least twice as much advertising for Macy's in today's Chicago Tribune than there was in today's New York Times!

As someone wrote a few days ago, I wonder if this is part of make or break plan for Chicago.

Date: Sun, September 28, 2008  10:14 am CT
Posted by: Mike

Shockingly, Jane Elfers who did an amazing job reviving Lord and Taylor after 15-20 years of decline has been forced out at Lord and Taylor.

Investors should buy the State Street stores and hire her to bring Back Marshall Field's!

Today's Chicago Tribune has an article about Lord and Taylor and Elfers. There is an open comment section afterwards.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sun-lord-taylor-ceo-sep28,0,2891952.story

Date: Sat, September 27, 2008  8:34 pm CT
Posted by: M.L.

I was visiting from North Carolina a few weeks ago and I was horrified to see that the great store windows along State Street were replaced with hiant flat screen televisions touting Tommy Hilfiger. What a waste of a very special place in American retailing.

I will never shop Macy's until Field's is returned to Chicago.

Date: Sat, September 27, 2008  4:23 pm CT
Posted by: Elaine

Here's the New York Times story on Elfers' departure from Lord and Taylor.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/27/business/27shop.html?scp=1&sq=%22lord%20&%20taylor%22&st=cse

What's great about L & T is that it shows a classic department store can indeed make a comeback--so can Field's.

Date: Sat, September 27, 2008  4:02 pm CT
Posted by: Elaine

NRDC, parent company of Lord and Taylor, has announced a management shakeup at the venerable retailer which has won over may Field's Fans since it was converted to Macy's. L & T CEO and turnaround mastermind Jane Elfers has left and been replaed with Neiman Marcus exec Brendan Hoffman. Hoffman started out at Lord and Taylor.

NRDC is creating a department store holding company, Hudson's Bay Trading Company, that will oversee L & T, Hudson's Bay and Fortunoff.

Elfers really turned around L & T. At least now she is available to head a revived Field's!

The story is at

http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/26/news/companies/lord_taylor.fortune/index.htm

Date: Fri, September 26, 2008  2:53 pm CT
Posted by: K.

I will never shop at Macy's. Born and raised in Chicago and there is no place else to shop!!!

Date: Fri, September 26, 2008  8:50 am CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

Special note to Rich W:

"Does anyone remember Gimbels?"

They sure do or my name isn't Jimmy Gimbels.

That is why the producers of the movie "ELF" leased the name for use in the movie. Public recognition!

Gimbels was a huge hit in Wisconsin. People still wish the department store chain ("The store of a million gifts") was still in business. Last weekend at a party, several people were discussing the poor service and dull merchandise at the M-store. All agreed the Marshall Field's and Gimbels were so much better.

If you ever want to see how much a store can slide into the pit just visit M-store at Oakbrook Mall in Oakbrook, IL or the store at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, WI. All I can say is those wacky folks at Macy's sure are handy with duct taping things together and have no idea how to keep floors cleans. I've noticed in several stores that the shopping carts have disappeared (thank god) and the price check scanners are usually "temporarily out of business."

Date: Thurs, September 25, 2008  8:00 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Today's Tribune had almost five pages of Macy's ads in the front news section. Even with a big discount that's at least $50,000 in ads and probably a lot more since some of the ads were in color.

I bet Macy's fall and holiday shopping strategy for Chicago is to simply overwhelm the area with advertising and give up if that doesn't work.

Meanwhile, Macy's does just a small fraction of advertising in the Sun-Times these days. Maybe that's why the S-T ran some pro-Field's comments in Talk Back???????

Bring Back Field's! Boycott Macy's and Bloomingdale's until Field's is restored in quality and service as well as name.

Date: Thurs, September 25, 2008  6:39 pm CT
Posted by: Alan

Zara is popular in Europe among the very crowd Macy's is attempting to attract (young women in particular). It's now here in Chicago, so be sure to visit and recommend it.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-zara-chicago-store-sep25,0,1957183.story

Date: Thurs, September 25, 2008  6:08 pm CT
Posted by: A Couple of Field's Fans

If Fields Fans comment on this story, they could potentially show up under "most commented" on the Enquirer.com webpage.

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080925/BIZ01/809250315/1076/BIZ

Fine enough that Terry Lundgren is happy that downtown Cinci is busy, but it's strictly unchecked that "My Macy's" is already a success as stated in the article. For one thing, the campaign hasn't even kicked into that much gear; another is that all the "My Macy's" campaign simply seems to be is "sell Winter coats where it snows but not in Miami where it's hot and sell no bikinis in the late fall and early winter months where it snows, etc." BIG DEAL! As if other stores haven't been smart enough to do that for decades!

"That's the smoke and mirrors of Macy's!"

Date: Thurs, September 25, 2008  1:04 pm CT
Posted by: Alan

This sounds like another desperation move, this time at Herald Square.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/24/news/companies/kapner_macys.fortune/index.htm?source=yahoo_quote

Note that the stock is up a bit today. The only explanation I have is that investors expect customers to go downmarket if the recession gets worse. Now is a good time to remind people of Carson's, Kohl's, and even Lord & Taylor (which can offer surprisingly good choices at reasonable prices).

Date: Wed, September 24, 2008  6:14 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Below is one of several articles about Macy's opening a Bloomingdale's in Dubai in 2010.

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080923/BIZ01/809230332/1076/BIZ

When I read the quote from Lundgren saying how Macy's has a lot to learn about their brand in foreign country, I couldn't help but think they also still have way too much to lear about their brand in Chicago. If they can't handle Chicago culture, how will they handle Dubai?

What next? Will they buy Harrod's and convert it to a Macy's? Given what they did to Field's, it seems they'd be on track to do that overseas.

Date: Wed, September 24, 2008  6:05 pm CT
Posted by: drew

http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/24/news/companies/kapner_macys.fortune/index.htm?source=yahoo_quote

Looks like those wacky folks at macy*s" have come up with another sure-fire strategy to capture the young shoppers. Their American Rag brand was certainly a success with teens and Tommy Hilfiger will also be a major attraction.

Date: Wed, September 24, 2008  5:21 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

Though I did plan to post a new entry on my website, several comments on this blog inspired me - rather compelled me - to do so. It is VERY important that we let people know to boycott Bloomingdale's as well. Many do not make the connection that Macy's owns Bloomingdales, so have continued to shop there.

Thus a new entry. Another voice on the internet to help our cause. "How Deep Is Your Love For Marshall Field's?"

www.matchlessmarshallfields.blogspot.com

With deep respect for my fellow Field's Fans,

L. Grand

Grand Rapids, MI

Date: Wed, September 24, 2008  1:02 pm CT
Posted by: David P.

And so...the rumors are running amok.

Earlier today the 30-something training coordinator at work told me: "Go to the office supply store at Washington & Wabash across from Marshall Field's".

I paused and said: "I love the fact that you don't call it "macy's".

She replied: "Oh come one. Everyone knows it's getting ready to close and convert back to Field's. Only the State Street store because that one has been a complete no-win for them and there's nothing there that anyone really wants anymore."

I asked: "According to who?"

Suzanne (her name): "Everyone I come across- and anything you read on the Internet".

I only hope it's true.

-David P.

Date: Wed, September 24, 2008  1:01 pm CT
Posted by: FieldsofReality

What America needs now is Marshall Field's ! The warm Marshall Field's traditions,the fine full-service experience,the joy of knowing that wherever you are,Marshall Field's is alive,well and ready for your patronage. That is priceless.

Untold thousands and thousands would be so thankful for the return of Marshall Field's.

Thank you so very much.

Fields of Reality - Marshall Field's always !

Date: Wed, September 24, 2008  11:48 am CT
Posted by: JF in California

Even though I no longer live in Chicago, I have to sad that I'm mad and disgusted at Macy's. Whenever I'm back and in the City, I can't even look at the one on State Street. It would make me too sick. Just so you know I boycott Macy's and Bloomingdale's here in California and tell people why I boycott them. Thanks for continuing the efforts of bringing back Marshall Field's.

Date: Tues, September 23, 2008  6:43 pm CT
Posted by: B

Hi All

On Sept 18 2008 Gayle wrote--in relation to the red star store and their ability --or lack there of --to operate Marshall Field's--

"Macy's simply doesn't have the class, ethics, and business acumen to pull it off"

Amen

I could not write it better

The behemoth of mediocrity that terry lundgren has worked so hard to build and put together at ALL COSTS is simply a sad and poor excuse for a department store. AND There were TOO many costs ---way too much sacrificed.

when you look into a plate glass window and see the reflection of what is across the street, you can tell what is there and what it looks like, but it lacks definition and clarity --when you turn and look across the street and see the actual property represented by the reflection, you realize how much better the Real thing IS!

THIS is the difference between the red star store and the wonderful, fine, upscale, service oriented experience that Marshall Field's provided.

Field's was the real thing . The red star store is just a sad shadow of what was. the merchandise might look ok from afar but close inspection reveals it for what it is. The building looks ok from afar and again close up inspection reveals all the dirt and lack of upkeep.

Ubfortunately there is no hope with the red star store -- Gayle said it best--- LACK of Class, ethics, and acumen.

Jim McKay ALSO reflected on this in his post of the sad state of the former flagships of A & S, Jordan Marsh, Filenes and ----Herald square--The flagship of the old New York store which was called Macy's

Mr. lundgren userped Federated Dept. Stores as well as Marshall Field's, The May Co., and what was once a decent store called Macy's and shoved them all together under a moniker which many did NOT want. He set up a middle of the road bland and unimaginative booring dull expensive store with merchandise of not great quality, too few sales people and many sales people who did not know their business.

and finally he told us to accept this and like it.

the ONLY answer to that is too spend ZERO dollars at the red star store and bloomingdales--- ALWAYS.

I hope that the Marshall Field store and building at 111 state is not too badly damaged in time.

Thanks All

B

the real B
italbearr@yahoo.com

Date: Tues, September 23, 2008  5:16 pm CT
Posted by: Rich W

I agree that Marshall Field's was in a class by itself. It had that special mix of unique product, customer service and in store experience-- or may I just describe it as everything that m*cy's is not. Field's had that Chicago "tough as nails" attitude with beautiful, soft edges. My whole point is that what m*cy's has done to Chicago, it has done to many other cities as well. As evidenced by the posts from people across the country, the lone red star store has invaded many cities and tried to force their "150 years of ughs, blahs and yawns" into stores all over the country. While the converted Marshall Field's stores continue to perform poorly, as we all know even though m*cy's will not admit it, it would be even better to spread the boycott and make them start feeling the effect everywhere. Even New Yorkers like myself think that m*cy's is no longer the store depicted in Miracle on 34th St. It's not even close to the way it was in the 1980's. The Herald Square store lost its elegance years ago. Does anyone remember Gimbels?? Exactly! Let's make sure Marshall Field's never disappears, but comes back as a flourishing, vital department store. Chicago has not been the same without Field's.

Date: Tues, September 23, 2008  12:27 pm CT
Posted by: Carol

This website is awesome and gives all of us still missing Field's a place to keep hope alive! Here's a real story. I have an acquaintance, a friend of a friend whom I see only a couple times a year. This woman is from Cleveland and only came to Chicago about 5 years ago. She liked Marshall Field's but didn't have any strong loyalty to the brand, and when it changed to Macy's, that was okay with her. Well, I happened to bump into her yesterday, and she was soooo angry at Macy's. She'd gone to buy a pair of shoes there, and she had her rewards coupon with her but not her Macy's charge card, which you are required to use with the coupon. She gave the store clerk her driver's license and asked her to look up her charge card number. The clerk told her that she was DENIED. The woman was flabbergasted, since she pays her card regularly and actually had a $6 credit on her account. So she wasn't able to use her coupon, but the clerk said that if she bought the shoes at regular price, she could go to Customer Service upstairs and they would discuss her credit and make the adjustment. So my friend went upstairs to Customer Service, and here's what she found when she got there: TELEPHONES! This was her second shock! When she calmed down, she used the phone, and got absolutely no help with her problem. So in the end, she just went downstairs to shoes and returned them. She said she'd never shop at Macy's again! And who can blame her?

Date: Tues, September 23, 2008  11:40 am CT
Posted by: Katie

I'm writing a play for my playwriting class on the Macys-Marshall Field's issue. Thinking of turning it into a semi-musical by using those rewritten Christmas carols - do I have your permission to use them? (I think they were posted here around September 2007).

Also, what are some key scenes that might be considered for the play itself? (Right now I have the confrontation of Lundgren, a protest under the clock, a series of stories by voices of Chicagoans angered by the takeover, a time-traveling moment to history around "give the lady what she wants", a video montage of what Field's has given us over history with an original song that I wrote, the signifiance of 'meet me under the clock' with a fictional substory between a Chicago native and a New Yorker...)

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated - or any key quotes that should be taken in consideration when doing the actual writing of the script.

Thanks!

(My professor shows support for this as my semester project *grins*)

Date: Tues, September 23, 2008  8:39 am CT
Posted by: gle

There's a rebuttal to Saturday's "Sun-Times" comment about Messy's in today's on-line edition that sounds like it was written by someone we know well. If their experience is great, I'd hate to see what horrible is.

"Great Experience at Macy's"

http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/back/1179516,CST-EDT-talk23.article

Letters to the "Sun-Times" can be sent to talkback@suntimes.com and letters@suntimes.com or call the Sun-Times Talk Back number at (312) 321-2360.

There is also a comment blog that requires registration.

Date: Tues, September 23, 2008  6:39 am CT
Posted by: Steve

Here is a link to an article in yesterdays New York Time mentioning Bon-Ton (Carson's parent) losing market share and one of the companies that could end up as "Ghosts of Christmases Past". Also mentions Dillard's and Gottschalks (a west coast department store chain). Looks pretty bad for these chains. That would pretty much leave Macy's and Belk in the traditional department store segment (And Belk is privately owned, so who really knows how they are doing?).

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/23/business/23retail.html?ref=business

Date: Mon, September 22, 2008  8:49 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Jon C. pretty much hit the nail on the head.

Let me add this: I keep hearing that Macy's thought they'd lose some Field's customers when they converted to Macy's, but many of those lost would end up at Bloomingdale's.

I believe they figured if the former Field's stores drop, as long as there's an increase at Bloomingdale's then it all works out--no need for Field's.

So it's important to boycott Macy's AND Bloomingdale's to bring back Field's.

Date: Mon, September 22, 2008  8:00 pm CT
Posted by: FieldsFan123

I went to lunch with a co-worker who I haven't seen in 3 years. She said she still remembered the time I went to Field's (it was Field's at the time) and told them I'm closing my charge card because of the name change. She still tells people about it today. We all know that word-of-mouth is the strongest advertising medium (if you don't believe it think of Costco's rise to fame, they spent $0 on advertising). Tell your friends, family, co-workers to not register their wedding, baby showers, bar-mitzbah's, etc. at Macy's. You can influence dozens of people at once with preventing one person from registering at Macy's.

Also Carson's has a 1-day sale this Wed 9/24 on mattresses. Any mattress for 50% off. I've told everyone I know!

Date: Mon, September 22, 2008  7:49 pm CT
Posted by: James Miller

Reading Chris P.'s comments, I think there's an even chance he's right. That Macy's management has exhibited no indication of investing in anything of note probably does give an idea of what can be expected.

Ultimately, the whole thing may simply fail and shut down. That is not something we can control. Ultimately, the building will exist, and the brand can be bought by others and made anew. The one certainty in life is that things won't stay the same, providing opportunities for different avenues to create a suitable environment with whoever buys the rights.

Date: Mon, September 22, 2008  4:52 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

I am glad my letter made the Sun-times. For whatever reason, this portion of my letter was edited out:

"I have attended two protest rallies in Chicago in 2007 and would be there for the rally on Sept. 9th if I could be. Please know that, no matter how many or few attend this upcoming rally, they represent untold thousands of shoppers throughout the Midwest."

Just wanted you to know.

Date: Mon, September 22, 2008  4:59 pm CT
Posted by: Jim

A lot of good history and points from Rich W, but I want to clarify two things:

1) There was never a day that any of the customers of those stores who had also experienced Field's ever thought that Field's was the equal of the others. Even the customers of those stores who knew Field's, knew Field's was the next level.
2) Unlike any of those stores listed, only Field's played a major role in transforming their city into one with an international reputation. On top of that, even to the end in 2006, people came to Chicago to go to Field's. I'm sure out of towners shopped those other stores, but they were not a major tourist destination like Field's.

I could go on, but even as someone who shopped other MayCo stores and so forth, I want to point out that none of them equalled Field's as some in the media suggest. However, I might put the 1990s and current version of Carson's in the same breath as those other brands you mention.

Date: Mon, September 22, 2008  4:38 pm CT
Posted by: Rich W

For many, many years m*cy's major competition in the northeast was Abraham & Straus (which was part of the ORIGINAL Federated group of stores along with Bloomingdale's, Filene's, Jordan Marsh, I Magnin and others), where I went through the management training program in 1986 in the beautiful downtown Brooklyn location. The two companies were fiercely competitive to the point where whenever one company did something, the other would try to go one up. It actually was good for the shopper! A&S did not have a Manhattan location until 1988 when they renovated the Gimbel's Herald Square location which is now the Manhattan Mall where JC Penney will open in 2009. I know for a fact from several suppliers who sold to both m*cy's and A&S that wherever the two stores went head to head in a location, A&S killed m*cy's in sales. Unfortunately, in 1987 a greedy Lunkhead-like creature named Robert Campeau bought Federated, piling up huge debt and began the downward spiral that led both Federated and m*cy's into chapter 11, and the eventual purchase of m*cy's by Federated that merged the two companies. This tragedy caused the department store sector to tailspin and led to the m*cy's name takeover of all the Federated landmark stores, except Bloomingdale's. A&S was lost forever, a sad day in NY and the northeast. But the greater impact was that the regional stores all became m*cy's, and the remaining rivals May Company, Dayton-Hudson (Target), Dillard's all suffered from it. Target had to sell off Marshall Field's and Mervyn's to appease their stockholders, and May Company desperately needed to shore up their defense in the department store battle which led them to acquire Field's. May Company then became a prime target for m*cy's because they had salivated over the thought of taking over the midwest with their bland stores instead of trying to do it on their own merit. It's been 21 years since that fateful day when the NY Daily News ran an article entitled, "Fear Grows at Brooklyn A&S" when Robert Campeau took over. Even though the store survived into the early 1990's, what Campeau did changed the department store business forever and set into action the chain of events that brings us to FieldsFansChicago today. We want our Marshall Field's!!! And our A&S, Filene's, Foley's, Rich's, Burdines, I Magnin, Robinson May, Bambergers, Stern's, Lazarus!!!

Date: Mon, September 22, 2008  10:36 am CT
Posted by: gle

There is a comment on Messy's attitude in the on-line Saturday "Sun-Times" Talk Back:

"Macy's doesn't care about stores, customers"
http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/back/1175368,CST-EDT-talk21.article

Date: Mon, September 22, 2008  6:38 am CT
Posted by: mds in mt. prospect

CBS opens its new studio today at Washington and Dearborn. As part of their kick-off, they are asking viewers to answer the question "What does the "Heart of Chicago" mean to you?". Go wo www.cbs2chicago.com and right under their web page header is a link to this question. Get out there and tell them what "the Heart of Chicago" means to us Chicagoans/Marshall Field's fans right now!

Date: Sun, September 21, 2008  8:46 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C.

Remember...

When you mention the boycott to others, be sure to include...

b l o o m i n g d a l e ' s

in the boycott, along with

m a c y ' s.

It will not help our cause at all if people use bloomingdale's as a shopping alternative, since macy's owns bloomingdale's too.

Date: Sun, September 21, 2008  5:33 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston

Judy,

I am with you 100%. I mentioned last fall, when my wife and I took a vacation in the West Indies (St. Kitts) that a couple was there from Chicago. Guess what came up? Marshall Fields, Foley's and the BORG - magical Macy's that makes regional department stores, quality, service, and selection magically disappear. You are so correct, as much as Macy's executives and the press that loves them so, the dissatifaction nationwide will not go away.

They had a photo of the Foley's flagship in downtown Houston after Hurricane Ike. They had boarded up the display windows. It makes me ill to see the paper call it Macy's downtown. They welded off the art deco letters and discarded the signage as garbage. Google The Bon Marche under images and you will see how they did the same to the Bon's signage. It had been on their flagship and the signage had beautiful lettering. The folks in Seattle were not impressed with their lack of responsibility and respect of their history and tradition.

Date: Sun, September 21, 2008  3:23 pm CT
Posted by: Pete

150 years? Who cares? Field's was longer. Besides, what emotional attachment should we place on that when Terry Lundgren says we are just emotional?

Date: Sun, September 21, 2008  11:07 am CT
Posted by: Elizabeth Green

I went to the Macy's in the Bolingbrook Promenade yesterday because I saw an ad in the newspaper about shoes as low as $14.99. That's almost too good to be true. I went and found two pairs that were such a deal and super cute. I haven't shopped at Macy's since it took over Field's, but thought that I couldn't pass it up. There was a long line, but that's not what bothered me. They had one person at the register and when someone else came to relieve them I was next in line, or so I thought. Since he would have to go back and search for the mate of my two shoes, he decided to take the person that was right behind me, who had not waited nearly as long as I. Then proceeded to try and sign her up for that 25$ to charity thing and gave her the whole speech. Meanwhile, I had now waited about 10 minutes. The man finally was able to assist me and spent 10 minutes searching to the right of the cashier counter, came back only able to find the one mate to the shoe I was only going to get since it was a good deal, but the other shoe was the one I wanted. He then told me he couldn't find the other one, but he'll keep looking, spent an additional 7 minutes looking to the left to come back and say, well I have the 8.5. Okay, the 8.5 obviously won't work when I wanted the 9. So, now I've wasted almost 30 minutes at Macy's to not get any shoes. I finally decided the hell with this shit, there is a reason people boycott this place. I couldn't justify even spending the 15$ there when the guy was such a jerk! If you wait in any line, it IS NOT ok to help the person behind you first, unless that person wasn't actually ready. I was ready, but he didn't want to have to go search for the shoe and was probably hoping the other chick would finish checking her customer out first.

The people that work at that Macy's need to get a serious discussion and training day, their customer service skills are beyond awful.

Let's continue the boycott, Macy's will never have the ability to care for their customers the way that Field's did.

Date: Sun, September 21, 2008  10:39 am CT
Posted by: An Observer

Being new to this blog, I apologize if any of these observations have been shared before.

I find it difficult to believe all the press that Macy's has received for their localization efforts, as if they invented it or something. All national department stores have done it for years, Nordstrom having teams deployed in any new market to make sure they are C,correct" buying for those stores. Regardless if C+s Nordstrom, or even Wal-mart or TJ Maxx they carry items that sell for their geographic area, and now that Macy's announces "My Macys" C1 itC-s like no one ever thought of this before. How stupid for the press and for the management of Macys to think this is a new idea. I am insulted every time I read about it.

Second, I am insulted when I hear that Macy's does not break out stores sales, because they do internally. I know a few managers for whatever reason still work at the former Marshall Fields stores. They are able to see what their stores have done in pervious years, and they have not matched what Marshall Fields did. Though some Macy's stores do well, in New York, the mid-west stores have not come close to what they did prior to the name change. They did make some gains last year, but again not to what sales used to be with the former Marshall Fields name and former merchandise.

Bottom line, the only enrichment Macy's has provided , is given volumes of material to our business schools, so students can write their thesis on "what not to do" when running a business.

Date: Sat, September 20, 2008  8:34 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Tomorrow's Sunday Chicago Tribune has over four pages of color ads for Macy's just in the news section 1. Most of the ads are sponsored by Calvin Klein. What? These ads, even with Macy's package discount, easily go for over $50,000. And the stores in the Chicago area are still doing weakly.

Date: Sat, September 20, 2008  11:57 am CT
Posted by: ChrisP

This is in repsonse to Miller's post.

I think you Miller are living in a dream world. The restorattion you want would cost millions of dollars. Field's the old Field's made the changes to the current buidling to maiximize its use. The only thing they could do is reopen the candy and bakery which should have never closed thanks to TARGET, and put more office space into the upper floors. Macy's has already added 90 positions in management to the store whereas Field's ie TARGET moved most management functions to their Dayton's downtown Minneapolis store. In this poor econmomy and the new limits on credit since the banks are going to be VERy careful with loans, it will be almost impossible for a new vendor in the US to purchase the stores. No other reatailer ie Bon-Ton, Nordstrom, JCPENNEY, Target, Wal-mart, Sears, NRDC has the capital to invest in new locations and a new division. They are all having a hard time except for Wal-mart and Costco which are discount and warehouse stores to make that investment. Also the ecnomoic problems that happened this week are branching overseas and other retailers across the board are having a difficult time and are consolidateing WWD reported this month and previous months. The only hope for what Miller's post says would be a billionaire like Mark Cuban or Warren Buffett to buy the store and not look a them for a money making investment for the first few years.

Date: Fri, September 19, 2008  5:26 pm CT
Posted by: gle

I wish Miller was in charge of Messy's instead of the people who are. They can't even keep the right time on all the clocks or dust cobwebs off the Marshall Field's nameplates.

They should at least put a "Men's Room" sign on the Randolph and Wabash entrances. There is so much underwear it's like stepping into a latrine. And what kind of window display is packages and packages of guys' socks? Is that what tourists come to Chicago to see? They could at least put some of their crumby shirts there like a normal store would.

'nuff said. Have a good weekend Field's Fans!

Date: Fri, September 19, 2008  12:01 pm CT
Posted by: Judy M

Hello all from Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles....we're here scuba diving in crystal clear water, enjoying hot, sunny days. So who should I meet on the dive boat but a fellow Chicagoan. The topic of conversation?? Te Cubs AND...Marshall Field's!! How fun to find someone of like mind all the way in the Caribbean! Even spoke with a Dutch airline employee who told me Chicago is his favorite American city (he met his wife there!). He was appalled to hear that Field's is now Messy's. He's shopped there many times and was so sad when I told him. Field's Fans..they really are everywhere!!

Be back to reality all too soon...

Judy

Date: Fri, September 19, 2008  10:32 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff S.

Wow! Miller's ideas and proposal is great! Whoever would do all of that would certainly be a hero for all Chicagoans! If someone could come and buy the State Stret Store and do all that; think of the business it would get! Any takers out there?

Date: Fri, September 19, 2008  1:10 am CT
Posted by: John E. Aranza

I give tours with Gray Line of Chiago , and I can tell you first hand and truthfully that :

...visitors have told me that they don`t want to come to Chicago and shop at a Macy store that is trying to make a national brand name of itself .

That Macy`s has taken over home town stores in other cities , and that coming to Chicago they want to shop at a local Chicago store , specifically missing Fields and what they remembered it for and wanted to return to .

They said that they could shop at Macy`s elsewhere if they wanted .

I`m writing this in response to I recall was a Channel 2 ( or 7 ) news item about your group a week or so ago .

And what I have written is true .

Hope that this supports your cause .

John E. Aranza
Chicago, Illinois

Date: Thurs, September 18, 2008  9:11 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Hi, Field's Fans!

I loved Miller's post! He obviously knows more about art, architecture, tradtion and responsibility than Terry Lundgren will ever know. No, none of Miller's brilliant suggestions will come to fruition in the Dark Ages of Macyfication, but the post should be saved for the future inheritor of our great Marshall Field's store. It sure can't be long before Macy's goes down. As you know, I walk through 111 N. State at least once, 5 days a week, at various times of day. I make it a habit to count the number of Macy's bags I see. I knew business was bad from the get-go, because the average number of bags I counted over the past two years was three. Sometimes it was even less, and occasionally as many as five (on sale days - but remember that means lower profits). Yesterday and today I counted ZERO BAGS during my daily walk-through. You watch: the next set of numbers will reflect my informal poll!

Imagining Miller's list of changes and the renaissance of Field's,

Zelda

Date: Thurs, September 18, 2008  5:05 pm CT
Posted by: gle

An Associated Press article in today's "Tribune" quotes Messy's as saying the current financial upheavel "...hasn't changed their merchandising plans, since they have already been slashing inventories and cutting expenses."

One must admit Messy's already can't get much worse. They do now, however, have an increased excuse factor which they will no doubt make use of to the fullest. Just wait for their upcoming press releases.

"Financial turmoil fuels more worries about consumer spending" by By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO | AP Business Writer
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-ap-financial-meltdown-shoppers,0,7757919.story

ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com

Date: Thurs, September 18, 2008  2:52 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

In case you live out of the Chicago area, simply missed it, or want to see it in color, you can view and even purchase online the Marshall Field's rally photo that ran in the Wednesday, September 10 Chicago Tribune Business section.

http://pictopia.com/perl/gal?process=gallery&gallery_id=R1257924818&provider_id=334&ptp_photo_id=5970376&ref=em2f

Date: Thurs, September 18, 2008  12:31 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

To Miller:

When I first read your comments, I laughed my head off--not because I don't agree with them 100%---but because Macy's can't even keep the place CLEAN, much less restore it. Then I was suddenly overwhelmed with sadness. The beautiful palace you describe could exist--indeed, it did exist!--if only the property would fall into the hands of a caring steward. Under Macy's stewardship, it will become just another tired, run down old city building.

The beautiful Oak Brook store, which always shone with a quiet class, is now a dirty dump. Last time I walked through, the cracked ivory floor tiles were glued together with some sort of black goo. Cheap cardboard signage was everywhere, and the harsh nasty lighting showed a layer of dust on every countertop.

When we first began this protest, I hoped we could convince Macy's to bring back Field's. Now I know that is the wrong approach. Macy's simply doesn't have the class, ethics, and business acumen to pull it off. My most sincere hope is that Macy's dumps the old Field's stores into the hands of a new owner who possesses the vision. If that doesn't happen, they might as well burn them down rather than keep defacing the legacy.

Date: Thurs, September 18, 2008  9:57 am CT
Posted by: Mike M with Jim

Today's Sun-Times has a "Letter to the Editor" from a Michigan Field's supporter.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/letters/1170631,CST-EDT-vox18.article

Remember that your letters really help make the boycott work! Even if they are not published, they register with the editors, noting that this issue is still of concern to people, two years after the fact. Email your comments to their editorial page at letters@suntimes.com and their TalkBack column at talkback@suntimes.com

If you are short on time, at least call the Sun-Times Talk Back number at (312) 321-2360.

Date: Thurs, September 18, 2008  9:30 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

I have to agree with "Miller" on pretty much all counts, including the fresh perspective offered.

But the reality is we'd be lucky at this point if Macy's simply leaves enough in tact and preserved for whenever that ideal steward takes over the Marshall Field Store & Building in the furture.

I say this not as a knee-jerk "I'm mad at Macy's" reaction, but based on the sad experience I had about three months ago when I visited the former Abraham and Straus flagship in Brooklyn, the former Jordan Marsh and Filene's flagships at Downtown Crossing in Boston and, of course, Macy's Herald Square. In the case of all of these, it was clear that maintenance was minimal. In my book, the Abraham and Straus flagship never quite ranked up there with the Carson's or Field's flagships, but it had this oustanding feature--a beautiful curved plan elevator lobby. It looked dingy and unkept and it's only been 12 years or so since Macy's took over. It really gave me a feel for what 111 N State could look like in a few years under Macy's.

Filene's? Sold because it is less than 100 feet from the Jordan Marsh that is now a Macy's, the Burnham masterpiece is gutted. The architecturally significant facades remain but not much else. To Voranado's credit, some unworthy additions have been removed.

The Jordan Marsh flagship was turned into a Macy's at about the same time Abraham and Straus became a Macy's. I reported last year how some commemorative plaques added by Macy's were all filthy and cracked with pieces missing. That's still the case. And well, Herald Square is indeed a beloved NYC landmark but it never has measured up to 111 N State.

I'm totally supportive of what Miller writes, but I'm not hopeful that Macy's would do it. Moreover, based on what I saw at these stores in the Northeast back in June, I'm concerned that Macy's couldn't do the restorations justice, although I will applaud the job done at Medinah Temple with the Bloomingdale's Home Store.

Date: Thurs, September 18, 2008  9:15 am CT
Posted by: Miller

Hi All!

Glad to see so much support for a Chicago institution and landmark building!

I have a different approach to ask of Macy's, the latest owner of the Marshall Field Store & Building (that's the official Chicago Landmark Designation name of the building and property, by the City of Chicago). If you are truely intrested in the Chicago market, could I suggest a quality reinvestment in the Landmark State Street Store?

This investment and plans should include:

1. A full restoration of the original D.H. Burnham & Company (Daniel Burnham's architecture office)exterior cornice at the top of the building, around the block-long perimeter of the store, removed long ago. These features were recently restored at numerous other Chicago Landmarks, from the Marquette Building, the Reliance and the Carson Pirie Scott Store/Building. This is a distinct architectural feature of the top of these famous buildings and should be recreated and restored.

2. The restoration of the metal entrance canopies on both Randolph Street and Washington Street (four total). Much of the original historic fabric is intact, below a thin metal cladding, dating to the 1960s. The lacy cast iron ornamental features, with a glass skylight would be a bright and welcome addition to the building, if restored to the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for restoration.

3. Restoration of the interior of the State and Randolph room (with the 13 story glass-roof atrium), which was about twice its current size, prior to the 1992 renovation, which reduced much of this most beautiful room,for the addition of stock offices, shipping rooms, an oversized loading dock, etc. Perhaps some of these rooms can be restored, with a rethinking of these functions, perhaps even via a ramp to the lower level (basement-or second or third basement of the store), much like the ramp at Water Tower, which services the entire shopping mall. Both the State/Randolph and Wabash/Randolph rooms were greatly trunkated, for the removal of the service alley. Ironically, the State/Randolph room was skylit, with the 13 story atrium. and considered the best location for the sale of cosmetics with the natural daylight, vs artificial light, which can greatly alter colors, etc. Many of the Corinthian order columns, capitals and pilasters were destroyed in this renovation effort. Also the incursion of the new firestairs, further trunkated this room on the West side, as well as removing display windows on State Street(about 6 display windows were lost on State and painted black). This was all done due to the removal of interior stairs for the truck dock and the reopening of the central atriums, which had been partially blocked and sealed in prior remodellings. Certainly, a good architect and designer could restore all of these elegant grand sales rooms or salons.

4. Removal of the added flourescent light coves in all of the historic first floor rooms and returing back to indirect flouresecnt lamps located in the tops of the high back counters and the return of the many chandeliers and decorative light fixtures that were more in keeping with the store's architecture. Several of these chandeliers still exist in the Washington/Wabash Room (formerly the Silver and jewelery department).

5. Restoration of Walnut Room, "to subtract" the large kitchen addition that removed the western portion of the room and modified it so severely. Also, the original atrium of the Walnut Room was approximately another 20' taller, (modified/lowered in the 1950s). While the height may not be of the greatest importance, a great landmark, should be restored when possible.

6. Restoration of several of the original marble staircases and cast iron handrails, removed in 1992 and now stored/housed within the building.

7. The complete restoration of the Narcissis Room (North Grill Room), on the 7th floor, with the recreation of the original Pompeian design scheme (on the walls, ceilings and columns), fixtures, colors and a restoration of the fountain and a cleaning of the mosaics as necessary.

8. Re-open and restock the store with a large scale book and toy department, fabrics, and a line of special features, from quality sporting goods to an in-house cleaners---everything under one roof, as was Field's prior to Dayton-Hudson's buyout. Perhaps a store for men, as was the building across the street on the Southwest corner of Washington and Wabash-25 E. Washington St), which was a 7-story store for men (notice the details of the building are similar), with offices above.

9. Reopen and "reinvent" the top uppermost floors of the State Street store for addtional customer uses on 10, 11, and 12, (even 13)as part of the store. Consider a rooftop restaurant, large-sclae candy kitchen, or all of the above, or something creative that would show a committment to the building, the store and the company.

10. Consider relocating the corporate headquarters from Ohio and New York to the 12th and 13th floors of the State Street store, or perhaps across the street in the 25 E. Washington Building.

These features could greatly enhance this world-class Chicago Landmark building and signal a positive change, while investing in the chain.

These are some of the items I would like to see happen at the State Street store, which go beyond the usual messages and posts.

Thanks for your consideration of these concepts and ideas.

Best Regards,

Miller

Date: Thurs, September 18, 2008  3:14 am CT
Posted by: darrid

Has anyone noticed that Raspberry Frangos are now back after being discontinued? Also, here at Woodfield, all of the Organic Frangos are gone. There is a new box design for all of them. Slowly and surely all the boxes that said Marshall Field's are almost gone now.

I also saw the new Frangos Trio with the green chocolate cover Frangos. I looked at the back of the box and the clock was still upside down. I got home and immediately called Gertrude Hawk candies. I spoke to Bea and she indicated that they still hadn't run out of the bad boxes.

Hum, so if something is wrong, just keep using it? Marshall Field's would have had this corrected right away.

Darrid

Date: Wed, September 17, 2008  7:18 pm CT
Posted by: drew

Here's an "exciting" opportunity for all supporters of Marshall Field's and other regional department stores:

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/09/15/daily30.html?ana=yfcpc

Wonder what "lessons" Mr Lunkhead learned from his grand macy*fication of America. His forced smile resembles a sneer and makes him look like the villain that he really is.

Date: Wed, September 17, 2008  7;17 pm CT
Posted by: Sharon

I spoke to an agent from Merrill Lynch today. He said they had a meeting re their status upon being bought out by Bank of America. They told him "no name change--we don't want another 'Macy's' incident!"

"Macification" or "Macyifying" should make the dictionery soon . . .

Date: Wed, September 17, 2008  5:55 pm CT
Posted by: C. C. Chicago

What the?? I was walking south on Wabash this afternoon looking in the windows of Marshall Field's. Not only does the store look shabby, oh so shabby, but all the signs on men's socks with the brand names are backwards. I'm not joking.

What has happened to the Display Department (Signage? Design?) whatever they call it? Do you mean to tell me that no one has gone outside to see what the windows look like from that angle? Macy's thinks they have something wonderful to sell that we want to buy? How would we know, unless we can read backwards. It doesn't look like these people know what they're doing. I'll bet a third grader could do better.

Date: Wed, September 17, 2008  3:59 pm CT
Posted by: drew

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/s_588605.html

So "those wacky folks at macy*s" finally realized that a cookie cutter, one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. Too little, too late! Bring back what Lunkhead so foolishly threw away!

Date: Wed, September 17, 2008  9:08 am CT
Posted by: John

Bon-Ton stock has hit a 52 week low this morning. It is down to $3.25. It has lost about 90% of it's value in the past year! A friend that works in one of their stores in PA says moral is really low because they have been told off the record by management that bankruptcy is pending and a lot of stores will be closing. My friend is fearing for her job.

Date: Wed, September 17, 2008  8:58 am CT
Posted by: gle

The "Tribune" is still looking for entries to its cookie recipie contest. I wonder if tney didn't get any due to their booby prize of Messy's gift certificates.

"Holiday Cookie Contest, Bake cookies! Win prizes!" September 17, 2008

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/chi-cookie-contest-17sep17,0,6389493.story

I sent them a very short essay on how I'm not sending a recipie and why.

Date: Tues, September 16, 2008  10:38 pm CT
Posted by: Elizabeth

What a great protest last week! I am proud to have been out there with a sign, and am busy recruiting more people for the next time. In fact, I wear my button proudly, and every time I get a comment or compliment, I offer that person a button from the stash I now carry in my purse, and direct them to the website.

It was great that there was so much press last week; unfortunately I missed all but the slightly slanted, slightly snide piece on CBS. If anyone has the news stories recorded or saved on their DVR, I would be happy to help digitize it/them so that they can be posted on the internet. Please let me know!

Date: Tues, September 16, 2008  10:07 pm CT
Posted by: gle

People keep asking how our protest rally went September 9. Interest in a return of Field's seems to be growing, not diminishing. A member of the much younger generation (Messy's target market) told me she already has fond memories of Field's, and the Christmas in the Walnut Room she and her mother tried last year just wasn't the same.

I remember when Messy's said they wanted to eliminate coupons and customers needed to be re-educated on how to shop. Now they seem to think they have to bribe customers with discounts to get a sale. There were a couple of full-page color ads in Sunday's "Tribune" offering a free gift with certain purchases. Any promos I see for Messy's have some kind of bargain connected with them.

I agree with posts by Ed (September 11) and Rich W. (September 12) about why we are boycotting Messy's. It goes far beyond "frivolous shopping." We don't want the corporate jerks telling us how we are supposed to live. And we won't just go along with junk because it gets dumped on us.

Date: Tues, September 16, 2008  7:47 pm CT
Posted by: Mitch

My brother was in from New York this weekend. He's the executive chef at a leading restaurant on 23rd Street.

It seems that someone lost their "Marshall Field's Forever" button while dining there. He brought it to me.

So even in Manhattan, or someone visiting, had their Marshall Field's button. I'm wearing it until someone claims it.

Best to all,

Mitch

Date: Mon, September 15, 2008  10:34 pm CT
Posted by: Steve

All that is happening on Wall Street is part of the same illness that took away Chicago's revered Marshall Field's!

Date: Mon, September 15, 2008  8:34 CT
Posted by: Jim

Every now and then I encounter a well-intended and dedicated supporter who proudly declares that they are boycotting Macy's and have taken their business to the likes of Nordstrom, Crate and Barrel, Saks, etc. And they also list that they shop at Bloomingdale's.

Remember, shopping Bloomingdale's is like shopping Macy's. It's a division of Macy's but it's still Macy's. But most of all, I keep hearing from those in the know that a big consideration in getting rid of Field's on State was so that Bloomingdale's would have less competition and get Field's higher end business.

So remember, help bring back Field's by boycotting both Macy's and Bloomingdale's.

In response to the last post, I think it is very fortunate that Macy's didn't convert all the Field's stores to Macy's except in name. If they had kept the Marshall Field's name on stores that were run as they are today--as Macy's--it would be even worse.

Date: Mon, September 15, 2008  1:49 pm CT
Posted by: KeepItFields

Today,according to the Bank of America CEO, Merrill Lynch name will stay.

Without talking about the ups and downs of Wall Street, it surely is nice to see that even when the biggest changes take place that there is still a respect for the overall appreciation of tradition and a respect for the company name,organization and legacy.

Wouldn't it be nice if the powers that be in retail would warmly celebrate the excellence and legacy that is Marshall Field's ? The holidays are coming and one of the greatest gifts of shopping would be the return Marshall Field's to its rightful place of prominence.

What do you think ?

Date: Mon, September 15, 2008  10:29 pm CT
Posted by: R.

Every now and then I see a Marshall Field's logo somewhere and I am very glad. I miss Marshall Field's!

Date: Sun, September 14, 2008  10:29 pm CT
Posted by: drew

James from Minneapolis is having problems getting his briefcase repaired. He should just go to macy*mart and purchase a new briefcase from their "exclusive" TOO*NI luggage department.

Date: Sun, September 14, 2008  4:31 pm CT
Posted by: Jeffrey P.

I grew up in Rockford, Illinois. We had a beautiful Marshall Fields @ the Mall @ Cherryvale. I now live in Oklahoma City where we also unfortunately have Macy's(aka Foley's). When I would go home to visit my folks, I would rush to Fields to check out their collection of Kosta Boda & Orrefors (Swedish artglass). They always had a fabulous display and occasionally there would be limited addition pieces. Now, the display has shrunk to pieces that everyone carries. No big deal. In fact Macy's is no big deal.

I shop at Dillards as it is actually a nicer store, much more selection and you can find sales people to help you.

I know we would never have Marshall Fields down here if they were ever to re-surface but I would be thrilled if they were to return up north.

Date: Sun, September 14, 2008  12:10 pm CT
Posted by: Mari-ann

From today's New York Post:

"For nearly a decade, Rep. Charles Rangel has enjoyed free trips to luxurious Caribbean destinations paid for by lobbyists from large corporations such as Pfizer and Macy's, who bundled their sponsorship cash through a small, New York-based Caribbean newspaper."

http://www.nypost.com/seven/09142008/news/nationalnews/another_power_trip_by_rangel_129015.htm

For certain, Macy's or any retailer will use lobbyists; yet this is down right seedy. Moreover, it's important to point out that this what people like us are up against. Given what we are up against, I think it's amazing what we have accomplished.

Date: Sun, September 14, 2008  11:44 am CT
Posted by: Gail

I was in Washington, D.C. last week, and I walked by the old Woodward & Lothrop building on F Street. "Woodies," as Washington cave dwellers called it, has been gone for about a decade, but it was Washington's leading department store for generations. It fell victim to the recession of the 1990s, which hit Washington area government contractors particularly hard. Along with the smaller but slightly more upmarket Garfinckel's and the slightly more downmarket Hecht's, Woodies formed the backbone of Washington, D.C. retail for a century. The Woodies building still flies a flag in front with the familiar W&L logo. As I passed by, and peered into what appears to be the entry way for office rental space, a passer-by called out to me, "Woodies was a great store!"

He didn't have to say so. I knew it. I am a Washington native. Next to Field's, Woodies was rather ordinary. I well remember the first time I ever visited Field's and thought, "Wow, this must be what Woodies aspires to be!" But even a wannabe Field's is a great store.

When I got back to my hotel room, I looked up Woodies in the Wikipedia and learned that its owners, like Marshall Field, were very philanthropic (though on a smaller scale, since Washington at the turn of the 20th century was quite a small place relative to Chicago). Woodward funded the YMCA. His daughter donated the land that the National Institutes of Health are now located on. The next morning I happened to be in a building that houses the YWCA headquarters and found that Julius Garfinckel had been their early sponsor. Ah! Maybe the beauty of competition extends even to philanthropy.

Thanks Samuel Woodward, Alvin Lothrop, Julius Garfinckel and Samuel

Hecht & Sons for making Washington shopping so pleasurable.

Date: Sat, September 13, 2008  8:10 pm CT
Posted by: drew

A friend stopped at a former Kaufmann's location in a suburban Pittsburgh mall. She said, "If someone gave me a thousand dollars and said that I had to spend it in THAT store, I would have to return the money. There is absolutely NOTHING there I want." She said the petites department was "Charter Club, Charter Club and more Charter Club." The former name brand merchandise was gone and replaced by bland generic house brands. She said the clothing she had in her closet was nicer than the Red Star's offerings. This woman is a shop-a-holic who would think nothing of spending hundreds of dollars yet nothing at the Red Star was worth a second glance.

She said the ONLY good thing about the Red Star store is that her charge accound balance is now ZERO. She has made no purchases after she paid off her Kaufmann's balance despite receiving tons of coupons and "special offers" from the Red Star. She said that each time she goes there, the store offers less and less merchandise. She said the selection and prices are better at Kohl's and JC Penney.

She said that even Sears is a step up from the Red Star, because a customer can get an oil change while shopping at Sears. Visiting the Red Star is just a waste of time.

Date: Sat, September 13, 2008  7:54 pm CT
Posted by: drew

In response to gle's post:

How long after the "exclusive" Eva Mendes "Home DE(C)or" line hits the sales floor of macy*mart will bargain hunters find the merchandise marked down 50 percent--with an additional percent off with a macy*mart charge card? The descriptions sound interesting, but the reality will be something garishly tacky and poorly made.

The liquidators like TJ Maxx, Ross and Big Lots always have a steady stream of "exclusive" macy*mart merchandise flowing in. No doubt the Eva Mendes merchandise will join Charter Club, Alfani, Donald Trump and Usher at the close-out stores.

Are the "exciting" new designer jewelry lines marked down yet?

Date: Sat, September 13, 2008  6:06 pm CT
Posted by: Michael B

Keep up the good work.

It is nice to see a group fighting for a city institution, and also for uniquess in the American retail sector.

Retail has become dull and boring here in North America, as every place has the same stores, controlled by the same large companies.

Personally I do not understand how MACY'S is not using the Marshall Fields banner and merchandise to make a very unique shopping experience in the Chicago area. Any other company would be using the Marshall Fields banner to its fullest and make the State Street store into a place with offerings and style not found anywhere else in the U.S.

Date: Sat, September 13, 2008  11:06 am CT
Posted by: N.S.

My childrens group all wish a return of the Walnut Room and tours of the buidling where the tour guide is allowed to mention the name "Marshall Field's". We plan to make another trip to the Loop to see Wicked. We plan to wear buttons in support of Marshall Field's as we walk up State Street.

Thank you! We completely back you!

Date: Sat, September 13, 2008  6:21 am CT
Posted by: Field's Fan 123

Carson's has a great Goodwill sales. Bring something in and get 20% off almost anything! Unlike Macy's it includes fragrances, cosmetics, high end brands like Coach, etc. There is also a Lancome gift with purchase this week.

Date: Fri, September 12, 2008  6:22 pm CT
Posted by: Gabriel M

What is the total number of "Marshall Field and Company" plaques on the entire exterior of the State Street Store?

Date: Fri, September 12, 2008  5:42 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Hi Field's Fans!

I believe we are the only group of loyalists still protesting a department store closing two years later, which only attests to the specialness of the store we lost. Field's had class, tradition and a special aura created by a beautiful structure that was immaculately maintained and highly professional, courteous staff.

Now it has been taken over by a company that hasn't the slightest idea of how to merchandise! Not only does our beautiful 111 N. State have two Chevy Malibu billboards despoiling the windows of a landmark building, but now they have revamped the first floor so that men's underwear is on sale, visible right through the store windows! How appealing!

Before Macy's took over, the first floor held cosmetics, antiques, perfume, and years ago, an extensive selection of sumptuuous candies, including Frangos. Speaking of Frangos, there's a paltry table of old Frangos, right next to the men's underwear!

You don't have to be a business school graduate, you just have to have common sense!, to know that men's underwear shouldn't be what you see when you look through a department store window. Where do these morons come from?

Zelda - Irate as Ever!

Date: Fri, September 12, 2008  5:09 pm CT
Posted by: gle

I didn't want to put this with my post of a few minutes ago because that was positive and upbeat, but Messy's announced in the "Tribune" stock quotes (enter M for Messy's and hit go)a couple more of their "exclusive" promos we aren't interested in:

"Eva Mendes Launches Home DA(C)cor Brand Exclusively at Macy's"

http://markets.chicagotribune.com/custom/tribune-interactive/html-story.asp?symb=M&siteid=chicagotribune&guid={AC7E5803-673C-4B5B-90C4-F006B9D4E7B6}

"Bloomingdale's announces three new stores"

http://markets.chicagotribune.com/custom/tribune-interactive/html-story.asp?symb=M&siteid=chicagotribune&guid={418F6523-9251-4BBD-A681-2E8501E76D40}

SORRY, WE WON'T SHOP THERE. CHICAGO WANTS OUR MARSHALL FIELD'S!

Date: Fri, September 12, 2008  4:57 pm CT
Posted by: gle

I have my copy of "Marshall Field's Food and Fashion" by Joan Greene on the file cabinet by my desk at work, and my co-workers just love it. I am referring them to the Cultural Center to get their own. They keep wishing us all the best, and are excited that the rally worked out well.

The "Tribune" photo of our Field's Fan is on my bulletin board with a couple of leaflets. I wrote the "Tribune" to thank them for the publicity at ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com

I'm glad we are looking to the future for those who are babies now. Messy's thinks the younger generation is their target market, but we want our kids to have great memories of Field's like we got. Who would actually wish Messy's and not Field's on their kids?

Date: Fri, September 12, 2008  4:34 pm CT
Posted by: Matt

Leslie, I love how you stated it!

"the store formerly know as Marshall Field's."

I will be using that from now on, thank you.

Date: Fri, September 12, 2008  3:16 pm CT
Posted by: Tim in Fort Wayne

We were lucky enough to have Marshall Field's in Fort Wayne for a few years. After the company was acquired by May, the branch was closed.

Even though we had this branch of Field's, people from Fort Wayne still flocked to Chicago during the Christmas holidays to shop at the State Street store. I was last there during Christmas of 2005 and it was busier than ever. The wait time to eat in the Walnut Room on a Saturday was at least 4 hours! Of course, by this time, everyone knew that the end of the Marshall Field name and tradition would soon be ending. Shoppers in the Christmas department were buying Marshall Field's ornaments like it was their last meal!

I love to read these comments every day and know how many of us want not only the Marshall Field's name restored but also the quality of merchandise and service. What more can we do to get this across to Mr. Lunkhead?! I doubt he looks at this site or attends the rallies. Do we all just need to continually write letters or send e-mails to "M" corporate headquarters? Obviously, many of you shareholders have spoken, but what can more of us do other than just sharing these comments and stories amongst ourselves? Maybe the rallies need to be moved to Cincinnati where Lunkhead's office is?! Share your ideas.

Keep up the good work everyone!

Tim in Fort Wayne

Date: Fri, September 12, 2008  8:53 am CT
Posted by: :-Diane in Ohio

Okay, this is really trivial, but didn't know where else to post. A big THANKS to whomever assembled the shopping list, alternatives to stores that used to be in Fields, etc. Just discovered it this morning. All i can say is this is a full-service blog! (you do Marshall Field's proud!) :-D

Date: Fri, September 12, 2008  8:25 am CT
Posted by: Rich W

I posted on some of the news sites that had articles about the protest on Tuesday, and none of them showed up. Thosw wacky m*cy's people must be on their payrolls. But I did read the postings that were there, and I must say that some of the bloggers "just don't get it." They think we are wasting time running around with signs. Field's had been in decline (an outright lie that was perpetuated by the wacky m*cy's people). Blah blah blah. There is something bigger and more important in this fight. Marshall Field's and it's hostile takeover by m*cy's represents everything that is wrong in corporate America these days. The customer's voice is not only not being heard, but m*cy's told us to go away and they would find new customers. The ego of Sterile Lunkhead supercedes doing what's right for the business, which would have been the return of Field's to it's former state in every facet. The spreading of mistruths about the state of Marshall Field's business before the conversion, as if m*cy's was the divine savior was crap, and that kind of lecturing sounds very Enron, Fannie Mae-ish. The simple fact that m*cy's KNOWS they committed a huge blunder, yet they refuse to admit it and retrench shows how far corporate greed will go. This fight is not just about Marshall Field's. It's about the will of the people being discounted like a rack of Alfani clearance. Field's represents us, the people....the everyday shoppers that keep retailers in business. I can continue to spend money at Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Von Maur...and when i want everyday non-descript stuff, I can go to JC Penney and get better quality and value than m*cy's. The lost sales and margin that m*cy's has handed to these other stores should make the board of directors' heads spin, but as usual in typical greedy corporations, as long as they get their big, fat checks they won't listen. In the immortal words of Jimmy Gimbels, "those wacky folks at m*cy's just don't get it."

Date: Thurs, September 11, 2008  11:28 pm CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Hi All----

I had a rather unpleasant macy's experience this afternoon. About 15 years ago, I bought a Tumi brand briefcase at Dayton's. It happened to be the manager of the luggage dept who rang me up that day and he was very clear that Tumi guarantees their products for life, so if ever there were a problem with it, just bring it back to the store. Then the store will work either directly with Tumi or with a luggage repair house and there would be no charge to me. Any costs would be worked out behind the scenes.

Around year 7 on the briefcase, there was in fact an issue: the zipper for the main compartment started tearing away from that bullet proof frabic of the case. I took it into the store and there was just the easiest time getting it fixed. That day was Thursday, they send out the repairs on Friday and the customer should pick up the piece the following Friday. Since clearly there was a "faulty stitiching" on the zipper, there would be no charge to me-----Tumi would pay to have a new zipper sewn on.

Last week, the toggle for the shoulder strap came loose, rendering the strap useless. I knew I would need to take it into the luggage dept at macy's, which I attempted to do after work today. When I arrived in luggage, there was no one working. Luggage has now moved from 5th FLoor down to the lower level, so the adjacent depts were a Starbucks coffe, the leased shoe & leather repair shop, and Marketplace deli area-----none of which would have staff to help me in luggage. I stood around for about 10 minutes before a woman came back to the dept from her break and I could explain the situation. She stated she doesn't know anything about Tumi and their guarantee since this is not her regular dept and she is just filling in today. She thought the best way to proceed was for me to write down my name & contact info on a card and leave the briefcase there until "someone who knows something comes in." Before I could write the information, she took about 2 minutes to search for a pen.

As I was writing, an older guy shows up who has a very brusk, rude manner and she has me tell the story to him, as he is apparently a regular employee in that dept. He cuts me off verbally and starts saying in an excited voice that they dont handle repairs anymore at all. When I say, "Really?", he gets very excited and somewhat annoyed with me and begins talking louder and faster about how they don't take that kind of business anymore, but he refers me to a small luggage store in my own neighborhood. I walk back to my car, pay the $5 parking fee and drive home. So far I have spent 40 minutes driving, walking & waiting plus $5 and have resolved NOTHING.

When I arrive back in Uptown, I walk to the luggage store and present the issue there. The woman there tells me about the Tumi guarantee but says the store charges a $15 "handling fee." I have no more time to look for yet another store that will handle this for me, so I agree, I complete the paper form for her and find out she only sends out repairs on Tuesday, so I can pick it up on Tuesday 9/23, quite a few days out.

While I am in Uptown, I run a couple of other errands and then walk home. When I arrive home, there is a voice message from the luggage store that she forgot to collect the $15 upfront from me and that I need to return to the store and pay that before she will send the bag out. I walk back to the store and pay the money and walk home---again. Both round trips plus the in-store time burn up another 45 minutes.

I really miss Marshall Field's where I could just do everything in 1 place without hassles. Just like they make shopping much more difficult than it need be, macys also made the simple task of getting the guaranteed service on the luggage much more difficult than it need be.

Regards.

Date: Thurs, September 11, 2008  10:38 pm CT
Posted by: Paul

The Marshall Field's of Southern baking history, taken over by Yankees in Ohio.....

----------------------------------------

Smucker battles bloggers over flour

The Associated Press August 10, 2008

J.M. Smucker Co. is trying to get out of a jam with fans of White Lily flour, a 125-year-old brand that Smucker acquired in 2006 and has recently been the subject of wild rumors fueled by bloggers.

The packaging calls White Lily "a Southern tradition since 1883," so purists were alarmed when the original but aging White Lily mill in Knoxville, Tenn., was closed at the end of June. Online critics bemoaned the fact that the flour is now produced exclusively up north - in Ohio - and have threatened a boycott.

[ Full story at the following link ]

http://www.thenews-messenger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080802/UPDATES01/80802020/1002/NEWS01

Date: Thurs, September 11, 2008  9:57 pm CT
Posted by: S.B.

I just saw the images in the Tribune. How amazingly wonderful. It was a large photo too! I couldn't make it on Tuesday but I was there in spirit. I have never entered Macy's in the Midwest and never will. It's that simple. Macy's leave already, the only person you're hurting is yourself!

Date: Thurs, September 11, 2008  7:47 pm CT
Posted by: JON WINDY

NOT AVAILABLE IN CHICAGO

Macy Marketing Mantra

Macy's ran a full-pager in Thursday's Trib (04Sep08) in honor of their 150th year in business (mostly not in Chicago). I visited their Water Tower store early Friday the 5th to purchase a man's dress shirt for $15.99. "We don't carry it here," I was told, "but it's available at State Street." So I jumped on a 151 Michigan Avenue bus and visited their State Street store. "We don't carry it here," I was told, "it's available only in our suburban stores." I had the ad with me. "Where does it say that?" There, buried near the bottom of the ad in 1-point font, was the phrase, "...may not be available at your local Macy's."

Huh? My local Macy's? Not available at their flagship Chicago store? What kind of nonsense merchandising is that? Would Marshall Field's so dump on Chicagoans? Not on your Buckingham Fountain!

Roger Ebert warned us about Macy taking over the Field's name and franchise. I thought, "Nah, give \xc3\xabem a chance. They run a nice parade in Manhattan." But Rajah was correct: it's their same old Bronxian bait-and-switch strategy. I asked a long-time manager for a substitute. "No, there is none," the manager ruefully replied. I felt empathy for her; like all of Chicago, the manager is a victim of the Macy assault.

I read that Macy's is not doing financially well with the Fields's acquisition. Bush economy, lower consumer spending, competition have all been suggested. I don't think it's any of the above. I thi nk it's Macy's patronizing disrespect for us as "second-city rubes" that's to blame. And this mind set will never go away. So maybe it's best for all that Macy's goes. Adios New York! It's been "well,........it's been.

Date: Thurs, September 11, 2008  5:12 pm CT
Posted by: L Grand

Hello, Fellow Field's Fans!

I just want to point out a very SIGNIFICANT fact that even the news media has not noticed or realized. It's been two years since macy's trampled the Marshall Field's brand underfoot, but this is the THIRD YEAR that Field's Fans have protested. We protested in 2006, 2007 and now in 2008 - and more than once per year. I hope the news media will take note of this THIRD YEAR of protest and realize that we are not going to go away any time soon! As someone already said, "We'll caterwaul til the cows come home!"

Field's CAN come back - I don't care what the retail analysts say against the likelihood of it. We certainly are not looking to macy's to restore the beloved Marshall Field's brand and all; they have proven themselves not only too arrogant to do so, but too INCAPABLE!

Very Marshall Fieldingly yours,

L. Grand

Date: Thurs, September 11, 2008  5:20 pm CT
Posted by: R.I.

I would like to express my fervent support of Marshall Fields returning to Chicago. I used to work downtown and would lunch at the State Street store a couple of times a week. Since Macy's I refuse to. I really miss Field's.

Date: Thurs, September 11, 2008  1:38 pm CT
Posted by: Gabriel M.

In response to the retail expert who said Macy's spent too much on the nation-wide conversion, so did Coca-Cola when they converted to the New Coke. We all know now that Coca-Cola learned a very basic concept in microeconomics : the doctrine of consumer sovereignty. If the consumer chooses not to buy a product, the lack of demand will hurt the company and eventually they will try to produce something else. In a market economy this is a rule of thumb.

Macy's has admitted that their worst performing stores are the ones in the Northern Midwest (former Marshall Field's, Dayton's, and J.L. Hudson stores). Incidentally, they also mentioned the Western United States. One does not need specific sales figures to know that their business is suffering. All one needs to do is compare the foot traffic in the store and count how many Macy's bags there are and contrast that with what Marshall Field's had been two years ago. I specifically remember the media reporting how Christmas of 2005 , the last Christmas of Field's on State Street, had seen very strong sales. So much for the Lundgren claim that Field's was terribly underperforming.

Date: Thurs, September 11, 2008  12:31 pm CT
Posted by: K.M.

I was at the first protest on the Day the switch became official in 2006. I was glad I could attend on Tuesday. Two more years and we're still here. We want Marshall Field's!

We still talk about Field's every day we go by Woodfield, which is every day. And we all know the "field" in "Woodfield" is for Marshall Field's just as the "Wood" is for an exec of Sears.

Old Orchard was not named for O'Hare's former name but for the nickname associated with a Field's exec.

Date: Thurs, September 11, 2008  12:01 pm CT
Posted by: Ed

The message of our movement is much more than simply where to buy socks. At its root is an actual cultural war where corporate America tells us what we can have and what we want.

Terry Lundgren's decision to convert Field's in to Macy's is truly an example of TOTAL cultural and historical illiteracy. You would have to be a complete idiot on the subject of the city of Chicago not to know the role that Marshall Field's played in this city and that it was far more than a department store. This is far more than just corporate greed (although the degree of corporate greed here is more than evident, more than influencial, and stinks); it also shows a sore lack of the type of education that anyone in a position of corporate leadership in a department store should have and shows a lack of ability to understand what was in Macy's best interests and well as the best interests of Chicago.

This protest is so much more than about the hopes of resurrecting a cherished store with an unbelievable connection with our city. It is about striking back at the corporate power structure that brutalizes America today. And if that miraculous victory were to occur and Field's was returned to us, the shock waves and the spin off effects would affect the way that every corporation would think about how to conduct its business.

Date: Thurs, September 11, 2008  11:08 am CT
Posted by: Leslie

Congratulations to everyone on your unprecedented display of sustained civic pride!

I haven't set foot in the store formerly know as Marshall Fields, and we were Saturday regulars at the Oak Brook store.

Date: Thurs, September 11, 2008  8:21 am CT
Posted by: :-Diane in Ohio

Just got the chance to check out Tuesday's events. Looks great! Love the new photos! Hope to see more soon. Though I couldn't attend, I was there in spirit. WONDERFUL that some of you attented the shareholders meeting in Cincinnati too! I still remember the camaraderie from the first anniversary protest last year. It was energizing just to be with so many like-minded Fields supporters. Everyone's dedication to the cause is awe-inspiring! WE CAN BRING FIELD'S BACK! To those who say there are "better things to fight for": Marshall Field is not 'just' a name or 'just' a store. It is the heart of the great city of Chicago. One only has to study Chicago history to realize that it's inseparable from Field's history. You BET it's worth fighting for! Thank you to all the hard-working,core believers! :-D

Date: Wed, September 10, 2008  10:10 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

We all give THANKS to all of you who made yesterday such a success and did so much to help bring back Field's--whether you could be there or not. There are so many but just to get started: Alfred, Mike, Zelda, Joan, Gloria, J., David P., of course Gail, and.................

While there is much more to be discussed and written, for now, please check out the two new photos on our front homepage.

And how about that photo on page 3 of today's Chicago Tribune Business section??? Incredible!

Be certain to check out and comment at the links in today's posts below.

Date: Wed, September 10, 2008  9:47 pm CT
Posted by: JamesfromCa

A few thoughts: Retailwire.com has a story about the protest and you can leave a message but you have to register first. Overwhelmingly the opinion is that macy's is a failure. There is only one shill who insists that macy's is "eating Carsons for lunch!" macy's is "gaining market share in Chicago". On Retailwire there was a pol " should macy's bring back the Marshall Field's banner to stores in Chicago and elsewhere?" 61% said Yes 36% said No and 3% had no opinion.

http://www.retailwire.com/discussions/sngl_discussion.cfm/13222

In the SF Bay Area it's time for Passport 08 macy's annual fashion show.

Originally it was macy's opportunity to show off what they had to offer when it came to fashion. They always had the big guns in designer fashion to add prestige to the store, Armani, Chanel, Yamamoto, Versace, Valentino, Moschino, YSL, the Japanese designers etc ie all the important labels. The actual departments that sold the labels never made a huge amount of money in itself but it bolstered the secondary lines they sold. Now since all those labels are gone the evening is more of a spectacle of underwear models, flame throwers, children on horses, African drummers ie anything to razzle dazzle and to make up for the fact that there isn't any fashion to show.

On their website they just list the sponsors, which can be anything including soft drink companies. People still attend but I think it's just an excuse to socialize and it's for AIDS charities and see the spectacle. No one takes it seriously as a fashion show. Alfani anyone?

Date: Wed, September 10, 2008  9:29 pm CT
Posted by: Sandy C.

I am 66 years old and Marshall Fields has been part of my life since

I can remember. We lived in a rural area south of Chicago but my

grandmother - who lived on the north side of the city - loved going downtown especially at Christmas. She took me for my first train ride when I was five years old to visit Marshall Fields in all

of it's holiday glory. We took lots of time to enjoy the windows,

stood in line to see Santa at Cozy Cloud Cottage (hosted by Uncle

Mistletoe and Aunt Holly, visited the festive floor with holiday

ornaments etc. and of course waited to eat under the famous tree.

I always had the icecream snowman for dessert. We'd spend the whole day in that one store - seeking out our favorite spots on each floor. This was the start of an annual tradition!!!

In future years my sisters and brothers joined us, then I took my

three children each year. My family moved to Indianapolis almost

30 years ago but we have never missed our trip back to Field's at

Christmas. My grandchildren have grown up with my same love of that

special, beautiful, magical State Street store. In fact when Fields became Macy's

my granddaughter said she would still always call it Marshall Fields.

I can only think of two times I didn't get downtown for Christmas

since I was five --- the biggest thrill to all of us here in Indy would be the return of our beloved "Marshall Fields".

Date: Wed, September 10, 2008  6:32 pm CT
Posted by: Mike T.

This is an article about the 40th anniversary of the opening of Saks Fifth Avenue here in Atlanta. Note the last paragraph - something that Saks has known since the beginning, and Macy's still hasn't figured out.

http://www.ajc.com/search/content/living/stories/2008/09/10/saks_fifth_atlanta.html

Mike

Date: Wed, September 10, 2008  5:12 pm CT
Posted by: J. Kelley

I heard about the rally to bring back Field's on the WGN radio Noon show with Bob Sirrott yesterday.

You are all to be commended for what you are doing. Corporate America doesn't care for it's little people. The Workers, the customers.

Macy's biggest contribution could be to give Chicago back its Marshall Field's. That it doesn't care simply shows it has contempt for its customers. Who in their right mind would shop such a store that is so disrespectful to its customers?

Date: Wed, September 10, 2008  3:51 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Page 3 of the Business section of the print edition of today's Chicago Tribune had a HUGE photo of the protest rally on State Street showing a woman staning on the street holding a sign that proclaims,

"MACY'S PROFIT'S DOWN 87%

OUR BOYCOTT IS WORKING

THANK YOU, CHICAGO"

The lady also had a teddy bear dressed in a t-shirt that said, "BRING BACK Marshall Field's" and holding a City of Chicago flag.

Others can also be seen in the background holding the various picket signs.

The top caption of the photo reads, "Marshall Field's forever".

The subcaption reads, "Fans of Marshall Field's department store protest Tuesday outside the Macy's at State and Washington Streets, marking the second anniversary of the store's name change. The rally, organized by a group called Fields Fans Chicago, demands the return of Marshall Field's "in quality, service and name."

The photo and story does not appear on the web version of the Tribune.

Please send letters to the editor in support of our cause at ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com.

Date: Wed, September 10, 2008  3:45 pm CT
Posted by: Google Alerts

Several Google Alerts on the 9/9/08 protest.

Marshall Field's Loyalists (Still) Want Chain Brought Back
RetailWire (subscription) - Cranford,NJ,USA
While diehards keep calling for a return to Marshall Field's, there appears little likelihood that their wish will be granted. Anne Brouwer from McMillan ...
http://www.retailwire.com/discussions/sngl_discussion.cfm/13222

Chicago Public Radio - Chicago,IL,USA
Another protestor carried a cut out of Barack Obama with the messageb� Marshall Field's? Yes, we can. Alison Kuperman walked past the protest this afternoon. ...
http://www.wbez.org/Content.aspx?audioID=28776http://www.wbez.org/Content.aspx?audioID=28776

CBS2 Chicago - Chicago,IL,USA
CHICAGO (CBS) It has been two years since Marshall Field's became Macy's. But for some diehard fans it will be "forever Field's". ...
http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/marshall.fields.macys.2.813833.html

Replacing a legend
WBBM780 - Chicago,IL,USA
CHICAGO -- Two years ago, the Macy's name replaced Marshall Field's at the chain's stores. A core of shoppers who want the old Field's back staged a protest ... http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/2935415.php?

Protesters Want Return of Field's
ABC7Chicago.com USA
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Demonstrators marched and chanted Tuesday for a return of Marshall Field's two years after the department stores were taken over and ...
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6380559

As always, please check these out and be sure to send comments to the news editors at these sites and also leave comments in any comments section that follows each. It's also helpful to email the reporter where you can. The Retail Wire page is an especially lively place to leave comments that are helpful, although the site moderates all posts.

Date: Wed, September 10, 2008  1:49 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

Hi all,

I'm sorry I couldn't join you yesterday for the rally, but I want to thank everyone who was there---you are speaking for me and thousands of others!

I just ran across a quote I had to share:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

--Margaret Mead,

American cultural anthropologist

Date: Wed, September 10, 2008  12:47 pm CT
Posted by: CS

I enjoyed Joan Greene's talk. Thank you!

Date: Wed, September 10, 2008  10:12 am CT
Posted by: Jeff S.

THANK YOU! I attended the wonderful evening get-together last night. How nice everything was! Thanks to Joan and Amy for being there and sharing. It was also so nice to meet other great Marshall Field Fans! The wine, cheese, crackers, cookies--even the Marshall Field "green" plates and napkins; just great! Thank you, organizers, for bringing us all together.

Date: Wed, September 10, 2008  9:45 am CT
Posted by: gle

I enjoyed our protest rally and book-signing yesterday! We made a lot of noise, got filmed and by a lot of media cameras, and were interviewed by several journalism students from Columbia College. State Street was enlivened again, if only for an hour. We definitely made a point--after two years Chicago is even more turned off by Messy's than on the first day of the name change. We aren't going away, and aren't shopping in the store until it is restored to Marshall Field's in name and quality! Thank-you to all the other Field's Fans who participated. It was great to meet some more of you as we waved our Marshall Field's signs for all to see.

In the meantime, the "Tribune" is having a cookie recipie contest, with Messy's gift certificates as prizes!

"Attention cookie makers!" September 10, 2008 article

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/chi-cookie-contest-call-10sep10,0,6943630.story

The "Tribune" said entries should be sent to ctc-goodeating@tribune.com

Perhaps we should send our letters to the editor there as well as the usual e-mail address at ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com

(Incidentally, Joan Greene's charming little book "Marshall Field's Food and Fashion" has a nice recipie for Frango Mint chocolate chips. If anyone didn't get to our book signing, it is available at the Chicago Cultural Center--no Messy's gift certificate involved.)

Date: Wed, September 10, 2008  6:50 am CT
Posted by: BJ

have not not not been in Macy's since they have changed our Chicago name from Marshall fields we have since been a Carson's customer worked at MF in Oak Brook and loved it as a part timer I was one of their best customers BJ

2nd Anniversary Rally Re-enactment & Evening Book Signing, Talk & Reception:
Field's Fans Rally on State to Remind the World That
Chicago Wants Its Marshall Field's in Service, Quality & Name

(CHICAGO, September 9, 2008) Roughly 50 Field's Fans took time from their busy wor k schedule, taking turns during lunch hour to rally in support of the return of Chicago's internationally renowned icon, Marshall Field's.

Later in the evening, more Field's supporters came to hear forward-looking historian Joan Greene, author of Marshall Field's Food and Fashion: A Chicago Tradition. Ms. Greene gave a captivating and inspiring account of Marshall Field's local, national and international significance from the 1800s all the way through today. >>Please read a description of the day's events. >>

Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  11:04 pm CT
Posted by: GWS

As much as I really do miss Marshall Fields, it's too late. even if the store were to come back tomorrow, the succession has already been broken. It's been interrupted, and wo uld never again be the same. Nothing would change that, so, for that reaosn, it makes no sense for Fields to come back now.

Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  8:58 pm CT
Posted by: Name Withheld By Request

I heard you people on the Roe Cohn show today. I heard the passion in your voice to bring back Marshall Fields. I and most of the people whom I worked with in Old Orchard are with you!!.

I know you protest outside the State Street store, but don't forget the suburban stores. Old Orchard is over 50 years old. We need to have at least all the former big Marshal l Fields stores turned back into Marshall Fields.

If you walk through Old Orchard although the parking lot is full, there are very few Macys bags to be seen. If you look in the doors, there are very few people to be seen exce pt for the few employees they have. I know a lady that opened the Old Orchard store over 50 years ago. She'd still be there, except that Macy's let her go when her husband go t sick and eventually died. She's 86 years young but runs around like she's 50 at the most. I worked there for many decades until my job was eliminated by Macy's. There are many who support what you at this website are doing.

Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  8:45 pm CT
Posted by: C.R

Regarding the drop in service at the former Field's stores that are now Macy's, they were the ones that knew the merchandise and were the "service" that is now missing in Macys .

The best thing Macys could do is turn the larger old Marshall Fields stores into Marshall Field & Company stores. I wish the same could have been done for Lake Forest.

Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  8:05 pm CT
Posted by: BN

I heard you today on the Roe Conn show; I had no idea there was such a movement. Count me in. My mom worked at Field's State Street for over thirty years in housekeeping; I worked in the candy kitchen making the frangos for about a year when I was in collage(1989).When I was a kid I used to take the bus down town and have lunch with my mom in the employees cafeteria then wander the store until she would get out. I would go down to the third basement to wait for her to punch out; of course this was before the flood.

Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  7:23 pm CT
Posted by: Shari

Marshall Field's IS Chicago!

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Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  6:32 pm CT
Posted by: Judy

It was great being out at the rally today!! I had a great time!!

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Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  6:00 pm CT
Posted by: David

Fields was the tradition when I went downtown with my parents, stopping at the State Street store, sometimes just to get lunch. I kept it up even when Dad passed and Mom retired out of state.

Now... eh, Macy's is nothing special, so why bother? Plus -- the Chicago/Cook/Illinois sales taxes are nuts!

---

Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  5:55 pm CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

Well kids, here we go again.

Those wacky folks at Macy's are bringing back the "Shopping for a Cause" program. That "wonderful program" allows "lucky" shoppers to spend $15 to get a "Macy's Shopping Pass" (of course, all the scores of exclusions apply). Macy's words the advertising to imply that the $15 is then donated to charity.

No! No! No!

This is Macy's we are talking about!

Only $5 goes to charity; the other $10 goes to Macy's as a "processing fee." HUH? You read that correctly: A PROCESSING FEE! What a scam. Plus those wacky folks will never tell us exactly which charities the money is being donated.

Compare this program to one run by Kohl's. They sell stuffed animals and kids books to raise money for charity. All proceeds go to charities (varies by state). And Kohl's is more than happy to tell you where the money goes.

Target, too!

NO WAY!

NO HOW!

NO MACY'S!

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Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  3:15 pm CT
Posted by: EMM

Macy's is not the same - the quality of the merchandise does not even come close to Field's - when you received a gift in a Field's box you knew it was special - the feeling is not the same with Macy's - it is more like a chain - the service is not the same at all - people took pride in working for Field's - you don't get that feeling at all when you go into Macy's - I won't shop there

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Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  1:37 pm CT
Posted by: T

Just thought you might enjoy this Google ad I saw on a Tribune page. Pretty clearly demonstrates Mayc's (sic) attention to detail.

Save On Clearances Items At Mayc's Kitchen Electronics Bed & Bath Kids Men Women Beauty Shoes www.macys.com

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Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  1:40 pm CT
Posted by: CB

I applaud your efforts to run Macy's out of town! While I am unable to attend the rally, perhaps my comments can be forwarded on. I have written many emails to Macy's and have personally discussed my negative impressions with Water Tower store managment, but here goes again.

Both the State Street and Water Tower facilities have been allowed to hideoulsy and shamefully degrade...filthy windows, carpeting, and flooring...battered and scratched elevator interiors, walls, and customer service stations...poor help quality that complains about store management and how they have allowed the premises to deteriorate...merchandise that makes the old Goldblatt bargain basement department look like Berdorf Goodman. It is positively deplorable what Macy's has done to some of Chicago's primo real estate! This retailer has no respect for our beautiful city, nor to maintain one of our historically significant buildings (State Street store). They will have ZERO share of my wallet!

While there may be a place for Macy's, it is next to JC Penney and Sears in suburbal mall locations---NOT in downtown Chicago!

---

Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  1:09 pm CT
Posted by: Mae in Palatine

I just heard you people on Bob Sirott's Noon hour Show!

You guys sounded great!

Thanks for fighting for our Chicago and our Marshall Field's!

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Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  10:10 am CT
Posted by: gle

Today's "Tribune" has another announcement about Messy's new jewelry line, with a separate comment blog from yesterday:

"Macy's State Street store to don jewelry line"

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-tue-brf3-macy-sep09,0,3645955.story

SEE YOU FELLOW FIELD'S FANS AT THE RALLY TODAY AT NOON AND THE BOOK-SIGNING THIS EVENING!

---

Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  9:57 am CT
Posted by: Rich W

I participated in last year's Septemeber rally and am disappointed that I will miss the event today. I wanted to be part of the group that shows strength through numbers and e nthusiasm. Unfortunately, I work a couple of hours away from downtown, and I am here until 6. I hope that a LOT of people show up during their lunch hours and shout it to the skies: "Bring back Marshall Field's. M*cy's Go Home!!!" I am even wearing a dark green polo today to stand in solidarity with all of you.

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Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  9:38 am CT
Posted by: Bloomington, Illinois

Thanks to everyone for all your hard work in keeping this going. I haven't purchased anything from the former Marshall Field's or Famous Barr stores since Macy's took over. Thanks again,

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Date: Tues, September 9, 2008  9:07 am CT
Posted by: Pam

Wish I was there.

I live in Florida. Will be thinking about you all. I was visiting Chicago two weeks ago and made a point of going into the old store and telling several employees how much I m iss shopping at Marshall Fields and that visiting Chicago has lost some of its appeal because of no Marshall Fields. I didn't buy anything because we have boring mediocre Macy 's here at home. I missed the joy of just seeing all my Marshall Field's shopping bags lying all over my hotel room by the end of my trip. I have saved them all. Even the bags meant that I had something special that no one at home had. If Marshall Fields had not changed to Macy's, I would have bought my wedding gown there, but who wants a wedding g own from Macy's? May as well be Target.

Good luck! Pam

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Date: Mon, September 8, 2008  11:25 pm CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Hi All---

Tonight after work I was going downtown to shop for some Fall clothes. That is usually an easy hop since my office is just a few blocks away from Nicollet Mall and a few blocks south of 8th Street which is Shopping Central.I can't figure out what was going on but the traffic was horrendous at 6:00p when I was trying to make my way over to City Center to the new Brooks Brothers store to buy some shirts. Therefore, I thought it would be faster to park further away and just walk the rest of the way, due to the traffic standing still through several cycles of the stop lights.

As I was passing through macy's on Nicollet Mall on my way to Brooks Brothers, I noticed the new Tommy Hilfiger Shop is now where Nautica used to be, across from the Polo shop. It's quite a bit bigger now, of course, than the space that had been allocated to that dying brand prior to the store striking the deal with Tommy. I slowed down as I passed and really tried to get a flavor for what was in the shop. Wow---it seemed just like 1989 again. The patterns and colors were easily identifiable as Tommy H.and it certainly reminded me of the times when people actually enjoyed wearing labels and guys especially liked seeing the same clothing on other guys.Twenty years is too long for my feeble brain to remember why we liked that.

So I continued on to Brooks Brothers where within 5 minutes, 3 different employees had greeted me and asked me if I had been helped yet. One guy who recognized me from Dayton's days and then Field's, came over and shook my hand, and then assisted me in spending a couple of hundred dollars on Fall sport shirts, which I did not have time to look at 2 weeks ago when I was in there to spend $80 on a dress shirt.And of course, you all know the end sentence: Back in the day, all of that money would have....

Regards.

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Date: Mon, September 8, 2008  10:11 pm CT
Posted by: Laura

I found a nice article on the history of Marshall Fields, the link is:

http://chicago.urban-history.org/ven/dss/fields.shtml

Keep up the good work!

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Date: Mon, September 8, 2008  9:53 pm CT
Posted by: Pete

Considering the reaction all the other Macy's house brands have gotten in Chicago, we can pretty well predict how successful this jewelery shop at Macy's will be.

I'm surprised they don't sell jewelery in little blue boxes and call it Tiphoney.

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Date: Mon, September 8, 2008  8:23 pm CT
Posted by: Eleah Berry

I agree. Please bring back Marshall Fields! I moved from Milwaukee, WI to St Louis, MO in 1999. Whenever I went home to visit I used to stop at Marshall Fields to shop. It is a great disappointment that the store is no longer there. The price and quality is not the same at Macy's. The Fields stores had a charm not felt in anys Macy's store.

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Date: Mon, September 8, 2008  5:20 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Messy's is attempting another exclusive in-house deal, its own brand of L'una jewelry just for Macy's--and just in time for halloween:

"Macy's State Street to open Faraone Mennella jewelry boutique"

By Sandra M. Jones, "Tribune"

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-macys-jewelry-boutique-sep8,0,1638.story

Letters go to ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com and smjones@tribune.com. Post on the comment blog too.

And here's Messy's official press release about Hilfiger from the "Tribune" stock quotes (enter M for Macy's and hit go):

Monday, September 08, 2008

"Tommy Hilfiger U.S. Sportswear and Hilfiger Fragrance Now Exclusively at Macy's" - BusinessWire

http://markets.chicagotribune.com/custom/tribune-interactive/html-story.asp?symb=M&siteid=chicagotribune&guid={1D1CD90E-8ED3-4850-B835-C151B48E19AF}

SEE EVERYBODY AT THE NOON RALLY SEPTEMBER 9 ON STATE STREET!

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Date: Mon, September 8, 2008  1:34 pm CT
Posted by: Jim

I can't post what this person posted because they included personal info; however, someone posted their Macy's charge account number saying that "the wait was so long I finally hung up"...so maybe posting the number here would get Macy's to cancel it.

Sad.

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Date: Mon, September 8, 2008  9:14 am CT
Posted by: gle

I don't see how Messy's expects to enliven or revamp State Street, as they claim in recent "Tribune" and "Sun-Times" articles posted on this blog. It seems Messy's is the reason State Street needs to be enlivened and revamped! A return of Marshall Field's would provide a SENSATIONAL reason to go to State Street.

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Date: Mon, September 8, 2008  12:56 am CT
Posted by: David P

If the current Watertower Macy's/former Marshall Field's windows are any indication, these folks are clueless to the world of fashion. Here we are AFTER Labor Day with neon colors and summer shorts on display for 6-plus weeks. All the high-end stores introduced autumn weeks ago.

I, like most Chicagoans, miss the class, selection and REAL hometown values of our Marshall Field's.

-David P.

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Date: Sun, September 7, 2008  10:35 pm CT
Posted by: Pete

All these promotions like $10 off coupons with a $25 purchase. None of it would be necessary if they just brought back Marshall Field's.

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Date: Sun, September 7, 2008  7:37 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

My mother was a young child during the great depression and she never forgot some of the lessons learned from her parents during those difficult times. Even though money was extremely tight people then knew that quality goods gave them the best and longest lasting value for their hard to come by dollars. Marshall Fields struggled, but made it through the depression (both as a retailer and an employer) because they offered the basic and well made items people relied on so much during hard times. Shoppers like my grandparents trusted they would get their money's worth at Fields, and they knew that if a product purchased there should not meet expectations it would be made right for the customer by Marshall Fields. Subsequent generations of shoppers went to Fields for the same reasons during both economic booms and busts.

I can't help but think that Macy's made a huge mistake when they changed the longstanding philosophy and mission of Field's in addition to changing the trusted name. Our current economic times are nothing like the great depression, but are challenging nonetheless. And, Macy's is clearly on the wrong side of the equation. As people are once again guarding their financial resources and looking carefully for value, Macy's in 2008 has become one of the very LAST places shoppers think of when it comes to service, quality, trust, and value.

Two years of Macy's is more than enough. We want our Marshall Fields back.

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Date: Sun, September 7, 2008  4:21 pm CT
Posted by: Bill S.

The Sun-Times story came across like "look what Macy's is doing for Chicago" yet Field's supporters don't appreciate it.

The truth is, Macy's, please don't do us any favors. Why is Chicago building our fashion rep on the name synonymous with the fashion rep of another city that looks down on us?

As Roger Ebert pointed out, there never was a time or place when anyone, anywhere that anyone, even those in New York City thought Macy's was as good as Field's.

Why should Chicago get rid of it's best known fashion name, Marshall Field's, and replace it with New York's fashion name when Chicago's trying to build a fashion name of its own? That's just plain foolish!

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Date: Sat, September 6, 2008  10:55 pm CT
Posted by: Garland Pollard, BrandlandUSA.com

Dear Fields Fans,

One year later, we are still in support of you here at BrandlandUSA.com, the website all about America's oldest brand names. And we wish we could be at the rally.

A trivia note. Thanks to the wonderful Marshall Field department store, Sarasota, Florida has two landmarks related to the store's founding families. There is the Field Club, the old Field mansion where the family came in Sarasota during the winter. And there is Historic Spanish Point, a garden and waterfront park that was preserved by the Potter Palmer family, and Bertha Honore Palmer.

Best of luck with the lunks at Macy's. Maybe one day they will figure out that you have their best interests at heart.

Sincerely yours,

J. Garland Pollard IV

Editor
Brandlandusa
http://www.brandlandusa.com/

Sarasota, Florida

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Date: Sat, September 6, 2008  6:07 pm CT
Posted by: John D.

How many of your Field's Fans recall Mr. Frank Guzzetta (former President of macy's North division) exclaiming that Field's Fan's would grow old tired of protesting the drastic change of Marshall Field & Company into macy's within two months of the protest on the conversion date back in September, 2006. He predicted that we would grow to love macy's and rush into the stores and be happy with the change.

He made those remarks after the protest and boycott almost two years ago, Field's Fans! Well, not only have two months gone by and we avoiding macy's, but it has now been two YEARS and our effort is growing daily and stronger, stronger and even stronger! We tried to warn macy's executives and they would not listen. They thought they knew best. Now look at who knew best all along! --- loyal Marhsall Field's shoppers who have seen everything change despite the empty and false promises. Let's get out to 111 North State in Downtown Chicago next week, Field's Fans and demonstrate how wrong they all were in predicting two months, let alone two years! We never will shop at those stores until the culture, high customer service, unique merchandising and presentation, the classy extras...and of course, the name, Marshall Field's is returned by investors who care and appreciate what Marshall Field's was---and can be again!

---

Date: Sat, September 6, 2008  5:38 pm CT
Posted by: MR

Thanks to all for your engagement. You are working overtime to resurrect a great Chicagio institution. Thank you.

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Date: Sat, September 6, 2008  12:00 pm CT
Posted by: S.A.

Honorable Macy fighters,

My wife and I are planning to visit Chicago in the next couple of weeks and we were saddened to hear that Macy's purchased Marshall Fields. We would like to wear buttons when we visit the building in support of your cause. Marshall Fields is an institution that helped define the very spirit of Chicago and it is a travesty to see it defaced by the Macy's name. It is truly and honorable thing you all are doing.

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Date: Sat, September 6, 2008  11:03 am CT
Posted by: Rose

The Chicago Newspapers sure have been having a lot of articles about Macy's. How come Carson's, Nordstrom, Saks, Lord and Taylor and others don't get all that attention?

In fairness, these newspapers must really cover the citizens' views during Tuesday's picketting. It's getting like Macy's has bought the newspapers.

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Date: Sat, September 6, 2008  9:39 am CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Just a heads up if you are in a hurry:

You can also leave Sun-Times Talk Back comments by phone at (312) 321-2360. Even if they do not use your brief comment, it does register as a sort of poll for Field's as far as the editors are concerned! You can do it in a minute! Just a minute today to help bring back Field's!

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Date: Sat, September 6, 2008  9:01 am CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Page 23 of today's Saturday Chicago Sun-Times features Macy's as well as mention of our Tuesday rally in the Business In Brief column. Although it is short, it's clear it deserves replies from we who are Field's supporters:

Macy's will introduce 23 collections by Chicago-based fashion designers on Oct. 1 to kick off Fashion Focus Chicago.

The designers were nominated by members of the Mayor's Fashion Council. Macy's continues to revamp its State Street store to appeal to local tastes, but Marshall Field's & Co. fans plan a protest rally Tuesday to bring back Field's. Macy's changed the name and brought in its own brands on Sept. 9, 2006.

The brief is also online at http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/fashion/1147847,CST-FIN-macy06WEB.article

The Sun-Times allows comments online after the piece; however, you must register with some identity--although that can remain pretty anonymous. You can then use that to comment on any Sun-Times article.

And of course you can email your comments to their editorial page at letters@suntimes.com and their TalkBack column at talkback@suntimes.com

See you at the Tuesday rally!

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Date: Fri, September 5, 2008  11:19 pm CT
Posted by: JasonM

A good way to effect potential shoppers is to comment on yelp. I've posted some thoughts about macy's (especially for the Europeans who are going to spend their Euros there).

Take a moment to yelp about macy's and give others ideas on where else to shop.

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Date: Fri, September 5, 2008  8:15 pm CT
Posted by: Jane

I haven't posted for a while, but I continue to read everyone's comments and share in your hope that Marshall Field's return.

The purpose of this post is to report that my observations in recent pass throughs of the Northbrook and Mayfair Macy's stores--two stores which truly represented Marshall Field's at its best. Although I was a Regards customer of Field's and had a Field's charge since 1962, Macy's has made it clear that I am no longer a target Macy's customer, and hence, I don't buy...but I do walk through and take it all in, commenting loudly at how dirty and hopeless the stores are.

Macy's has stopped selling St. John, at least that was my observation upon passing through the Mayfair and Northbrook stores on recent shopping trips. This had been a profitable line under Field's--so popular that the most common sizes would never make it to the sale rack. (Ooops! forgot that mentioning "sale" puts me into the category of one of those bad people that Macy's doesn't want to attract as customers--despite all its own junk brands on sale each day of the week.) Also gone are the higher end handbags sold at these outposts in recent years (i.e., Judith Lieber). Speaking of high end, does anyone out there remember when Field's sold Gucci in the 1980's?

Macy's has also eliminated all high end crystal and china from Mayfair and Northbrook. Brands like Baccarat, Lalique, Kosta Boda, Haviland, etc. are all gone. In their places...boxed sets. I know for a fact that the high end brands sold at Field's (and they NEVER went on sale), as I know a former sales associate from the Mayfair china/crystal department.

Macy's has also elminated sterling silver flatware for sale at these stores. I'm expecting my next walk through will feature Martha Stewart plastic utensils, sold in a vending machine, in its place.

Also gone are the printed invitations, high end (Waterman, Mont Blanc, etc.) pens and any sort of stationary department.

Not to forget the men...Mayfair's Lacoste Department is now gone, and they no longer sell men's leather goods like Bosca and Tumi. I did not check at Northbrook.

As for children, the selections are in poor taste. The brands I used to buy for my grandchildren are no longer there. Who can blame kids for wanting Abercrombie and American Eagle? Lots more style for less money.

Now recall the Macy's promise: it was going to keep all the same brands as Field's...only the name would change. What a joke.

I have said it before, and I will say it again. If the American Department Store is indeed dead, why not turn it around and bring it back to the glory days? Macy's, which proclaimed it would keep the best of Field's, has turned away the most loyal customers it had in the Field's market.

While I relate to those who mourn the loss of the most recent visions of Field's, we can't really say that the Field's of recent years was anything like what it was pre-1985ish, but even in recent years, it was MUCH, MUCH better than what it is now under Macy's.

While I miss the Field's of five years ago, I really long for the Field's of, say 1970. There's no reason that type of experience cannot be brought back...but unfortunately, the people at Macy's are incapable of doing so.

Thanks for listening.

---

Date: Fri, September 5, 2008  6:17 pm CT
Posted by: Pete

How can these Macy's folks keep making up excuses for not bringing back Field's??? It's clear it's what Chicago customers want!

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Date: Fri, September 5, 2008  3:50 pm CT
Posted by: Alfred in Washington

Hi, Field's Fans. Can't wait to see you Tuesday--at both the noon rally and Joan Greene's talk in the evening. A day to celebrate the once and future Marshall Field's!

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Date: Fri, September 5, 2008  12:34 pm CT
Posted by: From Frederick, MD

After living in Chicago, I moved out East. But I still continued to order from Marshall Field's.

We have a Macy's in Frederick (I've never been in it) but it's not Marshall Fields and never will be--there's a big difference. Thank you and I hope to see Marshall Fields return very soon in the future!

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Date: Fri, September 5, 2008  9:54 am CT
Posted by: gle

Ugh!

"Macy's livens up State Street space" by Sandra M. Jones in today's "Tribune"

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-fri-notebook-retail-macys-sep05,0,4446465.story

This one says Messy's is targeting the guys and the lunch hour and after-work crowd. That sounds like a lot of us. See all of "us" OUTSIDE at the rally September 9!

Letters to ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com and smjones@tribune.com. Post on the comment blog too.

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Date: Fri, September 5, 2008  1:26 am CT
Posted by: A.

It used to be such a wonderful store. I have never set foot in Macy's and will never do so. I just couldn't!

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Date: Thurs, September 4, 2008  7:43 pm CT
Posted by: Gail S., Lake Bluff

This evening after work, I was walking by the store that once was our beloved Marshall Field's on State Street. A man was standing in the rain passing out cards about a rally and book signing. It also included this web page. I want to say how nice it was to be told "Thank you, Madame" when given the card. It reminded me of what Field's was and Macy's is not.

I miss the store in Lake Forest too.

Gail S.

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Date: Thurs, September 4, 2008  3:02 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

Wow. I just got back from the Tommy Hilfiger website to check out the latest from that company - out of curiosity of course. While I was open-minded upon arrival, I quickly found myself experiencing an emotion that has been felt when thinking about macy*s. This emotion can only be expressed with one word:

UGH....

It's truly no surprise that macy's and Hilfiger are teaming up. They're both exclusive all right. Hundreds of thousands or more shoppers will EXCLUDE ourselves from embracing the "magic" of macy's! UGH!

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Date: Thurs, September 4, 2008  12:40 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

Hi all, below is a link to a self-help website that suggests going to Macy's to try new fashions! Ugh, like Tommy and Martha?

You don't need to sign up to leave comments---this is a new avenue for reaching people, so please leave a comment!

http://www.first30days.com/everyday-change/2008/09/04.html

gayle

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Date: Thurs, September 4, 2008  7:32 am CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

While the Tribune on-line ran that whole story from the AP on the Tommy Hilfiger line at Macy's, today's newspaper only featured a photo without the story.

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Date: Thurs, September 4, 2008  12:13 am CT
Posted by: J.H.

Thanks & keep up the great work!

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Date: Wed, September 3, 2008  9:43 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

The latest edition of the Windy City Times dated 9/3/08 has a nice ad on page 6 for our protest rally and book signing next Tuesday.

The ad is on the same page as the continuation of the cover story on Barrack Obama so it should be seen by lots of people!

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Date: Wed, September 3, 2008  9:37 pm CT
Posted by: JamesfromCa

I own the book Marshall Field's Food and Fashion, love the book I only wish the author gave me more, more photos, more recipes, more architecture, graphic design, store design and merchandising, more historical photos. Perhaps May Co. or Federated didn't give out much information to the author and she worked with what she was given. I would love to see a large scale book with more in depth info but at this point I doubt that macy's would hand over any archival anything that celebrates Field's. Overall it's a cute book to go along with my other Field's ephemera that's in my collection.

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Date: Wed, September 3, 2008  5:33 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Messy's is announcing an exclusive alliance with Tommy Hilfiger to commence on September 9, as noted in this Associated Press article in the "Tribune" (comment blog included).

"Macy's to launch exclusive alliance with Tommy Hilfiger in men's, women's sportswear"

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-ap-macys-tommy-hilfiger,0,2685091.story

I will be OUTSIDE the store September 9 with the many other Field's Fans at our Noontime rally, not even thinking about Hilfiger.

Letters to the "Tribune" can be sent to ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com

---

Date: Wed, September 3, 2008  3:23 pm CT
Posted by: JH

i dont live in Chicago but i know what your feeling we lost our local store here in Pittsburgh it was Kaufmann's it had a clock on its corner to it was goldleaf and to pittsburgh it was just as important as Marshall Field's i really like what you are doing its great to bring back beloved names that we have grown up=2 0with. But the people in pittsburgh are not as motivated to save kaufmann's as you guys are to save marshall field's! i do what i can to support kaufmann's i have sent letters asking to just rename the flagship(no response) but to do what i can i just dont shop at macy's.

---

Date: Wed, September 3, 2008  3:17 pm CT
Posted by: gle

As I went by the State Street store today, I touched the plaque as usual. A woman yelled, "So you want your Marshall Field's too!" She said she was one of the employees who got laid off from the warehouse. She worked for Field's for many years and is not happy with what Messy's has done to the store. I gave her our information and told her about our September 9 events. She said God bless us and wished us all the best!

Inside the store, the fur coats have disappeared and there are construction curtains in their place. There seem to be ladders and construction stuff all over the place (they stand out more than the merchandise). I hope something actually gets fixed. The clock at State and Randolph has the wrong time again.

I gave out several leaflets today. People are rooting for our September 9 rally at Noon and book signing reception at 5:00 p.m.

---

Date: Wed, September 3, 2008  12:06 pm CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

It's been just your run-of-the-mill week for Jimmy Gimbels. Sold my house (in two weeks!) and found a new place in three days! So my life is madly packing for the move next week. In the past, a new home meant new linens, towels and furniture...usually purchased from Marshall Field's. Not anymore. Maybe what my new place needs is several Martha Stewart place settings...or perhaps Club Room towels. Ick. No way. Not one penney spent at Macy's...EVER!

After all, look how well the Fieldcrest towels have stood up and the timeless designs of the furniture look as great as the day that green truck pulled into the driveway. While packing for the move, I realized that most of my home furnishings were from Marshall Field's. The great service. The great selection. The attention to quality. Oh, how I miss it more than ever before.

Field's IS worth fighting for!

Keep handing our buttons.

Distribute flyers.

Write letters to newspapers, magazines and TV stations.

Marshall Field's forever!

---

Date: Tues, September 2, 2008  11:59 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

-------------------------------------------------------

       FieldsFansChicago.org

       Newsletter Number 16

       TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2008

-------------------------------------------------------

       In just one week...

         -----------------------

       TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008

       Two Very Special Events in Support of

       THE RETURN OF MARSHALL FIELD'S

       12:10-1:00 pm

         LUNCH HOUR RALLY

        5:00-8:00 pm

         INFORMAL RECEPTION, TALK & BOOK SIGNING

               ...featuring...

         Joan Greene, Author:

        Marshall Field's Food and Fashion: A Chicago Tradition

          -----------------------

       Other topics in this Newsletter

       *  HAVE YOU RSVP'D YET for OUR EVENING TALK & BOOK SIGNING?

       *  BRING YOUR SISTER!  BRING YOUR CO-WORKERS!  BRING YOUR COUSIN!

       *  FREE "I WANT MY MARSHALL FIELD'S" BUTTONS

       *  PRINT & DISTRIBUTE LEAFLETS

       *  IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, WRITE SOMETHING!

       *  PLEASE SPONSOR OUR ACTIVITIES

       *  STAY IN TOUCH VIA THE FIELDSFANSCHICAGO.ORG BLOG

       *  SPECIAL REGARDS

       *  HOW TO SUBSCRIBE& UNSUBSCRIBE; MORE..

-------------------------------------------------------

       PLEASE HELP BY FORWARDING THIS NEWSLETTER ON

       TO ALL POTENTIALLY INTERESTED FRIENDS & FAMILY.

-------------------------------------------------------

       TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008

       LUNCH HOUR RALLY IN SUPPORT OF FIELD'S!

       12:10--1:00 pm Under the Great Clock at

       STATE & WASHINGTON STREETS

        -----------------------

       *  Field's Fans should start gathering at Noon

            Under the Great Marshall Field's Clock at

            State & Washington Streets

       *  Wear your "Marshall Field's Best" or something

            dark green (please, no profane t-shirts).

       *  Bring signs and placards with Marshall Field's slogans.

       *  A limited number of additional signs will be available at the protest.

       *  Carry a Marshall Field's Shopping Bag.

       *  Carry a City of Chicago Flag.

       *  Please be peaceable and dignified in the spirit  of Marshall Field's.

       *  Please be careful not to obstruct the doors to the store.

       *  Please do not stand in or block the street.

       *  Check http://www.FieldsFansChicago.org and your Email box

            for last minute news and bulletins.

-------------------------------------------------------

       TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008

       A SPECIAL TALK & BOOK SIGNING

       MARSHALL FIELD'S FOOD & FASHION: A CHICAGO TRADITION

       by Author Joan Greene

       5:00--8:00  pm

       Location within walking distance of State and Washington

       RSVP in advance for exact location and other details

         -----------------------

       PLEASE NOTE:  SPACE IS VERY LIMITED FOR THIS EVENT. 

       RSVP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ENSURE ADMITTANCE

       EMAIL RSVP@FieldsFansChicago.org or call 312.662.8980.

         ===============

An excerpt from Joan Greene's Marshall Field's Food and Fashion: A Chicago Tradition:

       "Field's is a department store renowned for the profusion and quality of its goods,

       its gracious ambience, and superb customer service. . . . A visit to Chicago would

        not be complete without a visit to Marshall Field's on State Street.  The store has

        weathered destruction by fire not once but twice, the Civil War and two world wars,

       and the Great Depression, becoming an emblem of the city of Chicago, and the standard

       by which retail is measured--or should be measured. . . . To Chicagoans,

       Marshall Field and Company is a civic prize and a symbol of the city at its best."

         ===============

On Tuesday, September 9, 2008, all are invited to participate in a very special evening celebrating Marshall Field's, reminding the world why Chicago's icon must be restored. 

The evening will begin with light refreshments at 5:00 pm.

At 5:30 pm, there will be a very special talk by Joan Greene, author of Marshall Field's Food and Fashion: A Chicago Tradition.  Ms. Greene offers an expansive perspective that is both historical as well as forward-looking, covering the international importance of Field's from its early fashion and customer service innovations to Mrs. Hering's pot pies and Frango mints, to recent innovations such as Marshall Field's 2003 vertical fashion show and more.   Afterwards, representatives from FieldsFansChicago.org will present an overview of the grassroots organization's ongoing efforts to bring back Marshall Field's.  Questions and discussion with the participants, moderated by Jim McKay of FieldsFansChicago.org, will conclude this portion of the evening.

From 6:30 to 8:00 pm, Ms. Greene will sign copies of her book, Marshall Field's Food and Fashion: A Chicago Tradition (Pomegranate, 2005).  Copies of this book will be available for purchase at this event.

Please remember:  Space is very limited  for this event.  Please R.S.V.P. as soon as possible while space remains to ensure admittance.  R.S.V.P. via email at rsvp@fieldsfanschicago.org or phone at 312.662.8980.

-------------------------------------------------------

HAVE YOU RSVP'D YET for OUR EVENING TALK & BOOK SIGNING?

We hope you can attend the very special Tuesday evening event with Joan Greene, author of Marshall Field's Food & Fashion: A Chicago Tradition.  Due to space constraints and the generous donation of refreshments, we ask that you RSVP in advance so we can plan accordingly and accommodate you and any one you wish to bring. 

Please RSVP for our Tuesday evening event by emailing RSVP@FieldsFansChicago.org or phoning (312) 662-8980 today!

We hope you will attend this event!  Please let us know in advance if you plan to attend!

-------------------------------------------------------

BRING YOUR SISTER!  BRING YOUR CO-WORKERS!  BRING YOUR COUSIN!

Bring your brother, your guru, your fitness trainer, your hair stylist, your dog groomer!

Bring your bridge partner, your favorite waitress from your favorite restaurant, your rabbi, your priest, your dentist!

Just bring someone to the Tuesday, September 9, 2009 Lunch Hour Rally on State Street or the Evening Presentation & Book Signing Event!

Just be there and be sure to bring someone--or two, or three, or more!

We need as many people as possible!  Everybody loves Marshall Field's!  So be sure to come--and be sure to bring someone!

-------------------------------------------------------

FREE "I WANT MY MARSHALL FIELD'S" BUTTONS

One way that Field's Fans can  help is wearing and displaying special items in support of bringing back our Marshall Field's. 

Reprising one of our 2006 slogans, "I Want My Marshall Field's" buttons are back!  Thanks to Alfred, Jim and especially Gail, free "I Want My Marshall Field's" buttons will be distributed to all who attend the Tuesday, September 9, 2008 events.  Be there and be sure to get yours!

-------------------------------------------------------

Get Out The Word!

PRINT & DISTRIBUTE LEAFLETS

Spreading the word how Field's can come back is easy!  Now you can download Adobe Acrobat PDF files to print your own leaflets 

Pass out leaflets-the same kind that are passed out under the Field's clock at State and Washington-at any place it is permissible in the public way. (Please note this excludes many private malls.)

Print and carry some with you or in your car. You can hang them anywhere you find community bulletin boards-your apartment building, coffee houses, student unions at universities, laundries, your country club, church,...the possibilities are endless. And of course, be sure to hang one  on the front door or window of your home or business!

Please see http://fieldsfanschicago.org/leaflets.html for more details including links to download the files and instructions to print your own leaflets that help bring back Marshall Field's!

-------------------------------------------------------

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, WRITE SOMETHING!

As a Field's Fan, you can help bring back Marshall Field's.  We Field's Fans make a difference by keeping Field's in the public eye. When Macy's inevitably fails in the Chicago area, we don't want it to be glossed over as if it was simply about sales figures.

Please let newspapers, television, radio, web media, blogs, news comment boards, and public officials know that both the public and the private good is best served when Marshall Field's is restored to 111 North State Street.

When you see ANY story in the newspaper, on television, or on the web about Field's, it is essential to respond--even if you think the story is favorable towards the return of Field's.  People need to be reminded that these stores have slipped so much because they are no longer Marshall Field's and they can only be brought back up by being restored as Marshall Field's stores.

These suggestions are made for responding to media articles or TV news segments:

*  If responding to web-based blogs, bulletin boards, or news comments areas, please remember to keep a copy of your post in case it is lost or deleted.

*  If submitting a "Letter to the Editor" by the internet, send it in a standard email message. If replying via web-based form, remember to cut-and-copy the contents for your own records. If  you submit via email, you have the opportunity to cc: or bcc: a copy to yourself--submitting via other methods on the internet means you probably won't have a dated copy of your response, if you get a copy at all. It is very important that you keep a copy for your records.

*  The Letters to the Sun-Times should be sent to: letters@suntimes.com

*  The Letters to the Tribune should be sent to: ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com

*  The Letters Chicago Tribune Magazine should be sent to: TribMag@tribune.com

*  The Letters to Crain's Chicago Business should be sent to: letters@chicagobusiness.com.

*  If submitting by US Mail, make a photocopy of  your letter.

*  Please remember to include a daytime phone number for verification purposes.

*  Be certain to indicate in your letter that it is "for publication."

*  Remember, items submitted to the "Letters to the Editor" section should not be cross-posted to other forums like the fieldsfanschicago.org blog. The publications request exclusivity.

*  Be succinct as possible. Longer items don't have as  much of a chance of being published. While there are many facets to the loss of Field's, consider focusing on just one or two facets that will best help the larger cause.

*  Even if your letter does not  get published in print or web media, remember that the media takes note of the public's pulse.  Every letter reminds editors and producers that this is still indeed a very important issue.

-------------------------------------------------------

PLEASE SPONSOR OUR ACTIVITIES

Please help finance our special evening on September 9, our ongoing leaflet and button distributions, and other activities in support of Field's.

We are totally committed to continuing our efforts.  People have come forward in amazing ways to help, donating leaflets,  pin-on buttons, bumper stickers, advertising and more.

We need your help so we can continue to inspire others to support the return of Marshall Field's.

If you can donate, please email donate@fieldsfanschicago.org.

All contributions are solely channeled to offset our activities.

-------------------------------------------------------

STAY IN TOUCH VIA THE FIELDSFANSCHICAGO.ORG BLOG

The FieldsFansChicago.org blog is a place for Field's Fans to talk about Marshall Field's and what it means to them.  Stop on by to share thoughts, comments, news and rumors.  The URL is http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/blog

-------------------------------------------------------

SPECIAL REGARDS

Marshall Field's CAN come back. AT&T Wireless became Cingular but then came back as AT&T.  On the west coast, the hugely popular Lucky Supermarket chain came back with 75 stores after a seven year absence.  The Ford Taurus was revived after a multi-year absence.  The recent revival of Lord and Taylor as well as Von Maur's plans to open two more Chicago-area stores show that there is a market for quality stores like Marshall Field's, despite the challenging economy.

Your ongoing support and dedication is what enables our progress to continue. It is the work of we Field's Fans that reminds key business and civic leaders that that these stores can be an overwhelming success again as Marshall Fields.

Our efforts are so essential because it gives immense consciousness to the once and future Chicago institution, Marshall Field's.

Remember, your efforts to help bring back Field's are greatly appreciated, respected and admired.  You are helping to make history!

-------------------------------------------------------

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE & UNSUBSCRIBE; MORE...

TO UNSUBSCRIBE:

Send email to unsubscribe@fieldsfanschicago.org

Please include the email address you wish unsubscribed if it is not the one from which you are sending the request.

TO SUBSCRIBE:

Send email to subscribe@fieldsfanschicago.org

Subscription requests must be sent from the email address that is to be added to the subscriber list.

SWITCHING ADDRESSES?

1.) Send an unsubscribe request from either you old address or your new one; then

2.) send a subscribe request from your new address.

Again, NEW "Subscribe" requests MUST come from the address at which this newsletter is to be delivered.

*  Please send all bug reports to jjmckay@fieldsfanschicago.org

*  This newsletter and the activities and events described within have NO affiliation with Macy's, Inc., Federated Department Stores, May Department Stores, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Marshall Field's, the Field Family, the Field Foundation of Chicago, keepitfields.org, etc., and the views, opinions and info expressed here represent only the writer.

-------------------------------------------------------

        END OF NEWSLETTER #16

-------------------------------------------------------

---

Date: Tues, September 2, 2008  11:58 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

FIELDSFANSCHICAGO.ORG ANNOUNCES TWO EVENTS on TUES., SEPT. 9, 2008

IN SUPPORT OF THE RETURN OF CHICAGO'S MARSHALL FIELD'S:

A LUNCH HOUR PROTEST RALLY & AN EVENING TALK/BOOK SIGNING

 (CHICAGO--September 2, 2008)

What: LUNCH HOUR PROTEST RALLY in support of the return of Marshall Field's.

Where: "Under the Great Clock" at the corner of State & Washington Sts, Chicago.

When:  12:10 PM until 1:00 PM on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008.

======ALSO======

What:  Marshall Field's Food & Fashion: A Chicago Tradition:

           TALK & BOOK SIGNING by Author Joan Greene.

Where:  Location TBA near State & Washington Sts.  Call 312.662.8980 for Details.

When:  5:30 PM on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008.

On Sat., Sept. 9, 2006.  all  "Marshall Field's" stores were converted to "Macy's," including the iconic Marshall Field's flagship store on State Street.  On that very sad day, hundreds of Field's supporters converged at State and Washington under the Great Marshall Field's clock to demonstrate that Chicago--indeed, the world--wants Marshall Field's, not Macy's.  Several protest rallies have since been held under the Great Clock including our largest featuring over 300 participants on Sun., Sept. 9, 2007.  Although in 2008 the anniversary falls on a weekday, Fieldb�s loyalists will convene during lunch hour to mark two years since the loss of Field's.

For the past two years, a grassroots boycott has been in effect against Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores.  Sales are down significantly overall at these stores since the conversions of stores from Marshall Field's to Macy's.  Field's supporters maintain that the boycott is working.  Contrary to Macyb�s promises, the change from Field's has been much more than simply a name change.  Numerous tourists have noted they no longer have a good reason to come to Chicago to shop because there are Macyb�s everywhere across the U.SA. and it is not uniquely Chicago.  Many customers have commented that Macy's merchandise and service does not measure up overall to what was offered at Marshall Field's.

Since last fall, Field's Fans have so far distributed over 111,000 leaflets on State Street, at civic events and elsewhere reminding Chicagoans that Field's can indeed come back as the result of a sustained customer boycott of Macy's.  Over 105,000 lapel stickers and pin-on buttons that say "Keep It Marshall Field's," "Marshall Field's Forever, " and "I Want My Marshall Field's" have been distributed to Field's Fans worldwide. Thousands of bumper stickers that say "Field's Is Chicago/Boycott Macy's" have also been distributed.  These activities have received international media attention, with coverage by Reuters, AP, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, New York Post, CBS Sunday Morning, WGN, NPR, Chicago Public Radio, the local and national television news reports of ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, and  more.

In May 2008, a contingency of Field's supporters attended Macy's, Inc. annual shareholders meeting in Cincinnati, confronting Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren, imploring him to bring back Chicago's Marshall Field's.

FieldsFansChicago.org organizers steadfastly maintain, "Marshall Field's CAN come back. AT&T Wireless became Cingular but then came back as AT&T.  On the West Coast, the hugely popular Lucky Supermarket chain came back with 75 stores after a seven-year absence.  The Ford Taurus was revived after a multi-year absence.  The recent revival of Lord and Taylor as well as Von Maur's plans to open two more Chicago-area stores show quality department stores like Marshall Field's can do well despite the challenging economy.  With the widespread perception that Marshall Field's loss is a huge corporate blunder, we look unflinchingly to the future and keep emphasizing that although Field's is gone for now, it can indeed come back--just as Coke did when consumers rejected New Coke.  It is only a matter of time.

For further information, email jjmckay@fieldsfanschicago.org or phone 312.662.8980.

V.1.0w

-30-

---

Date: Tues, September 2, 2008  7:34 pm CT
Posted by: Eric

A fellow co-worker and I asked my boss if we could have an extra extended lunch hour for next Tuesday's protest on State.

Not only did my boss say OK, she said she would join us!

You might try the same thing with your boss!

See you under the clock.

---

Date: Tues, September 2, 2008  2:04 am CT
Posted by: Mary

I want Marshall Field's Back! Macy's does not compare!

---

Date: Mon, September 1, 2008  12:34 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Regarding the posts about Carson's parent Bon-Ton having some of its stores picked up by Macy's: I am very skeptical at this point. To be sure, Bon-Ton hasn't been doing well at all in parts of the Northeastern US and its stock is worth roughly 8% of what it was a year and half ago. But unless Bon-Ton goes Chapter 11 (a possibility), Macy's isn't going to be interested in assuming so much of Bon-Ton. For now, I think the original post is just a red hering.

---

Date: Mon, September 1, 2008  11:45 am CT
Posted by: Judy M.

I just read the second most horrible thing (after Messy's doing away with Field's)!! Now CARSON'S is a target?!?? Are they just trying to "stick it" to Chicago or are they just stupid???? Messy's can't even attract customer's to the stores that used to be Field's. How can they think we'd be more inclined to shop at stores that used to be Carson's??? Just imagine - a Messy's on every corner! Two or more at every mall!!! I feel like I'm living the "Invasion of the Department Store Snatchers" scenario! Are they envisioning mindless zombies filing endlessly into their stores simply because that's all we have? This has to stop.. NOW.. I'd rather shop at the Salvation Army store than Messy's (I'd probably find a better selection!). Makes me think about that big red star they use as their logo....and what they're really all about.

See you all on September 9!! Long live Marshall Field's!!!

Judy

---

Date: Sun, August 31, 2008  9:34 pm CT
Posted by: Joel

I noticed a tourist map for sale at Walgreens. It is copyright 2007. It shows the block at 111 N State as "Marshall Field's Building (Macy's)".

There's also a set of 50 cards that each have maps of routes for short architectural tours. The maps covering the area where 111 N State is located. All the other buildings are named on the map, but 111 N State is explained in a sort of asterisked way, saying Chicago is sad that Marshall Field's is Macy's.

---

Date: Sun, August 31, 2008  5:45 pm CT
Posted by: Donald

Re: what you are doing to bring back Field's. Love it, Love it, Love it!

---

Date: Sun, August 31, 2008  3:23 pm CT
Posted by: MrS, OKC

We have Macy's here (Oklahoma City) and they are terrible! I am from Chicago and would love to see Fields back!

---

Date: Sun, August 31, 2008  2:34 pm CT
Posted by: Peter

These days the windows on State Street are a bunch of gigantic flat panel TVs. Like one should come all the way down to State Street to look at TV sets with ads.

The State Street store is one of a kind asset that Macy's is clueless as to how to use to its advantage. They would be better off if they let someone else use it and captitalize on the great resource it is.

---

Date: Sun, August 31, 2008  11:35 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Thanks to all of those who helped make leafleting on State Street possible yesterday afternoon. Hundreds of leaflets promoting our dual rally and book signing events on September 9 were passed out under the Great Clock at State and Washington. Since we started doing this in fall 2006, it was not uncommon to encounter someone every now and then who was vocally not supportive of our cause. In the past week, there's been three leafleting sessions. While there are those who decline our leaflets, I've yet to encounter any such disagreement with our cause. Also, we appear to be gaining support from those who have tried Macy's but now won't shop at the store until it is Field's again.

If you wish to help distribute our leaflets this week in promotion of our 9/9 events, please email me privately at jjmckay@fieldsfanschicago.org Thank you.

---

Date: Sat, August 30, 2008  11:35 am CT
Posted by: Joel

There's a sister book to the Joan Greene Book, Marshall Field's Food and Fashion. It is by Jay Pridmore and is the perfect companion to Joan's book since it talks about Architecture at Field's. There are other books in this series on Chicago Architecture, but Field's is the only entity that has TWO books!

---

Date: Sat, August 30, 2008  10:12 am CT
Posted by: Debbie B

I have not set foot in a Macy's store since the name changed in Sept. 2006 and don't intend to. There are too many other retail choices in Chicago and suburb, Macy's...who needs them?

Bring Field's back and I'll be back too.

---

Date: Sat, August 30, 2008  8:01 am CT
Posted by: Ron

Regarding the post rumoring the takeover of Carson's by Macy's, I think it is nothing more than a rumor at this point. Carson's parent would have to go under. Carson's in this area seems to be doing quite well. It's parent Bon-ton's out East stores that are faltering, if you ask me. Bon-ton's real problem is that it has to pay a lot of interest on loans, it's not that the stores are doing so badly. One has to ask as to what circumstances Macy's would want to get involved with that.

Still, I think the Carson's of the past five or six years is much more similar to Macy's than Field's. And remember, in more than a few markets, Macy's doesn't stop at acquiring and converting just one department store brand. In Boston, they took over Jordan Marsh and then took over Filene's. In LA, Seattle, NYC, Philly and elsewhere, they also took over more than one chain, usually taking out the more competitive of the two chains first.

So while I have some skepticism, don't think it's not possible that Carson's could become Macy's at some point too.

---

Date: Fri, August 29, 2008  10:35 pm CT
Posted by: Jake

Enough is enough. Close the friggin Macy's stores and sell the real estate and Marshall Field brand to a company that will value all it's real potential. I can't believe Macy's management doesn't understand the Marshall Field jewel - especially the windfall they could have in Chicago. The Marshall Field name, quality, and service mean too much to ignore in this economic environment. It's too easy for Macy's to deny it and continue their merry way of selling crappy China made goods using 18 year old high school drop outs. We know better. Time will tell - actually, it's already showing.

---

Date: Fri, August 29, 2008  5:23 pm CT
Posted by: Pete

Good to see the sept. 9 rally get a mention in today's Tribune.

And Regarding the Tribune business item today about Frank Guzetta unretiring to Ralph Lauren. It was a scant 8 months earlier or less that he was talking about his three year plan for Macy's to successfully replace Field's. He only made it to 1.5 years.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-fri-notebook-retail-guzzettaa ug29,0,4014274.story

Sorry, seems like Terry Lundgren made him the fall guy for his idiotic choice to kill off his best brand, Marshall Field's. How could anyone succeed after such a dumb premise?

While I don't get why some feel Guzetta was so wonderful--afterall, he only presided over Daytons/Hudsons/Fields for 20 months, only four of which was without Lundgren's rule.

---

Date: Fri, August 29, 2008  4:16 pm CT
Posted by: Joyce

A couple of days ago I was in our local Messys in Carbondale. Remember, we have extremely limited options here in Carbondale. Anyway, I start taking some samples of skin care lotions from the cosmetic counter, like I've done in the past. Suddenly, I get confronted and verbally attacked by some snooty, young cosmetic counter girl, who tells me shes seen me there before, and I can't take samples of their expensive serums, because they're too expensive! It was very embarrassing, as they treated me like a criminal. I remember at Marshall Fields, the cosmetic people would offer all sorts of samples. I thought about contacting the store manager and I might, but given that its Messy's, I don't expect much positive response, because they don't seem to care about their customers. The whole experience really reminded me of how much I miss Marshall Field's in my life.

---

Date: Fri, August 29, 2008  11:23 am CT
Posted by: Chris

I received the e-mail newsletter recently. I'm glad to see things are still going. It's awfully hard to sustain such efforts, even for a cause like Marshall Field's. It says a lot about the cause and what you people do.

I look forward to being part of the rally and also meeting Joan Greene. I purchased her book at the Chicago Architecture center on Michigan Avenue where it seems to be very popular.

Does anyone know if Miss Greene was a former employee? I hope other former Field's employees that I miss also attend.

---

Date: Fri, August 29, 2008  9:16 am CT
Posted by: gle

Field's Fans' September 9 rally has coverage as part of today's "Tribune" article about Messy's former Frank Guzetta and his new career at Ralph Lauren:

"Macy's exec makes Lauren new home" inside retailing by Sandra M. Jones

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-fri-notebook-retail-guzzettaaug29,0,4014274.story

There is a comment blog. Letters can be sent to the "Tribune" at ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com and smjones@tribune.com.

---

Date: Thurs, August 28, 2008  9:30 pm CT
Posted by: Daniel W. Harcourt II

Fieldsfans,

I passed by a Macy's store the other evening-I won't mention which one on purpose-and found it very humorous that most of the lights which illuminate the store's name were out. On one side of the building, only the 'y' was lit which caused me to immediately question again Why did they think that they could take away 'My Marshall Field's'? In a lousy economy, Macy's has deliberately alienated a VERY loyal customer base which directly results in reduced earnings. They can lie all they want about how great and solid the company is, we all know the truth! On another side of the building only the 'Mac' was lit which reminded me of how similar Macy's is to McDonalds. Don't get me wrong, McDonalds is a fine fast food restaurant. I would never, however, celebrate an important event by going to McDonalds. McDonalds philosophy is that the customer should be able to go into any McDonalds and order food which tastes exactly the same at every restaurant-a similar concept to that Macy's provides. Marshall Field's, on the other hand, was very special. People looked forward to receiving gifts in boxes with the Marshall Field's name on them. Frango Mints were gifts many many Chicagoan's sent out to friends and famiy during the holidays to those not living near a Marshall Field's store. Just walking into a Marshall Field's store for many people lifted their spirits and encouraged them to spend money. I can't list the number of times I went into a Marshall Field's store to simply 'look around' and ended up spending well more than I would ever have imagined-several times in the thousands of dollars. At least the Macy's conversion of the Marshall Field's stores has saved me money on impulse buying. I still want my Marshall Field's back though. Macy's will never hold a candle to my Marshall Field's.

Daniel W. Harcourt II
Schaumburg, IL

---

Date: Thurs, August 28, 2008  9:19 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston

I note Belk and Macy's are rumored to be teaming up for the purchase of Dillards. It would be my hope that Belk would take the Texas stores since they have a very minor presence here. I have only come across some in small towns in my travels. In my opinion, they would really have to step up to the plate to bring their merchandise up to be on par with the Dillards in Houston. Especially those stores in the wealthier suburbs and The Galleria.

It amazes me what has happened in the last 30 years. I have a book called "The Grand Emporiums" that was printed in the early 1980s. It chronicles the nations department stores by region with excellent historical documentation. There were literally thousands of stores. I remember reading men's fashion magazines in the 1980s which, at that time, had a location within the magazine that one could turn to that referenced the stores that the merchandise featured was available at. There were scores of stores then. Now there are just a handful. It is a real shame. No competition. No selection. No personality. No glamour. The consumer really lost out on that one.

Date: Thurs, August 28, 2008  5:41 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff S.

A gal at the Fox Valley Store tells me that the Christmas Department will be open September 14th there on the lower level. I wonder what marvels we will see this year? Am sure it will be loaded with "Martha"!! (Probably duplicated at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target and Sears!) Also, at the Joliet Store; the down escalator appears to be working -- and yet the "broken escalator" signage is simply pushed to the side; not put away in a back room which would be proper.

Date: Thurs, August 28, 2008  4:09 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

I drove past the Oak Brook Home Store last night about 7:00, and there was NOT ONE CAR in front of the building! At first I thought maybe they'd changed the hours and closed early, but I noticed cars near the back of the building where employees park, and all interior and exterior lights were on. I'm sure Thursday nights aren't the busiest nights for furniture shoppers, but when it was Field's there were ALWAYS several cars in the lot. I can't imagine how they can afford to keep the doors open. Don't imagine they will much longer!

Date: Thurs, August 28, 2008  2:17 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Hi Field's Fans!

Well, "those wacky folks at Macy's" have done it again, trying to sell last year's fur coats on a hot day in August for 50% off (the same coats that were on sale last February for 60% off! What do they take us for?

On a more serious note, the Environmental Protection Agency has fined Macy's %50,000 for throwing out mercury-based light bulbs in their regular trash. This news is right up there with the fruit fly infestation of 2007! These people have no respect for the environment, whether it involves foisting toxic waste in regular garbage cans, preparing food in the midst of an infestation or keeping up the shopping environment of a formerly World Class store.

Is this what they call successful retailing?

NO WAY, NO HOW, NO MACY'S!

Your Friend in Field's,

Zelda

Date: Thurs, August 28, 2008  12:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim

Steve--thanks for the heads up on those rumors. Some of been discussed but not in months. Would it be possible to be more specific to identify where you heard or saw that? Thanks.

Date: Thurs, August 28, 2008  7:05 pm CT
Posted by: Steve

Rumors are flying that Macy's and Belk are teaming up to purchase Dillard's and split the locations up. Dillard's lost about $55 million 2nd quarter (before a gain on the sale of a private plane). Also, Bon-Ton is rumored to be only only weeks away from filing bankrupcy after losing $34 million 2nd quarter alone. A similar Macy's/Belk scenario has Macy's getting their stores in Michigan and from Indiana westward. Only about 1/3 of the Carson stores in Chicago will remain open as Macy's. The coming weeks should be very interesting!

Date: Wed, August 27, 2008  10:08 pm CT
Posted by: SteveC

TO Drew

ThE Philadelphia area was a special retail environment prior to 1986. They had John Wanamaker, Strawbridge's, Gimbels, Bloomingdale's, Bamburgers, Abraham & Strauss, and B. Altman along with Lord & Taylor, Saks and Bonwit Teller. What a great shopping experience that would have been. However market forces came into play, Gimbels was shuttered, along with B'.Altman, Bonwits and John Wanamaker due to their parent companies. May Company tried to replace Wanamaker with Hecht's, but then bought Strawbridges's and raped that store into a shadow of what it once was before Macy's closed it and moved to the great Wanamaker's building which also was raped and consolidated into a tiny fraction of what it was by MAy.

Los Angeles too had some great reatil stores Robinson's, MAy Co, Bullock's, Bullock's Wilshire, I. Magnin, The Brodway, Saks, Nordstrom . However the same forces came into play and slowly one by one was closed or consolidated into another division. Broadway became Macy's along with Bullock's and Robinsion's was consolidated with May Co, to eventually become a May Co. clone. FDS closed I. Magnin and consloidated Bullock's into Macy's that took over the ailing poorly run Broadway stores.

Date: Wed, August 27, 2008  9:24 pm CT
Posted by: Ronald

I pass Old Orchard Messy today and the store was not busy and were more employee than shopper. Why Messy bring back the Marshall Field name to Chicago and I will shop there! Thank you

Date: Wed, August 27, 2008  3:27 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Calling all cheapskates: Messy's has fur coats on sale at 25% to 50% off. There are rows and rows of them in all sorts of "unusual" styles and colors. You can't miss 'em--they put them so you almost run smack into them if you enter the store on the Randolph and Wabash side.

But don't go in the Randolph door closest to State Street. There are couple of buckets, a barricade sign and some rust colored slop on the floor there.

Moving on towards State Street, "pardon our appearance" signs are in the window with the announcement about Macy's magic about to happen.

The cobwebs were still on the Marshall Field's nameplate on State by Randolph. I tried to dust them a little, but they are higher up than I realized. I could only reach the bottom edge of the plate.

And that's the eyewitness account from State and Randolph on this Wednesday afternoon August 27, 2008.

Date: Wed, August 27, 2008  10:28 am CT
Posted by: M.L., New York

I was so happy to have stumbled upon your website today, and quite pleased to read about the activities of Fields Fans Chicago! I grew up in Northern Indiana and a shopping trip to Marshall Fields was always the greatest of treats.

I'm writing about the Save Fields rally on September 9th, and wondering if it might be something east-coasters could also hold at the 34th Street store in N.Y.C. If there are other New Yorkers, I would be glad to pass out Save Fields material and wear a button September 9th on 34th street.

Date: Wed, August 27, 2008  10:06 am CT
Posted by: M.L., New York

I will always have special memories of the grandeur of Marshall Fields. Currently I am living north of N.Y.C. and the Macy's at Herald Square is a DUMP! To classify Marshall Fields as a Macy's is an abomination. I plan to wear one of your buttons on my next visit to the city. Keep up the fight!

Date: Tues, August 26, 2008  8:34 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

The September issue of Chicago Magazine (with Mayor Daley on the cover) features a special fasion supplement with ads from all sorts of department stores. Macy's has an ad in the main mag as well as the fashion supplement. How they can have the gall to use that 150 years banner in Chicago magazine is beyond me. It's an insult to Chicago.

Date: Tues, August 26, 2008  8:23 pm CT
Posted by: Mary

I was passing through Old Orchard in the store that once was Field's. I decided to stop and see what the prices for frangos were. Besides apparently charging a dollar more the experation dates on many of the boxes are just a few weeks away. That never happened at Field's. And Oh yes, they still have the upside down image of the Field's clock on the back. Clueless those Macy's people are.

Date: Tues, August 26, 2008  1:02 pm CT
Posted by: Rosa Towsend

I received a bookmark about this site and the book signing and rally on State Street last night. Keep up the good cause for Chicago's Field's!

Date: Tues, August 26, 2008  8:22 am CT
Posted by: Pete

Today's SunTimes has a review of last Friday's Glamorama. You can leave comments at the end. You can also email the editor at letters@suntimes.com

http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/people/1126751,CST-FTR-Glam26.article

Date: Mon, August 25, 2008  10:21 pm CT
Posted by: John Hamilton

Please don't give up! I was so disappointed to visit Chicago and see only vague remnants of the originality that was Marshall Field's... I hate Macy's! Macy's sucks!!!!

You guys are the best!

Date: Mon, August 25, 2008  9:38 pm CT
Posted by: Mike M

I will see you all there on September 9th!!

Date: Mon, August 25, 2008  3:49 pm CT
Posted by: JL

Marshall Fields is a Chicago institution!

Date: Mon, August 25, 2008  2:34 pm CT
Posted by: Peter

The Sun Times News Group's neigborhood paper for Norridge and Hardwood Heights had a review of Glamorama. The fact that this is pretty much irrelevant to the two suburbs that are 15 miles away shows you the lengths to which the sun-times will go to suck up to Macy's for advertising revenues. The readers have the last word though. You can leave comments afterwards. No Password or login is needed to post.

The URL Is http://blogs.pioneerlocal.com/entertainment/2008/08/a_night_at_macys_glamorama_cin.html

Date: Mon, August 25, 2008  1:01 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Visionary Field's Marketing exec Charles Weston Folds, has died at age 97. He was connected with everything from Frangos to Louis Vuitton introductions at Field's

Full article in the Sun-Times today at:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/obituaries/1124711,CST-NWS-xfolds25.article

Date: Sun, August 24, 2008  5:23 pm CT
Posted by: Da Burgh

Many of the comments have been critical of The Red Star Glamorama focusing on 1980s style and trends. Just remember that the "fashion" merchandise sold in The Red Star Store IS the 1980s!

As I walked through the men's department of The Red Star in a Pittsburgh area mall, I thought I was back in Horne's or Kaufmann's circa 1987--big display of Polo in the familiar blue surroundings, Nautica with the "nautical" motif and, of course, the ever-popular Tommy Hilfiger! I swear the Tommy clothing was exactly the same style and design everyone wore about 20 years ago!

No doubt Mr Lunkgreed was able to find some old display charts to enable him to save a few bucks in preparing these "designer shops."

The bright lights, loud music, has-been fashions, Martha Stewart home goods combine to create a most unique shopping atmosphere.

Date: Sun, August 24, 2008  12:39 pm CT
Posted by: Matt

In response to John, I would also like to know if anyone has heard the "Theme" of the Christmas windows. As I started after the last holiday season and the termination of the woman who did the windows for 20+ years, I wouldn't be surprised if the Commie Store didn't even have them.

Watching this company go out of business is like watching a train wreck. You hate to see it, but you can't help but look.

Date: Sat, August 23, 2008  3:58 pm CT
Posted by: LGH

I'm from the southwest burbs. When my family and I visited State Street, it just wasnt the same walking into Macy's. I want my kids to experience Marshall Fields--Macy's isnt' the same. We want Field's back!

Date: Sat, August 23, 2008  12:09 pm CT
Posted by: Pete

Whatever happened to Frango Shower Gel? Remember, Terry Lundgren introduced it at a November 2006 press conference to show Macy's was keeping up Field's traditions. Like he gets it at all! Frango shower gel, clearly the way to satiate those who miss Marshall Field's. NOT!

Date: Sat, August 23, 2008  9:01 pm CT
Posted by: Ruth

150 years of Macy's? I hope Terry Lundgren isn't expecting us to get all emotional about that. After all, we had 154 years of Fields in 2006 and he bascially said he could care less. Now we all could care less about Macy's.

Date: Fri, August 22, 2008  9:13 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's fan

Goldman Sachs downgraded Macy's stock a couple of days ago.

"The brokerage cut shares of Macy's and Kohl's from "neutral" to "buy," but maintained its earnings estimates and outlook for the companies. It has a price target of $48 on Kohl's and $21 on Macy's."

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUSBNG31807220080820

Meanwhile, there was another item about Glamorama...this writer claims Macy's started Glamorama. You can respond easily--no need for any login.

http://www.examiner.com/x-443-Chicago-Gay-Examiner~y2008m8d21-Glam-it-up-at-Glamorama-08

And finally, in case you have missed it, here's the link to yesterday's item from Chicagoist where you can respond:

http://chicagoist.com/2008/08/21/80s_faves_to_perform_at_macys_fashi.php

Date: Fri, August 22, 2008  7:54 pm CT
Posted by: John

Does anyone know the them for the Messy's windows this year? I envision them using even fewer windows and incorporating more sponsors. A source told me that they would probably reflect the NYC windows, but with a Chicago twist. Already scared...

Date: Fri, August 22, 2008  7:03 pm CT
Posted by: Sarah

Hi everyone! I was in NYC this past weekend. I took a bus tour and when we passed Macy's I heard a lot of mumbling and groaning from others about Macy's. I also saw 3 people with tote bags that said Field's Girl on them in LaGuardia while waiting for my flight.

Date: Fri, August 22, 2008  6:58 pm CT
Posted by: Gail

I went shopping this weekend at Tysons Galleria in suburban Washington. While taking my wallet out of my purse to buy a shirt at Thomas Pink, I realized that I had a "Forever Marshall Field's" button in my purse, so I put it on. It didn't take more than 30 seconds for people to start commenting on it. Marshall Field's fans are everywhere.

Date: Fri, August 22, 2008  5:16 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Sorry, not all Chicago will be "She-boppin'" in the front row at Messy's glamorama. And I commend "chicagoist" for admitting "nothing tops" the one Field's started five years ago. I wonder at the logic of anyone trying to look good while being associated with the stigma of Messy's.

I feel much more excited about Field's Fans' upcoming Rally and Book Signing Reception on September 9. I will be there and am passing the information around to friends and co-workers.

Another person in the elevator at work took a leaflet today and wished Field's Fans all the best.

Date: Fri, August 22, 2008  12:09 pm CT
Posted by: TOM Z

THE NAME OF THE LINE OF HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS WAS 222 INCLUDED SOAPS, TOILET PAPER, ICE MELT, ETC.

Date: Fri, August 22, 2008  10:26 am CT
Posted by: Ed

This guy writes that Macy's started Glamorama. Please correct him. There's a place to leave a response-----no passwords needed.

http://www.examiner.com/x-443-Chicago-Gay-Examiner~y2008m8d21-Glam-it-up-at-Glamorama-08

Date: Fri, August 22, 2008  7:23 am CT
Posted by: G

I love your cause. I grew up in the Chicago area, and Marshall Field's was always a major shopping destination for my family. I haven't hardly been able to even look at the State St. store since the Macy's take-over. I want my Field's!!

Date: Fri, August 22, 2008  2:17 am CT
Posted by: drew

Here's an interesting article about the Parisian department stores in the Detroit area:

http://detroit.about.com/od/shopping/a/parisiandetroit.htm

The article notes that Bon Ton was wise to retain the Parisian name to establish a connection to the Detroit area. Perhaps more Parisian stores will open when the economy improves and the stores will earn the loyalty of shoppers who have given upon the Red Star Store.

When I visited family in "the D" this summer, we went to Laurel Park Place in Livonia and enjoyed shopping at Parisian and Von Maur. In the past, shopping always included a visit to JL Hudson's (I just loved the big downtown store on Woodward as a kid) and later Marshall Fields. My cousins laughed about the Red Star Store and said they NEVER even bother going there. One cousin lives 5 minutes from Southland and shopped almost exclusively at Hudson's/Fields. Since the conversion, she said she visited the Red Star once and will drive 40 minutes to Livonia, 20 minutes to Fairlane, or almost an hour to Somerset Collection to shop at a decent department store. Family members in Macomb County said that the now defunct Crowley's was far superior to the Red Star. Seems Kohl's and JC Penney are picking up the mid tier, while Von Maur and Parisian are picking up the better level. Meijer is a fantastic big box, in my opinion, and offers quality discount merchandise. And the Red Star fits into this shopping mix HOW?

The Red Star is evidently a failure in Detroit as well as in Chicago. Pittsburgh shoppers pretty much ignore the place. Friends in Cleveland have said most people don't even bother going into the Red Star; Dillard's has picked up the mid tier Kaufmann's shoppers while Nordstrom and Saks have expanded their offerings in the better tier. Kohl's and JC Penney have upgraded merchandise and improved their stores while the Red Star offers overpriced, poor quality, bland merchandise in a discount store environment. Family members in Baltimore who LOVED bamberger*s/macy*s and liked Hecht's absolutely despise the Red Star Store. One relative said "A gift from THERE would be like getting a gift from Sears--something you won't like, don't need, or wouldn't buy for yourself."

Nobody that I know shops at the Red Star, but I suppose my friends and family are all part of the demographic group no longer desired by Mr Lunkhead.

Date: Thurs, August 21, 2008  11:09 pm CT
Posted by: drew

To Jimmy Gimbels:

It's a shame that you didn't get to visit King of Prussia (outside Philly) in the late 1980s. The huge, beautiful mall featured Philadelphia's beloved Strawbridge and Clothier (later bought by May Company and renamed Strawbridge's), Abraham & Straus, Bloomingdale's (when it was still something unique), bamberger*s (later macy*s, when it was a very classy operation), and the wonderful John Wanamaker and traditional Gimbels at a separate nearby mall called the Court. I believe there were also outposts of Sears and JC Penney, but why would someone from the Pittsburgh area even bother visiting stores that can be found anywhere?

What an exciting day exploring the real department stores that offered a wide variety of merchandise at different price points with house brands that were actually very attractive.

Downtown Philly offered the classy Strawbridge and Clothier, the beautiful John Wanamaker with the magnificant organ in its Grand Court and a new Gimbels (later Sterns). The only remnant of these grand department stores is a mini-macy*mart in a section of the former Wanamaker's.

The "magic of macy*s" has cast its dark spell across the nation!

Date: Thurs, August 21, 2008  10:18 pm CT
Posted by: JPK

In the newest edition of American eagle airlines mag, macy's is offering an 11% discount card for international visitors at any of their stores. More Macy magic to mske their cheap merchandise get off the shelf

Date: Thurs, August 21, 2008  6:14 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff S.

If I remember correctly, the household products sold by Marshall Field and Company were called "222". I don't know what the 222 stands for; the address is 111, as we all know.

Bring back Marshall Field & Co.!!

Date: Thurs, August 21, 2008  4:07 pm CT
Posted by: John D.

Darrid makes a very good point in his posting of Tuesday, August 19 at 8:51 p.m. For those of you who are not familiar with the Cupid Candy deal that Mr. Lundgren promised, here is some background. It just one more in a mile-long string of broken promises.

http://www.chitowndailynews.org/Chicago_news/Sweet_deal_for_local_candy_maker,11512

Question: Since I have not stepped into the State Street store since September 7, 2006, would someone please tell me?---Is the instore RANGO mint demo mini-kitchen that Mr. Lundgren promised to operate, set-up and operating?

Which reminds me: The FRANGO mints were a lucrative money maker for Field's. Buying a box or two or three of FRANGO mints with a day's shopping was the customary norm back in the good ol' days of Marshall Field's! You never left Field's empty handed. The FRANGOs were a natural add-on sale. They were what you took home for family and friends. Tourists took them home, as a sign of Chicago, for family and friends. No more though since they have been macy-fied.

Date: Thurs, August 21, 2008  2:20 pm CT
Posted by: Mike & Jim

The hype for Glamorama has picked up. Of course, it was Marshall Field's that started it all but it is now known as "Macy's Glamorama". Yet, as Chicagoist notes today, it's not what it was when Field's started it.

To be sure it is for a worthy cause--it benefits the Art Institute of Chicago--but Chiago needs its fashion and glam developed under a Chicago name and sponsored by a store that represents Chicago at its best.

It's very important that Field's Fans repsond to the Chicagoist article posted at the following URL. If you don't have one, you will need to register a login to post but since Chicagoist posts about our cause with frequency, it's well worth it. See the posting area beneath the article for information on registering a login.

In admiration and respect for all you do to bring back Marshall Field's.

http://chicagoist.com/2008/08/21/80s_faves_to_perform_at_macys_fashi.php

Date: Thurs, August 21, 2008  10:14 am CT
Posted by: Molly A.

I just found this site and I'm so glad to see it! I worked for Fields for almost 2 years while working on a nursing degree and if Macy's hadn't closed my store in Fort Wayne I probably would have stayed on just as a temp person. I loved working there and I loved the people and products.

Date: Thurs, August 21, 2008  7:13 am CT
Posted by: J.L.

I support your work trying to bring back Marshall Fieldsb� there has been no other department store that has compared to my experience at Fields. Thanks!

Date: Thurs, August 21, 2008  4:59 am CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

Hey, it's me, Jimmy Gimbels, reporting live from King of Prussia Mall near Philadelphia. Lord and Taylor is busy. So is Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. The place is packed with back-to-school shoppers. Well, except for - oh, you already know the answer - MACY'S. And I thought they were the darling of the younger generation...that according to Macy press releases. I told several people about the boycott in Chicago. They all dislike Macy's for the same reasons: poor service...overpriced merch, poor selection. King of Prussia store is yet another example of Macy's lack of attention to maintenance and cleaning.

I believe, in many locations, Macy's gets business only because they are the only game in town. After all, they were allowed to buy out and shut down the competition. But where there is a choice, shoppers go anywhere but Macy's.

I've said it once, I will say it again: The magic of Macy's is how they manage to keep their doors open.

Jimmy Gimbels goes to Macy's King of Prussia so you don't have to.

Date: Wed, August 20, 2008  3:36 pm CT
Posted by: gle

I saw our announcement this morning about the September 9 rally at Noon and the reception and book signing at 5:00 p.m. I look forward to attending both events, and am sharing the information with my co-workers.

Even more, I look forward to the eventual return of our Marshall Field's. I walked by the store today, and there were actually cobwebs on the Field's nameplates on the State Street side of the State and Randolph corner. I was sorry not to even have a kleenex handy. Chicago deserves better.

Date: Wed, August 20, 2008  12:50 pm CT
Posted by: Mike C

Please pardon the interruption. I am wondering if anyone rembers the line of household products produced for Marshall Field & Company in the 1970C-s. I believe it was called the 333 brand or something to that effect? As I recall the brand had quite large assortment of products ranging from driveway salt to bathroom tissue all proudly bearing the Marshall Field & Company name. Thank you for your help.

Date: Wed, August 20, 2008  10:19 am CT
Posted by: G

My heart is still very much in this drive. I have my cookie jar fashioned like the clock and it's a reminder of better days and the fact that I will not shop Macy's.

Date: Wed, August 20, 2008  9:12 am CT
Posted by: TM

Chicago Cabaret Professionals will be presenting it's Tenth Anniversary Gala at the Park West Theater on Sunday, October 19 at 7:00 PM. The title of the show is "Our Kind of Town". Cabaret artist, Carla Gordon, who wrote "I'll Miss Fields This Christmas," will be performing it in the gala, which is typically attended by over four hundred audience members.

Date: Wed, August 20, 2008  9:04 am CT
Posted by: AJL, La Guna Hills, CA

I'm with ya!

Date: Wed, August 20, 2008  8:36 am CT
Posted by: C.B.

As pointed out in the recent Field's newsletter, the problem is not just return of the Marshall Field's name but return of the actual retailer and merchandise...or another more upscale retail emporium. I write Macy's and complain bitterly They have allowed the physical premises of both downtown store locations to degrade shamelessly! They have negatively altered the desirability of living any where near Water Tower because the store, its display windows, its interior plant and merchandise is all ugly and cheap. Macy's is a junk store that belongs in surburban malls alongside other junk stores, not in landmark locations in Chicago's Gold Coast and on venerable State Street. Don't just bring back the Marshall Field's name! Let's boot Macy's out of Chicago, period!

Date: Tues, August 19, 2008  8:51 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Just another note...

What ever happened to the Cupid Candy deal?

So far they haven't done anything yet and Macy's keeps discontinuing Frango flavors.

What a shock!

Date: Tues, August 19, 2008  7:58 pm CT
Posted by: Big Shopper

I just found this website and am sure glad I did. I was downtown today and thought I would walk through "Field's" (I can't help it, it's still Field's to me) and see what Macy's had done to it. I know how shabby my familiar suburban Macy's is (Northbrook Court) but I hoped they were still keeping the main store in good condition. Well, it was just awful. There was torn tape on the floor, cracks all over the first floor and balls of used Kleenex on the Frango display! It really knocked me over. This is truly a tragedy. If there's anything that can be done to change things back to how they were, I'd like to help. I haven't shopped at Macy's much for over a year.

Date: Tues, August 19, 2008  6:00 pm CT
Posted by: Simpsonite

I had a chance to visit the Macy's at Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi Michigan over the weekend. It was my first visit to a Macy's since the conversion. The store was busy but it was clear that this was a day for bargain shoppers and not regulars. Most of the stuff on sale was their third rate housebrand stuff like Alfani. Most of the designer stuff seemed like it came from all of the "lower tier" lines of the major designers. I had a look at a shirt that didn't seem as shabby as the others, but of course, it was one of the one's that was not on sale. Why am I not surprised?

The store itself seemed to have traces of greatness that were slowly been irradicated by the ongoing "improvements" being made. The store seemed way too bright and cold feeling as opposed to the more subdued Lord and Taylor and Nordstrom's elsewhere in the mall that made shopping a more enjoyable experience. There were quite a few Macy's bags in the mall but there were way more from Lord and Taylor (always a good sign).

I browsed through the candy department and had a look through the Frango's (most of which still had the Field's logo on them). I noticed quite a few boxes still had the May company designation on the back which seems to suggest that they were quite a few years old.

Overall, the store was what I expected. I saw reminents of what appeared to be a nice store that is in dire need of rescue from Macy's Inc. I really don't see them lasting too long - at least not until they fire Lundgren and replace him with someone who is prepared to go back to the basics and start rebuilding consumer goodwill from scratch. The Macy's name is probably beyond saving at this point outside of their traditional eastern / Pacific corridors.

When I saw their new anniversary catchphrase, I just wanted to laugh. I thought it should read "Macy's: Inspiring Ews, Augghs and Ows for the past 150 years." Yuk!

Date: Tues, August 19, 2008  1:40 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Russell

Is there a way that we could forward this blog to Macy's customer relations or to the board? (Like they don't know it exists!!!!) Maybe some of the board members could read what people want, and what they experience when going into these dreadful stores. Another thought is to send photos of these messy Macy stores right to corporate headquarters. Sounds like a job for Jimmy Gimbels!!!!

Press on!!!!!!!!

Date: Tues, August 19, 2008  1:36 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

Poor Jimmy Gimbels, I'm still laughing 24 hours after reading your post! I appreciate the sacrifices you make, going to Macy's so we don't have to!

I wonder, are Macy's managers kicking out kids that walk through the store wearing Abercrombie & Fitch t-shirts? How about employees from other stores who walk through wearing store nametags? Or is all this hostility directed just toward Field's fans?

You'd think they'd be happy just to have a warm body enter the store other than their funereal employees.

Just when I think that Macy's cannot possibly become any more arrogant and mean-spirited--when I start to believe they've done absolutely everything in their power to anger, disrespect, alienate, or otherwise annoy potential shoppers--they come up with a new despicable policy.

Thanks for the "field report" Jimmy!

Date: Mon, August 18, 2008  10:20 pm CT
Posted by: mja1951

I have noticed a number of posting where they state that Macy's should bring back Marshall Field's.

It's my opinion that Macy's could not be trusted to bring back Field's as an upscale store. Remember the "We're bringing back Field Gear" sham, and all their other phony attempts since they took over.

I wonder how many people really believe that if Macy's brought back Field's it would be little more than re-branding the Macy's crap with different labels and the same lack of personalized service.

I really want Field's back, but only as the Marshall Field's we remembered, with quality merchandise, fair prices, and great service.

Perhaps you could have a survey of how many people could trust Macy's to bring back Field's properly. I believe Macy's would have to sell the Field's stores to another company.

Response from webmaster:
No survey is needed--simply read the many posts below from over the past two years or more and you will see that the overwhelming majority believe as "mja1951" believes.

Date: Mon, August 18, 2008  9:59 pm CT
Posted by: gayle

Today a young female colleague of my husband's came by his office to ask a question. She is likely the target demographic that Macy's hopes to entice. While she was there, she noticed his Field's button stuck on his bulletin board. She said "I hate Macy's! I only shop there for the sales." Hubby asked why should would patronize such a store, even for sales. She said "You don't understand...they close out stuff for, like, 75% off!" After a moment's thought, she admitted that she really disliked the store, and was "creeped out" by what they had done to Field's. Before she left, she swore to join the boycott.

It really didn't take anything to convince her---Macy's lack of service and quality had already pushed her to the edge.

Date: Mon, August 18, 2008  CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Happy 174th Birthday to the founder of Marshall Field and Company, Marshall Field I, born on this date in Conway, Massachusetts.

He inspired more oohs and ahhs in one year than Macy's ever did in 150 years!

---

Date: Mon, August 18, 2008  6:30 pm CT
Posted by: Peter

Regading dunnhumby USA, the UK company opened a USA division at the behest of Kroger. Kroger is the parent of Food4Less stores in the Chicago area. Korger headquarters are right down the street from Macy's HQ.

And guess what? Two of Macy's board members were or are Kroger execs. Gee, like we're not on to them!

Date: Mon, August 18, 2008  12:14 pm CT
Posted by: Meredith K

I am glad you are going through with this site and keeping up the fight. The funny thing is, this reminds me of when Hudson's became Field's in Detroit. Except that no one really boycotted, because Fields was much more respectable and less hostile than Macy's has been. I grew up in the Metro Detroit area, and I remember my mother and grandfather being very upset about the change from Hudson's to Marshall Fields. Because I was young, I didn't mind so much, as long as we could still get Saunders' cream puffs and Maurice Salad!. I feel that Marshall Fields did a great job of preserving all that was nostalgic and respectable about good old Hudson's. I have been a Field's shopper since I got my license!. I moved to Chicago a little over two years ago (and a little before Macy's took Field's away), and I remember being excited to buy EVERYTHING I needed for my little apartment at the State Street Field's store. Unfortunately, Macy's came and took over. I have notices a decline in customer service, quality of merchandise, and most of all sanitation. Even if they served my beloved Maurice Salad in that smelly cafeteria downstairs, I wouldn't want to eat it.

If I can't have Hudson's back, I want Marshall Fields back. A place that serves favorite classic food and stocks my favorite clothing lines, not a place that reminds me of an overpriced discount shopping store.

Please keep up the good work for me and everyone else who misses Hudson's as well.

Date: Sun, August 17, 2008  8:28 pm CT
Posted by: Greg J.

The newest edition of RETAIL WIRE newsletter (www.retailwire.com) features a main article on: How Macy's is Trying to Better Relate to Customers. Several comments by professional retail strategists conclude with a point that is well-founded.

Macy's seems to feel that as long as they continue to do so-called surveys and go through the motions of hiring studies being done, they should saatisfy everyone. Not true. More and more people are realizing that his plan is doomed to failure. His plan is not working and it will not ever work. Terry Lundgren is going to have to realize that he will need to actually DO what the studies indicate---to listen, to REALLY l-i-s-t-e-n to the customers and to back-step and implement what the customers want if Macy's is to continue.

In the comment section, several professional retail experts, call Mr. Lundgren's plastering the macy's name on the former regional department stores, as a mistake.

Date: Sun, August 17, 2008  4:14 pm CT
Posted by: drew

I had to drop off some friends at Pittsburgh International Airport on Saturday evening, so I decided to visit nearby Beaver Valley Mall. Boscov's (formerly an outpost of Pittsburgh's "carriage trade" department store Joseph Horne Company, later Lazarus) was quite busy; this location is NOT being shuttered. The mall traffic was brisk and I noticed many Boscov's and JC Penney shopping bags but very few Red Star bags. JC Penney was also busy and there were lines at several check outs.

I then ventured to the Red Star store (originally Gimbels, converted to Kaufmann's). The elegant plexiglass "billboards" celebrating the 150th Anniversary were everywhere. In the center of the store near the escalators, a large plexiglass "billboard" featured a timeline of the "exciting" history of the store. The timeline curtly mentioned that "other stores" became macy*s in 2006. I thought the other side of the billboard would have some other information, but it was a duplicate of the same timeline.

The store WAS neat and clean. Although there were a good number of people walking through the store, there weren't many folks carrying shopping bags or making purchases. I walked through both floors and there was really nothing to catch my interest. Pillows were "Buy One Get One Free" but every pillow I checked felt as though it would pack down in no time; I need an ultra firm pillow and these were ultra light.

The men's clothing department was drab and unexciting. While there was a lot of "stuff" on display, the merchandise looked just like what's already in your closet. Nothing worth more than a cursory glance. In fact, JC Penney had a wider and more varied selection of clothes.

Date: Sun, August 17, 2008  2:17 pm CT
Posted by: Paul J. Freistuhler

I'm from Chicago but have lived in NYC for 16 years. To say I was surprised the first time I walked into Macy's here is an understatement. I really thought "what a dump" because I could not help but compare it with my beloved Marshall Fields on State Street.

About 12 years ago, I moved two blocks from Macy's on 34th St. Although I have never been particularly fond of Macy's, I have occasionally shopped there for emergency purchases (usually a last minute gift).

I knew Macy's was buying up department stores across the country and perhaps in some cases, they actually made the store more upscale than it's previous incarnation but I doubt this happened much. Then I heard they were buying Fields. I remember thinking, "well, with this purchase, there is no way they can change the name to Macy's. They'll have to keep the Fields name or there will be outrage and demonstrations--no one will shop there!" I knew this because Marshall Fields was more than a department store to Chicagoans. It was a best friend, a tradition and a first for so many things. I lived near Woodfield as a kid and as a teenager and I would always be excited to go to Marshall Fields and buy something. I would walk proudly all over the mall with my signiture green bag and show off that I indeed had something special. It had to be special because it was from Fields! I remember buying my first "designer" bathing suit, getting my first "nice outfit" for a school dance at Rolling Meadows High school, and of course, always getting at least a small box of Frangomints.

Of course the biggest thrill of all was getting to go downtown and shopping at State Street. This was always a special event and I would look forward to it for months! I moved into the city when I was 18 and I remember clearly the day I got my very first credit card. Yes, it was from my fried, Marshall Fields! Oh the excitement! The next day I headed right for State Street as it just happened to be "Field Days", that once a month special Sunday that the State Street store was open. I remember buying my first ever coffee pot and some fancy flavored coffees and I thought that I had finally entered adulthood!

When family came to town, We would always make a trip to Fields on State Street because it was Magic. Everyone had the biggest smiles and one of these times was the first time I ever bought my Mom a dress. So many firsts, yes, Marshall Fields was my best friend because it is with best friends that you do experience "firsts". Every gift I bought would come from this store, for all occasions.

Later I would work for a perfume company and I would always ask my boss to put me at Fields State Street whenever possible because this is where people were the happiest customers. It was actually fun to work there.

Even after moving to NYC, I would make a trip at least twice a year to Chicago and I would always make it a point to take whatever friend I had with me from NY to State Street Fields. They would ALWAYS be blown away by the beauty and service that was this marvelous shopping experience. Yes, it made shopping "An Experience"!

Well, when I heard Macy's was in fact changing the name, I felt sick and sad. I refuse to shop at Macy's here in NY now, not even for "emergency" gifts. I visited my family last October and we went to Woodfield, my childhood playground. I took a tour of the "Macy's" there and honestly, could not find even one thing to buy. The quality and selection was appalling. Gone were all the stylish brands I used to know there and in their place was shoddy Alfani, cheap, lack luster brands, and hip hop clothes that were already out of fashion (not that I would ever have considered this type of clothing anyway). Later when we wnet downtown, I could not even bring myself to visit my once beloved store on State Street.

I think it is important to share fond stories about Marshall Fields, not just argue that their sales are down. Emotions are often important arguments for change.

The Macy'sfication of America is a terrible idea. Top level people should be fired. Bring back variety and tradition. Macy's could have entered the Chicago market and people would have shopped there too as long as Macy's didn't take away the most loved department store in the country. Before I moved to NYC, I always wondered "why isn't Macy's coming to Chicago? They could open across the street from Fields State Street in that big empty lot, build on new stores at malls as Nordstrom's and other's had, etc." Perhaps it would have been an exciting trip to also go to Macy's, heck I didn't' know what they were like". That might have worked too because Macy's is completely different to any shopping experience in Chicago. I know at one point there once was a cachet to the Macy's name (although I don't get it) but I'm afraid it is too late now for Macy's in Chicago.

I won't shop there and I hope other's will make this same decision and force them to close. Do the right thing Macy's and give Marshall Fields back to Chicago! Has any buy out of a store ever upset so many people and to a degree where they are continuing to demonstrate years later? It is time to realize this was an extremely bad business decision and to rectify it. Have we heard even one person say they like Macy's better than Fields? Not a one that I'm aware of. NOT ONE!

Until then, Bad Macy's, Bad.

Date: Sun, August 17, 2008  12:56 am CT
Posted by: Fields Fan 123

How every you slice, dice, or chop it... Macy's has failed in the Midwest and beyond. Sales, profits, customer service, all down - WAY down.

My prediction is the following stores will close:

• Vernon Hills
• Northbrook Court
• Woodfield Furniture

They are always empty and even when they make a sale it is at a huge discount (low margin). There is no way they can stay in business. Macy's would rather break the lease (pay a fee) and leave.

Date: Sun, August 17, 2008  12:22 am CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Today's Star Tribune had an article stating that since JB Hudson Jewelers moved out of the corner of the Nicollet Mall Store, macy's has not been able to attract a replacement tenant. The Pohlad family (Minnesota Twins baseball team) bought the jeweler from the Cargill family (Cargill grain traders) and then moved the store down Nicollet Mall one block into much bigger space.

In order to fill the space that has now sat empty in the macy's store since last winter, macys has decided to put the Xmas decorations in that space this year, instead of on fifth floor. And in order to get the space filled quickly, the Xmas stuff will go in there on September 15.

It really is an elegant space and it housed the jewelers since The Dayton family owned it in 1929. However, I am uncertain how the tacky Xmas decorations will look in there and I am repulsed by the thought of it being in there on September 15.

Regards.

Date: Sat, August 16, 2008  10:34 pm CT
Posted by: Steve

The Trib has had several on-line articles about retail including some success at JCPenney and the drop in sales at Macy's.

There are places to leave comments after these--you should do so!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-ap-retail-earns-glance,0,6599929.story

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sat-penney-abercrombie-earniaug16,0,7122004.story

Date: Sat, August 16, 2008  12:01 pm CT
Posted by: Sarah, Wisconsin

The board of directors at Macy's must be all puppets for Terry Lundgren. Any sane retailer would switch back to Field's after a sustained 5% reduction in sales. Macy's seems to be just trying to hide its mistake of getting rid of Marshall Field's.

Date: Sat, August 16, 2008  5:22 am CT
Posted by: J C

RetailWire has a fascinating article on Macy's attempts at understanding customers' needs and wants. Overall, many of the opinions posted by retail experts at this link do not think Macy's is "getting it".

Be sure to take part in the poll!

http://www.retailwire.com/Discussions/Sngl_Discussion.cfm/13167#poll

Date: Sat, August 16, 2008  4:02 am CT
Posted by: JB

I hate Macy's!!

Date: Sat, August 16, 2008  12:51 am CT
Posted by: M

Cincinnati-based article about Macy's 2Q figures:

"Macy's finds a tear in its fabric"

http://www.journalinquirer.com/articles/2008/08/15/business/doc48a321cf93a4e213386094.txt

Date: Sat, August 16, 2008  12:00 am CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

Those wacky folks at Macy's are turning nasty again. I was walking through the Macy's at Westfield Hawthorne (to get to Carson's) when a manager type told me to leave the store. She saw the Field's button on my jacket and said "If your aren't going to buy anything, you should just leave. This is private property."

Two shoppers standing nearby heard the exchange and chimed in with, "You are so rude just like the rest of the sales people. We're out of here, too!" The store sure was empty for a Friday night at 6:00 PM.

Gee, I didn't even get to check if the Frango Mints from Christmas 2006 were still on sale in what is left of the candy/gift food department.

Jimmy Gimbels goes to Macy's - and gets kicked out - so you don't have to! By the way, lots of nice fall clothing and helpful salepeople at Carson's. They love to see people wearing Field's buttons.

Date: Fri, August 15, 2008  5:34 pm CT
Posted by: Steve

While the Sun-Times ran the AP story about Macy's 2Q results, the print edition had a different story. It was simply a Business Briefs blurb headlined with the bit about Macy's hiring dumbhumby to (duh) find out what customers want. Then the 2Q financials were tacked on afterwards. They sure swept that under the rug! But my, what a big bulge there is under that rug! It's obvious to everyone!

You can write a letter to the editor at letters@suntimes.com

Date: Fri, August 15, 2008  1:35 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

Many many Chicagoans warned Macy's they would boycott if/when Marshall Field's was disrespected, and have carried through on that threat by not spending a dime at Macy's. Others, however, became Macy's boycotters by accident, so to speak. This is because during their forays into the stores potential shoppers have discovered there is no reason whatsoever to shop at Macy's. The service stinks, the merchandise is downgraded and the stores are messy and not well maintained. There are plenty of other more pleasant places to go and spend your hard earned dollars.

It would no doubt be instructional for Terry Lundgren to put on a disguise--glasses, false nose, wig, whatever and make a few private, unannounced visits to his stores across the country---not as CEO, but as a regular customer. THEN he might understand exactly what average shoppers see, experience, and are subjected to when they go into a Macy's store these days. He might better understand why shoppers are not beating down the doors to partake of the "magic of Macy's".

Date: Fri, August 15, 2008  8:45 am CT
Posted by: gle

One of Terry Lunkhead's recent quotes has him saying they continue to outperform most of their major competitors. I wonder if he knows exactly who is becoming their competition.

One block from State Street, is a simple Chicago tradition that nobody has managed to stamp out--Farmers' Market. Every week I see more crowds and enthusiasm there than you ever see at Macy's. Vendors such as the Amish (luscious Dutch apple pie), Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (fantastic fair trade coffee from Nigeria), and brilliant cut flowers sell out early while Macy's sales associates stand around chatting and yawning.

When I remind co-workers it is Farmers' Market day, their eyes light up. After lunch we talk about what we found there and what we had to eat. Nobody in my company ever talks that way about Messy's. They say they hate Messy's, and thank me for the Marshall Field's buttons and wish Field's Fans all the best.

Date: Fri, August 15, 2008  8:12 am CT
Posted by: Valencia Carter

I have for sell Marshall Fields memorabilia form 1948-1953, it is a very old book with news adds of the old Marshall Fields beauty salon, when I worked there they were going to toss it out so I took it, not knowing that the store would be no more. Please contact me if anyone is interested @ mrsruffone@yahoo.com.

Date: Fri, August 15, 2008  1:51 am CT
Posted by: David

One is tempted to laugh reading these posts- IF it weren't so tragic.

Like "Zelda" I won't even buy a beverage from macy's and folks at work made it known loud and clear they didn't want gift certificates from there last holiday season- or for their birthdays or bonuses. It's heartbreaking on so many counts, but watching the Loop revival without Chicago's beloved Marshall Field's truly is devastating. Yes, a department store is still in operation at 111 N. State, but nothing that differentiates itself from all the drab big boxes in Anytown, USA.

"Richard in Houston" undoubtedly is right about the lack of business at the former Foley's; I witnessed the same when there in early June; however, macy's may be right as well. Maybe compared to their other failures it IS one of their more profitable markets. Spin is spin. But as the late, great Daniel Patrick Moynihan said: "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but not to their own facts."

Date: Fri, August 15, 2008  1:18 am CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston

It bears repeating again: Macy's has eliminated even the mention of the former Field's and other nameplates from the history of the company and divisions on their website? Another example of their arrogance. Field's, and some of the other divisions, were responsible for so many firsts in retailing. Many of the divisions, including Field's, were older than Macy's as well. Keep up the boycott. Out of all the divisons that have been discarded, Field's has the best chance of being brought back. Although, I wish some investors, like NRDC, would bring back Burdine's, Rich's, Bullock's and Foley's. I have a feeling some New Yorkers would like A&S or Bambergers back too.

Date: Thurs, August 14, 2008  10:29 pm CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

Dear wacky folks at Macy's:

It is not the economy.
It is the the price of gas.
It is not cold weather.
It is not hot weather.
It is not sunspots.
It not a lack of coupons.
It is not because it rained.
It is not an early Easter or late Christmas.
It is not that consumers do not understand your luxury for less concept.

Your business is down...way down...because you misjudged what consumers want - and that would be great service, clean stores, and exciting merchandise. You always find someone...or something...to blame for a lack of business.

Truth be told, your stores are just nothing special and offer little to entice shoppers. Martha Stewart? The same merch is at Walmart and KMart (for a whole lot less). Donald Trump clothing? Overpriced, poorly made and ill-fitting. Tom Hilfiger? Dead brand that fits perfectly with your other dead brands like Jorsache jeans and Britannica. What else you got? Oh yes, Inc., Jessica Simpson shoes and the "fabulous" Style and Company.

You wacky folks said that don't care if ex-Field's shoppers go to your stores. Hmm, that must be the reason your stores are empty. We've moved to Lord and Taylor, Von Maur and Nordstrom. You are a store without a customer based since your rebranding has turned off nearly everyone.

Now you are going to hire yet another consultant to determine what consumers want. Will this be the third or fouth time? The answer is clear. You had a gem of a store called Marshall Field's that was uniquely positioned in the market...a hometown favorite. Great style, great flair, great service, great people. Now your have ghost town stores. There is no magic in Macy's. But you can fix it.

Bring back Marshall Field's.

Or, continue to watch your stock continue to drop (from $54 to a junk status of $19 in 12 months!) while your drive the PR department crazy trying to come up with more spin and more lame excuses.

Date: Thurs, August 14, 2008  8:37 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

What's also sad about Macy's idiocy is the negative impact it has on other merchants. I used to practically live at Oak Brook Center. Now it makes me angry and sad to see that ugly red star, so I find myself spending a lot less time (and money) there. I'll run into Nordstrom's or L&T sometimes, but I'm spending more at Carson's and Von Maur's in Yorktown these days.

I've also started shopping online at stores I used to patronize at Oak Brook, such as Williams-Sonoma and Origins. The same corporations are getting my money, but I'm no longer doing much to support their brick-and-mortar locations.

Since they killed Field's, shopping just isn't anywhere near as much fun. :-(

Date: Thurs, August 14, 2008  6:45 pm CT
Posted by: Mike M

From what I've seen, several Chicago area Macy's stores are dying a well-deserved death. Macy's on State Street is an absolute ghost town.

Shoppers who loved Marshall Field's will NEVER shop at Macy's.

Eventually, shareholders will wake up and dump Terry Lundgren. Then we will get Marshall Field's back!

THE BOYCOTT IS WORKING!

Date: Thurs, August 14, 2008  6:23 pm CT
Posted by: Steve

Karen Houget and Terry Lundgren say they are excited about Macy's 150th Birthday this October, even maarking October 28 as a special day.

I'm sure I speak for all Field's customers in saying that we already celebrated Field's 150th in 2002. The slogan was and still is "As Chicago As It Gets".

This year would have been Marshall Field's 156th Birthday. Macy's 150th Birthday Celebration rings hollow like a great black hole. Macy's thinking we will be excited about it is insult to injury. I'm certain the 150th Macy's birthday celebration will bring sales down even further in Chicago, Minneapolis and Detroit.

Date: Thurs, August 14, 2008  5:11 pm CT
Posted by: Tom K

Just like Terry and the Pirates to hire a consulting firm to tell them what they already know. You know what a consultant is? A consultant is someone who borrows your watch, then tells you what time it is. I apologize for stooping to name-calling, but Lunkhead and his staff are buffoons.

Date: Thurs, August 14, 2008  5:03 pm CT
Posted by: Michael R

I did email dunnhumby about what Macy's needs to do. I said they need to restore Marshall Field's name, quality, and service. I plead with all of you to email dunnhmby also.

Press on!!!!!

Date: Thurs, August 14, 2008  3:42 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Is ANYONE surprised that Macy's sales and stock prices continue to steadily fall? Yes, it's true, the economy is down, but I am spending more, not less, on clothes and home items than in the past, just not at Macy's. I wouldn't buy a coke in Macy's! They have no respect for the great legacy of Marshall Field & Co., and all that it meant to Chicago's history and tourism. They have no respect for loyal customers. They have no respect for the landmark building at 111 N. State Street, which has cracked floors, duct-taped floors, and obviously far more security guards than maintenance people. They have no respect for quality brands, many of which have jumped ship since their takeover. They have substituted poorer quality house brands but charged the same prices as higher quality merchandise. They have no respect for longtime employees, with strong customer following, but have substituted them for poorer trained, less motivated associates. They have no respect for our intelligence and the fact that we have eyes and ears.

Because of all these reasons, and more! -- too many to list -- Macy's will never be a success -- in Chicago or anywhere. IN RETAILING, ULTIMATELY THE CUSTOMERS WRITE THE END OF THE STORY, AND THAT IS WHAT WE ARE NEARING NOW.

Date: Thurs, August 14, 2008  2:01 pm CT
Posted by: Randy

It's interesting to note that Macy's got rid of the Field's customers, but now, after reading some of these articles that are linked here, it seems they are even turning off Macy's customers.

Date: Thurs, August 14, 2008  11:55 am CT
Posted by: Miranda B

We want MARSHALL FIELD and COMPANY! NOT MACY'S!!!!!

Date: Thurs, August 14, 2008  11:19 am CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston

Karen Houget is full of bologna! I don't, for a minute, believe the Texas stores are some of their most profitable. If you could see the former Foley's stores condition and the lack of Macy's bags in the malls and shoppers, you would see what I mean. The smoke and mirrors is getting very old. When are shareholders going to tire of this and demand change? It has now been 3 years since the takeover and they are still bringing up the same old excuses. It amazes me that they rebranded all the stores, especially Marshall Fields. I applaud NRDC for what they have done with Lord & Taylor. They were the fortunate ones to get sold off. How I wish they would have done the same with Marshall Fields and Foleys. It would have been such a blessing had Foley's been sold off in 1988 to the partership/investors that was eyeing them at the time they were sold from Federated to May. Foley's, at that time, was much more on the level of Field's. May made many changes that were not advantageous to the brand but was still nothing as bad as Macy's.

Date: Thurs, August 14, 2008  10:01 am CT
Posted by: Penny

The economy may be doing poorly, but bringing back Marshall Field's to Chicago would generate a huge amount of business. After it has been gone, people would make the pilgrimage--and I do mean pilgrimage--to see the restore store.

As I think someone else pointed out, if Macy's execs are so stupid that they need to hire a consulting firm to tell them what consumers want in Chicago, then those execs are either incompetent or trying to play dumb.

Date: Thurs, August 14, 2008  8:59 am CT
Posted by: gle

Here's another one in the "Tribune" today, with a comment blog:

"Macy's net slips; warning issued"

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-thu-macys-earnings-aug14,0,4897116.story

Date: Thurs, August 14, 2008  8:49 am CT
Posted by: gle

The quote by Terry Lunkhead in Messy's August 13 press release about hiring that dumbunny firm comes right out with a revealing motive, "The insights culled from our work with dunnhumby will support our new My Macy's localization initiative." It sounds like they want a professional firm to provide backup to tell the world what they want the world to believe. Whatever they have or say can't stand on its own. They need to be associated with "stars" or "experts." Customers, however, can't help but notice the obvious. We have been noticing it for almost two years. Chicago still wants its Marshall Field's.

Date: Thurs, August 14, 2008  7:02 am CT
Posted by: Tim

I think it is reasonable to assume that most retail will be down, given the economy and all. But as I read this, I understand Macy's has missed it's guidance. Is that correct?

Date: Thurs, August 14, 2008  1:19 am CT
Posted by: John D.

dunnHumby, the customer relations firm which macy's has hired to tell CEO/Pres/Chairman Lundgren what has gone wrong, is partially owned by the Kroger Company. Kroger's is one of the nation's largest supermarket companies.

The ironic point is that as Kroger has acquired regional supermarket companies throughout the years, it has retained their names and traditions so as not to disrupt the customer count. Kroger has realized that the local names hold value in retaining customer loyalty and regional historical recognition. Kroger owns fifteen regional supermarkets across the U.S. They are not about to trash those names, as its newest client, macy's, has done with the Marshall Field's name and more than 20 local department store nameplates.

Here is the link with the names of the regional grocery stores: http://www.thekrogerco.com/

Once again, it's really a no-brainer, Mr. Lundgren. Bring back the retailing elegance, the culture, the unique merchandising and presentation, reknown customer service, the legendary, revered name and all the extras that made Marshall Field & Company a world-class retailing emporium.

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  10:55 pm CT
Posted by: S.B.

It is interesting that Macy's hired dunnHumby. They are specialist in the CPG/Grocery Retailer world not the departments store or clothing retailer world. dunnHumby is just opening their offices here in Chicago. They do a lot of work with frequent shopper cards, etc. not department store retail. Besides Macy's already knows what it needs to do... bring back Marshall Field's.

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  8:32 pm CT
Posted by: Mark

I find it hard to believe that they no longer track how the legacy May Company stores and Marshall Field's stores are doing separately from the long-time Macy's stores, at least internally.

It seems more likely that they don't want to release those figures. I don't believe the statement by the Macy's official.

The former Field's location I pass through on my way to Penney's is dead. The sales clerks either talk among themselves or stand leaning against counters, perhaps withtheir arms folded or staring into space. Not all of them, but more than I see in most any other department store.

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  8:01 pm CT
Posted by: James

They can say what they want, but you know those sales figures are chain-wide. Those stores in the northeast are most likely propping up the horrible sales figures from the stores here in Chicago.

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  7:49 pm CT
Posted by: M L

Cincinnati Enquirer has a story similar to what is being featured in most papers, but what is interesting is the reader comments. Even in Cinci they are saying how Macy's blew it when they got rid of Field's.

Be sure to read the Reader Comments at the end.

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080813/BIZ01/308130039&s=d&page=1#pluckcomments

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  7:31 pm CT
Posted by: D F

A couple of articles on today's Macy's statements as appearing in Home Textiles Today.

The first says that Macy's is revitalizing Home Textiles in its stores by being more locally oriented. They discuss color choices are part of that strategy. Chicago has local color choices, Macy's. Chicago wants Marshall Field's green as their color choice throughout the store, not just in home textiles. And please, no Macy's red.

http://www.hometextilestoday.com/article/CA6587320.html?nid=2063&rid=4378377

They also have a succinct summary of today's stats releases.

http://www.hometextilestoday.com/article/CA6587319.html?nid=2063&rid=4378377

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  7:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim

Perhaps this all could be summed up with the slogan:

"Macy's vs The Customer"

That's what it seems like to most Chicagoans!

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  6:32 pm CT
Posted by: Peter

Let me save Macy's a bunch of money. Chicago doesn't want "My Macy's". They want "My Marshall Field's". Period.

All this expense to save the emperor from admiitting he has no clothes. The shareholders should be embarassed and the board of directors at Macy's should be sued.

Peter

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  5:58 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

Hi Everybody! It's been awhile since I've posted, but my own computer has been unavailable for a time and will be for hopefully a SHORT time more, as there are some necessary adjustments to be made. BUT! though I'm held to using the library's computer for awhile, I decided to find some random facts and photos for my Matchless Marshall Field's page. Only three new entries so far, as the time is limited on the library computers, but I'll try to post some more as soon as I can!

www.matchlessmarshallfields.blogspot.com

KEEP UP THE FIGHT! VICTORY IS ON THE HORIZON - I FEEL IT!

Very Marshall Fieldingly Yours,

L. Grand :-)

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  5:35 pm CT
Posted by: AlexC

I find it hard to believe Macy's wants to spend millions of dollars on customer research when anyone with common sense could see what they need to do. When you are blinded by ego, you can't see much of anything else.

I think an e-mail and/or letter-writing campaign to dunnhumby would be an excellent idea to drive the point home further about not only wanting Field's back (I still miss Field's most of all) but of bringing back several regional stores and identities. However, all of the best research in the world will not bring in customers when you stock poorly-designed, unmaintained stores with knock-off, shoddy merchandise and poor service. That was never an issue with Field's.

Here is the contact link for the dunnhumby location in Cincinnati: http://www.dunnhumby.com/us/contact-email

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  5:19 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

Well fans,

With all due respect, it IS an election year and it appears T.L. loves putting 'his' spin on why 'm' continues to under-perform. My take: if it looks like a duck, if it walks like a duck and if it quacks like a duck, chances are it's a duck! Get real T.L., we all have your number.

Doris

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  3:58 pm CT
Posted by: James Miller

Macy's says that more local managers will be making more decisions to fix the problems with the disaffected customer base. I think this can be interpreted to be a move toward restoring the Marshall Field's brand.

Perhaps these upcoming decisions will involve a last flailing at cheerleading for Macy's acceptance, just as a sort of hair-shirt gesture for the eyes of anyone who might be paying attention. The only sensible choice they will have left is to go with Field's.

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  3:33 pm CT
Posted by: Sherri G

The highlight of my trips to Chicago has been going to Marshall Field's for the Christmas decorations, to eat, or of course to shop. I loved the store and have spent a great deal of time there in spite of not living in Chicago.

Obviously Chicago has a great deal to offer, but I'm not nearly as eager to visit for fun without Marshall Fields. I'm not exagerating.

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  2:20 pm CT
Posted by: Rich W

It is maddening how far they are going to cover up the horrendous performance of the former May locations. You can bet your life they are tracking this cluster of stores. It is an abomination, an outright lie and Karen Hogus Bogus should be called out for trying to perform "magic" on their lackluster sales performance. The shareholders have a right to know that these stores are horribly underperforming. No retail company only tracks sales and markdowns on a national level. If you look at other real retailers websites, you always get specific information on sales within different regions of the country, or any specific cluster of stores (example: stores impacted by a hurricane.....like hurricane macy's!!) that has sales tracking much differently than the rest of the chain. Now more than ever.......down with M*cy's and Marshall Field's Forever. They can cook the books until they are burnt to a crisp, but they cannot hide behind the emptiness and ghost towns in the stores called M*cy's.

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  2:17 pm CT
Posted by: Brian

How can these goofy folks at the helm at Macy's keep getting away with this stuff?????? They announced today that they are hiring the Cincinnati-based Dunnhumby to find out what customers want at Macy's! I wish I could say it is because they are stupid--but I suspect it is simply more smoke and mirrors.I mean, you don't have to pay anyone to tell you that Chicago simply has an overwhelming preference for Marshall Field's and against Macy's!

Dunnhumby has a Chicago office recently added to work with north-suburban based Kraft Foods, but it will be the Cinci office that is handling Macy's from what I understand. Field's loyalists should email and write to Dunnhumby and tell them that Field's--not Macy's--is what we all want.

Contact info is at this web page. The Chicago office is new and is to handle Kraft Accounts. Contact the Cinci office.

http://www.dunnhumby.com/uk/contact

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  1:37 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Supporter

Macy's CFO Karen Houget said today that stores in the Upper Midwest and the West were their least performing. Stores in the Northeast and Texas were their highest performing. She said that Macy's no longer tracks the difference in performance between stores that were once owned by May Department Stores and those that were owned by Macy's before the May acquisition.

You can listen to the conference call which is about 35 minutes long by following the link from http://www.macysinc.com/

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  1:03 pm CT
Posted by: A Different Peter

Crains Chicago Business also has an article about Macy's 2Q Report. It also side bars a link to the 02/27/2007 article reporting the State Street store appears (as of early 2007) to be doing poorly as indicated by a drop in tax revenues. Both are important reads. Be certain to send a letter to the editor and also get a login to leave a comment after the article.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30583

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=24025

Letters should be sent to letters@chicagobusiness.com and editor@chicagobusiness.com

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  CT
Posted by: gle

Announcements abound today on Messy's Second Quarter Earnings, and they don't surprise me much.

>From the "Tribune" I found several:

"Macy's posts 2Q profit decline"
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chicago-macys-earns-aug13,0,2225000.story

"Macy's posts 2Q profit decline amid challenging economy; cuts full-year outlook" (excuses, excuses)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-ap-earns-macys,0,3798957.story

Both of those have Topix comment blogs where you should leave comments on behalf of bringing back Field's.

The "Tribune" stock quotes section (enter M for Macy's and hit go) has a press release about Messy's latest denial tactic:

"Macy's Partners with dunnhumbyUSA to Develop, Apply Customer Insights to Grow Same-Store Sales"
http://markets.chicagotribune.com/custom/tribune-interactive/html-story.asp?symb=M&siteid=chicagotribune&guid={D48CDB85-A04F-40A2-87F0-78822D2C8667}

The "Tribune" stock quotes announcement of Messy's Second Quarter earnings is:

"Macy's, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Earnings of 17 Cents Per Diluted Share vs. 16 Cents Last Year"
http://markets.chicagotribune.com/custom/tribune-interactive/html-story.asp?symb=M&siteid=chicagotribune&guid={03CA96E1-7D6E-4426-890D-65538E1C9A47}

AND, this was in the "Sun-Times:"

"Macy's says 2Q profit falls, cuts outlook for year"
http://www.suntimes.com/business/earnings/1105228,macys081308.article

Aside from posting to any and all forums that follow the on-line versions of these articles, be very certain to send letters to the editor. Letters to the "Tribune" should be sent to ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com .

Letters to the "Sun-Times" go to letters@suntimes.com

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  11:26 am CT
Posted by: Tajuan White

I was born on the southside and grew up in the south suburbs. I recently moved from the Northside Edgewater to ATL. Quite frankly Im still upset about the Marshall Fields name change. I refused to shop at Macy's no matter where I am. It is a known fact that Chicagoans are around the world since we are the engine of the country putting out more go getters than the average city. The Macy namebrand with all due respect is New York and they can keep it in NYC. As for whats ours, let it remain ours. Must not have been a Chicagoan who made the name change decision. A Chicagoan would've known that Marshall Field's help build the city. So I came up with an idea that this "person" may wanna suggest next time he meets with the big decision makers of the world.

Replace George Washington's face on the Dollar with The Queen of England

Thanks

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  11:11 am CT
Posted by: Peter

MariaA...

I have a box just like you at home. :-) And because of the quality of the box from the 60's it'll be around to pass on to your grandchildren. Can't say that about a Macy's box, can you?

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  9:34 am CT
Posted by: Barbara

I live in NYC and I refuse to shop Macy's after what they did to Field's and Filene's!

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  9:32 am CT
Posted by: drew

Just imagine all the customers rushing in to macy*mart to purchase the latest fashions from Tommy Hilfiger.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EARNS_MACYS?SITE=PAPIT&SECTION=BUSINESS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Same old story, same old excuses for poor sales, same old "turnaround" strategies--two years since macy*mart downgraded department stores across the nation and nothing has improved.

Date: Wed, August 13, 2008  12:01 am CT
Posted by: B

Hi All

It is so true that you used to always see SO MANY Marshall Field's bags-- I regularly rode the train ---the south shore line-- and there were ALWAYS many forest green Field's bags around and at holidays -- you would drown in the sea of green Field bags -- the only other bags I remember are Carson's bags -- but those were far outnumbered by Field bags -- A few L&T bags or Nordstrom -even a Skas here or there -- But a sea of Field bags --

as many as there were I NEVER tired of seeing that most beautiful script declaring Marshall Field's and the clock above the name !

Take Care

Keep up the boycott--- (it's Easy!)-----bloomingdales too.

B

the real B

italbearr@yahoo.com

Date: Tues, August 12, 2008  9:52 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Just a reminder that Macy's will release its 2nd quarter figures tomorrow morning. This will be discussed as part of a conference call you can listen to over the internet.

To listen to the conference call, you will need Windows Media Player (Use Flip4Mac if you have Mac) or Real Player. The rest of the info is at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?p=irol-eventDetails&c=84477&eventID=1915997

Be sure to leave comments here and in the various forums that follow online articles.

Date: Tues, August 12, 2008  9:24 pm CT
Posted by: Maria A

I wish they would bring back Marshall Field's. I grew up in Chicago and have fond memories of going to Field's with my parents. At Christmas they would have wonderful window displays and as a kid that just added to the magic of the season. At the the Fox Valley Mall I remember they had TVs set up in a snowy setting facing out into the mall. I and many other kids would sit on the floor out side Field's staring wide-eyed at the TVs behind the glass. The TVs were tuned to the station which broadcast Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Frosty the Snowman and all the classic Christmas shows produced Rankin/Bass as well as others.

One of the best keepsakes I have of Marshall Fields is a box from Field's that held the contents to some purchase my mother made back in the late 60's. It still has the original shipping label with the clerk writing that packaged the box. The outside of the box has the Marshall Field's logo/writing printed on the sides. The box is still in good shape and houses our nativity set. My husband asked me one year why I don't throw that box out and get a nice plastic tote instead. I told him, this box had more wonderful memories to me than many other things I posses. How silly is it, that a simple box from Marshall Field's can instantly bring back a flood of memories of each Christmases and growing up in Chicago.

Date: Tues, August 12, 2008  5:22 pm CT
Posted by: drew

The City of Pittsburgh has seen fit to honor the memory of its beloved legendary department store:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08225/903722-100.stm

This is a great tribute to recognize the Kaufmann family and its contributions to the region. In addition to operating a landmark department store, the Kaufmanns generously donated their Frank Lloyd Wright designed home Fallingwater to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. This beautiful structure has been open to the public for many years and draws thousands of tourists to its beautiful mountain setting.

Date: Tues, August 12, 2008  3:13 pm CT
Posted by: Peter

Although it was upgraded a few weeks ago, Macy's stock has been downgraded back down--to neutral.

http://www.streetinsider.com/Downgrades/ARGUS+Downgrades+Macys+(M)+to+Neutral/3903465.html

Date: Tues, August 12, 2008  3:00 pm CT
Posted by: Peter

Beyond pointing out that Macy's has problems, this blog writer analyst notes that even the 34th Street flagship has gotten "shabby". Too bad he says Macy's needs to go further down market.

http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/08/12/clue-is-latest-product-to-get-a-brand-makeover/

Date: Tues, August 12, 2008  12:10 pm CT
Posted by: S.A.

I really miss Fields. My mother took me as a young child to shop for school clothes and Easter dresses here in Milwaukee and I have often made a Saturday trip to Chicago to shop on State Street.

Macys' is SO JUNKY. I remember trying to shop there back in the 90's while living on the East Coast. UGH!! I refuse to go in the store at Mayfair.

Date: Tues, August 12, 2008  11:17 am CT
Posted by: Greg B

I was seated on an airline flight with an officer of the national tarde organization for travel and convention planners. When I mentioned that I was from the Chicago area, she immediately asked me what I thought of the loss of Marshall Field's. (She is from Santa Barbara, California.) I opened up completely with words of disdain for macy's and how they have totally ruined everything about Marshall Field's culture and way of conducting an upscale, unique retail business.

She related that client groups will, in the majority of cases, scratch 111 N. State Street (the former MF&Co) store off the itinerary for convention breaks and for tour group outtings (national and international). Reason?: People from all around the world now realize how macy's has destroyed the uniqueness and everything Field's was. The frequent comment is: Why would we want to go to macy's when we have loads of them back home and we stay away from them like the plague!? Would you ever consider getting excited about going to a Sears or Penney's on a visit into another city on a vacation or on a convention??

Folks, that says it all about how the disdain for macy's is prevalent all over the country and the World!

Date: Tues, August 12, 2008  5:03 am CT
Posted by: Mitch

A long time ago when I worked on passenger trains to Chicago on any given evening the train would be a sea of Field's bags. At Christmas time the number of Field's bags toted by passenger and crew was tremendous. It seemed like everyone went home with something from Field's.

I ride the train to and from Chicago occasionaly and I seldom, if ever see a Macy's bag. I have yet to meet someone that says they shop at Macy's.

I have a good friend that's been successful in retailing. He says that the situation with Macy's isn't greed, or arrogance. The problem is pure stupidity.

They'll never get it.

Mitch

Date: Mon, August 11, 2008  5:52 pm CT
Posted by: Bruce

Here's an example of a store that went away and came back after much public outcry: Lucky Supermarkets in California.

Lucky stores were taken over by Albertson's in 1998 and in 1999 the stores were converted to Albertson's.

The public was not happy about this and the stores did much poorly as Albertson's. While sister chains like Jewel stayed the same and did OK, the Lucky stores converted to Albertson's became a drain on the corporate parent.

In 2006 and 2007, after disappearing for over six years, more than 75 stores were converted back to Lucky in name and style of operation.

A full discussion of all the details on this blog would be distracting to the discussion of bringing back Marshall Field's. But the return of a relatively modest store like Lucky demonstrates that a truly great store with an international reputation like Marshall Field's can also come back.

The full story is at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucky_Stores

Date: Mon, August 11, 2008  5:10 pm CT
Posted by: gle

An Associated Press article in today's "Tribune" makes the statement:

"Macy's, which no longer reports monthly same-store sales, is expected to post earnings of 19 cents per share when it reports second-quarter results Wednesday, according to Wall Street consensus estimates. Appel [a managing director of Quest Turnaround Advisors]said he will be looking for updates on how the company's new efforts to better tailor its merchandise to local areas are faring and whether business has improved at the May Co. stores now converted to Macy's."

The article doesn't have a comment blog, but I will say efforts to tailor Macy's to local Chicago consumers don't look very successful. I WANT MY MARSHALL FIELD'S!

The full article is titled: "Retailers' 2Q results may not be as bad as expected; worries about consumer spending abound"

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-ap-retail-earns-preview,0,2715.story

Date: Mon, August 11, 2008  4:37 pm CT
Posted by: I hate macy's

Lost Name Brand Returns!

Schlitz beer returns to Milwaukee with full gusto.

Compare this with Marshall Field's. Just imagine what Chicago would do if Field's returns!

Here are a few highlights from the article.

But after decades of dormancy, the beer is back.

Schlitz' owner, Pabst Brewing Co., is recreating the old formula, using notes and interviews with old brew masters to concoct the pilsner again...

"We believe that Schlitz is if not the, one of most iconic brands of the 20th century," said Kevin Kotecki, president of Pabst Brewing Co.,

In Milwaukee, the comeback is creating a buzz. Stores are depleted of their stock within days, they're taking names for waiting lists...

If there was a special occasion, you drank Schlitz...

Nostalgia could prove a driving factor in sales...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080801/ap_on_bi_ge/saving_schlitz_8

Schlitz beer returns to Milwaukee with full gusto.

Compare this with Marshall Field's. Just imagine what Chicago would do if Field's returns!

Here are a few highlights from the article.

But after decades of dormancy, the beer is back.

Schlitz' owner, Pabst Brewing Co., is recreating the old formula, using notes and interviews with old brew masters to concoct the pilsner again...

"We believe that Schlitz is if not the, one of most iconic brands of the 20th century," said Kevin Kotecki, president of Pabst Brewing Co.,

In Milwaukee, the comeback is creating a buzz. Stores are depleted of their stock within days, they're taking names for waiting lists...

If there was a special occasion, you drank Schlitz...

Nostalgia could prove a driving factor in sales...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080801/ap_on_bi_ge/saving_schlitz_8

Date: Mon, August 11, 2008  5:54 am CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

Did you see the movie License to Wed? It is currently running on HBO. In the middle of the movie, the two main characters go to Macy's in order to pick items for their Bridal Registry. True to form, the Macy's employees are in black and never really assist any of the shoppers you see milling in the background. Even though a portion of the movie was filmed in Chicago, it does not look like an actual Macy's store was utilized.

It just makes me think of the great service and selection that was always found at Marshall Field's.

Been to Macy's lately? I have. There are even fewer sales associates on the selling floor. At one branch, only two people were scheduled for the entire lower level (gifts, china, linens, kid's, housewares, luggage, bath shop). And where were those two employees. Ah, you already guessed! Standing in small electrics and chatting.

Date: Sun, August 10, 2008  12:03 pm CT
Posted by: Kathy

Here's an analyst's take on Sears that also explains some of the problems Macy's faces--and why Macy's actually has a lot of problems.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/90190-sears-bankrupcy-i-think-not

Yes, Sears did lose $64 million last quarter its first quarterly loss in over three years. That also left it with $1.4 billion (yes billion) in cash on the books. It should be noted that is almost three times Macy's (M) and Kohl's (KSS) combined! That number is twice what sits on the books over at Home Depot (HD). It is also essentially equal to that of JC Penney (JCP) and Lowes (LOW). The main difference between JC Penney, Lowes and Sears is that Sears carries 40% LESS long term debt than Penney's and Lowes do.

Sears carries the same amount of debt as Kohl's does despite having in excess of three times Kohl's sales and has 1/4 the debt of Macy's despite almost doubling its sales. If we look at Home Depot, Sears tallies 65% of the sales the Depot does yet carries less than 20% of the debt of its appliance rival. In short, Sears has the strength of balance sheet second only to Wal-Mart (WMT) and Target (TGT).

A sale of the Marshall Field's Brand and the 111 N State Street store to parties who want to bring back Field's would be a great way for Macy's to whittle away at their debt.

Date: Sat, August 9, 2008  5:17 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

M Magazine has apparently disappeared with Macy's North.

You will remember that M Magazine debutted last fall as a free glossy publication given out at Macy's North (formerly the Marshall Field's division) stores. The idea was to market Macy's as being as hip, classy and (cough, cough) as good as Field's. Of course, like most attempts to win over Field's shoppers, the publication failed. Who could be won over when they showed models across from the Field's clock and plaque at State and Washington--with the words "Marshall Field and Company" airbrushed off the plaque.

I don't believe there were more than two issues, the last being for holiday season. If you go to M Magazine's URL, seemonline.com, you are brought to macys.com. So M, Macy's North, Frank Guzzetta, and many employees are gone.

Date: Sat, August 9, 2008  6:12 am CT
Posted by: Gale

I miss Field's. The quality and service are not the same at Macy's. And then there is all that history and tradition that Macy's tries to promote as being its own. The fact is that if Macy's had that State Street store for the past 150 years, there is no way it would have achieved even a fraction of the greatness it achieved as Field's!

BRING BACK MARSHALL FIELD AND COMPANY!

Date: Fri, August 8, 2008  8:17 pm CT
Posted by: Scott H

It's only a matter of time before Marshall Field's is resurrected!!

Date: Fri, August 8, 2008  5:43 pm CT
Posted by: Pete

On one of the Topix discussions, it noted that a course at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business is already the loss of Field's as a huge mistake.

I bet there will be many more classes at all sorts of schools that use this as a text book example of a bad business decision.

Date: Fri, August 8, 2008  11:59 am CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Just a reminder that Macy's has to release its 2nd quarter figures this Wednesday, August 13.

There will be a conference call in support of all this where you can hear Houget and Lundgren explain what's going on at Macy's this past quarter. You will need Windows Media Player (Use Flip4Mac if you have Mac) or Real Player. The rest of the info is at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?p=irol-eventDetails&c=84477&eventID=1915997

Date: Thurs, August 7, 2008  9:41 pm CT
Posted by: Greg S

One of the things I will always regret is that I never visited Chicago while Marshall Fields was around. I live in Boston where Macy's took away our two hometown stores. First Jordan Marsh, then Filene's through the merger of May Company. My friends brother used to be a buyer for Marshall Fields and my friend (who lives in Ohio) has stated he closed his Macy's account when they sent him a new card to replace his Marshall Fields and Lazarus. In Boston unfortunately Macy's is the only mid range department store, and the one in downtown Boston looks like a flea market. Our only options for Department Stores are Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Lord & Taylor, In the suburbs we have Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom. I try very hard to limit any purchase I make at Macy's, but due to the circumstances its a bit hard. I'm trying to now shop at smaller stores like Martin & Osa. My one big wish would be for Macy's to completely go belly up and go back to the days where consumers had a choice, up here there is no choice, heck we can't even get Dillard's to open up here.

Good luck with your boycott and hopefully Marshall Fields will reopen soon, also if anyone has some suggestions as to where I can find nice clothes at a reasonable price, please let me know.

thanks

greg

Date: Thurs, August 7, 2008  3:45 pm CT
Posted by: bob

This article in Australia discusses how Macy's has shifted from print advertising to web adverstising. It uses the New York Times as an example.

For a full, right-hand page in section 1 of the New York Times, Macy's has to pay up to $150,000. Instead they are focussing on web ads where they only have to pay $1 each time someone clicks the ad.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24128094-664,00.html

Date: Thurs, August 7, 2008  6:55 am CT
Posted by: Jim

The Vernon Hills store was evacuated for a brief period yesterday because of a smokey light fixture. The Chicago Tribune chose to report on it. The response in its associated Topix forum resulted in dozens of posts, many simply recounting how they simply want Field's back instead of Macy's.

When a pretty minor news story such as this results in such disdain towards Macy's, it's clear, as someone pointed out, that Field's needs to come back. Macy's still doesn't have a chance.

Article
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/blotter/chi-macys-smoke-web-aug07,0,4904025.story

Forum posts
http://www.topix.net/forum/source/chicago-tribune/T7DO1A66EDNC1ML52

Date: Thurs, August 7, 2008  12:10 am CT
Posted by: drew

This retail analyst believes that department stores were once unique environments and must again differentiate themselves in order to survive:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_581276.html

Didn't Mr Lunkhead assure Wall Street that shoppers wanted the same store in every mall everywhere? Whatever happened to 'the sensation across the nation' that was to be so 'exciting'?

Along with the beloved Pittsburgh department stores such as Kaufmann's, Joseph Horne Company (bought out by Lazarus) and Gimbels, the article specifically mentions Marshall Fields as a department store tied to the identity of a city.

Date: Wed, August 6, 2008  9:04 pm CT
Posted by: S.B.

I see a few Macy's plastic bags here and there... definitely not that many. For those that live in SF, I know they recently enacted a bag on plastic bags. Does Macy's there only give out paper bags? How sad that laws (and not customer service) determines how Macy's treats its customers.

Date: Wed, August 6, 2008  6:53 pm CT
Posted by: C. C. Chicago

I was just shopping at the Carson's at Harlem & Irving today. As I was returning some socks, I was telling the sales clerk that it takes me an hour to get out there and I really miss the State Street store. (She was impressed that I'd travel that far.) I also told her I hate Macy's. (She said she does too.) She said "Watch for a new Carson's coming somewhere downtown." I kid you not. This is the BEST news I've had all day. They can't open one soon enough, if you ask me.

Date: Wed, August 6, 2008  11:32 am CT
Posted by: Charles C

I hate most of the Macy's product lines. Aside from how they have killed Field's and Foley's, there should be a whole other national boycott of this chain to show them names like Jessica Simpson or Carlos Santana are not designers. I also do not like the self serve cosmetics areas. Is it too much to ask that someone work in every department? The last straw for me was the site of shopping carts in their Memorial City store, which was a Foley's Flagship store before Macy's took it over.

Date: Wed, August 6, 2008  10:17 am CT
Posted by: perpugilliam

To prove how desperate Macy's is for employees.... Yesterday I spotted a flyer taped to a lamp post in downtown Evanston advertising a Macy's job fair. Sheesh!

Date: Tues, August 5, 2008  9:27 pm CT
Posted by: Steve P. W.

Let's bring back a Chicago tradition that never should have left Chicago in the first place!! There should be a protest at the next annual shareholders meeting in Cincinnati. The shareholders need to hear about this and listen before they lose money.

Date: Tues, August 5, 2008  8:19 CT
Posted by: Steve

Folks, There's not many things regionally that I feel strongly about, but since I've heard about your protest a couple of months ago, I can definitelyB agree with it I loved Field's!

Date: Tues, August 5, 2008  5:49 pm CT
Posted by: Phil Eichler

This might give a bit of insight into how the Martha Stewart launch is really preforming at Macy's.

AP News July 29th: "Martha Stewart Posts 2Q Profit"

".....Merchandising revenue rose to 16.2 million from 10.4 million. The growth was fueled by strong product sales at Macy's Inc. and the expansion of Martha Stewart's crafts line into Wal Mart Stores, Inc."

O.K., let's look at this.

A year ago, second quarter, Martha (MSLO)was not yet in Macy's, so that 10.2 million was being generated at K Mart and Michael's crafts; also last year, K Mart was obligated to fork over 65 million in royalties for the year to Martha Stewart. MSLO has 1,100 skus at K Mart, 300-400 at Michael's, 1,500 at Macy's and 100 or so at Wal Mart. So MSLO has about doubled their product skus ( and at Macy's at much higher price points) but their revenue only increased 60%? Even if their K Mart Revenue was down (which is doubtful, because they overhauled the line in the last year), the Macy's "successful" launch (and Wal Mart) has only added 6 million to MSLO merchandise revenue for the quarter. Also, MSLO now owns Emril LaGasse's branded products, are Emril's products part of that 16 mil, or are they kept as a separate revenue steam? The AP article did not address that.

And what's even more interesting is that the second quarter is bridal registry heavy, Macy's has repeatedly claimed what a "hit" Martha's products are with brides, but this is all the royalty money that went Martha's way from 800 plus stores during this season?

As much as Macy's likes to avoid telling what is really up, other publicly traded companies have to by law. Macy's ongoing charade will in due time catch up to them.

Date: Tues, August 5, 2008  11:46 am CT
Posted by: Laura

I grew up in Westchester and remember when Oakbrook Shopping Center was being built. My late Mother and I shopped at Marshall Field's frequently. In fact, my Bridal Registry was there! When I come to Chicago, I used to visit that store if for no other reason than to buy Frango Mints.

Imagine my horror, then, to find that these mints are now being sold at my local MACY'S Store!!! I live in DAYTON, OHIO!!! Surely, the world is coming to an end...

My Parents would be spinning to see what Field's has become. Like my late Father once said: all these Malls look alike...

Date: Tues, August 5, 2008  8:53 am CT
Posted by: Judy M

With every move they make, messy's management wanders farther and farther away from the quality and personal service we all came to treasure from Marshall Field's. And that sends more and more shoppers right to the doors of their competitors. Did these people even go to business school? I've seen this more than once - the ones that screw up get promoted. I guess that explains how Mr. Lundgren reached his position. You'd think he'd stop now as there's really nowhere else for him to go, but he just keeps doing what he does best - to the delight of Nordstrom, Van Mauer, Lord & Taylor....

Marshall Field's Forever!!

Judy

Date: Tues, August 5, 2008  12:01 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

For those Chicagoans not familiar with Boscov's (a regional department store chain in the Northeast U.S.) and Mervyn's (a department store formerly owned by Target and primarily situated in western states), both of these are middle market stores. Both are now in Chapter 11. However, these should not be compared to Field's. Boscov's and Mervyn's are middle market department stores whose competition includes Sears, Kohl's, and, of course, Macy's. While certain aspects of Mervyn's were incorporated into and contributed to Target's success, it's clear that the middle market is especially not doing well. But that is where Macy's has chosen to take the former Marshall Field's stores--down market. While things are especially bad in the middle market, consider how Field's peers are doing: Lord and Taylor is making its best comeback in 20 years or more; Nordstrom's Michigan Avenue store is packed especially since Field's became Macy's; and Von Maur is planning to expand in the southwest suburbs in the next couple of years. Clearly, Macy's made a huge mistake by turning Field's into Macy's and having it run with the pack of troubled middle market stores.

Date: Mon, August 4, 2008  9:10 pm CT
Posted by: M H

I have some family from Chicago and I remember going into Marshall Fields every time I visited. My mom and aunt are really sad that Macy's bought it. This will cheer them up a bit. We don't go to Macy's in Chicago or even here where I live as a result of this stupid decision to get rid of Field's.

Date: Mon, August 4, 2008  8:56 pm CT
Posted by: drew

How disappointing that Boscov's fell victim to the poor economic climate. All of the stores that are closing were former May Company locations; guess Boscov's didn't have enough time to build up a c ustomer base. Their stores offered a wider selection and a better merchandise mix than the predictably boring, overpriced knock-offs sold at macy*mart.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/breaking/s_581036.html

Date: Mon, August 4, 2008  12:54 pm CT
Posted by: Miller

Macy's management continue to bury their heads. They foolishly believe the store will come around on State Street. I imagine they will be looking for someone else to point the finger at.

It's too bad that they refuse to get it. Only Marshall Field's will work there.

Date: Mon, August 4, 2008  7:04 am CT
Posted by: Jim

In regards to Martha Stewart selling merchandise at WalMart, several things should this in persepctive. Do scroll down to the post made on July 10 that has a link to a Tribune article detailing the agreement between Martha Stewart and WalMart.

1) These are craft items. Macy's nor Field's have sold such items in recent yeaars.

2) Martha Stewart-branded items are also sold at Home Depot, CostCo, and Sears Canada, among others aside from Kmart and Macy's.

3) Marshall Field's carried a line of Martha Stewart furniture exclusive to Field's. This was before Macy's entered the picture.

There are more than a few Field's fans who enjoy certain things by Martha Stewart--the "Everyday" name applied to her products at Kmart perhaps sums of many of these Field's fan's view of why they like some of her goods.

At the same time, here's what I believe pretty much all Field's supporters object to about Martha Stewart goods at Macy's. Field's had something to appeal to everyone--from things that were a wonderful value for realtively little money to items that were also wonderful values for their high price tags. Clearly modern Field's appreciated that Martha Stewart had such a place in wide spectrum carried in their stores.

What many Field's Fans find objectionable about Martha Stewart items in the former Field's stores that are now Macy's is how they are placed as the centerpiece of Macy's home goods offerings. There's no way her merchandise should be given such prominence in these fine stores. In short, Martha Stewart might have its place at the proverbial Field's table, but it shouldn't be the whole table!

It needs to be considered that Martha Stewart was a Field's brand but it was just a small facet of many other offerings. Macy's focuses way too much on Martha Stewart.

Date: Sun, August 3, 2008  5:33 pm CT
Posted by: Judy in WI

I use to love the deli (Chicken Salad!!) and their packaged foods. I am looking to find if someone else carries or how I can find the following- Lone Star Grill Marinade for Fajitas and their Raspberry Chipotle sauce. Does anyone know who manufactured their packaged food? Thanks for any help!!!

Date: Sun, August 3, 2008  5:15 pm CT
Posted by: drew

Just ssw a TV commercial on Bravo featuring the Red Star domestic diva showing her latest homewares. Yes, "Martha Stewart is now at walmart." Does that represent a step DOWN from Kmart?

Of course, offering Martha Stewart homewares at the Red Star's much higher prices will certainly attract many upscale shoppers.

Date: Sun, August 3, 2008  10:50 am CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

Ok, sit down. I have news for you. Shocking news. Brace yourself.

Martha Stewart has been known for years as a Kmart brand.

Then, Macy's pickup up the line and tried to ignore that shoppers could get the VERY SAME MERCHANDISE at Kmart.

Well, Martha Stewart is now available at WalMart!

Yes kids, Macy's is selling the same merchandise as Wal-Mart. Dear ex-con Martha even appears in Wal-Mart advertising. The outside boxes may be different but it is the same merchandise available at all three retailers.

Date: Sun, August 3, 2008  12:02 am CT
Posted by: Joe D

Martha and Walmart!!! I just saw a commercial for them on TV!!! I had no idea that Walmart and Martha had signed an agreement. It's kind of funny that as soon as Martha joins Walmart, they being to ditch the "star" in their logo.

Either way, it's very ironic that Macy's "big" celebrity is now selling her goods at Walmart!!!!

Date: Sat, August 2, 2008  7:38 pm CT
Posted by: Chantell

I miss marshall fields and I feel as if the fields state street would be better closed rather than be a macys. Also i know this off topic but i have a question for M T New york who works for NRDC will lord and taylor get of rid of their coupons. It cheapens the store.

Date: Sat, August 2, 2008  10:44 am CT
Posted by: LiMack

We were with an old friend and her husband enjoying a casual dinner "on the lawn" at Ravinia Friday evening. My friend mentioned that she was looking all over town for a dress to wear to a fancy wedding in early September. With a completely straight face I turned to her and asked, "Have you tried Macy's?" Without a single word she reached over and bopped me on the head with her napkin.

Date: Sat, August 2, 2008  7:58 am CT
Posted by: CZ

I have lived in Chicago for 36 years and was so sad when Macy's took over!

Date: Sat, August 2, 2008  2:39 am CT
Posted by: marla

BRING BACK FIELDS AND THE STORE WILL MAKE MONEY AND NOT HAVE TO LAY OFF PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: Sat, August 2, 2008  2:36 am CT
Posted by: Michael K

When I was in the State Street store several days ago, they had a part of the beautiful marble floor repaired with brown duct tape. I kid you not. It was an area at least 1' X 1' and probably much larger.

Date: Fri, August 1, 2008  7:46 pm CT
Posted by: Lynda

I support the ousting of Macy's from Chicago, especially State Street, and returning it to Field's. I couldn't shop at Macy's. The service and merchandise is horrible.

Date: Fri, August 1, 2008  CT
Posted by: gle

"Macy's cuts support jobs at former Field's stores" from the July 31, 2008 "Tribune" by Sandra M. Jones.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-fri-macys-layoffs-july-aug01,0,7348471.story

As usual, there is a comment blog.

Letters to the "Tribune" got to ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com and smjones@tribune.com

Date: Fri, August 1, 2008  5:26 pm CT
Posted by: JamesfromCa

I saw in today's Chicago Tribune that macy's is letting go the personal shoppers and support staff, I am surprised it's only 10 people. I really believe it's going to be "a death of a thousands cuts" ie every six weeks there will be a story about more and more layoffs at State Street until...well we all know the ending on this sad story. What's pathetic about all of this is that the ending doesn't have to be sad and tragic, now it's bordering on insanity.

Date: Fri, August 1, 2008  12:29 pm CT
Posted by: Mark in Phila

Hi Fields Fans,

I so miss my trips to State Street but not surprisingly all the things I bought there are still in as good shape as the day I bought them.

Here in downtown Philadelphia, where the mini-mesys has been inspiring yawns and oh,puh-leeese-s for three years: The one remaining real restaurant in their store in the Wanamaker building is closing, leaving a Starbucks that they stuck in one of the display windows on Chestnut Street. Their new ads promote King T.L. as a star-f@#*er to distract us from the quality and service now missing that used to exist years ago in these stores... that is the Tragic of Macys.

Date: Fri, August 1, 2008  11:05 am CT
Posted by: M. Elias

I lived in Chicago in '78 and '79. I have many fond memories of Marshall Field's, which I ususally visited every weekend. I loved taking the escalator to each floor, exploring all the goods, having lunch there, the bakery.... The Frango mints were the most delicious chocolates I'd ever had. I found another version of them a few years ago and tried them - they didn't taste good at all. I don't know if the company that makes them now screwed up, or maybe I remember them being more tasty than they realy were. Wasn't there a tea room with petit fours? I remember that, too. The best was at Christmas time - even in near blizzard conditions I would walk all around the outside of that huge store, thoroughly enjoying each magical window display. It's hard to believe it's now a Macy's - I live in California now, and don't even like shopping at Macy's out here.

Date: Fri, August 1, 2008  12:45 am CT
Posted by: Jeff K

I WORKED FOR FIELDS FOR TEN YEAR RIDING 7 OF THOSE 10 YEARS ON THE SOUTH SHORE EVERY DAY AND MY AUNT LIVED IN THE CITY AND WORKED THERE FOR OVER 50 YEARS WE MISS FIELDS AND THE FRIENDS THAT WE MADE THREW THE YEARS OF WORK I HAVE NOT STEPPED FOOT IN THAT BUILDING AND NEITHER HAS MY AUNT MACY IS NEW YORK NOT CHICAGO I HOPE TO GOD THE PEOPLE THAT MADE THE CHANGE IS GOING TO BE HAUNTED BY MARSHALL FIELD HIMSELF FOR LIFE I WANT OUR FIELDS BACK IT WAS THE BEST COMPANY A PERSON COLU WORK FOR !!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: Thurs, July 31, 2008  10:26 pm CT
Posted by: Alan

Not exactly what I'd expect from a company "outperforming" its competition.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-fri-macys-layoffs-july-aug01,0,7348471.story

Date: Thurs, July 31, 2008  6:13 pm CT
Posted by: Z.

This expert says to sell Macy's stock:

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1793141/

Macy's, Inc. ... shares have lost more than half of their value over the past few months as investors panicked over the liquidity position of the Bloomingdale's operator. The company's 2008 earnings guidance of $1.85 to $2.15 is viewed as too optimistic by the Wall Street as Macy's struggles to trim costs and improve sales, which have suffered in the weak U.S. economy with middle-income shoppers pulling back on discretionary spending.

Date: Thurs, July 31, 2008  2:02 pm CT
Posted by: drew

Now where will customers get their Alfani, Donald Trump and Tasso Elba designer fashions altered?

http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2008/07/28/daily24.html?ana=yfcpc

Date: Thurs, July 31, 2008  1:03 pm CT
Posted by: A.F.

I live in both Chicago and Ft. Lauderdale (where I boycott Macy's for what they have done to both Marshall Field's and Burdines).

Date: Thurs, July 31, 2008  12:19 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Thanks as always to "gle" for her updates and many contributions.

The whole 150th Anniversary celebration from Macy's is so empty. They ask customers to celebrate 150 years of tradition, etc., yet, how can they expect that when they killed off 154 years of a far superior institution which Macy's could only hoped to emulate?

Date: Thurs, July 31, 2008  11:12 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Messy's is still attempting to boost its image with celebrities for its 150th anniversary. Somehow I am not a bit impressed.

The article is in the the "Tribune" stock quotes section. Type in M for Messy's.

"Mark Seliger Captures Macy's 'Stars' for Commemorative 150th Birthday Images"

http://markets.chicagotribune.com/custom/tribune-interactive/html-story.asp?symb=M&siteid=chicagotribune&guid={F1AA0D51-7C2D-4318-8E2C-9E8C1F190359

Date: Wed, July 30, 2008  3:09 pm CT
Posted by: Frank K

As a former Chicagoan now living in South Carolina, I was broken-hearted to learn of Macy's actions. Let me tell you, we have Macy's here in South Carolina, but they are NO Marshall Field's (and never could be). I hope Macy's realizes that they're not just losing customers at former Field's stores - I don't plan to spend *one dime* in my local Columbia, SC Macy's anymore!

Date: Wed, July 30, 2008  1:11 pm CT
Posted by: Christopher Stanichar

[ This post was made before the post from the day before, about Mr. Guzzetta's new position with Ralph Lauren, was added to this blog.]

I was just wondering if anyone has heard any news about/from Frank Guzzetta. Now that he is "retired" from Macy's he might be a little more willing to give his opinion of the change in the Marshall Field's market (although I am sure that he wants to protect his retirement plan which is no doubt tied into Macy's stock).

I was browsing through the news history of Marshall Field's on google, and I remembered that Frank was initially skeptical about the change of Marshall Field's to Macy's. Also, back in February he was quoted in the Minnesota Star as being truly concerned about the 900 people who would lose their jobs in the Macy's North division.

If anyone knows about Frank let us know. Also, if Frank reads this blog, feel free to respond. All in all, I think he did his best to guard against the conversion, but just could not fight the upper management (i.e., Terry Lundgren).

Regards,

Christopher

Date: Wed, July 30, 2008  10:13 am CT
Posted by: Brian

I was reading about Macy's and the sweat shop issue on market watch http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/macys-goods-were-not-produced/story.aspx?guid={91975CEB-BCC7-41B7-9466-B0FFA6E655E8}&dist=hppr

And this one quote jumped out at me "These goods, which were neither ordered nor authorized by Macy's, were private brand prints from previous seasons and of inferior quality to those made to Macy's specifications."

You mean that quality could actually get worse?

Wow, Imagine that!

Date: Tues, July 29, 2008  6:48 pm CT
Posted by: John

Apparently earthquakes hate Macy's too!!!!!! One of them in LA was flooded by the earthquake that hit today.... Even Mother Nature wants her Marshall Field's back!!!

Date: Tues, July 29, 2008  3:18 pm CT
Posted by: R.W.

Mervyn's just filed for chapter 11. I worked in their design area when they were part of the Target family along with Marshall Field's. I wish it was another M store that went chapter 11, namely the lonely red star store. Target smartly let all 3 companies run independently, and leveraged information and resources that brought the Target brand to the forefront of upscale discounting. For those who do not realize it, much of Target's successes were the results of Marshall Field's and Mervyn's, both of whom generated a lot of cash that Target used to open hundreds of new stores. They also used a lot of high end selling information from Field's to make the Target brand more fashion forward with mass appeal. When I used to go their corporate headquarters in Minneapolis for cross company meetings, I got to experience the Dayton-Hudson locations that became Marshall Field's and they were stunning stores. Mervyn's is still a good company, and it's one of the last regional stores that has not been sucked up into a bland national chain like messy's.

Date: Tues, July 29, 2008  1:43 pm CT
Posted by: Phil H.

Surprise! Frank Guzetta has been named the new President of Ralph Lauren Home. That was an awfully short retirement......

Date: Mon, July 28, 2008  9:00 pm CT
Posted by: Don F.

Thank you all for what you are doing.

Macy's failure on State Street is ineveitable and they are reaping the bad that they have sown.

What you people have done is put a face on those who are disgruntled and have been wronged by Macy's disgusting decision to get rid of 154-plus years of Chicago's best.

The people of our city and the world owe you all a great debt for taking a stand for culture, community and the little people.

Date: Mon, July 28, 2008  6:32 pm CT
Posted by: d.

The Frango selection at former Kaufmann's stores have dwindled to only the mints in the green box. I asked a salesperson about the mints and was told the candiesB aren't selling--although they are often 25 to 50 percent off. Macy's has also hurt Frango's.

Date: Sun, July 27, 2008  10:52 pm CT
Posted by: JW

Why the stockholders in Macy's continue to support the inept and irresponsible Lunkhead is something that I do not understand at all. There has to be something that he has "on" the Board that keeps them from dumping him. Of course in my opinion, Macy's acquisition of the May Company was a major mistake, but even worse was changing the names of their stores. It reminds me of a photo that I saw in a newspaper a year or so ago where a giant alligator had tried to consume some animal that was very large and in the process had broken its jaw, meaning that it would die because it could not eat again. I thought of Macy's as the alligator, and the May Company as its victim, and Marshall Field's in turn. Eventually Macy's will crumble economically. It is simply a matter of time. And when that happens, Lunkhead will leave with a huge gold payoff, sadly I believe.

Date: Sun, July 27, 2008  10:52 pm CT
Posted by: Fields Clock on TV

t's news time on WGN, a Chicago based channel that is shown througout the nation and what do we see behind the anchor to comfort us as we watch the news ? Can you guess ?

That's right ! It's an outline of the Marshall Field's clock ! Even WGN America knows that when it's time to present a credible newscast, it's right to portray the newsroom anchors behind the anchor of the northern mid-west, Marshall Fields !

Date: Sat, July 26, 2008  10:34 pm CT
Posted by: drew

I visited the Red Star outpost in downtown Pittsburgh this afternoon. The trim on the old section of the former Kaufmann's flagship has been painted black and black awnings top the large display windows. I think the overuse of black is rather funereal, but the facade of the building was clean. The brass plaques on the sides of the building were shiny, as was the famous "Kaufmann's Clock" at the corner of Fifth and Smithfield. The large windows featured clean glass and merchandise displays; the displays were uninspired and bland featuring Red Star "exclusives" with little artistic or creative flair. Inside, the marble floors were shining and the carpets were clean. The men's restroom was clean also. I must compliment the staff for maintaining this Pittsburgh landmark.

The merchandise displays were neat and orderly. The selection of merchandise, however, has greatly decreased as display racks and shelving units are spaced further apart. Indeed, an elephant could walk between displays and not touch anything. The merchandise was very generic--nothing stood out, just blah. I walked through the store and nothing seemed too interesting; the merchandise was on par with Sears. There was "stuff" on display, but nothing "exciting." Although there was steady foot traffic outside, the store was relatively quiet.

The downtown store was Kaufmann's most profitable and Saturdays were always a busy shopping day. Although Kaufmann's was never on the same tier as Marshall Field's, the store had a loyal following and was considered one of the Pittsburgh area's best stores. While many Kaufmann's shopping bags could be spotted on downtown streets, there were precious few Red Star bags downtown today.

Date: Sat, July 26, 2008  9:58 am CT
Posted by: d.

The difficult economy is taking its toll on yet another traditional, middle-market regional department store, while stores with class and service like Lord and Taylor and Von Maur are weathering quote well. And of course, Terry Lundgren took Field's out of the class of stores that is weathering well and put it in the class that is struggling.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_579575.html

Boscov's provided an alternative to the bland, boring macy*marts to offering a full line assortment including candy, appliances, toys, sporting goods and other departments. How sad!

Date: Sat, July 26, 2008  9:09 am CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Today's Chicago Tribune has a story about Von Maur's expansion plans that is similar to the story earlier this week in Crains Chicago Business. There's a Topix discussion afterwards.

Clearly Von Maur and Lord & Taylor are getting former Marshall Field's customers!

Scroll to the bottom of the article.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-retail_notebook_72608jul26,0,4407274.story

Date: Sat, July 26, 2008  12:16 am CT
Posted by: drew

A friend is going on a family vacation to New York City next week. As she was discussing her itinerary, she said there was one shopping venue that was no longer part of their New York plans. That's right! My friend and her family aren't going to macy*s since the store is no longer anything unique. "Every mall has a macy*s. Why waste time in New York eating at McDonald's or shopping at macy*s?"

By destroying the regional department stores and spreading "the magic of macy*s" across the nation, Mr Lunkhead has also destroyed the drawing power of his premier store. The Herald Square macy*s, like the State Street Marshall Field's, was always a destination for tourists. Now it's just another generic store in a chain of nondescript, boring, overpriced junk stores.

Date: Fri, July 25, 2008  10:52 pm CT
Posted by: Gabriel M.

The very first Thanksgiving parade in the United States was that of Gimbels in Philadelphia in 1920. Macy's did not have a parade until 1924. The Gimbels Thanksgiving parade is now known as the Channel 6 and Boscov's Thanksgiving parade. The Gimbels Philadelphia store closed in 1980 and was partially demolished. The remaining building in the Gimbel Brothers Philadelphia store complex is now an office building known as "833 Chestnut St."

Date: Fri, July 25, 2008  9:20 pm CT
Posted by: chris w.

For years I shopped at Marshall Fields and loved and appreciated their concerns for quality products. Macy's products are not the standards that Marshalls' set. I am deeply disappointed in this. Please bring back Marshall Fields and the quality I'm used to.

Date: Fri, July 25, 2008  4:11 pm CT
Posted by: Joyce D.

Some of my best memories are of eating in the 7th floor cafeteria. I loved Marshall Field's cole slaw-it had peanuts in it! You could see skyscapers out the big picture windows while you ate. Also, at the bakery, across from the cafeteria, they always had a rack of day-old bakery goods-I used to bring home bags full of their giant chocolate chip cookies, for about a dollar! And I frequently would run into friends, or friends of my mother while shopping at State Street.

I have sooo many memories and especially of specific items I purchased at that store. Giant colored Teddy Bears dressed in ballet costumes (early 80's) from the Toy dept., OilLilly Toddler clothes, a tiny orange designer down jacket for my toddler, my first (and only) Betsy Johnson dress, a black floral spandex for 75% off!....the Bargain Basement sales before they remodeled, with stacks of clothes on the floor and happy, frenzied women searching for apparel treasures....the Beaver hat for my husband in the late 90's, while visiting the store for one day from Carbondale. (Now theres not a good reason to take Amtrak for a day).. And the Judith Jackson Marcasite Field's charm bracelet, my favorite piece of jewelry! Plus many other wonderful pieces...the costume jewelry was always sooo exciting, excellent pieces in sterling, ceramic, crystal, and wonderful wire wrapped stones by Jody Ochs, in the mid nineties...Kirk's Folly barrettes, and early Coach.

I now collect Marshall Field's bags, boxes, and any other memorabilia I can find. I have a ceramic small cookie jar type piece of Aunt Holly!!!(Uncle Mistletoe's wife), and an Alice-in-Wonderland Marshall Field's shopping bag... The little elves that danced around the store at Christmas,and the shows they put on ...the decorated Christmas cookies, the glass mugs each year. The German themed Christmas was my favorite (1985 or 86?)...the Leibkuchen in tins... I bought the most wonderful hand carved, stained and polished wooden Noah's Ark animals in the Christmas decoration dept. the day after Christmas. I remember the fine detailing in the saw tooth edges of the green crocodile's back. As a child I remember spending a lot of time at the stamp collector's department. The memories go on and on...the Walnut Room's Cobb salad, etc etc etc. BRING BACK MARSHALL FIELD'S, WEAR YOUR BUTTON,

NEVER GIVE UP HOPE.

Date: Fri, July 25, 2008  3:38 pm CT
Posted by: Carrie

I went to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale today. Lots of great buys, including boots. I bought three pair! This is a great sale because it isn't just end-of-the-season leftovers; these are new fall things that will return to their regular prices when the sale ends. After my splurge, I passed through Field's on State Street. It made me laugh when I saw a sign that said "Shoe Sale: Buy 5 pairs and get the 6th for 25% Off!" Are these people for real? Who buys 6 pairs of shoes to get a sad little 4% off on each? "Those wacky folks at Macy's" have outdone even themselves for idiocy.

Date: Fri, July 25, 2008  12:20 pm CT
Posted by: Jim

While Macy's and other middle market stores struggle, it's Lord and Taylor and Von Maur, two of Field's contemporaries, that are doing relatively well.

Today's Crain's has a story about how Von Maur is planning two new stores for the far southwest suburbs. While Macy's struggles, it's the market that Field's used to address that is expanding even in this economy.

Be sure to send letters to Crains reminding them of the Fied's fan's perspective such as how Von Maur is getting former Field's business: write them at mailto:letters@chicagobusiness.com, editor@chicagobusiness.com, and ebaeb@crain.com

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=30325

Date: Thurs, July 24, 2008  2:26 pm CT
Posted by: D.B.

Please count me in! I used to shop at Field's downtown and Old Orchard and was chagrined when Macy's devoured Field's. (As was my wife, a great fan--as was I--of Frango mints; her mother grew up in Chicago and used to stop & shop at Field's downtown on her way home from work.)

Date: Thurs, July 24, 2008  2:12 pm CT
Posted by: Darrell

I found this tid bit on Wikipedia - The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade originated from Bambergers in New Jersey. It was only after Macy's purchased Bambergers in 1929, that it became the "Macy's" Thanksgiving Day Parade. Once again - an example of how Macy's takes credit for something created by another great store.

PS - I shopped at Bambergers in Baltimore Maryland back in the 80's - great store!

Date: Thurs, July 24, 2008  11:23 am CT
Posted by: C.S.

Macy's is no replacement for Field's!

Date: Thurs, July 24, 2008  10:15 am CT
Posted by: John

According to E! Online, Jessica Simpson has just started to shoot the Messy's Christmas commercials....

I wonder whose recycled windows they are going to be using this year on the Field's windows....and oh has anyone noticed the State Street windows are ALWAYS covered up with the "pardon our dust...blah blah...something magical is in store"??????? The outside of the store is dirty, all the plaques need cleaning...the windows are dirty....I could cry when I look at that building.

I hate working in the Loop as my option would have been Carson Pirie Scott to shop at. Thank God Nordstrom Rack is there. They are always packed and the sales people tell me how much business has increased dramatically since the conversion.

Date: Thurs, July 24, 2008  6:07 am CT
Posted by: Paul in Baltimore

It's a sad day in Baltimore, or at least in my little corner of it. I consumed the last two pre-devastation Frango's I had. I knew I was pushing the quality button, but I lucked out. They looked as good as the day I bought them and tasted better because they were the last.

Alas, I have no more.

Date: Wed, July 23, 2008  7:56 pm CT
Posted by: Lori

Just saw the new Batman movie. In one scene when you look out over the mayor's shoulder and across the plaza of what must be the Daley Center, you can see the Marshall Field's clock. How I miss Field's.

Date: Wed, July 23, 2008  5:30 pm CT
Posted by: C.H.

Bring back Marshall Field's! If I wanted to shop at Macy's I'd go to New York!

Date: Wed, July 23, 2008  5:05 pm CT
Posted by: gle

As I walked through the State Street store today, two things stood out:

A group of young women coming down the escalator with great big NORDSTROM shopping bags of stuff.

As I rounded a corner on the first floor, I spied the usual black-clad sales associate behind a counter, all by herself. Suddenly she heaved a great big yawn, followed by an even bigger sigh. Then she noticed me--a real live person walking by--and gave me this unbelievably hopeful look. Alas I was wearing an "I want my Marshall Field's" button. I felt so bad having to do that to her I actually averted her gaze. Now I wish I had said hello and tried to find out if she wanted me to slip her a Marshall Field's button.

Date: Wed, July 23, 2008  4:44 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

In response to Drew's post just below this one, it needs to be pointed out that more than several stores--not just Macy's--were buying clothes from this source. Macy's has launched its own investigation, in addition to the one conducted by legal authorities.

Date: Wed, July 23, 2008  4:32 pm CT
Posted by: drew

Here's an update about one of macy*mart's suppliers:

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080723/ny_garment_factory.html?.v=1

If the factory is closed down, perhaps Mr Lungreed will have to find other workers to exploit.

Date: Wed, July 23, 2008  1:15 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

GET OUT!!!!! Are you guys saying that after renaming Marshall Field's, downgrading the merchandise, offending customers right and left and literally eviscerating the shopping experience at 111 N. State----Macy's is doing poorly and the store is empty?

Wow. Who could have possibly foreseen that would happen?

Date: Wed, July 23, 2008  12:34 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Women's Wear Daily article quotes Mr. Lundgren on his expectations for Macy's through the holiday season:

"I do believe there will be spending done by our consumer. My view is that the holiday period is where Macy's consistently shines."

Lundgren sees Macy's getting a lift from its 150th anniversary celebration in October. "It should give us momentum" going into the fourth quarter. "We have a lot of vendor celebrations wrapped around that, to keep the hype and excitement going."

Lundgren also singled out the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and new and exclusive merchandise programs with Tommy Hilfiger and FAO Schwarz as potential revenue drivers. The retailer is forecasting sales growth of minus-1 percent to plus-1.5 percent for the year, but hasn't issued a specific forecast for the fourth quarte

http://www.wwd.com/article/print/126652

For starters, as has been previously pointed out by others, Field's inspired about 100 times the "Oooohs" and "Ahhhs" that Macy's did--and for 154 years at that. Given that and much more, I expect that, at best, Chicagoans will respond to Macy's anniversary campaign with a smirk.

Jim

Date: Wed, July 23, 2008  8:12 am CT
Posted by: Maggie - Minneapolis

The red star continues to get rid of good employees. More lay-offs have happened in the Minneapolis area. Pretty soon they will have just their own stock of associates and think this is their main objective. Low paid, overworked Macy's employees. Oh how they could learn from the way Dayton's and Marshall Field's ran their stores. It's no way to run a railroad guys. Time will prove itself.

Date: Tues, July 22, 2008  7:34 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

While Mr. Lundgren filed that letter with the SEC that sales were down 1.9% for May and June, the official stats for the quarter ending August 2 will be released on August 13. Filings of related info with the SEC will be on September 8.

Regardless of how most Macy's are doing, clearly there are 16 former Field's locations in the Chicago area that are now doing much worse as Macy's.

Is it worth it, Mr. Lundgren, to alienate America's third largest metropolitan region by taking away 16 out of your 800-plus stores? How can Mr. Lundgren be so foolish??? How can such a fool be left in charge of so much? How can such a fool go unchallenged by the board of directors and so many institutional shareholders?

Date: Tues, July 22, 2008  6:23 pm CT
Posted by: Pete

Milwuakee Journal Sentinel writer notes how empty Macy's on State Street is on Saturday. Of course it is! What tourist will travel to Chicago to shop at Macy's when they have one at home? Field's was unique!!!!!!

You have to have a login to leave comments but it would be worth it, if you ask me. Here's the link to the article.

http://blogs.jsonline.com/shoptalk/archive/2008/07/22/shopping-in-chicago.aspx

She writes.........

"Farther south on State St. however, the Macy's store was nearly deserted Saturday afternoon. I'm told that it's busier during the week, when downtown workers are around. I hope so, because I don't know how they can keep the doors open if it isn't."

Date: Tues, July 22, 2008  12:21 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

An article about the struggles of regional stores like Mervyn's. Field's is mentioned. No login needed to comment.

http://www.thedeal.com/dealscape/2008/07/mervyns_and_the_end_of_the_reg.php

Date: Tues, July 22, 2008  8:15 am CT
Posted by: Rich W

Another sign of desperation at the lonely red star store: this past Sunday as I flew from LaGuardia in NY back to Chicago, I purchased the Sunday Daily News as I like their sports sections and it's easier to read on a plane. As I thumbed through the rest of the paper I noticed a big M*cy's ad in the classified section with the bold headline "$300 SIGN ON BONUS." Right below it in small print was the clarification "payable in M*cy's discount dollars." That's a joke! A sign on bonus that's only an extra discount allowance on their crappy merchandise. I can only imagine that all the real brands are excluded from the discount dollars (like their coupons) and these dollars only apply to their private label junk. Just a side note: the Manhattan Mall, formerly Gimbels and A&S, is totally renovating itself in preparation for the JC Penney opening which I believe is scheduled for May 2009. Go JCP!

Date: Mon, July 21, 2008  9:48 pm CT
Posted by: Margaret K

With very fond memories of Marshall Fields, I recently decided that a part time job at its hated replacement might fill downtime while I looked for another IT contract in this crumby economy. If I resented Macy's (AKA Messy's) before, to know it as an employee is even more alienating than shopping there! $8/hr, 6 separate areas to keep neat, managers who are clearly harassed and who in turn harass associates mercilessly (not my direct manager, thank God)and the impossible injunction for associates to pawn off inferior merchandise to poor confused shoppers who are still wondering what the heck happened to Marshall Fields!

Date: Mon, July 21, 2008  6:49 pm CT
Posted by: K.P.

We have never shopped at macy's and never will. I miss Fields

Date: Mon, July 21, 2008  5:14 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Regarding the new image on this site's homepage:

COOL PHOTO OF THE PRIDE PARADE!

Date: Mon, July 21, 2008  11:00 am CT
Posted by: JMM

As a kid my mom took me to her favorite store Marshall Fields. As an adult and a parent, I now want to take my kid to Marshall Fields. I refuse to go to the State Street store with him (he's a pre-schooler). I hope my first trip to the walnut room will be when the MF name graces the store again

Date: Mon, July 21, 2008  8:01 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

The front page of this morning's Chicago Tribune Business section has a story by Sandra Jones about Water Tower Place. Its owner, Chicago-based General Growth, is remodeling and updating the pioneering vertical mall which once hosted Lord & Taylor and, of course, Marshall Field's. Field's was the driving force in the building of the mall, in fact.

Jones' story notes the changes the mall has undergone, noting the mall's loss of former Field's customers when the store was replaced by Macy's.

The coments portion of the web version of this article has several posts by disaffected Field's customers. Be sure to read this article, leave comments on the Topix forum and also write letters to the editor.

The article is online at:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-mon_water-tower-place-michigjul21,0,6682806.story

Letters should be sent to ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com, smjones@tribune.com

Date: Sun, July 20, 2008  9:23 pm CT
Posted by: Pete

Today's Tribune had a full-page color ad for Glamorama at the Chicago Theatre. Glamorama is a fundraiser for the Art Institute of Chicago that Field's started.

Now that Macy's has taken over, it's also gone down hill. Last year it was a country and western that was pretty tacky--and I'm not refering to equestrian tack.

This year the theme is a 1980s retrospective. Cyndi Lauper and M.C. Hammer will be headlining. Don't get me wrong, they have their talents and retro can be cool. But this looks so tacky and simplu lacking in cutting edge. What next, Sergio Valente jeans? Even the ad did a lousy job of looking like 80s retro. Do they know what it is?

When Field's ran it, it had a certain class that made it an international event. This seems like a spoof.

I will find other ways of donating to the Art Institute.

Date: Sun, July 20, 2008  12:15 pm CT
Posted by: Former Northwest Sider

I grew up on Addison and Narragansett Streets. The 152 Limited bus would head down Addison and then run express to downtown, the loop and Field's. My fmaily always took me for lunch in the Walnut Room especially at Christmas with the glorious tree. As I got older I wasn't always happy with the changes , but the loss of Field's? NO WAY!!! That's just not right!!

Date: Sat, July 19, 2008  7:25 pm CT
Posted by: Alfred in Washington

Hi, all you Field's Fans. There was a great Field's product placement on the CBS-TV show "Swingtown" last Thursday. One of the main characters went on a shopping expedition, and where else would she go but Marshall Field's? She came back bearing two glorious green bags, and the beautiful logo was peeking over the stuff on the kitchen counter where she set them. "Swingtown" is definitely adult TV, but full of great throwback vignettes and hilarious '70s tunes. But as for Field's, it's prophetic for the future when we'll be going back for shopping sprees! --As ever, your fellow Field's Fan

Date: Sat, July 19, 2008  3:42 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

I was driving down Fifth Avenue near North Avenue in Melrose Park this past Thursday. I spotted a huge hand-painted sign by a run-down warehouse:

MACY'S BUYBACKS 50% - 90% OFF!

I've never seen such a sign for Field's items.

That sign also says to me that Macy's merchandise isn't selling.

Date: Sat, July 19, 2008  9:32 am CT
Posted by: M. T., New York

I do work with NRDC and its retail groups. NRDC has no plans to dump HBC like Macy's dumped Marshall Field's, even at HBC flagships.

The example of the Lord and Taylor flagship here in New York is an example of what they plan to do as well as the straight-forward manner in which they lay out their plans.

When NRDC acquired Lord and Taylor from Federated (now Macy's, Inc.), it said they were in retail to stay, although the Fifth Avenue flagship might see some consolidation of retail space to maximize the value and usage of the landmark building. At the time, the pundits claimed that it was just a ploy by NRDC to make nice with Lord and Taylor until they figured out how to liquidate the respected chain. NRDC held true to its word. Yes, Lord and Taylor is shrinking to fewer floors at its flagship, but clearly, Lord and Taylor is not only here to stay, it's making a huge comeback.

The same thing is happening here. NRDC isn't pulling what Macy's pulled. NRDC is going to be doing exactly what they say they are with HBC. Some HBC stores are way larger than they need to be with space untilized or underutilized. In such stores, including flagships, the extra space will be culled together to make room for Lord and Taylor or Fortunoff shops along side or inside Hudson Bay.

NRDC very much recognizes that having several brands and types of stores is what makes their malls a success. The ubiquitousness of Macy's has hurt malls. Furthermore, flagships stores are what add distinction and ultimately value to store brands like Hudson Bay and Lord and Taylor. Expect that NRDC will keep its word to continue running Hudson Bay flagships while also maximizing the use of these stores by incorporating Lord and Taylor and Fotunoff into the flagship complexes. It's what makes the most sense and the most profits because it is what customers want most.

Date: Sat, July 19, 2008  9:09 am CT
Posted by: Pete

Regarding Terry Lundgren's official statement that Macy's is financially sound despite the bad economy: it's curious that he won't simply release monthly store sales reports. Wouldn't that show the same thing? I don't care if he has filed something with the SEC, it sure comes across as shifty to me.

Date: Fri, July 18, 2008  11:08 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

Don't forget that as much as customers in Canada are proud of their Hudson's and others in the US long for the former sophistication of Lord & Taylor, neither brand even begins to compare with the loyalty and pride so many Chicagoans feel for Marshall Field's. Field's unparalleled history of leadership and generosity in Chicago, combined with Field's world-renowned reputation for quality and service and as a unique Chicago brand places Field's in a league of its own. For this reason, whatever success Lord & Taylor has experienced, and that Hudson's may also experience, would likely be exceeded by the restoration of Marshall Field's.

I realize that we're singing to the choir here on FieldsFansChicago, but we've all seen how many of our friends and neighbors feel the same way that we do and share our hope that Field's will be restored.

I wonder if there will be another Marshall Field's boat in the Venetian Night festival this summer. It sure was fun to hear 750,000 people cheering for Marshall Field's and even better to find that the cheers were louder for Field's than they were for the Bulls and the Cubs! The howls of "boo Macy's" were fun, too! If anyone missed it, there are plenty of YouTube videos that captured the moment. Here's one for you to check out with a nice shot of the Field's boat and the music it played, along with some of the best of the many other boats in the parade:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QLnR2yIESk

Date: Fri, July 18, 2008  7:38 pm CT
Posted by: JamesfromCa

Did anyone catch last night's episode of Swingtown on CBS? The character Janet goes shopping at Marshall Field's. She comes home with an armful of green Field's bags.

Date: Fri, July 18, 2008  6:43 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

The sale of Canada's Hudson Bay has generated some emails and posts here.

The important thing to emphasize is that it is NRDC's (National Realty & Developement Corp) equity partner division -- not Lord and Taylor -- that is buying Hudson Bay.

NRDC actually owns or partially owns other chains and largely allows them to run in their own niche. For example, when they purchased Lord and Taylor from what is now Macy's, Inc., they let L & T pretty much run its own plan. The recent result is L & T making a return to form like it had not experienced since the mid 1980s, before it was purchase dby May Department stores.

S.B. and I have been bantering about via email as to some important concerns he has about a detail I didn't catch: NRDC wants to take some Hudson Bay stores in Canada and use excess space in some of these huge stores and open Lord and Taylor or Fortunoff jewelery shops in those spaces.

To some, this may smack of about three years ago when Macy's said it was considering all sorts of options -- only it really meant converting all the stores to Macy's.

Yet, in this case, my take is that NRDC genuinely plans to keep Hudson Bay as its own store. As part of the purchase, they established its own holding company, "Hudson Bay Trading Company" and establish new execs. Moreover, when NRDC purchased L & T, they held to their word that L & T would stay in business and even return to its former glory of 20 years ago. They followed through on that even though the media said at the time that they were just saying that. Finally, the father and son who are at the head of NRDC have said time and time again that they strive to have niche stores that serve certain markets. By having many brands and diverse stores, it helps the NRDC-owned malls and shopping centers. Consolidating brands hurts the mall business and NRDC is first and foremost in the mall business. It seems to be to their advantage to keep separate brands in tact.

So why does this all matter to Field's fans? How does this have anything to do with Marshall Field's coming back? Isn't this all off topics as much as some other obscure department store discussions?

This is an important story to our cause because it shows how in this age when department stores are supposed to be dead, some companies can be successful. Moreover, NRDC has revived L & T by simply letting it get back to what it does best. Field's fans are hopeful that some white knight like NRDC could get the former Field's stores away from Macy's and revive Marshall Field's in the same way.

In short, this is a hopeful example that Field's can indeed come back.

Date: Fri, July 18, 2008  5:37 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Those trying to promote Messy's keep throwing out economic data and insist it backs their arguments, but I can see what is so obvious in faces and attitudes every day. Any people in Messy's seem to roll through like tumbleweed--they don't look excited. Black-clad sales associates stand around waiting. While a couple blocks away at something like farmers' market or a cultural event at Daley Plaza, the masses gather--smiling, enjoying and buying--like it's the place to be. People see my "I want my Marshall Field's" button and say, "I want mine too," and "Ugh I hate Macy's!" I'm handing out buttons almost every day. People still miss Field's.

I hope someone like Lord & Taylor can buy the store and return our Marshall Field's to Chicago.

Date: Fri, July 18, 2008  5:15 pm CT
Posted by: S.B.

I hope that Lord & Taylor doesn't make the same mistake as Macy's. If it thinks that it can go into Canada and rebrand the oldest running commercial entity in North America it better think again! If it plans to open a L&T within a Bay store... that's fine. But no way should it obliterate the history of Canada similar to Macy's did in Chicago. Thoughts?

Date: Fri, July 18, 2008  2:34 am CT
Posted by: Carol

My friends from NYC came to visit Chicago this past week. They were SOOOOO disappointed that Marshall Field's is gone.

Date: Thurs, July 17, 2008  10:39 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Several links about Lord and Taylor's parent company buying Canada's Hudson Bay stores.

The Canadian economy is doing much better these days than the US's. Hudson Bay has an agreement to sell certain Macy's private brands of clothing. It will be interesting to see if that continues. Moreover, it shows that NRDC, which has had success in buying Lord and Taylor and turning it around after Macy's is in the mood to expand. After what NRDC has done with L & T, it would be great to see them do to the same with Field's.

http://www.canada.com/globaltv/bc/story.html?id=38fc7500-30ca-43e4-bb24-db2ca1baaee0

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080716/business/hudson_s_bay_1

Date: Thurs, July 17, 2008  10:26 pm CT
Posted by: Dave B

I work at a Marshall Fields that has been converted to a Macys. The quality in customer, management, and merchandise has all gone down. Marshall Fields treated their employees well. Macys pays us terribly and expects way too much. All that Macys cares about is the bottom line. Marshall Fields was a better company to work for and to shop at.

Date: Thurs, July 17, 2008  9:08 pm CT
Posted by: drex

Just a quick update from Canada. A previous poster had mentioned that our largest department store, the Hudson's Bay Company, sells Messy's brands. Well today, the whole company was bought by the New York-based paarent of Lord's Taylor, private equity firm NRDC, who plans to take The Bay into more upscale territory. I can't imagine they'll keep selling those junky brands that the red star store loves to pump out. Good Riddance! And, I hope this ends up hurting m*cy's bottom line.

I look forward to returning to Chicago and shopping at Marshall Field's - free of crooked signage and dumpy clearance racks.

Date: Thurs, July 17, 2008  1:41 pm CT
Posted by: Mark

I WANT MY MARSHALL FIELD'S!

(NOT MACY's!)

Date: Thurs, July 17, 2008  7:32 pm CT
Posted by:

My friend, the former loyal M***'s shopper, just told me about an order he placed with Bon Ton online.

He was having trouble with the web site getting the sizes he wanted, so he called the 800 number. The call center he reached was located on the third floor of a store in Columbus, Ohio.

When the lady couldn't find the right sizes in the warehouse (in York, PA), she went downstairs to the store and found the right items and had the salesperson send them out.

That's Marshall Field's service!

The most amazing part - the total order before shipping was $27. Bon Ton cares about quality, no matter how much you're spending!

Date: Wed, July 16, 2008  10:34 pm CT
Posted by: Bob

Give the customer what the customer wants! MARSHALL FIELD'S!

Date: Wed, July 16, 2008  6:31 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

I was overhearing a conversation on the #147 bus today. One woman was with another and apparently visiting from California. She said, "It's abhorrent that there is no Marshall Field's. Why come to Chicago to shop Macy's when there are a dozen of them right back home?"

Date: Wed, July 16, 2008  3:21 pm CT
Posted by: Alan Arlen

Does anyone remember the commercials for Christmas circa 2002 when they had these African-American dancers vibrantly dancing and bouncing around, singing, "Happy Holidays, Oh what fun it is!!!"

It was very hip!

Happy Christmas in July everyone. Did Field's ever hold a Christmas in July event?

Date: Wed, July 16, 2008  12:12 pm CT
Posted by: Tracy

My husband and I used to travel to Chicago three times a year to shop at Field's. We'd take the Amtrak from Carbondale. Now there is no reason to do so.

Jim

Date: Wed, July 16, 2008  9:23 pm CT
Posted by: Geri

I miss Marshall Field's and the Walnut Room. Yet, there is no way in heck that I will eat at the Walnut Room or ever shop there until they bring back Field's!

Date: Tues, July 15, 2008  8:51 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

This is one crazy world! Macy's stocks have plummeted, but had a very slight rally after Lundgren "assured" everyone that Macy's is financially sound. This is like Phil Gramm saying the downturn in the economy is just a figment of people's imaginations.

Today's Tribune published the fact that Macy's performance in May and June is down 1.9% since last year, which, as we all know, was down significantly from the year before that. If you put Macy's performance on a graph, you would see it has just gone down down down since it took over Marshall Field's. The Tribune, which is apparently in the pocket of Macy's, has a headline which emphasizes the miniscule and very temporary stock rally and not the continued downturn in Macy's sales.

But we all have eyes and ears. Just walk through the State Street store. At the height of tourist season, the people who are walking through are just there for the air conditioning, very few Macy's bags, and the store has lost its class. Have you SEEN the large brown duct tape square on the floor on the Wabash side? Seeing is believing!

It may take longer than we would like, but macy's WILL go down the tubes, Lunkhead's "assurances" and misleading Tribune headlines to the contrary.

Date: Tues, July 15, 2008  6:54 pm CT
Posted by: Mike

Seems to me that such formal statements from Terry Lundgren wouldn't be necessary unless things were not going well.

These people have, what?, 800 Macy's stores? Just think of the good will they could bring to Chicago and just think how they could enhance their rep with Chicago customers if they would just let someone else run 111 N State as Field's?????

These people are ego-driven. I only shop stores that have customer-driven management.

Date: Tues, July 15, 2008  3:26 pm CT
Posted by: Jack

We got married this weekend and in earlier days the vast majority of gifts would have been from Field's.

Macy's-- Way to shop --- not!!!!

Jack

Date: Tues, July 15, 2008  9:08 am CT
Posted by: gle

Look what showed up in the "Tribune" today, complete with comment blog, "Macy's stock in fashion despite sales slip:"

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-tue-brf4-macys-sales-rating-jul15,0,6371126.story

Incidentally, as of the time I'm posting this the stock went down again to $15.72. The article has it at $16.48.

Letters to the "Tribune" go to ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com

Date: Mon, July 14, 2008  6:57 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

In followup to James' post about FAO Schwarz, and as someone else has pointed out, these FAO Schwarz shops appear to be about the same size as the Hallmark card area in a Walgreen's. It seems to me that the hype is disproportionately larger than the reality of these shops. I can't see how these shops are going to really make a huge difference.

Jim

Date: Mon, July 14, 2008  11:36 am CT
Posted by: gle

The "Sun-Times" online edition has a photo of the Marshall Field's clock in a section called Chicagopedia, under Chicago Time:

http://www.suntimes.com/chicago/chicagopedia/1054356,CST-NWS-pedia14.article

Date: Mon, July 14, 2008  8:57 am CT
Posted by: Rich W

When you really (try to) factor out M*cy's performance as a corporation, the M*cy's brand HAS to be performing much worse than their competitors Kohl's, Penney's, Target, Walmart, Sears, etc. Bloomingdale's, which was an original Federated flagship before they made the mistake of purchasing M*cy's and merging the two companies into one red star dominated catastrophe, should be outperforming M*cy's just based on the fact they tried to emulate Field's and have retained (few) elements of upgraded product and service. M*cy's Herald Square (which likely drives a lot of sales but probably little profit based on shortage) and Union Square in San Francisco seem to be the only two locations performing well. If I were M*cy's, I would be petrified as the JC Penney in Herald Square gets close to opening in 2009 (huge signs are already up advertising their arrival) and M*cy's will take a major hit in business. People across the country, in the midwest, the southeast, etc. are rejecting the red star store in droves and the store has become a joke of sorts. Does anyone really believe Donald Trump, Martha Stewart, Jessica Simpson and Diddy are making the red star store an appealing place to shop? Lunkhead has to go NOW before he singlehandedly destroys the department store business. His ego is too big to admit he screwed up, so he will be relentless in not re-thinking his assinine decision to abandon Marshall Field's as well as the other regional department stores that have been converted to bland, empty, flea market assorted junk filled stores. Why does the M*cy's board let this fly? Makes you wonder....corporate greed is rampant these days and the millions of average stockholders pay the price for all these egotistical personalities like Lunkhead and his cronies on the board who kiss his Alphony shoes.

Date: Mon, July 14, 2008  1:46 am CT
Posted by: Mary B

My neighbor was telling me how steamed she was during a recent shopping experience at Macy's at Mayfair.

She picked out a woman's shirt and realized she forgot her wallet when she went to pay.

She asked the clerk if she could leave the shirt at the register until she could run home, get her wallet and come back.

The clerk refused to hold it for her at the register. She said she wasn't allowed to hold merchandise.

Needless to say, my friend was steamed. This would NEVER have happened when it was Marshall Field's.

My friend has vowed never to step foot in Macy's again!

Way to go, Macy's!

I gave her one of my buttons and she pinned it to her purse.

Date: Mon, July 14, 2008  1:31 am CT
Posted by: B

Hi All

Hope u are all well

Interesting experience the other day---

I was working in the upper south last week and one of the people in the office was going on vacation and mentioned that she was going to Chicago. I told her I lived in Chicago and still travel there often for work and she was excited because she has never been to our Most Lovely of cities.

We had lunch together and I told her a bunch of things to do and see while in town and also told her about her hotel and the surrounds --- she is staying at the Marriot on Michigan.

She asked me about the stores on Michigan --I told her all about Nordstrom -- Saks - Neimans-- other stores -- talbots - ann Taylor -- etc etc --

She specifically asked me about Fields and told me she could NOT Wait to see it -- she said she was SO EXCITED to Finally see the store she had heard about from friends, for Herself. She didn't understand the fact that thee were 2-- ie Michigan and State --

I explained the Michigan - State situation with the Original Flagship on State and Michigan as a "Prime" branch --

THEN I sadly had to be the bearer of the news that it wasn't there anymore -- I told her that she SHOULD STILL go to State and see the building and the Tiffany dome -- which I also explained and I asked that she avoid from purchasing anything --

Well--- You would think I told a 5 year old that Santa Claus did not exist --She was truly shocked and disappointed -- her words--" You mean I have waited 15 years to see Marshall Field's and the idiots turned it into a macy's"

She asked me THREE times if I was joking --her words-" It REALLY isn't there anymore??????"

I explained the loss of premium merchandise etc etc -- I gave her the button I had with me--- which she took happily and said she would wear the entire time she was in Chicago

She really couldn't believe it -- her words- "We have that store here and it is not great -- WHY would I want to go there and shop when we HAVE it here and I don't like it all that much anyway??"

" I AM SO glad that there is Nordstrom and Talbots and Ann Taylor -- I will go there primarily!"

I also explained how the red star store also owns Bloomingdales and asked if she could avoid Bloomies as well ------her words--"Those idiots destroyed something I have waited YEARS for --- there is no chance that I would spend one red cent in either store"

She thanked me for all the info on our Beautiful city and said she was still so excited about visiting but she was SO dissapointed on not being able to experience Field's

Sad!

B

italbearr@yahoo.com

Date: Sun, July 13, 2008  11:15 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Page five of section five of today's Chicago Tribune has an article about coupon clipping to save money. Nothing directly related to our cause in the item--even as far as coupons go.

However, if you look at the photograph accompanying the story, a Tribune original, you will note that they carefully went out of their way to snip off the Walgreen's "W" logo off the coupons shown.

That they went to that kind of effort reaffirmed how deliberate papers like the Tribune must be when they publish photos of Macy's as part of an article.

Date: Sun, July 13, 2008  9:14 pm CT
Posted by: Matt E

A Southern New Jersey article about Macy's attempted back flip at being local and national all at once. They seem to want to have their cake and eat it too. There's a photo of the Field's clock as part of the article.

You have to register to respond. There is one comment from a Marshall Field's supporter.

http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080713/BUSINESS/807130343/1003

Date: Sun, July 13, 2008  1:21 am CT
Posted by: JasonM

The very fact that Macy's recently announced that the company is "okay financially" is a dead give away that they are extremely worried. No only is Macy's business model broken but without the transparency that's needed to be a public retail company no one in the world is going to trust them. Macy's is a failure in multiple ways!

Date: Sun, July 13, 2008  12:25 am CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Hi All---

A new FAO Schwarz Toy Store opened here in the Minneapolis Store on Nicollet Mall on Thursday. An article in Friday's Star Tribune stated that four more will open in September and October in this market, inside the macy's at Maplewood, Rosedale, Ridgedale and Southdale. That is 3 more than were announced would open when macy's made their original announcement in May.

We had 2 FAO Schwarz here before and both of them had to close: one was Downtown across 8th St from Dayton's/Field's, which closed about 14 years ago and the other,located at the heinous Mall of America, opened after that but closed about 4 years ago. So, history tells us this market cannot support even 1 FAO Schwarz, but macy's believes operating 5 FAO Schwarz stores will be a good business decision for them.

I was actually amazed by their logic, and really, I thought I was past being amazed by anything that could happen here.

Regards.

Date: Sat, July 12, 2008  7:29 pm CT
Posted by: Matt E

If Macy's is so healthy, why does it hide its monthly sales reports?

Matt

Date: Sat, July 12, 2008  10:44 am CT
Posted by: mds in mt. prospect

I missed reading this blog over these past (almost) two weeks! As I sat catching up on all of the postings, my son who happens to be an avid Cubs fan said, "Boy, you sure hate Macy's! Why do you always keep going to this site all the time?" I emphatically told him, "BECAUSE I WANT MARSHALL FIELDS TO COME BACK!" I then told him, "How would you feel if they took away the Cubbies and replaced them with the New York Yankees and told you that you now must now be a Yankees fan?" His response... "Man, that would suck!" Exactly.

Date: Sat, July 12, 2008  3:12 am CT
Posted by: flyboyhouston

I heard Lord & Taylor is in talks with ownership of The Bay, a Canadian department store. The Bay is similar to Macy-mart, but has more name brands and is slightly more upscale. The Bay is Canada's largest, but also their oldest department store (started as Hudson's Bay).

The article said Lord & Taylor would keep the "Bay" name, but some locations could switch to the more upscale Lord & Taylor. It also said if this buyout were to occur that the Bay would probably loose its Macy-mart tied brands (The Bay has deals to sell macy-mart brands in its stores, but the two are not related by ownership). What a big loss that would be! hehe

If Lord & Taylor aquired The Bay it would probably be a good thing. The U.S. economy is the worst in decades and the Canada economy isn't as bad. If L & T can do even so-so in this economy, it has a bright future; it will be even better when the economy eventually recovers. And Macy-mart stock is at the lowest it has been in years. I wonder why????

Date: Sat, July 12, 2008  1:59 am CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Reuters article: "Macy's financially healthy," says Chief Executive Terry Lundgren."

http://uk.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUKN1129060020080711

In a letter to Macy's execs, Lundgren says that Macy's is "financially healthy" despite the economy and stock price drop. The letter obatined by Reuters says that sales at stores open a year are down 1.9% for May and June. The letter is to be filed with the SEC.

Date: Fri, July 11, 2008  11:51 pm CT
Posted by: David

PART 1

Crossing Michigan Avenue enroute to work this afternoon I saw a middle-aged couple eyeing a Yahoo map. I asked them if I could give them directions and they said: "Yes, to Washington and State Streets".

I said, "Oh to Marshall Field's? But you realize it's now Macy's don't you?"

The woman replied: "Yes, and were heartsick about it. No we're from Seattle; we're well aware of what Macy's has done. We have no intention of going there. We're trying to get to the Burham Hotel."

PART 2

Last week my partner and I were ripping out the original, but deteriorating cabinets from our 1939 kitchen. A final set of drawers removed revealed a treasure trove of items that had slipped behind the drawers onto the under floor. Amongst them: A 1946 copyrighted booklet entitled: "Marshall Field's and Chicago" within it's opening pages: "A book for out out-of-town visitors and our friends in Chicago who want to know more about our organization including, as well, many facts about places of interest in and around Chicago and some pictures of the city and the store."

It's a stunning guide and still intact (but a tad water stained). We wept; both for joy and the fore mentioned heart ache.

-David

Date: Fri, July 11, 2008  2:27 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

It was well known in business circles that Macy's had coveted a retail presence in the Chicago metro area for some time. If Macy's had entered the market in their own new spaces instead of trying to body snatch Field's, the red star store would already be long gone by now. Head to head Macy's couldn't ever compete with Marshall Field's. Heck, they can't even compete with Marshall Field's and Field's has been "gone" for almost two years. I feel in my bones that Macy's will be gone soon.

Date: Fri, July 11, 2008  12:31 pm CT
Posted by: James Miller

Current Macy's stock quote is at 15.03.

If any Macy's management types are reading this, I think you need to suggest to your cohorts that now is the time to make the move to restore Marshall Field's while you still have time.

The current course has led you to this steepening decline, and I humbly ask you to make the sensible choice.

Date: Fri, July 11, 2008  11:53 am CT
Posted by: Sonia

I want Marshall Fields back!!!

Date: Fri, July 11, 2008  11:28 am CT
Posted by: Melody

Macy's stock is down 12.51% at $14.34 a share... when are these people gonna wake up?!!!

Date: Fri, July 11, 2008  10:41 am CT
Posted by: Jeff S.

Another sad site at our Marshall Field's--THOSE people closed the restaurant last week on the lower level of the Orland Square Store. There was a sign telling people that the restaurant is now closed. At the bottom of the sign was their catchy phrase "the magic of M---*s". I thought, "you got to be kidding?" What is so magic about closing a beloved restaurant? Whoever had the 2 signs up that had that at the bottom is nuts! You have to wonder if the Walnut Room will be next!

Date: Fri, July 11, 2008  10:20 am CT
Posted by: Christopher S.

Wow! I can't believe how low Macy's stock has dropped ($14.38 at the moment). On marketwatch.com I compared the history of Macy's over the past two years with other competitors: GAP (GPS), J.C. Penney's, Nordstrom's, etc. Macy's is less than one third of its original value!

In short--this is pathetic. I am sure that Macy's cronies and CEOs check this site regularly. I know the market is rocky and that many retail companies are doing poorly, but Macy's is really tumbling. Why? Because we didn't need another Sears or J. C. Penney's. We did, however, need a unique and world-class Marshall Field's.

Here is some free advice to Macy's board of directors and Terry Lundgren. Macy's is a FAILURE. Admit it--keep Macy's where it works, and reinstate Marshall Field's. You can even use the cost of conversion to Marshall Field's as another excuse (the sort of spin this company loves)!

Regards forever,

Christopher

Date: Thurs, July 10, 2008  6:55 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Hi Field's Fans,

I continue to walk through "the m store" daily just to keep tabs on how they are doing. Well, here it is, high vacation season, Chicago full of tourists, and hardly anyone in the store, just a few people walking through. I saw a total of two macy's bags as I walked the entire State Street side. Ho hum. Over on the Wabash side, something must be wrong with the floor, because there is a big square that is covered with ugly brown duct tape. You would never have seen such an ugly "patch" at Field's; really, just so pathetic. Nothing could induce me to shop in that store, and apparently, I'm not alone.

Your Friend-in-Field's,

Zelda

Date: Thurs, July 10, 2008  5:50 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Macy's hit a new 5-year low in stock today at $16.34 a share, down 9.15% from yesterday.

Yes, it is true that other contemporaries of Macy's and Field's are also having trouble. JCPenney was down 10.11% today; Nordstrom was down 8.71%. Others like Dillards, Bon-Ton (parent of Carson's) are down but not nearly as much.

But really, IMHO, the antidote to these doldrums is to have something very special that customers want, even if the market is bad. Just think--if they brought back Field's, they would have that every special thingi, whomever owned them.

Things are bad but they don't have to be as bad as they are. They could even be pretty good.

Date: Thurs, July 10, 2008  4:52 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Messy's stock is now down from $17.70 per share this morning to $16.39.

Date: Thurs, July 10, 2008  2:33 pm CT
Posted by: Bradley

Looks like Martha Stewart is hedging her bets: her new craftsline will be sold through Wal-Mart--not Macy's.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-thu-martha-stewart-walmart-jul10,0,6716128.story

Be sure to leave comments.

Date: Thurs, July 10, 2008  1:23 pm CT
Posted by: Jeanette N.

I think your campaign is an awesome idea!

Date: Thurs, July 10, 2008  9:26 am CT
Posted by: gle

Prices on many things are going up, but one thing that seems to be getting to be a real bargain is Messy's stock--it is down to $17.70 a share today!

Date: Wed, July 9, 2008  2:24 pm CT
Posted by: Denise B, Hawaii

[In followup to Monday's post.]

Good luck with your efforts! I loved Marshall Fields as well. People do need to "stand up" to preserve American Icons. Memories are very precious. Good job with your volunteering! Nice to know people who are helping make a difference!

Have a great day!

Denise

Date: Wed, July 9, 2008  12:41 pm CT
Posted by: Corey Kurtz

Hi Field's Fans-

Just wanted to let you know that Madison Magazine announced their "Best Of Madison 2008 Readers Poll". The Gold Winnner in the catagory of Best Women's Clothing (Chain) and Best Mens Clothing (Chain) went to Macy's.

Lets just say that my jaw hit the floor when I read this.

How could Macy's be best at anything. Shame on Madison. Trust me, I did not vote for them.

I would like to have all of my Field's Friends email or write the editor and the style editor about how Macy's is NOT the best at anything.

Snail Mail Madison Magazine at

Madison Magazine, Inc.
Attn: Brennen Nardi
PO Box 44965
Madison, WI 53744-3600

Email the Editor: Brennen Nardi
'bnardi@madisonmagazine.com'

Style Editor: Shayna Miller
smiller@madisonmagazine.com

I emailed Shayna first and here is a part of what she had to say:

> Corey,

I just donC-t see the use in lamenting a store that will most likely not come back as Marshall FieldC-s anyway, so why not use MacyC-s? My point in saying that was that I understand your sentiment and I did like FieldC-s better, but that doesn't mean that I wonC-t shop at Macys...

I emailed the editor and this is what her response was:

Thanks for voicing your opinion, Corey. I saw that Shayna responded to you and I concur with her thoughts. I think a lot of it has to do with critical mass, as in, thereC-s not as much retail here as you see in larger markets so people tend to settle.

Lets show Madison that we don't settle. Email or write as soon as possible to help out our cause!!!

Warmest Regards:

Corey
Waunakee, WI

Field's Fan for Life-NOT MACY's!

Date: Wed, July 9, 2008  8:26 am CT
Posted by: Alfred M.

I recently moved to South Carolina after living almost 20 years in the Chicago area. I fully support the move to return Field's to Chi-town and have been on my own boycott of Macy's since the changeover.

Date: Tues, July 8, 2008  12:45 pm CT
Posted by: PERICLES G.

I am a loyal Marshall Field shopper and I have not purchased anything from macy's since the name and operation changes. I applaud you for your work of keeping the fight alive. I already receive your newsletter, and I tell everyone about your group.

Date: Tues, July 8, 2008  10:17 am CT
Posted by: Carol

I have been at every protest and I continue to post to this important blog.

I miss Fields! Keep up the great work.

Date: Mon, July 7, 2008  3:56 pm CT
Posted by: Denise B, Hawaii

Your effort is noteworthy; however,would it not be better directed toward issues such as flood victims, food banks, etc. America has been changing face....selling out to overseas countries, & buyouts by larger corporation.

Response:
Thanks for writing. Who says that those of us who are very active in bringing back Field's don't also have other causes? We are active in the community in a number of ways. The regulars who leaflet or participate in other activities are also involved in the community with such causes as substance abuse recovery, recycling, architectural preservation, epilepsy, delivering meals to those living with AIDS and many others. People who volunteer are concerned about their community and are involved in various other causes. But to be sure, we probably watch less TV or find less time to root for our favorite sports teams.

Date: Mon, July 7, 2008  3;12 pm CT
Posted by: Joe D

Hello Everyone:

I think we should once again focus on why we miss Marshall Field's! Each day, my bus drives by the Water Tower. Usually, Field's window displays would include a listing on the window detailing which floor the desinger clothing on display could be found.

Ever since the transition, I have rarely if ever seen any designer clothing on display in the Water Tower and State Street windows. It's just another example how Macy's is not offering Chicago a compelling reason to shop at its stores.

As for the uproar over Macy's Pride Parade Float. I have nothing against the Macy's employees showing their pride on the Macy's float. I think we should focus our efforts on promoting the Field's legacy rather than making attacks at an event that is focused on promoting an entirely different cause for social justice.

Date: Mon, July 7, 2008  11:18 am CT
Posted by: Valerie M.

Its ironic...I had the most horrible yet wonderful experience!!

My daughter was in need of an exchange to a BCBG garment and we were forced to enter a Macy store. I had to stand strong and make my way to the BCBG department, in which BCBG rents space from Macy's so they are completely seperate entities, my exchange required a call back from the BCBG associate, and what I thought was the most awful position to be put end, gave me "HOPE" in the form of a phone call...

When the BCBG associate called my home from their rented site in a Macy store, there it was in BEST FORM possible; it truly is a sign!!

My Caller I.D. had "MARSHAL FILED'S" listed on the call back number from the from the BCBG associate...to date, Macys has not changed the account owner or number!! It is still on my Caller I.D, even today and I will not delete. Why doesn't Macy's just give the starving public back their Marshal Field's, already!!!

Date: Mon, July 7, 2008  10:01 am CT
Posted by: Valerie M.

I live in Naperville, Illinois, and everytime I wore a button, strangers would come to me and ask where I got the button from and if they can have it, so I gave them my buttons! Now, I do not have any more...please send me some more...we need to continue to spread the word that Marshal Field's is coming back!! We just need to push harder!!

Date: Sun, July 6, 2008  9:02 pm CT
Posted by: Ed K.

Nice to see the blog still going strong!!!!

Back two summers ago, I posted here that the only place I'd ever visit in the stores once they became Macy's was the bathrooms because that would be the only place that wasn't sub standard.

I was wrong.

The bathrooms aren't even worthy of our patronage.

Date: Sun, July 6, 2008  9:01 pm CT
Posted by: It's only......

It's only a matter of time until Field's is brought back.

Too many people still want it.

Once Terry Lundgren is gone, it will be back.

Date: Sun, July 6, 2008  2:03 pm CT
Posted by: Dan

Meanwile, back in NYC, JCPenney is progressing on their flagship store in the former Gimbels flagship. Maybe this will bring back the saying, "Does JCPenney tell Macy's?" And the answer is, of course, "Sure, because Macy's is too stupid to listen to what their customers want! So who cares if they know!"

Date: Sat, July 5, 2008  11:08 pm CT
Posted by: Barb Yahola

I was glad to see the people on State Street. It's good that people stick up for their community in this age where everything is the same in a corporate way. The way people care is a good example for our kids.

Date: Sat, July 5, 2008  9:21 pm CT
Posted by: Mary Lynn

I felt sorry for the people on the Macy's float at the pride parade.

Here is the store that arguably has one of the best known and most televised parades in the country every day after Thanksgiving. Yet, all they can muster for the Pride Parade is a flatbed trailer with a bunch of leftover Christmas garland and Card and Party Outlet reject crepe paper. It was just a box with a giant Macy's logo and some emplpoyees saying they like gay people.

It's hard to believe that those people---employees????? were happy about that or wanted it that way. Their bosses owed them more support. Or really, why did they put them in a bad way? Very pathetic IMHO.

Date: Sat, July 5, 2008  2:12 pm CT
Posted by: S.D.

Way to go Field's fans!

Date: Sat, July 5, 2008  12:07 am CT
Posted by: Allan

I'm surprised Carson's hasn't capitalized more on the loss of Field's in Chicago.

Clearly it's all about Ego now. Even if a store loses 5% of their busienss, they go back to the old way because it's a failure.

Date: Fri, July 4, 2008  11:03 am CT
Posted by: Frank M

I don't know how much input Macy's had in last night's fireworks dispay at Grant Park, although they contribute some funds.

Regardless, their baad karma follows them. The music was HORRIBLE! The fire works were late!

Given all the hype about the Macy's fireworks in New York tonight, it seems to me that Macy's is going through the motions here on one level or another in Chicago. This is such a contrast to Marshall Field's.

Date: Fri, July 4, 2008  8:34 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Thanks very especially to Gloria, as well as Gail, and all who somehow helped make our leafleting and button distribution on State Street a success last night.

Over 1,000 were greeted with leaflets and hundred were also thrilled to wear one of our buttons of several designs including "Forever Marshall Field's" (two designs), "Forever Marshall Field's & Chicago", and "I WANT MY Marshall Field's".

Date: Thurs, July 3, 2008  5:24 pm CT
Posted by: Tom Z

I WONDER WHAT MR MAGIC OF MACYS (AKA LUNKHEAD) THINKS OF HIS TENURE AT MACY'S NOW THAT THE STOCK HIT 18.49 ON THE BIRTHDAY OF THE COUNTRY. I AM SURE THAT HE WILL BLAME IT ON EVERYONE INCLUDING MAYOR DALEY, AND THE COOK COUNTY BOARD FOR THE SALES TAX INCREASE. IT SURE IS GOING TO HIT HIM HARD IN HIS BONUS WITH STATE STREET, WATER TOWER, RIVER OAKS, WOODFIELD, NORTHBROOK COURT AND OLD ORCHARD BRING IN COOK COUNTY.

I AM IN THE PROCESS OF MOVING TO DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA WHERE THEY HAVE A MACY'S RAPED BURDINES STORE WHICH LIKE OUR FORMER FIELD'S CARRIES LUNKHEAD'S VERSION OF UPGRADED K-MART QUALITY. THANK GOT THEY HAVE TARGET AND DILLARDS.

Date: Thurs, July 3, 2008  3:23 pm CT
Posted by: Alexa

I was at the parade this past Sunday with my kids and my husband.

I was glad to see the Field's supporters still at it. It brought back memories of when I was at the big protest on the day of the change in 2006. What a sad day.

I'm glad you all keep the faith. I will too!

Date: Thurs, July 3, 2008  11:03 am CT
Posted by: J.E.T

I passed through the former Field's store here in Milwaukee.......no I cannot call it the M word.

Who do these people think they are doing what they have done to our great store?

What makes them think we'd want to shop where they tell us to?

The store is nothing special. Even the Boston Store is better.

Macy's cannot succeed!

Date: Wed, July 2, 2008  9:46 pm CT
Posted by: Daniel W. Harcourt II

Fieldsfans,

I had a 'Field Day' at this past Sunday's Gay Pride Parade in Chicago! It was awesome as Jim and I carried our picket signs through the crowd of spectators watching the parade-following the Macy's float-where so many people reminded us just how much Chicago truly wants it's Marshall Field's back. We both had people come up to us high fiving us, thanking us for our courage and determination and asking for buttons and fliers. It is evident from reading the most recent posts that its time to bring My Marshall Field's back home. Talk to friends, talk to family, communicate with the media and wear your Marshall Field's buttons. By working together, we will bring Marshall Field's back!

Daniel W. Harcourt II
Schaumburg,IL

Date: Wed, July 2, 2008  5:57pm CT
Posted by: James Miller

Must it be pointed out again that clinging to the concept of State Street Macy's promises to be a losing proposition?

No Marshall Field's = no money for Macy Co.

Date: Wed, July 2, 2008  5:12 pm CT
Posted by: Sam Kuznetsov, Evanston

Thanks to the Field's Fans who confronted the Macy's float and made us proud Chicagoans.

Date: Wed, July 2, 2008  10:09 pm CT
Posted by: John

I proudly stood on the Minibar Float for Pride and the Macy's float was two floats behind us. You better believe we made our voices heard to them once the floats stopped near Diversey Harbor. We walked arm in arm past that mess of a float...and said together:

Give the man..and the man..what they want...give us our Marshall Field's!!!

Picture about 13 of us who just got off the Minibar float saying this to the Macy's float.

I then proceeded to tell them gay men HATE Macy's..that we know it is a junk store, and that we are HIGHLY insulted to have them in our parade.

They got the picture.. ;-)

Date: Wed, July 2, 2008  9:12pm CT
Posted by: gle

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO STOOD UP FOR FIELD'S AT THE GAY PRIDE PARADE SUNDAY. One of my employers who was with a group in the parade said they saw people wearing Marshall Field's buttons all over the place.

Our buttons do have an impact. I always have to keep a couple to grab from my pocket because people want them at the most unexpected times:

- When I'm paying for groceries and have my hands full,

- When I'm trying to stand up on a crowded train,

- And this is my favorite--I left my employee ID at home and had to go through the metal detector at work. My button didn't set off the alarm, but the security guard really smiled when they saw it. The guard started a conversation about someone they know who is in the protest group and they think it's great what Field's Fans are doing.

Date: Wed, July 2, 2008  8:55 pm CT
Posted by: Rich W

M*cy's float at the Gay Pride Parade was a joke. What's funnier is that the storm started while their float was stuck in front of Roscoe's bar, where everyone was having a good laugh watching this stupid float with non-descript people sitting on folding chairs with their legs folded (yes, what a float that was!). As the rain got heavier, and the float remained stuck, they struggled to cover it with a plastic wrap (to protect the folding chairs???). It was likely to cover up their logo/red star backdrop, which of course would cost too much to re-print for 2009 (around $10 or so?). It was a debacle. The float remained there for at least 15 minutes while everyone laughed. Finally, I yelled from inside the bar, "M*cy's, go back to NY. Bring back Field's!" and I received a round of applause.

Date: Tues, July 1, 2008  11:18 pm CT
Posted by: darrid

To Mary Anne

I recently spoke to the publishers of Arcadia publishing who have done many great books about State Street and included awesome vintage pictures of Marshall Field's. They also made mention that they rarely ever use color photos in their books, however Field's was an exception. You can find both books on Amazon.com.

In speaking with them about the books they did about Dayton's and Hudson's, they confirmed that these names are still owned by Target.

I'm working on some additional pages for my site featuring Arcadia's books about State Street and Field's.

Sincerely, Darrid

darrid.com

Date: Tues, July 1, 2008  9:34 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Thanks to all of those who offered posts and support about our rebuttal appearance to the Macy's float at Sunday's Pride Parade. Special thanks to Daniel Harcourt who insisted on being part of it, as well as Gail, Mike, A., G., J. and all of those who supported us.

I'm getting over an illness but will post a summary and a photo to our front page in the next day.

We will be leafleting on State Street on Thursday evening right after work but before the fireworks. Email me if you can assist.

In admiration and respect for all you do to help bring back Marshall Field's in service, quality and spirit as well as name.

Date: Tues, July 1, 2008  8:30 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

According to BizJounals.com, Macy's stock sank to a five-year low today, $18.65 per share.

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/06/30/daily21.html

A few things to keep in mind:

1) Five years ago, Macy's was only half as large as it is today since it had not yet merged with May Department Stores.

2) While most all of the retail sector is doing poorly these days, just think if Macy's had something that would buck the trend and make people come flooding back to its stores for something truly special and unique. Something exciting. You can bet, if Marshall Field's came back, people would make an exception to shop at the store that they so sorely miss.

3) We simply want Macy's to correct its foolishness. When will Mr. Lundgren get over their denial and give customers what they want so business comes back?

Date: Tues, July 1, 2008  3:04 pm CT
Posted by: Steve

If you guys have to go up against the Macy's float again next year, how about this for a slogan?

"Shopping and Macy's: The only Kind of S & M I hate"

It seemed cute when I thought of it.

Date: Tues, July 1, 2008  1:09 pm CT, re-edited at the request of the author
Posted by: Mary Anne

It was two years ago that fields.com became macys.com.

Here's to two years from now and having the big green fields.com back.

By the way, note that daytons.com and hudsons.com still point to target.com-- as noted they still own the rights and still feature more on Field's than Macys.com

Date: Tues, July 1, 2008  8:23 am CT
Posted by: J.K.

Thank you for standing up to Macy's at the pride parade Sunday. We miss Field's.

Date: Mon, June 30, 2008  10:23 pm CT
Posted by: Sarah K

I became aware of this website at the Gay Pride parade yesterday.

I applaud and support what you are doing.

Date: Mon, June 30, 2008  9:56 pm CT
Posted by: Mike Johnson

Why doesn't Macy's understand that we gay people hate Macy's!

Dear Macy's,

Every time you put an ad in our newspapers, we hate you more.

When you put a float in a parade touting your store, you remind us that you took away a store that REALLY CARED about gay people.

Chicagoans hate having Macy's jammed down their throats because Macy's took away something that was so much better!

Gay Chicago thinks Macy's is tacky, tacky, tacky, tacky X 100!

Sell the Marshall Field's name and stores to someone who knows how to do it right. We don't even want you to attempt to run a store as Marshall Field's. If you really understood Field's you wouldn't have gotten rid of it.

Cut your losses now!

The word "Macy's" is nothing but a punchline to a huge joke in the gay community. GO AWAY!

BRING BACK MARSHALL FIELD AND COMPANY! Take away Martha Stewart and Donald Trump. He needs to be on Queer Eye, not The Apprentice and not on your commercials!

Date: Mon, June 30, 2008  5:02 pm CT
Posted by: G.O.

There was a banner carried through the Pride Parade yesterday:

"NO PRIDE IN CORPORATE GREED"

I submit Macy's as Example A.

Two years ago Macy's was embarassed to have two same sex mannequins in a Boston store window and took them down. Now that Macy's is on the ropes, they have decided same-sex couples are their best friends.

Chicago, the nation, the universe knows better.

Macy's participation in yesterday's parade was about greed and little to do with pride.

Date: Mon, June 30, 2008  3:57 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

"Crain's Chicago Business" has a letter to the editor in its June 30 issue about Field's Fans' recent trip to the Messy's shareholders' meeting. It's on page 16 of the print edition, "What the fuss is about." It is by Gloria Evenson, a huge Field's supporter, of Chicago.

It's a very eloquent letter. Hats off to Gloria.

Date: Mon, June 30, 2008  1:56 pm CT
Posted by: David

You guys rock !

BRING BACK MARSHALL FIELD'S!

Date: Mon, June 30, 2008  1:01 pm CT
Posted by: Eileen

Did marshall fields started to weekly ad sale papers in the mail after the dreaded may&co takeover or have they always done it. I know marshall fields never had coupons after 2004 mayco acquistion.

Date: Mon, June 30, 2008  12:14 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

It's really gratifying how many people regularly read and post comments on this blog for Field's fans. There seems to be no end to the variety of economic levels, ages, and walks of life represented. Seeing how many like-minded pro-Fieldies and anti-Macyites there are out in the world (and reading their stories) is great! Clearly, there is much residual anger towards Macy's for their decision to destroy Marshall Field's---a frustrated anger which does not appear to be receding one bit over time. Macy's management must be absolutely shocked and amazed at the huge number of shoppers who individually continue to boycott Macy's. But Macy's does not need to sneak a peek at this blog to know that Chicagoans are angry and that the boycott is effective. They are reminded of this fact each time they look at their anemic sales results and faltering stock price.

Date: Mon, June 30, 2008  11:34 pm CT
Posted by: Gloria

YES!

I want my Marshall Field's!

I do not want Macy's!

Kudos to the protesters at the parade.

Date: Mon, June 30, 2008  11:12 am CT
Posted by: Peter

I just read that WalMart is changing it's logo and will rid itself of it's star and use a sunburst instead. My first thoughts were that it was interesting that WalMart doesn't even want to be associated with Macy's tacky red star.

Date: Mon, June 30, 2008  1:30 am CT
Posted by: Per-Gunnar

I was glad to see the Marshall Field's supporters running against the Macy's float today at the Gay Parade.

Macy's took something very special away from Chicago. Chicago is right to never forget.

They will not get our business. Keep fighting the good fight!

Date: Sun, June 29, 2008  11:34 pm CT
Posted by: Ed H

Re: Gay Pride Parade: I was even more proud that you Chicagoans came out today--FOR OUR CITY! WAY TO GO! Macy's tried to suck us in. Chicago fought back with its message. I WANT MY MARSHALL FIELD'S! Do you get it Macy's?

Here's to the Field's picketeers who followed the Macy's float today! And thanks for the pin!

Date: Sun, June 29, 2008  9:57 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff Minz, A-ville

To the tall handsome men with the signs proclaiming Chicago wants Field's and not Macy's, you demonstrated the true meaning of Chicago Pride. Thanks to you, it was a Chicago Pride Parade in more ways than one.

Jeff

Date: Sun, June 29, 2008  9:01 pm CT
Posted by: Joyce P.

I saw you people at the parade today. You made us proud. I will never shop Macy's.

Date: Sun, June 29, 2008  7:23 pm CT
Posted by: Adam The Spork

I was watching the parade from outside Caribou this afternoon. We saw the Macy's float go by. My partner and our friend started saying just how wrong it still is that Macy's has killed Marshall Field's, they don't belong in our parade.

As soon as we said this, a guy sprinted by with a "Chicago wants Field's" sign! We all high-fived and cheered!

A second one came by and gave us a flier for this web page and some buttons. Thank you for doing this. I refuse to shop Macy's. Why would anyone - gay or straight - register their wedding there?