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Date: Wed, October 31, 2007  7:42 pm CT
Posted by: Larry in PHL

Not sure who created the amazing Marshall Field MySpace page, but I love it!!! Waiting to be added as a friend. I'm forwarding it to all of my friends. Great job.

Date: Wed, October 31, 2007  7:30 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff S.

Happy Halloween!! The video with Bob Sirott is fantastic!! Now, let's see what happens!!

Earlier today a junior high girl came trick-or-treating dressed as a shopping lady; loaded with all kinds of department store shopping bags. I asked her, "Where is Marshall Field's?" She then showed it to me. I told her to wait right there. I went and got one of Gail's buttons and she lit up when she saw it!! Later 2 moms came to my door looking for a couple more of the Forever Marshall Field's buttons!! Even on Halloween, Marshall Field's is the talk of the town!!

Date: Wed, October 31, 2007  4:52 pm CT
Posted by: laurie cacault

It really doesn't surprise me that Carlyn Berghoff would join forces with Macy's. I loved the old Berghoff and was lucky enough to eat there twice after the Berghoffs announced its closing. I decided to give it a chance after it reopened and persuaded a friend to go to lunch there. The young waiters seemed very confused and it was a far cry from the original in terms of service and ambience. I found a big piece of what looked like a corn husk in my food. We told our server, who told the manager. He pretty much dismissed the incident, saying that the kitchen workers probably got some of their tamales from home stuck in their clothes, which then fell into the food!! (I kid you not).He didn't offer a new dish or any type of compensation whatsoever. I personally wrote Carlyn about this and never heard a word from her. So sadly, I won't be going there in the future.

Date: Wed, October 31, 2007  3:56 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston

Has anyone been wathing TLC's What Not To Wear? My daughters love that show. I was watching it with them last Friday. Macy's is probably paying a ton of money to have themselves featured on that show as one of the stylish merchants to visit for a makeover. PLEASE!!! They are desperate.

Date: Wed, October 31, 2007  2:40 pm CT
Posted by: Larry in PHL

I used to work at the Bergner's in Champaign when the introduced Tommy Hilfiger for the first time after emerging from bankruptcy. In fact, I was promoted to be the counter manager of the department. I still have many of the clothes from when I worked there. Well, I guess I'll be dumping them. I have no desire to be associated with that brand any more.

The good news for Bergner's/Carson's/The Bon Ton, they can get rid of all the Tommy cr*p and replace it with a better brand.

Oh, and the idea of reaching out to the store managers is great. You can also email them. I emailed The Bon Ton on how nice they have kept the Champaign Bergner's since the aquisition and how glad I was that they intended to keep the nameplates on all the stores (unlike Messy's). I also told them that I was boycotting Macy's and why. I got a very nice email from their public relations department.

Date: Wed, October 31, 2007  12:47 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

to Richard in Houston:

I too posted a polite and articulate (but anti-Macy's) comment on retail wire, and the post was deleted. The Emperor has no clothes, media folks, face it! Ignoring the angry hordes isn't going to make them go away...this kind of selective journalism only makes us more angry and determined.

As Denise said, mocking a Macy's exec's snide remarks about us customers, we'll caterwaul til the cows come home!

gayle

Date: Wed, October 31, 2007  12:11 pm CT
Posted by: Kurt G

Just back from London, their several department and clothing stores are doing very well. Mark's and Spencer's, Selfridge's, Harvey Nichol's, John Lewis, Debenham's all have better quality and more varied merchandise, are much cleaner, have better service. Perhaps one of them might be interested in purchasing Marshall Field's. If not, certainly someone from Dubai could appreciate owning a first class group of stores. Obviously Macy's definitely does not.

Date: Wed, October 31, 2007  11:37 am CT
Posted by: Melody

Thanks John D! I completely forgot to put the website for the Berghoff.

I was just extremely disappointed to see that Carlyn would do that. I mean most people I know would make the annual trek to state street from the train station and then to Berghoff's for lunch on the way back! Berghoff's is as Chicago as Fields was. It's just damn sad.

- Melody

Date: Wed, October 31, 2007  8:50 am CT
Posted by: gle

BOB SIROTT MADE MY DAY!

Date: Wed, October 31, 2007  3:54 am CT
Posted by: Connie E. in Hampton, Virginia

Like everyone, I have been heartsick about the Macys takeover of Marshall Fields. Am currently living in Hampton, Virginia, but still travel to the Chicago area three to four times a year to visit friends and family. Fields and downtown Chicago has ALWAYS been on my must do list for each trip to the area. This year, I did not even bother to go downtown! The whole thing breaks my heart! As previous writers have posted, where can we go for Chicken Pot Pie under the Great Tree in the Walnut Room? Macys? I think not! When my boys were young, the only REAL Santa was at Fields. We traveled from Northern Indiana on the South Shore to see him. It was the big event of our and many other families Christmases. I did stop in at the current Macys in River Oaks just to see. I understand why everyone is calling it Messys! The store was absolutely filthy! What merchandise there was was cheap. Macys has taken over our local Hechts. Now Hechts was never in the class of Marshall Fields, but even that store has taken on a cheesy look - didn't think that was possible! I'd rather shop at Target! Even while living in Virginia for the past seven years, if I needed a wedding or baby gift, I would call Fields and talk to an extremely helpful sales person or even order from the Internet. That's over now, too! I will NEVER step foot in the State Street store again unless they bring back the quality of my beloved Marshall Fields.

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  8:55 pm CT
Posted by: John D

Here is an excellent way to keep our Field's Fans momentum increasing to another level...

When you are shopping in a store other than macy's, and you are impressed with the merchandise selection and quality of guest service, stop by the store manager's office and offer a compliment or suggestion for them to be even better in attacting Field's Fans. While you are at it, why not go to that mall's management office and voice your sentiments against macy's being there and taking over the Marshall Field stores in name, quality and service. Let the mall manager know of the non-working escalators, the dirty floors and restrooms, the poor service and drastic downgrade of merchandise and overall unpleasant shopping experience.

I have done this considerable times, and my remarks are consistently met with a warm reception and gratitude. This is one way YOU can augment what our good folks do at 111 N. State Street every week-end and holiday. Let your sales associate, the store manager and mall manager know how important it is to give Field's Fans a quality shopping option while boycotting macy's. Managers at stores whom I have found to react positively to this feedback are: Nordstrom, Von Maur, Carson's, Lord & Taylor, Saks, Kohl's, JCPenney and Neiman's. While you are at your lunch hour downtown, why not stop by Loehmann's and contact the store manager with encouraging words of support.

As an example, let's do what Gayle did at Target when she thanked Target for great guest service and remarked about how she was sorry Target had sold Field's to macy's. It's amazing what candid comments you might hear back in return.

Each of us can find ways to continue our mission in creative ways to bring back Field's in name, quality of merchandise and service, and uniqueness...as "Chicago" as a store can get!

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  8:44 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Some retail analysts state that macy*mart's competition is JC Penney and Kohl's. This comparison is totally unfair and inaccurate!

Both Penney's and Kohl's offer better quality, wider selections, national brands and better service than macy*mart! Both of these retailers are mid-market and they serve their customers well.

On the other hand, macy*mart offers a limited selection of poor quality, overpriced merchandise. They are a discount store with the pretense of being upscale. Kmart and wal*mart offer wider selections with lower prices, but much the same quality as macy*mart.

With the holiday season fast approaching, remind your friends and family that there is NO REASON to visit macy*mart. If someone is looking for upscale merchandise, check Neiman-Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks--these stores offer top quality and service. For discount merchandise, visit Kmart, wal*mart, Big Lots, Target--these stores offer wide selection and reasonable prices. For dependable quality and service, patronize JC Penney, Kohl's, The Bon Ton, Belk, Boscov's, Elder-Beerman, Sears--these stores offer perfectly good merchandise for family and home; often they carry exceptionally nice giftware.

Can anyone suggest any reason to shop at macy*mart for holiday gifts? Let's all think for a moment. "Pretend" designers, "imitation" chocolate candy, nondescript merchandise, coupons with multiple exclusions...

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  8:40 pm CT
Posted by: Mrs J

THANKS so much to Bob Sirott!!! KEEP in touch Mr. Sirott! : )

[ ... ]

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  8:32 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

When Target built it's successful national chain, it did so by building new stores, many of them free standing, and offering customers great prices on a broad range of merchandise typically found in department stores. Merchandise like apparel, accessories, small electronics, housewares, luggage and lots of things for children and babies. Target also offered additional merchandise like sports equipment, camping gear, food, hardware and large electronics, but the lower priced department store goods were an important part of Target's appeal and success.

Many other chains like Kohl's, JC Penney, Kmart, and Sears take the same approach to capture their share of this lower priced value driven market.

Macy's based its strategy to expand into this same market on its ability to acquire prime real estate in existing malls and downtown shopping districts, thus gaining an advantage over free standing discounters that are generally not so centrally located.

Unfortunately for Macy's, the discount or "value" market is saturated with established and proven value options for customers. Add to this the anger Macy's earned for eliminating so many higher-end stores like Marshall Field's that have earned the pride and good-will from generations of customers and communities served with distinction for generations.

I wonder if Macy's would be in a stronger position today had it built its own stores instead of commandeering established and cherished stores like Marshall Field's. Of course there wouldn't be such overwhelming anger and resentment towards the Macy's brand or protesters working with such passion to see our Marshall Field's restored, but even without these obstacles, I suspect Macy's would still be desperately struggling.

Unlike Target and the others, Macy's offers nothing new to the market and even its own private label brands are underwhelming. Alfani and INC don't seem to hold up to the competition for style, quality or price. So really, if you forget the private labels, most everything else at Macy's is available at competitors for lower prices, as has recently been reported by Marketwatch's analysts.

Perhaps this is why Macy's works so hard to promote "exclusive" merchandise. They have to do something to get customers to go to Macy's. But since the exclusives are brands like Tommy Hilfiger, a brand that has limited appeal, I don't see how more than a very narrow defined target market will make a special trip for their Tommy fix. Other exclusives like Martha Stewart clearly aren't truly exclusive as the same merchandise is available at Kohl's and Kmart with only some variations in color and different packaging.

So we're left with a company that's betting its future on the success of second-tier lines sold cheaper elsewhere, private label brands with very limited appeal, and lines from people like Donald Trump, Martha Stewart and Usher. The advantage of prime real estate is offset by the anger and resentment this expansion strategy has elicited from customers in Chicago and across the country.

Seems like the return of Chicago's iconic Marshall Field's, with its local market good-will, impressive tourist appeal, profitable growth trend and special mix of style, luxury and value would be the best way for Macy's to enhance the value of the Field's stores it replaced.

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  8:01 pm CT
Posted by: PaulF

John D,

Check the Berghoff history online -- regarding your mention of the Berghoff daughter who is doing a book deal at Macy's. She, as many Chicagoans will tell you, was actually the one responsible for closing the Berghoff. She, in many ways, was derided almost as much as Federated, who had done the MF name conversion only a short time before. Berghoff wanted to close her parent's restaurant space to use for some catering business she was trying. I know because I spent 2 hours in the freezing rain waiting in line to have one of their last dinners. (Worth every minute of it - the food was good and George Wendt was at the table next to mine).

But anyway, by all means she should get an earfull about selling out Chicag and appearing at Macy's and all. But after what she herself did by selling out her own parent's historic restaurant, I doubt she will be giving it much of a deep thought. She's definitely heard the term 'sell out' before.

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  7:06 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston

I have twice on the RetailWire and they never post my comments. Their editors are obviously one sided towards Macy's.

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  6:41 pm CT
Posted by: Mike M

Dear Carlyn Berghoff:

Have fun at your book signing. You just alienated many Marshall Field's fans.

While the money you'll get from your signing will soon be gone, the memory of you selling out will remain the minds of Chicagoans.

What can you do to regain our respect? Speak loudly and openly about your desire to see Marshall Field's return. If you do that, you will reap the benefit of a lot of new customers at your business. The choice is yours, Ms. Berghoff.

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  4:16 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

Hello Fans,

I'm still passing out buttons in the south. A sales associate at one of the anchor stores at the local mall wanted a button, he said it was good to see those colors again; at a retirement gathering a lady requested a button; even the guys in one of the barbershops suspended their conversation about Michael Jordan to say, "Yeah, I know about Marshall Field's."

Question: Has anyone else stopped receiving magazines, flyers, etc. from 'that' store? I have. Now if I can just get them to stop sending me that doggone bill!!!

Have you seen the latest commercial with M. Stewart and the guy from Project Runway? Well, no one here knows who Mr. Gunn is because we don't receive Bravo through the local cable system. The whole commercial is a waste of time.

This will show you the arrogance of 'that' store. I wanted to pay my bill by phone and the representative said you can go to any 'M' and pay on your account. I said, 'Fortunately, I live in a city that doesn't have one of 'those' stores so are you going to accept payment via phone? (The closet is about a three hour drive away.) They really think they have taken over the world. I think I mentioned that a lady went shopping for a special dress at that store in Southern Illinois and the sales rep told her ladies go to St. Louis because they don't have what she is looking for.

You all are doing a great job--wish I was there!

Doris

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  2:15 pm CT
Posted by: Mark in Phila

Hello Fields Fans,

55 shopping days left until Christmas, so, Fields Fans from all across the country, start putting together the list of stores in your region that mesys hasn't ruined yet.

Thanks for the news on the Hilfiger deal! If I spot anyone wearing the brand, I'll warn them to expect to find that the clothing will be coming out increasingly in more shades of black and grey and drabness to conform to the mesys aesthetic. And a year from now, television commercials with Martha and Tim picking up some Hilfiger garment, and looking at it all puzzled, like is this supposed to be a piece of clothing or some sort of table covering.

Monopolization ... THAT'S the Magic of Messys. Now that they have eliminated enough competition, it's time to start making deals with their vendors.

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  2:05 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

"Hour Detroit", Metro Detroit's monthly magazine, listed Marshall Field's as BEST GIFT WRAPPING SERVICE and BEST BRIDAL REGISTRY in their June 2004 issue, "The Best of Detroit." I have that issue, and I also remember seeing the BEST GIFT WRAPPING award posted at the Guest Service desk at Marshall Field's in Okemos, MI. I imagine this award was posted at all of the Michigan stores, though I don't actually know. I will say that Marshall Field's had the most elegant and tasteful selection of gift wraps I'd ever seen. It was a joy to give someone a gift from Marshall Field's, especially when gift wrapped there. The gift wrap was so elegant that it could almost be considered a gift in itself.

Macy's retired all of the beautiful MF gift wraps and quickly replaced them with very mundane, everyday wraps that could easily be matched or bettered at a discount chain. In fact, I've seen better gift wrap at dollar stores (where everything costs $1) than some of the wraps that Macy's offers. This is just one example of so much more that the Lansing area lost when Marshall Field's was replaced by Macy's. Another awful imprint was when Macy's replaced the incandescent lighting of Marshall Field's stores with flourescent lighting. Where once one entered a soothing and lovely store, one now was met with glaring lights. I noticed of myself and of others how awful our skin looked under those harsh, cold lights. Aside from being delighted with more realistic mannequins added, all I saw from that point on was that everything lovely and truly unique was going away, being replaced by all that was mundane and very generic. Might I add also that much of the "new and exciting" merchandise just looked very cheap?

I will delight in the day that I can once again shop at the elegant Marshall Field's - even if I have to go to Chicago to do so. It will be well worth the trip!

Regards to all of my fellow Field's Fans,

L. Grand - Michigan, USA

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  1:21 pm CT
Posted by: Darryl E.

Today's Tribune had a story about some Romanian boxers allegedly shoplifting at Nordstrom's.

How about that -- even shoplifters prefer Nordstrom's to Macy's!

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  12:26 pm CT
Posted by: R J H

Will Macy's Ever Admit they Goofed

First of all, I have no problem with Macy's owning Marshall FieldC-s. After all, Marshall Field's has had many owners over its century and a half life and as a true Chicagoan, I had no problem with it. When BATUS and Dayton-Hudson owned Marshall Fields, it didnC-t become a tobacco shop or a Target. It retained itC-s name.

Marshall Field's is synonymous with Chicago. It was the anchor of State Street and for many Chicagoans, Illinoisans and tourists, it was where you shopped when in Chicago. Getting the green bag, Marshall FieldC-s wine, holiday ornament, the windows, the clocks, visiting the great tree, Walnut Room with Ms. Herrings Chicken Pot Pie, are Marshall FieldC-s traditions, not MacyC-s.

As ChicagoanC-s, there are many things that will always be Chicago. Since 1876 the Chicago Cubs, since 1893 the Chicago Hot Dog, since 1919 the Chicago Bears, since 1920 Fannie May. And the list goes on.

So many companies have tried to change names. Look at AT&T; they always seem to go back to the original. But AT&T always had Chicago ties, MacyC-s did not. That is why MacyC-s doesnC-t work in Chicago. Not to mention AT&T wasnC-t born in Chicago.

Carl Sandburg didnC-t refer to Chicago as the city of Big Shoulders for nothing. Chicagoans have pride in their sports teams, city, architecture and history. <i>ItC-s because of that, since the conversion, I will never step foot in any MacyC-s, anywhere.</i>

I say to MacyC-s executives, take a lesson from Coca Cola. New Coke was a disaster, but bringing back the original made them stronger than ever. Admitting you goofed, apologizing to the people of Chicago and changing Marshall FieldC-s back to itC-s original design will earn my respect once again, and quite possibly many others.

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  11:47 am CT
Posted by: David

http://video.nbc5.com/player/?id=173909#videoid=173909

Wow.. great video clip! Good job Bob!

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  11:01 am CT
Posted by: JamesfromCA

I find it interesting when it comes to Retailwire.com if there is a discussion on macy's it better be complimentry or it isn't published but I find this only when it comes to macy's I wrote this but the censors said declined to publish it:

Tommy Hilfiger hasn't been fashionable in years. The brand suffered from overexposure, it became too common. Hilfiger went from being a lesser priced version of Polo to this hip hop streetwear, that couldn't have helped the label. Hilfiger had his day in the 80's and 90's, the same with Nautica. I do see alot of both brands at Marshall's and TJ Max, that's not a good sign. The macy's locales near me at one time had a large Hilfiger department but obviously it wasn't selling because the department got smaller and smaller.

Common sense tells you why invest heavily in a brand that's lost it's cachet ten years ago?

As a casual observer the Martha Stewart Collection doesn't look any different than the merchandise Kmart sold, only now the packaging is in robin's egg blue instead of the

celadon green and it's twice the price. If the collection was made in the USA or the EU I could see the price increase but it's still made in China. Again she as brand peaked five years ago.

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  9:57 am CT
Posted by: John N

Don't stop pushing the boycott and the pro Field's message.

I teach high school and received 100 buttons that virtually flew out the door. Students saw me wearing a button and instantly wanted to share their memories of Field's and their parent's memories of Field's.

I requested more buttons. I think I could give out an enormous amount of them.

Some students want to come downtown for the December 2nd Protest. Many, many students say that they never ever shop at Macy's or that they park near the local mall and walk through Macy's to get to the rest of the mall. There's always lots of parking on that end of the mall since the anchor store is Macy's.

At any rate...

Surely Macy's can only lose so much money in the Chicagoland area before they see they will never make money. Sell to someone willing to restore the State Street store and all the other formerly Field's locations to what they were...the class act of Chicago Retailing...

See you at the protest...

Date: Tues, October 30, 2007  12:44 am CT
Posted by: David P

Hip hip hooray for Bob Sirott AND those who posted for allowing those of us who missed it (and work late) a chance to view common sense accessible for the masses. It seldom comes through, but believe me, it'll ring or bang some bells.

Thank you!

-David

Date: Mon, October 29, 2007  11:01pm CT
Posted by: flyboyhouston

I have finnaly made it to NYC...I have been to the three largest department stores in the world. Harrod's of London (the most expensive/upscale of them all), Marshall Field's of Chicago (the most attractive building), and Macy's of NY (the blandest merchandise of them all). Although the wooden escalators of the LL to 1st floors were fun; the merchandise was almost the same as any regular Macy-mart, only just more of it. MF & Harrod's were more unique stores.

Martha Stewart, Donald Trump, Hilfiger, and the rest of the 'house brands' are so...well...who cares? Stewart is an x-con and at K-mart, Trump is a mean spirited person with a low rated tv show, Hilfiger went out of style years ago, and the house brands are lower quality and really boring colors and lack style...and being expensive as they are (at full price, that is); I'd much rather buy something that is an actual fashionable brand name.

The way to save Marshall Field's under Macy-mart management would be to rename the entire "Macy-North" division "Marshall Field's"; re-work the merchandise and transfer it to Bloomingdale's quality; rid the store of most "house brands"; re-introducethe Field's name on Frangos, giftware, etc; change the colors back to green; re-think the entire idea of what "customer service" is; do a new advertising campaign NOT involving has-been celebraties or red stars; and bring back real shopping bags.... Well, actually I doubt any of this could really be done under macy management, so best to sell "Macy North" to someone who does care and has cash flow to make it right!

Date: Mon, October 29, 2007  10:13 pm CT
Posted by: John D.

Melody earlier referred to a website by which to contact Carlyn Berghoff. As Melody pointed out, Carlyn Berghoff, of the highly respected Berghoff Restaurant family fame, as appeared to have sold out to macys by appearing at a book signing this coming Friday during the noon hour.

This is that website by which she has written her displeasure, and she invites you to do likewise.

http://www.theberghoff.com/about_us/contact.aspx

By the way, I heard from two lady friends who have already that they plan to spend their lunch hour going to messy's on State to merely wait in line to graciously and respectfully express to Carlyn their surprise and regret that a member of the Berghoff family would appear at such an event at macy's which destroyed the Marshall Field's retail culture and name. They will not protest, but merely state their feelings in a civil manner.

Date: Mon, October 29, 2007  9:03 pm CT
Posted by: PaulF

Well at least the Romanian boxers had taste! -- They chose to do their their little shoplifting outing at Nordstroms on Michigan Avenue!

It says a lot. When not even the thieves want your merchandise, you know things are bad.

Maybe if Macy's had its new clothing line in.... nah.

Date: Mon, October 29, 2007  8:55 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Bob Sirott's "One More Thing..." commentary this evening was on Macy's State Street ad campaign. Bob showed examples of the very ads we've been discussing here including the 100th anniversary ad in "Chicago" magazine and the whole public ad series for State Street.

Bob's final word? Bring back Marshall Field's.

http://video.nbc5.com/player/?id=173909#videoid=173909

Yay, Bob!

Jim

Date: Mon, October 29, 2007  3:15 pm CT
Posted by: James in MInneapolis

Hi All---

As I have been thinking about this new failure to come with Tommy Hilfiger, I remembered something which already is a foreshadowing of the failure we all know is waiting to happen. I am thinking of the large Nicollet Mall Store in Downtown Minneapolis. About 10 years ago, maybe more, there was a large Tommy Hilfiger shop and also a Nautica shop. Both had special woodwork and flooring put in. As many of you have alluded to in your posts, the brand no longer is popular, has lost its cache`, particularly wih the junior high and early senior high crowd here in Minneapolis who were the ones that were really driving the business back then.

Little by little, the brands started to lose floor selling space. One of my favorite sales guys, X, who is still there and jokes constantly about the poor quality of the "crap " he is expected to promote like the EDV stuff, told me that both Hilfiger and Nautica were just really losing ground fast and that Dayton's (at that time) was not fooling around giving precious space to brands that did not bring in the money. When Dayton's became Field's that trend of cutting back Hilfiger and Nautica continued at Nicollet Mall. After awhile, the two shops were combined into one-----Nautica moved over and shared the Hilfiger space, while Tommy Bahama, and Jopseph Abboud moved into the Nautica space from where they used to be located near Men's Suits, which then made space to expand Men's Shoes. Now, Nautica and Hildfiger are cut back even further to share the space with some awful macy's brand like Tasso Elba or some other non-sense.

Now----I am the very first to admit that my MBA has been a rather useless piece of paper and that useful knowledge was taught to me on the job by my superiors and colleagues.But I should think even these MBA buffoons employed in the backwater retail Hell of Cincinnatti ought to reason through this case study: we have a brand that over a decade has gotten less and less floor space at one of our largest stores because people do not like it and they do not buy it. Should we purchase the company and make it one of our featured star in-house brands? WE could pair it with Tasso Elba----one of our other poor performers that people in the Midwest seem to despise. Perhaps when paired together----the Midwest will just explode with enthusiasm for macy's.

Could this possibly be the thinking? I do frequently misjusdge how Americans react so please do set me straight if this may be the case and I am just short-sighted to see the brilliance of the logic.

Regards.

Date: Mon, October 29, 2007  3:14 pm CT
Posted by: Rich W

With the Tommy Hilfiger exclusive lurking in the future for messy's, I heard rumors of some other possible exclusive partnerships they are pursuing:

Cotler?

Britannia?

Gitano?

Chams?

Unfortunately, they tried to get Bugle Boy, but Walmart beat them to it.

Date: Mon, October 29, 2007  12:27 pm CT
Posted by: Melody

Man... even one of Chicago's own is selling out to Macy's. This restaurant closing was the final straw for me not going home to Chicago for day after Thanksgiving festivities anymore. Berghoff's does have a website. I've already emailed Carlyn a letter...

11/02/07

12pm - 2pm

Meet Carlyn Berghoff of Chicago's Famed Berghoff Restaurant

Entrepreneur and fourth generation family member of

Chicago's famed Berghoff restaurant, Carlyn Berghoff

shares stories, demonstrates recipes from and signs

copies of the Berghoff Family cookbook.

Macy's on State Street

Culinary Kitchen, Lower Level

Friday, November 2, noon-2pm

Date: Mon, October 29, 2007  11:10 am CT
Posted by: Gayle

Hi all,

I had to return some things to Target the other night. One item was purchased probably eight months ago, and I'd long since lost the receipt. I was honest about it, and explained to the customer service manager that I would fully understand if they refused the return. She told me that their goal is to please the customer, and they gave me the refund immediately.

At the end of transaction, she asked if I was happy with Target. I said "Yeah, I love you guys. The only thing I'm angry about is that you sold Field's to Macy's!" She laughed, and said "Actually, you're not the first person to say that!" She went on to say that Target always respected Field's, and that it broke her heart to see what was happening. She took down the address of the website, and wished us luck.

Does ANYONE like and respect Macy's?

Date: Mon, October 29, 2007  9:00 am CT
Posted by: Jon C.

The RETAIL WIRE e-newsletter features an article about macy's so-called exclusives and evaluating this latest plan. You'll also find a poll following the article, with the results to date. This is your chance, once again, to vote and offer your opinion.

http://www.retailwire.com/Discussions/Sngl_Discussion.cfm/12534#poll

Date: Mon, October 29, 2007  7:03 am CT
Posted by: Mitch

First I thought Macy's only took out Field's from Chicago. I guess they took the Tribune as well. Soon the Trib can replace the American Flag on their masthead with a red star.

I get a kick out of the Macy's employees that respond on the Trib's blog. They're so obvious.

My best to all,

Mitch

Date: Sun, October 28, 2007  11:23 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

Here's an excerpt from the Oct. 27 Twin Cities Business section . The Pioneer Press reporter in Minneapolis is more willing than our own reporters in Chicago to expose Macy's downgrades to former Field's stores and Macy's declining revenues despite constant sales promotions. Note that the reporter doesn't blame declining sales on a reduction of coupons!

http://www.twincities.com/business/ci_7291666

"The former Marshall Field's stores that were converted to Macy's locations haven't been a hit.

Some local shoppers blame the merchandise, store layout and customer service. "The conversions have generally not gone well," Rosenbaum said.

One thing's for sure: Shoppers are seeing Macy's run sales constantly, and that trend will continue. "It's becoming even more promotional," said Jim McComb, a Minneapolis-based retail analyst.

The national department chain has struggled with declining same-store sales for most of the year, and the holidays may be no exception.

To attract the largest number of customers in the most markets, Macy's repositioned the former May Co. stores including Field's down from their previous level, said David Brennan, co-director of the Institute for Retailing Excellence at the University of St. Thomas.

Will Field's fans take to the strategy? "I think that's very questionable," Brennan said."

Date: Sun, October 28, 2007  9:08 pm CT
Posted by: Kevin from Texas

hi follow fields fans!

remember me? well i come to you from texas. i was just passing by the mall here and i saw the newly built dillard's, which was BIGGER than the macy's. so, dillard's gets like i dont know 100 people while macy's gets like 5 people, and 4 of those people are employees? wow. anyways dillard's and jcpenney and our "beall's" are doing very WELL. including this "FAME" store is doing well!

wow.

fields fans, ill be back in chicago!

boycott till the end...

Date: Sun, October 28, 2007  6:27 pm CT
Posted by: David K.

Q:Is the Northbrook Court Macy's really closing or is that just hearsay?

David

A:Strictly rumour at this point.

Date: Sun, October 28, 2007  5:30 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

Erick

"FAO Schwartz, Macy's and Hilfiger. My oh my, what a trio. "

And Martha Stewart makes it a quartet!

All has beens who are going down the tube.

Date: Sun, October 28, 2007  3:41 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

It is so sad to contemplate yet another holiday family and shopping season without Marshall Fields. Macy's nudge-y attempts to intrude into our treasured Field's and Chicago holiday traditions by claiming them as their own just irritates and infuriates all the more. Macy's will always be the outsider and will never supplant Fields no matter what they do, especially at holiday time and special occasion times.

Up until a little over a year ago, at the gift opening part of every baby or wedding shower, graduation celebration or birthday party, the floor would always be covered with Fields boxes and wrappings. I don't know about you, but Macy's hasn't been showing up at too many of the parties I've been to lately!! And don't even get me started on the magnitude in presence of Marshall Fields in the presents associated with the various religious celebrations which many of us participate in. A gift chosen from Field's MEANT something to both the recipient AND the giver. A gift from Macy's means---------(well, you fill in the blank.)

Date: Sun, October 28, 2007  2:02 pm CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

HI All---

My insurance agent, who despises macy's, was a long-time Field's fan as was his wife, and who now braves the heinous Mall of America in order to shop at Nordstrom, emailed me today re: an article in the St Paul Pioneer Press. I receive the Minneapolis Star Trib and was unaware of the article. I looked it up online.

Oh, this is rich.

Said article stated such points as: "The former Marshall Field's stores that were converted to Macy's locations haven't been a hit"; "The conversions have generally not gone well"; "One thing's for sure: Shoppers are seeing Macy's run sales constantly, and that trend will continue. 'It's becoming more promotional,' said Jim McComb, a Minneapolis-based retail analyst"; To attract the largest number of customers in the most markets, Macy's has repositioned the former May Co. stores including Field's down from their previous level, said David Brennan, co-director of the Institute for Retailing Excellence at the University of St. Thomas.

Will Field's fans take to the strategy? "I think that's very questionable," Brennan said.

This Brennan fellow has been on the issue from before the downgrading occurred of Field's to macy's. He had been quoted by the Minneapolis Star Tribune in interviews as stating from a pure marketing perspective how foolish it would be to pay billions of dollars for a famous, well-respected brand and replace it with a brand that people do not like, do not recognize, that will cost billions to build up----if that is ever even possible-----an absolutely foolish marketing error.

And of course, Mr Brennan has been proven correct time after time. Every one of his quotes and thoughts has been proven true. I guess that's why he heads the Center for Retail Excellence and why Lundgren heads a mid-tier store on its way down, who thinks he scores major coups by signing deals with other losers on the skids.

Regards.

Date: Sun, October 28, 2007  12:14 pm CT
Posted by: RG74 Family

All we want is the old Federated back. The full-service department stores we loved. Federated/Macy's directors including Mr.Lundgren have the power to make such goodwill come alive.

We know that Mr.Lundgren and directors wanted to create a national department store. Yet, the guests truly want to shop in their own regional stores. They want the grand quality associated with great brands.

Regional stores have their own feel, their own traditions and they give you a sense of place.

Please oh please Mr.Lundgren and board of directors, kindly bring back our regional department stores. These are the stores that make the difference. Now is the time.

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE CONTRIBUTED TO THE FIRST FAMILIES OF THE DEPARTMENT STORES TO MAKE THEM WORLD CLASS PLACES THROUGH THE YEARS. PEOPLE WANT TO SHOP AT THESE STORES....SO PLEASE MR.LUNDGREN AND DIRECTORS, START WITH MARSHALL FIELD'S ! NOW IS THE TIME !

GOD BLESS YOU,

RG74 Family

Date: Sun, October 28, 2007  11:59 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Here's the URL to the article on Frangos, Cupid Candy and Macy's in today's Chicago Tribune. Please remember to send your responses to the Tribune's Voice of the People at ctc-tribletter@tribune.com Posting to the comments portion after the web version of a Tribune article is like making a base hit, but sending a letter to the editor has the potential for a home run. Letters to the editor have much more potential to help in the short and long term than posting to something like Topix.

For further suggestions on replying, please see yeterday's posts.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sun_front_1028oct28,0,716388.story

Date: Sun, October 28, 2007  9:58 am CT
Posted by: Rich W

Just another comment on this whole newspaper debacle where the Tribune and Sun-Times have just become advertising subsidiaries of messy's. Printed newspapers are no longer relevant today, and most of them are near bankruptcy. They are in the pockets of corporate and special interest groups and everyone recognizes that. Unfortunately, with their advertising revenue declining, and messy's filling their papers with full page ads screaming about their ONE DAY SATURDAY sales (by the way, the One Day sale used to be a once a quarter event started by messy's in the '80's, became a monthly and then weekly event, always running on a Wednesday to drum up business on the lowest volume day of the week. Now messy's is running one day sales on Saturdays to drum up business!) this will not change.

Date: Sun, October 28, 2007  9:53 am CT
Posted by: mg

Check out the ongoing debate at the Tribune website re: yesterday's article. Very entertaining.

http://www.topix.net/forum/source/chicago-tribune/TQ4C218IMA2KB2FQ8/p2

Date: Sun, October 28, 2007  9:51 am CT
Posted by: Rich W

What a laugh at how desperate messy's is getting! This Tommy Hilfiger "exclusive" is just a joke. Tommy has been on the outs in the fashion industry for many years and was in financial ruins. A few years ago, messy's launched in a big way a TH collection of allegedly high end, and way overpriced, Tommy Hilfiger. It bombed big time. I remember being in the SF Union Square store sometime in 2005 when they set up their TH shop, and management was doing a walk through and boasting about how superior it looked. In typical messy's fashion, most was marked down to clearance a couple of months later. NO ONE associated Tommy Hilfiger with high end product. The kicker is this: messy's apparently outbid WALMART to get this exclusive. It is well known, and was documented in trade papers, that Tommy Hilfiger was negotiating with Walmart to buy his name and make him an exclusive for them. Wow....now messy's has it. Almost the same thing! When was the last time you saw Hilfiger in Nordstrom? Saks? Neiman's? It had already been dropped by all the premium department stores. Before the messy deal, their biggest outlet were the off price stores such as Costco and Marshalls. By the way, started my holiday shopping this weekend and spent over $400 at the L&T store in Woodfield, plus another $200 at Penney's. I didn't even go near messy's. I guess my re-education process is taking longer than messy's planned.

Date: Sun, October 28, 2007  7:43 am CT
Posted by: Mike M

Chicago Tribune's editors should realize that their newspaper is losing credibility by allowing this PRODUCT PLACEMENT in their news stories. Why is the Tribune giving Macy's this prominent coverage for a story that should be inside the business section, at most?

Come on, Tribune, Macy's sales are in the gutter because Chicagoans will NEVER forgive them for killing Marshall Field's. Even the Tribune's assistance, via these PRODUCT PLACEMENT stories, isn't going to save Macy's. Tribune, please do not sell your soul for Macy's advertising revenue. You will see that IT IS NOT WORTH IT.

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  11:06 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Another "cheerleading" article for the arrival of Tommy Hilfiger at the Red Star Store:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07300/828898-314.stm

Some of the comments in this article sound like a press release written by Lunkhead himself. With the crucial holiday season fast approaching, it seems newspapers are sacrificing objectivity in hopes of increasing ad revenue. In addition to destroying regional icons and reducing retail to the lowest common denominator, the Red Star has tainted American journalism by pressuring the media to portray its management and business practices only in the most positive light.

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  10:32 pm CT
Posted by: Erick

To MJnSF, actually The Hilfiger shop in Oakbrook went out of business five months ago due to poor sales and profits. It had a hip look and feel to it, but it wasn't enough to increase sales and popularity. The clothes were ok but nothing to write home about.

FAO Schwartz, Macy's and Hilfiger. My oh my, what a trio.

Viva la Boycott!

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  9:37 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Tomorrow's Sunday Chicago Tribune has a half-page article in the Business section talking about Cupid Candies, Macy's and how the head of Cupid sought out Macy's in hopes of making Frangos and smoothing over any hurt feelings between Chicago and Macy's. It's on page three of the Business section (not the front page) -- the URL is not yet available but will be in the morning for those of you out of town, etc. If you are still finishing a letter to the editor in response to today's front page Trib article on Macy's and Tommy Hilfiger, you may want to check out the Cupid interview as well as roll it all together.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who helped make leafleting and button distribution a success this afternoon, especially Mike and Gail. Over a thousand leaflets were printed up and they went so fast that we ended well earlier than anticipated. A leafleting schedule is forthcoming and your help is needed as we make the big push to be heard this holiday season.

Of course, we were surprised to find that we weren't the only group leafleting to get Macy's to change. A carpenter's union had about half-a-dozen members outside also leafleting (big color leaflets). I have to read their literature but apparently it has something to do with who Macy's hires to do their carpentry.

Jim

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  8:38 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

WOW! Some really great comments have appeared on this blog in the last few days. Evidently macy*mart hasn't accomplished its "re-indoctrination" program.

To Casserine: Your posts are priceless. I thought I was being sarcastic when I mentioned Jordache jeans--perhaps the Red Star can find an old TV commercial on You Tube to promote "the Jordache look, only at macy*mart." Perhaps Terry Lunkhead will take your recommendation and make macy*mart the "exclusive" retailer of Cross Colors, Sasoon, LA Gear, Halston, Candies, and British Knight. Exciting!

To Jim McKay: I totally agree with your assessment of Martha Stewart. Her merchandise is just fine for everyday use. I have some of her kitchen merchandise (purchased from Kmart), and the tea towels, bakeware and utensils are perfectly fine. I am not a gourmet cook, but I want decent quality kitchen items. For instance, I am satisfied with Farberware Classic (which WAS sold by May Company); I have no need for All Clad (which was ALSO sold by May stores), but I want something of better quality than Tools of the Trade (macy*mart) or Home Essentials (wal*mart). My point is that a decent department store offers a variety of merchandise at different price points. All macy*mart offers AT BEST is middle level quality at excessive prices.

To Paul F: I live about an hour outside of Pittsburgh in a semi-rural area and I have been a high school teacher for many years. People in "rural areas" do know what is in style and what isn't--they are NOT going to buy Tommy Hilfiger. About 10 years ago, everyone wanted Tommy; today nobody wears anything of his.

Please don't think that macy*mart is winning any popularity contests with folks who live outside metro areas--and it isn't only about Marshall Fields and Chicago. Kaufmann's was in no way comparable to Marshall Fields, but they were highly respected in the Pittsburgh area. The downtown Pittsburgh Kaufmann's was one of May's most profitable locations; the selection and variety were excellent, and the store was always busy. Since the Red Star took over, the selection and variety have dwindled and customers have gone elsewhere. In suburban malls, The Bon Ton and Boscov's have upgraded their merchandise and selections. Our local Bon Ton HAD a large assortment of Tommy for men, women and children--the offerings were trimmed back and eliminated. Why? Because shoppers didn't want it.

For most shoppers, macy*mart is a big joke. Their stores are never busy and--unlike Kaufmann's--their newspaper and television advertising is minimal. Sales personnel at JC Penney, Kohl's, The Bon Ton, and Boscov's will dismiss macy*mart as a serious competitor; macy*mart is basically considered an over-priced junk store in this area.

By the way, Pittsburgh is FINALLY getting a Nordstrom at Ross Park Mall next fall. We have had a Saks Fifth Avenue downtown for many years.

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  8:09 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff

For what it is worth, if you go to the Men's section of Filene's Basement at 1 N.State Street you can find a lot of Tommy Hilfiger merchandise. What more can I say? Perahps Macy's can raise themselves to the level of Filene's Basement? Macy's - Shop for Schlock!

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  6:50 pm CT
Posted by: Gail

Attention Out of Towners: I checked my local paper here in Southern California. Like the Trib and the Sun-Times, the paper here is dependent on ad revenue from Macy's for its survival. Not surprisingly, it did carry the Hilfiger story, but it put it when it arguably belongs--on p. C3. It got four sentences. That's more than I would have given it. If you live in a city other than Chicago, could you check your local paper and let me know whether the Macy's-Hilfiger story made it into print? If it did, on what page did it run?

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  6:35 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

Has the Tribune merged with macy's?

They certainly have a love fest going on between them!

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  1:18pm CT
Posted by: PaulF

Denise you are partially right and partially wrong. I have been to many rural areas of Illinois and Wisconsin and Ohio and Indiana, every state from here to Texas, and even rural areas of Florida and Hawaii, and Colorado. You need to check some of these places out -- some of these towns are so isolated and so small, that they have one primary place to shop and that's where the folks go. That store is usually called Wal-Mart. The other stores in those towns have often been forced out or were lost long ago due to declining economies or residents moving away to bigger cities. Macy's, in Wal-Mart land, or the rural locales that were servced by Famous-Barr, etc. have a lot of control of the department stores in those places. The residents didn't/don't have Marshall Field's, Barney's, Niemans, Lord & Taylor, Saks, etc, to choose from or compare Macy's to. In fact, Macy's in these areas may actually have been a great improvement So what constitutes high fashion is most definitely a different can of worms, and to say otherwise is to just ignore reality. That's just the way it is, and Macy's is going capitalize on Tommy Hilfiger in those places. It's a reasonable bet that in places like this, when a "fancy" like Macy's store sets the stage for what constitutes desireable "fashion", the consumers will assume it's so, and try it. So if you tell people that Hilfiger is great, that it didn't go out of fashion decades ago, and the message is bellowing from the only "fancy" or "high end" store within a million miles, competing with Wal-Mart, well human nature is that people will buy that message, no? After all it's a "New York" store and New York knows fashion right? So Hilfiger's gotta be good, right? And ultimately, when you have almost no choice in shopping, you kinda have to take what is given to you, unless you like buying clothes online or treking into Chicago or somewhere. Macy's is really going to have to cut the price on this stuff, however, in order to push sales in areas where Wal-Mart has already est ablished the relative cost of items.

This is all about marketing and whatnot. This is also why Macy's is doing a lot better in its "Midwest" division (Famous-Barr) as opposed to Macy's North division serviced by Marshall Field's where people have always had a broader choice in shopping, and high fashion has always been more of an issue to consumers.

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  12:01 pm CT
Posted by: John D.

I'm sure the executives of Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Neiman-Marcus, Saks, Von Maur, Crate & Barrel, C.D. Peacock, Target...and even JCPenney, Kohl's and Loehman's...and even Sears and Kmart...maybe even Wal*Mart exchange sarcastic rolling eyes and chuckles over macy*marts continued attempts at failed promotions at forcing guests back into the former Field's and other May stores.

What's more, I know each of them must be thinking:

We at Neiman's (or Saks, Carson's, Von Maur, L&T) are continuing bringing new fashion names into our stores, but why is it that we never get front page "Free" advertisements in the form of press release stories..or on ANY page of the papers? The executives and associates of Nordstrom of Seattle, Von Maur of Iowa, Lord & Taylor of New York must obviously be wondering---"What Gives?!" In Chicago and in other cities, macy's of NYC and Cincinnati are continually having reporters "bending over backwards" to write stories about new merchandise lines being introduced in their stores.

It seems that journalistic concepts, rules and principles have been "thrown out the window" in the interest of helping keep macy's afloat. In addition, I'm sure that Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois has its deans and professors in the journalism and business schools wondering what the heck is going on?!

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  11:33 am CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Hi All---

Re: the Hilfiger deal

I am wondering if macy's BOUGHT Hilfiger, the way that Target bought Mossimo. The reason I say that is a while ago, maybe 8 months or so, Wal-Mart was trying to buy Hilfiger when it was really trying to boost its fashion image. Perhaps Hilfiger was open to the sale & felt macy's was the right partner.

Regards.

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  11:22 am CT
Posted by: mg

A big thank you to the Tribune for giving front page coverage to late-breaking, hard news stories. Macy's now has Tommy Hilfiger? The people need to know that first thing with their coffee. Guess we know who pays their salaries.

After all this time of boycotting Macy's, this news may finally cause me break down and slink in there to snatch up an oversized sweatshirt--circa late eighties--emplazened with a gigantic Hilfiger on it. (Isn't that about all they make?) Truth is, after reading that article, any Tommy Hilfiger stuff I already own is going in the garbage. (I wouldn't want to appear as though I bought anything at Macy's.) Uggh!!!! The whole thing is pathetic from every angle. I want my Marshall Field's.

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  9:46 am CT
Posted by: Alan

If you read the Tribune article closely, you'll see that the link-up is actually a defensive move for both Macy's and Tommy Hilfiger. Two tired brands with declining value are coming together in hopes that they can drum up interest in each other. Had they announced this deal 10 years ago, it would have been a major coup, but I don't think it will amount to all that much today. How much business does Tommy Hilfiger do at other stores, and will the end result simply be that those customers switch to other designers?

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  9:39 am CT
Posted by: DJA

Not sure it this is where I should ask this. But I am at a loss here. YEARS ago I aquired from a great great Aunt a Marshall Field Company Forest Green Lace Crochet Tat Shopping Bag. Does anyone know the history or year of such an item?

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  8:24 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Well, as I said, I think the whole Tommy Hilfiger deal with Macy's is a big yawner. However, the Tribune thought it was front page news. Seems to me that this is pretty close to product placement. Of course, we need to write.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sat_macys_1027oct27,0,4339244.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout

While there is as usual a place to leave comments after the article, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to send a letter to Voice of the People since they don't seem to take letters from the other posting area and publish them.

The Sun-Times also has an item on this but it is in the Business pages (page 26). It's relatively less ridiculous compared to the Trib's front page placement of the story, but then look again: when was the last time you saw color fashion photos on a Saturday business page? They read like a couple of Tommy ads. I did bristle at the point where Sandra Guy blames part of Macy's problems on lack of couponss. You can read the Sun-Times article at

http://www.suntimes.com/business/623091,CST-FIN-macys27.article

Please write to both these newspapers. Here's the usual rundown on sending a letter.

* If submitting by the internet, send your "Letter to the Editor" in a standard email message. Do not use web page forms or blog sites for the newspapers, unless you absolutely have to.

* If you submit via email, you have the opportunity to cc: or bcc: a copy to yourself--submitting via other methods on the internet mean 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 Tribune should be sent to: ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com

* The Letters to the Sun-Times should be sent to: letters@suntimes.com

* 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 to help the larger cause.

* Even if your letter does not get published in print or web media, remember that the media takes note. Every letter reminds editors and producers that this is still indeed a very important issue.

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  8:14 am CT
Posted by: denise rule

to Paul F: you know we share the same goal and beliefs in many areas. i just wanted to say, maybe think about posting remarks like the one about T.Hilfiger might draw people in 'rural areas and whatnot'....it sounds insensitive, which i am sure is NOT what you intended. i have found that too often people (in general) who have grown up in a large city, think they are sophisticated (i am NOT directing this part at you Paul) and in reality, have never even been outside that town! (city) i (having been born & raised in Chicago) have seen this over & over in people in the city....isolated, not realizing that actually there is a whole huge country out there that may or may not live anything like them. BUT, they assume they are somehow more 'sophisticated'. my point is, "rural" does not mean less...anything, except perhaps more open space and maybe a more relaxed lifestyle. i hope this is posted, and not misunderstood.

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  7:33 am CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

Exclusive deal at macy's for Hilfiger?

Hmmm,

Martha Stewart has an "exclusive" deal with macy's YET her merchandise is still sold at KMART! (I heard KMART isn't dropping her after all.) Her craft lines are also sold at Michael's.

Maybe macy's definition of "exclusive" is different than mine. Remember they are the company that promised us "affordable luxury" and look what they brought us!

Someone needs to send them a dictionary.

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  5:42 am CT
Posted by: gimmefields

In the Tribune this week, there was a picture of Macy's employees getting the window displays ready (of course this was an obvious PR plug for Macy's by the Tribune). Did anyone notice on the back of one of this displays it was marked 'MF07' along with the window #? I couldn't help but think this must be a reference to Marshall Field's.

As for Macy's 'new and exciting' campaign...I am an avid Target shopper and a couple of months ago I received a direct mail catalog with a coupon at the back. On the front of the coupon, it said 'Take me to Target.' Since Macy's is trying to emulate the discount stores, maybe this is where they came up with this fine new slogan. I can think of a lot of places I'd like to be taken and Macy's isn't one of them!

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  3:04 am CT
Posted by: John

I was quite shocked to see this group so vigorous and active! I think it's great.

I've usually been an advocate for evolution and change, but as a former Field's employee, someone from the "inside", it's quite troublesome to see what my former employer has turned into.

Field's got me through a couple years in college; helped pay for the books and such.

I used to work at the Orland Park store from 2003 to 2005, and it was really nice to work there. I was in Men's sportswear, and I always had at least 5 other associates with me in the department, for 6 total. That would go up to 10 sometimes during the holidays.

I was back home last month, and figured...I will wander into Macy's...and it felt so surreal, all the red, all the strange merchandise, the total lack of service personnel.

Marshall Field's was violated and left on the side of the road.

It's not fair to Chicago.

A few times a year I make it into the city, and I am filled with a little bit of glee whenever I see those metal Marshall Field and Co. plaques on the Macy's building.

If you look closely...Field's is still there, peeking out from under the black and red.

I agree with you all, Field's or nothing at all.

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  1:19 am CT
Posted by: Kurt

What a joke, macy's becoming the exclusive retailer for Tommy Hilfinger! Hilfiger must have been desparate. Correct me if I'm wrong, but there is no one else anyway with much if any Tommy Hilfiger collections left. I know Carson's has cut back and doesn't have it in some of their stores, Dillards has done the same, I was just in a new Dillards and saw lots of new lines, Polo, Levis, but NO Tommy. There are no May stores, and JC Penney does not carry the line, same with the higher end stores. What other retailers are left that would carry the line. Basically this is a non-event. This deal does nothing for them but some free press for a day or so.

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  1:01 am CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Hi All---

I just read some junk from this Sluzewski fellow from macys that was ridiculous. It was in TradingMarkets.com and was about macys holiday magic. Here is my response i sent directly to him.

Mr Sluzewski----

I read with some giggles the article in Tradingmarkets.com re: macyC-s magic during the holiday season. Now, after 21 years in sales and marketing management positions, I believe I do have some reasonable level of understanding of your role in releasing the best side of macyC-s to the press. However, I simply cannot let those statements go unchallenged as they are just too far from the truth, as large numbers of people in the Midwest will attest.

It really does not matter if you are looking at Chicago, Milwaukee or Minneapolis, your sales numbers stink because of how poorly your stores are perceived compared to Marshall FieldC-s. Repeatedly we Midwesterners tell you what we want and it is not macyC-s. We are not interested in being re-educated as Karen Hoguet repeats ad nauseum when explaining your poor performance. Your house brands are of notoriously poor quality when compared to those of Marshall FieldC-s-------your company has been told that repeatedly by letters, calls, complaints, and blog entries and yet macyC-s persists in filling the stores with over-priced junk called Alfani, Style & Co, INC, Club Room, Charter Club, Donald Trump, Martha Stewart, Green Dog, Material London, etc. If you check the Midwest sales numbers on these brands, you will see they do not sell well. There is exceptionally poor customer service-----many of the people on the sales floor have no knowledge of the products; do not speak to customers; seem to have trouble conducting transactions in English. The disappearance of the unique brands that made Marshall FieldC-s special removes the reasons to come into your stores. You donC-t have anything there we want. In the case of menC-s, many of us have grown tired of the same old stuff from Hilfiger, Polo, & Nautica, since thatC-s the stuff everybody else wears-----so the unique items offered by FieldC-s made shopping there special. You donC-t have those brands since you dropped them-----or they dropped you.

At least here in Minneapolis, where polls conducted by reputable agents such as St Thomas University Center for Retailing Excellence show how little people plan to shop at macyC-s, you have become a laughingstock. The once truly revered DaytonC-s, and then FieldC-s, is now the butt of jokes. People make fun of your ads with the convicted felon, washed up blowhard, and tired dumb blonde actress. As soon as it was announced, since Minneapolis is such a huge agency town, the talk of the industry was how it was going to flop and of course, it has, as your continued decline in comp store sales attests.

We actually are trying to be very clear about what we want-----listen up and give it to us. We control the spending here----not you. I personally am quite puzzled by how macyC-s continues to pour hundred of millions of dollars into trying to convince Midwesterners to come into your stores------we have been exceptionally clear, have we not? We are not going to shop at macyC-s.

Nearly sixty thousand of us told you upfront to not downgrade our FieldC-s to macyC-s and yet Mr Lundgren somehow thought he knew better what we wanted. Regarding the macyC-s magic, I would call your magic more akin to voodoo or Santeria`. It has produced nothing good so far for any of us.

James in Minneapolis

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  12:03 am CT
Posted by: MJnSF

I'm with you on this Jim, this Tommy Hilfiger deal is only the "SPORTWEAR" line, not his better dress line, like "HILFIGER", and "H". This is the stuff you can get at Lighthouse Outlet Mall in Michigan City and others. The better lines, will only be available in Hilfiger Shops, there's a nice one in Oakbrook.

Date: Sat, October 27, 2007  12:02 am CT
Posted by: Erick

Tommy Hilfilger is not in vogue anymore. The bold style was too trendy and part of fad from the mid-nineties. The name brand has lost its appeal and prestige. In other words, like Martha Stewart, this is another deal that will have absolutely no impact on Macy's business or campaign to win over Chicagoans.

Funny how Hilfiger focuses on the "American Spirit" with its logo and patriotic advertisments. But how can anyone have such an "American Spirit" by destroying America's history with a red star from the Iron Curtain?

Viva La Boycott!

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  11:54 pm CT
Posted by: Casserine Willis

Drew,

Believe it or not.... Macy's carries Jordache jeans. Woodfield has them! I was in for a shocker... $85 a pair!

Didn't those cost like $10 a pair 20 years ago.

What's next.... bringing back Cross Colors? Sasoon? Lovely Girl?

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  11:50 pm CT
Posted by: Paul F.

Tommy Hilfiger? Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! I couldn't have thought of a better brand for Macy's to embrace! It's common and lost its brand cachet over 10 years ago. Perfectly epitomizes Macy's! Why didn't Lundgren choose Sasoon or Halston or something.

This stuff may fetch Macy's some cash in its rural area stores, or whatnot, but it's likely incorrect to think it will go over well at the State Street store. If they think this will draw the college kids in the area, I don't think most area college students would be caught openly wearing that brand. It was already out of fashion when I was in college and that was several years ago.

I'm sure the people at Nordstrom's and Carson's were laughing for joy at the news!

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  11:47 pm CT
Posted by: Casserine Willis

Unless Tommy Hilfiger revolutionizes his line, I expect the exclusive deal to have a negative impact on Macy's and a possible disastrous impact on Tommy Hilfiger.

When Tommy Hilfiger was burning hot in the mid to late 90s, every department store (Carson's, Field's, Saks, Nordstom, Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, etc.) had a Tommy Jeans shop and a Tommy Hilfiger sportswear shop with the nice Tommy fixtures, Tommy hangers and even dedicated Tommy fitting rooms. It was a relatively 'in' brand, it was hot with people of all backgrounds.

The inevitable happened.... people lost interest and it became passe so quickly. By 2003, shops were getting smaller and began disappearing from some stores, eventually places like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus no longer carried the line. Brands like KC Reaction, Lucky Jeans, Calvin Klein, and RL Polo took that market share from Tommy Hilfiger. The line tried to get reinvigorated a few years ago with the upscale H by Hilfiger line, with huge full page ads of David Bowie and Iman.

Now, if Macy's were to do a "private label" on a brand such as Ralph Lauren, Perry Ellis or Lacoste, omigod... Macy's could be on an upswing. Tommy Hilfiger went through a period of strong sales, but due to rapid changes in market tastes, fizzled!

Tommy's clothing, accessories and home merchandise has to be unique, classy and a trendsetter in order to stay afloat. Now, to launch a new "private label" on Tommy Hilfiger for Macy's, bad move, Macy's is a sinking ship.

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  6:21 pm CT
Posted by: L Grand

Take ME to Marshall Field's on State Street! I believe, I believe!

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  5:12 pm CT
Posted by: Ali T.

Thank you so much for this website! I've lived in Chicago my whole life (and still do), and EVERYONE (no, seriously, I mean it...) is angry about the name change. For years Chicago has been competing against New York City. For instance: Chicago used to have the 1st and only American Girl Doll store in the world, but then NYC just HAD to have one also! And now this...let's see:

Macy's = Completely NYC. Chicagoans have loathed the name BEFORE the name change.

Marshall Field's = Completely Chicago. The first department store, a landmark in Chicago. It used to be pretty much the only thing that NYC DIDN'T have...

But now they've changed the name! Chicagoans are loathing the name "Macy's" more than ever! Yesterday, I passed the Macy's on N. State Street, and it was as deserted as Death Valley. No lie. Everyone who passed it looked at it with contempt, and people waiting for the crosswalk light to turn green had every other store bag in their hands BUT a Macy's one.

Also, a month or two ago, some guys outside the parking lot of my local Walgreen's were handing out Macy's fliers. A lot of people (Especially my Mom!) ranted off about the name change. There was so much complaining that the parking lot was so congested that the Walgreen's manager had to ask the Macy's guys to leave, since a riot was going to start pretty soon. They left so quickly that they left have of their fliers behind in their haste, which everyone that proceded to throw out.

So, do we Chicagoans hate Macy's or what? You BET we do! Trust me, there's a reason why there are more of them in New York state than in Illinois.

So take THAT, Macy's, with your NYC ways! Stop trying to change Chicago, because we want you OUT!

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  5:10 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

I'm not sure what the fuss is all about with Tommy Hilfiger and Macy's. Personally, TH products go way overboard with the red, white and blue logo. I seem to remember a lady friend wearing a knit sweater that pretty much was a giant Tommy Hilfiger logo. It seems a little egotistical for my taste. I'm sad to say this spirit kinda fits in with that of the brands push associated with Macy's. Personally, I wouldn't even comment on TH except some others seem to think it merits some attention. It's not like exclusively having Hilfiger is going to make most people want to have Macy's instead of Field's.

It does raise a few other random notes for me. Some people really loathe Martha Stewart. Her Kmart brand, "Martha Stewart Everyday", pretty much sums up what is good about her lines and also why it should never be a mainstay at a store like Field's. It's good, everyday stuff for the house and it's nice to have it for those purposes. But it isn't something that even comes close to matching what I would expect from Field's. Do keep in mind that There were a handful of Martha Stewart items offered at Field's beginning a few years ago. Furniture comes to mind. To me, the Martha Stewart items I've seen at Macy's are not a match overall for what was at Field's. I also don't perceive them as being a good value for prices chargedi at Macy's.

There's also some find it gleeful when a Macy's closes or a store gets torn down or fails. I think it is a tradgedy or at least a sign of change. I don't relish it. I really take no pleasure in seeing people like Terry Lundgren make bad business decisions like getting rid of Field's or offering Frango shower gel. It's quote sad. I don't wish these people bad luck or misfortune but I do wish they would open their ears and minds to what Field's customers want--Marshall Field's. Lundgren, et al come across to me not unlike the Grinch who stole Chicago and Field's. The fact we still come out and express our loyaty to Chicago and Field's even though "Field's" has been stolen is not unlike the Who's coming out on Christmas day regardless that the tree is gone. I'd rather place my energy praying that Lundgren has a change of heart. We would like our Marshall Field's back.

For me, a superb example of the spirit of Marshall Field's is how Field's placed an ad welcoming Bloomingdale's to town when it arrived about 15 years ago. Field's didn't place an ad gloating how they were better, although I sure think they are and many would agree. At the same time, welcoming the new neighbor to town is one thing, but having the neighbors move in and take over OUR house is another thing! That's pretty much what Macy's did and is why Chicago is so angry. It goes without that is unacceptable and we should take action. However, I think even in that situation, we can carry on in the same spirit that Field's did. In short, the most convincing, productive and persuasive forum posts and person-to-person interactions are those that emphasize the overwhelming case for the return of Field's rather than focussing primarily on Macy's.

I don't get off on the stock price of Macy's falling or changing--I just get thrilled at the possibility of there being some change that will back Field's. Hey, let Macy's shareholders get top dollar. In fact, if Field's came back they WOULD get more value!

As for those who lump their crictisms of Macy's in with criticisms of NYC, I disagree. I am a native Chicagoan and Chicago resident; however, one whole side of my family hails from Brooklyn. Chicago is my favorite city but New York is my second favorite city. Even those who live in NYC and understand what Field's is all about do not approve of what Macy's has done to Field's. In fact, some of these people are some of our biggest supporters.

But coming back to Tommy Hilfiger, for most Field's fans, the deal is a big yawner. Field's merch was hip but never in your face. I don't even think it deserves much attention.

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  5:03 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

In an earlier post, I comment on macy*mart announcing their "exclusive" contract with totally passe Tommy Hilfiger fashions. On further reflection, I must admit that this is indeed a masterpiece of Terry Lunkhead's latest marketing strategy--MACY*MART GOES RETRO

What genius! In addition to Tommy Hilfiger, macy*mart can offer such "exciting" and "exclusive" fashions as Jordache jeans, Members Only jackets, leisure suits (in assorted pastel shades), wide lapel jackets, and anything in PURE POLYESTER--the list is endless!

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  3:53 pm CT
Posted by: Mrs. W

Hi All,

I am so glad that I'll be able to go to Messy's know to buy all of my Tommy Hilfiger at 80% off versus going to any and every outlet mall in this country and buy the same merchandise!! Wow, got to hand it to all those corporate suits in NYC that they sure know what Americans want in affordable luxury?? What a bunch of idiots....

Give me back my Marshall Field's; until then, Carson's, Nordstrom's, Lord and Taylor and Von Maur's are getting my shopping dollars. Walked through State Street Tuesday, empty except for what looked like a bunch of consultants trying to figure out why Chicagoans hate Macy's? Humm.. is it perhaps you changed everything about the experience; the name, shopping bags, dumped down merchandise, reduction of service and maintenance...the list goes on and on....everyone in Chicago knows this business model is continuing its downward spiral here. Why not just call it "Ghost Town on State Street" to more properly reflect the stores current atmosphere. Maybe Martha can invent a Halloween ornament in time for the occasion!

Wednesday had to take some clients out to lunch downtown who were in from Atlanta and Dallas. Most times in years past we would have wanted to stop at Marshall Field's. Not this year, they all laughed as we walked by the blackened windows on State and hit the Loehmann's, what a mob scene! Someone's shopping downtown, it's just not at 111 N. State!!

Mrs. W

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  3:42 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

Well we knew the "only at Macy's" brands, Alfani, Donald Trump etc. were failing miserably. Here's proof. Just read the wonderful news that Macy's will be the exclusive department store for Tommy Hilfiger merchandise. Tommy will still operate their own free standing stores and website of course, and I assume will continue to hawk their merchandise thru closeout specialists like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, EBay, flea markets, streetcorner merchants and others.

Macy's Terry Lundgren assures us this is a big deal and says that offering the brand on a more exclusive basis will set Macy's apart from other department stores--------Oh wait------Macy's killed them all----there ARE almost no other department stores left.

http://money.cnn.com/2007/10/26/news/companies/bc.apfn.macy.s.tommyhilf.ap/

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  2:30 pm CT
Posted by: Not a Macy's fan

The protest is working! Also, let me share you a story.

I went to a Macy's store last Christmas to look for a picture frame, and I found one that said it was $4.99. I went to the cashier and asked her, "Is this really $4.99" and she not looking at the picture frame in my hand said, "No, that's for the Christmas decorations." and went back to reading her stupid VOGUE magazine. Then I asked her again, she said NO!

I was furious, and I never shopped there again.

Regards,

Macy's fan............NOT!

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  1:53 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

Macy's Inc. will be the exclusive U.S. department store retailer for Tommy Hilfiger U.S.A men's and women's sportswear starting next fall, the companies said Friday.

Don't worry Field's fans, this very likely won't have any impact in Chicago. Remember, a few years ago Carson Pirie Scott put a lot of effort into creating a Tommy Hilfiger boutique fronting State Street with its own entrance and display windows. New hardwood floors, lighting and dressing rooms. It was actually very nicely done and I think if Carson's had put that much effort into the entire store, it would have been more successful and still be open on State Street. Anyway, the Tommy store within a store flopped and ended up being converted into the Hosiery department until Carson's closed.

If Tommy couldn't draw people to Carson's it certainly won't draw people to Macy's.

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  12:47 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

THE TALE OF TWO RETAILERS

Once upon a time a mega developer swept across the land like a plague of locust without rhyme or reason and absolutely no focus. They arrived in our far city and were GREEN with envy. They decided to oust the competition and in so doing a lower standard became standard operating procedure but little did they know the locals were taking note. The citizens saw C+redC- and began to sing the C+BluesC-. Sales were down and the new owners were made to look like clowns. It is they who will pay the price for all that crummy merchandise. This strategy has turned into a tragedy leaving behind more sales associates to walk the floors than shoppers who dare darken their doors.

Yes, C+The Thrill is GoneC-, and Chicago is C+Waiting to ExhaleC- for the day they can once again C+Shoop, ShoopC- in the Loop. As for now, shopping on State is C+Down to the BoneC-, since its Marshall FieldC-s is gone. We beg of you T.L. and crew, please come to your senses, while thereC-s still time to mend these broken fences.

Moral of the story (modified Blues saying): MacyC-s, you donC-t have to leave ChicagoC3but you canC-t stay in Marshall FieldC-s!!!!!

Doris

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  12:02 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Another "exciting" macy*mart exclusive has been announced. Just imagine the crowds packing the store to snap up all the wonderful Tommy Hilfiger merchandise:

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071026/macy_s_tommy_hilfiger.html?.v=3

Tommy WAS a "hot" brand--like about 10 years ago. Then the brand expanded too quickly, was mass-marketed, and became a popular knock-off item. The Tommy lines in major department stores were downsized because shoppers lost interest in a brand name that could be found at outlet malls and closeout stores. Indeed, Tommy knock-offs could be found at flea markets and street corner vendors.

On second thought, considering the other wonderful "designer" merchandise at macy*mart, Tommy should fit right in.

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  9:41 pm CT
Posted by: Richard

I also saw the article posted below in the Denver paper regarding the takeover of Foley's in their market and the lack of loyalty there. To clarify, May company had converted the Denver D&F stores to Foley's several years ago so there was not the loyalty to the brand as there is in other markets.

I also disregard the writer's comment that they were the cheapest department store in town. May did take Foley's downmarket from what they were under prior ownership but they were not like the Kmart they are now under Macys. Foley's had a deep loyalty in Texas where they were an icon for over 100 years. There is deep resentment towards Macy's in Houston (where they were headquartered)and I feel we will begin to see store closures soon. Foley's had their art deco letters on the downtown flagship since 1947 but Macy's has removed those and replaced them with small pathetic macy's signage that you can barely see. It is as if they want the stores to fail. The entire city block that Foley's covers in Downtown Houston as well as the garage and former restaurant across the street is worth a mint at this point.

Take a look at the old Foley's commercial from the 80's: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvUKr9cL08E

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  8:31 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

From: http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/729962/

Empty Macy's in Tucson Mall to be bulldozed

Published: 10.23.2007

TERESA TRUELSEN

Tucson Citizen

The now-empty former Macy's store Tucson Mall will be demolished to make way for new retail and restaurants, mall owner General Growth Properties announced Monday.

The 135,000-square-foot space has been vacant since last year.

Demolition is scheduled to begin Oct. 29.

ONE DOWN, 740 TO GO!

Date: Fri, October 26, 2007  1:30 am CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

You won't believe what I just bought. The 2007 Christopher Radko "State Street Clock" ornament.

And no, I didn't spend a dime at M***'s. Not in Chicago, not here in Atlanta, not anywhere.

Somehow, Saks Fifth Avenue got a bunch of these ornaments in. I was able to buy one from my favorite salesperson, who opened my Saks charge account in 1988 and has provided excellent customer service and excellent products to me for nearly twenty years.

If you want to continue your set and honor Field's without giving money to Terry Lundgren, give Saks in Atlanta a call and order one. And if they have them in stock, try their Florentine Lace cookies, too! I give several boxes as gifts every year and they're always well received.

Date: Thurs, October 25, 2007  11:17 pm CT
Posted by: Joe D

I found the "Take Me To State Street" ads on Macy's North website. They are so bad!!! The "Chicken Pot Pie" at the Walnut Room is terrible. The photo was not even taken in the Walnut Room! Personally, I find the Walnut room special because of the amazing view out the window, the white table cloth, the room, and the Walnut cookie. (Someone said they don't give you the Walnut cookie anymore, is this true?)

The bold faced "Take Me To State Street" looks a bit desperate. If anything, it just reminds me that I need to go visit the new Loheman's.

What's with this new marketing gimick anyways? Head all the way to State Street for Lacoste? Are you kidding me? It would make more sense to save on the sales on sales tax and buy it from Lord & Taylor in the burbs. This way, the idiots running Cook County won't get my sales tax $$$. Macy's won't get my $$$, and soon I won't have a city bus to take me to State Street, so why should I beg someone to drive me to State Street and pay for parking, when I can go have free parking in the burbs??

Oh well, our elected officials want to raise taxes, the CTA is falling apart, and there is no help in sight. If only we could say, "Thank God We Still Have Marshall Field's!"

It's going to be a sad holiday season.

Date: Thurs, October 25, 2007  10:40 pm CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Hi All---

I was Downtown today for a few hours for business and was needing to walk around several buildings on Nicollet Mall. It was a beautiful Fall Day in Minneapolis so I was really enjoying the walking and being away from the office. You may recall from a couple of my previous posts that Brooks Brothers has moved back Downtown aand Len Druskin, a local retailer fo both Men's and Women's apparel has opened a Men's store Downtown this Fall. Both stores decided to come Downtown due to the void in Menswear shopping because of the downgrading of Marshall Field's to macy's and the available large Downtown market. There are over 150,000 Downtown workers now in Minneapolis. That may not sound like a lot compared to Chicago but we are really a substantially smaller city in total size so having that many people in our core working is quite remarkable, according to census and demographic reports I've read. Apparently our Downtown is considered a real success story and it's still growing.

When I was there today, I was really happy to see that both Brooks Brothers in City Center and Len Druskin's Men's Store in Gaviidae Commons have both opened finally. I did not get a chance to enter Len Druskin but as I walked by it looked very nice. I did pop into Brooks Brothers and I just wanted to tell them "Welcome Back Downtown" and that I was glad they were now open.The one fellow I spoke to was a young guy, maybe early 20s, very polished, friendly but not phony; exactly the guy I would want to deal with. He was really pleased that anyone would even bother just to come in and welcome the store to the neighborhood.

I explained in just a few words that I used to buy almost everything at Dayton's/Field's, but now----it's just gone down hill too much for me. An elderly gentleman----and I do mean gentleman, well-dressed and natty as could be, was shopping and eavesdropping as he was right next to us---nodded in agreement. The young clerk asked if I would mind giving him my contact information and I laughed and stated, "I demand that you take my information." I could tell he really got off on that. I really miss Jeff, my shopping guy at Men's Suits at Dayton's/Field's----he was hilarious and we would carry on and be howling with laughter while shopping, but he also got me into some really great stuff and would tip me off on some buys.He left a couple of years ago. But this guy at Brooks seems like he could be a cool guy, too-----there was some spark there beneath that conservative Brooks exterior. I think it will be a relationship to cultivate and the store was beautiful-----a grand place to shop. The location is very convenient as well-------1 skyway thru macy*mart at the intersection of another skyway and several walkways in City Center.

Regards.

Date: Thurs, October 25, 2007  10:00 pm CT
Posted by: A, Perkins

Again, referring to the "Trading Markets" article in my last post.

"In C,Evening,C. the designers have just one night to get the store decorated for the important and magical holiday season. Often poking fun at their very public personas, the spots include designers Sean (Diddy) Combs, Jessica Simpson, Martha Stewart, Usher, Donald Trump,.."

I'LL START SHOPPING AT MACY'S IF IN THEIR AD DONALD TRUMP SAYS TO MARTHA STEWART, "HEY MARTHA, WHAT'S EASIER TO DECORATE, A CHRISTMAS TREE OR A JAIL CELL?"

MACY'S: FAUX DESIGNERS, FAUX MERCHANDISE, FAUX CELEBRITIES!

Date: Thurs, October 25, 2007  9:49 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

From: http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/743250/http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/743250/

WHAT A BUNCH OF BULL!

C,Macy's has a legacy among customers as a brand that's magical C1 especially in the holiday season,C. said Peter Sachse, president of MacyC-s Corporate Marketing. C,From our part in signature holiday events like MacyC-s Thanksgiving Day Parade or the Fourth of July Fireworks to the day-to-day way we touch the lives of our customers and communities, we think the 'The Magic of Macy's' is an authentic statement about our brand.C.

I WANT WHAT THIS GUY IS SMOKING!

C,Department stores have historically been at the center of the holiday shopping experience,C. said Sachse. C,At MacyC-s, this is just as true today. Across the country, our stores are beautifully decorated, and our merchandise represents the best of the seasonC-s gift trends. We try to create magical moments every day. It is truly part of our DNA.C.

MAGIC? HOW ABOUT *BLACK MAGIC?*

Date: Thurs, October 25, 2007  9:22 pm CT
Posted by: Michael A

It seems to me that Macy's will never be sucessfull in Chicago, and rightfully so.

It's too bad they didn't leave Field's alone and open some new Macy's stores for people who were too embarassed going to Goodwill. (Oops, that is an insult to Goodwill)

It seems inevitable that they will either revert bach to Fields or just leave Chicago. If they think they can just slap the Marshall Field's name on the Macy's crap, I would rather see them close than smear the Field's name.

One way or another, we are going to stick it to Macy's, Lunkhead and all the others who think they can ram east coast or west coast thinking on us!

Date: Thurs, October 25, 2007  9:14 pm CT
Posted by: jimmy gimbels

At first, Macy's was telling us that we would be "dancing in the streets" because of their "new and exciting" merchandise.

That didn't work.

Then they shifted to the "Magic of Macy's" ads that touted such luminaries as ex-con Martha Stewart, has been Jessica Simpson and the obnoxious Donald Trump.

That campaign didn't pull in the customers either.

Now we have the "Take me to State Street" promotion. Do any of us really think this will work? Only Macy's could take Chicago's third largest tourist destination and turn it into a ghost town.

The poor service, dimished merchandise selection and poorly made house brands that have become Macy's trademark cannot be fixed by an ad campaign. Customers want the style, selection and service that was Marshall Field's.- something that Macy's cannot or will not deliver.

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELD'S!

Date: Thurs, October 25, 2007  8:19 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

Once again, where do I start?

First, Chicago does not need to be reminded to go to State Street. During the last 30 years, I have NEVER seen State Street (and the Loop in general) look so busy. Mind you, I work evenings and don't leave work until after midnight, so I see State Street AFTER office hours. Loehmann's, Nordstrom Rack, Filene's Basement, Border's, Blick Art Supply, Urban Outfitters... all of these stores are crowded with shoppers... and it's not even the Christmas season yet. The theaters are doing great business, especially Wicked. Empty tables at restaurants like Atwood Cafe in the Hotel Burnham are often hard to find.

But there is one exception. Macy's is dead. The difference between what's happening outside 111 N. State and what's happening inside is indescribable to people who haven't witnessed it. The store feels like it is close to its final throes of death. It's getting more empty with each passing month, like Carson Pirie Scott as it started its going out of business sale. Empty floor space. Sparsely filled shelves. Deferred maintenance.

Second, I looked at the ads for Take Me to State Street on Macy's web site. It's true, for once Macy's is stressing brands other than its own, like DKNY, Tag Heuer, Lacoste and BCBG Max Azria. No mention of Alphani, Charter Club or I.N.C. and no mention of Only @ Macy's and (mercifully) no mention of Donald Trump or Martha Stewart.

I would agree with others that Macy's obviously has reached a tipping point, desperate enough that it seems to have consulted someone outside the organization who said to de-emphasize the name Macy's and to stress some brands familiar to Chicagoans. Will it work? Hardly. By now we've all discovered that those brands are available at more reputable retailers like Nordstrom and C.D. Peacock. Retailers where you don't need to ask for assistance and where you can return merchandise without being made to feel like a shoplifter.

I do feel that this is the tipping point. What else can Macy's do after this ad campaign fails to generate any new shoppers? Macy's has somehow gotten to Oprah, but really, Macy's sucks so bad even Oprah can't convince people to shop there. There isn't a person, or a brand, or an event, or anything, anything at all, that will convince Chicagoans to shop at Macy's. No matter how you look at it, Macy's simply cannot compete in Chicago. Not on the basis of quality, not on the basis of price, not on the basis of service, not even with what has been described as the most beautiful retail building in the world. People may still go to look at the Great Tree, the window displays and the Tiffany dome and some may even eat in the Walnut Room, but most won't spend money on merchandise.

This is the surest sign yet that the boycott is working. Desperate enough to play down the name Macy's means management is getting very close to being desperate enough to dump the name Macy's.

Date: Thurs, October 25, 2007  7:22 pm CT
Posted by: Field Fan

It is Clinique Bonus Time at Von Maur.

If you haven't checked out the store at The Glen this is an opportunity to go see it and get the bonus gift.

http://www.vonmaur.com/Default.aspx

Date: Thurs, October 25, 2007  8:27 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Messy's latest act of desperation, drawing people to State Street, blatantly admits they don't have anything to offer on their own. Lundgreed apparently assumes he still has all the power (and the right to power), and doesn't want to let it go.

I will go to State Street alright, to walk PAST Messy's, perhaps go to Sears, Nordstrom, the new store just North of Messy's, and ESPECIALLY to attend our protest events! I can commit to November 23 and December 2 so far, and hopefully more.

Date: Thurs, October 25, 2007  12:55 pm CT
Posted by: Melody

Did any of you see that there's a video on the Chicago Tribunes website of this years windows at the Former Marshall Fields on State St.?!

She talks about how the windows are "icons" to the city regardless of the stores name... interesting to watch and listen to!!!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/

"State Street Holiday display tradition" is the video you want.

Date: Thurs, October 25, 2007  11:07 am CT
Posted by: Dennis D

The shame of State Street. Brilliant marketing strategy, removing a well known, well revered store, and force feed the jilted market your East coast marketing strategies, and then get your panties in a bunch when your sales plans plummet! It's that kind of logic that makes Terry Lundgren suited for a career in politics!

Date: Thurs, October 25, 2007  5:51 am CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

Parade of Macy's

Chain's Colo. stores spend first year forging links

By Elizabeth Aguilera

The Denver Post

Article Last Updated: 10/21/2007 11:54:25 PM MDT

..A benefit for Macy's in Colorado was that the company did not have to battle a deep loyalty to Foley's, said C. Britt Beemer, chairman of Charleston, S.C.-based America's Research Group.

"There wasn't any real affinity or loyalty to May Co. (except) that they were the lowest-priced department store around," he said. "I don't think that price customers cared that much when May went away and Macy's came in."

In other cities, May Co. loyalists were upset about the change of their local store. In Chicago, for example, customers were fiercely loyal to Marshall Field's. Customers led boycotts of Macy's and many still post comments to blogs about how much they miss the venerated chain.

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_7243500?source=rss

Date: Thurs, October 25, 2007  2:36 am CT
Posted by: RG74 Family

Hello Fellow Marshall Field's Family,

Well,here we are still waiting for the Federated/Macy's shareholders to wake up and take action ! The bag of tricks associated with this merger has displaced more than just the May Department Stores guests. Now it is ever apparent that even the core Macy's supporters (which our family has been for over 100 years, going back many generations incidentally)

We have been very quiet lately as the loss of our regional department stores has been very depressing to us. Yet,we really appreciate this wonderful place and the wonderful people here !

Note to Terry Lundgren and company: Every person we know in the CORE MACY'S EAST region where we live is absolutely unhappy about the loss of regional department stores. People know and love Strawbridge & Clothier, Burdine's, Jordan Marsh, A&S...and the list goes on and on.

Loyal shoppers are starting to realize how Lord & Taylor is breaking out of their funk, they are becoming more upscale than ever. YET, THE FULL-SERVICE DEPARTMENT STORE SHOPPER IS AT A LOSS BECAUSE OF THE ENDLESS LOW-END HOUSEBRANDS, TABLOID CELEBRITY NAME RELIANCE...ETC.

It all makes sense now to us in the New York area. YOU CLOSED STERN'S BECAUSE YOU WERE GOING TO TAKE MACY'S DOWNMARKET ! It's that simple. Yet, Stern's was a FULL-SERVICE STORE FILLED WITH QUALITY SALES ASSOCIATES !

------

In the most respectful way...we ask you. Please,please,please, RETURN OUR REGIONAL DEPARTMENT STORES TO THE LOYAL SHOPPERS THAT LOVE AND SUPPORT THEM !

Show the CORE GUESTS YOU CARE ! YOU CAN START BY BRINGING BACK MARSHALL FIELD'S and ofcourse the .com website.

Warm Regards & God Bless You All,

RG74 Family

Date: Thurs, October 25, 2007  1:52 am CT
Posted by: WeWantOurFieldsBack

Here are some Great Tree memories for you;

We remember when the Great Tree was the Great Tree before it was taken away be the red star store. How could they do this to the loyal shoppers who have supported these stores...generation after generation ?

How could the board of directors at red star do this to us all ?

When will they ever learn, when will they ever learn ?

Isn't it time to bring back the store recognized around the world for top quality and legendary service ? Isn't it time to bring back Marshall Field & Company ?

Enough with the low end nonsense and bring back America's last vestige of quality, Marshall Field and Company.

PLEASE !

Date: Thurs, October 25, 2007  1:10 am CT
Posted by: David

In the midst of all the "Take me Back to State Street" bruhah, I cooked dinner for my transplanted Kansan mother and her newly adopted Chicago bridge club: ages 60 to 91 years. Overheard from the kitchen stove from the dining room was one long-time, 60-something Chicago gal: "Well, I tried. I took my coupon for 25% off all day at macy*s and found a few purses that I liked. I then went to the counter and asked the girl if she'd hold them for me while I continued to look around the store for potential other purchases. She told me: 'We don't have room back behind here for people's stuff'. Can you imagine? That NEVER would've happened at Marshall Field's! I won't be back...coupon or no coupons."

The others chimed in with similar tales. My mother noted that she was there a week before the conversion having lunch in the Walnut Room. "Being new from Kansas, I'm grateful I still was able to have an authentic experience. I haven't been back since and don't plan on it."

>From the mouths of babes...sort of.

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  9:32 pm CT
Posted by: Charles T

For many years I have passed Marshall Field's - as a child - and now on my way to work. I still refer to the place as Marshall Field's as the word Macy just doesn't register. But this morning Macy turned the tables on Chicagoans - by totally disregarding us. Have you noticed that the three clocks at the corner of State and Washington are each fixed at a different point in time. You would think that any company that wanted to invite you inside would care enough to offer the correct time. Well - out of time - out of mind. C'est la vie.

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  9:17 pm CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

After reading some of the stuff about "Take me to State Street" in your Chicago Tribune, I posted the following at the Trib's site------I could not resist the temptation:

I am truly amazed that Terry Lundgren and his band of incompetent administrators continue to come up with yet more ways to waste yet more millions of dollars throughout the Midwest that will continue to not give us what we want. We have been quite clear here in Minneapolis as multiple surveys from reputable agents such as St Thomas University have repeatedly shown that the Mini-Apple does not like Macy's; I believe the people in Milwaukee have been clear; I am quite certain that Chicagoland has been clear in its message as well. THE MIDWEST DOES NOT SHOP AT MACY'S NOR DO WE INTEND TO SHOP AT MACY'S. Really people----that message cannot be more clear.

Now how is it that supposedly intelligent managers earning millions of dollars per year cannot grasp that concept. Do they believe that with just one more failed multi-million dollar campaign, we will suddenly lose our minds and run into the streets, mouths foaming, seething with indignation at the slowness of the bus or the train because we simply must get to Macy's immediately? Or perhaps the sight of that convicted felon on TV straightening her cheap, shoddy goods will make us cease our slothfulness so that we will finally dress ourselves for the first time in months in order to shop at Macy's? Or could it really just be that the extra $100 million campaign will make us forget our values so that we will no longer look for high quality, well-made, good fitting garments that are sold in well-kept stores by personable, knowledgeable staff that seem to enjoy interacting with customers?

We have lived through several of those campaigns orchestrated by marketing gurus so far and nothing has happened. We still want Marshall Field's and we still will not shop at Macy's. Might as well pour another $100 million dollars into another campaign------the natives haven't seen the light yet. Meanwhile, the board watches it go on and the shareholders do not call for the board's resignation. More Kool-Aid, anyone?

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  8:52 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

"Take Me To State Street"? or shall I say

Begging for State Street

Not once in 150 years did Marshall Field's have to beg anyone to come to 111 State Street. This is totally UNREAL!

macy's must be a total MESS

Well, atleast they don't have to beg fruit flies to come to State Street, they already come there in SWARMS!!

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  7:47 pm CT
Posted by: mg

As an advertising copywriter for 20 years, I couldn't wait to comment on that new campaign (Take Me To State Street). It's clear that those ads are the result of focus groups, and the Chicago consumers they talked to no doubt told them WE HATE THE RED STAR, WE DON'T LIKE MACY'S NAME, but we do like the STATE STREET concept. So, wa la, you get barely a star, barely a Macy's i.d. and a huge "Take Me to STATE STREET. Those ads don't sell Macy's--if you were a casual observer you might think they were paid for by the businesses of State Street.

Let's see, first their ads scream: "we're Macy's, we're new!!" (big red star, big red Macy's), that doesn't work so then they say " we're just like Field's, we haven't changed one bit!" (medium red star, medium red Macy's). That doesn't work, so now it's "we're some big store on State Street!" (small white star, small white Macy's). Chicago consumers are responding badly to the Macy's and the red star--what a shocker!!! Now Macy's execs seem to be thinking: hmmm, ok, maybe if we were just some generic place on the block-- a strategy that no marketing person would ever choose, unless they had their backs to the wall. This is a huge! Especially given the enormous egos we are dealing with. We must continue the boycott. These ads prove they are desperately attempting to fix their mistakes.

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  5:28 pm CT
Posted by: JasonM

Macy's is DESPERATE.

Keep up the fight, we are winning and soon Macy's will be out of State Street for good!

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  5:28 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

NBC5 News at 5 pm had a segment on Macy's, its new ad campaign and the stores' troubles. Macy's management said they now were understanding the Chicago market and want us to give them a chance. There was also a representative from Field's Fans who pointed out many of the things we say on ths blog.

If I could find the story on the web, I would put up a link.

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  5:10 pm CT
Posted by: Apres Ski

Today on the news, one higher up finally said it, 'The State Street store is doing very badly'. Now why did that make me perk up and smile. I just don't know, but it did. I haven't even been to the Water Tower which is a lot closer and the idea of bringing back Frango mints still doesn't make me want to move any closer either.

If the State Street store doesn't pick up soon, they will might just close it. But this is all about their arrogant ego versus Chicagoans!!

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  5:09 pm CT
Posted by: cynthia c

I agree. They should have left Marshall Fields as it was. Marshall Fields was the best part of State Street. The quality is just not there anymore.

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  4:56 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

Chicago Tribune profits down

Wed Oct 24, 8:05 AM ET

NEW YORK (Reuters) - "Tribune Co (TRB.N), which is going private in an $8.2 billion deal led by Chicago real estate tycoon Sam Zell, on Wednesday reported lower quarterly profit and revenue as newspaper advertising sales fell...

"Revenue fell 4.1 percent to $1.28 billion. Publishing division ad revenue dropped 9 percent because of a slowdown in real estate, national and classified ad sales."

Even kissing up to macy's hasn't helped the Tribune make enough money!

[ This may show why the Tribune is willing to even hold a great tree memories contest with Macy's. ]

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  4:45 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

"Macy's restates its case" in the "Tribune"

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-wed_macys_1024oct24,0,2836503.story

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  2:54 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

So macy*mart is going to offer free Wi-Fi at their State Street discount store. Woo hoo! That's very innovative. Now people won't have to go to Mickey D's or Starbucks. Environmentally friendly shopping bags? Just like those offered at Whole Foods and other grocery stores for years? A cute new slogan that's almost as "exciting" as the ever-popular "Way to Shop." A new ad campaign--probably as memorable as the "celebrity" ads featuring Martha Stewart and Donald Trump. Special events targeting college students--doesn't almost every business district serving a college community do that now?

The highly innovative Red Star marketing department has really outdone themselves with their latest campaign!

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  1:47 pm CT
Posted by: Laurie C

I went to a Christmas bazaar today at University School Milwaukee, comparable to Francis Parker or Latin School. It's a high end bazaar that tries to carry things that are unique and very high quality. I was wearing my Field's button and had a supply with me. There were a lot of people and I got a number of comments on my button (all favorable) and several requests for buttons. There were probably 10 boutiques from Chicago and suburbs.

I stopped at a handbag boutique called 'Lazaro', an Argentinian company that makes all its products in Argentina and has a showroom in Miami. They have a variety of purses in styles ranging from somewhat edgy to more classical designs and colors. The owner saw my button and told me she loved it so I gave her one and she put it on. She was probably in her early 30s. She told me that Field's used to carry her purses in an in-store boutique and that it was the ONLY department store she felt was worthy of them. She pulled them after Federated took over, citing difficulty dealing with the new buyers and late payments and just all around hassle. She also decided Macy's was an unworthy venue and wished Field's Fans well in their efforts.

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  12:05 pm CT
Posted by: Valerie Fields Fan

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELDS

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELDS

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELDS

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELDS

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELDS

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELDS

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELDS

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELDS

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELDS

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELDS

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELDS

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELDS

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELDS

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELDS

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  12:04 pm CT
Posted by:

Give me a Freakin Break!

"Take me to State Street", pleazzzzzzzzzz

How long will it take the individuals in charge, at Macys, to realize that NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO THEY WILL NOT SUCCEES...THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTING WHAT THEY TOOK FROM US! THEY NEED TO SWOLLAW WHAT PRIDE THEY HAVE LEFT AND "CHANGE THE NAME BACK"!!!

"GIVE ME BACK MY MARSHALL FIELDS"

"GIVE ME BACK MY MARSHALL FIELDS"

"GIVE ME BACK MY MARSHALL FIELDS"

"GIVE ME BACK MY MARSHALL FIELDS"

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  12:01 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan

Today's Tribune has a followup article on Macy's State Street ad campaign. The Tribune includes some shots of the ads that start hitting bus shelters, L trains and the like today. This site and blog are mentioned and quoted in the article.

The link is at

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-wed_macys_1024oct24,0,2836503.story

As always, there is a place to leave comments, but the usual tag line is to send a letter to the editor since that can be in the paper. Send the letters to the editor at ctc-tribletter@tribune.com

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  7:31 am CT
Posted by: GRA58

"Take Me To State Street"? It reminds me of one of those bad 1950's sci-fi movies where alien invaders descend on an unsuspecting community, wreak havoc and destruction, and demand of the locals "Take me to your leader". Good thing is that in those movies the locals fight back and dispatch with the aliens.

Interesting that Lunk-head is de-emphasizing the macys name and star. Finally realizing just how offensive it is? Weren't we all supposed to be dazzled by the macy's name and star? And now they're trying to get us back in the stores by hiding them. Hmmmmm. This may be the first step towards them acknowledging a failure, throwing in the towel, and restoring Marshall Fields. I'm beginning to smell desperation. These guys are either really dense, or really arrogant(or perhaps a unique combination of the two), but I think the light may be finally starting to go on. But it'll take more than this ad to save them.

Keep at the boycott. It's working.

Date: Wed, October 24, 2007  12:19 am CT
Posted by: Steven

"It's the economy, stupid!" was a oft-cited slogan in the 1992 presidential campaign.

So here's a message for all the analysts and journalists who think that Macy's sales in the North Division are down because Macy's doesn't offer the same volume of coupons as Marshall Field's supposedly did.

IT'S THE MERCHANDISE, STUPID!

Just like Dominick's shoppers did not like their favorite and trusted brands replaced with inferior Safeway brands, Marshall Field's shoppers do not like their favorite and trusted brands replaced with inferior Macy's brands. Alfani does not equal Armani. No one is fooled. Contrary to what people in other parts of the country may think, we in Chicago do in fact KNOW HOW TO READ.

Have promotions and store remodelings brought Dominick's shoppers back? No! Will promotions and the return of some Frango mints production bring Field's shoppers back to Macy's. No!

Why?

Because IT'S THE MERCHANDISE, STUPID!

Date: Tues, October 23, 2007  11:34 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

I had a long talk with my sister in law this evening. We are starting to make holiday plans for when her kids and their families come into town to visit. One thing we agreed on immediately was that we will NOT be meeting at the Walnut room.

Maybe next year. Sigh

Date: Tues, October 23, 2007  10:52 pm CT
Posted by: John Hamilton

I'm someone from Washington D.C., where Hecht's was a major department store that provided unique merchandise specific to Washington D.C.

While Hecht's only is a shadow of Marshall Field's, the sentiment resounds around the country - PEOPLE WANT STORES, EMPLOYEES AND MERCHANDISE THAT REPRESENTS WHERE THEY ARE FROM!

I loved Marshall Field's especially in Chicago. Bloomingdale's pales in comparison.

Macy's sucks! Bring Marshall Field's back!

Date: Tues, October 23, 2007  9:44 pm CT
Posted by: Pat C

I'm So Happy they left one of Marshall Field's signature phrases alone !

This belongs to only Chicago's Marshall Field's State St.Store...

"MEET ME UNDER THE CLOCK"

This Clock will always be Chicago's "Memory in Time"

Marshall Field's ..

Date: Tues, October 23, 2007  9:49 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

To PDX Tim: Yes, the Martha Stewart Halloween Sprinkles WERE $30.00, and don't forget: they came with a limited lifetime warranty! I don't know if they still have the warranty on them or not - AND I REALLY DON'T CARE!

To A. Perkins: As for Macy's excuses, they could use this one for State Street: "Due to initial customer curiosity of Loehmann's Grand Opening being so close to the holiday shopping season, sales at Macy's on State Street were down as shopper's checked out the 'new kid on the block' - but we are confident that customers will return to Macy's as their curiosity about Loehmann's is satisfied, and as they see even more new and exciting developments at our State Street store." THEN, for Detroit area stores the excuse will likely be along these same lines concerning the new upscale mall opening. Perhaps Macy's doesn't realize that, though they've dug their hole deeper with every spin, it is never too late to climb back out of a hole, no matter how deep it is. THAT'S OKAY. I don't see Macy's as being competent enough to do the right thing in the right way for the right reasons anyway.

Faithfully awaiting the return of Marshall Field's as we know and love it under the ownership of someone who actually DOES care,

L. Grand - Michigan, USA

Date: Tues, October 23, 2007  3:34 pm/updated at request of author at 9:30 pm CT
Posted by: Mike

An article in Crain's about Macy's ad campaign for the State Street store. Note that the article used to contain a quote from FieldsFansChicago.org but it was removed. Crain's deletes references. The Oprah posts deleted and now this. Who owns the press? It's as if there is a news black out.

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=26862

Remember to help the return of Field's by sending your comments to the editor at Crain's. From their web page at http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/article.pl?page_id=1573:

Crain's welcomes responses from readers. Letters should be as brief as possible and may be edited. Send letters to Crain's Chicago Business, 360 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60601, or by e-mail to letters@chicagobusiness.com. Please include your complete name and the city from which you are writing, as well as a telephone number for fact-checking purposes.

Date: Tues, October 23, 2007  2:35 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

So has anything happened to the windows at State Street? I was disappointed to see that almost all of them were empty in September.

Thanks, Darrid

_______________________________________

Response from Jim:

Those of us who leaflet have noticed a few changes in the store windows with more than a couple featuring large plastic appliques. Some of the windows have been done up as pages from the M magazine. Those now seem as if they are about to be replaced. There's a Ralph Lauren window where the Martha Stewart bedding window was on the corner of State and Washington.

And then there is advertising for something totally different: since they have a Honda giveaway, there is a series of fire doors along State Street wrapped with ads for Honda. Pretty weird in my book. Looks like something I would see in NYC--not on the historic and graceful 111 N State. And of course, all the flags, except those above the great columns, feature banners for Martha Stewart. I thought it disappointing they didn't have American or other appropriate sports or international flags for the boxing championship parade. There were several news photos showing the parade and the facaade of 111 N State with Martha Stewart flags.

Date: Tues, October 23, 2007  2:23 pm CT
Posted by: gle

It looks like we've got some more letters to write. I don't know whether to laugh or throw up at the "Tribune's" and Messy's stupidity:

"Macy's to invigorate flagship store, Launches ad campaign, 'Take Me to State Street'"

http://www.chicagotribne.com/business/chi-071023macy,0,7991683.story?track=rss

Date: Tues, October 23, 2007  2:19 pm CT
Posted by: denise rule

bummer bummer bummer!!!! today on Oprah, part of the show was about dressing for success, or something like that. nowhere, throughout the whole show or the fashion bit, was any store mentioned...just a few brands. BUT, at the end of the show, the audience all received $100. gift cards from the 'm' store!!!!!!!! ohhhhh, woe is me. i'm sick. my hero has caved, the one-time wealthiest fan of Marshall Field's, who said on camera: "and thanks to Marshall Field's, the greatest store in the world". needless to say, i have e-mailed every possible site, regarding this giveaway. still, deeply saddened and disappointed.

_______________________________________

Thanks to Denise and others who sent a "heads-up" on this.

It would be of great help if Field's Fans let Oprah know how they feel about this. It's very important that you let the show know how you feel so chances of it happening again are reduced. You can respond at the following web page. Since it is a web form, it is suggested that you keep a copy of what you write for yourself. The page to email Oprah's show is at:

http://www.oprah.com/email/email_landing.jhtml

Please write--right now!

Also there the show has a blog where one can discuss the show's content. However, you must register to post. If you do post, please keep a copy of your post. I know my post was taken down after a few minutes. My post expressed epolitely how I disagreed with Oprah's decision -- and it disappeared after a few minutes. At least I managed to page back a bit in browser to save the content for use again in other places.

--Jim

Date: Tues, October 23, 2007  1:57 pm CT
Posted by: Alan

Yet another article to respond to. It seems the comment forum at the Tribune is abuzz already.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-071023macy,0,7991683.story

I think they are getting desperate.

Date: Tues, October 23, 2007  12:29 pm CT
Posted by: Melody

Ok everyone, I need some help. I have been cleaning out stuff in my Mom's garage since she passed and she had taken this green cabinet from my Grandparents house in Chicago when she'd moved to Iowa. Well, low and behold I was cleaning off the top of it and I saw a metal tag nailed to the cabinet. It's from Marshall Fields! It says something like Marshall Field's Household goods or something. Has anyone ever seen anything like this? I completely freaked out about because I had had the cabinet for sale in the last garage sale I'd had at her house. Whew, glad no one bought it. I don't think the cabinet was green originally. I think my grandpa or my great-grandparents may have painted it that color. Was just curious if anyone could help me find some history on this?

And I just want to say thanks for everyone for the leafletting you do and the protesting. I actually had a lady at a hair salon ask me if there was a Marshall Fields in Des Moines about a month ago because she saw my lovely pin I got from Gail! I told her sadly no, that they don't exist anymore because of the homogenization that Macy's is a part of. Oh and some people's GINORMOUS egos. Retrain us... yeah, right. Not in the Midwest, bub.

Yours in Fields - Melody

Date: Tues, October 23, 2007  12:23 pm CT
Posted by: gle

I finally got a chance to skim the 73-page document by Mark Bauer and corresponding "New York Times" article by Michael Barbaro, "Given Fewer Coupons, Shopper Snub Macy's."

Since antitrust law is not my area of expertise, I don't consider myself qualified to adequately comment except to say I do suspect Messy's is trying to buy out its competitors so that the unfortunate shoppers will eventually have no other choice.

This ongoing coupon excuse, however, I think is absurd, and sounds like more propaganda from Messy's PR department. I once worked 2 blocks from Field's and was in there all the time--not because of coupons, but because I liked being in there. I knew what was new, what was on sale and where everything was that I liked. It never even occurred to me to look for Field's coupons. I didn't need a coupon to tell me what I wanted. I can't enjoy the red brash atmosphere of Messy's as I did the inviting charm of Field's. A change in atmosphere was the first thing I noticed, 2 days before the name change. That's what started to turn me off. Coupons were NOWHERE in the picture. I could hardly stand being in Messy's long enough to force myself to see if I liked the merchandise. That's why I am not shopping at Messy's. It has nothing to do with coupons, and it's about more than a name change.

Date: Tues, October 23, 2007  12:17 pm CT
Posted by: Melody

Well here we go... I think Macy's is making their last ditch effort at State Street. What a joke. They can try all they want to... it's not going to bring us back.

Macy's to invigorate flagship store

Launches ad campaign, "Take Me to State Street"

By Sandra M. Jones | Tribune staff reporter

11:24 AM CDT, October 23, 2007

Macy's Inc. is unveiling a brand campaign aimed at breathing new life into its downtown State Street flagship store, which has alienated some shoppers since converting from Marshall Field's last year.

Full story and comments at:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-071023macy,0,7991683.story

Date: Tues, October 23, 2007  11:10 am CT
Posted by: Darrid

Help!

I'm looking for one of the black Marshall Field's T-shirts that said "Nothing like it in the World" on the back.

Does anyone have one?

Thanks, Darrid

Darrid.Com
Darrid@columbus.rr.com

Date: Tues, October 23, 2007  1:47 am CT
Posted by: norridge

Will someone please inform the (supposed) CHICAGO Tribune that Macy's has had A tree at 111 N. State for TWO years? The "Great Tree" was at Marshall Field and Company. The memories they refer to were at an entirely different company. Guess we can throw the Trib in the Macy's Club of Losers along with Stewart and Trump.

http://marketing.tribune.com/clients/advertising/macys/greattree/index.html

Date: Mon, October 22, 2007  10:18 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

PREDICTIONS:

"Unexpected cold weather for Christmas keeps shoppers away from macy's"

or

"Unseasonably warm weather doesn't put macy's shoppers in the Christmas buying mood."

So in either case, warm weather, or cold, macy's will have an excuse for poor Christmas sales.

I can just read the headlines already!

Date: Mon, October 22, 2007  4:06 pm CT
Posted by: AxN

Mr. Bauer,

Sample the following of Mr. Barbaro's work for the times. I defy you or anybody to defend it as "journalistic."

http://video.on.nytimes.com/?fr_story=5305f4e86855bad8f0d89e35221e9d08b2479b3b

Date: Mon, October 22, 2007  3:30 pm CT
Posted by: Kurt

How many of you remember the old Park Forest Field's. Marshall Field's store #5. Sad to see its coming down, last time I was in the area you could still see the green awinings, still looked like a Field's, no Macy's sign of course. Worth a look if you are still in the area. The store closed back in 1996, I remember the restaurant on the 2nd floor with windows facing the mall area.

http://www.starnewspapers.com/parkforest/news/612709,102107pfbuildraze.article

Date: Mon, October 22, 2007  10:46 am CT
Posted by: Rich W

Some interesting observations regarding Chicago retailing:

-I found an amazing new store while out in Yorktown Center in Lombard: Von Maur. Great assortment of product, clean, easy to shop, nice shopping bags and very friendly sales associates. Their store's credit card also is interest free- forever. Along with Lord & Taylor, my favorite department stores.

-In addition to the "boycott" driving macy-mart's sales down, I have spoken to many people who just stopped shopping there because of the poor merchandise, horrible selection, nightmare customer service and run-down appearance. By default, people are choosing not to shop at the mart.

-macy-mart in Old Orchard is really in shambles. The white ceiling is blackened with soot from the vents, the tiles and carpets are worn down and the lighting is horrible. For an upscale shopping center, the store is a disgrace and I am shocked that the mall management lets this go on.

-Bloomingdale's does not seem to be getting the same buzz as other upscale retailers such as Nordstrom, L&T, Saks and Neiman's. The Old Orchard store was relatively quiet on Friday, while Nordstrom was packed. Could the mart's tarnished image be rubbing on Bloomies? I hope so! By the way, notice how some of the mart's private labels such as J-U-N-K (I-N-C) are also in Bloomingdale's?

-with all the hype surrounding the production of Frangos returning to State St, I have noticed that almost all the stocked boxes have deleted the Marshall Field's name. It was only on a few boxes.

Date: Mon, October 22, 2007  12:29 am CT
Posted by: Brad

I predict that next year Macy's will agree to sell the Marshall Field's building at 111 North State Street and the Marshall Field's brand name to a private investment partnership. The new owners will recruit management from the Neiman Marcus group to rebuild Marshall Field's into a profitable and even more luxurious Chicago brand in much the same way Neiman's operates Bergdorf Goodman in New York.

If this happens, I suspect that new owners would operate and grow the Marshall Field's brand for a few years to increase the value of the property at 111 North State Street and then sell the building and Marshall Field's brand to someone with long-term interest in building and possibly expanding the brand.

It's possible that some other select Marshall Field's locations will be included in the sale, but don't know if this is likely.

I do suspect that Mayor Daley will grudgingly approve this arrangement and then take credit publicly for Marshall Field's return.

Field's is restored better than ever with the ability to once again represent Chicago to the world and serve customers eager for its return. The Field's brand will once again be able to benefit from the growth of the luxury department store category and expand into select markets most hurt by Macy's takeover.

Perhaps Lundgren will overcome his arrogance and make a savvy business decision in which everyone wins. The customers benefit, Chicago benefits, the mayor benefit, Field's employees benefit and Macy's earns a bit of commendation from investor markets and goodwill from all the customers they've alienated this last year.

Date: Sun, October 21, 2007  11:55 pm CT
Posted by: Casserine Willis

Let's get something straight about Marshall Field's and this "coupons" research.

Under Target, Marshall Field's never had newspaper coupons. Occasionally during the holidays, they would have "Go Shop" cards or coupons for their carpet cleaning or eyeglasses, but never something that was done on a regular basis. Not even when it was Field Days, Old Fashioned Bargain Days or Holly Days. During its Dayton Hudson/Target years, they had bonus buys, but never coupons. This store was synonymous with class like Nordstrom.

Marshall Field's became coupon happy when the May sale was finalized. Omigod, Marshall Field's had coupons in the paper daily. I can attest that May's other division flooded newspapers with coupons too... LS Ayres, Hecht's, Strawbridge's, Lord and Taylor and Filene's... in the last 15 years when I was living on the East Coast.

Marshall Field's name sold itself, it didn't need the dumbing down of a coupon for people to buy anything or be successful. Coupons I use at the grocery or discount store and associate it with food and toiletries, not a department store. Carson's is successful with coupons, but understand that Field's and Carson's were always 2 different stores that catered to 2 somewhat different demographics. Now Macy's is a direct competitor to Carson's due to its removal of most high end brands and because of Macy's private label garbage. My last experience with Macy's was... why buy myself a no name Style & Co blazer at $325, when I can get a Chaus or Jones New York one at Carson's for $175 list price that looks and feels better? Macy's, ya blew it!

Marshall Field's most successful coupon was the "Regards Reward," that was sent out to their cardholders that accumulated $400 before tax in purchases. The free coffee and giftwrap was redeemed when you showed them your "Regards" card status.

Also, Macy's and Bloomingdale's used to litter the papers all over the country with its coupons. It wasn't until a few months before its massive renaming of stores (Burdines, Bon Marche, Lazarus, etc.) that they retreated from that. Also, Macy's and Bloomingdales have the long list of exclusions on their coupons, they always have. Not toe mention one BIG exclusion on the "national" Macy's coupons... Employees of Federated Department Stores (now Macy's Inc.)

So for Macy's to revive the "coupon fiasco" will not trend sales upwards..... why

1. Bad reputation/word of mouth

2. exclusions on coupons

3. Negative perception of its private labels

4. It's competition (which was once Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom and Saks) is now Kohl's, JCPenney, Target and Wal-Mart. Come on - everyone knows you can get better quality and a better price at the competitor.

See what the name change has done 13 months later! It's a complete travesty what it has become.

Just so you know, I worked on and off for Field's (and partner businesses) since the mid 90s. I miss everything about Field's, mainly its brands and service, but the thing I miss the most is their Sunday ads and its decorating of the store, whether it is Field Days or Christmas. It was always an experience at Field's.

Date: Sun, October 21, 2007  9:36 pm CT
Posted by: Joe

In response to Drew concerning the new mall in suburban Detroit, there is already a Macy's down the road from the new Partridge Creek mall. It's at Lakeside Mall. The store was, of course, formerly known as Hudson's, then Field's.

Date: Sun, October 21, 2007  9:00 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

I'll be home at Field's,

You can count on me.

Please have snow, Uncle Mistletoe

And presents under the tree.

Christmas Eve will find me,

Where the love light gleams.

I'll be home at Field's,

If only in my dreams.

Date: Sun, October 21, 2007  7:07 pm CT
Posted by: PDX Tim

The downtown Portland Macy's prepares to reopen this week after a year of renovations on the 100+ year old building. The Oregonian had an article today about it:

http://www.oregonlive.com/business/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/business/11927770613560.xml&coll=7

I think the tone of the article is OK, as it mentions about trying to find a way to update the space without losing the traditions (sound familiar?), but there is a lot of that crap that comes right from Macy's PR dept in it, like all the "luxury" brands they have, um no, there are REAL luxury brands at Nordstorm's across the street, they are not fooling anyone (I hope). And they have a picture of the wonderful price scanner..ooooo I am so impressed.

Here is an interesting quote:

"Big downtown department stores just aren't making it; it doesn't make much difference how nice it looks," said Homer Johnson, a Loyola University Chicago management professor who has researched the history of department store strategy. "It's just that people are not going downtown to see big flagship stores when they can see a Macy's anywhere."

While I certain agree with the second part, I think he is off on the first. The State Street Marshall Field's showed how a big downtown store could make it - thorough a comprehensively positive shopping experience with some uniqueness to make it a destination, which is why it was the number 3 tourist attraction in Chicago before you-know-who took it down market and took out that uniqueness, etc. etc. Preaching to the choir here, I know!

What is funny is all the streets around the store in downtown Portland are completely torn out to put in new mass transportation tracks. It looks like a war zone around the store. You have to walk on wooden planks to cross the streets to get to the store, which is even more fun during Portland's nearly non-stop fall rain. I certainly hope that helps keep people away even more. Lots of people here don't seem to care about what Macy's is doing, but that quote a couple weeks ago in the paper where it said that "Meier and Frank should have never, ever become Macy's" gives me some hope. Then I see in this current article that the decendent of the store founder is speaking at the opening. But he is known for liking media attention in any form so it is not too surprising, I guess.

One more note, the Martha Stewart Halloween cookie sprinkles are down to $9.99... who didn't see that coming. What is interesting is it now says the regular price was $19.99, wasn't it $30 before? I was going to check the Internet Wayback Machine to see if I could confirm that, but it is down right now. Didn't Macy's get in trouble with New York State before by fudging its prices like this? Any input on this is appreciated.

Take care Chicagoans and am looking forward to the return of Marshall Field's for Christmas 2008!

Date: Sun, October 21, 2007  4:33 pm CT
Posted by: Siamak

I drove past the Macy's Furniture store near Woodfield today. There were less than a dozen cars in the parking lot. What I did notice, after seeing the forest green roof, was that Marshall Field's really knew how to build a brand. If you look at the mall stores, the older stores that no longer exist (Evanston), and of course the State Street store... all of them leveraged the forest green that made Marshall Field's so famous. Whenever there was a chance, Marshall Field's would use the green to remind people of the amazing store on State Street. The delivery trucks, the Woodfield Furniture store's roof, the marble/granite trim at the Northbrook Court location, the awnings at Evanston, the shopping bags, credit cards, and the like were all forest green - Marshall Field's green!

Re: the name change / quality / service. Why don't we all adopt a common language. How about this? It may have been posted by others but I think it is the easiest and quickest way to say what we mean.

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

Date: Sun, October 21, 2007  3:15 pm CT
Posted by: JS

Went to a suburban Lord & Taylor store today and it was packed. I was really impressed with the changes they were making to the L&T brand. While making my purchase, I asked the sales associate if sales have been up since Marshall Field's was gone. She said "Yes, and I always hear from [L&T] customers how Macy's is dis-organized and the sales staff is not friendly." We talked about how changing Field's to Macy's was the worst retail business decision ever.

Macy's - Way to Flop Big Time!

Date: Sun, October 21, 2007  2:52 pm CT
Posted by: JS

I was in Macy's (not shopping, just walking. I *never* buy anything there.) recently. I saw a woman pushing a fucking shopping cart. I kid you not. It was one of those stroller/cart hybrids. It was just as many of you reported here in the many posts past--but I couldn't believe it. However, no child. Just a woman shopping for her boyfriend grabbing all the 50% off Alfani she could muster.

Not one damn dime.

Date: Sun, October 21, 2007  12:50 pm CT
Posted by: Kevin

Hey.

400 May Department Stores got bought by Macy's. Also, the other 400 stores got bought by Macy's. Also, Macy's bought a lot in 2006 too. So, may be I was wondering, Let's make Macy's Inc. into Marshall Field's Inc. Then the whole USA could enjoy the best of Marshall Field's!!!!

BOO! Macy's has been scared of us for the past year.

BOO! Marshall Field's has been knowing its been us.

Happy Suckish Halloween Macy's.

Have a SPOOOOKY halloween Marshall Field's.

Regards,

The Name is above.

Date: Sun, October 21, 2007  10:22 am CT
Posted by: LiMack

A friend and I attended a very nice antiques show in the Chicago area on Saturday with dealers from all over the country. Most of the things on display were at least 75 years old and in many cases much older. We noticed that many dealers were highlighting Marshall Field items.

Among the things we saw and marvelled at were a lovely landscape oil painting from the Marshall Field's art gallery, several strings of pearls and various pieces of gold jewelry displayed in their original Marshall Field and Company boxes or signed velvet lined snap cases, a couple sets of fine China with the Marshall Field crest and script lettering on the bottom, a hand painted vase that on the base was incised, "made exclusively for Marshall Field and Company Chicago Illinois", a pair of belle epoch silk dancing shoes "made in France for Marshall Field and Co. Chicago", and a gorgeous arts and crafts era hand hammered sterling silver serving fork also marked Marshall Field and Company. When we commented on the items several dealers mentioned that Marshall Field antiques are in very high demand and that they are selling many fine items with the Field's provenance and not just in Chicago, either. They are valued treasures that people want to own for their timeless style and quality AND because they say Marshall Field and Company which proves the point.

How sad that Terry Lundgren has deprived modern day shoppers of being able to purchase such quality merchandise at the store on State Street, which for many of us will always bear Mr. Field's name and spirit. We want our Marshall Field's back!!!

Date: Sun, October 21, 2007  10:18 pm CT
Posted by: Pat C

In our house we serve Brownberry Wheat Bread. Back in Janurary,the maker George Weston Bakeries,conducted consumer test,and decided to update their formula,by increasing fiber and elimating frutose.

The customer service department received thousands of phone calls , letters, and emails within weeks of the new bread appearing in stores. People conveyed to the company that the new recipe did not taste the same. George Weston Bakaries takes PRIDE IN LISTENING TO THEIR CUSTOMER ! (Macy's does Not)

So in June they brought back the Original Wheat Bread Recipe !

To Macy's and Cupid Candy - Be Ready for thousands of phone calls, letters and emails while trying to sell those FAKE FRANGO'S !

Ok Bloggers...can anyone else find MORE stories like this ?

Please post them !

Date: Sun, October 21, 2007  9:01 am CT
Posted by: Darrid

Hello Fellow Field's Fans!!!

I just returned from a trip to Lafayette Indiana where I visited my Father and Stepmom. It had been a long time since I had seen them so we had a lot to catch up on. As you can imagine my love for Field's and my website came up in conversation.

My Stepmom mentioned that she loved shopping at L.S. Ayres and could always find something nice that suited here. (She's a business professional.) She said she went to Macy's a few times after the conversion to look around but all she saw was racks of junk.

Tippecanoe Mall has been in Lafayette for many years. Block's store was converted to a Lazarus in 1987 and closed in 2002. L.S. Ayres was built at that mall in 1994 replacing a store that had been at Market Square since the early 70's.

While out shopping we went into the former L.S. Ayres store and I mentioned that now all Macy's have Frango. She remembered that that was one of her grandma's favorite things about going to Chicago so I bought a small box for us to share. While checking out the cashier said "Did you know they are moving production back to Chicago?" I quickly set the record straight and explained the situation to her. She was very surprised. I can't help but wonder if there had been an internal announcement made to all the staff.

After giving it some thought I also concluded the following. During my years of business we often would job out small amounts of work to other companies to check their quality and see if it would be more profitable. We also did it for DR (disaster recovery) purposes. However if this other company won't have the real recipe whats the point!!!

Sadly when we opened the Frangos they were kind of stale and waxy. Yuck!

Date: Sun, October 21, 2007  8:55 am CT
Posted by: John D.

I realize it has been stated many times previously, but a decision to revert back to Marshall Field's must be, not only in name, BUT ALSO in quality premier brand designer names; assortment of merchandise---including restoring the Big and Tall Men's Shop, and the Children's Shoe Department, just to name TWO---, the reknown customer service by experienced sales associates, not just gossiping money-taker cashiers; the unique Chicago and MF souvenir shops of specially created gifts; the full-line restaurants and wine shops; the full-line of quality FIELD GEAR apparel, not just relabeling of INC, Alfani, etc; clean stores, strong dark green paper shopping bags etc!

In your writings to the press and your interviews with the media, please emphasize that we want not only the name back, but also everything that FIELD'S was before macy's took over.

We have several protest events coming up before the holidays. If you happen to be asked for an interviews, please emphasize to the reporter that we want everything back, not just the name.

The reason why I am emphasizing this point is because of of a comment made to me when I was handing out Field's Fans flyers at the Illinois-Iowa football game recently. The lady, whose daughter

formerly worked at Federated Department Stores as an intern, but stil has friends there, wished all of us well in our steadfastness and loyalty to Field's. She said to be very suspicious if macy's decides to "bring Field's back" to the State Street store. Macy's plan could be to only restore the name, but keep the merchandise the way it is. Some of the designers hate macy's just as much as we do. New Field Gear items could merely be macy's faux-brands with Field Gear labels. The strategy would then follow that Lundgren would issue a statement that the Field's Fans and so-called Field's loyal shoppers did not return to the store when macy's went to all the trouble of bringing the Field's name back. Then Lundgren could place the blame on us saying that former Field's shoppers did not return. He would then be in a perfect position to justify to the media that he had no recourse but to close the store and make the historic building into condos.

This is only a scenario that could or could not be being discussed at macy's. I don't know, but the points made certainly seem logical based upon what we already know of macy's method of operation.

Keep saying that we want every bit of Field's back, ideally with a new compassionate owner!

Date: Sun, October 21, 2007  1:49 am CT
Posted by: norridge

More and more people asking for "Forever Fields" buttons on the street after they see mine. Hang in there and stress NO Christmas shopping or even the Walnut Room!! Not until the Communist Occupants are gone!!

As mentioned by gle, Jeff and others, there was this article on Macy's rating being downgraded that was also printed in the Saturday Trib, buried in the Business section.

Here's the linnk again:

"Moody's changes outlook on Macy's to negative."

http://www.Chicagotribune.com/business/chi-071019macys-outlook,0,7042361.story?track=rss

Sounds good to me!

Date: Sun, October 21, 2007  1:09 am CT
Posted by: Erick

Tis the Season to be Singing!

I am putting together a Marshall Fields singing chorus as a fun and delightful holiday protest of Macy's. We will do the The "12 days at Macy's" and a special 'Carol of the Fruitflies' song and dance to mock The Nutcracker holiday display at State Street Flagstreet store.

It will be fun but only if you help. Please let me know asap by emailing me at u141763@aim.com.

So far we have a classical singer who has volunteered to sing!

Erick

Date: Sat, October 20, 2007  CT
Posted by: Jim

The entrance direct from the Randolph L station to Field's was taken out in recent years in part due to theft and security, among other reasons. The Randolph L station was remodeled with funding by Field's. The aluminum facade with the giant CTA logo is the remainder of that remodeling. Carson's also had a similar arrangememt. The Randolph L Station would be torn down and replaced with a new station at Washington and Wabash under longer term plans.

Date: Sat, October 20, 2007  7:31 pm CT
Posted by: denise

re: the direct entrance from the "L" into Marshall Field's: apparently not now, but there definitely used to be....for years and years. I believe it was the 3rd (????) floor, and I am sure it was right thru the china dept. I was always afraid when I had on my winter coat, especially as a child, on the way in and out to the Lake St 'L', that I would knock something over and break it! on the way to visit my older sister who was working in the wonderful gigantic toy department.....

Date: Sat, October 20, 2007  5:50 pm CT
Posted by: Joseph From CA

For online shopping on Carsons.com, you can now use your Carson's card as a form of payment. I also like Carson's new slogan "Come To The Right Place". No doubt they are taking a jab at Macy's with that.

I've walked through of a couple of my local Macy's lately, and it just sickens me every time I do, to think that the high quality of Field's was replaced with such a bland, dull store like Macy's. Keep up the fight fellow Field's fans. I think it is only a matter of time before we have our beloved store back.

Date: Sat, October 20, 2007  1:52 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff

Saturday's Chicago Tribune once again has fallen for a Macy's public relations ploy in regard to the meaningless return of Frango mint production to the State Street Store. If Lunkhead really thinks that he is fooling the former Marshall Field's customers with this sham, then it is he who is the blithering idiot, and we already know that for a fact. We really don't care whether frangos are made in Pennsylvania or chicago. The fact is that this is merely a public relations ploy which the Tribune has fallen for, or perhaps I should say they have been hoodwinked? Any fool can see that this is just a case of smoke and mirrors, not unlike the Tribune-Macy's sham about the "Great Tree" at Christmas time. Chicagoans and others will continue to boycott the Macy "shop for shlock" routine. This P.R. stunt, which it really is, merely shows once again, that the old saying, "stupid is as stupid does," personifies the Macy's moronic mindset. When will they ever learn? Or perhaps the question should be, is it possible for morons like Lunkhead and his ilk to learn the errors of their way?

As always, it is important to respond to the Tribune's Voice of the People when they have letters like this. The following is a reminder of some suggestions when writing the Tribune.

* If submitting by the internet, send your "Letter to the Editor" in a standard email message. Do not use web page forms or blog sites for the newspapers, unless you absolutely have to. If you submit via email, you have the opportunity to cc: or bcc: a copy to yourself--submitting via other methods on the internet mean 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 Tribune should be sent to: ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com

* 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 to help the larger cause.

* Even if your letter does not get published in print or web media, remember that the media takes note. Every letter reminds editors and producers that this is still indeed a very important issue.

Date: Sat, October 20, 2007  12:44 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

I found this quote by C.S. Lewis today and thought about how ironic it is when contrasted to Macy's continual attempts to "win over" shoppers:

"If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road."

I know that quote is a little too deep for Macy's to ever understand it. Oh, well. *SIGH*

Date: Sat, October 20, 2007  12:56 am pm CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Hi All---

Today's Minneapolis Star Tribune had a large insert advertising section for Red Star Store for a One Day Sale that will happen tomorrow with a preview day to be held today. I looked on the Men's clothing page: lots of space devoted to lower end brands----Alfani, Club Room, Tasso Elba, plus Claiborne, Geoffrey Beene, and Kenneth Cole Reaction. Nothing there for me.

It did make me think however. Ordinarily this would have been a huge shopping week for me. Originally it was the Dayton's week long Anniversary Sale and later a week long Field Days Sale. Therefore, for a couple of decades, it became a week where I made probably 2 or 3 trips to the Nicollet Mall Store Downtown and covered different sections of the store each trip.I always spent several hundred dollars during that week; a couple of years were as much as $2,000. This year I will spend, umm, let's see....uhh....zero.

It was a great time to start Christmas shopping, especially for my brother-in-law. He is a school teacher and never spends any money on his own clothing so it is so easy to shop for him. I could just go into Men's and find all kinds of very cool shirts and sweaters on sale and buy something that he would really like but would never buy for himself. And sometimes there would be some really high quality summer stuff on clearance like silk shirts, which he always wanted but never had, so I would buy one of those too, and maybe save like $80 off the regular price so I got a bargain on it. Meanwhile, he got a pile of presents to open and I got one person on my list already taken care of at bargain prices. I also may have gotten a start on gifts for my sister & mom that week as well.

I realize as I write this how much I miss that week of shopping in October. It always happened this week when teachers had off for the state educators' convention. It was such a grand tradition but also was a cool business tradition in Minneapolis-----many of us were aware of the fact that we were pumping a lot of money into the local economy. There was a bit of shopping madness in the stores at that time----the feeling was real. We knew the store was bending a bit to give us brands on sale at great prices that did not usually go on sale and we were responding in turn with shopping much more than usual.The staff was quite giddy at times as well-----I can recall a couple of times overhearing gleeful conversation about surpassing the goals for the morning-----instead of the krap of today about when their next break is or where they are going out tonight.

Regards.

Date: Sat, October 20, 2007  12:03 am CT
Posted by: Craig

Another nice pro-Field's conversation is listed on yelp.com

http://www.yelp.com/topic/chicago-macy-s-schadenfreude#pageBottom

Typically a more young readership, but just as against Macy's

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  10:34 pm CT
Posted by: Mike M

I compliment Mr. Bauer for the politeness of his response. However, he still doesn't get it. Bauer's research was flawed and was presented in a manner that compouned the flaws.

Note that Mr. Bauer does not criticize Mr.Barbaro's article at all. Not one criticism. That suggests that either (1) Mr. Bauer does not understand the flaws in Mr. Barbaro's article or (2) that Mr. Bauer understands the flaws but does not want to irritate either Mr. Bauer or the Times.

In Barbaro's front page article in The New York Times, the point in the article's title and in the text of the article was that Macy's current troubles are due to the coupon strategy. WRONG. Do you understand that, Mr. Bauer? WRONG.

Furthermore, the placement of the Barbaro article on the front page of the Times is a bit peculiar. It suggests a groveling to Macy's, which turns out to be one of the biggest sources of advertising revenue for the Times.

I hope that Mr. Bauer, who seems like a gentleman in his post, will take a step back and rethink his position. Otherwise, he will only further to undermine his crediblity. As for Mr. Barbaro, you can expect more cheerleading in the Times by him for Macy's. After all, the ad revenue for the Christmas season is crucial. The Times, no doubt, is rubbing its hands together in anticipation of the revenue. Oh, and THE BOYCOTT IS WORKING!

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  9:58 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Professor Bauer's article is well worth downloading and reading. His article is well-researched and highlights one key point of the Red Star debacle: the acquisition of the May Company stores has indeed resulted in higher consumer prices. By eliminating the competition, the Red Star Store was able to spend less on advertising. While the Red Star saved money, the consumer actually lost money.

In addition to the current analysis, further research could focus on loss of merchandise selection, destruction of unique shopping venues and services, and homogenization of the American retail landscape. I would suggest that Professor Bauer's book would be a well-regarded component of retail and marketing programs, serving as a case study of the ill-effects of corporate greed and arrogance.

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  8:55 pm CT
Posted by: Anonymous

Does the L station still have an entrance to marshall fields

[Answer: No.]

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  6:20 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

To Professor Bauer:

I'm glad to see that you're exploring the anti-trust angle of this fiasco, and I wish you success. I believe, however, that your basic point was perhaps lost or twisted in the NY Times article. Whatever the writer's intent, the article struck many as an apologetic and pro-Macy's public relations piece that ignored the real underlying issues. I am admittedly a bit touchy on this topic, because many Chicago media outlets have done little more than present Macy's press releases as "news items."

I am a business professional and a writer, and I was completely taken aback that this takeover was allowed to proceed in the first place, and that the media then bellied up to the trough and accepted Macy's line of cr*p without question.

I don't understand how Macy's can devour a competitor with 400 stores and create a near monopoly in some markets without the FTC batting an eyelash, yet Whole Foods was forced to spend a ridiculous amount of time fighting the FTC tooth and nail in their quest to purchase 35 or so Wild Oats markets.

Can anyone explain this in simple terms?

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  6:00 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

Macy's combines the use of print and direct mail coupons in tandem with a significant increase in the number of direct mail and advertised sales discounts. Analysts have reported that Macy's reliance on frequent, deeply discounted sales promotions may boost short-term revenue, but at the expense of profits.

Is it possible to separate the impact of Macy's coupons on customer behavior, total store revenues and store profits from the impact of coupons used as just one of many other discount promotions offered by Macy's.

Furthermore, Marshall Field's use of coupons differed under Target and May Company ownership. Any study that compares Macy's use of coupons to Marshall Field's must not only take into account the year, but also the other direct mail and advertised sales discounts utilized.

It may be worth noting that although Macy's has claimed that direct mail coupons are only sent to Macy's cardholders, I am not a Macy's cardholder and yet I frequently receive direct mail coupons and other direct mail sales promotions. In fact, many of my neighbors who also don't have Macy's cards receive these Macy's promotions, as well. We frequently share a laugh in our building's mailroom as we all throw anything from Macy's directly into the trash!

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  5:50 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

Cramer's 'Mad Money Lightning Round': Palm Slapped

By TheStreet.com Staff

10/18/2007 7:43 PM EDT

Macy's (M - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr - Rating): "I gotta tell you... the guy [Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Terry J. Lundgren] is beginning to get me nervous and worried. ... Their stock is low, it seems cheap. ... But there is no way I'm gonna buy a retailer right now. ... I think Macy's is too dicey right now."

http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/funds/lightninground/10385372.html?cm_ven=YAHOO&cm_cat=FREE&cm_ite=NA

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  5:46 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

macy's is now offically "NEGATIVE!

"Moody's Cuts Outlook on Macy's

Friday October 19, 6:32 pm ET

Moody's Cuts Macy's Outlook to 'Negative' Due to Same-Store Sales, Consumer Spending Outlook

NEW YORK (AP) -- Moody's Investors Service on Friday cut its outlook on department store operator Macy's Inc. due to continuing negative same-store sales at one group of stores and the challenging consumer spending environment...

Moody's said it lowered its outlook due partly to negative same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, at stores that were once owned by May Co. Macy's converted more than 400 former May stores to the Macy's name in September 2006...

Moody's also noted "the uncertain outlook on consumer spending that could further delay improvement in the former May stores' performance."

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071019/macy_s_moody_s.html?.v=1

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  5:37 pm CT
Posted by: Michael

I sure hope Mr. Bauer makes some corrections to this paper. Though I was able to just glance at the 70 some pages, I hope he at least begins with page 16. The May dominace at the Christiana Mall in Delaware was not between its two stores Hecht's and Lord & Taylor. Hecht's, formerly Wanamaker's, became Lord & Taylor in 1996. The May dominace at Chrisitiana was between Strawbridge & Clothier and Lord & Taylor. Strawbridge's sadly closed in early 2006, Lord & Taylor in June 2006.

Also on page 51, the Parisian store at Keystone Crossing in Indianapolis is not becoming a Belk. It was sold to Nordstrom. The Southern stores were sold to Belk but the Michigan stores went to Bon-Ton. The other Indianapolis Parisian store, also now owned by Bon-Ton, became the area's only Carson Pirie Scott. Also, why are Parisian and Von Maur listed as department store competition to Macy's when Nordstrom isn't? Yes, Macy's doesn't hold a candle to all 3 of those stores but they should all be placed in the same retailing designation as they are considered specialty stores.

Also, quick glances showed names like Sak's (Saks), L.S. Ayre's (L.S. Ayres) and Burdines's (Burdines). I'm sure I could find more. I'm available for such a service.

With all of the footnoting, I expect exact facts and correct spellings. But I do agree with Jim McKay, it is more than just about the name. Quite frankly it would be worse if the Field's stores were still called Field's, considering their present state.

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  5:31 pm CT
Posted by: Erick

On the first day at MacyC-s, Lundgren gave to me, fruit fly from the store tree.

On the second day at MacyC-s, Lundgren gave to me, two Alfani suits and a fruit fly from the store tree.

On the third day at MacyC-s, Lundgren gave to me, three pay cuts, two Alfani suits and a fruit fly from the store tree.

On the fourth day at MacyC-s, Lundgren gave to me, four phony Frangos, three pay cuts, two Alfani suits and a fruit fly from the store tree.

On the fifth day at MacyC-s, Lundgren gave to me, five health inspectors. Four phony frangos,, three pay cuts, two Alfani suits and a fruit fly from the store tree.

On the six day at MacyC-s, Lundgren gave to me, six clerks are sleeping, five health inspectors. Four phony Frangos, three pay cuts, two Alfani suits and a fruit fly from the store tree.

On the seventh day at MacyC-s, Lundgren gave to me, seven shoppers wailing, six clerks are sleeping, five health inspectors. Four phony Frangos, three pay cuts, two Alfani suits and a fruit fly from the store tree.

On the eighth day at Macy;s, Lundgren gave to me, eight bags are breaking, seven shoppers wailing, six clerks are sleeping, five health inspectors. Four phony Frangos, three pay cuts, two Alfani suits and a fruit fly from the store tree.

On the ninth day at MacyC-s, Lundgren gave to me, nine workers quitting, eight bags are breaking, seven shoppers wailing, six clerks are sleeping, five health inspectors. Four phony Frangos, three pay cuts, two Alfani suits and a fruit fly from the store tree.

On the tenth day at MacyC-s, Lundgren gave to me, ten coupons failing, nine workers quitting, eight bags are breaking, seven shoppers wailing, six clerks are sleeping, five health inspectors. Four phony Frangos, three pay cuts, two Alfani suits and a fruit fly from the store tree.

On the eleventh day at MacyC-s, Lundgren gave to me, eleven dresses tearing, ten coupons failing, nine workers quitting, eight bags are breaking, seven shoppers wailing, six clerks are sleeping, five health inspectors. Four phony Frangos, three pay cuts, two Alfani suits and a fruit fly from the store tree.

On the twelfth day at MacyC-s, Lundgren gave to me, twelve toilets smelling, eleven dresses tearing, ten coupons failing, nine workers quitting, eight bags are breaking, seven shoppers wailing, six clerks are sleeping, five health inspectors. Four phony Frangos, three pay cuts, two Alfani suits and a fruit fly from the store tree.

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  5:28 pm CT
Posted by: Erick

Macy's has to wake up! Frangos made in some factory down south will not get Fields customers to shop at Macy's. Here is an idea. Why not make money in the retail business. Bring back Fields and it will happen.

Your strategy to make money by throwing it away is not working.

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  4:48 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Let no one think that just because a year has gone by and Macy's is still there that we have forgotten about Marshall Field's for even one instant! I am just as angry now as I was a year ago. The only thing that's changed is that my resolve has become stronger. I've also engaged the support and agreement of many others, who have come to share my enthusiasm for the cause. Blogging and demonstrating are very important, but the bottom line is profit. Macy's profits are in the toilet, and sooner or later, they'll be making their exit, IF WE JUST HANG IN.

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  4:04 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Just noticed this hot off the press from the "Tribune." It will probably be out in other sources any minute. We are having an impact!

"Moody's changes outlook on Macy's to negative."

http://www.Chicagotribune.com/business/chi-071019macys-outlook,0,7042361.story?track=rss

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  3:30 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Relatives told me about the opening of an "upscale" mall in suburban Detroit, so I had to check it out:

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071019/BUSINESS06/710190393/1002&theme=PARTRIDGECREEK102007

For some unknown reason, this mall doesn't include a macy*mart. Wonder if JL Hudson or Marshall Field's would have been included in this "upscale" retail project?

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  3:13 pm CT
Posted by: gle

After a year of reading this website, numerous other comment blogs and talking to people who see my button, it seems obvious there is an ever-growing market for the return of Marshall Field's to Chicago. Messy's has disappointed customers all over the United States, even many who originally said they "liked change" and were shopping at Messy's. Comment blogs on the return of Frango Mint production to Chicago indicate mostly apathy not appetite. Any intelligent business entity has got to see all this. The market for Messy's is increasingly disgruntled. Messy's is NOT the hot new shopping trend they expected to be (and seem to think they are).

I agree we really need to step up our efforts for this holiday season. It's important that customers be visible OUTSIDE the store, and show that we aren't coming back until there is something worth shopping for--like Field's.

I really appreciate reading this website. People who thought they were stuck with Messy's are discovering we have support all over the country, and realize they have a voice.

I plan to be there for at least our November 23 and December 2 events, hopefully others. I never leave the house without my Marshall Field's button, and never know when I will need to hand some out--people love them and still want Marshall Field's!

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  2:35 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

Hello Fans,

So are you really telling me T.L. is bringing back Frango Mints to Chicago but it's really not Frango Mints because it's not the same recipe? Can they get sued for this? Every time I read the blog it amazes me just how plan old stupid these people are. Just when I think they can't slide any lower on the old stupid-meter, they go and lower bar. What is wrong with them? They have become a joke and a laughing stock in the retail community. There is no horse sense among the entire lot of them! As much as I miss Chicago, it's probably best I'm not there to witness all the looney-ness first hand. I hope there is at least one good brain among the collective lot to have the sense to secretively be marketing the sale of the State Street store to a decent developer which is willing to do the right thing. And we all know what that is--BRING BACK MARSHALL FIELD'S!

I have a response in the queue for the person who called us C+MFC- fans in the Chicagoist.

In one marketing ploy, LoehmannC-s is accomplishing the following: getting Marshall FieldC-s customers, the attention of the entire city and slapping the competition! Congratulations to their marketing team! Too bad T.L. and company havenC-t learned the benefits of good marketing!

Keep up the fight! Your #1 long distance cheerleader,

Doris

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  2:28 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

In response to Prefessor Bauer, I am grateful for your interest and comments. I don't have time to submit a full reply at the moment but plan to in the next few days.

Regarding your research, I'm sure the counts of coupons are accurate; at the same time, within the context of the NY Times article, Barbaro's assertions about Field's would have to be buttressed with statistics about coupons from when it was owned by Target in 2003 as well. Given that Macy's said in 2005 and 2006 that it was shifting advertising from newspapers to direct mail, indeed stats about what coupons were distributed by mail would be necessary to support the claims of the NY Times article.

Despite the rep of the NY Times and Barbaro for excellent journalism, this one didn't measuere up to those supposed standards. It would have been simple to put this article in perspective with a 20-word paragraph explaining that there are more problems than coupons; The Times should have gone as far to inform the readers that there was an unprecedented series of consumer protests of which the latest had only grown larger. The Times was informed of these and it received coverage in dozens of other papers world-wide.These people weren't protesting the lack of coupons--quite opposite, they were mocking Macy's coupon's. In fact, Macy's is being protested on many levels. The article came across as buying Macy's more time because of coupon problems. That's simply wrong. And fond memories aren't exactly what we are about either. Two or three years ago, we had great service and merchandise at Field's and we don't now. Coupons won't fix that. The New York Times should have acknowledged that. I also question why such an article deserved front page coverage. I have been a subscriber to the NY Times for close to 20 years and this article has severly comprimised its reputation in my mind and that of others.

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  CT
Posted by: Mark Bauer

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This is coming a little late in the discussion, but I just read some of the references to Michael Barbaro's article on coupons and my research, which was used to support his article.

I have lived half my life in Chicago and love Marshall Field's. I study antitrust law professionally -- the law of business competition. I've always been fascinated by department stores and wondered whether Macy's purchase of May Department Stores was a violation of the antitrust laws -- by giving it the power to raises prices across the country.

I looked at coupons as a way to measure Macy's market power. Maybe I'm right and maybe I'm wrong -- there are a lot of ways to look at this. But my research is solid and I offer up solid evidence that Macy's has substantially lessened competition since buying its largest competitor. My goal was to encourage the US Federal Trade Commission to reexamine the merger in the first place. That's still my goal, although admittedly it is an unlikely one.

It was not my intention to denigrate your memories of Marshall Field's by focusing on coupons -- far from it! And of course I know that Macy's sends coupons directly to card holders, but that wasn't the point of my research.

I contacted Michael Barbaro after my research was done and that encouraged him to write the article. As far as his alleged bias, I would suggest you read all that he has written -- and to do that, you need to look beyond the New York Times -- he has only been with the Times for less than a year. Before that he was with the Washington Post and has followed Macy's for years.

I haven't included my email in this posting because of spam concerns, but if anyone wants to contact me, you can look me up at the Stetson University College of Law website. And my article -- for which the title should explain my sentiments -- is soon to be published in the Temple Law Review and is available in draft at a law professor posting site here: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=991349

The article, by the way, is titled "'Give The Lady What She Wants' --As Long As It's Macy's." My medium-term goal is to turn it into a book.

I have presented my research to groups of law professors in six cities in the United States and one in Canada. And after each presentation most participants step outside their law professor thinking and share memories about department stores, and comment not only on why Macy's should have never changed all the names -- but ask why the US Federal Trade Commission ever permitted this in the first place.

That was part of my goal. And I wish you the best of luck in accomplishing your goal.

Best,

Mark Bauer

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  12:37 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

Hi all,

I just returned from a five day trip to the Covered Bridge Festival in Parke County, Indiana. For those of you not familiar with the festival, the entire county turns into a sort of giant flea market/swap meet/food fest for a ten day period every October. It attracts millions of visitors, and offers every bit of merchandise you could ever imagine.

While browsing a booth the other day, I happened upon a large display of Martha Stewart stuff. It was clean, nicely displayed, and less than half the price of retail. I made a purchase, and the friendly and attentive vendor wrapped it carefully in paper, and then placed it in a sturdy plastic bag.

In the middle of an Indiana cattle field, I was able to purchase MS merchandise that was cheaper, more attractively displayed, packaged better, and with much friendlier and faster service service than I could ever dream of at Macy's. Come to think of it, the only thing that reminded me of Macy's was the smells wafting from the nearby cattle...I've smelled that smell every time Lundgren speaks!

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  10:52 am CT
Posted by: Gayle

Hi all,

I just saw this quote, and thought perhaps I should send it to Lundgren...

"However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results."

--Winston Churchill,

British prime minister

think he'd get it?

gayle

Date: Fri, October 19, 2007  8:21 am CT
Posted by: Laurie C

In Ellen Warren's shopping column in Thursday's Trib she interviewd 6 people she stopped randomly on the street to ask where they shopped. A Marcelina Thomas of Chicago answered 'Nordstrom'. "I won't go to Macy's. They destroyed Marshall Field's."

Yet another testament to Field's enduring legacy and Chicago's hostility to Macy's.

Date: Thu, October 18, 2007  7:08 pm CT
Posted by: PaulF

First Marshall Field's, then the Berghoff, and now Phil Smidt's. My Gd, it's enough to break the heart. It's just enough!

Date: Thu, October 18, 2007  9:11 am CT
Posted by: Drew

I'M SO CONFUSED!!!

As a fan of "Law and Order," I enjoy watching repeats of these shows on the USA cable network. The other night I was watching the show and noticed a blah commercial featuring Martha Stewart displaying her line of Martha Stewart Essentials available at Kmart. A little latter in this commercial break, Martha appeared showing her merchandise available "exclusively" at the Red Star Store.

If I would happen to be interested in her "exciting" products, where would I go? What would I do? I'm so confused! Hopefully there aren't legions of "confused" consumers wandering aimlessly between Kmart and macy*mart in search of the REAL Martha Stewart!

Please Mr. Lunkhead, "re-educate" us in our search for the REAL Martha Stewart.

Date: Thu, October 18, 2007  12:43 am CT
Posted by: Andrew

I don't think Field's was ever shut down for health code violations. I was disturbed when Macy's was last Summer. I was saddened to learn Cupid Candies was briefly shut down for 100's of mouse droppings in their shop.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=News&id=1413247

Date: Thu, October 18, 2007  12:13 a m CT
Posted by: Steven

I stopped by Loehmann's today on my way into work. At 2:30 p.m., well past lunch and well before evening rush hour, the store was crowded. I too overheard many shoppers excitedly calling friends to gush about the brands available. Personally, I was a bit disappointed with the meager mens department, though it was filled with top brands like Armani, Polo, Ben Sherman, Lucky Brand and Calvin Klein, etc. with no unrecognized brands as filler. I also think the store looks a bit classier than the other discount designer stores on State, including Nordstrom Rack. You certainly can't beat the view out the front wall of windows. Loehmann's is certain to eat away more of Macy's sales. With rumors swirling about who will open in the Carson's building and across the street on Block 37, can the future look any bleaker for Macy's on State Street?

Date: Wed, October 17, 2007  11:07 pm CT
Posted by: Joe D

Did anyone else see the ABC 7 story at 10 PM about the "return" for Frango Mints to Chicago? At the end of the segment, the reporter points out that Cupid had to create their own recipe for making Frangos in Chicago because the real recipe is "Top Secret!"

Just before the news ends, all of the anchors say, "Well if they are not made with the Frango recipe, what are they? Faux Fragos??" and they all laugh and make fun of the new fake Frangos. It was priceless.

Another flop for Messy Mart!!

Date: Wed, October 17, 2007  10:52 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

The new 640,000-square-foot upscale Mall at Partridge Creek (the first to open in Macomb County outside Detroit in 31 years) is designed to capture affluent shopping dollars that had trickled to Somerset Collection in neighboring Oakland County. It has a Parisian department store and a Nordstrom. What? No Macy's? How, oh how is the Mall at Partridge Creek going to attract the affluent shopper without Macy's exciting, upscale merchandise?

Just fine, I think.

Date: Wed, October 17, 2007  10:20 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

A few dates to reserve now--full details will be forthcoming.

* Our next full-fledged rally will be Noon, Sunday, December 2, 2007 under the Great Clock at State and Washington. Be there and bring a friend!

* Please hold open some time on "Black" Friday, November 23 and Saturday, November 24, 2007 for some special activity on State Street.

* More news coming in the Field's Fans E-newsletter due in the next few days.

Date: Wed, October 17, 2007  4:55 pm CT
Posted by: MM

Be sure to read and leave your comments on token Frangos to be contracted to be made in Chicago. Chicagoist has a whole thread on this.

http://chicagoist.com/2007/10/17/macys_brings_ho.php#comments

Date: Wed, October 17, 2007  4:45 pm CT
Posted by: Robyn

In followup to my post about the weird Loehmann's article in the Sun-Times yesterday, today's lovefest between Sandra Guy of the Sun-Times and Ralph Hughes makes it even more obvious that these two are in cahoots.

Date: Wed, October 17, 2007  4:38 pm CT
Posted by: gle

The "Sun-Times" paints a much too-rosy picture of the return of Frango Mints to Chicago.

"Made in Chicago--again! SWEET HOME CHICAGO/Macy's picks local Cupid Candies to make some Frango mints"

http://www.suntimes.com/business/606313,CST-NWS-macys17.article

Be sure to write the Sun-Times about this one--letters@suntimes.com--every time you respond it helps bring back Field's!

Date: Wed, October 17, 2007  7:37 am CT
Posted by: N4

i will not enter a macys until marshall fields is restored.

Date: Wed, October 17, 2007  6:30 am CT
Posted by: Paul in Baltimore

In regards to the article on macy's be ranked #1 in customer service in Los Angeles. I find it interesting that the writer says there is more good news for macy's because 40% of those who bought something at Saks, Nordstroms, etc., stopped at macy's first.

Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but it seems like macy's should be concerned because, apparently, these people were unable to find anything suitable at their store.

Date: Wed, October 17, 2007  1:42 am CT
Posted by: Darrid

The Frango Fiasco...

I just found the correct link to the Frango posts and yes its still there. I thought it was interesting that many folks don't know how to read financial reports and people don't understand the difference between sales and profit. Your sales can be lower but have improved profit. Anyway I digress. I also thought it was interesting that so many people from posted from so many states. Again this pays homage to the Marshall Field name.

http://www.topix.net/forum/source/chicago-tribune/T4F7LM631SUC1666L

The entire production could be placed on the upper floors. Floors 10 to 13 are practically unused and a kind of dumping ground for old props and Christmas displays. I been on all 3 floors and have pictures. Im sure there could be a tax break for opening a new business in that space which would also increase the value of the building.

In any event without the Field's name and backing, Frangos have become a ubiquitous product. I spoke with several of the former Field's employees here in Columbus and each expressed their dismay with the Frango sales. "No one knows what they are or where they came from."

When I went to the Macys at Herald Square in New York last winter I spoke to an employee that was literally 15 feet from one of the Frango displays. She said "I donC-t know if we carry those" to which I pointed at the display. "Oh those!" she said I have never tried them.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the Trib Blog....

- Now Daley can get a 10 cent tax on Frango mints...

- Perhaps Martha Stewart will launch a new flavor of Frango "Corporate Crumble"...

- Any brown substance sold at Macys isnC-t chocolate folks...

Date: Tues, October 16, 2007  11:01 pm CT
Posted by: Robyn

Regarding the Sun-Times article about Loehmann's I'd be so angry if I was Loehmann's. The Sun Times gives all this PR to Macy's in their articles. Then they interrupt Loehmann's article with what is effectively a commericial for Macy's. It was if Sandra Guy was apologizing to Macy's for writing about their new competitor. She should have inserted "I hope I'm not offending you Macy's since we need your ad dollars. " What kind of journalism is that!? IT'S NOT!

Date: Tues, October 16, 2007  10:06 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

A bizarre flashback...

http://lifestyle.msn.com/beautyandfashion/personalstyle/staticslideshowoprah.aspx?cp-documentid=5484715>1=10516

I found this link on the MSN home page today. It shows several makeovers to help women look thinner - all of the clothes were identified as coming from MARSHALL FIELD'S!

How old is this? Or are the wardrobe makeover people deliberately using things they bought back when Chicago had a store with nine floors of top-quality merchandise and excellent service?

Date: Tues, October 16, 2007  9:50 pm CT
Posted by: Siamak

The dozens of posts on the Chicago Tribune have been taken down. Why? I'm seriously beginning to question the Tribune's practices. Any suggestions on what we can do?

Date: Tues, October 16, 2007  9:10 pm CT
Posted by: Beth W

I just returned from a trip out to Orland Square and though I didn't actually visit the Mall had to drive through the parking lot to visit an outlying store. The sign on the macy's store is mostly burned out - quite amusing.

After having a quick bite to eat I stopped in a Cupid Candies store next door. I mentioned to the salesgirl that I heard about them making the Frangos and she said replied that yes, they are all very excited about that. When I asked her how that was going to work though, she didn't know. Then my big question was 'will the Frangoes be available here in the candy stores also, besides macy's?' and she said that she was pretty sure they are going to be. I said that's good, as I won't be buying them at macy's and she just laughed. Probably that has been said many times!

So, not as much info as I hoped for and I sure don't know how much of it is true, but thought I'd give you all a report from the outlying suburbs. I should stop by the plant on Western and see what I can see. I'm not sure if they have an outlet there or not, but will check it out. Stay tuned!

Beth

Date: Tues, October 16, 2007  4:16 pm CT
Posted by: s ali

don't forget what macy's has done to the poor employees who are pressured to leave and otherwise being forced out for not taking pay cuts and benefit reductions.lets rally behind the workers

Date: Tues, October 16, 2007  3:51 pm CT
Posted by: gle

I notice in the photo of those Seattle students wearing trash bags to protest Messy's "sweatshop clothing," the trash bags are black. I wonder if anyone mistook them for sales associates.

Date: Tues, October 16, 2007  11:50 am CT
Posted by: Peter

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071015/BIZ01/710150324/1076

The above link basically states that West Coast shoppers rate Macy's #1. However, they fail to mention that they have systematically absorbed every department store chain here on the West Coast. Just because you're the only game in town, doesn't make you #1.

Date: Tues, October 16, 2007  11:16 am CT
Posted by: Zelda

Hi Field's Fans,

Yesterday as I walked through the m-store, some way-too-enthusiastic salespeople tried to get me to sign up for a chance at a car. I turned to show them my Marshall Field's tote and said, "I hate macy's and I never shop here.!" Later on, I had a free hour, so I went over to see the new Loehmann's, on the northeast corner of Randolph and State. I was inclined to like the store even before I got there, because of their ad which stated it was across from the Marshall Field's landmark store. Well, it's a gorgeous store with two full floors full of high quality bargains, lots of light, well displayed merchandise and an escalator. I bought tons, and afterwards, walked through the m-store once again, this time with a large Loehmann's bag draped over my shoulder and a big smile on my face. If you work in the Loop, Loehmann's should become a regular shop-stop. It's only been open a couple of days and it's THRIVING. While I was shopping, THREE women were on their cell phones telling their friends to come check it out. And apparently the weather is not affecting their sales!

Your friend-in-Field's,

Zelda

Date: Tues, October 16, 2007  10:27 am CT
Posted by: John

Hi All,

It has been a while since I posted. But I have been following along all the comments on here.

I had lunch on Sunday at Rockit Bar and Grill with a good friend whose mother has worked for Federated for years. She told him that it is pretty much going to work out to change the State Street Store back to Marshall Field & Co. Similar to the Nieman Marcus Group's owning on the one Bergdorf Goodman store. (a VERY happy 100 birthday to Nieman Marcus, by the way!!)

I still cannot believe these idiots at Macy's have not gotten rid of Terry Lunkhead. There is something fishy about that. I wonder what he has over the board's head that they always do what he says and you NEVER hear dissention in the ranks.

Date: Tues, October 16, 2007  9:25 am CT
Posted by: Brian

The loss of Marshall Field's is probably the biggest corporate blunder since New Coke. I'm a big supporter of your movement out of principal. I worked hard to get a candy product of mine into several White Hen stores, and the ones that have already converted to 7-11's won't carry it. This corporate imperialism has got to stop and I'm protesting 7-11.

Date: Tues, October 16, 2007  8:56 am CT
Posted by: jimmy gimbels

How interesting is the "Great Tree Memories" ad in the Chicago Tribune. Look closely at the picture of the tree. That is not the 2006 Macy version of the tree, I believe it is an earlier Marshall Field's version of the tree. The Macy tree had few decorations and looked rather sparse. Do you remember the cardboard snowflake Macy's plopped on the top?

Funny how Macy's values a prize package consisting of a lunch for eight people and some Martha Stewart ornaments at $1,600! The "lucky" winner gets to pay taxes on the overinflated price. But again, all prices at the M store are overinflated.

So as a Field's Fan, I will enter the contest online by writing about Marshall Field's tree memories. And how Macy's can't get it right.

Tid bits:

How could Macy's make their stores look even worse? By stacking boxes on boxes all over the store! The place looks like a warehouse.

Do you need a good laugh. Take a look at some of the holiday items in the china and gift departments. One salesperson referred to the display as "our Christmas tacky assortment."

Macy's should call Martha on the phone to find out how to spell her name on signage. Is it Stewart or Stewert? Opps. Remember all the mispelled directional signs?

We are all talking about Frango mints again. I still have people swearing to the heavens that the recipe has been altered - most likely cheaper cocoa and other ingredients. Friend report some candies are very waxy (cheaper ingredients), while others are brittle (old or mishandled candy). Something along the line seems not the same since Field's took care of them.

It looks like maintenance has been cut back in several suburban stores: broken doors, burnt out light bulbs and dirty floors all over the place. Tsk. Tsk. Note to Macy's: Why are so many of your escaltors always "out of order"....for weeks?!

The number of temp holiday positions is a lot lower than last year.

Insider tip: Look out shoppers! Macy's is distributing a lighter weight (read: less expensive and easy to break) plastic bag. Management claims it is lighter and stronger. Ah, sure it is.

Jimmy Gimbels again risks his sanity by visiting Macy's so you don't have to!

Date: Tues, October 16, 2007  7:00 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Today's Tribune has a story about how stores are stretching the holiday season to make it even longer. Macy's is noted as putting it's Christmas ornaments department up in September. Macy's brass believe customers are happy to have the extra shopping days.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-tue_retail16oct16,0,6239811.story

Meanwhile, today's Sun-Times has a story about the new Loehmann's on State Street and the changes up and down State. Macy's on State is, of course, mentioned.

http://www.suntimes.com/business/604764,CST-FIN-loehmann16.article

As always, you are encouraged to email your comments to the Tribune at ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com and the Sun-Times at letters@suntimes.com This helps a great deal--we believe more so than posting to a comments blog.

Date: Tues, October 16, 2007  4:30 am CT
Posted by: Andrew in Las Vegas

I saw something strange and slightly bittersweet today. Someone was carrying a Macy's shopping bag, but it was a paper bag and the Macy's logo and star were a shade of green quite similar to Marshall Field's. It was nice to see a high quality paper bag with green lettering, but still depressing to see borring block letters in place of the flowing scroll and a star in place of a clock on the side of the bag. I'm not really sure what Macy's is getting at by using bags like this, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

[Note from Jim:
Given it's in Las Vegas, it could be a special bag design for the holidays. Remember, even Field's had red-foil bags at Christmas a few years ago. And of course, this could also be an excuse for them to make their bags a little more Field-like for the holidays.

Date: Tues, October 16, 2007  1:52 am CT
Posted by: norridge

I must go to Woodfield tomorrow on an errand. As did many, many shoppers, I ALWAYS parked by Marshall Field's. I could always remember where my car was in such an enormous lot, and aw, shucks--had to go back through Field's to find my car upon leaving! (time for coffee and, maybe??)

For the first time since Woodfield was built, I will park by LORD & TAYLOR . . .

Date: Tues, October 16, 2007  12:59 am CT
Posted by: Al

I'd like to see how macy's will celebrate the State Street store's 100th anniversary without mentioning Field's name. Ha

"macy*s, the sole creator of Frangos and the macy*s culinary council, is proud to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the historic macy*s building in Chicago, we're proud of OUR history here and everywhere else in the free world. The festivities are bound to be 'New and Exciting!'"

Date: Mon, October 15, 2007  10:00 pm CT
Posted by: James in MInneapolis

I happened to be on 12th floor this afternoon of the Nicollet Mall Store in Downtown Minneapolis. The Archive is right outside the Skyroom Restaurant and the Oak Grill Restaurant. I see that all the material that was in display cases in the middle of the archive room has been removed and only the things on the walls remain.

The archive room was really fun. I do not know how it compared to the one at State Street. This one had material from Dayton's, JL Hudson's in Detroit and Field's. At the entrance to the room was the title: "Three Retail Legends" that was above photographic portraits of each of the 3 companies' founders. What a shame to lose that history and memorabilia; especially if it is replaced with some krap about Red Star Store.

Regards.

Date: Mon, October 15, 2007  6:58 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

To P: the Topix forum discussion about Frangos is still there. Here is the link:

http://www.topix.net/forum/source/chicago-tribune/T4F7LM631SUC1666

Date: Mon, October 15, 2007  3:40 pm CT
Posted by: gle

I wouldn't personally try this myself, but applaud these students' efforts to stick up for Guatemala workers whose labor supplies products sold at Messy's:

"Stripped-down student protestors rush Macy's aisles"

"'I'd rather wear trash bags than Macy's sweatshop clothing,'" two students from the University of Washington last week walk through Macy's department store wearing trash bags to voice their concerns over Macy's hiring non-unionized workers for factory work in Guatemala."

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/335464_guatemala15.html?source=rss

Date: Mon, October 15, 2007  11:59 am CT
Posted by: John R.

Perhaps we have been outdone by protesters at the downtown Seattle Macy's. Yesterday, student demonstrators donned only in super size plastic garbage bags and not much else marched through the downtown Seattle Macy's to protest what they consider "Macy's sweatshop clothing."

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/335464_guatemala15.html

Date: Mon, October 15, 2007  10:18 am CT
Posted by: P.

There were dozens of Topix forum responses to the Frango article in the Saturday Tribune.

The whole thread is now gone. Every response is gone.

Where did these go? Why were they removed?

This isn't the first time something like this has happened to the discussion thread of a Macy's article in the Tribune.

I guess this shows why you should keep a copy of your posts for yourself and also why you should mail a letter to the editor. These forum posts can disappear in a flash.

Date: Mon, October 15, 2007  5:44 am CT
Posted by: John D.

"Macy's Terry Lundgren will go down in history as the tyrant who purposely, knowingly, and deliberately angered shoppers with his arrogance, lack of marketing expertise, and selfish aim of personally profitting from real estate. You just do not destroy retail institutions with 150 years of operation and reputation, and expect to force them to love macy's after DEGRADING the merchandising and overall ambiance. Already Big Ten University marketing PhD candidates and professors are talking about macy's "flopping" and alienating shoppers as a future classic textbook case of how NOT to bring a merger together successfully and maintain the loyal shopper base."

That is a quote from a gentleman, who is a marketing proessor at the University of Iowa, whom I met while handing out Field's Fans's leaflets outside of Chicago.

Date: Sun, October 14, 2007  3:36 pm CT
Posted by: Mitch

I happened to tune in to WGN News at Nine last night (Saturday 10/13.) They ran an article on Frango production returning to Chicago. Odd thing was that in the entire spot they mentioned Macy's only once and raced through the name quite quickly. The rest of the time and with the stock footage, it almost seemed like a Field's ad. Field's was mentioned several times.

Be that as it may the real thing about the location of the production of Frango mints stems from their being produced on site at 111 North State. I don't mean to take anything away from Cupid Candies or the candy company in Pennsylvania but the object of the game was to return the candy's production to the store itself, hand made by Field's employees. So jobbing out the production again is merely a tactic, not a jesture in good faith in my opinion.

I received my edition of Eric Bronsky's book "Downtown Chicago in Transition." What a great book. Almost all of the interviewees mentions Marshall Field's and the sad downgrading. I told Eric that I put the book under my pillow and ended up having a dream that I was on the 4th floor (toys) of Field's and had unlimited credit.

Remember that I've targeted the first week of April, '08 when Macy's announces that Macy's on State will "close for renovations." This will be the harbinger of the store reverting back to Marshall Field's. I think Christmas '07 will be a bigger bomb for Macy's than last year and their finances aren't bottomless.

Best regards,

Mitch

Date: Sun, October 14, 2007  1:20 pm CT
Posted by: Robyn

What made Frangos special was not that they were a Chicago confection. They were special because they were made inside Marshall Field's.

I've read that Marshall Field's State Street store shouldn't be viewed as a museum. Well it was more than a department store. It was an institution. It was wrong for Macy's to take it away.

Date: Sat, October 13, 2007  10:00 pm CT
Posted by: L. M. & J.

I see that a Macy's hack supporter offers some absurd views in response to the Topix thread about Frangos. They are ridiculous to blame customers for not supporting noble Macy's sub-standard merchanidise and service; and they portend that Macy's is trying desperately and single handedly to save State Street and American retail. Fact is that by making all stores Macy's, they've made all department stores generic and even less personable and appealing--no special reason to shop department stores.

You know, just when I feel I have reached my absolute upper threshold of anger and annoyance at Macy's tactics they go and raise the bar!!

Date: Sat, October 13, 2007  8:49 pm CT
Posted by: Jim W

Macy's still doesn't "get it", and evidently will never "get it" when it comes to Marshall Field & Company.

- Genuine MF&Co FRANGO mints were made with fresh ingredients from a recipe that did not sacrifice on quality of ingredients.

- The true FRANGO mints were made by Field's own loyal professional candy makers on the 13th floor of the landmark MF&Co Building. The FRANGO mints made were "as Chicago, as candy can get! That fact was much of the allure and "specialness" of the FRANGO mints. That's why residents, visitors and tourists---domestic and international---just HAD to bring back home boxes of FRANGO mints after shopping at Field's! People back home were expecting them because of the reputation and fame of Field's and the uniqueness of FRANGOS.

- Macy Mints? What can that mean to new generations? Some candy thrown out to parade watchers on Thanksgiving in NYC?!

Macy's just keeps floundering on every promise made AND in consisently doing the polar opposite of good business sense in all aspects of the takeover. Once again, Terry L...admit your mistake and bring back Field's or sell it off to someone who really cares and appreciates what Field's was and can once again be! You've proven that you cannot be the proper steward which Marshall Field's deserves in name, merchandising quality and service quality, and in all the "extras" that made Field's reknown around the World. Field's Fans do not give up. In fact, we get stronger to our purpose, and stronger in numbers, with each month your laughable excuses for ever-diminishing sales revenues.

Date: Sat, October 13, 2007  8:34 pm CT
Posted by: Jorge from Boston

'ello Field's fans,

I'm Jorge (Hor-hay) from Boston! I experienced with Filene's, which became Macy's, Kauffman's, which also became Macy's. This place is surrounded by Macy's! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Anyways as some of you guys might know, we have Filene's Basement. A little piece of history to our Filene's. I shop at Filene's Basment, Nordstorm, and another store Academy. Filene's was my other store, but since it got bought by Macy's, I didn't want to.

That's my story, and by the way, wouldn't it have been funny if Macy's bought Filene's Basement and says "Macy's Basement?" Haha that's gonna be scaryyy..

Horhay & Family.

My wife, and 2 daughters.

Date: Sat, October 13, 2007  8:14 pm CT
Posted by: John D

Thank you, Steven G. for your posting on Loehmann's setting up shop soon across from the Marshall Field & Company landmark building. It really made my day to know that macy's has even more competition. It appears that Loehmann's, another New York company, is far more astute and in touch with Chicago culture and with the pulse of people's feelings toward Marshall Field's than the "Red Star" store. Macy's neighbor, Loehmann's, does not even acknowledge macy's presence in Chicago in its ads. Loehmann's reveals that it knows of the name and service recognition of MF&Co in Chicago's culture. Let's wish Loehmann's great success in Chicagoland!

Date: Sat, October 13, 2007  7:12 pm CT
Posted by:

Thanks to all who helped make today's leafleting and button distribution on State Street a success today.

Of special note were the many, many Loehmann's bags being carried by shoppers.

Jim

Date: Sat, October 13, 2007  4:56 pm CT
Posted by: Rex B. W.

If you truly want to gag, or worse, check out the November issue of Chicago Magazine. On page 19, there is a full-page ad for, and I quote, "The Centennial Celebration at Macy's on State Street." There are four photos of the tree as "designed by Martha (felon) Stewart, the Walnut Room, the Tiffany Ceiling and the Great Clock. This mind-boggling piece of corporate hubris goes on to state, and I quote again, "The Centennial Exhibition, curated by the Chicago History Museum, is located in the Archives on the 7th floor. The collection tracks the proud 100-year history of the Great Tree, Walnut Room, Tiffany ceiling and Great Clock at our flagship Chicago store."

I know the Chicago History Museum is a fine institution, but how could they have been conned into doing this? And can one actually find a functioning elevator to get up to it? God, we have been so co-opted.

[Note from Jim:
If the Chicago History Museum didn't accept the Marshall Field's archives and agree to curate exhibits in the store, you can bet Macy's would have found a lesser home or none or even auctioned the items off. We've convered this before, and this the CHM simply wants to make sure these items are available.

Date: Sat, October 13, 2007  3:29 pm CT
Posted by: Siamak

There are two pretty sizable retail spaces on or near Michigan Ave. that are for rent.

- The first is the current site of American Girl + Comp US(empty)

- The second is in the Chicago Place Mall just south of Chicago Avenue.

Do any real estate insiders know if Von Maur, Carson's, or Lord & Taylor are considering any of these locations for their downtown flagship? Please post.

Date: Sat, October 13, 2007  12:54 pm CT
Posted by: gayle

Hi all,

Saw something last night I just had to share. I was trapped in bumper-to-bumper traffic right in front of a Macy's Home Store. It made me feel sad, because it was the former store that I had purchased most of my furniture from. There is a left-hand turn lane into the store, and I became aware that car after car was turning into their parking lot entrance.

I couldn't imagine why anyone would shop there now, especially the apparent droves of consumers pulling into the lot! As I got closer, I saw what was happening...all the cars were using driving through the almost empty Macy's parking lot as a shortcut to the busy Costco parking lot next door. Pretty much not one car parked in the Macy's furniture store lot! They all zoomed through to the Costco.

It's comforting to know that Macy's can't even hold a candle to Costco!

gayle

Date: Sat, October 13, 2007  11:27 am CT
Posted by: Stephen G

In today's home delivery of the Chicago Tribune, Loehmann's had a special flyer included. The flyer says....

"Chicago are you ready? LOEHMANN'S the biggest deal in designer fashions is opening this week on State Street between the landmark Marshall Field's building and the Chicago Theatre......"

Not one mention of Macy's on State! Thank you Loehmann's!

Date: Sat, October 13, 2007  10:52 am CT
Posted by: Pat C

The Frango Mint will NEVER be the same !

The reality of making a few 200,000 lbs of Frango Mints on the SouthSide of Chicago, is simply another "DECEPTION" by Terry Lundgren. Gertrude Hawk has the CONTRACT with Macy's to continue making the Frango Mints for Macy's Department Stores throughout the country. Why not make the boxes here in Chicago, rather than, shipping Frango boxes from the Gertrude Hawk company in Dunmore,Pa? If the company wants to win the Hearts of Chicagoans, we have numerous Box and Packaging Companies within the Chicagoland Area, that could save the company Shipping Costs, and more jobs for Chicagoans. This possible 1 year agreement, is just another COVER-UP of the TRUTH.

Macy's, who is selling Fannie May candy in their stores. I'm sure, also contacted this Chicago based company, regarding the production of of Frango Mints, for ONLY their Chicago Stores. There is the great possibility, Fannie May, DECLINED the offer(Deception).

The Cupid Candy operation, here on the South Side of Chicago, is by no means, large enough to take on the "total" production of Frango Mints for Macy's. As the Home of the original "DOVE Ice Cream BAR", the production of the Dove Bar, was moved to Burr Ridge, Il. plant, and several years later sold to the Oak Park,Il based Mars Company.

Did the "Dove Bar" Change from the original Dove Bar that Mr.Stefanos invented ? OH YES ! Big time !

The original Dove Bar was a square 4" by 4" bar. The Bar was made in only Vanilla or Chocolate, and the PRICE per Bar was 50 cents(now $2.99ea)

I, Personally know, that the Dove Bar of Today, is NOT THE SAME!

Be prepared to be fooled by Macy's AGAIN!

MACY'S FRANGO MINTS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME !

The original "Marshall Field's Frango Mints Recipe is GONE !

And,if Mr.Lundgren thinks that, "Deception"

will bring customers to his stores, HE'S WRONG... AGAIN !

Date: Sat, October 13, 2007  10:07 am CT
Posted by: Alan

I think some of the comments on the Trib blog are very on point. It is too little, too late. Jim, you are also probably right that the latest moves are just a desperate attempt to draw customers into the store for the holidays. It might work to get people into the store once, but I don't think it will produce many return trips.

A relative walked through the Oak Brook store and described it as a shell of what it was just over a year ago. The merchandise is clearly downmarket, the wine section is virtually non-existent, with no private-label wine left (odd for a company that prides itself on its private labels), and there aren't many customers to be found.

That said, the latest moves may be marking a turning point. Management is starting to realize the obvious that the moves they have made haven't been working. Another bad Christmas season may be all it takes for them to bite the bullet and fully reverse their mistakes (sort of like Target ca 2001, when they made the decision to move Field's back upmarket and remodel the State Street store).

Date: Sat, October 13, 2007  8:45 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Today's Chicago Tribune has a story about Frangos and how Macy's will announce next week that they will make them in Chicago during a one-year contract with a local maker.

As someone has pointed out on the Trib's blog, this is probably just a temporary fix to get Macy's through this "make or break" year. Since this story of the return started out last spring, I suspect that the deal has been done but they've waited until now for the holiday publicity.

The story is at the following URL but please make a point of emailing your response to the Voice of the People.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sat_frangooct13,0,2902073.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout

The following is a reminder of some suggestions when writing the Tribune.

* If submitting by the internet, send your "Letter to the Editor" in a standard email message. Do not use web page forms or blog sites for the newspapers, unless you absolutely have to. If you submit via email, you have the opportunity to cc: or bcc: a copy to yourself--submitting via other methods on the internet mean 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 Tribune should be sent to: ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com

* 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 to help the larger cause.

* Even if your letter does not get published in print or web media, remember that the media takes note. Every letter reminds editors and producers that this is still indeed a very important issue.

Date: Sat, October 13, 2007  12:25 am CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Hi All---

Wow---I think Mark in Phila really hit the nail on the head with the press refusing to use the word DOWNMARKET with the Field's to macy's conversion----as well as the conversions of the other May Doors.

I also purposely use the term DOWNGRADED when referring to the change from Field's to Red Star. It has such a strong connotation and it seems to provoke discussion.

Regards.

Date: Fri, October 12, 2007  9:36 pm CT
Posted by: Julie

An attachment bracket broke on a sectional sofa purchased last year just before Marshall Field's became Macy's. Now Macy's is listed as the brand's only dealer in Chicago, so we went to the furniture department to get the replacement part. Since the sofa is under the manufacturer's warranty, we figured that Macy's wouldn't profit, thus justifying this more convenient option.

Jimmy Gimbels should love this... the furniture department was empty and we walked around until we found a bored saleswoman sitting at her desk. She told us that she couldn't get a replacement part for us, regardless of whether or not the part was under warranty, and that we would have to call Macy's customer service number for help.

We went to the elevators, hit the down button and waited for more than 5 minutes for an elevator that never came. The same saleswoman saw us waiting and was joined by another bored saleswoman and together they approached the elevators. They pressed the button, again, and waited a few minutes before we overheard them say to each other that the elevators were probably broken again and that they should try a different bank of elevators. They left us standing there without ever saying hello or telling us that the elevators were out of order.

We searched for other elevators and found them broken, too. Finally we made our way to the ground floor, thoroughly disgusted with the store's displays, merchandise and unkempt, dirty appearance. We went across the street to Starbucks - not the one inside Macy's - to call the customer service number from a mobile phone.

Customer service told us that they couldn't order the part and that we should call the manufacturer. They didn't have the manufacturer's phone number and suggested we call directory assistance. We finally tracked down the manufacturer and were told that they only provide parts through their retailers and that we should call Macy's again.

After another try with Macy's, we gave up and called an out-of-state retailer, not Macy's, and told them about our experience. They told us that they were very disappointed to see how Macy's has destroyed Marshall Field's and that their trips to Chicago always used to include shopping at Field's on State Street. They looked up the part and said they would be happy to order it from the manufacturer and that it would be sent to our home next week. They said that for fellow Marshall Field's fans, there would be no charge!

Date: Fri, October 12, 2007  7:12 pm CT
Posted by:

Well I was pretty excited today as I went to the Marshall Field's at Columbus City Center. I went to look for props, pictures or anything that had been Marshall Field's. I spoke to a few of the sales associates who told me when Kaufmann's took over they kept most of Field's displays.

I was able to get 3 pictures for $17.50 and all monies went to the Cancer Society.

During my travel around the store I noticed that a lot of the women's clothes and handbags looked as if someone had used the "bedazzler" on them. Is this all the rage? I felt like I was back in the 80s.

Date: Fri, October 12, 2007  5:27 pm CT
Posted by: Robin Paul D.

I moved here from Seattle about 4 years ago. Marshall Field's was a beacon for shopping and seeing all that it had to offer. I would often walk from my home in Bucktown just to shop. I have found a bland shadow of my past experiences since the name change and lack of merchandise and SPARK!

Date: Fri, October 12, 2007  5:13 pm CT
Posted by: Jim

New York Times writer Michael Barbaro writes about the September sales reports for many stores today, including Macy's.

The online addition (but not the Chicago print edition) also features a photo of "Macy's on State Street."

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/12/business/12shop.html?_r=1&ref=business&oref=slogin

Date: Fri, October 12, 2007  9:46 am CT
Posted by: gle

Last night (Thursday October 11) TV FOX News Channel 32 had a segment about stores that put their Christmas merchandise out too early because they anticipate a lousey holiday season. They were showing Messy's and Martha when I turned it on about 9:50 p.m. Did anyone happen to see the whole thing? Given that Messy's sales are down 2.7%, I thought it was interesting. And since Chicago weather (one of Lunkhead's standard excuses) is so unpredictable, I'm surprised Messy's doesn't carry Christmas merchandise all year just to be safe.

Date: Fri, October 12, 2007  8:56 am CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

This appeared on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution web site today - look at what Atlanta shoppers think of M***'s (and Home Depot)!

http://www.accessatlanta.com/fashion/content/shared-blogs/ajc/fashion/entries/2007/10/11/department_stor.html

Keep in mind, Atlanta has had M***'s since 1924, when they bought Davison-Paxon. Davison's advertised as "a division of R.H.M*** & Co" until the name change in 1986. M***'s has always been here. Rich's, founded in 1867 and having the same reputation as Field's, was swallowed up by the Federated/M***'s merger. And we STILL don't like them!

Date: Fri, October 12, 2007  1:20 am CT
Posted by: Mark in Phila

Hello Fields Fans,

The press can be so maddening that I am always happy to visit this site and see that there are so many people who get it. The last New York Times article was the last straw ... after the coupon nonsense, TL going on about how mesys is fixing its problems by restoring more Dockers to the mens departments. Has any man ever been in a mesys mens store ever where Dockers weren't the largest department? Have the people writing these articles ever walked in a mesys store?

Nowhere, nowhere, in two years of press coverage have I seen once the D word, that is the real truth in the debacle of mesys management: that they have dragged Fields DOWNMARKET. Everyone inside the retail industry uses this word to describe the disaster wrought by mesys. At a time when the big growth in retail is in the luxury category ... duh .. the company decides to take its stores DOWNMARKET. Have any of you ever, anywhere, seen the press use this word? Why is the press so afraid to expose this one very basic business decision, because it's so shockingly incompetent, or means they don't listen to customers, which of the two? After TL and messys made a decision to take Fields DOWNMARKET, why has that word been forbidden by the press for two years now? When I write to the press, I can't use the D word enough. Why is the press everywhere a handmaiden to this company, afraid to tell it like it is .... that management decided to take Fields DOWNMARKET.

Personally, not only as someone who made trips to State Street to shop from the east coast, and will not go there now to see Fields ruined the way we watched Richs and Burdines and Lazarus ruined, but also as a big former shopper at Kaufmanns and Strawbridges in Pennsylvania, I go even further when writing to the press to say that Macys dragged our May stores downmarket here too. In Pennsylvania they still carry a lot of the same brands at first glance but in every case, the selection is more run of the mill, bland, and more marked up, and the shopping environment more run down. The house brands that the May stores in Pennsylvania sold, like Hotel bedding, were of far higher quality, more distinctive, and far far lower priced than the parallel messys brands. Why, I ask, when I write to the press, can't one reporter introduce the possibility that the problem is messys decided consciously to take their stores downmarket and spin the illusion that this is not so ... now there's the magic of messys.

Fields is the most tragic loss of them all. This Christmas in Philadelphia we're shopping at Nordstrom, Boscovs, and any store that isn't mesys. We can wait for the someday when some one person in that company is going to very simply tell the truth about what they did and start turning it around and Chicago is the first place to start.

Date: Fri, October 12, 2007  12:41 am CT
Posted by: Steven

In the inaugural J.D. Power and Associates' 2007 Department Store Experience Study, Neiman Marcus ranked No. 1 in New York, followed by Nordstrom. Barneys New York and Saks Fifth Avenue tied for third, and Bloomingdale's came in last.

Among midtier department stores, Penney was No. 1, followed by Kohl's. The city's own Macy's was third.

So there you have it, Terry. Even New Yorkers don't like Bloomingdale's and Macy's.

Date: Fri, October 12, 2007  12:10 am CT
Posted by: Mark G

Was in town to run the marathon; despite the heat, there was more energy on the course than inside Macy's on State. Sadly, the store has no vibe, no chutzpah, no drive.

The store looks tired. The merchandising looks forced. The store looks empty; shelving and racks are spread out to try to make the place look full. It looks like a store with no rudder, no direction. Boxes upon boxes line the shelves. Merchandise looks sparse; it is spread out thinly throughout--it adds to the emptiness of the store.

The store no longer has a soul. There is nothing compelling about the place anywhere. Housekeeping is barely adequate; broken flooring, crooked signage, and burned out lighting drains the store of any oomph. If there was ever a store that was simply going through the motions, this place is a classic example.

It should be very apparent that retailing and selling merchandise is not their focus; it's a numbers game where the real estate is more important to them than the business itself. Their core Macy's business may have served them well, but the acquisition of the regional nameplates seems to be more about amassing assets than it is about growing the business.

I finished the marathon; I'm not so sure your marathon-like efforts to get the Field's experience back will have the intended results. Like all of you, I want the whole Field's glory to return, but Macy's finish line will likely be more about cashing in on valuable assets when the time is right. An investor group will be the best that can be hoped for if Field's is to be re-born and again be a thriving retail entity.

Date: Thu, October 11, 2007  11:34 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

The Chicago Blackhawks produced a slick "Hit the Ice" video shown on the big screens at the United Center before each hockey game. The video opens with a view of the Chicago's famous skyline, then shows a lingering full screen close up of Marshall Field's clock. Yes, Marshall Field's clock is so iconic and unique to Chicago that it is the first image used to drive home the point that spectators are in Chicago, the home of Chicago's Blackhawks.

Note that the Blackhawks weren't concerned that anyone viewing the video would ever see Marshall Field's famous clock and think of New York's Macy's!

The video continues as ice forms over Marshall Field's clock and winter's freeze continues throughout the city. The players enter the scene as they skate on ice as it covers the streets. Other iconic Chicago images featured are the Sears Tower, the Chicago Theater marquee, Marina City towers, Millennium Park's Cloud Gate sculpture (the bean) and, of course, the United Center - home of the Blackhawks and the Bulls.

The only thing missing was a shot of Marshall Field's bronze plaques beneath the famous clock. It's good to know that the clock is so recognizable that the public doesn't even need to see Marshall Field's name to get the point. We all know that nothing says Chicago like Marshall Field's!

http://blackhawks.nhl.tv/team/console?type=fvod&id=5236&catid=393

[ Note: That's not all--those living in the Chicago area know that the WGN Channel 9 news shows the Field's clock as a background image behind the newscasters at several points during every night's newscasts. This has been going on for years. For a couple of years now, the Lake stop on the red line has the Field's clock with the words "State Street Shopping" on all the station name signs. Rand McNally featured the clock on the 2007 Chicago road atlas. On and on. ]

Date: Thu, October 11, 2007  9:56 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C

I urge all Field's Fans to read the article in Thursday's RETAIL WIRE Newsletter with the subject being whether or not the placement of a small FAO Schwarz toy store in the downtown building historically and officially known as the Marshall Field & Company Building will help macy's.

http://www.retailwire.com/Discussions/Sngl_Discussion.cfm/12496

The comments by professional retail strategists and analysts following the article are fascinating...as well as extremely agreeable to how we all feel about macy's being the unwelcome intruder at 111 N. State Street and in all the branch stores of MF&Co.

Finally, be sure to vote as to the outcome of this latest scheme of macy's. The results are supporting our cause. Remember, professional retail executives and financial/retail analysts read this newsletter, so here is out chance to comment as well. Above all, be sure to "vote"!...and then see the results so far.

http://www.retailwire.com/Discussions/Sngl_Discussion.cfm/12496

Date: Thu, October 11, 2007  7:45 pm CT
Posted by: Chris

From the Tribune: "In a statement, Terry J. Lundgren, chairman, president and CEO, said sales were depressed from the year-ago period which benefited from the major launch of more than 400 former May stores to the Macy's nameplate. He also blamed warm weather for hurting sales."

Um, didn't Macy's launch a new ad campaign in September that was going to show everybody how exciting it was to shop there? How does that figure into your "depressed sales" Terry? Was all that money you spent on Martha, the Donald, Tim Gunn and Usher just a waste then?

I seriously don't understand how this man still has a job.

Date: Thu, October 11, 2007  5:53 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

Though I don't "do" Halloween, for those of you who do pass out treats at the door, consider giving a button and/or leaflet, along with a treat to the parents who bring their kids by. This is an especially good opportunity for those in markets other than Illinois. Though FieldsFansChicago.org has supporters from around the country, there are STILL even more people outside Illinois who are not aware of this organization; help make them aware of how effective it's been as well as how hopeful and visionary it is.

In a post last month, a psychologist described the reason some people just feel resigned to accept the unacceptable (Macy's in this case) is because they don't dare hope for what they really want for fear of being disappointed. I truly believe AS MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER find out about FieldsFansChicago, greater numbers discover not only that they are not alone in their wish that Marshall Field's were still around but their hopes are raised and they feel encouraged (given courage) to join the fight.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gail Heriot for the Marshall Field's buttons, Jim McKay, and so many others for the leafleting and downloadable leaflets, etc. And before I forget!...

I'm looking forward to the NEXT PROTEST and like so many others, I am preparing for a trip to State Street in Chicago to stand as a protester.

Any and all ideas please post! We should not lose any momentum at this time! I'm thinking of writing a blues song - it would be so cool if some Chicago Blues players could be convinced to perform on the street that day. Chicago is known for blues, so why not "decorate" the protest with things distinctly "Chicago" to go along with Chicago's distinctly Marshall Field's?

Date: Thu, October 11, 2007  4:32 pm CT
Posted by: Richard H

Macy's Inc. posted a 2.7 per cent drop in same-store sales, worse than the one per cent projection. In a statement, Terry J. Lundgren, chairman, president and CEO, said sales were depressed from the year-ago period which benefited from the major launch of more than 400 former May stores to the Macy's nameplate. He also blamed warm weather for hurting sales.

PLEASE!! Excuses,excuses,excuses. When is the Macy's board going to oust lughead? Are they asleep at the wheel? Where are the policyholders?

Bring back Fields, Foley's, Filene's, Jordan Marsh, I Magnin, Bullocks Wilshire etc. When there was quality, glamour, service and personality.

Date: Thu, October 11, 2007  1:58 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

See the last line in the link below--and then check out others in the makeover photo series too as other captions end the same way!

http://www.oprah.com/tows/slide/200502/20050217/slide_20050217_103.jhtml

D.

Date: Thu, October 11, 2007  11:15 am CT
Posted by: JamesfromCa

This just in on my Yahoo home page

"Macy's Inc. posted a 2.7 percent drop in same-store sales, worse than the 1 percent projection. In a statement, Terry J. Lundgren, chairman, president and CEO, said sales were depressed from the year-ago period which benefited from the major launch of more than 400 former May stores to the Macy's nameplate. He also blamed warm weather for hurting sales."

BUT...

"Nordstrom Inc. had a 3.2 percent gain, below the 5.0 percent estimate. The company lowered is third-quarter profit outlook as a result of disappointing sales. It also said larger than planned markdowns used to clear excess inventory will hurt profits for the remainder of the year.

AND IT GETS BETTER:

Saks Inc., however, had a 7.7 percent in same-store sales, though results were below the 9.9 percent estimate."

"Warm weather" didn't seem to affect Saks or Nordstrom though. Saks and Nordstrom do inhabit the same atmosphere right? When the holiday season approaches and his beloved macy's bombs once again, I predict the excuse will be the unseasonably warm or unseasonably cold weather or blame it on a downturn on the economy because Lord knows it could never be Lundgren's fault. Perhaps the "re education process" is taking longer than expected? If I can smell it, can't the stockholders or board members? I also wonder if anyone on board, the stockholders and board members are asking themselves, "why is it that the higher end stores which we USED to be before Lunkhead got onboard always have a gain but we are always loosing money"? I am curious how Bloomingdales as a seperate divison is doing. Perhaps it would be prudent to bump up the Bloomingdales name and drop macy's or better yet fire the incompetent

Date: Thu, October 11, 2007  9:45 am CT
Posted by: Zelda

Macy's sales are down 2.7% over last year! I love it! Since the boycott was already going on in September last year, this clearly means that the boycott has gained momentum or in the very least that even those who were willing to give Macy's a chance became disenchanted and stopped shopping there. This is just so great!

And I love Lundgren's comments: (1) that the Martha Stewart line was well received - HA! and (2) that sales were down due to warm weather. Yeah, it has been hot, but I managed to spend $600 in local boutiques on new clothes in September. When the weather is cold, Terry blames low sales on the cold. My husband says to tell you that when the weather is perfect, Terry will probably say sales are down because it was so beautiful outside no one wanted to shop. What an idiot! Does he think no one sees through all these ridiculous excuses?

Field's Fans, this is a day to celebrate!

Date: Thu, October 11, 2007  7:50 am CT
Posted by: Alan

It appears same-store sales were down 2.7% (at the lower end of their range of -1 -3%). Weather is once again an excuse. Meanwhile, Nordstrom did lower their earnings expectations (consistent with the industry), but did report a same store sales increase of 3.2%.

I expect we'll be bombarded with FAO Schwartz advertising over the coming weeks. However, since that company exists in name only (it is nothing like the store it was before), I question whether it will be enough to bring people into the stores more than once.

Date: Thu, October 11, 2007  12:01 am CT
Posted by: Jim

I'm a big fan of the series "Good Times" which is in re-runs on METV 23.

Every show, these people struggle and believe in God that they will survive and make it. They also aspire to move up in life and improve their lot. And every few episodes, by name, they state they aspire to shop at Marshall Field's or they had a so special occassion that they had to buy a gift for someone at Marshall Field's!

Field's is Chicago and everyone aspired to buy there becase of what that store meant--the utmost in quality, service, dignity and history.

Date: Wed, October 10, 2007  7:16 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

People this is a long one Here we go:

How sad. How of so very sad! The people that are shopping at 'that' store on State Street think they are receiving the Marshall Field's experience. Not only are they paying more for less but they have fallen prey to T. Lundgren and the Macyification of the country. The fashion community has no respect for that store. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Joan Rivers taunted the Emmys Red Carpet as being the equivalent of a Macy's fashion show and she didn't mean it in a positive way. They were, "been there, done that, seen that"-type fashions--her words, not mine. All I can do at this point in time is cheer those of you who are on the front lines. Just know this, and I hope the spies get this loud and clear: WHEN IA AM ABLE TO RETURN TO CHICAGO LEAFLETING IS MY #1 PRIORITY, EVEN IF I HAVE TO BE THERE ALONE!!!

My marketing background has given me some ideas. I've been told we may have reached the Marshall Field's crow. In that case, shoppers to "that" store on State Street need to be approached differently. Let them know we and Chicago think they are special. Inform them they are receiving less for more. Let them know T. L. and his cronies are whitewashing everything and they are being screwed by this Chicago outsider. Make them at least think twice about shopping there. Make them understand that their fellow Chicagoans are loosing jobs. Preach to them from your heart and soul that they can relate to. My fellow boycotters, perhaps some of you are getting a little weary but even if you are, this new approach may revitalize you. Make these new shoppers understand we are fighting for more that a store. Give a brief history lesson while leafleting. This was Mention the importance of Chicago's rich tourism and how the loss of Field's affects the city's economy; Marshall Field's was the city's third most popular destination. Already, the dumping of Marshall Field's is reflecting negatively on the city's economy and lost tax revenues. (See Crain's online 2/27/2007) The trickle-down is resulting in the loss of more jobs in the restaurant, hotel, entertainment and museum industry. Make any new shoppers to that store understand this is much more that the change of a store's name. It is as if we went from a BMW quality down to a Volkswagen Rabbit but are expected to pay Cadillac prices! Read that last sentence again and let that soak in for a moment.!

Remind the new shoppers that diversity is good. If they want same-ness there's Kmart, Wal-Mart and Target (actually Target is a better deal than "that store").

Our approach should continue to be dynamic - not stagnant. Let's use all the resources we have available to us. All you Field's Fans keep using your special talents to come up with new ideas; put your job skills to use in working for this cause. I know that is what most of you have been doing but I thought I'd toss it in for good measure.

If anyone who has shopped Macy's but never experienced Field's thought Marshall Field's has nothing different other than a name to offer them, remind them how untrue that is. Inform them of Field's It's up to us, the Marshall Field's faithful, to make them understand they aren't being treated in the Marshall Field's way. Educate them! Look at the new customer; don't be afraid to approach them. People that feel they have been left out of something special for so long develop a hard shell its called cynicism!

You have to make them understand they are turning their backs on their hometown family store and are being fed a pack of lies in the process! T. L. talks about coupons. I would bet coupons are being distributed to those local zip codes featuring the fewest former Marshall FieldC-s shoppers. How stupid do they think we are? We know exactly what they're doing! By targeting a different crowd, T.L. hopes he can get away with the following: unkempt store, filthy dressing rooms, uninformed (inexperienced) sales associates, inferior merchandise and poor customer service to name a few. These new customers should be insulted and it is up to us to let them know this. Hopefully, there comes a time in everyone'ss life when they're willing to draw a line in the sand and say enough is enough. Well, this is mine, Mr. Lundgren. I know what you're doing and I take it as a personal insult and if you were to see me, your'd understand exactly what I mean by this.

I've said this before but not everyone understand's. R. H. Macy's is not our enemy. [Messy's and T. L. are our enemies.] Macy's has fallen victim to the mart-ization of lazy, greedy owners. Perhaps Macy's could be in Chicago, but NOT IN MARSHALL FIELD'S. Bring back Marshall Field's.

I know how much it may pain some of you, it would me, but we should have more people walking the store periodically, taking notes. Include the latest info in the weekly leafleting. Ask, if you think this is a travesty, then march with us on such and such date or help leaflet for a couple of hours this weekend, bring family and friends. I would complain to store management about everything wrong, within reason. They would get sick of the name Doris Ray.

This is the time to pull out all the stops, people.

Good luck!

Doris

Date: Wed, October 10, 2007  5:44 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff S

Bought Eric Bronsky's book that is advertised below about downtown Chicago in transition. Wow! Great book! When I saw the color photograph of the 4th floor toy department at Marshall Field's, I said out loud "Now, that's a toy department!"

Date: Wed, October 10, 2007  5:17 pm CT
Posted by: Mike Samuelson

There are businesses like Merz Apothecary and Barbara's books who had the great unfortune of signing a lease with Field's only to be taken over the Red Star store. I will not shop these businesses' locations in Macy's on State but I do patronize their stores that are stand alone elsewhere. I feel as if these stores are victims of Macy's.

On the other hand, when stores like FAO Schwarz and Sarah's Pastries negotiate with and open a shop within Macy's AFTER the conversion, they I feel they are condoning Macy's dumping Field's. They are not supporting Chicago and the return of Field's. I will buy nothing at either of these stores, even if it's at a store that's not in a Macy's. They have betrayed us.

Date: Wed, October 10, 2007  5:07 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

The Tribune/Macy's "Great Tree" event has a web page at http://www.chicagotribune.com/greattree.

This isn't the first event the Tribune has co-sponsored with Macy's. There was the flower show and Glamorama. And they still do cover our cause. At the same time, we need to make it clear how it important it is to bring back Field's.

Between the FAO Schwarz adverstising, this and Macy's being more desparate, do expect more ads and promos like this than last year. And do respond back about the Great Tree event, or FAO Schwarz, or the Chicago Theatre deal or...

The blogs are nice places to leave messages but we believe there is a much greater chance of getting in the print edition by emailing or faxing. Being in the print edition reaches a much wider audience. The following is a reminder of some suggestions when writing the Tribune.

* If submitting by the internet, send your "Letter to the Editor" in a standard email message. Do not use web page forms or blog sites for the newspapers, unless you absolutely have to. If you submit via email, you have the opportunity to cc: or bcc: a copy to yourself--submitting via other methods on the internet mean 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 Tribune should be sent to: ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com

* 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 to help the largercause.

* Even if your letter does not get published in print or web media, remember that the media takes note. Every letter reminds editors and producers that this is still indeed a very important issue.

Date: Wed, October 10, 2007  12:35 pm CT
Posted by: gle

The October 10 "Tribune" has an article plugging FAO Schwarz' opening at Messy's. Comments on the article show the public isn't easily fooled by the title, "FAO's success would secure macy's outlets:"

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-wed_fao10oct10,0,4865773.story?track=rss

The "Tribune" also announces that Chicago Theatre will be bought by New York company, Madison Square Garden Entertainment. According to comments following this article, many people are so sickened by what Messy's did that they are already poisoned against the acquisition.

"Chicago Theatre to be sold to major New York producer:"

http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/the_theater_loop/2007/10/in-a-developmen.html

Date: Wed, October 10, 2007  11:33 am CT
Posted by: Gayle

Hi all,

Another Field's sighting! My hubby was scrolling through the movie channels the other night when he called me to look at something. It was a 2005 movie called "Proof", and there was a scene between the two main characters in the back of a cab. It was a rather long scene, and sitting between the actresses (Gwyneth Paltrow and Hope Davis) was a huge Field's shopping bag. The logo remained prominent the whole time. In the next scene, they get out of the cab, and one actress (Hope Davis, I believe) is talking to the other, holding the Field's shopping bag the whole time. Again, it was very prominent...it actually was almost a focal point.

I didn't watch the rest of the movie, but they were trying to convey that Hope Davis was a classy and refined person, while Paltrow was playing a more low-brow, mentally unstable character. If they wanted to really drive home that point, they should have had Paltrow hold a Macy's bag.....

gayle

Date: Wed, October 10, 2007  10:55 am CT
Posted by: Beth W

Check out the ad in the upper right hand corner of page 5 in today's Chicago Tribune. The Trib is inviting us to share our Great Tree Memories. It claims that it's the centennial of the great tree at macy's on State Street. No mention of Marshall Field's at all. I sure won't be celebrating the centennial since it was Field's not macy's.

Now another NY company is also planning on buying the Chicago Theater in the next block. What do think that we want to be another NY borough? I'm tired of all the NY take-overs in this city, but most especially the one at Field's

Beth

Date: Wed, October 10, 2007  9:06 am CT
Posted by: Drew

Here's a link to an excellent MSN Money article on Martha Stewart's declining popularity:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/CompanyFocus/HasThePublicSouredOnMarthaStewart.aspx

No doubt her affiliation with the Red Star Store will be beneficial for both parties.

=========================

This quote from the MSN Money article about Martha Stewart says it all:

In terms of "appeal," she ranks near the bottom of 1,000 rated celebrities, along with Donald Trump and bad-boy rocker Tommy Lee. Stewart gets ratings for "trust" similar to those scored by actress Lindsay Lohan, who has been in and out of rehab for alleged alcohol abuse, and Gene Simmons, who showed off his makeup skills as lead singer of the rock group KISS. These ratings come from surveys done by Omnicom's Davie Brown Entertainment division.

Interesting that the aforementioned survey notes that Donald Trump also "ranks near the bottom." How soon until Red Star Store launches such celebrity lines as Tommy Lee clothing, Lindsay Lohan bar ware, and Gene Simmons makeup?

With each passing day, it becomes more evident (except to Red Star shareholders), that Lunkhead and Company are totally oblivious to reality and are making decisions that are absolutely laughable.

Sorry, my bad! Lunkhead promised to issue many, many more coupons! More coupons--that's the ticket!

Date: Wed, October 10, 2007  1:15 am CT
Posted by: David

[ The following is an excerpt from a recent letter I sent to one of the papers running a rehash of the New York Times coupon article. If it doesn't appear in that publication in the next few days, it wil be featured here in its entirety so as to protect the possibility of it being published. ] [ I was recently visiting my native Kansas. ] When I mentioned the loss of "Marshall Field's" to Macy's in Chicago, Kansans were aghast. One knowingly said: "That's like losing 'Harrod's'. That's insane. People went to Chicago just to shop there!".

This coupon story was a rehash of a New York Times piece that if it isn't, should be an embarassment to the Times. An honest discussion of the merits and disadvantages of this takeover is long overdue. But frankly, you'd have a hard time convincing me that it'll be filled with anything more than a bunch of business school platitudes sponsored by the same sect that have homogenized city after city, neighborhood after neighborhood and forced out those who made what they desired "interesting" as they casterated it of its identity. Think Greenwich Village in NYC circa 1990s or Lakeview, Chicago 2000s...

-David P.

P.S. Doris thank you for enjoying my Oprah sign. It's a fact- sadly enough.

Also, Zelda, how heart-warming to read about your son, his shirt and the Marathon. A thousand cheers to all!!!

Date: Tues, October 9, 2007  10:17 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

A press release from LUSH cosmetics appeared on Yahoo. Here is a quote from the release:

"In keeping with our strategy to add products to Macy's that are unique and not widely available, Macy's will be the exclusive retailer for LUSH, beyond its own stores," says Debbie Murtha, SVP for Cosmetics at Macy's Merchandising Group. "LUSH also will offer selected products only for Macy's customers. We're thrilled to bring LUSH to our Macy's customers in many of our premier locations -- Lenox Square in Atlanta; Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota; Kenwood Towne Centre in Cincinnati; Tuttle Crossing in Columbus; Menlo Park in Edison, New Jersey; Memorial City Mall in Houston; Oak Court in Memphis; Dadeland in Miami; Southcenter in Seattle; Mayfair in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and The Gardens in West Palm Beach. LUSH is innovative and exciting -- a perfect match for Macy's."

What's this about macy*mart offering products "that are unique and not widely available"? Like what? There is NOTHING sold at the Red Star Store that couldn't be found at any other low-quality discount store. At least Kohl's, Target and JC Penney have real designer lines instead of fictionalized ones.

Catch the statement "LUSH is innovative and exciting--a perfect match for macy*s." More like a direct opposite than a perfect match. How long will LUSH remain "innovate and exciting" when Lunkhead tries to mass-market the products?

I'm not familiar with LUSH products; but I would guess that once their merchandise is sold at the Red Star Store, the cosmetics will become generic as quality will be diminished and selection will be limited. By being associated with the Red Star, LUSH will become about as "exciting" as Revlon and Maybelline cosmetics.

Date: Tues, October 9, 2007  8:55 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

Look what Macy's takes credit for! Unbelievable! Below is the first paragraph on the Macy's North "About Us" section of msn.careerbuilder.com:

"From North Michigan Avenue in Chicago to the north woods of Minnesota, MacyC-s North offers an unbeatable mix of major-metro living and customer-driven regional retailing. From Frango confections, MacyC-s Culinary Council and MarketplaceSM fresh foods to our Glamorama extravaganza, MacyC-s North drives innovation in our division and nationwide. You can help drive a national strategy with industry-leading merchandise, marketing and selling techniques at one of our 63 stores, or our headquarters in Minneapolis. Learn more about MacyC-s North, our employees and our culture at macysJOBS.com."

It's very offensive that Macy's would portray themselves as the wondrous and innovative purveyors of those things that made Marshall Field's unique and special. However, on a more positive note, I find it quite hilarious that they have to promote MARSHALL FIELD'S TRADITIONS ONLY in their claim to be innovators. I don't know whether to cuss wildly or to laugh hysterically!

The proof lies here:

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Jobs/Company/C8H7CX6H2HF8C5YRZ7Q/Macys-North/?cbsid=7a2202ec63f64dcd931abddfe71b1bd5-245247295-F5-4&&cbRecursionCnt=1

Date: Tues, October 9, 2007  6:27 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

Thanks to Pat for sending me the great photos from the lastest Protest Rally. I particularly liked the sign about Oprah.

The photos prove the protest is in high gear. How long must we endure the stupidity of T. L. and his mottly crew?

Keep up the great work!!!

Doris

Date: Tues, October 9, 2007  6:19 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Hi Field's Fans,

I am delighted to tell you that my son ran the Chicago Marathon wearing a "Bring Back Marshall Field's" shirt. Even though the marathon was cancelled at about halfway through the scheduled time, my son was one of the ones who kept running the course anyway and eventually finished the full 26.2 miles, receiving a much deserved medal. This was not only a terrific, never-to-be-forgotten personal triumph for him, but also serves as a wonderful metaphor for the Cause so dear to all of us. For Marshall Field's Fans, as for marathon runners: Success will come to the steadfast. Our protest is all about the endurance of the boycott and our willingness to consistently hang in there to get our message across. By the way, the "Bring Back Marshall Field's" shirt drew lots of cheers and applause. Field's is still dear to every Chicagoan's heart.

Your friend in Field's,

Zelda

Date: Tues, October 9, 2007  3:35 pm CT
Posted by: Brian

You know, Sprint forced it's CEO Gary Forsee out. He had existed pre-Merger and was seen as the greatest CEO ever of the company pre-merger, but post merger he's screwed everything up. Perhaps people should start calling Macy's Corporate again (800-264-0069) And demanding that the CEO be replaced by someone who is able to run a successful company with just as much bulk discounted systems by having regional department stores! When you are 850 stores nationwide, You're a Wal-Mart, Kmart or Target. People have no reason to shop with you. But when your a Marshall Fields & a Strawbridges, even though it's the exact same company that owned both of them, it's still nice to see the differences, even if they operate the exact same way on the front end, AND the back office.

Date: Tues, October 9, 2007  12:51 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

Hello Fans,

HOW LONG MUST WE ENDURE THE STUPIDITY OF A SINGLE INDIVIDUAL?

Doris

Date: Tues, October 9, 2007  8:35 am CT
Posted by: Agustin F.

"As Chicago as it gets", What an elegant slogan. In a time where distinction amongst American Cities is becoming duller due to corporate expansion, Fields stood as timeless landmark representing the Chicago grandeur that became famous throughout the world. A piece of the past that represented not only Chicago Architecture but the elegant origins of the loop. From the christmas ornaments to the beautiful clock, the store radiated a type of magnificence that could and should only be found in Chicago.There is a reason Frank Sinatra so lovingly referred to State Street in his song "Chicago", and that should remind us why State Street and Marshall Fields' are Chicago's forever. While I currently reside in Houston, it pained me immensely to observes as Fields' was taken apart. Living outside of Chicago made me realize how special Chicago really is compared to other American and even Global cities. I will continue to bring hope that with effort, Marshall Field's will be brought back.

CHICAGO; City of the Century and always my kind of town!!!!!!

Date: Mon, October 8, 2007  10:24 pm CT
Posted by: John, Hinsdale

The Oregonian has a reader poll of the "Top 20 list of Things That Never Should Have Changed".

At the top of the list:

"Meier & Frank should never, ever, ever have become Macy's."

The list is prefaced, "Little did we know how much resentment we were stirring up."

It's not just here in Chicago where Macy's is flopping. That can contribute to the return of Field's as a bigger part of the failure of Macy's to successfully absorb May Department stores.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1191736504325650.xml&coll=7

Date: Mon, October 8, 2007  6:48 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

September sales results will be released by many retailers on Thursday, including Macy's.

Remember that unlike a few months ago, sales are compared to last year's sales when former Field's stores were already converted to Macy's. You have to look at trends over a couple of years.

Date: Sun, October 7, 2007  7:09 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

The Press of Atlantic City has an article that covers the same "Macy's coupon" territory that the NY Times covered on September 29.

What is notable is that you as a Field's Fan can leave comments after the article. Please help by doing so.

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/business/story/7507653p-7405451c.html

Date: Sun, October 7, 2007  1:05 pm CT
Posted by: Liz

Looks like State Street shoppers will be getting another alternative to Macy's in a few weeks when Loehmann's opens across Randolph Street.

Here's hoping this brings Macy's execs to their senses: it was the iconic Marshall Field's that offered a unique shopping draw. Macy's is just another compeititor to Loehmann's.

Date: Sun, October 7, 2007  12:22 pm CT
Posted by: Adam Pierron

The New York Times can go to the trouble of putting the Macy's coupons promo piece on the front page but they can't come clean enough to feature it in the print edition. The New York Times has sold off a piece of its reputation. A media watchdog group should be informed of this.

Date: Sat, October 6, 2007  10:24 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Was THIS letter the BEST comment on the macy*s coupon fiasco that the NY Times editors could select for publication:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/06/opinion/lweb06macys.html?n=Top/Opinion/Editorials%20and%20Op-Ed/Letters

I would suspect that letters submitted by participants on this site would offer more insight into the real problems. The writer reiterated the company line on coupons stated in the article, mentioned the Chicago protest, and closed with comments on the black clad employees. Nothing analytical or insightful was stated in this letter. What a total waste to even print if! Again, the Red Star Store escaped any real criticism of its operation.

Date: Sat, October 6, 2007  7:05 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Thanks to all who helped make this afternoon's leafleting session on State Street a success!

Date: Sat, October 6, 2007  11:01 am CT
Posted by: John D

Here is strong evidence that the vast majority of young "Generation Y" style shoppers dislike macy's too! Apparently, Mr. Lundgren's aim of appealing to the next generation of shoppers is not working either!

http://www.yelp.com/biz/-CclMIdTyOnA2vWrubC2Iw

Date: Sat, October 6, 2007  8:13 am CT
Posted by: Rex B. W.

I don't think the NY paper will print my letter. Here's my reply to the New York Sun article: For once, thank you, someone in the media has gotten it right. Marshall Field's was not just a "moniker" that could be changed like one's underwear. Marshall Field's was 150-plus years of Chicago tradition, excellence, customer service and history. All of that has been nonchalantly tossed on the trash heap by Macy's. It's also not just about the name change in this regard: it's about nationalization of one brand uber alles. I'm a Chicago native. My parents had a Marshall Field's charge plate. Maybe it's my Chicago chip on my shoulder, but don't get my Chicago up. Marshall Field's meant this: your sale-price Dockers slacks would be carefully folded, wrapped in tissue, and put in a nice bag. Macy's will just chuck 'em willy-nilly into a cheesy plastic bag.

Date: Sat, October 6, 2007  12:06 am CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Hi All---

This eve I got around to buying a couple of pairs of gym shorts which I have been putting off because now it is such a chore to shop. Normally, that would have been a simple task: on a Saturday after the gym which is Downtown, swing by Marshall Field's on Nicollet Mall which is 2 blocks from the gym. Go to the active wear area on 2nd Floor where there was not a large selection, but certainly a decent selection of Addidas, Nike and a couple of other brands which would have met my needs just fine. The whole task would have taken less than 30 minutes.

But no----now we have Red Star and to better serve us that department has been eliminated. Therefore, I have to get in the car and drive out to the 'burbs on a special trip just to shop. I go to the most likely store to find gym shorts: Sports Authority, which is right across from Rosedale Mall. Surprisingly, this sporting goods super mart has very few gym shorts to choose from. Apparently the "season" for them has past and the small area in Field's that had them all year is looking better than ever.I do find one pair and buy them.

I decide since I have made a special trip all the way out here, I might as well go across the road to Rosedale Mall and try to find at least 1 more pair.I park by Red Star since there are lots of spaces. Doing a scan of the Men's Area, I am able to determine that this store has also deleted Men's Active Wear. I leave and go to the next store in the Mall, the Gap, which often stocks gym wear. No, they had some earlier in the summer but they are sold out.I remember there is a large JC Penney at Rosedale at the other end from Red Star so I walk down there and they had a very large section of gym and running gear.I bought 1 more pair of gym shorts.

I looked at my watch----I had left my house almost 2 hours ago, spent a lot of time, gas, & frustration and ended up with some products that weren't that great but will do the job. And I still had to drive home yet. I can remember some other time when I needed some gym gear: I walked over to Nicollet Mall after the gym. I was really hungry so I went to Market Place on the lower level, had this really fun Afghani woman that often waited on me put together a great salad for me, and ate. Then I went upstairs and bought some really nice Addidas gym wear. I wasn't paying attention to the prices----I was just happy to find some nice stuff so I did not have to go to another store. I was pleasantly surprised when I checked out to find out it was on sale for 25% off. I left the store being glad I found great products at great prices and had a fun experience shopping with cool people. I also felt good that it took little time and I was supporting the hometown store. And then I got free parking in the ramp.Everything was right that day.

Very different from tonight's experience.

Regards.

Date: Sat, October 6, 2007  12:02 am CT
Posted by: B

Hi All

I just want to say that ....

I am Glad that "that store"

Can't

compete with Kohl's

Or JCPenney, Target

etc etc etc .......

They are inept

and as Ms. Stewart would say -That's a good thing!

Thanks All

Boycott (that store and bloomingdales) for the Holidays

Thank God for ALL the alternatives!!!!

B

Italbearr@yahoo.com

Date: Fri, October 5, 2007  9:52 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

"Lampert would save a fortune" in a Macy's takeover by combining Sears, Kmart and Macy's functions and saving costs on items such as accounting, distribution, administration and merchandising, says retail analyst Howard Davidowitz.

That is true. They could save money by rebranding the stores with one name made up from the first letter of each, Sears, Kmart and Macy's. Just add a U!!!

Date: Fri, October 5, 2007  9:10 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Regarding the posts by Jim and Gayle

Did you notice this comment in the Sun-Times article:

"Lampert would save a fortune" in a Macy's takeover by combining Sears, Kmart and Macy's functions and saving costs on items such as accounting, distribution, administration and merchandising.

There you go! The newly combined outlet could be called macy*mart as suggested on this blog. Kmart and the Red Star Store both use red as a dominant color, so that would help cut marketing costs. There wouldn't be many issues with merchandising, since the Red Star Store and Kmart offer the same brands and quality. The accounting, administration and distribution functions would be greatly reduced by operating only one nameplate.

Just think, one shopping trip may soon enable "re-educated" customers to purchase a Charter Club sweater, an Alfani "designer original" gown, Martha Stewart towels, a Craftsman socket set, 25 pounds of Red Star dog food (20% off with a coupon), a pound of Lundgren's Finest baloney and a quart of macy*ized milk--while the service department is doing an oil change on the family car! Now, that's what I call "EXCITING"!

Date: Fri, October 5, 2007  8:19 pm CT
Posted by: jamesfromCA

Revisting the August 2007 issue of Chicago magazine, which as noted several weeks ago, has something "On the Marc..."

nd I quote:

"...the Chicago shopper, whose retail spending shot up 7.9 percent last year, eclipsing the national average of 6 percent. What's causing the windfall of luxe boutiques? "The Macy's acquisition of Marshall Field's has opened a gap in the market for high-end specialty retailers," says John Melaniphy, a Chicago-based retail locational specialist, who also cites the recent housing boom downtown and the increasingly brand-conscious shopper. "The merchandise that [Macy's] brought and said was upscale-the consumer said, Wrong."

Date: Fri, October 5, 2007  7:02 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

Hi all,

What I found most interesting in the Sun Times story that Jim posted a link to below is a quote by the retail analyst in New York:

"Many shopping-mall developers "would pay anything" to take back a Macy's and/or Sears space for a more lucrative retailer..."

So, most mall developers would love to rid their malls of Macy's?

It's nice to know we're all on the same page.

gayle

Date: Fri, October 5, 2007  4:28 pm CT
Posted by: A

Fields fans,

Christmas is coming very sooooon! and we haven't gotten our beloved Marshall Fields back! All because of FDS & MAY had to get into a big negotation.

So, I assume we are shopping at L&T, Nordstorm, JCPenney, Kohl's, Target, or anywhere else except Macy's?

Gail, lots of people are PROTESTING since Macy's has lots of stores. Also, I was reading the lawsuit story about a retirement plan at Macy's, it says it has 49 states of Macy's and some other other places. 49 states? I want to live there, the last place that does not have Macy's.

Boycott!!! Also, dont ya think we should boycott on Christmas too??

Love,

************

Date: Fri, October 5, 2007  4:28 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Regarding the controversey over Citi MasterCards being mailed to Macy's department store card holders, do keep in mind that for over a year, Citi has held the accounts receiveables for all Macy's credit cards. In other words, even if you still just have your Field's card, Citi already has permission to access your records. If you have a Sears charge, Citi has your authorization to see your records, If you have a Carson's charge, HSBC (used to be Household) has your authorization to see your records. What's different and controversial is having your store card switched to a MasterCard.

The LBO talk that seems to be a recurring event has a new twist in the past couple of days. Activist investor and shareholder Bill Ackman has acknowledged that he had significant holdings in Sears. Ackman and Sears head Ed Lampert have a history of not seeing eye-to-eye. So the Sun-Times speculates that Lampert might make a deal with another company, real estate company Vornado (current developer of the former Filene's flagship in Boston) and buy Macy's. This would counter-balance Ackman's influence as a shareholder in Sears. So the speculation goes.

While the Sun-Times believes there could be a Macy's takeover in all this, the Tribune doesn't give this possibility of a Macy's buyout attention.

I'll believe it when I see it. At the same time, some of you could see something else in this story.

Here are the links to both items:

http://www.suntimes.com/business/589535,CST-FIN-sears05.article

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-ap-il-sears-shares,0,4898149.story

Date: Fri, October 5, 2007  5:03 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

Hello Fans,

You know what you can do with 'those' coupons? Collect all you can from the mail, people you know, the newspaper, flyers and service desk (if it still exists) and chop them into itsy bitsy pieces and mail them to Terry Lundgren and or the Marketing Dept.

Good luck!

Doris

Date: Fri, October 5, 2007  12:41 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Here's another of "Messy's mishaps:"

"Citi under fire for handing out unsolicited Macy's cards"

"Citi, the nation's largest bank with major operations in Sioux Falls, is issuing 3.5 million credit cards to department store customers who didn't request them - a step that consumer groups say raises privacy concerns and could expose consumers to identify theft."

http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071005/NEWS/71005033

The "Reader" continues to acknowledge our disgust with "The City" by Derf cartoon (September 21, 2007)

"Field's Fan, Activist, and Proud"

http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/letters/2007/071004/

Date: Fri, October 5, 2007  11:53 pm CT
Posted by: AxN

Regarding Michael Barbaro - last year, he wrote an article on Wal-Mart, criticizing them for sending press releases to bloggers who were then posting parts of it ver batim. Considering this, it is _very_ weird that he would be making such blatant fluff pieces for ____*_.

Wal-Mart Enlists Bloggers in PR Campaign:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/07/technology/07blog.html

Date: Thu, October 4, 2007  7:14 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

Drew,

I was talking with a complete stranger last night at a restaurant here in Paducah, Kentucky and I gave him two of my buttons. He doesn't like Messy's either and he used the term 'generic' in describing their merchandise.

Viva la Boycott!

Down with the Macification of the Country!

Doris

Date: Thu, October 4, 2007  7:07 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS.

Hello fans,

[ I sent a letter to the NY Times. It will appear eventually here if the NY Times doesn't print it--the NY Times will not print letters that also appear elsewhere. ]

If the NY Times ignores this comment, they are also ignoring how the fashion community views 'that' store.

Keep up the fight. I don't know if I mentioned it or not but the day of the rally in Chicago, I placed buttons and flyers in rest stops in Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky.

Michael Jordan will be in Western Kentucky for a local high school hoop feast in the next few weeks. I plan to attend, TO SEE MJ OF COURSE, but I will be sporting my Marshall Field's buttons, hopefully, I'll get spotted.

Keep up the fight!

Doris

Date: Thu, October 4, 2007  3:56 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Somebody else is suing Messy's:

>From the "Business Courier of Cincinnati:" "Lawyer sues Macy's over retirement plan stock"

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/10/01/daily41.html?ana=from_rss

Date: Thu, October 4, 2007  3:48 pm CT
Posted by: Denise Rule

Like Jim, it was noticed by quite a few the 'MACY'S-IN YOUR-FACE' bit on "Desperate Housewives" (abc) on Sunday nite, 9/30, their season premiere. A scene of shopping in the m store, with signs of m everywhere, and then later in the show, a verbal reference to it. desperate macy's spending big $$$$$ for promotional consideration. i did send off a letter to abc, but i doubt they care. still, i think i have to, in good conscience. anyone else -- what are your thoughts?

Date: Wed, October 3, 2007  8:08 pm CT
Posted by: CreditCard

To Donna about Macy's giving their credit card information to Citibank.

Citibank bought Macy's/Bloomingdale's credit portfolio about 2 years ago. They handle plastics, payments and statements for Macy's now. I would assume Citi wanted to do something with 3.5 MM accounts sitting inactive. I wonder how many of those are Marshall Field accounts.

Date: Wed, October 3, 2007  7:38 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

Yesterday, Kohl's Corp. outlined plans to add nearly 500 stores in the next five years and said it will continue to increase its offerings to entice more shoppers to buy in more parts of the store.

Today, the company opened 80 stores in states including Arizona, California, Wyoming and Delaware. Kohl's plans to open 15 more stores next month, for a total of 929 stores in 47 states. The company's goal is to have 1,400 stores by 2012. Kohl's is bringing in new shoppers and energizing existing ones with new brands, such as high-end fashion designer Vera Wang's line of women's apparel, shoes, jewelry and home furnishings.

Gee, it sure is a good thing for Macy's that it doesn't compete with Kohl's. Otherwise, Macy's might be in even bigger doo doo.

All sarcasm aside, isn't it interesting that JC Penney, Target and Kohl's are all relying more upon known designers like Vera Wang, Isaac Mizrahi, Thomas O'Brien, Liz Claiborne (perhaps not the best example as she has just died), etc. while Macy's is relying more upon nameless, meaningless store brands like Alfani, fashions so awful that apparently no designer is willing to put his or her name on them. Doesn't Macy's sponsor Project Runway? Doesn't Macy's understand that the shopping public wants to KNOW whose designs they are wearing? Doesn't Macy's have a clue?

Gee it's a good thing Macy's doesn't compete with Kohl's.

Date: Wed, October 3, 2007  5:49 pm CT
Posted by: John C

Blogger calls last Saturday's front page New York Times article "Product Placement".

http://rightcoast.typepad.com/rightcoast/2007/09/product-placeme.html

In the next one, another New York City paper, the New York Sun, does a better job of explaining what's going on at Macy's than the New York Times. So much for the "newspaper of record". Maybe the New York Times could refer to itself as "the newspaper of broken record."

Here's the link to the New York Sun commentary on Macy's.

http://www.nysun.com/article/63849?page_no=1

Both items have places to comment afterwards so you probably should.

Date: Wed, October 3, 2007  10:42 am CT
Posted by: Drew

To Tom: Your report of rumors that macy*mart is planning to close 50 stores comes as absolutely no surprise! Obviously the May Company outlets (Kaufmann's and Strawbridge's) weren't in the same lea gue as Marshall Field's, but they operated decent, well-stocked stores that met the needs and expectations of their respective markets. On the other hand, macy*mart thought they could dump their ov er-priced, poor quality generic merchandise in the stores and customers would would happily accept it. The Red Star Store isn't even considered as a shopping option by many people; the Red Star has earned the reputation of being an expensive junk store while other stores offer better quality and value.

The macy*mart stores in the Pittsburgh area are always devoid of customers, while Kaufmann's was consistently popular. I've spoken with employees of Boscov's stores that opened in former Kaufmann's locations at South Hills Village and Monroeville Mall, and they state that their sales "are way beyond expectations." Visit either mall on a Saturday and notice which store has customers and which has clerks standing around.

Date: Tues, October 2, 2007  10:42 pm CT
Posted by: KevinFromTexas

In case wondering how all those celebs get into the M***'s commerical, THEY WERE PAID TO DO THAT.

For those wondering what's on the bottom of the M***'s coupons, those are EXCLUSIONS. that's a lot. it's like their whole store isn't ever on sale! :O

Viva.

Kevin

Date: Tues, October 2, 2007  10:02 pm CT
Posted by: Field Fan

A family member had to make a trip to the ER.

While waiting, someone else who was waiting for their loved one saw my Field's button and started a conversation about how they miss Field's and hate Macy's.

I had two buttons so I gave her one. She immediately put it on.

Chicago wants it's Marshall Field's. It's that simple.

Date: Tues, October 2, 2007  7:10 pm CT
Posted by: Gail

Jim pointed out that we had a record number of visits to our website in September. I should point out that a record number of requests for pins came in too. I can't order them fast enough.

The movement to restore Marshall Field's indeed stronger than ever.

Date: Tues, October 2, 2007  5:04 pm CT
Posted by: Robert

My visit to Carson, Pirie Scott last night was a pleasant surprise. I was getting some work done on my car stereo out at Harlem-Irving Plaza and had some time to kill, so I went to the Carson's th ere. It was surprising how clean and upscale the store looked. I was also surprised to see brands like Kenneth Cole, Polo and Calvin Klein. I was helped by a very professional salesman in the men' s shoes area who helped me pick-out a pair of Kenneth Cole shoes - and he discounted them because my size was only available on the display rack! I also purchased some Calvin Klein underwear (whic h was on sale, 25% off). The salesman told me that he heard that "Macy's was failing, and that they are bringing back the Marshall Field's name." Interesting that this is the rumor in retail circ les. But as for Carson's, I'll be back!

Date: Tues, October 2, 2007  1:56 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

The Plaza, New York's most iconic hotel, celebrated its 100th birthday yesterday in grand style with a 50-piece orchestra and an impressive installation of lights and fireworks that covered the his toric building. Kenneth Jackson, editor of The Encyclopedia of New York commented that The Plaza "made sure that the glamour of New York stayed in the middle of the city."

This reminds me of Marshall Field's 150th birthday celebration in 2004 and how city politicians, business leaders and thousands of loyal customers gathered on State Street to attend a elaborate par ty - even including an innovative "vertical" fashion show on the exterior of the Field's building - honoring Field's as our own iconic glamour destination. It was a huge celebration of Marshall Fi eld's incredible value to Chicago. No one ever imagined that anyone, particularly New York's Macy's, would ever deprive Chicago of its most treasured Marshall Field's.

Look out New York... someday, when you least expect it, Holiday Inn may bring its exciting enhancements to The Plaza!

Date: Tues, October 2, 2007  12:11 am CT
Posted by: RG74 Family

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Everyone is very special here. You are all truly wonderful !

As you know, we all have hearts, we all have souls and we all have minds. People aren't just going to accept the status quo because they have to. Here is a question. Do the managers at Macy's reall y understand this ?

Just in case our friends from Ohio,New York, and Minnesota...are listening, here are some thoughts.

FYI: People shop with their heart and soul. It's all about touching the heart and soul. That's why color, taste, scents and feelings all go into the decisions that a person makes. People shop with their minds. The department store shopper knows quality and cares about getting that full-service experience.

OK..it might be nice to have signs that are a bit bigger. It is nice to have a place to sit and wait comfortably while someone in their party is in the fitting room. That is truly important and we respect Macy's management for making those upgrades.

THE PROBLEM IS, those things don't matter if the quality designer brands, the cleanliness of the stores (dirty fitting rooms and fitting room sofas on the outside make the whole upgrade pointless a nyway) and a lack of quality service are present due to very poor associate morale.

The department store shopper demands a cut-above the everday value type stores (we know who they are). Department store shoppers are willing to pay more IF they get more in return.

THE MIND, THE HEART AND THE SOUL are connected AND COUPONS ARE NOT THE ANSWER.

IN THE END, MACY'S MAY BE SATISFIED IF THE MEDIA THAT ACCEPT THEIR ADVERTISING REVENUE GIVE THEM POSITIVE SPIN.

BUT...all that means NOTHING because the guests who shop Marshall Field's and other department stores know better ! So, what did Macy's achieve ?

GUESTS WANT TO SPEND THE MONEY BUT THEY WANT TO GET SOMETHING IN RETURN !

GENERATIONS OF FAMILIES HAVE TAUGHT THEIR CHILDREN THAT THE QUALITY DEPARTMENT STORE IS A SPECIAL PLACE TO SHOP ! That's the thing about the regional department stores ! THEY HAVE A PLACE IN OUR HE ARTS, OUR SOULS AND OUR MINDS !

This made up Macyization of America just doesn't seem real, and if you walk into any Macy's most associates (if they think they can trust you) will tell you that the whole Macyization isn't right. ASSOCIATES WILL TELL YOU THAT THEY AND THE GUESTS WHO SHOPPED THE STORES ARE NOT HAPPY ABOUT THIS MADE UP Macyization project star program.

Macy's management, please....SHOW YOUR ASSOCIATES AND YOUR GUESTS YOU CARE ! START BY RETURNING MARSHALL FIELD'S TO ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE ! Quality designers, quality environment, FULL-SERVICE RESTAUR ANTS, CLEAN STORES, BETTER CARE OF ASSOCIATES AND GUESTS...AND THE RESTORATION OF TRADITIONS !

60,000 people signed a petition. If each of those people tell ten other people how many people is that ? It's amazing !

Please Macy's people. Coupons don't count ! Caring for your guests and associates do ! Everyone makes mistakes ! Now is the time to reverse the mistake and give your guests back the stores they des erve. Start by returning and restoring Marshall Field's name, experience, quality, excellent service and world class traditions !

Warm Regards & Respect to Fellow Regional Department Store Fans and Macy's management who have the power to do the right thing and PROFIT !

RG74 Family & Friends

LONGING FOR MARSHALL FIELD'S, STRAWBRIDGE & CLOTHIER, BURDINE'S, AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON ! Oh and we want the dot com. sites that go along with each brand !YES a return to awesome brands,service and quality ! So important !

Date: Mon, October 1, 2007  11:56 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

Oh, how I hope Macy's just goes absolutely coupon crazy so we can laugh even harder. Send one to everyone in the phone book--hire people to put them in mailboxes---fill pages in the newspapers wit h them---insert them under car windshield wipers---drop coupons by plane from above. Yeah, THAT'S the ticket!

Date: Mon, October 1, 2007  10:54 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid in Columbus

Hi all! I am looking for Marshall Field's recipes to add to my website. I'm trying to find ones that aren't in the cookbooks and from the Walnut Room or one of the other restaurants.

I'm also looking for one of the older shopping bags like this one posted on ebay. I would get this one but it's pretty beat up. If anyone has one, let me know. :)

http://cgi.ebay .com/Marshall-Fields-Evening-Clock-Lady-Shopping-Bag-RARE_W0QQitemZ200060356266QQihZ010QQcategoryZ13599QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

I'm working on an online album of Field's pictures. More to come soon!

If you have any suggestions, let me know!

It's sad to see our Columbus store closing. There are a lot of employees there that worked for Field's. On my last trip I spoke to one of the employees who said how different it was working for Kau fmann's and now Macy's. She said there was no comparison.

Darrid

Darrid@Columbus.rr.com

Date: Mon, October 1, 2007  10:32 pm CT
Posted by: RG74 Family

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Oh how hard it is without Marshall Field's and their dot com site !

RG74 Family

Date: Mon, October 1, 2007  10:30 pm CT
Posted by: donna m

I heard on the local FOX news in St Louis tonight Macy's gave their inactive department store charge account list to Citibank and Citi sent out unsolicited MasterCards. There are lots of upset peop le.

I wonder who had that idea?

Keep up the boycott!

Date: Mon, October 1, 2007  9:00 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Please remember to respond to The New York Times about their Saturday, September 29, 2007 front page story about Macy's and coupons. If you need the links and suggestions for replying, please read all posts on Saturday, September 29, 2007 that are below.

Speaking of the media, it's interesting to note that the Chicago Tribune's coverage on September 10 of our protest earlier this month has bubbled to the top of news search engines again today. Is this because it was one of the most viewed or emailed articles for the month of September? Given that the article has received 148 responses on its associated Topic discussion forum, it is entirely possible. In case you missed it, the article, as well as CLTV footage of our protest, can be found at http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/nearwest/chi-foreverfields10_bothsep10,1,7554320.story

Speaking of reader interest, this past month set a record for readership of this site! September 2007 was the busiest month ever for http://FieldsFansChicago.org, nosing out the previous busiest months--pretty much September and December 2006. This means more people are interested in our fight to bring back Field's NOW than a year ago! Look out! The movement to bring back Field's is NOT going away any time soon--not even with more coupons!

The Saturday edition of the Chicago Tribune had a story about the difficulties facing Chicago-based suit maker, HartMarx. Hart Marx lost a lot of business and jobs when Macy's replaced Field's and other May department stores. Another exanmple of how this has been much more than just a name change in Chicago. The article can be read at http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sat_hartmarx_0929sep29,0,2728568.story

Macy's again paid a promotional fee to have a scene on last night's episode of "Desperate Housewives" set in a Macy's. This time the scene was a Macy's shoe department where one of the characters was trying to avoid being found out that she was faking a pregnancy. Macy's doesn't seem to get that most people don't want to be like the characters on the show--rather they laugh at them.

Jim

Date: Mon, October 1, 2007  8:09 pm CT
Posted by: christen

Marshall Fields had a beautiful store in Dublin Ohio and it closed a few years back when they were bought out by Kauffmans. Then Kauffmans was purchased my Macy's. Our mall already had one Macy's store (which was originally Lazarus). Now we have two Macy's so the old Marshall Fields store wouldn't sit empty. One Macy's is bad enough but two Macy's in the same mall is crazy. The second Macy's is so unpredictable as to what merchandise might even be in the store. It is terrible!! and if I happen to be walking through the store I remember the beauty of Marshall Field. It was such a special store. We also have a Macy's in Columbus City Center Mall and the closing of that store was just announced last week. Hopefully the second store at our mall will also be closed for low profits. I can't imagine it staying in business much longer. If they could only bring back Marshall Fields we would all be soooo happy.

Date: Mon, October 1, 2007  12:35 pm CT
Posted by: gle

I can't believe Messy's obstinate denial symptoms--blaming lack of coupons for their lack of success! It seemed to make most of their headlines this weekend.

I am glad to seeB the 'Reader' gave several of our people rebuttal space in the print and on-line editions in response to that nasty cartoon they had about our assumed apathy towards other causes. If we weren't such concerned citizens, we wouldn't be protesting anything at all.

The "Pioneer Press" "Chicago News Star" (fomer "Lerner") had a rather lame pro-Messy's letter to the editor on September 26, 2007, both Internet and print copy. They are owned by the "Sun-Times."

"Protest won't bring Field's back"

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/newsstar/news/forum/573309,sn-letters-092607-sl.article

The article the writer seems to be referring to is the "News Star's" coverage of our September 9, 2007 protest:

"1 year later, Chicagoans want to send Macy's packing"

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/newsstar/news/551759,sn-macys-091207-sl.article

Date: Mon, October 1, 2007  8:07 am CT
Posted by: Tom

I heard over the weekend that Macy's is going to sell 50 stores across the country due to their fumble over the May acquisition. This info came direct from a Macy's employee. One store being shut down is in Hagerstown, Maryland, but the store will be converted to a Boscov's. It appears Boscov's (a little better the Kohl's) is going to buy most of the 50 stores meaning many of 50 stors are probably in the Macys East division since Boscov's is based in Pennsylvania.

Macy's really did blow this whole thing. Will bringing back coupons just in time for the holidays make a difference??? NO!!!

Date: Mon, October 1, 2007  6:27 am CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

Regarding Zelda's comment about Vermont - there are a few "country stores" that offer a huge range of merchandise in Vermont, including, of course the "Vermont Country Store" in Weston, which has a great web site and incredibly friendly service.

Burlington, Vermont used to have Megrim's and Abernathy's, both in large old buildings at the end of Church Street downtown. They also had Porteous (pronounced "porches") from Maine. Like many mid-sized cities they had a Sears, JCPenney, Woolworth's, Mongomery Ward... now there's the "University Mall" with a BonTon, Sears, and JCPenney, and downtown there's a shiny new shopping area that used to have a Filene's. Now it's a you-know-what, and the employees are about as thrilled by the change as if they'd contracted an embarrassing disease.

This weekend I went to Birmingham, Alabama, which until a month ago was home of Parisian. Belk, from Charlotte, bought Proffitt's, McRae's, and Parisian from the Saks Group and changed the names. There are a LOT of unhappy people in Birmingham. Unlike M***'s, there actually was a Belk presence in these areas before the takeover, but they were smaller, more rural, not-very-high-end stores.

The owner of the Summit, a high-end open-air mall where Parisian had its highest-end store, sued Belk because they felt that Belk couldn't meet the contractual obligation to keep a "top-tier department store" in that space.

The new Belk at the Summit is VERY nice. The Saks Group put an SFA in the same mall, so Parisian went slightly downmarket. Now that they're separate again, they've added brands like St. John, Hickey-Freeman, and Kiehl's.

Belk has four levels of stores, based on location, and tailor the product selection accordingly. There are four top-tier stores, one in each of their four big markets, including the Summit. Up the road in Trussville is a smaller, more moderate Belk.

A salesman who had worked for Parisian when it was still family-owned said that a lot of people saw the Trussville store and thought that was what was going to happen at the Summit. We discussed Marshall Field's, and I said, "in that case, M***'s DID take stores like the Summit and turn them into stores like Trussville."

Belk's conversion of Parisian included IMPROVING the already legendary service, bringing in NAME BRANDS that people wanted, and running simple but effective advertising and promotions. M***'s cut service and selection, brought in "exciting" store brands, and bombarded customers with coupons and discounts you couldn't use on anything but their store brand junk.

Most of us here would still have been unhappy with a name change even if it meant continuing the same legendary service, quality, and value that Field's was known for. But M***'s didn't even try.

Date: Sun, September 30, 2007  10:45 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Hi, Field's Fans!

At the September 9th rally I spoke with a nice fellow from Vermont, and I told him I was going to Vermont at the end of the month. He suggested I vist "Hildene," the home of Abraham Lincoln's only surviving child, Robert Lincoln, built at the turn of the century. Well, I went to Vermont this weekend, and saw Hildene, which was, as foretold, magnificent, and guess what I saw there: in the butler's bedroom was a sign saying that the butler's uniform was purchased at the Marshall Field store in Chicago! My heart swelled with pride! I so wanted to have a Marshall Field's Forever button to leave at the site, but since I never thought Marshall Field's would come up, I didn't have one on me. But isn't it just amazing that the restorers of this historic mansion thought it was noteworthy to mention Field's in the context of this very beautiful and impressive place.

It just goes to show that no matter where you go, Marshall Field's is the symbol of class and quality.

Later that evening, it came up AGAIN. I was dining in a lovely restaurant, and the owner said she'd just returned from Chicago. She just loved Chicago but said she'd been terribly disappointed that Marshall Field's had been taken over by Macy's. She took her husband to see the Tiffany ceiling but they didn't buy one thing because they thought the store had declined in every way. I told her I couldn't agree with her more, and that I was part of the group protesting the loss of Field's and calling for its restoration. She totally supports this and wanted me to tell you that even in places that have no department stores, Marshall Field's is deservedly famous and terribly missed.

We must keep up our boycott now and as long as it takes. We must never give up. Let them give away all the coupons in the world. If people use them, it'll just mean they make less profit. They'll be keeping the lights on and paying employee salaries but they won't be upping their profits. And then when they withdraw their coupons again, to "educate" these customers, they'll lose the little sales they got. They can't win, because they ain't no good.

Your Friend in Field's,

Zelda

Date: Sun, September 30, 2007  10:42 pm CT
Posted by: Jim

Of interest to Field's Fans is a newly released book. "Downtown Chicago in Transition", by Eric Bronsky and Neal Samors, features some great photos of Marshall Field's interiors together with other Loop icons. For details and ordering information, please see http://chicagosbooks.com/transition.aspx

Date: Sun, September 30, 2007  10:28 pm CT
Posted by: JamesfromCa

In my local paper the Sunday Travel section had the front page story about Chicago. The article goes on about the fantastic architecture, Millenium Park, the Sears Tower, Mag mile, the Robie House, pan pizza, the great restaurants etc etc. Now before, every travel article always mentioned Field's along with the above mentioned sights. Not mentioning Field's when it came to a trip to Chicago was as unthinkable as not mentioning the Golden Gate Bridge when it came to San Francisco or sour dough bread.

This article about Chicago said nothing about Macy's on State Street. Why should it? The writer knows we have four Macy's within a twenty mile area, two within three miles in central county, if you seen one why go to another when on vacation? Macy's isn't worth mentioning when it comes to travel articles. Here is the article.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/travel/ci_7045457?nclick_check=1

Date: Sun, September 30, 2007  6:08 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

There's an article in the September 29 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel titled "Demand and its Suppliers". Although the article is about the loss of Milwaukee's Goldmann's Department store, author Patrick McIlerhan includes this reference to Macy's elimination of Marshall Field's.

"Some 200 people protested earlier this month outside a downtown Chicago department store, saying that not only had its owner, Macy's, ill-served them by scrapping the beloved Marshall Field's name, it had ruined the place with lesser merchandise and careless merchandising. Once loyal, willing customers, they felt spurned. It reminds you that retail is about more than money."

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=668800

Date: Sun, September 30, 2007  3:57 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Lunkhead's comment in the NY Times article that macy*mart isn't competing with Kohl's and JC Penney was interesting. Exactly what store IS macy*mart's competition? As Gayle mentioned, JC Penney is adding in-store Sephora departments. The new Penney's in Washington PA has a wonderful Sephora area with an extensive selection for both men and women. Kohl's is offering Vera Wang and Chaps (which was formerly sold at some May stores), as well as other national brands. Clearly, those two retailers are offering better quality and selection than the Red Star Store--so Lunkhead is right, they aren't his competition.

Saks, N-M, Nordstrom offer top quality merchandise, exclusive lines and top-notch service. That leaves the Red Star Store out of competing with them. How about the remaining regional retailers (such as The Bon Ton, Boscov's, Belk)? No, they clearly cater to the tastes of their individual markets rather than a "one size tries to fit all" strategy. Neither the upper tier or middle tier retailers pretend to be something they are not; they have identified their customer and have successfully marketed to that group.

The Red Star Store hasn't yet identified their target customer, their appropriate merchandise mix, or their presentation. But simply distributing more coupons will solve all these issues. As sales at the Red Star decline, and sales at other retailers improve-- Lunkhead continues with his stubborn belief that it's all about the coupons. Yeah, that's the solution--more coupons.

Date: Sun, September 30, 2007  10:09 am CT
Posted by: C.

Oh, one more thing. It's great to see what kind of effect this boycott is having, despite media/analyst attempts to downplay it. I've been pleased to visit friends (and in many cases, we've never discussed the boycott) and notice "Forever Marshall Field's" pins proudly displayed on their gear. I've also been amused to talk to people in Chicagoland and metro Detroit who just will not go to Macy's, period; their comments tend to be something along the lines of, "I loved Field's, but Macy's - what is this $#*!? I don't/my family won't shop there."

And really, that's telling in so many ways. The talking heads within the Macy's Inc. organization told us that the world would embrace the "exciting" changes that the new store would bring. It would have been somewhat positive for the company if people had even been indifferent to the changes. But it seems like people have flat-out rejected the nonsense that the Red Star is peddling. They don't want more questionably branded generi-crap that is supposed to be "upscale" (the Donald Trump gear REALLY bothers me in particular), they don't want iPod vending machines (seriously, who thought that this would be a good idea - was this supposed to challenge Best Buy or something?), they don't want a nasty, unmaintained, fruit-fly infested environment - they want the grace and class of Marshall Field's.

Best regards.

Date: Sun, September 30, 2007  9:45 am CT
Posted by: C.

Argh. It seems like every retailer out there is trying to move upscale *except* Messy's. Well, I guess that's somewhat not true, in that the Red Star (through press releases and by journalists who refuse to look beyond them) is telling the world that it's more upscale than ever. But again, where's the proof? Where's the quality? Where's the ambiance? Where's the guest service? Where's the innovation?

Look at the recent performance of retailers that positioned themselves as "premium" merchants; they've been successful! And according to the recent Chicago Sun-Times article on the new David Yurman store, "Chicago... is reported to be the second-largest luxury market in the United States." So how could Macy's legitimately come to the conclusion that Chicago would accept and even embrace a blatantly downmarket (yet strangely enough, overpriced) replacement of its beloved icon?

It would be nice if the management team at Macy's Inc. would actually listen to our comments and react accordingly, but I guess that's too much to ask. Heck, they don't even seem to listen to their own data! Nonetheless, I hope that somehow, some way, we can see the return of our Marshall Field's - and soon.

Best regards.

Date: Sun, September 30, 2007  9:37 am CT
Posted by: Stephen G

As noted in previous posts, Macy's turning over dormant department store credit card accounts to Citi for conversion to Mastercard accounts is continuing to draw ire. CNN.com has another story:

http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/162606460/index.htm

Date: Sun, September 30, 2007  1:47 am CT
Posted by: Norridge

COUPONS??? I guess I'm just so entrenched in the REAL Marshall Field and Co. that I never even considered looking for coupons the way I do for other stores! I just went in to seek the best deal in whatever I was shopping for keeping my fingers crossed. Once in awhile a long-time clerk would whisper when to come in for the sale on whatever I was drooling over. Ads, yes. But COUPONS?? Coupons as in Boston Chicken??? VERY un-Field-like.

Date: Sun, September 30, 2007  12:28 am CT
Posted by: kora

The most emailed business article in today's New York Times was about how Macy's sales have declined because they have standardized all of the stores and thus stopped the various coupon traditions.

Underestimating the importance of tradition seems to be a big problem with Macy's.

These observations and storie are not new but I thought I'd just add another voice to the chorus of outrage over Macy's taking over Marshall Field's:

No wonder they are losing money. Tourists don't go to Chicago to shop at Macy's.

The icon of Chicago is known as the Marshall Field's clock -- not the "Macy's clock". Marshall Field's isn't just another store: it is truly unique. It can't be compared with any other store in any other city with regard to the Field name's prestige and prominance, and the way that the name is so synonymous with major civic institutions of the city, the Field Museum being the primary example.

During the holidays our family would say "let's go downtown to see the windows at Field's." As a girl my grandmother would take me to lunch under the big Christmas tree at Marshall Field's.

Marshall Field's is associated with high quality and special occasions for Chicagoans. Even though I no longer lived in Chicago and many guests would not live in a city with a Field's -- that was the department store that I registered at when I was married. If I were married now I would probably just use Crate and Barrel.

You can't just slap the name "Macy's" on traditions that go back generations.

>From the point of view of the consumer: it's the loss of diversity that is one of the major problems. Every single shopping area looks the same and carries the same stuff. It feels like Macy's is shutting down choices: ultimately the mall will just be one big Macy's.

I grew up in Chicago but I live in California where I have regularly shopped at Macy's for over ten years. It is the major department store in the shopping center I usually go to. However I have stopped shopping at Macy's since they took over Marshall Field's and changed the name.

Today I went shopping for a pair of jeans. I went to a number of stores, tried on countless pairs, did not find a pair I wanted and I STILL did not go into Macy's--the largest store in the shopping center.

I'll just wait and see what comes along, and comes back in stock at the other stores later in the season. If they thought that people would get over their anger and start shopping at Macy's they were mistaken. THAT'S an example of an angry consumer who is not coming back to the store.

Date: Sat, September 29, 2007  10:26 pm CT
Posted by: gayle

Hi all,

Something surprising in the mail today: JC Penney's is doing the "store-within-a-store" concept with Sephora! For those of you unfamiliar with Sephora, it's a high-end cosmetics store that carries only the better brands, for example Chanel, not Revlon. I've moved a lot of my cosmetics purchases to Sephora since the M-store occupation of Field's occurred. Now Penney's is opening small Sephora stores inside their stores. I don't know how big they'll be, but it's a huge step up for Penney's. It seems that lately the low to mid tier stores like Penney's and Kohl's are ramping up their inventories to go up against Macy's. We all know that Macy's can't hold a candle to Field's, but I would find it really funny to have Penney's run them out of town.

Way to go, Penney's!

Date: Sat, September 29, 2007  9:53 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Will you be attending a Cubs playoff game this upcoming week? Or will you be attending a Bears game this season? You can help Marshall Field's return when you are at the game. Please email ChicagoPride@FieldsFansChicago.org for more details on this fun opportunity. Thank you!

Thanks to all who helped make this afternoon's leafleting session on State Street a success. It's clear that more than ever that Chicago want leaflets about getting Marshall Field's back-- and not some Macy's coupons.

Date: Sat, September 29, 2007  8:32 pm CT
Posted by: RG74 Family & Friends

Dear Fellow Regional Department Store Guests,

Christmas is coming and it's very hard to once again to have to think about a Fieldless world ! The beautiful correctly labeled and FRESH boxes of Marshall Field's Frangos, the fabulous Field Gear, the beautiful designer brand merchandise !

The Macy red star mold just doesn't fit across the USA ! We want our Strawbridge & Clothier, our Jordan Marsh, our Filene's, our Burdine's, our Foley's...etc. But the best way to show goodwill and caring for the guests that have patronized May & Federated over the years is to START WITH MARSHALL FIELD'S ! Returning Marshall Field's to the mid-west is the RIGHT THING TO DO !

Celebrities and coupons just won't do it ! IT'S ALL ABOUT RETURNING THE QUALITY SERVICE, BRAND NAMES, FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS, CLEAN STORES AND REGIONAL DEPARTMENT STORE NAME TO SHOW GUESTS THAT YOU CARE ! Stewardship of a brand is key. Throwing away the regional department store legacies is the MISTAKE OF THE CENTURY ! It's time to reverse the mistake by starting with Marshall Field's !

Here is an important link:

http://brandlandusa.blogspot.com/2007/09/cadbury-brings-back-wispa-lesson-for.html

Lessons for Macy's - bringing back Marshall Field's ? BrandlandUSA is a place for "News, history and strategy on brand preservation. Help us save, promote and preserve historic brand names. Help us bring back America's best-loved dead brands."

What's most interesting is that Marshall Field's is NOT DEAD. IT IS MORE ALIVE THAN EVER BEFORE AND PEOPLE WANT IT !!!! That's something that Federated & May Department Store guests have known for generations but Macy's Inc. people choose to ignore. That ignorance is costing plenty in terms of dollars and even more in good will from guests. As we know, Macy's Inc. management is more interested in celebrities than they are in their guests so it seems ! Whatever the reason, the numbers prove that guests are more than hurt. They are mad ! PEOPLE WANT THEIR FULL-SERVICE REGIONAL DEPARTMENT STORE BRANDS BACK ! MARSHALL FIELD'S IS THE STARTING PLACE !

The problem is very basic. What started with an idea to re-invent the department store turned into an idea to re-invent the customer. That is the problem. It seems that at Macy's there are no guests like at Marshall Field's, only customers.

Brand USA has some VERY important "rules" and it might be just the right lesson for Macy's to learn ! (Go to the link here to see them)

COPY & PASTE THIS LINK:

http://brandlandusa.blogspot.com/2007/09/cadbury-brings-back-wispa-lesson-for.html

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

"Companies that bring back old brands are showered with goodwill for reversing their positions."

J. Garland Pollard IV(2007)Cadbury Brings Back Wispa;Lesson For Macy's and Marshall Field's.Retrieved September 29,2007,from Brandland USA Web site: ttp://brandlandusa.blogspot.com/2007/09/cadbury-brings-back-wispa-lesson-for.html

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

Longing For Marshall Field's, & the regional department store brands including a world class dining room at Macy's Herald Square !

Respectfully,

RG74 Family & Friends....so many people ready and waiting to SHOP DESIGNER BRANDS, ENJOY DEPARTMENT STORE DINING and CELEBRATE WORLD CLASS DEPARTMENT STORE SERVICE AND QUALITY !

Date: Sat, September 29, 2007  12:20 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

Regarding the NY Times article...

Coupons are just one of many promotional tools used by Macy's as an attempt to attract customers. In addition to the use of newspaper and direct mail coupons, Macy's has significantly increased the number of in-store sales promotions that offer deeply discounted prices, often as much as 80% off.

Not limiting their comparisons to the use of direct mail or newspaper coupons, some analysts have been critical of Macy's dependence on sales and other promotions. They view these deeply discounted sales as a way for Macy's to increase revenue for their same-store earnings reports, but at the expense of profits.

It's clear to anyone familiar with Field's that Macy's has taken the stores downmarket, with many more discounted sales and other merchandising characteristics most commonly associated with discount chains. Once changes to the mix of merchandise are acknowledged, reporters may begin to address the broader impact of Macy's pricing strategies used to attract new customers- in competition with Target, JC Penney and Walmart - and Macy's failure to retain Field's customers.

Remember, our fight to restore Field's recognizes Field's value to Chicago and the region as a local brand, woven into the fabric of our communities and our culture. Field's landmark store at 111 North State Street - and throughout the region - are known around the world as unique Chicago-style destinations. As Macy's, the stores are nothing special, just outposts of a bland 800 store chain. No matter what success Macy's may have in attracting a different sort of customer, it will never benefit Chicago or mean as much to Chicago as Marshall Field's.

Date: Sat, September 29, 2007  10:23 am CT
Posted by: C.

Hello, Field's Fans--

I have been following this website for quite some time now, and let me say that I applaud and fully support your efforts. It has been inspiring to know that there are others who refuse to accept this rebranding / downgrade decision by Macy's Inc. (nee Federated). To that end, I would like stop "lurking" on the site, step out of the shadows and add a couple of comments.

As many of you have repeatedly stated, the Marshall Field & Company stores --including the converted Dayton's and Hudson's doors, for you Minnesota and Michigan Fans --simply were more premium and more upscale --than comparable Macy's outlets. Period.

It's shocking to read the revisionist comments (and wow, there really are a lot of them, including that laughable NYT piece) on various news sites, blogs and remarks by Wall Street analysts that state how Marshall Field's was failing, or Marshall Field's was a dump, or Marshall Field's was basically no different than Marshalls, or Marshall Field's was a coupon wasteland, blah blah blah blah blah.

Sorry, haters, but that's just not true.

Marshall Field's was truly a gem in American retailing -- a store that had a little something for everyone. No, I can't remember the Marshall Field's stores when Mr. Field himself ran the business, and yes, as one might expect, there were changes in the organization under different owners. But make no mistake, it was always positioned as an upscale department store, and certainly not one on the same level as Sears, JCPenney, Kohl's, etc. In fact, when the store was folded into the May Company stable (for what --a year's time?), it was somewhat out of place with its new corporate siblings. And this is a key point to emphasize, even at the risk of offending Fans of some of these regionals obliterated by the Macy's juggernaut. These brands were nice enough, but they simply weren't on the same level as Marshall Field's. (As an example, I recall visiting some smaller malls that had May outlets such as L.S. Ayres and Field's, and the difference between the stores was immediate and dramatic.) And of course, Field's was positioned well above the present-day Macy's, which seems to be nothing more than a mass marketer of generic sameness.

Everything about this conversion has been a disaster. Being a former Michigander, I remember the angst when Target announced that it was shedding its "namesake" department store brands in favor of the MF & Co. brand. And while customers were saddened at the loss of these brands, the adjustment was relatively painless because the stores themselves did not change dramatically. In contrast, Macy's not only has jettisoned the traditions that loyalists cherished, they've junked the brands, the service and the quality that made Field's an aspirational store.

And oh, those damned brands. I don't know what the Macy's loyalists are thinking! I'm sorry, but I just do not ever plan to show up for my business engagements in Donald Trump suits or whatever lowbrow garbage the Red Star is trying to peddle. It seems ludicrous to assert that a brand is upscale just because one says that is the case. Where's that aspirational quality? I am a bit surprised that news outlets and Wall Street analysts have continued to miss this point. How many of them are decked out in their Macy's finest for formal occasions? My guess is that these folks are continuing to rely on brands that demonstrate true fashion leadership and quality workmanship --and you won't find those qualities in the Red Star house brands.

The other "exciting". enhancements have been questionable at best. Before the changeover, I remember reading an article in The Detroit News that gushed about how Macy's floor layout standards were superior to those of any of its competitors, including Field's; in fact, the article showed how managers would go around measuring between racks to make sure a certain distance (32", if I remember correctly) was maintained. Well, I've since checked out a few converted outlets in various regions, and they've all appeared junky and messy, which is right in line with what Jimmy Gimbels and other Fans have been reporting. How can a store assert that it is upscale when its outlets look so pathetically down-market?

And to that point, how can an upscale store claim to have issued fewer coupons than its predecessor organization, when it now seems like I receive 57,328 coupons from Macy's every single day! And that's in addition to the 26 e-mails per day that I receive, with each one exclaiming, "Lowest prices of the season/week/day/hour/minute/nanosecond!" I'm sorry, I was a Marshall Field's customer for years, and I never, NEVER received so much mail (regular or electronic) from Field's. And yet, none of these enticements will compel me to spend a cent in their stores. Meanwhile, other retailers -- many of them coupon-free! -- will get my business.

So okay, yes, we all know that Marshall Field's was -- is -- special. So where are we at today?

While it's important to keep advising the Chicago media about the group's cause, it seems like media outlets in cities such as Cincinnati and New York where Macy's has its main operations centers should be addressed as well. Even though the company has regional divisions, it seems like the opinions that matter are concentrated in those locations. Could the broadcast news media (ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC) be targeted as well? Do any of the major anchors have Chicago ties? I may be way off base here, but that's just my two cents (okay, two bucks). Thoughts?

I'll wind down now, but I'm sure I speak for other "lurkers". when I say that efforts of this group are greatly, greatly appreciated. I look forward to future comments on this board, but more importantly, I hope that someday soon we'll be able to celebrate the return of Field's!

Best regards.

Date: Sat, September 29, 2007  9:03 am CT
Posted by: Bob

On page 12 of today's New York Times, there is a bar chart showing that only 17 coupons were offered from Macy's via newspapers when 34 were offered by Field's during the comparable period the year before. This would seem to support the NY Times assertion that it's all about coupons. In fact, this is not the whole picture. We Field's card holders know that there was a dramatic increase in the number of coupons mailed direct bypassing newspapers. In fact, this was part of Macy's stated strategy--less newspaper promotions and more direct mail. As such, the Professor Baurer's research and the NY Times article is flawed unless they can produce stats about mailed coupons. This should be pointed out to the author, the professor who collected the data, and the editors of the Ny Times.

I agree, this is not the kind of article that should be on the front page of the New York Times. It is only there to help Macy's coverup their problems.

Date: Sat, September 29, 2007  8:54 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Please remember when writing letters to the NY Times: letters@nytimes.com

KEEP IT SHORT! The NY Times usually will not consider items over 150 words. Focus on two or three brief points and be concise. Too much detail and long lists will get your letter discounted. (Actually, it's quite great--you only need to write a few short sentences!) Instead of writing a big list of everything you don't like, you can summarize it as greatly reduced service and quality and disrespect for history, tradition and culture.

POINT OUT THERE IS A BOYCOTT AND IT IS WORKING.
The NY Times didn't report this.

POINT OUT THAT THE NY TIMES HAS IGNORED UNPRECEDENTED PROTESTS.
We weren't protesting the lack of coupons which actually have been more available than ever.

Most appalling is how this article is placed on the FRONT PAGE of today's newspaper. Simply a lack of coupons at Macy's wouldn't normally be worthy of front page coverage. Writing the public editor is needed in this case because it appears that the NY Times is altering its coverage of the facts to please an advertiser. The public editor intervenes in such cases. It's in such cases where it's essential to write public@nytimes.com comes in. Writing the public editor is not just about disagreeing with an article which is part of the purpose of letters@nytimes.com . Including the Public Editor is needed when you point out that journalistic standards have been compromised.

Please follow up as soon as possible. Letters submitted more than two or three days after the original article have significantly diminished impact at the NY Times.

DO KEEP A COPY OF YOUR LETTER in case there any problems with the NY Times refusing to acknowledge and respond to our collective position.

Please do read the list of letters suggestions and guidelines the NY Times presents at:
http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/lettertoeditor.html

Do not cross-post your letters here or at any other forum since the NY Times, like other papers, requests exclusivity.

Today's article about coupons:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/29/business/29coupons.htm l?n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/People/B/Barbaro,%20Michael

Information about The New York Times' Public Editor:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/opinion/thepubliceditor/index.html

The New York Times Letters page is among one of the most read of its kind. If we let this front page article slip by, we will be giving the New York Times consent to follow up with more deceptive cheerleading in the months to come. Taking time to write, no matter what, will make a difference in the return of Field's.

Date: Sat, September 29, 2007  6:38 am CT
Posted by: RG74 Family

Hello Mid-west former Field's guests,

See this link please:

http://www.fds.com/pressroom/macys/macysnorth/media_kits.asp?mediakit=185

Interesting note, check out the bottom of the page and see where it says shop with a red star next to it ! It really is the red star store ! How sad.

Millions of people want their regional department stores back around the nation. Let's start with the jewel of the nation, Marshall Field's ! Please bring back Marshall Field's !

Warm Regards,

RG74 Family

Date: Sat, September 29, 2007  2:36 am CT
Posted by: Kathleen Marie G

I was deeply saddened when Macy's put their name on this quintessential Chicago icon. The last time I was in New York, I visited Macy's for the first time, expecting a great shopping experience. What I received instead were rude salespeople, second rate goods, and an overall sour taste from the time there.

Marshall Fields has always represented quality, service and a certain je ne sais quoi. It was a retreat from the workday, from the general craziness of life, and reflected the best of our culture. It set the styles rather than following them. The holiday windows were always glorious and fun. It welcomed the customer, offering always the highest quality goods at fair (if sometimes expensive) prices, and I knew whatever I bought there would withstand many vagaries of style and fashion. Fields was all about classic. And classy.

No, I will not go back in that store until it has Field's name on it and Field's quality back IN it.

Very truly a loyal customer,

Kathy

Date: Sat, September 29, 2007  1:43 am CT
Posted by: Linda Simons

I sent my two email letters off immediately. I hope the NY TImes in innundated with our mail.

Date: Sat, September 29, 2007  1:39 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

The "International Herald Tribune", a NY Times-owned newspaper has an article about department stores being attractive takeover targets and mentions the lack of success with Macy's takeover of Field's.

Robert Galbraith writes from Milan:

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/09/28/news/rmerge.php

Date: Sat, September 29, 2007  12:37 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Thanks to Laurie for giving us the early heads up on the Saturday, September 29, 2007 article in the New York Times in which coupons are presented as the primary reason for the failure of the May-Macy's integration and the rejection of Macy's as a replacement of Marshall Field's.

For various reasons, it's very important that as many Field's Fans as possible respond to the New York Times with regards to several points.

How can it be argued that sales are down at former Field's locations because the loss of coupons? Field's was only owned by coupon-reliant May for a little over a year. Did Field's shoppers become coupon addicted that quickly? Moreover, writer Michael Barbaro previously reported on November 17, 2006 that May and Macy's were involved in a war of "20% off coupons" five years earlier--long before Field's came into the picture with Macy's or May.

We all know that the reason former Field's locations are doing so poorly as Macy's is because Macy's is not Field's equal in terms of quality and service. Moreover, Macy's has insulted Chicagoan's culture, history and tourism with its ubiquitousness and homogenizaion.

But most appalling of all is the the New York Times is considered by more than a few to be the "newspaper of record. Yet, writer Michael Barbaro has a record over the last year or so of cozying up to Macy's. Barbaro's slant towards Macy's first came to my attention with an article published in the New York Times on Saturday, August 26, 2006. In it, he wrote how even Chicago was warming up to the conversion of Field's to Macy's, ignoring the media coverage in Chicago that was indicating the opposite. Two weeks later, hundreds of protesters rallied outside of the State Street store. Barbaro has never subsequently noted the unprecedented protets.

Since then, Barbaro's has continued to go easy on Macy's. And then consider that Macy's--including its Bloomingdale's stores--is one of the New York Times' biggest advertisers. The New York Times carries more pages of Macy's advertising than the Tribune or Sun-Times--or perhaps even both combined.

Now three weeks after an even bigger protest than in 2006, all Barbaro can report is that Macy's will be back on track once it works through breaking Field's shoppers of some coupon addiction. Clearly this is not what's happening.

See for yourself what Barbaro has reported about Macy's in the past year or so. Check out the following links, including one that finds all articles Barbaro has written about Macy's in the past couple of years. Be especially sure to check out the article from August 26, 2006 as well as today's (Saturday's) September 29 article.

Not since December 24, 2005 has Barbaro even alluded to the fact that there is a strong boycott against Macy's in areas formerly served by Field's. Barbaro has never written that there have been unprecedented consumer protests outside Macy's in Chicago. Barbaro is prone to skew the facts in support of Lundgren and his disasterous business decision to attempt to force Macy's on Field's customers.

The New York Times must be held accountable for this pattern of lightweight journalism tilted in favor of Macy's and Mr. Lundgren.

I am requesting that all Field's Fans write a "Letter to the Editor" of the New York Times AND ALSO SEND THE SAME LETTER TO THE NEW YORK TIMES' PUBLIC EDITOR, CLARK HOYT. That means one should email the "Letter to the Editor" to BOTH letters@nytimes.com AND public@nytimes.com The Public Editor is the reader's ombudsman--a sort of readers' advocate.

The following are links to NY Times articles I have referenced above followed by a link to a summary of the NY Times' Letters suggestions and guidelines.

Article from August 26, 2006
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/26/business/26macy.html?n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/People/B/Barbaro,%20Michael

Today's article about coupons:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/29/business/29coupons.html?n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/People/B/Barbaro,%20Michael

Search for all arcles Barbaro has written about Macy's in the past couple of years:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/michael_barbaro/index.html?offset=20&s=newest&query=macy%27s&field=body&match=any

Information about The New York Times' Public Editor:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/opinion/thepubliceditor/index.html

Letters to the NY Times should be especially succinct and sent within 48-72 hours to letters@nytimes.com NY Times suggestions for letters:
http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/help/lettertoeditor.html

Date: Sat, September 29, 2007  12:23 am CT
Posted by: LiMack

So many people have commented on the chintzy and cheap bags Macy's customers receive if they make a purchase--and compare that to the nice sturdy green Marshall Field's paper bags that always got you home safely and could be reused multiple times afterwards. (I still have a treasured stash of Field's bags from all the goods I purchased there up through last year). Since I do not patronize Macy's, of course I have no first hand experience with their poor quality shopping bags.

Well, I hope some of you saw the first letter on the Sunday Sept. 23 Tribune Magazine IN-BOX page titled "City with a heart". It was written by a gracious lady from Canada who recently visited Chicago and had encountered some very helpful and nice Chicagoans who came to her aid in several instances. Her letter commented on what big hearts she found the people of our city to have. She specifically mentioned her gratitude to a kind gentleman who rushed to assist her when, while crossing a busy intersection, THE HANDLES ON HER MACY'S BAG BROKE and spilled two boxes of shoes and other items out into the road. The man ran to her rescue and amid traffic helped her retrieve everything off the street.

Hopefully, next time she visits Chicago she will be able to shop at Marshall Field's instead of Macy's.

Date: Fri, September 28, 2007  11:55 pm CT
Posted by: FlyBoyHouston

Lord & Taylor IS even better than before! Visited the King Of Prussia Mall and Quaker Bridge L&T stores and bought at both. I even had a coupon for 15% off. Found a lot of brand name shirts and shorts for $10 and $20. The coupon worked with everything I got.

I like how their sales are now "any items here $19.99",etc. A lot better then $50 with 25% off then 40% off then use a coupon that isn't good on that brand, Macy-style way of discounting. The new brands are even better, and well, actual brand names.

The L&T stores are better looking and the shopping bags are very nice too. The colors of the bags, signs, and advertisements go together well. I can only hope that L&T will be in expansion mood again soon; I miss not having them in Houston! I wish they had a small home department too though (like Nordstrom).

This positive experience compares to Macy-mart at the same malls. Older looking and darker stores (and the former Strawbridges store at Prussia mall is closed), more merchandise poorly displayed and very close to each other, less brand names, etc. I bought a shirt at the Quaker Bridge store and had a coupon again. I know it is wrong, but compared to my previous MayCo/Field's/Macy purchases it is much, much less than before.

Anyway, went to use the coupon and it wouldn't work...eventually after seeing that the brand I bought wasn't mentioned in exclusions(Buffalo, I think), and reading the whole list, she didn't understand why it wasn't working and did a price overide. Looking at both coupons L&T's exclusion list was 1/4 the size of the Macy-mart exclusions. Macy-mart would have a much shorter list listing what IS included in the sale.

So, moral of the story, until Field's, Foley's, Strawbridge's etc comes back, Lord & Taylor is becoming increasingly Marshall Field's-like so shop there.

Date: Fri, September 28, 2007  11:26 pm CT
Posted by: Laurie C

There's an article now at nytimes.com and in Saturday's print edition of The New York Times entitled "Given Fewer Coupons to Clip, Shoppers Snub Macy's".

While the article does acknowledge that the name change upset loyal shoppers, the blame for Macy's decline in sales is attributed to their curtailing coupons. Here's a great Terry Lundgren quote: his TL's) plan will taker longer than expected but "the strategy is crystal clear and I know we're on the right track".

Let's show the NYT exactly why Macy's is doomed. Letters can be sent to: letters@nytimes.com

Letters must refer to the article within the last 7 days, must contain fewer than 150 words, and the writer's name, address, and phone number must be included.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/29/business/29coupons.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Date: Fri, September 28, 2007  11:08 pm CT
Posted by: california girl

I am from Chicago, and I loved Marshall Fields and Carson pierre Scotts as a child and teenager. The original MF building downtown is such a beautifull building. It saddens me that money always comes before history. I can't understand why Macys couldn't have just purchased that building or company and continued to keep the stores as MF. oh yea and The same great quality clothing and Styles, after all how much competition could one historical store and building cost them? Or better yet get rid of Macys and open more Marshall Fields. I am not to fond of Macy's products, they are overpriced JCPenny's clothing. But I do love JC Pennys for the deals!!!!!!!!!

Date: Fri, September 28, 2007  10:24 pm CT
Posted by: Gail

Erick has a great idea. I think we should organize Christmas caroling "squads" to carol on State Street, around Water Tower Place and at the various suburban malls. It would be great fun and attract attention.

Here's my entry into the Marshall Field's Christmas Carol category. It's sung to the tune of "Silver Bells." I don't have the cadence quite right yet, so suggestions for improvement are most welcome.

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in Marshall Field's style.
In the air was a feeling of Christmas.
Children laughing, people passing,
Meeting smile after smile,
And on State Street, the Great Street, youC-d see:

Marshall Field's, Marshall Field's
At Christmas time in Chicago.
Frango Mints, the Walnut Room,
Soon it would be Christmas day.

Uncle Mistletoe, plus Aunt Holly,
Wearing bright red and green,
As the shoppers rushed home with their green bags.
On the L ride, we felt civic pride
In Chicago's great store,
And above all this bustle you'd see:

Marshall Field's, Marshall Field's
At Christmas time in Chicago.
Bring back Field's, Marshall Field's,
We'll never shop at Ma-cy's.

Date: Fri, September 28, 2007  8:25 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

I left my heart at Marshall Field's,

Right on the Loop, it calls to me.

The place of little Frango bars, and visits from the stars,

Green shopping bags are everywhere, I do care.

My love waits there for Marshall Field's,

The Walnut Room is where I'll be.

When I come home to you, Marshall Field's,

Your State Street clock will shine for me!

Date: Fri, September 28, 2007  7:53 pm CT
Posted by: Kevin from Texas

Hi 'all.

No, I'm not the Kevin from Chicago, but from Texas. I have never visited the State Street, even Chicago. But recently, I've been googling about this 'Macy's Viva La Boycott'

Marshall Field's, eh? Sounds like my store that converted to Macy's, it's called Foley's. Foley's had green shopping bags, like your Marshall Field's, except they said, "always something exciting!" and exclamation points on the background. I had expected something exciting. Clothing that was only $20, not like Macy's. Nice dressing rooms, not like Macy's.

So, I live in a small town in Texas, and we had this Foley's. It converted to Macy's, and I suprisingly found that only 4 to 5 people shop there. Not like Foley's. When our Foley's opened in 2002, there was LOTS of people, which was our former Montgomery Ward.

Now, Macy's took over my life. I just go to Sear's or JCPenney or Dillard's (by the way, it renovated and its bigger than the Macy's) or Beall's (another department store that is also cheap)

I'm supporting ya'll. Marshall Field's, as you say it in Chicago, "Give the lady what she wants!"

And, Marshall Field's has lots of items on E-bay. :]

Stay alive.

Kevin

Date: Fri, September 28, 2007  6:10 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Today's Chicago Sun-Times has an interview with jewelery designer David Yurman. He is opening a new stand-alone store on Oak Street alongside other luxury shops including others that left the stores that were formerly Marshall Field's when they were converted to Macy's.

The full Sun-Times article is at

http://www.suntimes.com/business/578531,CST-FIN-yurman28.article

but the most interesting part of Sandra Guy's interview is perhaps near the end:

Yurman pulled his jewelry out of Marshall Field's stores after 12 years when Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren transformed Field's into Macy's.

"Macy's is not our account," Yurman said.

Though Yurman wouldn't call Macy's down-market, he said he sells his jewelry at stores such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Yurman declined to say whether he thought Lundgren made a mistake, and said Lundgren helped grow his business when Lundgren was CEO of Neiman Marcus. "Terry is a great merchant," he said.

As always, it's helpful to send your comments in response to any article that discusses Field's. Letters to the Sun-Times may be sent to letters@suntimes.com.

Jim

Date: Fri, September 28, 2007  5:07 pm CT
Posted by: Several Private Messages

Several have submitted private messages noting that the September 28, 2007 "Chicago Reader" features "Letters to the Editor" in response to last week's "The City" cartoon. Note that "The City" is a syndicated feature running in several so-called "alternative" weeklies such as the "Chicago Reader", NYC's "The Village Voice," etc.

There is one letter in the print edition tby Michael Trenteseau of Atlanta; however, this letter, along with several other additional rebuttals, can be found at

http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/letters/2007/070928/

Please remember that even if your particular letter was not chosen to appear, you HAVE helped to make a difference in this--often the number of featured responses is influenced by the number of total response submitted. Thank you for making a difference by replying in the past week.

Date: Fri, September 28, 2007  3:18 pm CT
Posted by: PDX Tim

Well, the Macy's in downtown Portland is getting ready to reopen at the end of October after being closed for a year and remodeled. This was started when Meier and Frank was under May's ownership and I suspect the money was already spent so Macy's just completed the plans. There are ads for hiring workers to join an "exciting" new experience. That has to be the most overused word in any advertising campaign ever.

What is interesting to note is that they are having a preview event for charity before the opening. Not too uncommon, but what I noticed different about this one is that of the fee of $75 to attend the event, only HALF of that is going to charity. I guess the other half goes right into Macy's pockets as pure profit. What a generous company they are! I guess a mere tax write-off is not enough when you can collect money for yourself at a "charity" event.

Here is the link, the blurb is at the bottom of the page....

http://shopping.oregonlive.com/SS/Page.aspx?sstarg=&facing=false&secid=33531&pagenum=6

Date: Fri, September 28, 2007  2:26 pm CT
Posted by: Nina G

We made it into the Chicago Reader! (www.chicagoreader.com) It was only one letter-to-the-editor, and it came from an out-of-state supporter, but it got to the point quite well. The person very eloquently slammed the "City" cartoon for its presumption/assumption that Field's protesters are unconcerned about more important issues.

Date: Fri, September 28, 2007  11:07 am CT
Posted by: gle

"The Bing Blog" had another entry on memories of Marshall Field's Thursday, September 27. The article and most of the comments are quite sentimental, though I totally disagree with the title, "Mourning the death of Marshall Field's."

http://stanleybing.blogs.fortune.com/2007/09/07/mourning-the-death-of-marshall-fields

Date: Fri, September 28, 2007  1:04 am CT
Posted by: James in MInneapolis

Hi All---

In today's Minneapolis Star Tribune, one of my favorite witty writers, Rick Nelson, wrote a review of the Oak Grill Restaurant on 12th Floor of the Nicollet Mall Store. It was a great full-page review that was very complimentary. And Rick, in his own subtle way, supported our cause. He talked about the beginnings of the Oak Grill in the 1940's under the Dayton Brothers and how they probably sat there years later and planned the birth of Target over a chicken pot pie. He mentioned how he still calls the store Dayton's and always will. And when he referred to the integration of the store into macy's, he wrote, "And don't even get me started on that!" And then later also said something along the lines that the food operation must be totally separate from the other macy's operations, inferring that the food services in Nicollet Mall still seem to be fine while the other stuff under macy's is not.

And of course there was about a 20 word descriptive sentence about the fabulous Dayton's popovers that are still served today in the Oak Grill. They are about as large as both of your fists put together and always served steaming hot from an oven. When you put the butter on them, it melts immediately.

I remember bringing a potential client there for lunch once, who was from the East Coast and was in town doing a site visit. Our waitress wore a badge that said "Volunteer" and the potential client asked her what she was volunteering for. She replied, "Oh, I'm a volunteer here at the restaurant. Dayton's sends my wages directly to my Garden Club as a donation." The client started singing the music from Twilight Zone and saying, "Well, Toto, we aren't in Kansas anymore." He just couldn't believe that Minnesota people do things like work for free and then that Dayton's would go thru all that work of book keeping and taxes, social security, probably benefits, and also unemployment taxes for someone who is not as tied to them as a regular employee would be. He did not realize she had been there for several years---I recognized her.

And there you have it: Right there are the East Coast vs. MidWest mentalities about life and how business runs.

Regards.

Date: Thurs, September 27, 2007  10:05 am CT
Posted by: Ann Heath

I'm thrilled to find this blog and find so many who feel as I do. I'll register my opinion...please, oh please give me my Fields back...better yet, I'm from Michigan, so I'd take Hudsons!!! I do have a question if anyone has an answer. My 50-something Detroiter husband has worn Woodward dress shirts since high school. The dishrags at Macy's just won't cut it. Heavy starch twice at the cleaners and we had bare threads in the middle of the fabric...not pretty. Anyhow, is there a warehouse somewhere with overstock of Woodward shirts? I've googled...no luck. Any suggestions???? Thanks.

Date: Thurs, September 27, 2007  7:19 pm CT
Posted by: kevin

Seein' how this site is goin'.

ITS LOTS OF COMMENTS.

wow.

we need to get marshall field's back.

really.

we.

do.

so.

bad.

Date: Thurs, September 27, 2007  5:22 pm CT
Posted by: Stephen G

Regarding the Fortune web site....

If you cannot reach it via what I sent earlier just

type the following into your browse

The Bing Blog 2007 September

Thanks

Date: Thurs, September 27, 2007  2:32 pm CT
Posted by: Stephen G

Not sure if you have seen this web site.

stanleybing.blogs.fortune.com

Date: Thurs, September 27, 2007  1:38 pm CT
Posted by: Clint

Bing: Mourning Marshall Field's

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

Date: Thurs, September 27, 2007  1:07 pm CT
Posted by: Econ Geek

WHOOO HOOOO - we made an impact - Bing devoted a whole column to Marshall Field's - read it and post your support at: http://stanleybing.blogs.fortune.com/2007/09/27/mourning-the-death-of-marshall-fields/

Date: Thurs, September 27, 2007  9:14 am CT
Posted by: LiMack

After reading Dan Skoda's profile on the link provided by J a few days ago, I believe that on a personal level Skoda must be as appalled as most of us are by what Macy's has done to Marshall Field's. His comments showed that he was quite savvy when it came understanding the complexity of achieving a proper merchandise mix and the importance of listening to customers. The article also demonstrated he pretty much "got it" with respect to Marshall Field's heritage, its modern day relevance, and the unique Chicago market. He probably believed Macy's lies, too, that they were going to respect and improve the store. Instead, Macy's killed Field's and in doing so unleashed the wrath of Chicagoans. Somehow I suspect Mr. Lundgren will not be receiving an Illinois Retailer of the Year Award.

Thanks, J. for ferreting out that interesting old article and sharing it.

Date: Thurs, September 27, 2007  7:53 am CT
Posted by: Denise

The City cartoon in the 9/21 Reader and other papers is UNBELIEVABLY NASTY. I hope everyone writes in to express how incorrect this cartooon is.

Date: Thurs, September 27, 2007  12:03 am CT
Posted by: Erick

Calling all writers and singers! With the holidays fast approaching, I want to put together a special Marhsall Fields Christmas Chorus and sing those funny and refined, classic holiday songs that many of you wrote on this blogs. We can sing them at the Festival of Lights Parade on Michigan Avenue in November. What a great reminder it will be to express the power and passion of the legacy of Marshall Fields.

This would be a great attention grabber and a joyful reminder to boycott Macy's during this very critical holiday season.

My email is u141763@aim.com to those interested.

Also, I will be featured as a guest on Check, Please on WTTW Channel 11 sometime in November. I will keep you posted on the extact date the show airs.

Peace to all. happy Holidays!

Viva La Boycott!

Date: Wed, September 26, 2007  9:12 pm CT
Posted by: Cheryl B

My husband and I were downtown Tues. and didn't even go to State St. We went over to Water Tower where I thought we could at least shop at Lord & Taylor for a nice ambiance, Lord & Taylor is GONE - - and the Red Store has taken over the whole feeling of Water Tower Place. I won't shop at the Red Store.

Date: Wed, September 26, 2007  8:28 pm CT
Posted by: RG74 Family

GUESTS READY AND WAITING TO SHOP MARSHALL FIELD'S, THE WORLD'S FINEST DEPARTMENT STORE ! Federated/Macy's people want the name and legacy to just fold into a national strategy.

THAT'S LIKE TAKING THE NAME OF EACH STATE AND ITS HISTORY AND DISREGARDING IT AND TELLING PEOPLE TO REFER TO THEIR STATE AS USA STATE #1 !

Forget about history, forget about legacy, forget about generations of people who have supported the store so much that it grew into a regional powerhouse !

Good feelings, quality goods, legendary service...a winning and successful situation. MARSHALL FIELD'S WAS ALWAYS AGAIN...ALWAYS....PROFITABLE ! Let's remember that the profitability of a flagship is not limited to the flagship store itself.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE BRING BACK THE WINNING STORE...MARSHALL FIELD'S !

Taking Field's away was the mistake of the CENTURY !

Warm Regards,

RG74 Family (as always)

Date: Wed, September 26, 2007  6:04 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Keep in mind that the message here all along has been that it is expected that Macy's will have two Christmases before beginning to accept that this conversion from Field's is a huge mistake. They will chalk Christmas 2006 up to just being part of change and they can even shuffle some of the stats to make things look hopeful. But a flop in the Christmas 2007 season will demonstrate that this is not a fluke--the customers are not coming back. The books can't be shuffled any longer to make it look more rosy than it has been. That's why it's important, more than ever, to emphasisize that the boycott now is more important than ever. Remember, show Macy's that this is not a fluke. What they have is not what was Marshall Field's. As myself and others have said, we look to the holidays in 2008 as being the earliest we will have Field's back and we are hopeful.

Remember, there is no shelf life, no point, when people are supposed to start accepting what was unacceptable before.

Jim

Date: Wed, September 26, 2007  3:04 pm CT
Posted by: gle

After moving all weekend, I finally got around to looking for the "Reader" cartoon mentioned earlier on this website ("The City" by Derf, September 21). It made me so spitting mad I couldn't sleep. Even for the "Reader," I thought it was an absolutely cruel sensless attack on persons the artist doesn't even know. I happen to have friends with kids serving in Iraq. If Field's Fans weren't concerned citizens (as the cartoon overly implies), we wouldn't be protesting anything at all.

For anybody who hasn't written a letter to the "Reader" yet, I strongly urge you to do so. This one was inexcusable. You should send your response to letters@chicagoreader.com

Obviously I have no appetite for the Sarah's Pastries & Candies that is moving into Messy's.

"Sun-Times" coverage on it is "Candy shop, kitchen returning to Macy's:"

http://www.suntimes.com/business/574871,macys092607.article

The "Tribune" has a blog about it in "The Stew," "Sarah's Pastries & Candis coming to Macy's:"

http://www.leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/thestew/2007/09/sarahs-pastries.htm.

http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/thestew/2007/09/sarahs-pastries.html

Date: Wed, September 26, 2007  2:29 pm CT
Posted by: J

http://www.irma.org/retailersoftheyear/contentview.asp?c=5349

His most recent public comments about the switch from Field's to Macy's was from about a year ago when he said that Chicago would get over it. I guess he was wrong about that and moving Frango production out of town.

On the other hand, Target finally did start to get Field's right to some extent under Skoda.

Date: Wed, September 26, 2007  7:04 am CT
Posted by: Drew

More "recognition" for the Red Star Store--which received a "Dishonorable Mention" in the "Customer Service Hall of Shame"

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/Advice/HowCompaniesWereRanked.aspx

Date: Wed, September 26, 2007  12:11 am CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Last night on my way to the gym after work, I was using the Downtown skyways as it was looking like rain at any minute. My usual route is to cut thru Red Star on 2nd Floor by Men's Shoes and out another skyway immediately. However, that 2nd skyway was closed for some type of construction. Therefore, I was forced back into Red Star, where I wound my way all the way to the other end of the floor and out a skyway near the men's partner business hair salon. That skyway took me into the main part of City Center. Right at the end of the skyway into City Center is the location of the new Brooks Brothers that is slated to open this Fall. I had forgotten that it is going to be so close to Red Star------literally, about 100 feet away.

There had been a Brooks Brothers in Downtown Minneapolis until about 15 years ago when the heinous Mall of America opened and Brooks moved out there. They have since detected a void in Menswear Downtown because of the downgrading of the Nicollet Mall Field's by Red Star and are opening a 2nd outpost in Minneapolis by returning to Downtown....Yea! It should be open within the next 30 days.

It does also appear that there will finally be another Nordstrom here. We have only one and it is also unfortunately, at the heinous Mall of America. Nordstrom has been looking for expansion opportunities but they did not exist when Dayton's was still around. When Carson's left the metro area, Dayton's wisely took up their leases to again prevent a Nordstrom expansion and brought in Mervyn's, which was owned at that time by Dayton-Hudson. Apparently, there is now space available for Nordstrom at Ridgedale, a center in the western 'burbs that is not as heinous as Mall of America. Ridgedale was always a high performing store for Dayton's and Field's. If Nordstrom goes in there, Twin Cities shoppers would have another better alternative to the "Red Star".

Regards.

Date: Tue, September 25, 2007  10:50 pm CT
Posted by: A.

Today's Chicago Sun-Times has a story how Forbe's has named Roger Ebert "the nation's top pundit."

This should also be an opportunity to point out that Ebert is also the world's top critic of the conversion of Field's to Macy's.

After three amazing columns, including one that played a huge role in the landmarking of the 12 Marshall Field's plaques and the great clocks, it's clear that Ebert has been a force in our cause.

Congratulations to Roger Ebert and many blessings in his continued recovery.

Date: Tue, September 25, 2007  9:57 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

I just saw the commercial with Usher trying to sell cologne to Martha Stewart. Totally underwhelming! Lunkhead thinks this lame, boring example of banality is going to get folks excited about shopping at macy*mart? Pathetic, just plain pathetic!

By the way, was this ad filmed in an ACTUAL Red Star Store? The set looked much more attractive than the Red Star's broke down clearance centers.

Date: Tue, September 25, 2007  7:30 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

The Sun-Times is at it again. Never one to let the facts get in the way of their pro-Macy's focus - and continued Macy's advertising revenue, the newspaper today published the following brief Talk Back opinion:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/back/572764,CST-EDT-talk25.article

"Shelf life for beefs has expired"

"I think it's time people get off Macy's back. They could not have bought Marshall Field's if its owners weren't ready to sell."

[ Remember, it helps our cause when you respond to such comments. In this case, responses should be submitted ASAP to talkback@suntimes.com Thanks for helping. ]

A large number of well-researched letters have been written to the Sun-Times with documented facts to support the argument that Macy's elimination of Marshall Field's is not good for Chicago and that call for Field's return, yet none are published. However, misleading and inaccurate comments like the one presented above are deemed worthy of publication. The power of the press is a public trust, and the Sun-Times once again proves it is unworthy of readers' trust.

Date: Tue, September 25, 2007  7:14 pm CT
Posted by: P.

sadly word is that more long-time associates who worked for Field's for years are taking the packages..others can't afford to because they need the health insurance etc..is there a morale at the stores? I dont think so

Date: Tue, September 25, 2007  5:49 pm CT
Posted by: D. Alexander

Haven't set foot at the State Street store in almost 2 years.

I miss it, but what I miss is not there anymore.

Date: Tue, September 25, 2007  4:59 pm CT
Posted by: Jason

Just thought I'd share that there is an AMAZING mattress sale at Carson's on Wednesday ONLY.

** Save 50% on all Sealy and Stern and Foster. **

If you need a mattress and are looking for a good deal this is your chance.

Date: Tue, September 25, 2007  9:41 am CT
Posted by: Rich W

Just to echo Claire O, I also was in Lord & Taylor yesterday in Woodfield Mall. Besides a macy-mart, there are the much better shopping choices with the other anchor stores Penney's, Nordstrom and even Sears. The men's selection at L&T continues to improve to my liking, and the customer service is outstanding. My shirts were nicely folded and wrapped in tissue paper before being gently placed in a sturdy shopping bag. I loved the bright orange lining of the shopping bag. The saleswoman, who is always there when I shop, was very nice and told me that she had heard Macy's is being sold and "Field's is coming back." Even the competition appreciates what Field's brought, and what macy-mart ISN'T. Compare that to my last experience at macy-mart-- my shopping bag literally fell apart before I could even leave the store and I had to beg another sales associate to give me a new bag. Don't worry, I returned 100% of what I bought a week later. The sad thing, and something I fear, is that every passing day we shop somewhere else is another day the true Marshall Field's becomes a distant memory. I am not sure why the macy-mart financial debacle has taken this long to correct itself, but in my opinion there is some outside force that is keeping Lunkhead in power and that both parties will benefit financially by a buyout.

Date: Tue, September 25, 2007  8:09 am CT
Posted by: Bob in DC

I am officially chastised. Late last year I boasted on this site of Mesy's great job with the former Hecht Company flagship in downtown DC, including really dressing one of the side show windows that Hecht's had just hung cosemtics posters* in for years. Well, Messy's has now put a poster over the entire window and closed it completely. Enough said.

I was in Miami last week and went to see the former Burdine's in Miami Beach Burdine's (Sunshine Fashions) where, against local historic preservation protests, Messy's recently painted over ceiling murals as part of an exciting renovation of this store which included removing the entire Home Store. At a mall in Boca Baton the now-ironic "The Florida Store" was still embossed in the entryway of the old Burdine's location. So sad.

* Former local cynicism, "This Christmas season, let's go downtown and look at the Lancombe poster in Hecht's window."

Date: Mon, September 24, 2007  11:55 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

During a recent trip to Chicago, my family and I noticed that many stores in the loop have "Marshall Field's Green" awnings. This fact alone would tell anyone that Marshall Field's had a very great influence and presence in Chicago. We got the feeling that those stores and other businesses had all chosen that color as to identify with the quality and impact of Field's. We passed by the State St. store and the black awnings and red stars just didn't look right. Also, most of the windows were dirty and covered up. For anyone to say that Macy's is more upscale than Field's is pure nonsense.

Having heard about the "M" magazine, I stopped by our local "squatter" Macy's here in Okemos, MI and picked one up at the customer service area. (I didn't go further into the store to be offended anew, let alone shop.) When I got home, I looked through the magazine. While it looked quite impressive actually, it wasn't a true reflection of the actual stores' environment, esperience or ambience. Obviously having laid out alot of money to publish these magazines is perhaps one of Macy's last-ditch efforts to give the ignorant the impression that Macy's is a class act, when the opposite is true. But what offended me MOST was what I found on page 88:

"CHICAGOANS ARE FONDLY AWARE of the annual lighting of the Great Tree at Macy's on State Street." It goes on to say that "this Walnut Room tradition marks its 100th anniversary" etc., etc., etc. THEN it says Martha Stewart "joins an impressive list of past notables" etc., etc., etc. DOES MACY'S REALLY THINK THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE TOTALLY IN THE DARK ABOUT THIS?! Chicagoans are NOT fondly aware of the annual lighting of the Great Tree at Macy's on State Street! Chicagoans are FONDLY aware of the annual lighting of the Great Tree at MARSHALL FIELD'S on State Street! And NO, NO, NO - Martha Stewart isn't even on the impressive list of past notables who lit the Great Tree at MARSHALL FIELD'S!

I AM TOTALLY DISGUSTED WITH MACY'S FOR PROJECTING THEMSELVES AS THE HISTORICAL ORIGINATORS OF ALL OF THE TRADITIONS THAT MARSHALL FIELD'S WAS KNOWN FOR! AND, AS ANOTHER POSTER POINTED OUT, THE MARSHALL FIELD AND COMPANY PLAQUES WERE PHOTOSHOPPED TO OBLITERATE ANY NUANCE OF THE MARSHALL FIELD'S NAME ON THE BUILDING! (page 48)

Even if Macy's actually delivered quality goods and service, I would still refuse to give them any of my business. The blatant contempt they have shown for Chicago, as well as for other market communities, is despicable - along with their arrogance, greed, and insidious business practices. Why on earth would I want to do business with A*SHOLES?

Date: Mon, September 24, 2007  11:48 pm CT
Posted by: Erick

You know things are bad if your own employee says this about his/her employer (Macy's)

As a part-time employee at a Macy's location which was once a Marshall Fields, I communicate with unsatisfied consumers on a daily basis. For the most part they laugh at the celebrity lines and inquire to where the old brands have disappeared to. They are confused by the wording of Ads and promotional events, and for once would like the allegedly carried merchandise to be available within the store. I have often wondered if Macy's will be able to establish the brand equity that was present among the smaller regional department stores, which once-upon-a-time catered to the customer's wants. I fully agree with this article. C1a m, Kalamazoo, MI

http://stanleybing.blogs.fortune.com/2007/09/24/vote-the-funniest-the-stupidest-stories-of-the-year/

Date: Mon, September 24, 2007  9:44 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C

Be sure to click on the link provided by Jim W. earlier.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Field's

Not only does it tell about Marshall Field himself and the dates each of the Marshall Field's branch stores opened, but near the end it lists the designer brands macy's threw out and explains in detail about our boycotting, protesting, leafletting, and rallies. It does not mince words either in telling about the profound resistance and dislike for macy's. Field's Fans Chicago is mentioned several times, as well as various surveys showing the strong percentages of shoppers choosing not to shop at the Red Star store.

Date: Mon, September 24, 2007  9:09 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

I already posted a comment on the picture of the protesters at the Chicago Reader web site, but I also sent the same information to the Editor.

Today, M***'s stock was down, Nordstrom stock was up. I'm eagerly waiting for the day when a company with 220 high class, high quality stores that provide exception service has a higher market cap than a company with 800 inferior locations.

Date: Mon, September 24, 2007  9:05 pm CT
Posted by: Peter

I was on BART on Friday in San Francisco and was asked by 2 ladies from Minneapolis who asked me for directions. I of course seized the opportunity to give them 2 Field's bookmarks that were in my bag.

They were thrilled and walked away with a huge smile.

Date: Mon, September 24, 2007  7:15 pm CT
Posted by: s ali

macy's continues to cut salaries and benefits of it's emplotees forcing them to quit

Date: Mon, September 24, 2007  12:21 pm CT
Posted by: Mary S

The evisceration of Marshall Field's by Federated is an outstanding example of how to kill the American tradition of department store shopping. And they wonder why Americans are not flocking in droves to their version of the department store? As many other posters have said, the only way to try and reason with these alleged geniuses of marketing is to stay out of their stores. If their sales and profits go down enough, they just might listen. Their board will force them to do so.

Date: Mon, September 24, 2007  11:58 am CT
Posted by: Econ Geek

Had an opportunity to nominate Macy's for worst business decision of the year in response to an article on CNN. Here's a link if anyone else would like to nominate them...

http://stanleybing.blogs.fortune.com/2007/09/24/vote-the-funniest-the-stupidest-stories-of-the-year/

Date: Mon, September 24, 2007  10:42 am CT
Posted by: Jim W

When Marshall Field passed away in January, 1906, ALL of the department stores and all of the small stores lining State Street closed for the entire day in honor and memory of the creator of America's largest department store at that time. In addition, the Chicago Board of Trade suspended business.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Field's

Do you think such widespread honorary closings and feelings of sadness would occur if a macy's Inc. executive passed away today?

As has been pointed out previously, when bloomingdale's opened in Chicago, Marshall Field's paid for a full paid ad in the Tribune:

"From the Old Kid on the Block, to the New Kind on the Block---

WELCOME TO CHICAGO!

When macy's came to Chicago, they did not build a brand new store to supplement shopping options for Chicagoans and visitors, but chose, instead, to destroy and DISHONOR any references to Marshall Field's and wipe out the competition with lower-tier merchandise.

By the way, to all of you newcomers to this website--

BOYCOTT BLOOMINGDALE'S as well as macy's! Macy's owns Bloomingdale's too, in case you did not know.

Date: Mon, September 24, 2007  10:26 am CT
Posted by: Jeff S

What's all the wood about in the Christmas Lane department at State Street? Was there yesterday and there are wood beams at each entrance to the department. They continue to the middle too. Just can't figure it out. (Apparently "they" can't either!)

Also, poor Uncle Mistletoe! He is crammed in boxes -- resulting in his wings being broken, hat smashed, present knocked out of his hand. There was even a bald-headed Uncle Mistletoe with no hat! (Am referring to the Uncle Mistletoe dolls in the Christmas Lane.)

Date: Mon, September 24, 2007  9:59 am CT
Posted by: Joseph From CA

While at Macy's at South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa, CA), I decided to do an assesment of the Men's Store to see how wide or narrow the offering of various labels was.

1st Floor:

-young men's (surf/skate brands ie: Quicksilver, Hurley, Billabong)

-Nautica

-Polo

-Tommy Hilfiger

-Guess

-men's casual pants (mostly in house brands of course)

2nd Floor:

-fragrances

-furnishings

-basic sportswear (most of it was in house ie: Alfani, Club Room, Material London. There is a small Tommy Bahama section as well)

3rd Floor:

-an INC section that is way too big

-Calvin Klein

-Hugo Boss

-D&G(VERY small section)

-Lacoste

-small amouts of Theory, Moschino, and Versace

So as you can see, even in a Macy's that is supposed to be one of the more upscale locations in California, the high end designers really don't get much space. Then again if I was going to buy clothes from those designers, I would rather buy them at either Saks or Neiman Marcus. I frequently buy Lacoste, and I buy it either directly at a Lacoste store, or at usually Nordstrom or Saks.

This past week, I walked through another local Macy's (South Bay Galleria, Redondo Beach CA) and the assortment was much worse. In Men's sportswear, the only designer label of any significance I could see was Polo. Everything else was an in house brand. How does Macy's expect to draw customers in when they are shunning major labels and instead highlighting their own junk? I just shook my head and thought back to when there was a time that Macy's was a much more cosmopolitan and trend-setting store.

Stupidly today I acutally bought a box of Frango, just because it had been a long time since I've had some. I saw a box of Frangos. It had the "only @ Macy's" label on the box. Frango will always be Field's.

I really does make me mad that Macy's filled 111 N. State with so much junk, when just not too long ago it was the greatest department store in the world. This gentleman wants his Marshall Field's and his classic "R.H. 'Burgundy gift box-era' Macy's" back!

Date: Mon, September 24, 2007  8:05 am CT
Posted by: Drew

The arrogant stupidity of macy*s is a source of never-ending amazement. Visit the www.macys.com web site and go to the bedding department. There is customer feedback on the "exclusively at macy*s" Martha Stewart collection. Interesting is that much of the feedback is NEGATIVE--poor quality workmanship and materials.

Apparently macy*s doesn't care in the least what customers think about their shoddy merchandise. One would think they would be ASHAMED to receive so many negative comments and would try to make amends to the customers.

Oh, they are giving away a free Martha Stewart book with each bedding purchase. Maybe the book suggests how to soften the stiff, cheezy fabric or to keep the sheets from being a rumpled mess.

Hold your nose, go into the local Red Star Store and check out the Martha bedding. It looks, feels, and smells CHEAP! I think Kmart's lines are the same as or better than the crap at Red Star!

Date: Mon, September 24, 2007  6:15 am CT
Posted by: Pat C

ATTENTION All 55 and Better

Carson's is having a ONE DAY SALE Sept26th Only!

Seniors Save 20% on Most regular and sale price merchandise when you use your Carson store card.

If you open a new Carson Card during this Sale, you'll get 20%off in Addition to your Senior Discount.

Now I have NEVER seen a "Senior Discount" in Macy's Flyers

Carson's knows how to "Give the Lady What She Want's "

Their Advertising is simple to understand (No clauses)

WAY TO GO CARSON'S !!!!

Date: Mon, September 24, 2007  5:00 am CT
Posted by: amelia

chicago symphony orchestra sent me the following email yesterday:

"Join us in celebrating the 11th annual Macy's Day of Music with

8 hours of FREE music throughout Symphony Center!"

The free day of music was with Marshall Field's. Just like the Macy's ad for Trend House in yesterday's papers, Macy's acts as if they would have had the wherewithall and class to start things like a "A Day With Music" or "Trend House".

Date: Mon, September 24, 2007  1:00 am CT
Posted by: Nina G

They're really coming after us - with roses and gift cards!

Messy's attempted courtship of the Chicago market via special deals with local organizations continues unabated. A couple of weeks ago I told this blog about how they've got a sweetheart deal going with the Red Hat Society. (www.redhatsociety.com) Now I receive in my mailbox a solicitation letter from the Starlight Starbright Foundation. This is an excellent charity for hospitalized children of which I've been a member for over a decade. However, as a way to "sweeten" their begging letter they included a Macy's gift card! Apparently Macy's now has a sponsorship deal going with this charity. I imagine they are courting other non-profits as well in order to ingratiate themselves with the Chicago market. I am a strong supporter of several organizations in the area but am very upset at (a) Macy's making deals with them; (b) their willingness to go along with it, despite the controversy of which we are all awarei [--that Macy's has undermined our city's culture, jobs, reputation and history by getting rid of Field's.]

Date: Sun, September 23, 2007  11:29 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

For those of you who watched Family Guy the "Star Wars" edition tonight, they even mentioned that they "parked" at Macy's.

Anyone else catch that?

Date: Sun, September 23, 2007  6:38 pm CT
Posted by: Claire O

If I recall correctly, some people here have commented on the quality of the new Lord & Taylor bags and how nice they are. I bought some things at L&T today and they ARE nice! What's even better is the store gives you a nice sturdy bag, regardless of the amount you spent. I've always had the impression that department stores will only give you a decent paper bag if you spent a lot of money, and a thin little plastic bag if you didn't spend as much. Not so much the case at L&T. This is certainly a reason for me to shop elsewhere!

Date: Sun, September 23, 2007  2:28 pm CT
Posted by: Mr. Lou

poem i wrote.

Macy's - the store we all hate (sing like jingle bells)

Marshall Field's Marshall Field's why did you have to go?

Macy's took over our stores and we want them back-ACK!

Marshall Field's Marshall Field's please stay forever

If you wish to boycott Macy's then we will BREAK YOUR DOORS.

--I got a letter from Macy's Inc.

Dear Mr. Lou,

We apologize for your inconvience about your local Marshall Field's on State Street. We wish we could do something about it, but we can't.

Here, have this coupon for Martha Stewart Living bed sheets. Excludes pillow sheets and pillows.

(((COUPON HERE)))

Sincerely,

Macy's Inc.

--Guess what I did with the Martha Stewart Living coupon? You know what I did. I ripped it, and sent it back to Macy's.

YOU CAN BUY MARTHA STEWART AT KMART YA STUPID MACY'S!!!

Field's ROCKS.

Lou-

Date: Sun, September 23, 2007  11:42 am CT
Posted by: David K

Excerpt from "Advertising Age"--check out the following URL for the full article as well as reader responses:

http://adage.com/garfield/article?article_id=120633 Macy's Celeb-Filled Ads Are Fun, Witty ... and a Strategic Disaster

Bringing in The Big Guns Was a Waste of Money

Posted by Bob Garfield on 09.24.07

Shop at the new Macy's and you'll brush up against such names as Sean Combs, Jessica Simpson, Usher, Donald Trump, Kenneth Cole, Marc Ecko, Tommy Hilfiger, Emeril Lagasse and Martha Stewart. Isn't that terrific?!

Ordinarily, we wouldn't bet against them. Nobody ever went broke overestimating the public's fascination with fame....

See http://adage.com/garfield/article?article_id=120633 for the rest of the story and the comments...

Date: Sun, September 23, 2007  7:27 am CT
Posted by: mapleleaves@mindspring.com

...there was a nice picture of the protest on one of the blogs that was put up on 9/21.

The comment I made to the picture was:

"Hooray to all the people who took the time to go down to State Street (or what's left of it) and commemorate the worst business decision since New Coke!

"I will never understand the people who suggest that the protesters should drop this and spend their time arguing about the war or abortion or breast cancer or something.

"Unless these critics are nuns or monks who spend every waking moment in prayer or serving the poor, chances are they go to sporting events, take vacations, and have hobbies. Is going to a Cubs game as important as abortion or breast cancer? Could the money you spent on a trip to Hawaii have helped starving people? Am I right to assume that because you've done these things you don't care about social issues? No, of course not.

"FDR was able to collect stamps, vacation in Georgia, and managed to run the country through the Depression and World War II. I think people can handle being meaningful concerned advocates for a better society AND object to what Macy's has done to Marshall Field's."

Date: Sat, September 22, 2007  9:16 pm CT
Posted by: John D

The MARSHALL FIELD'S Way...and the macy's way

How many of you have noticed?:

Macy's method of operation seems to be to use press releases, rather than paid display advertising, to promote products and events.

Marshall Field's practice was to use paid customized full-page advertisements in local newspapers to promote new lines of merchandise, and new concepts. Marshall Field's, under any of its previous owners, would have advertised the partnership with FAO Schwarz's Toy Shop in the newspaper with full page ads with its familiar script logo. Marshall Field's would never consider being so tacky and cheap to expect the newspapers to advertise free of charge new concepts with press releases of new departments or product lines.

Not only has macy's day-to-day paid advertising in the Chicago Tribune and the Sun-Times been drastically reduced to occasional small 4x6 squares for furs or larger ads for the frequent "exciting" one-day sales with useless coupons, but macy's expects the media to announce its product lines through FREE news releases, ala Martha Stewart, FAO Schwarz etc.

I'm sure other store executives must observe this seemingly unfair preferential treatment given to macy's. You don't see press releases for Saks, Lord & Taylor or Carson's announcing new lines of merchandise! They use the customary paid display advertisements.

This is one more example of the lines between the NEWS divisions and the ADVERTISING departments of media becoming more and more muddled and gray. Never has it been so pronounced as when macy's came to town. It used to be that the two media departments were separate and distinct. This means less and less ad revenue for the Chicago Tribune and the Sun-Times and others.

Is this yet another so-called "exciting" change in ethics for a cetain retailer, and not for all?!?

Date: Sat, September 22, 2007  9:12 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Thanks to all who helped make our late afternoon/early evening leafleting session on State Street a succcess including Alfred who flew in from the East Coast to leaflet.

Jim

Date: Sat, September 22, 2007  10:02 am CT
Posted by: Mitch

That's great news about FAO Schwartz opening up a mini-store within 111 North State. Just what's needed.

A once venrated name in the toy business, who overexpanded and became a loser opening up an outlet at a once venrated name who over expanded and is fast becoming a loser. Birds of a feather.

I can't wait to see the TV commercials with Trump playing with an Erector set.

Best to all,

Mitch

Date: Sat, September 22, 2007  9:51 am CT
Posted by: Darrid

It really upsets me that people think us "Field's Fans" have nothing better to do. Over the past year I have sold pins and bracelets for Breast Cancer, worked at our local food bank, walked for the March of Dimes and participated in several other charity events. When I was in Indiana I opened up my house at Christmas and raised money for a local kids camp for any years.

I'm not even a Chicago native and the "Green Field's Blood" pumps through me. To me this is bigger than just Chicago, this is about American loosing some of its great institutions.

Our entire economy is based on shopping and shopping has built our great cities! Each and every one being unique.

Darrid

Date: Sat, September 22, 2007  1:40 am CT
Posted by: David

Attached is a comment to the Tribune article regarding FAO Schwartz leasing space at macy*s on State Street. It's a reply to someone from suburban Cinncinati, OH (Federated headquaters) named "Andy" who seems to parrot the company line.

1 min ago

Andy is a MBA-laden fool and a corporate hack. I know that's a cruel generalization, but his commentary reflects that of someone who cares little for community, history or collective reality. But I'm sure he lives the good life of someone who actually enhales "M" magazine.

I'm one of the "7 million" (not a correct population count, by the way) and saw a 20-something woman at the Foster & Marine bus stop (that's in Chicago Mr. Midwest) nicely dressed and holding Nordstrom and Marshall Field's shopping bags. I asked her if she,like many, misses Marshall Field's and she immediately replied: "Oh my God! Look inside the MF bag (there was a torn macy*s bag)." She went on to explain that she carries the Marshall Field's bag with her to macy*s when she occasionally shops there (State Street)as she did today. She continued: "Their bags are horrible, like their merchandise; they fall apart!"

"And it makes no sense to me but they have really crappy, cheap funky clothes displayed, well crammed, near $350 dresses or more. Can you imagine spending a lot on a dress that's displayed next to trashy looking ones?

"My sister and I loved 'Field's' and miss the fact that you could spend $5000 or $50 and still come away with something special and of quality."

This from a complete stranger...Sorry Andy, Ralph Hughes and the rest of you who have or feel a need to drink the macy*s Kook-Aid, this is one of many random Chicagoans who hasn't joined you.

Fieldsfanschicago:

The nice addendum to this is that I gave this woman this website (she'd not known of it or the protests) and ran home an supplied her with two "Forever Marshall Field's" buttons of the group that Gayle blessed me with earlier this week! She was thrilled- and I got them to her before the #146 arrived...

Date: Fri, September 21, 2007  7:56 pm CT
Posted by: Mitch

I wrote my letter to The Reader concerning the cartoon. I ended the letter by stating, "This must be a serious issue for The Reader to have commented on, or is it you don't have anything bigger to write about?"

Best to all,

Mitch

Date: Fri, September 21, 2007  7:40 pm CT
Posted by: Erick

Unless Christmas is everyday, there is no way FAO Schwartz will succeed and help boost sales at Macy's on Hate Street. If FAO Schwartz failed with an allegedly exciting, full, well-stocked store in a prime location on Michigan Avenue, why would a small abridged version do any better in a store everyone has come to detest?

Another way to flop. Macy's, it's time to give the lady what she wants. Period.

Marshall Fields Forever.

Viva La Boycott!

Date: Fri, September 21, 2007  6:00 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Please do write a letter in response to "The City" cartoon in the September 21, 2007 edition of "The Chicago Reader."

As Nina notes, many of those protesting and those who support our movement are very involved in other causes on the level of war, poverty, terminal illnesses, etc. I think we all agree that these in many ways are more serious and directly life-threatening than the the Marshall Field's/Macy's issue. I think the movement to bring back Field's as a point of community support and pride has already been a success because 1) it has brought together diverse people who are otherwise on opposite sides of other political or social issues, and 2) for some, this is their first try at actively protesting something and it means they will likely move on to being active in other bigger causes. Our efforts have their proper place as being important to our community and, again, many of us have many other causes in addition to Field's. To say that is not the case as "The City" does is outright wrong.

Please write and do request that "The Chicago Reader" do a followup feature in its print pages on what our movement is all about. It's about much more than shopping and consumerism and we now deserve an opportunity to be on the record.

To respond, you can email, letters@chicagoreader.com or call the Reader at 312.828.0350 and use the dial-by-name directory to leave a message for The Chicago Reader's editor, Alison True.

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

As pointed out, this is not the first time FAO Schwarz has opened an outpost in a State Street department store for the holidays. The following article talks about Carson's FAO Schwarz shop back in 2003.

http://www.icsc.org/srch/sct/sct0204/page56.php

Something to note is that FAO Schwarz DID comeback after it was thought to be dead. If that can happen for Schwarz, it certainly can happen for Field's.

Date: Fri, September 21, 2007  5:39 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

Pardon me, fellow Field's Fans, but I just can't help noticing the uncanny parallels of Macy's "approach" and some of the mistakes men make with women. In short, we can definitely say that Macy's DOESN'T give the lady what she wants, but insistently pursues her to no avail. The following excerpt is taken from "The Ten Most Dangerous Mistakes Men Make With Women" as found at

http://www.bullz-eye.com/relationships/double_your_dating/2004/0217a.htm

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

MISTAKE #2: Trying To C,Convince Her To Like You"

What do most guys do when they meet a woman that they REALLY like... but she's just not interested?

Right! They try to "convince" the woman to feel differently.

Well, I have news for you... YOU WILL NEVER CHANGE HOW A WOMAN "FEELS" WHEN IT COMES TO ATTRACTION!

Never, ever, EVER.

You cannot CONVINCE a woman to feel differently about you with "logic and reasoning".

Think about it.

If a woman doesn't "feel it" for you, how in the world do you expect to change that FEELING by being "reasonable" with her?

But we all do it.

When a woman just isn't interested, we beg, plead, chase, and do our best to change her mind.

Bad idea. One that will never work.

MISTAKE #4: Trying To C,BuyC. Her Affection With Food And Gifts

How many times have you taken a woman out to a nice dinner, bought her gifts and flowers, and had her REJECT you for someone who didn't treat her even HALF as well as you did?

If you're like me, then you've had it happen a LOT.

Well guess what?

It's only NATURAL when this happens...

That's right, I said NATURAL.

When you do these things, you send a clear message:

"I don't think you'll like me for who I am, so I'm going to try to buy your attention and affection".

Your good intentions usually come across to women as over-compensation for insecurity, and weak attempts at manipulation. That's right, I said that women see this as MANIPULATION.

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Picture Macy's as the man in this scenario, and Chicago (and other offended markets) as the woman. You get the picture. Too bad Macy's doesn't. Each attempt to "win us over" just becomes more ANNOYING.

Date: Fri, September 21, 2007  4:42 pm CT
Posted by: Nina G

LETTER WRITING ALERT!!! LETTER WRITING ALERT!!!

The Sept. 21 issue of the CHICAGO READER (freely distributed all over Chicago or available at www.chicagoreader.com) carries a comic strip in the first section called "Derf City." The cartoon criticizes the Field's protesters on 9/9 as being concerned with trivia - the change of the "name" of a department store - instead of big issues like Iraq, etc.

Where oh where shall we even begin to address this ridiculous "take" on our event?

First of all, of course, this is not just about a "name change." It's not as if the store simply became "Fields" or "Marsh's." It's a new name from a new company...well, you all know how to take it from there, right?

Second of all, who is this guy to ASSUME that just because we were protesting Messy's, we are not also concerned about other issues? Two days after the protest I commemorated the eleventh of September along with other Americans. I am indeed concerned about Iraq, the economy, AIDS, cancer, the state of our schools and public trans, etc., etc. But on THAT DAY in THAT LOCATION I (along with many of you) chose to exercise my right of free speech and assembly by expressing my objections to - yes - changes at a department store!

Will you follow me to letters@chicagoreader.com and bombard the Reader with explanations of just WHO we were and WHY we were there? A "local" paper that supposedly stands up for the "little people" against the Big Guys should know where we stand!

Date: Fri, September 21, 2007  4:27 pm CT
Posted by: Joe D

Before FAO Schwartz went completely bankrupt, They opened a similar shop in Carson's State Street Store. Furthermore, I am fairly certain that Carson's used the FAO Schwartz theme the 2003 holiday window display.

That's something that should be passed along to the Trib. This isn't anything new, really.

Macy's won't bring back Marshall Field's, but they will help revive another company that actually did go bankrupt. Where is the logic with this???

Date: Fri, September 21, 2007  11:25 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Today's Tribune has an article on the front of Business section talking about how NYC toy store icon FAO Schwarz will open a small 4,000 sq ft outlet at 111 N State in October for the holiday season.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-fri_store_0921sep21,0,332353.story

As always, please respond to such items. Even if your item does not appear, your opinion and interest registered with the news outlets and can have future impact. The following are suggestions to consider when writing.

* If submitting by the internet, send your "Letter to the Editor" in a standard email message. Do not use web page forms or blog sites for the newspapers, unless you absolutely have to. If you submit via email, you have the opportunity to cc: or bcc: a copy to yourself--submitting via other methods on the internet mean 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 Tribune should be sent to: ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com

* 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 to help the largercause.

* Even if your letter does not get published in print or web media, remember that the media takes note. Every letter reminds editors and producers that this is still indeed a very important issue.

Date: Fri, September 21, 2007  9:07 am CT
Posted by: Jon C.

I recall even more "famous/INfamous" Frank Guzzetta quotations to add to the Internet listing of famous quotes by famous people, provided by John D...

*They...("they" meaning Marshall Field's Fans and Shoppers)...will be piling into macy's stores by Thanksgiving (2006) and forget all about Marshall Field's. We at macy's are not worried.

Frank Guzzetta (and Terry Lundgren):

*We will keep everything the same. Only the name will change. macy's will respect Marshall Field's. The shopper will not notice any changes.

..and to top off all the quotes!---

*In time, people will CHERISH macy's, just as they have cherished Marshall Field's in the past.

Date: Fri, September 21, 2007  7:24 am CT
Posted by: Alan

So now FAO Schwartz will be opening at 111 N. State St. While I don't think this will revive the store, it could lead to a modest increase in traffic. I think this is a make-or-break year for the company, so it's important to keep up the effort. Perhaps it's time to update the flyer with alternative stores for the holiday, and also remind everyone how many stores-within-stores they have closed over the past two years, since I am sure they will play up the new store.

Date: Fri, September 21, 2007  3:22 am CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

FIELD REPORT!

11 p.m. last night.

The signs on the outside of local of one of Bon-Ton/Carson's family of stores are will lit and visible from far away. The signs on the sides of Macy's are not lit at all and you can't even tell what store it is. Macy's is the only store in the mall that doesn't have their signs lit at night!

Either Macy's is cutting back on their electric bill and are turning off their signs at night or all the light bulbs have burnt out in both the signs and they no longer work. A year ago when the Macy's signs first were put up and desecrated the Marshall Field's store , both the signs had some burnt out light bulbs that didn't work.

Store signs that don't light up? And Macy's spends millions on commercials with Martha Stewart talking to Usher! Like that happens in real life! (It's NOT a good thing!)

Date: Thu, September 20, 2007  10:21 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Not that anyone would SERIOUSLY consider purchasing any Martha Stewart home merchandise at macy*mart, but know that most of that crap is "everyday value" that doesn't go on sale or isn't eligible for the alleged coupon savings.

I looked at some Martha Stewart 360 thread count white sheets that would have cost about $85 for pillow cases, flat sheet, and fitted sheet--no sales or other macy*mart discounts.

A nearby Kmart had Martha Stewart 600 thread count sheet sets on sale for $49.

No doubt the sheets cost more at the Red Star Store because of the excellent service, ambiance, and quality available "exclusively at macy's."

Date: Thu, September 20, 2007  9:17 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

I am happy to see that classy stores such as Nordstrom and Lord and Taylor are doing well. They obviously are connecting with customers and are giving shoppers a nice balance of quality, value and service. But it makes me both mad and sad, too, because particularly in the Midwest this success could have been, and should have been, Marshall Field's. Had Federated recognized the genuine prize they had in Field's and had they enhanced and restored Field's to its roots they would be raking in profits today instead of looking at empty stores, closed warehouses and unhappy share owners. Capitalizing on Marshall Field's name, traditions and stellar reputation should have been a no-brainer and would have been a great investment. Conversion to run-of-the-mill Macy's was not a wise move by any measure.

A full year has passed and on the days I drive by a Macy's location I still just can't believe they thought so little of us and our intelligence that they kicked Marshall Field's to the curb and thought we would accept Messy's in its place.

SOMEONE out there with marketing savvy, a sense of retail tradition, and a clear vision of service PLEASE buy the real estate assets of Macy's North and the rights to the Marshall Field brand, logo, and signature products in order to recreate and reopen Marshall Field's---the store we yearn to patronize.

Date: Thu, September 20, 2007  9:10 pm CT
Posted by: denise

and to add to jim's post from 9/18 re: the Christmas decorations outside 'the store' at woodfield. i was checking out what they had this year, too...and what they might and might not do as to Marshall Field's. (last year, they were still trying to sell various versions of Uncle Mistletoe and lots of versions of the Marshall Field's clock) the only remnants of Field's that i saw this year were the clocks. i was curious what they would be labeled: all were called 'State Street Clock'. uggggghhhhh.

Date: Thu, September 20, 2007  7:57 pm CT
Posted by: A Friend in the Northeast

For those Fieldsfans who have been throwing support at Lord and Taylor-- just thought you would like to know that Federated is no longer servicing Lord and Taylor accounts and it is now GE Money Bank or GEMB. I know in the past that some of you guys didn't want to support Lord and Taylor because they were using Federated to operate their accounts. Now that time is over and they have severed all ties with Macy's Inc. Lord and Taylor is trying to reinvent itself. Seems like they know what the ladies (and gentlemen) want.

Fields Forever!

A Friend in the Northeast

[ One can apply for the new Lord & Taylor credit card at http://www.gemoneycards.com/lordandtaylor ]

Date: Thu, September 20, 2007  7:25 pm CT
Posted by: Jason

Lord & Taylor's new bags and boxes are great! They're made of heavy-stock paper and have this uplifting yellow color inside. Really nicely done. My family and I continue to shop at L&T after we lost Field's. Funny story. The manager of the Northbrook Court Macy's mailed a $10 gift card to my relatives saying "We haven't seen you in a while." (this was right after the "conversion") We cut up the $10 card and mailed the store manager back saying "If you want to see me, bring back Field's, otherwise you can see me at the other end of the mall at Lord & Taylor!" It was a lot of fun mailing this letter out.

Date: Thu, September 20, 2007  7:24 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff S

Walked through the Oak Brook Store yesterday to see the Christmas Lane department. They had the Great Tree ornaments and the clock ornaments. The 2 Radko clocks and the 2 spin-off designs as well. There is also a red and gold glass ball with the clock painted on it. Also, Radko has a "Chicago" ornament that is round and kinda flat. It has the Field's clock at the top, and to the left is a box of Marshall Field Frango's! Yes, the words are there, "Marshall Field"!! I was quite surprised. [ These particular Radko ornaments are the same as those sold in 2005 except the year says "2007". ]

Today I was at the Bolingbrook Promenade Store. No shortage of shopping bags there like there are at the other stores. Also, no clock ornaments of any kind at Bollingbrook.

Date: Thu, September 20, 2007  6:17 pm CT
Posted by: John D

Dug this up on the Internet today pertaining to Famous Quotes of Frank Guzzetta. As we all know, Mr. Guzzetta is the President of macy's North Division, the former Marshall Field's stores.

http://thinkexist.com/quotes/frank_guzzetta/

I could not help myself in bursting out loud to the last quote attributed to Guzzetta in which he says that memories will continue to be made in "this building"...officially known still as the Marshall Field & Company Building at 111 N. State Street, Chicago.

The new so-called "memories" I've witnessed at messy's on State and branch stores are seeing the cheap, thin plastic bags with the Communist Red Star affixed, ripping open on the streets and sidewalks outside of messy's stores. Oh, yes, other memories include shopping carts and corrals, scanners mounted on the once-elegant columns, the dark green carpets and painted trims replaced by fire-engine red all over, fruit flies in the food of the once popular, clean restaurants in the lower level Marketplace, and cheaply made but expensive imitation house brands of ALFANI, INC, Charter House. I also have clear memories of Martha Stewart's housewares being advertised as "exclusives" at macy's (which are also available at Kmart), as well as Vera Wang, which is also available at Kohl's. Memories of aisles so empty at macy's and designer departments being cast aside by macy's are also vivid recent memories.

Once again, the CEOs of Saks, Neiman's, Nordstrom's, Von Maur, Carson's, Crate and Barrel and fine jewelry and furniture stores have to be so grateful for the "memories" that Frank and Terry have created, that bring former Field's shoppers pouring into their stores for quality, unique merchandise and true customer service!

Date: Thu, September 20, 2007  3:53 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C

Guess what, Field's Fans! Here is further evidence...and encouragement that old longtime department store names can be reborn.

Montgomery Ward & Company was one of those Chicago-based department stores that lined State Street and helped make it "that Great Street".

Although "Monkey Ward's"..(as it was affectionally called by older generations)... did not measure up to the fashion and quality excellence of Marshall Field & Company, still it was a part of Chicago's history and culture and served the needs of many Chicagoans and Americans.

Ward's, as well as Sears, Roebuck & Company, another Chicago-based department store of State Street fame, had origins as a mail order house.

The website for MONTGOMERY WARD is as follows:

http://www.wards.com/wards/default.asp

You may request a 2007 Ward's catalog for old times sake and subscribe to emails for ads and promotions. Presently, in its new beginnings, Ward's carries mostly furniture and home accessories. It's offices are now located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

My main reason in bringing the new Ward's to your attention, Field's Fans, is to encourage you all that retailers CAN come back! Ward's is further evidence.

Date: Thu, September 20, 2007  11:36 am CT
Posted by: L. Grand

I found the Macy's "star-studded" ads to be anything but compelling. It seemed more like Macy's was trying to sell their connections, rather than sell any products, a la, "Look at ME! See how many celebrities I was able to bring together for this AD! Aren't I wonderful??!!" I saw no compelling merchandise in the ad. It was more of a promotion of the celebrities linked to Macy's than a wonderful and compelling assortment of quality goods and service in a store. So Martha Stewart has to perfectly align boxed cookware? May I ask WHHHHY? From what I saw it was STAINLESS STEEL COOKWARE. So what?

The only BELIEVABLE portion of the ad was where the LONE EMPLOYEE is being overworked to fold sweaters on the folding table - she's rushed, pushed to go faster, spoken to as if she were a child in need of guidance, while the remainder of the ad shows celebrities and bigwigs "suiting up, standing around, strolling and surveying, and showing out." At the end of the ads, I saw nothing in the ad that would make me say to myself, "Wow! I want one of THOSE!" Nothing. It was all pomp and no circumstance. Not impressed. Macy's must think we are REALLY dumb. *rolls eyes AGAIN* sigh....

Date: Thu, September 20, 2007  9:03 am CT
Posted by:

Interesting that Detroit is Nordstrom's second largest Midwest market, after Chicago. Wonder if Nordstrom will appeal to all the "un-educated" shoppers who formerly patronized Hudson's and Field's:

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070920/LIFESTYLE/709200387/1005

Wonder if the comment about macy's is intended to be a put-down?

Date: Wed, September 19, 2007  10:51 pm CT
Posted by: gimmefields

Hi, Fields Fans!

I have diligently read the message board since its inception. In fact, I greatly miss it when it goes a few days without updates. I am 100% in agreement with everyone in support of Field's.

My wife and I recently moved to Chicago from Columbus, Ohio. Originally from Chicago, my wife quickly got me hooked on Field's. Through 2003, we were fortunate enough to have two Field's stores in Columbus. It also helped that I worked for Target and enjoyed an awesome 20% discount! Due to changing shopping patterns in the Columbus market, these stores were both sold to May Department Stores and converted to Kaufmann's.

While not as good as Field's, we definitely preferred Kaufmann's over (Lazarus) Macy's. My in-laws live in the city of Chicago and we always made it a point to visit either Water Tower or State Street when we were in town. We talked about moving to Chicago for several years and I always looked forward to the day when we would be able to shop at Field's again and enjoy all the great traditions.

Of course, we all know what happened. Lunkhead and his cronies took our wonderful Marshall Field's from us and gave us the world's worst department store. I refuse to refer to State Street as Macy's. I insist on either calling it Field's or simply State Street. Several times, we have had friends and family in town to visit us and we have taken them to State Street to show them the architecture and former grandeur of this location.

Today, I read that the Macy's store in Columbus City Center Mall (formerly Marshall Field's and then Kaufmann's) is closing and this just infuriates me even more. Of course, how typical of Macy's. Macy's closed the original Lazarus store in 2004 at City Center. Then they obtained the former Field's store through their acquisition of May. While it's no secret that City Center has been in deep trouble for a number of years, it is typical Macy's fashion to close up shop when the going gets tough. Why doesn't Macy's step up to the plate and work with the city of Columbus to help determine a long term solution to the City Center problem? Well, I guess we all know the answer to that question!

When Target sold the two Field's stores in Columbus to May, they worked diligently to ensure these stores did not sit empty and that the employees were taken care of. All former Field's employees were paid for their time off between the closing of Field's and opening of Kaufmann's. In addition, their seniority and pay were also protected. Macy's probably figures this is a great way to further reduce expenses.

If you live in Columbus and want to get one last glimpse of the old Field's, make sure you visit City Center before November. The railings in the center of the store are replicas of railing found in the atrium at State Street. In addition, the Men's Store at the back of the second floor is very similar to what is found in Chicagoland Field's locations such as Hawthorn Mall.

Check out the information regarding Macy's at City Center via this link...

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2007/09/19/citycenter.html

Towards the end of the picture gallery at dispatch.com, you will see a picture of the Marshall Field's logo which was etched in the exterior granite of the store. When Kaufmann's took over the location, they installed plaques over the Field's logo. I wonder what Macy's will do? Since the Field's name has no value to them, they will probably remove their plaques and leave the Field's logo exposed with the holes from where the plaques were. Better yet, maybe they can use that same special photo editing technique from the M Magazine which removed the Field's name from the bronze plaques at State Street.

What a disgrace! You'll definitely be hearing a lot more from me! Your friend in Field's, Jason (gimmefields)

Date: Wed, September 19, 2007  9:51 pm CT
Posted by: M.Cassata

To my fellow Marshall Field and Company fans:

ladies and gentleman: Until we get back Marshall field's back then heavens sake patronize Neiman Marcus or Lord & Taylor.

At least Neiman Marcus has always held to its traditions. Also the late Mr. Stanley Marcus was a fervent admire of Chicago and Marshall Field and Company. Don't believe me? Read Minding The Store by Stanley Marcus. Besides they are a fine retail establishment with a very friendly and knowledgeable sales staff. I should know--I used to work there!

As for Lord & Taylor well there were very lucky to escape the scrap heap that Macy's would of turned them in to. Yes they are from New York but they have been in the Chicago area a long time and established themselves who respect Chicago. Lord & Taylor has had a very bumpy ten years and is now under new management. The endeavor of the present management is to bring back the company from a "coupon happy" middle of the road retailer back to a fine specilty retailer is once was. The legendary president of Lord & Taylor Dorothy Shaver can rest easy in her grave.

M. Cassata

Date: Wed, September 19, 2007  5:28 pm CT
Posted by: Mitch

I want to discuss those Martha Stewart sprinkles for a moment. If I read the entry in the macy's website correctly one receives 11.5 ounces of sprinkles for $29.95. That's roughly $35 a pound for five bucks worth of stuff that I could get at the local grocery store. Now I've never considered getting a limited lifetime warranty on something like that. Godiva hand dipped chocolates are a little less expensive.

These people cannot be serious.

Best to all,

Mitch

Date: Wed, September 19, 2007  4:17 pm CT
Posted by: Nina G

Here is my contribution to the evidence that things have gone downhill since Messy's too over:

The last time I passed through the store, a clerk was giving "free samples" to her girlfriend who was just there to chat, not buy. She was there without so much as a "By the way would you like to try our new flavor?" which of course was standard operating procedure at Field's. I actually had to ASK her for a sample! Good grief, whatever happened to "salesmanship?" Gone with the rest of what made Field's so special...

Date: Wed, September 19, 2007  1:10 pm CT
Posted by: amelia

my friend sent me an email today. she knows how i detest macy's so she "jokingly" asked my permission to resupply her M.A.C. makeup at the state street store.

never! does anyone know where else M.A.C. makeup is sold at comparable prices, that would be convenient for someone who works in the loop?

Date: Wed, September 19, 2007  9:15 am CT
Posted by: Mitch

I saw the new "Martha and Macy" commercial the other night with the fashion guy, the bedsheets, and the mention of Martha's pots and pans.

It really didn't say much if any about Macy's and seemed to be a self serving item for Martha. Of course one could say that the hat department has moved to cookware.

Best to all,

Mitch

Date: Wed, September 19, 2007  8:09 am CT
Posted by: Justin A

I have two items of interest that I have to share. Yesterday when I got home from work to check my mailbox, I found a 30-page C,Home SaleC. catalog C1 it was printed on very slick, heavy stock paper. At first I thought it was from the Boston Store (Carson's). When my eyes got to the bottom right corner of the cover page I saw that it was from Kohl's !!! It was introducing the new C,Vera WangC. line of clothes for women and linens as well as the "Chaps" line of linens. In addition, it introduced the new C,Food ChannelC. line of cookware. I could not believe my eyes -- the entire catalog was of the same quality as those I used to receive from Marshall Field's. Kohl's is definitely trying to cash in on the C,MC. store's disaster. IC-m waiting for Kohl's to start doing cooking demonstrations in their house wares departments, like Field's used to do. Way to go Kohl's!

The second item I have C1 and IC-m almost ashamed to admit it C1 but one of my C,guilty pleasuresC. is to sometimes watch Court TV in the evenings. They show reruns of the C,CopsC. reality show from Fox as well as other crime shows that Court TV produces. One of the shows they ran last night was called C,Inside American Jails.C. It basically shows what goes on in various maximum security prisons across the country. What IC-m about to say is the C,honest to God truthC. -- during two of the commercial breaks, their was a commercial from the C,MC. store touting, what else but, the new MARTHA STEWART line of house wares and linens! What I found especially amusing was, the last line spoken in the commercials said C,Only at C,M.C. I had to blurt out loud C,Cand Kmart!C.

Let the boycott continueC

Date: Tue, September 18, 2007  6:34 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

I also was at Woodfield this past Saturday. There were already Christmas ornaments being sold, as someone else has noted. I did check out the ornaments since in the past, I would buy some uniquely Chicago ornaments at this location when it was Field's. The ornaments are actually in the mall, just outside the entrance. Like someone said, I'm not sure who would want a glass Macy's bag ornament, however, what caught my attention were the Field's clock ornaments. Perhaps this was the case last year, but I noted two lines of Field's clock ornaments being sold. There were two sizes of Christopher Radko glass Field's clock ornaments dated 2007 with about the same pricing as previous years--about $32 and $45 each. There were also two sizes of similar ornaments that appeared to be made as much cheaper plastic replicas of the Radko-made clock ornaments. The smaller one was about $7 and the larger was maybe $14 or $15. Perhaps they sold these last year but what was startling was how many had pieces broken off the clocks, even noticeably exposing the white "plastic" material. I'm not talking about the subtle imperfections that any handmade ornament might have; these were ornaments that were chipped or had broken off pieces. I was surprised that any store would sell these, let alone a store that portends to be Marshall Field's successor.

The other Chicago-themed ornaments seemed to be "repeats" of previous year's Radko ornaments with the year updated to 2007. It being mid-September, it's hard to say if these were "moving" or not.

Jim

Date: Tue, September 18, 2007  5:56 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

After years of sagging sales and contract tussles, Kmart is relaunching its Martha Stewart Everyday home furnishings line for the first time in nearly a decade... Kmart's relaunch, which overhauls 1,100 items, comes as Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. is rolling out to Macy's a new proprietary line called Martha Stewart Collection, which spans 1,500 items including stainless-steel cookware, china and glassware, as well as towels, linens and bedding.

Is this the "affordable luxury" that Terry Lundgren promised us at the former Field's stores? It doesn't sound like there is much of anything to differentiate the Martha Stewart goods at Macy's from those at Kmart.

Date: Tue, September 18, 2007  2:56 pm CT
Posted by: Rich W

In response to Darrid's question about why Martha Stewart's sprinkles would require a lifetime warranty: Maybe M plans to keep them on the shelves for a VERY long time--for a lifetime!

Date: Tue, September 18, 2007  2:14 pm CT
Posted by: Paul Francis

My good friend and I, when we were in Chicago a few years ago went to Marshall Fields and just love the store. Every floor was great - yes we went to every floor and spent the entire day there - from the lay out of the merchandise to the very helpful sales people.Our shopping experience was fantastic. My friend loved the woman's shoe department and we were there it seemed for hours. BTW she did get a great pair of shoes.

Macy's knows how to destroy a regional department stores. First they did it to Jordan Marsh then a year before they changed Marshall Field's to Macy's they did it to Filene's, both were New England stores which were similar to Marshall Field's. Poeple here in Massachusetts are not happy with the merchandise, layout or sales associates (if one can find any)at Macy's.

I hope the work everyone is doing will bring back a store that Chicago was know for and loved by everyone that walk through the State Street doors.

Paul

Date: Mon, September 17, 2007  11:02 pm CT
Posted by: Miller

Kinda' funny/sad that everyone I know thinks its only a matter of time before Marshall Field returns. Ironically, Terry Lundgren and his staff are still in full denial!

They simply have too many stores, and too many issues to worry about the return of 65 stores to Marshall Field, but that sure would improve the bottom line! To date, laying off employees and cutting hours and benefits/commissions are the way to increase profits and cover losses over 800 stores.

In general, I can't help but feel this company is misleading and letting down everyone! Its seems somehow wrong to even consider even walking in the doors! Its not Marshall Field and I can't imagine how they will even survive...but perhaps turning on the lights and unlocking the doors is enough for them to survive. All I can tell you is that they really don't get Chicago!

I just want to know if a Chicago company like Madison-Dearborn would consider purchasing and running a legendary department store. After all, the real problem is that these great businesses are owned by out-of-towners that just don't get it.

Date: Mon, September 17, 2007  9:46 pm CT
Posted by: Fred

I went to the mall this weekend, and the Lord and Taylor was packed! It is my choice now that Field's is gone. They have a number of the designers that Field's as well as some others.

Just wanted to add that Woodfield Field's always had its Christmas on the outside of the store on the main level, and the department 56 was on the second level on the outside as well.

However, it is a sad collection, all that Red Star store stuff. Like I want an ornament of a christmas Red Star store bag. I don't even want the cheap bags they give out when you buy something.

Joe

Date: Mon, September 17, 2007  8:23 pm CT
Posted by: Fred

Consider that Whole Foods and Trader Joes has turned down the old Carson's space. Also consider how there is outside funding for the restoration of the ironwork, and then how Joe Freed is remodeling the old Carson's flagship.

I give it better than 50/50 that Carson's will move back into 1 S State in a year or two when the work is done--the only catch being that the store will be scaled down to something like 3-4 floors along State Street.

Date: Mon, September 17, 2007  8:02 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

WGN reported today that Bon Ton has said they will be making an announcement regarding a new downtown Chicago store! I heard this second-hand, so I don't know if they plan to make the announcement within a year, or they hope to open a new store in 12 to 24 months.

Date: Mon, September 17, 2007  7:58 pm CT
Posted by: Pat C

Check out Great photo's from 9/9/2007

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=marshall++fields+protest&z=t

Date: Mon, September 17, 2007  7:30 pm CT
Posted by: Chris

There is a website out there called GoFugYourself.com - very funny and sharp. The two women who run the site dish on the fashion disasters of celebs with pictures to illustrate. Anyway, one of the entries for their coverage of the Emmy awards contained this little nugget which I felt was worth sharing:

"There's a fairly painful commercial running right now for Martha Stewart's new line of stuff -- obviously not effective, since I can't remember what store it's being sold at -- in which Tim Gunn is eagerly holding up bedsheets to a woman's body and crowing about what awesome fabric it is for a dress. And of course Martha has to stroll up and look at him like he's an escaped mental patient, separating him from his poor victim by dragging him off to kitchenwares and rolling her eyes that maybe he'll get ideas for hats from her pots and pans. And wacky ol' Tim trots on after her, cooing about how much he loves hats. While we all sympathize with that in this post-Dynasty era of humorless millinery, the commercial makes me yearn for the days when people didn't ask Tim Gunn to do anything beyond Project Runway, because I feel like he's too polite to say no when everyone loves him so much, and that's what leads to ads like that."

I know I'm fairly biased about Macy's because of all the hate but I genuinely like Tim Gunn. He's witty, urbane, and seems very likeable. But oh this commercial! What was he thinking?

Date: Mon, September 17, 2007  7:30 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Yesterday's (Sunday) Chicago Tribune had another "Voice of the People" letter in the 'Perspective' section. In case you have already discarded yeterday's paper, the item can be viewed at:

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/news_opinion_letters/2007/09/whats-in-a-name.html

Please remember that we think an emailed or paper-based (mail or fax) reply is the best way to support our cause.

Also, today's (Monday) Chicago Sun-Times had a quick bit in apparent response to the item several weeks ago about the new Chicago planning head, Arnold Randall. Part of the "talk back" feature, these quips have no author attributed to them.

Mad about Macy's
It is outrageous that the city of Chicago wants to do everything it can to "save" Macy's, which not only obliterated our fabulous fabulous Field's but is also tanking as a retailer. Their lousy management and callous disregard for the regional pride of the areas they bought in to will lead, sooner rather than later, to their going belly up.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/back/560485,CST-EDT-talk17.article

As always, please respond to such items. Even if your item does not appear, your opinion and interest registered with the news outlets and can have future impact. The following are suggestions to consider when writing.

* If submitting by the internet, send your "Letter to the Editor" in a standard email message. Do not use web page forms or blog sites for the newspapers, unless you absolutely have to. If you submit via email, you have the opportunity to cc: or bcc: a copy to yourself--submitting via other methods on the internet mean 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 to Crain's Chicago Business should be sent to: letters@chicagobusiness.com.

* 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 to help the largercause.

* Even if your letter does not get published in print or web media, remember that the media takes note. Every letter reminds editors and producers that this is still indeed a very important issue.

Jim

Date: Mon, September 17, 2007  6:25 pm CT
Posted by: Lee

Why is Messys selling Sprinkles? I thought the 5 and 10 stores went out of business years ago. Next week they will be baking cakes too! Maybe they could have Martha do a guest appearance and show us how to bake the PERFECT cake! Messys will try anything to get a sale.

-----------

Don't know if anyone else saw this one but a couple weeks ago Messys announced that they were going to shut down the historic Famous Barr warehouse in St Louis. The building has been around for 100+ years and had been the main warehouse for Famous Barr forever. Messys decided that they need to cut some more jobs and consolidate warehouse operations with the location in Bridgeton, Mo. Because we all know its about the shareholders and the BOTTOM-LINE for Messys. Don't worry about the employees who have worked there faithfully for years. Messys thinks humans are disposable! They claim they will offer jobs at the other location, but with the great distance between the two locations most employees are unlikely to make the move because of transportation issues or inconvenience, it just wouldn't be worth the extra travel. I'm sure Messys executives could care less if this happens since they can hire less experienced employees and pay them less.

At the Famous Barr warehouse, employees would unpack the merchandise and put in on hangers/racks. Now Messys said they can save money by shipping the goods to the store still in boxes and have the store employees unpack it.

I recently walked through a Messys in the St Louis area and saw evidence of this new practice. In the childrens/baby departments there were cardboard boxes stacked all over the floor and on carts. This is VERY appealing! Everyone likes to see boxes stacked all over when they walk through a store! You would not have seen this at Famous Barr. Merchandise was brought on to the floor on racks-already organized and on hangers. Messys is America's Department store? Not in my book! I would rather see the stores sit empty then to buy the cheap/drab junk they sell. Their merchandise is boring.

Bring back May Company and Marshall Fields!!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: Mon, September 17, 2007  5:58 pm CT
Posted by: Erick

Just a quick thanks to my fellow fields fans for a great protest on Sept. 9. I had planned on attending, but a tragic death in the family ocurred two days prior. I am fine and I appreciate your concerns.

But I am moving on with you as we seek to bring down this terrible corporate monster, Macy's.

Viva La Boycott!

Date: Mon, September 17, 2007  5:50 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

A Moment In History

1852 - Marshall Field and Company opens in Chicago.

1855 - The Smithsonian Institute opens in Washington D.C.

Date: Mon, September 17, 2007  4:18 pm CT
Posted by: jimmy gimbels

From Motley Fools:

Martha Trades Blue Light for Red Star!

Martha Stewart has decided to sell an exclusive line -- titled the Martha Stewart Collection -- at Macy's, in the department store's largest private-label brand launch yet. While the ads may be fine, I'm not so sure about the outcome for Martha.

For a long time, the company has sold its Martha Stewart Everyday line at Kmart, which offers items such as patio furniture, bedroom, and bathroom goods. For the latest quarter, sales of its goods at the Kmart chain were down 21%. So Martha Stewart has decided to target middle-market shoppers by selling bedding, cookware, and dining pieces exclusively at Macy's. [WELL, WE ALL KNOW SOME OF THE MERCHANDISE IS NOT EXCLUSIVE!]

But I've got an even more basic question, Fools: Why do both collections start with Martha Stewart? If you're appealing to different audiences, it'd make sense to more significantly distinguish between the brands -- starting with their names.

It's not like Martha has the Midas touch, either. She may be a whiz at spinning yarn into all kinds of things, but her business ventures are decidedly more mixed.

Stewart's company is struggling, and its losses have been mounting. In the latest quarter, it lost $0.09 a share on continuing operations, excluding non-recurring items. That compares to a similar year-ago loss of $0.07 per share. With Kmart an increasingly unreliable place to push her goods, Stewart clearly needed to change something. However, starting a new line, under a brand that's had mixed success lately, in a department store facing similar pressures, seems like an odd choice.

Date: Mon, September 17, 2007  4:11 pm CT
Posted by: jimmy gimbels

Well, it is Holiday Lane time again at Macy's. All in all the decorations are fairly attractive but just the same merchandise you would see in any other store. Field's Christmas department was always a treasury of unique ornaments from around the world. You could always find something special for the tree at Field's. Of course at Macy's, the majority of the holiday goods are from China and the prices are ridiculous. Example: the 6x8C. cardboard house covered with C,snowC. for only $24.00. The 2007 Field's clock ornament is a piece of junkC.poorly crafted and painted. Sorry to report, no Santa Bear in sight!

Here is another designer who fled MacyC-s: Christopher Radko! His amazing glass ornaments and the C,Shiny BriteC. retro collection were big sellers for FieldC-s. Remember the mob of people waiting to meet Mr. Radko on one of his personal appearances at State Street?

Oddly, MacyC-s set up Holiday Lane outside the mall doors at several locations (including Woodfield and Hawthorn Place) with no associates watching the merchandise! Everything is jammed into the limited space giving the department the appearance of a flea market.

Where are the Department 56 ceramic collectibles? A very small selection can be found on the lower level next to pots and pans. More odd merchandising.

I guess the girls in THISISIT are suppose to ring up the merchandise (but they were no where to be found) or maybe someone in WomenC-s Foundations (no one working there either). I watched a woman walk from department to department to find someone to ring up her purchase. She finally went to an empty service desk and called the MacyC-s operator. Ten minutes later a C,floor walkerC. came by to ask her what she was doing behind the counter. The lady in black finally rung up the sale and dropped the ornament in a plastic MacyC-s bag. C,Can you at least wrap that in tissue?C. inquired the customer. The reply, C,NO, we have no tissue or boxes.C. Happy Holidays courtesy of the C,Magic of MacyC-s!C.

Jimmy Gimbels goes to Macy's so you don't have to!

Date: Sun, September 16, 2007  11:15 pm CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Hi All---

I just blew in from a fun time in Chicago; was there since last Thursday----just for fun, no biz this time. I stayed at Marriott Courtyard on East Ontario, just 1 block off Michigan Ave. Perfect location for me since it took me out of the noise and crowds but took only 3 minutes to get right back into it...LOL.

Here are some observations about my trips through Marshall Field's buildings:

-It's been 2 years I beleive since I was in the stores and they feel very Un-Chicago now. That would be hard to describe further but everybody here understands that adjective completely.

-I was appalled at the krappy condition of Water Tower. Main Floor was still reasonably cool but 8th Floor Men's was actually depressing. The condition of the bldg and fixtures needed so much attention. It felt much more like a downmarket store in a small city in a rural area where the economy is not good. It was that eery sensation of not having seen an old friend for a long-time who has since become ill and has suffered great physical changes due to the illness.

-Other stores I visited that I thought were merchandised wonderfully: the 5 floor Crate & Barrel designed by Robert Stern is always fun; Nordstrom; Mark Shale; Kenneth Cole; Optika; Timberland; Allen Edmonds. macy's was so clearly below par in comparison---especially on Michigan Ave.

Regards.

Date: Sun, September 16, 2007  4:11 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

If anyone is planning to attend a home football game at WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY, be sure to visit the Goodwill store in Mountaineer Mall. Find two long racks and a U-shaped display area chock full of "exciting" fashions from INC, Style & Co, American Rag, Club Room, Charter Club as well as John Ashford and Valerie Stevens. (The last two were May Company private label brands.) Included are some Nautica, DKNY, Jones New York and other "designer" brands--all brand-new with original labels and price tickets. It's nice they're giving but it's telling that their items apparently aren't moving at Macy's.

Date: Sun, September 16, 2007  1:31 pm CT
Posted by: K

Hey Field's Fans,

I am pretty much guessing that 95% people hate Macy's, ever since I moved here in 2005, I had loved Marshall Field's with my wife. The State Street store was our place to shop. When it was still Field's, My wife and I went to see the 7th floor. It was like a Marshall Field's souviner shop.

Anyways, today I was stopping by the Macy's on State Street and I wanted to get a glimpse inside. I went inside and it was deserted. After entering, I went to the escalators. There was escaltors that were not working. And after I came down, I was thinking, "These people are mean, they don't even ask you for help like Marshall Field's did"

Don't you guys think we should go sign a petition? Or make an advertisment saying "Help save Marshall Field's!" or we should always protest on September 9th.

Hope Field's will come back.

Regards,

K

Date: Sun, September 16, 2007  11:06 am CT
Posted by: M J

The print edition of this week's "Crains Chicago Business" has a letter about the protest against Macy's in support of the return of Field's. There is also a protest photo.

Date: Sat, September 15, 2007  11:55 pm CT
Posted by: Cheryl Brokaw

Chicago isn't Chicago since Marshall Fields is gone. No reason to go downtown!

I do not like Macy's. Even the clerks don't like the store. One clerk told me that some people come in, purchase Frango mints and slip out. Please come back Marshall Fields, we miss you!

Date: Sat, September 15, 2007  8:22 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Thanks to all who helped make today's early evening leafleting session possible, especially Gail, A., Denise and, of course, J.

While the US, State and Chicago flags still wave above the great columns on State Street, the other US flags have been replaced by "robin's egg blue" Martha Stewart banners. These would be the sme flag poles that have the trumpets at the hoilidays. I think such banners have been featured before--then again maybe not.

As posted a week or two ago, two awnings on Wabash also are done up in Martha Stewart blue.

Date: Sat, September 15, 2007  8:22 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C

Macy's infamous "exclusionary" worthless coupons are painfully annoying more and more shoppers. Sound familiar??

http://www.consumerist.com/consumer/mouseprint/macys-issues-worst-coupon-ever-297725.php

Meanwhile in today's newspapers, Carson Pirie Scott's department stores advertised their semi-annual GOODWILL Sale. For each donated item brought in to the store, Carson's will give the shopper a coupon. Carson's makes it clear that the 20% off coupons are good for all brands of fragrance, designer apparel, fine jewelry, accessories and home decor items THAT RARELY (IF EVER) GO ON SALE" and 10% off on all electronics, small electrics, Sharper Image, Tech Trek, all furniture, even mattresses, rugs and health and wellness items of all brands. I did not see any exceptions listed. In other words, the shoppers are completely free to design their OWN sale and save on ALL brands.

Isn't it refreshing to see a store having no restrictions on what items the coupons may apply? At the same time, Carson's is being "a good neighbor" and contributing all the tens of thousands of donated items to the Goodwill charity to help others less fortunate!

www.carsons.com

Date: Sat, September 15, 2007  5:37 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Can anyone tell me why "Sprinkles" would need a lifetime warranty?

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=258379&CategoryID=31073

Date: Sat, September 15, 2007  5:00 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

TheStreet.com

"Macy's (M) advanced as renewed, but again unsubstantiated, takeover chatter filtered through the trading desks. The department-store owner's stock had risen earlier this summer on speculation it was a buyout target."

Who started these rumors? Terry Lundgren himself? Somebody in Macy's?

It seems nothing that Macy's has done in the past year has made their stock go up, other than these takeover and buyout rumors!

Date: Sat, September 15, 2007  12:07 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

With all the songs and poetry I had to throw in my entry from last year...

This should be sung to "Wishing you were somehow here Again" from Phantom of the Opera.

You were once my shopping passion

Your gifts were all that mattered

You were filled with class and beauty

Then my world was shattered...

Wishing Marshall Field's was here again

Wishing it was somehow near

Macy's cant see what you mean to me

Come back and bring us cheer!

Wishing I could see the green again

Marbled floors and pillars white

Ceiling of blue a Clock to cling to

All that I dreamed of you

Black awnings and stars surround me

Cold and monumental

Seem for you the wrong companions

You were warm and gentle

150 years, now fighting back tears

Why can't the past revive?

Wishing Marshall Field's was here again

Hoping that it's all a lie

Try to relive, the wonders you give

Give me the strength to try!

Date: Sat, September 15, 2007  12:02 pm CT
Posted by: James from Ca

I collect Field's memerobilia bags, catalogs, store displays, mugs etc and I just won this press kit/employee manual from Ebay. I won this beautiful folder entitled 'Marshall Field's Events and Publicity" from 2004, when Target still owned it. Here are some facts and figures from

the folder.

>When State Street renovation was unveiled there were 110 million consumer impressions in two days

>Broadcast coverage in all 50 states

>65% sales increase over previous year

>sustained sales increases of 15% over entire company

Glamorama raised over $600,000 annually

> National coverage on E!, Entertainment Tonight, People, US Weekly

> More than 50 million media impressions

Flea Market

> Over $600,000 in sales

> 17,000 attendees

>35 million media impressions

Flower Show Annual averages

> 100,000 guests in two weeks

> 7.5 million media impressions

Fashion Week

>2 million in incremental sales

>Over 60 million media impressions

28 Shop Show

> raised more than $500,000 annually for Museum of Contemporary Art

Ford Supermodel of the World

> Website had 150,000 visitors

> Drove 20,000 guests into stores

> Over 50 million media impressions

Field's Culinary Council

> More than 100 million media impressions during the year

> More than 60% increase in Field's Marketplace sales during Culinary Week.

> Hundreds of guests participate in chef appearances

Annual Great Tree Lighting

> 1 million guests see the tree every year

> 250,000 guests dine in the Walnut Room during the Holiday season

Auditorium and Windows

> Over 400,000 guests visit the Holiday Auditorium Show every year

> 75,000 guests pass by the State Street windows every day.

State Street Tourism

> Over 350,000 guests visit State Street store annually

> Marshall Field's Holiday named one of the top 100 events by the American Bus Association

> Third most visited destination in Chicago

And Lundgren threw it all away. What is so sad and tragic is that FDS could have built upon or at least maintained what was already a sterling brand that had such

national and international respect.

Date: Fri, September 14, 2007  10:41 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

OUCH!!! That's got to hurt.

>From Schaeffers Research (http://www.schaeffersresearch.com/commentary/observations.aspx?ID=20269):

Options Update: Macy's (M) Call Activity Spikes on Takeover Rumors

Technical and sentiment analysis of Macy's (M)

It would seem that even takeover speculation can't stop the backslide that is plaguing Macy's (M: sentiment, chart, options) lately - but what would you expect from one of the 3 Stocks to Avoid?

Clicking on the link 3 Stocks to Avoid brings you to:

Yes, there are still good stocks out there that have borne out the summer's rollercoaster action with ease, but then there are a few that have taken the word underperformer to a new level. Our crackerjack team of equity analysts has taken the time to provide you with a selection of the worst of the worst. Here, check out their picks, and learn about this trio of securities that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy's portfolio.

Double OUCH!

It goes on:

There are surely pockets of strength in the retail sector right now, but Macy's hasn't found one. The department-store titan has been limping along for a while now, and has reported negative per annum earnings growth for the past 5 years of -2.408%. Following that same trend, the company has missed analyst targets on 2 out of its last 4 earnings reports.

Most recently, Macy's reported a 77% decline in second-quarter net on August 15. Sales fell 1.7% for the period, while same-store sales slumped 2.6% for the 3 months ended August 4. Shortly after releasing that disappointing report, the company lowered its revenue and earnings guidance for the second half of the fiscal year, adjusting their targets below analyst expectations. Since that time, the stock has given back more than 9%.

It's hardly the beginning of Macy's technical troubles, though. Year-to-date, the stock has lost more than 19% C1 by contrast, the S&P 500 has risen 3% during the same time period.

So there you have it. A financial analyst has finally figured that MACY'S TRULY HAS SERIOUS PROBLEMS and she wouldn't wish the stock on her worst enemy! But... would she wish it on Terry Lundgren?

Date: Fri, September 14, 2007  6:31 pm CT
Posted by: Paul F

Well I just stumbled on a Kmart along Milwaukee yesterday -- I went in and looked at Martha's stuff. I have never bought any of her products but figured hey why not, and besides some were on clearance. So I got a vey nice white cake stand, a bowl from the same collection, as well as a matched serving platter. They were all on clearance and marked 50% off the clearance prices. So all three cost me $33. So Martha is getting my business at Kmart, and I recommend all to check her products out there as well.

Thanks Kmart! Forget you, Macy's!

Date: Fri, September 14, 2007  5:56 pm CT
Posted by: RG74

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Regarding Gayle's song, our thoughts can be summed up in one word.

BRILLIANT !

Thank you Gayle & Thank you loyal department store shoppers !

God Bless,

The Family of RG74 !

Date: Fri, September 14, 2007  4:54 pm CT
Posted by: Al

Rumor has it that Nordstrom is scouting for it's first Manhattan Location! Nothing is official yet but it would be great if they could find a spot right on Herald Square. m****s would empty out real fast.

We'll just have to wait and see.

Viva La Nordie's and Boycott

Date: Fri, September 14, 2007  4:45 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Russell

I passed on a Field's Forever pin to my neighbor. She was wearing it at the makeup counter at the Messy's store in Appleton. One of the employees inquired where she got it and said she wished she could wear one!!!!!!

Date: Fri, September 14, 2007  4:37 pm CT
Posted by: RG74

Dear Fellow Regional Department Store Lovers,

Congratulations to all of the wonderful people throughout America who are sending a message to Macy's that Project Star is NOT WHAT LOYAL SHOPPERS WANT ! WHAT THEY DO WANT IS WORLD CLASS SHOPPING EXPERIENCES WITH SMART BRANDS AND QUALITY ! NOT CHEAPLY MADE,EXPENSIVE KNOCK-OFF BRANDS !

VERA WANG TAKES CENTER STAGE ON THE OPRAH SHOW TO DEBUT A FALL FASHION LINE FOR KOHL'S !

ANOTHER PUBLIC RELATIONS MESS FOR MACY'S ! A WORLD CLASS OPPORTUNITY MISSED BY MACY'S !

OPRAH ENDORSES "SimplyVera" at KOHL'S DEPARTMENT STORE ! She said it, "ONLY AT KOHL'S, they are lucky to have you."

Could have been, should have been and WOULD HAVE BEEN at MARSHALL FIELD'S ! Vera Wang may have lit the tree while everybody was supposed to be "dancing in the streets," but she knew that "way to shop" was a gamble she definately could not take !

OPRAH SAYS, "CALL YOUR GIRLFRIEND !" FALL FASHION IS OUT AND IT'S AT KOHL'S DEPARTMENT STORE ! Designer Vera Wang shows how women of all sizes and ages can dress FASHIONABLY while on a budget ! A full runway of sophisticated clothing that looked well made and fine !

Vera Wang says this about fashion; it should be comfortable, it should be easy, it should be fun !

Then,with out further or do, a curtain sweeped opened to show a chic bedroom set ensemble !

It hurts us more than the people at Macy's more so because this could have happened at Marshall Field's...in fact, it could have opened at Field's with a gala fashion show at State Street and then fanned out to the Federated Department Store regional tradenames using a series of SimplyVera commercials with those famous taglines, AVAILABLE AT BURDINE'S, AVAILABLE AT STRAWBRIDGES,AVAILABLE AT FILENE'S,AVAILABLE AT BON MARCHE, AVAILABLE AT MEIER AND FRANK ....ETC. !

NOTE TO BOARD OF Macys Inc/Federated Department Store: NOW IS THE TIME TO HAND OVER AMERICA'S LEGANDARY DEPARTENT STORES TO MERCHANTS INSTEAD OF BEAN COUNTERS. Project Star is a farce. People want more in a department store than knockoff overpriced housebrands and cheap junk....WE WANT OUR DEPARTMENT STORES BACK !!!!!

THE SAD PART IS, YOU HAVE THE BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS, THE FLAGSHIP STORES, THE ABILITY TO RETURN TO A COMMITTMENT OF FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS AND A FULL COMPLIMENT OF CLASSIC DEPARTMENT STORE SERVICES WHILE REALIZING LEGENDARY SALES INCREASES.....YOU ARE LETTING THE POWER CENTER STORES & THE LUXURY BOUTIQUES TAKE AWAY YOUR BUSINESS !

Warm Regards,

RG74 is RG74 Family

We're legacy Federated/May shoppers & we miss our stores !

Date: Fri, September 14, 2007  2:22 pm CT
Posted by: PatC

Just a reminder: Please reply to the Voice of the people letters in the Tribune. Doing so makes a difference even if they don't print your letter. This is because newspapers still view thei volume of letters received on an issue as an indication of how worthy it is of continued coverage. Email your replies to ctc@tribune.com

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/chi-0913letters1_briefssep13,0,1443320.story

Date: Fri, September 14, 2007  2:00 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

More links to stories about a possible takeover with rumors centering on a combined bid by Eddie Lampert (owner of Sears, Kmart) and Vornado (a real estate company that purchased the Filene's flagship for renovation into mixed use). Too hard to say if this is good or bad. While Lampert supposedly signed the "keepitfields.org" petition, analysts have been disappointed in what's happened with Sears and Kmart. Vornado did indeed change the purpose of Filene's flagship to use other than a department store--even the return to the building of the separate company Filene's Basement is uncertain after the renovation is complete. At the same time, the purchase from Macy's was made with Macy's perspective that Filene's would never have a chance of coming back. Then there is how the "Marshall Field's" brand is worth over $400 million and the 111 N State store is worth over $1.2 billion--value maximized when both are together. Who knows what could be kept by Lampert, Vornado, or both and what else could be sold to others.

And of course, this could all go nowhere again as was the case a couple of months ago.

Links from:

The Street:
http://www.thestreet.com/s/macys-buyout-rumors-resurface/newsanalysis/stockpickr/10379703.html?puc=googlefi

Bloomberg:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=ax3oWE5sHdgs&refer=home

Forbes:
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/09/14/ap4118785.html

Jim

Date: Fri, September 14, 2007  11:15 am CT
Posted by: gle

Guess what?

"Macy's Shares Up on renewed Talk of Possible Takeover"

from AP via Yahoo! Finance

http://www.yahoo.com/ap/070914/macy_s_mover.html?.v=2
[ Note: that as this story is updated and the end of the url ".v=2" may change to ".v=3", ".v=4", etc with each update ]

Date: Fri, September 14, 2007  1:42 am CT
Posted by: Joseph From CA

Glad to hear all the news of what a success the 9/9 protest was. Even though I'm two thousand miles away, I was definately there in spirit with my fellow Field's fans. I reading recent articles, I still cannot believe the arrogance and stupidity of Macy's corporate management. They are essentially committing financial suicide, yet they still insist that their plan of dull, bland, homogenized retailing across the US works better than actually listening to what your customers want.

I can remember a time when Macy's was actually a trend-setting, cosmopolitan department store. Now it has sunk almost to a JC Penney level quality and is full of designer knock offs. Never have I seen a store place such an emphasis on its own labels. Usually department stores flaunt the variety of designers they carry. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I like to buy private label merchandise, and I have on occasion from stores like Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Lord & Taylor. The difference, however, between these stores and Macy's is that the aformentioned stores do no overemphasize their own labels over well known designers.

For those that don't believe that Field's was an important tourist attraction to Chicago and a vital part of Chicago's economy, I found my Field's charge statement along with statements from the other Chicago department stores where I made purchases during my trip to Chicago last March. They are as follows:

Field's: $262.74 ($161.46 State St./$101.28 Water Tower)

Neiman Marcus (Michigan Ave.): $87.20

Lord & Taylor (Water Tower): $47.15

Carson's (State St.): $41.53

Bloomingdale's (Michigan Ave.): $36.10

Nordstrom (Michigan Ave): $32.59

So as you can see, Field's got the vast majority of my money, but more importantly, I was in Chicago for only two nights. From basically a Sunday afternoon, until a Tuesday morning I put $507.31 just in department store purchases into the local economy. That of course does not count for the money I spent on hotel, taxi, food, and other expenses while in Chicago. In addition, the whole purpose of my trip was to say goodbye to Field's. So with Field's gone entirely, and both Carson's and Lord & Taylor gone from downtown, I know that the next time I'm in Chicago, I am not going to spend as much. Maybe Mayor Daley should've considered the impact on tourism before he let Terry Lunkhead desecrate a Chicago icon.

Keep on fighting, fellow Field's fans. Let's prove the skeptics wrong. Keep voting with your pocketbooks. Send a clear message to Macy's: "Give The Lady, and The Gentleman, What They Want.....Marshall Field's".

Date: Thu, September 13, 2007  9:31 pm CT
Posted by: Kevin

My wife and I lived in Texas with a May Department Store (now Messy's Department Store) and we had a "Marshall Fields" except it was called FOLEY'S. This FOLEY'S store had cheap prices, and a slogan "always something exciting!" and it was right! I did expect something exciting, I got a bed sheet for my wife for only, get this, $10!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it. That was the cheapest thing i had gotten, and that was the first thing i bought at foley's.

Then in Summer 2005, i moved to your place , CHICAGO. when me and my wife unpacked we went to the Marshall Field's in the street store place. Wow, cheap prices there tooo!it's like our foley's... but until September 9th, 2006 our Texas FOLEY'S and your Marshall Field's got bought by Messy's. I WISH I HAD KNOWN BETTER. MACY'S WAS EVERY WHERE.

Now, 2007, i was going to texas again, and MACYS ((ooooops! i mean messy's) was there!!!!!!!!OMG.

now i dont shop there

Marshall Field's, COME BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I want my wife to have cheap department store prices!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to help.

Date: Thu, September 13, 2007  9:15 pm CT
Posted by: Brianna

Hello Chicago Fans!

I was born in Chicago with Marshall Field's. When I was 10 I shopped in the 7th floor on the State Street store and I loved going up and down the escalators.

Then, something sad happend to me at 14, I moved to New York with the M store. I missed Marshall Field's and I didn't like the M store. It saddened me because I didn't like the merchandise.

Now I am 35 and I was married with my husband, Ben, and we moved to Chicago in 2004. I had two years for Marshall Fields left.

Now I am 37 years old, and I am hating the M store beacuse I was stuck with it when I was 14! I forgot to get a memory of Marshall Fields. I forgot the last day:(

Anyways the M store sucks.

I AM SUPPORTING CHICAGO MARSHALL FIELDS!

WE WANT MARSHALL FIELD'S NOT MARSHALL'S!

HATE MACY'S LOVE MARSHALL FIELDS!

oh and by the way, may be we should put an ad saying "Save Marshall Field's, Not Macy's!" on the bulletin boards on the highways and in the cities.

Good luck guys, LET FIELDS STAY ALIVE!

Brianna

Date: Thu, September 13, 2007  7:46 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

okay, in the spirit of Christmas, I couldn't resist!

A MacyC-s Christmas

(with apologies to Clement Moore)

C+Twas the weeks before Christmas

And all through the store

The departments were empty.

No one shops there anymore!

The Alfani was stacked high

Without thought or care.

Smart shoppers donC-t want it

Despite all the fanfare.

Tasso Elba and Charter Club,

Green Dog and I.N.C.,

TheyC-re high margin house brands

But the quality stinks!

TheyC-ve also got Diddy Combs

Usher, Hotel and Trump

But compared to old FieldC-s stores

The place is a dump.

They brought in ole Martha

With style to impart.

But you can by it much cheaper

At your local Kmart.

MacyC-s coupons and magazines

Create fashionable illusions

But you canC-t really buy stuff

Due to all the exclusions.

The big shots at headquarters

Sneered with derision.

C,Forget FieldC-s loyalists!

Move on with our vision!C.

C,WeC-ll take over the country

And destroy each store name.

WeC-ll plunder and obfuscate

And lie without shame!C.

C,Soon all will be MacyC-s

And the shoppers will find

They must take what we give them

And just be resignedCC.

C,We care not for history,

Loyalty, ethics, or class.

WeC-ve heard of the boycott,

But it soon shall pass.C.

C,Those crazy Chicagoans

CanC-t hold out much longer.

Our new brands will lure them

And our profits will grow stronger.C.

When out from the street

There arose a loud chorusC

Said Guzzetta to Lundgren:

C,ItC-s our customers, they abhor us!C.

C,TheyC-re marching and picketing,

Their wallets zipped tight.

Who would have thought

TheyC-d put up such a fight!C.

C,Continue to ignore them!C.

Terry Lundgren did mumble.

But the damage is done

And the stocks, they have tumbled!

The chant C,Bring Back FieldC-s!C.

Can be heard through the land,

And finally Wall Street

Does now understand.

Santa, bring back our FieldC-s,

The name and the glory!

WeC-d all like a happy

End to this story.

If Lundgren wonC-t budge,

Then weC-ll keep up the fight

Until MacyC-s is too broke

To keep on the lights.

Date: Thu, September 13, 2007  6:10 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

From Forbes.com

"What prompts my further thoughts on this subject is the announcement that Macy's (nyse: M - news - people ) is launching a major celebrity effort to try and restore some luster to its recent and somewhat unsuccessful effort to build a national chain of 825 stores under the Macy's brand. The ads beginning on television this month will feature such celebrities as Martha Stewart, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jessica Simpson, Donald Trump and Emeril Lagasse. All have something in common: They sell name-branded items at Macy's.

In Pictures: Celebrity Endorsements Gone Bad

Will this do the trick? Will this jazz up the department-store category under attack from the mass merchandisers or the specialty retailers? My feeling is that the answer to this question is: not likely. Here are the reasons...

"The bottom line is that all these celebrity brands aren't enough to make Macy's a cool place to visit. "

Read the whole article

http://www.forbes.com/2007/09/12/jack-trout-marketing-celebs-oped-cx_jt_0913trout.html

Date: Thu, September 13, 2007  5:29 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

This FORBES column offers opinions on both macy*mart and its celebrity program:

http://www.forbes.com/2007/09/12/jack-trout-marketing-celebs-oped-cx_jt_0913trout.html

Despite the media FINALLY publicizing M's lackluster performance, the stockholders still don't get it. If nothing else, M is always good for a laugh!

Date: Thu, September 13, 2007  5:14 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

This article supports the concept of regional retail identity:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070913/BIZ/709130345

Weren't regional department stores a thing of the past? Wasn't macy*mart supposed to be the "new sensation across the nation"? Why aren't "confused" shoppers impressed by all the "exciting" innovations and "outstanding" services offered by "America's Department Store"?

Date: Thu, September 13, 2007  4:58 pm CT
Posted by: Betty T

I have nevwr been in Macy's since it opened. I miss Marshall Fields. That was my meeting place for all my out of Town relative. As Macy's, it means nothingh--and the change is more thaan just a name change. 'The Walnut Room was our dining room. I miss Christmas at Fields. I miss taking my grandchildren to Fields at Christmas. And I will never take my GREAT grandchildren to that store until it changes back to Field's in name service and quality, Sob

Date: Thu, September 13, 2007  3:31 pm CT
Posted by: Rich W

Just in time for M's big launch of Martha Stewart....

Check out kmart.com and look who is on the front cover of their 9/16 circular.

If that's not another nail in M's coffin....

Next week, we'll probably see Donald Trump selling $500 ready-to-assemble-yourself houses that can be ordered online as a prelude to his holiday launch at M's.

Date: Thu, September 13, 2007  3:20 pm CT
Posted by: Larry from CMI now in PHL

Glad to hear that Jim Cramer has reversed his position on Macy's. I saw him predict that this would be good for Federated. Perhaps he did not anticipate them dropping the Marshall Field's name.

Since I moved here (Philadelphia) many people still have remorse for the loss of Wanamaker's. Some of them wish that they had boycotted this travisty as well.

Date: Thu, September 13, 2007  2:46 pm CT
Posted by: Wil Henry

Please bring back Fields - as it was at it's best. It's much needed.

Date: Thu, September 13, 2007  12:38 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Edgewater Historical Society is having their annual fall house tour on Sunday, September 16 from Noon to 4:00 p.m. (this group had a Marshall Field's window last Christmas and has been very supportive to Field's Fans). The tour begins at the Edgewater Historical Society Museum, 5858 N. Ashland (corner of Ashland and Balmoral in Chicago) and costs $20. It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some lovely old homes in West Andersonville, as well as to wear your Field's button and see if someone else wants one too. I'm bringing my protest pictures from September 9 and a handful of buttons. Hope to see some of you there.

Also, "Tribune" "Voice of the People" has two more opportunities for Field's comments today--"Silent Protest" (pro Field's) and "A Store on State" (pro Messy's that doesn't make much sense to me). As always, it is important to respond in writng or email and preferably not via their web-based version of Voice of the People. The following are the usual tips for responding:

* If submitting by the internet, send your "Letter to the Editor" in a standard email message. Do not use web page forms or blog sites for the newspapers, unless you absolutely have to. If you submit via email, you have the opportunity to cc: or bcc: a copy to yourself--submitting via other methods on the internet mean 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 Tribune should be sent to: ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com

* The Letters to Crain's Chicago Business should be sent to: letters@chicagobusiness.com.

* 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 to help the largercause.

* Even if your letter does not get published in print or web media, remember that the media takes note. Every letter reminds editors and producers that this is still indeed a very important issue.

Date: Thu, September 13, 2007  8:57 am CT
Posted by: Econ Geek

Went to have my hair done last night and overheard the following while waiting my turn:

CUSTOMER: describes very high-end event invitation and the need for appropriate clothing, asks where to shop.

HAIRDRESSER: Names several botiques...

CUSTOMER: "What about Marshall Field's?"

HAIRDRESSER: "Oh they are Macy's now, you wouldn't want to go there."

Date: Wed, September 12, 2007  11:37 pm CT
Posted by: Miller

Hi, All!

Rec'd a call today regarding an upcoming disaster in the making! (Jim-Contact me when you can). It is my personal opinion that we may have doubled our numbers of several hundred protesters, if only the employess of the store could have joined us on Sunday! Many were proud that we were out there, since they too dislike the new management (why even bother to mention the store by name, anymore?)

Turns out, many of the employees are even MORE disgruntled than the loyalist of customers!

I also understand that "the fruit-fly-infestation-area" of Market Place is once again filthy and cluttered with trash, much worse than when the City shut them down for health-code violations, from what I've heard.

As I mentioned before, I do not believe that this new team and owner knows how to run a quality operation. They've just cut too much staff to maintain the State Street store. Also, look to job cuts, full time employees cut to part time status ...and commission cuts to help "the bottom line" of store sales and to take the sting out of declining sales. This has most likely been going on for some time, but now more evident, under the watchful eyes of Chicago and the Midwest.

Perhaps Target Corporation should consider a buy-out of the 800 store chain and fix the problem, restoring the legendary name-plates and making the large volume of stores profitable. After all, Wall Street made them sell 65 stores, becase they were too small, not as profitable, but 800 store locations may change the profit formula.

Also, if Target Corp had not sold their founding company (Dayton-Hudson...and Marshall Field), once their parent company, we would not be in this dire situation. I feel the entire national retailing world has been disrupted, as well as our namesake stores, and our Downtown retailing district of State Street and Michigan Avenue in Chicago.

And at this point, I'm very upset with Target too for not standing-up to Wall Street and letting this National disaster take hold...a failing monopoly on America's department stores. Shame on them too!...Triple shame on M-store and b-dales. Not another dime, from my family in these stores, until the Marshall Field name is restored! ..that goes for you too, Target!

Date: Wed, September 12, 2007  8:44 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

Another update on the "M" stock...

Down Wednesday in VERY active trading (1.5% of their total available stock changed hands today). Closing price $28.83. Total Market Cap $12.5 billion. Again, they paid $11 billion for May Company, which is only 50% of their stores. :)

If anyone's been calculating the market cap themselves, they would know that as of Tuesday there was 435.6 million shares outstanding. As of today, there's only 433.5 million. This means that M***'s bought 2.1 million shares of their own stock.

When a company buys its own stock, the purpose is to raise the stock price - each remaining share represents a larger portion of the total ownership, so it's worth more. It also means that earnings per share and dividends per share are higher. The price of M stock went up yesterday, but today it was down again.

Interestingly, when Target Corp. did this in the early part of this decade, their stock price doubled...

Date: Wed, September 12, 2007  8:17 pm CT
Posted by: elliott

Hello everyone, I don't think this has been mentioned yet... but I like to check Yahoo Finance to see how the M store's stock is performing. (On Monday it reached it's yearly low!)

I also found this article of interest:

http://www.fool.com/investing/value/2007/09/10/kellwoods-frayed-around-the-edges.aspx

It's about an apparel maker who is facing tough times and just happens to sell clothing to Kohls, Walmart AND the M store. So that's where some of those "exciting" brands come from - a company that also produces clothes for Walmart!

Date: Wed, September 12, 2007  6:43 pm CT
Posted by: Hillary

Check this Article

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/09/10/ap4099062.html

Date: Wed, September 12, 2007  5:57 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

One Laurie Cacault of Whitefish Bay, WI has a letter to the editor in today's "Daily Herald" entitled, "Name and service must be restored".

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=35940&src=

=========

Between the above Daily Herald item, Sandra Jones' coverage in this past Saturday's Tribune Business section, the Monday Tribune coverage and, of course, the Sun-Time's lack of coverage, it's important that you write into the media and have your opinion known.

Here are some suggestions for when you write and help bring back Marshall Field's:

* If submitting by the internet, send your "Letter to the Editor" in a standard email message. Do not use web page forms or blog sites for the newspapers, unless you absolutely have to. If you submit via email, you have the opportunity to cc: or bcc: a copy to yourself--submitting via other methods on the internet mean 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 to The Daily Herald ("the DH") should be sent to: fencepost@dailyherald.com

* Letters to the DH must be signed and include the writer's town, and day and evening phone numbers.

* For the Trib and S-T, please remember to include a daytime phone number for verification purposes.

* No letters will be published in the DH anonymously.

* Letters submitted to the DH for publication are subject to editing.

* 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 excl usivity.

* 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 to help the largercause.

* The DH limits letters to 300 words.

* Even if your letter does not get published in print or web media, remember that the media takes note. Every letter reminds editors and producers that this is still indeed a very important issue.

Date: Wed, September 12, 2007  3:03 pm CT
Posted by: Paul F

Ladies and gentlemen, as of today, Federated/Macy's, Inc. stock is -28.376% from one year ago!

Give us back our Marshall Field's! Sell off the name! Or, perhaps Macy's stockholders just enjoy losing a third of their money. I'm sure the attorneys doing the class action are watching this Titanic in earnest.

Date: Wed, September 12, 2007  12:45 pm CT
Posted by: joe sus (jp)

Just got back from Northbrook Court at lunch. As usual the Macy's store was quiet and uninspiring. Instead I was over at Lord and Taylor and bought a nice pair of dress pants. Interestingly, Lord and Taylor redesigned their shopping bags to be even more high quality with cloth handles and a thicker material. Exactly the opposite of what Macy's did with packaging. Image is everyting and with Macy's and plastic bags....it conveys cheapness across the board.

Date: Wed, September 12, 2007  12:12 pm CT
Posted by: Clint

Correct me if I am wrong but it appears the Jim Cramer said that his recommending Macy's stock was the worst mistake ever.

http://www.stockpickr.com/view/answers/17542/

Date: Wed, September 12, 2007  10:29 am CT
Posted by: gle

Great to see the photos of Sunday's protest! Our website is getting more Marshall Field's quality every day.

A friend of mine showed me her letter to City Planning Commissioner Arnold Randall. She detailed her horrendous customer service experience at Messy's, where nobody knew anything and she had to run all over the store trying to find out how to use one of their confusing discount promotions. It sounded like a shopping trip from hell. I thought it was great that she sent her complaint to the City rather than just Messy's customer service, who is probably swamped with them and doesn't care anyways. Mr. Randall can get some idea of things that are actually wrong with Messy's, and it's definitely not just about a name change.

The on-line version of today's "Tribune" "Voice of the People" has a pro-Field's opportunity for comments on the same topic, "It's all about service, not names:"

http://www.newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/news_opinion_letters/

Date: Wed, September 12, 2007  9:13 am CT
Posted by: Julie Lea

I very happy these protests are continuing. I feel it is very important. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to 4 conflicts Sun. afternoon and could only attend one. Since the change I have not been in the store, much less purchased any merchandise from any of the stores. From what I understand the customer service and the quality of goods is not up to the former standards. Keep up the good work! Julie

Date: Wed, September 12, 2007  12:46 pm CT
Posted by: Andrew Swanson

Although I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, I live in Las Vegas now. I really wanted to make it home this past Sunday for the rally but one of my best friends from work got married in Denver on the same day, so I was unable to make it in. I wore my green dress shirt for the flight Sunday morning, and I was quite excited when I arrived in Denver at what I saw. When I was waiting for my rental car, a gentlemen was carrying green suit-bag. The Marshall Field's logo appeared in gold lettering across the top of the bag.

I took this as an excellent sign; although I was unable to attend the events in Chicago, I saw my own sign of Marshall Field's on the same day that all of you were fighting to bring it back. Even from several hundred miles away, people are remembering that Sept 9 is Marshall Field's day.

Hopefully there will be no wedding the day after Thanksgiving, as I'm assuming there will be another protest then and I'll try to make it home for that.

Date: Tues, September 11, 2007  7:08 pm CT
Posted by: Eric B

Bravo to Carla G for that great parody on "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and thanks to Pat C for posting it! Sheesh, the prospect of another Christmas without our Marshall Field's is depressing. So, to the tune of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," here we go! A one and a two and a three ...

You better watch out
You better all shout
Better all pout
I'm telling you why:
Macy's has invaded our town!
They took away Field's
Against our advice;
The Red Star store is naughty, not nice
Macy's has invaded our town!
They brought Martha Stewart and Alfani,
A fashion designer fake;
And threw out Choo and Armani
And bred flies, for goodness sake!
O! You better watch out
You better all shout!
Better all pout
I'm telling you why:
Macy's has invaded our town!

Date: Tues, September 11, 2007  6:36 pm CT
Posted by: Thomas Cooke

Just wanted to let everyone know how far-reaching the press you guys are receiving is. I live in San Francisco and "The San Francisco Chronicle" ran the Bloomberg article, "Macy's can't win over Chicago shoppers" from yesterday in the Business Section. Bear in mind that Macy's has been a part of San Francisco since it bought O'Connor & Moffat in 1947. The store in Union Square here is huge (actually encompassing not only the original building, but the I. Magnin and Liberty House buildings-after Macy's killed them off, also) but it's one giant emporium of private label junk, surly employess (if you can find one), and dismal housekeeping standards. It is hardly loved by the locals-they shop there because of the sales, but no one has any great affection for Macy's.

Even here, where most people have no idea what they missed by not having a chance to shop at Marshall Field's, Macy's is getting bad press. Is there anyone out there in Northern California who would be up for picketing in front of Macy's Union Square at Christmastime?

Date: Tues, September 11, 2007  6:26 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Our protest rally was incredibly successful. No matter what the papers say, we had lots more people than any other rally. The crowd stretched from Washington to almost Randolph Street, and it was an amazing and vociferous crowd. Didn't you just love that attention we got from passing cars, cabs and buses? Never more spirited! And this is one year after the conversion. And didn't you just love knowing that Ralph Hughes was sent to observe us from across the street? And even the weather gods are Field's Fans!

Also very special for me was meeting so many of you, especially some of my favorite bloggers, such as "Not My Real Name," Alfred, Darrid, Brian, LiMack and Miller. And knowing how many came in from out of town! This is not just a Chicago phenomenon!

I also want to say a special thank you to Pete and Gayle, who helped with the mannequin stand, making it possible for her to have added height and portability.

Keep boycotting and NEVER SAY NEVER!

Your Friend in Field's,

Zelda

Date: Tues, September 11, 2007  5:21 pm CT
Posted by: Doris in Paducah

Hello Fans,

The facts are as plain as the noose on your face, Terry (or at least they should be). Let me break it down in simple English.

Chicago is a major American city and deserves to be treated as such, meaning it deserves to have its regional bemporium/palaceb

You and your cronies slapped Chicago and Chicagoans in the face like bthe Hawkb

Chicago and Chicagoans owe Marshall Field because he helped to make this city the place known and loved by people from all over the world. If youbre half way smart you should have people monitoring this blog regularly to learn the tone of its citizens. Again as a reminder to you:

b" He transformed shopping into an event, not just a chore; due in large part to the personalized service he introduced to the retail community.

b" He supported, funded and worked closely with several of the citybs world renowned museums and institutes.

b" M. Fieldbs donate the practice field for the Chicago University football team.

b" He helped get Chicago back on its feet after the Great Fire. He was also instrumental in assuring future skyscrapers would be constructed safer and that insurance companies would underwrite these new buildings.

Now thatbs my soapbox speech for the spies and the rah-rah speech for the rest of you. As for what we can do from this point on? How about the following:

b" Tell everyone you meet whatbs going on with the boycott and the blog.

b" Enclose buttons, flyers, bumper stickers and excerpts from the website in monthly bills.

b" Leave flyers, buttons, etc. in public restrooms/ rest stops, bus stops, posters on trees.

b" Leave a button, flyers, etc. with your restaurant tip.

b" Drive up window at fast food restaurants, leave a flyer, etc. Same with movies, other stores (Blockbuster, gas stations, auto repair, family functions, church. . . anyplace you deem appropriate. LEAVE THOSE BUTTONS BEHIND.

b" Can we get permission to leaflet at major Chicago sporting events?

b" Decorate your home for the holidays in green lights.

b" Have a Marshall Fieldbs Halloween C+themeb party.

b" Do you jog or walk your dog? Be a live billboard. Slap a bumper sticker on littler Roverbs jacket.

b" Advertise on planes, trains and automobiles, court house, city hall, State of Illinois building.

b" Downtown, uptown, all around the town. Northside, Southside Westside each and every side.

b" Doctorsb office, hospitals, I.V. bottles. . .(maybe not.. . .).

b" Hotels, motels.

b" Change your voice mail to say something like, bFieldbs is Chicago, boycott Macybs.b

Is there someone out there that can put together an official screensaver and link it to the web for downloading, using the clock, protest photos, web page etc.? bI Want My Marshall Fieldbsb

Any other suggestions, please post to this website. Pretend youbre Marshall Field. What would he be doing to bring back his bpalaceb

I’ve read C+that storeb wants to position itself under Nordstroms and that the younger generation choose not to shop at the stores their parents or grandparents shopped at. Are these people living in a cave? This is like saying kids donbt want to go to a Bulls, Bears, Cubs or Sox game. Even IF this were true, what Ibm I? Chopped liver? Gee, Ibll just stop paying my bill, let me see how that will fly? These people are sticking appendage after appendage into their collectively big mouths!

As Ibve written, Kentucky is my home BUT CHICAGO IS MY KIND OF TOWN!!!!!

Doris

Paducah, Kentucky

Date: Tues, September 11, 2007  5:16 pm CT
Posted by: Al

Congratulations on the protest! I read the Bloomberg article with a picture in the SEATTLE TIMES! This is big news! keep it up.

forever Field's

Date: Tues, September 11, 2007  4:23 pm CT
Posted by: Judy Marth

To Pat: I LOVE the song!! I'm a professional (classical) singer - anytime you want it recorded, let me know. I'd do it for free and I'd even pay for an accompanist!! Wouldn't it be nice to have a CD recording to hand out at the holidays along with the pins???

Judy

Date: Tues, September 11, 2007  3:42 pm CT
Posted by: Bob Warsham

THE NEWLY RESTORED, SOON TO OPEN BLACKSTONE TO BE MARKETED AS

CHICAGO'S HOTEL...

Can a hotel draw on its history to evoke an "emotional connection". in customers and keep them coming back?

Fletcher Mayes is banking his job on it.

"We're selling the history," said Mr. Mayes, 48. "That's what makes the Blackstone special. It was the emotional connection that people had to the hotel."

SEE ENTIRE ARTICLE AT:

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?post_date=2007-09-11&id=26320

CHICAGO'S DEPARTMENT STORE WAS FIELD'S!

"...it was Chicago's hotel," Mr. Mayes said.

Date: Tues, September 11, 2007  2:50 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

JC Penney has developed a great way to bolster its sales:

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUKN1141317620070911?rpc=44

What company owned David's Bridal stores and sold them off? What company should have thought of a similar plan to improve its own sales? What company gives us yet ANOTHER chance to laugh at their cluelessness?

Date: Tues, September 11, 2007  1:26 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

Hi All,

It was great to see everyone at the protest! It was a phenomenal day, and there are no words to thank every person who has made this group so successful.

Over the past year or so, I've taken a lot of good-natured kidding from coworkers about my involvement in this cause. Most of them missed Field's, but the general attitude was "it's too late" and "there's nothing that can be done." My husband and I work for the same large company, and Monday morning we were both surprised to have people lined up at our desks, talking about seeing the protest on television and asking a million questions.

Today, one of the guys that had teased me the most, and who had actually claimed to like Macy's, came over to talk with me. He told me that last week, he had gone to Macy's to buy an expensive watch. After wasting a great deal of time finding someone to help him, he began discussing price. The sales associate went through a dizzying array of price calculations: a percentage off if he opened a Macy's charge, another few percentages because it was a one-day super one-time only sale-of-the-season (for the third time this season), another percentage because there was a full moon...you get the picture. My friend was a little dazed by it all, and decided to go have lunch and think it over.

While they were eating, his wife noticed a very fancy high-end jewelry store in the mall, and suggested they price the watch there to get an idea of "how much money they were saving" by buying from Macy's. To their absolute amazement, the "expensive" jewelry store's regular price was fifty dollars cheaper than Macy's super-best-preferred-customer rock bottom price. The jewelry store's service was white-glove stellar, and they walked out with the new watch.

After he told me the story, he sighed, smiled, and slowly picked up a "Forever Field's" button off my desk and pinned it to his shirt.

viva la boycott!

Date: Tues, September 11, 2007  12:59 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C.

After driving 250 miles to attend the Field's Rally on 9/9, I parked in the Grant Park Underground Parking near Millenium Park. Walking up to the street level, I found myself at Randolph St. & Columbus Drive. I carried my MF Green suit bag over my shoulders with my MF shopping bag and my FIELD'S DAYs dark green booklet flyer in my other hand, high above my head.

A friendly Chicago cab driver was parked at the intersection, and asked me: "Going to Marshall Field's?" Pretending like it was prior to 2006, I said that I was, but that I needed the exercise walking on that beautiful day, but thanks for asking!

The following is paraphrased...

He replied by saying something like, I want to Thank You, and all of your friends over there on State Street. I've heard about your protesting the change. Field's had anything for everyone! I miss the busy days of not only shopping there, but also bringing visitors and residents to that big store. Some days it was non-stop, even since 2000! My cabbie friends and I often remark about nobody wants to go to macy's. I hardly ever go drive anybody to macy's---hardly ever! Often people from other countries come here to go there. I've picked some up a few afterward, and even with the language difference, I pick up that they were shocked. You don't see cabbies waiting outside of macy's for customers. If someone asks to go to Marshall Field's, I'm honest and tell them that macy's took over the Field's building and that they will be disappointed, because it's all plain stuff and, besides, macy's are everywhere.

Date: Tues, September 11, 2007  12:24 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Much appreciation to those who organized and participated in the rally. Especially impressive is the widespread media coverage. Perhaps the real story behind macy*mart's tired cliches and excuses will finally be told.

Some of the links posted recently are fantastic! I especially loved the link to the Syracuse newspaper article. What a howl! Maybe some newspaper publishers who THOUGHT they would make big money from macy*mart advertising realized that they lost money since Lunkhead and Company slapped red stars over everything in sight.

Seek out the link to M's recent SEC filing. It isn't necessary to read the entire document; just scroll down to the actual monetary reporting. The numbers speak louder that the macy*mart cheerleaders!

Date: Tues, September 11, 2007  11:01 am CT
Posted by: Mitch

What's the most likely prospect for the future at 111 North State:

A retail venue clearly marked as Marshall Field's with plaques that, by law, cannot be removed. Within the revered building are architectural elements that can't be touched. The building is really only suited for commerce. A savy organization takes over the operation, fills the place with high end merchandise and service unsurpassed by any other and calls the store, "Marshall Field and Company."

Or...

A retail venue whose trade mark and logo have become retail poison for over a year, whose corporation is continually loosing value in the stock market, who occupies a venerated building marked by plaques of another,beloved retail name, that can't be removed, continues with their comedy burlesque way of attempting to sell ho-hum stuff eagerly awaiting the arrival of a B-list deva to uncork her magic tea pot that will just bring the crowds in like mad to buy.

The winner of the pool will receive a Donald Trump hair blower.

I decided to change my last name. Someone asked why I would do such a thing and I told them, "I didn't want to live in the past."

A friend of mine mentioned he received a call from Macy's credit department wanting to know why he hadn't paid on his bill. He asked the credit person," Why do you want to live in the past?"

Best regards to all,

Mitch

Date: Tues, September 11, 2007  9:00 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

I was in a West Loop Walgreen's this morning when I noticed that they have a small selection of men's accessories. The men's belts are branded as "Arifani". Somehow Macy's having a house brand named "Alfani" just got even more ridiculous in my book.

Date: Tues, September 11, 2007  6:29 am CT
Posted by: Son of Zelda

I participated in the protest on Sunday and was impressed with the organization and enthusiasm of everyone in attendance. The support and encouragement from passers by certainly helped, as well as the attention-getting display of people in costume (both real and pulled on a cart).

It should be obvious to Terry Lungren by now that we aren't just going to go away.

I was also pleased to see that we received extensive media coverage, which serves to remind all of Chicagoland that the Marshall Fields we all miss is still alive in our hearts. But I was concerned by one common element in all of the press coverage: that we are looking for "the Marshall Fields name to be restored." This, to me, seems like an understatement of our aspirations.

I believe that we Field Fans are looking for MORE than just the Marshall Fields NAME. We want everything back that the name Marshall Fields represented. Customer service and a quality shopping experience at an institution we can trust; that's more than just a name.

So, I encougare all of us to represent this cause as more than just changing a name. I, for one, want everything else back.

When is a name more than a name? When it means something important to all of us.

Thank you.

Date: Tues, September 11, 2007  2:43 am CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

I love MSNBC and their convenient stock information!

I'm not the first one to note that M's market cap is now $12.72 billion, which is getting closer and closer to the amount they paid for the May Company stores.

The rest of the story continues to be "exciting" as well...

Check out the "key ratios" page - M is performing HORRIBLY compared to the rest of the industry!

- Sales are down 1.7% over last year, industry is UP 3.8%

- Net Income YTD is down 39.4%, industry is down 2.2%

- Net Income by quarter is down 73.8%, industry is down 10.4%

(How much of the industry number is due to "M"?)

- Debt to equity ratio is 1.08, Industry is .48. This means that total debt is equal to 108% of M's total equity - as the stock price falls this will get higher, which is worse.

- Interest coverage is 4.5, industry is 16.8. This represents M's ability to pay the interest on its debt. M has to spend 22.2% of their income on interest; the typical department store only spends 6%.

- Return on equity, assets, and capital are all one-half of industry average or worse.

- Income per employee $4,819, industry $13,672. Revenue per employee $142,862, Industry $234,496. Each employee (even those who don't sell) creates 50% more revenue if they're at another store!

- Inventory turnover 3.1, industry 5.6. M's inventory sits around an average of 3.87 months; other stores move it in 2.14 months. (This includes the Christmas stuff that's still on clearance tables in September!)

Insider trading data says that in the thirty days after the stock's high in March, insiders sold 713,243 shares for $32.5 million, an average price of $45 per share. Terry Lundgren pocketed $12.9 million, and Thomas Cole got $8.17 million.

M's board and management have GOT to know they're doing something wrong.

Disclaimer: I am not a financial analyst or financial planner. My statements are based on publicly available data and are my opinion. They do not represent any offer or recommendation to buy or sell stock.

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  10:17 pm CT
Posted by: Bill Kansas City

I live in Kansas City, and I'm afraid I've never visited that State Street store, but I am in total sympathy and support of your effort to bring back Marshall Field's. Macy's are everywhere now, and it's horrifying. With Macy's, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Barnes & Noble/Borders semi-forcing their way into our communities, and either buying or putting other sellers out of business, choice and variety of what is available to consumers is dwindling incredibly. It's amazing that "progress" has meant extreme homogenization. It's almost like Macy's is becoming "the Post Office" -- i.e., there is very little choice if you want to go to "a department store." I mean, 800 stores. That's crazy. And they get this "100% sticking by our decision" arrogance that you get when you've bought out all the competition. The Macy's State Street store should be boycotted, and boycotted hard. I'm trying myself to minimize my purchases at Macy's generally. Fortunately here in Kansas City we still have a lovely, high-service, high-quality locally owned department store called Hall's (connected to Hallmark). (Come visit! [and, full disclosure, I have zero connection to Hall's -- I just appreciate it as a consumer]) Oh, and this faux designer crap at Macy's -- is it Alfani, or Daniel Cremieux, or Roundtree and Yorke, or some other b.s. name picked strictly because of how it sounds -- that stuff is quite often, I've noticed, ugly and poorly made.

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  10:07 pm CT
Posted by: David

I was reading the posts on the Tribune website in reply to their story and noted the tail end responses from "Moved On" a former Marshall Field's employee turned macy*s. I suspect it's Ralph Hughes or another minion. My reply:

"Moved On", truly you have- and I suspect you're Ralph Hughes, if not another macy*s employee who wants to keep his job. Understandable.

That said, PR is PR and macy*s isn't working, nor, most likely, will it. The "M" magazine was inferior to the Bloomingdale's mailing- just another indicator that your company wanted to eliminate Marshall Field's as competition.

I marched and I relished the gorgeous day combined with the fact that a true cross-section of former Field's customers were present, real Chicagoans (largely taxi and bus drivers) honked and hollered with support.

None of your arguments answer the fact that your company has robbed a community of part of its identity and a 150-plus year history and offered in its place a homogenous, corporate giant with figuratively: "no clothes".

Get some rest. You'll need it.

Again, Field's Fans, it was terrific spending the afternoon with you and I look forward to our shopping together again at a renewed Marshall Field's on State Street and others.

-David

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  9:28 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Looks like JC Penney is profiting on macy*mart's stupidity:

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070910/j_c_penney_conference.html?.v=1

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  7:52 pm CT
Posted by: Bob Warsham

great coverage on Sunday's infopicket...

Hasn't Terry Lundgren been awfully quiet...

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  6:11 pm CT
Posted by: JamesfromCA

Has anyone checked out the responses from the Tribune article on topix? Many including Jimmy Gimbels have given logical, reasonable, thoughtful, compelling reasons why the boycott exists and why sales are lousy, they've backed up their statements with clear facts yet there are those who still drag out these stale tired arguments even after the facts are presented. the top four:1) Get a life there are more pressing issues like saving the world etc. I guess it never dawned on some, that humans are capbale of having more than one interest or passion at any given time. Instead of wasting time on a blog why aren't they saving a puppy or delivering food to a shut in.

2) Field's hasn't been owned by the famiy in years 3) Field's has been a failure and hasn't been good in 50 years (so we are THAT old!?" 4) No one has shopped there in decades

It's interesting that FDS is emplying professional shills to write online. It's too obvious that they are getting receptionists and secretarys on their down time to write. The writing is a little too mannered certain phrases are a dead giveaway " exciting store possibilities" " giving macy's a chance" "you maybe surprised" "store experience"

"afforadable luxury" the alarm bells are ringing. The other oposition area few mal adjusted trolls that like to start trouble.

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  5:27 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

Hello Field's Fans:

I've been reading the blog; the protest sounds like it was a big hit. Wish I could have been with you. Thanks Jim for the call to let me know I haven't been forgotten--IT MADE MY DAY!!!!

Sunday I distributed leaflets and "I WANT MY MARSHALL FIELD'S" buttons in rest stops on I-24 and in downtown Paducah, Kentucky.

Just know this one thing: Kentucky is my home but CHICAGO IS MY KIND OF TOWN!!!

Keep up the fight!

Doris

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  5:11 pm CT
Posted by: jhstrychicago

I was passing through my local Redstar store today to get to Carson Pirie Scott. The Parking is great at the Redstar store, right by the door. Anyway, I walked the store, and they only have a handfull of top brands avail. They have replaced it with all of their Redstar choices. They had racks upon racks of clothes on sale for up to 90% off. There was only a hand full of customers, and a handfull of sales folks. Hmmm, Way to Shop?

Joe

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  5:01 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

I went to my favorite aunt's funeral in Michigan this weekend so I missed the protest. Glad to see that it made national news.

Just noticed that as of today's market close, Macy's market capitalization has dropped to $12.72 billion, or just 15 percent more than what Federated Department Stores paid for May Co. I'd say sooner rather than later Macy's debt will crush the company and force it to seek a financial sponsor, hopefully one that doesn't have its head up you know where inspecting its gall bladder like a certain CEO we know.

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  4:58 pm CT
Posted by:

Just another comment. I ventured into Sears yesterday after the rally ended to use the restroom (after my last visit to messy's, i had no desire to use their broken down, filthy restrooms), and I found the store to be quite pleasant for a Sears, and with a huge Lands End department (and CLEAN, well maintained restrooms). Since there is no longer a Carson's as an alternate dept store, anyone who wants to spend their dollars elsewhere should check it out. And Sears is a local business who engineered a return to State St in the '90's. Anywhere BUT Messy's!

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  4:38 pm CT
Posted by: Gail

Macy's stock hit a one-year low today. I couldn't tell for sure from the graph, but it looked like a two-year low too. Isn't it time for the Macy's Board of Directors to do its job and bring in a new management team? The Lundgren team has failed--badly. At this point, they can never admit error. It would damage their reputations for life. They are hanging on for dear life and hoping that nobody will notice what a mess they've made until they've gotten a few more pay checks. Where is the Board?

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  4:14 pm CT
Posted by: GRA58

The protest was a ton of fun. I can't wait until Thanksgiving. I'm already recruiting others.

I can't imagine how Ralph Hughes felt as he stood across the street watching and hearing cars and busses honking in solidarity. Coverage of the protest by the Tribune, CLTV, and Bloomberg News is really heartening. The fact that there were more people this year than last has to be disturbing to Macy's top brass - or at least it should be.

Keep at it!

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  4:01 pm CT
Posted by: Pat C

To the Tune of "I'll be Home for Christmas"
by Carla G.

I'll Miss Field's this Christmas,
My Heart is Filled with Gloom
Change the Name, it ain't the same,
Inside the WALNUT ROOM !

Field's means Real Chicago,
So...Macy's take some Hints,
Go Back to Manhattan,
And Kiss my Frango Mints.

Oh, I'll miss Field's the Christmas,
Yes I feel Betrayed,
Don't sell the "schlock",
Preserve the Clock,
And keep your Damn Parade.
No "RED STARS" this Christmas,
That's a "Commie Plot",
Go back where you came from,
'cause MARSHALL FIELD'S...You're NOT !

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  3:27 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff

Interesting blurb on Martha Stewart's exclusivity in regards to Macy's in Syracuse NY Post Standard Newspaper

http://blog.syracuse.com/storefront

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  2:02 pm CT
Posted by: Marilynn

A while ago a young man was interviewed on how he was able to get such good results with his complaints/problems with various stores, companies, etc. He was able to get superior results by contacting the TOP EXECUTIVES in whatever corporation he was trying to reach. Following his good advice, I have mailed a letter to each of the Macy's Board of Directors (www.federated-fds.com/ir/corpgov/board.asp?). Television shows have been brought back from near extinction why not try this to bring back our Marshall Field's?

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  1:32 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Russell

Congratulations all for the great protest yesterday!!!!! I came down from Oshkosh, WI on Saturday. I spent some time scoping out the State Street store.(I didn't do a thorough job like Jimmy Gimbels does, but that is his forte'!!) What a sad state of affairs. Very few people had bags, and what is with that crazy soap display? No class!!!! Late that evening I walked down State Street. Half the lights spotlighting the beautiful Marshall Field's building are burned out. Some of the windows are absolutely filthy!!!

Sunday morning cruised through the Water Tower Store. Dead! Dead! Dead! I walked through china and crystal. Burned out bulbs and unlit display cases. Kitchen and bath departments had no sales people. Men's department had young associates speaking jive in the aisles. Real professional!!!!!

Had lunch with some friends from Lake Forest. They are not one bit upset about the Macy's store closing there. They wouldn't shop in a Macy's store if you paid them. They said the mechandise is junk!!!

Again, thanks to all of you for the great job at the protest!!!!

Oshkosh want's Marshall Field's back b'gosh!!!!!

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  1:20 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

If a blind person had been walking in downtown Chicago along State Street or Washington Street early afternoon on Sunday, they might have guessed from all the voices and horns honking that there was a big traffic jam going on. But NO! All that noise was from cars driving by with people leaning out and shouting encouragement and support for Marshall Field's, and from others waving and smiling out from the windows of passing buses and shuttles.

Overall the media outlets did a really good job covering the pro- Field's rally. As we had hoped, in their video reports the stations picked up on the colorful 1890's costumed protesters and did closeups of those leading chants with bullhorns. What the reports mostly did not capture, however, was the sheer number of the protesters at the rally's height around 2:00 (there was a huge crowd), and of course they could never possibly capture the tremendous passion and energy of the Field's fans and the wonderful interaction with the passersby on the streets and in vehicles.

All in all it was a terrific day, and I'd`say it's quite clear that after a year Chicago still wants to shop at Marshall Field's-not Macy's.

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  12:45 pm CT
Posted by: Siamak

The protest went really well and received a lot of media attention. It was great to be part of it. Hats off to everyone for a job well done.

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  12:36 pm CT
Posted by: joe sus (jp)

The Bloomberg article below, could not state the situation better!

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a8uH0p6qx4M8&refer=us

I can't believe I am hearing the same Jennifer McNamara who was also spokeswoman for Marshall Field's! I remember her saying something to the fact that in 2002, the renovation of State Street was heralding Marshall Field's and Chicago for years to come! To hear her state these bogus facts is extremely annoying.

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  12:23 pm CT
Posted by: gle

FANTASTIC PROTEST! I thought it was colorful, upbeat and generated a lot of enthusiastic response from passers-by (even though a couple angry people said it was stupid--to be expected--in the minority). It was great to match faces with some names whose posts I read practically every day. I'm surprised how many people made a special trip from other states. This is clearly a nationwide issue--not just us in Chicago.

One year later, the world can't help but see that customers are still OUTSIDE Messy's stores, and aren't coming back to shop until Marshall Field's name and quality are restored. We didn't fizzle out! We didn't go away!

News reports continue to pour in. One of the nicer ones with a photo I found was on the wgntv.trib.com/news/ website: "A year later, Field's enthusiasts still fighting for name." The article had 54 topix.net comments posted as of the time I am submitting it.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-foreverfields10_bothsep10,0,4994924.story?coll=chi_tab0...

As I am writing this, another good one just showed up on Bloomberg.com: "Macy's Finds Chicago Indignant on Marshall Field's (Update1)."

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a8uH0pp6qx4M8

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  12:22 pm CT
Posted by: Shel Sherman (via JJM)

I need some help from Marshall Field's fans. There was a baby contest sponsored by Fields some time in the late 1940's. The awards were made by George Jessell and Janet Blair to the winning boy and girl. I am trying to get the exact date of that contest and possibly the names of the winners. Any help wiould be appreciated.

Shel Sherman

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  12:12 pm CT
Posted by: Rich W

It was great to participate yesterday. The rally was better than I anticipated....louder and more vivacious. I was happy to see the turnout exceed my expectations, and the mix of people of all ages. The women with the "Field's Baby" was great! I am a native NYer with many ties to Macy's, including my first job, but I loathe what they have done the past decade to the retail sector. They are "dummying" up the department stores and trying to force their way of life on us. I hope their profits plunge 100% next quarter. They have ruined not only the May Company stores they took over, but Macy's has ruined its own image even in NY. Herald Square is scary these days, and any serious shopper does not go near it. It's for tourists and criminals only. How a corporation can sit back and let one lunkhead destroy the whole corporation amazes me. I think the only way we will ever get Field's back will be to have some brilliant financier buy the name from Messy's and then open the stores as new. They should also restore the names of regionals across the country and add some spice into the dept store level of business. By the way, I was the guy wearing khaki shorts and a dark green/yellow pencil striped polo holding the 2 back to back signs "FIELD'S IS CHICAGO/BOYCOTT MACY'S." Viva la boycott!

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  11:47 am CT
Posted by: Thomas Cooke

Congratulations to all of you who participated in the protest yesterday. Keep up the great work, it can't be long now...I am taking bets with friends about whether Macy's will be in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy before or after Christmas. Today Macy's stock reached a new 52 week low! Guess Martha, and Donald, and Jessica can't overcome the disgust many of us feel at Macy's careless disregard of the consumers' desires to see Marshall Field's restored to the wonderful store and institution it has been for over 150 years.

Congrats again, and on to a terrible Christmas season, maybe its last, for Macy's!

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  10:53 am CT
Posted by: Maura

WHOOPEEEE!!!

Fabulous day and thanks Jim for organizing the effort! I think we should think about a Christmas themed protest for when the Great Clock and the Tiffany Dome turn 100!

It was great to meet you David. I loved that you spotted Ralph Hughes! Mr Hughes did look quite sophisticated and dapper. Very Marshall Field's. I hope someday he can represent the resurrection of Field's. I think you are right David thatin his heart and soul Mr. Hughes loves the Marshall Field's tradition and is probably trying to maintain as much of it as he can under new management. Tough job especially when your bosses are so clueless about what needs to take place. I will reiterate just in case they have missed the message.

At a minimum at the 111 State Street Store

1. Change the name back to Marshall Field's

2. Bring back the green and ban the horrid black and red star

3. Fill the store with Bloomingdale's level merchandise.

4. Bring the quality back and you will get quality customers and believe it our not your customer service will improve because the customer's demand better!

I mean come on! You have the buyers you have the merchandise and the names were never taken off the building. Not hard.

All the Best Regards!

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  8:58 am CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

Congratulations to everyone for such a spirited protest!

I thought the "fair and balanced" part at the end of the Tribune article was funny - the one woman who said "it's a bit late, isn't it?" went to the Walnut Room with her daughter, but apparently DIDN'T BUY ANYTHING ELSE!

Today in the mail I got a flyer for a M***'s "Secret Sale." You have to use your M***'s credit card (none of mine are still open), and they gave you four coupons for $10 off a $50 purchase, and $25 off a $100 purchase.

I'm starting to do my Christmas shopping - let's see what I could use these coupons for...

* A friend wants a new electric skillet. Macy's has the Cuisinart version that's $100. "Home electrics" are excluded. Dillard's has it on sale for $75 anyway.

* I always get my mother a piece of Waterford for Christmas. Specifically excluded.

* She also wants a handbag to match a pair of boots she got a Field's. Excluded are "bridge/designer handbags, Coach, Dooney & Bourke."

* I have two friends whose initials are "RLP" and I try to get them Ralph Lauren Polo items with that monogram on it. Specifically excluded.

* Maybe, with a 20-25% additional discount, I'll get some of the Martha Stewart stuff at the prices I used to pay at KMart. Specifically excluded.

* I know! I'll get some kitchen accessories in the Villeroy & Boch pattern that I like. Hmm... the brand sn't excluded, it's not a "super buy, special, or Everyday Value Item," and it's not a leased department... turns out I CAN use use this dicount coupon to get $25 off a $100 purchase on this full-price, name-brand product. But wait, it's 50% off at Bloomingale's at the other end of the mall...

Experience with Rich's-M***'s before the May company merger (when I was disgusted, but not yet enraged), tells me that the cashiers will get these coupons and either a) have no idea what they are, have no luck scanning them, and tell you to go away; b) have no idea what they are, have no luck scanning them, and have you wait twenty minutes for a manager to come by and figure it out; c) will be chattering about who's dating whom and what club they're going dancing at this weekend; or d) you'll get one of the two salespeople that were hired by Mr. Rich in the 1960s who knows what they're doing, or the one college kid who worked at Field's State Street before the buyout. Your odds of option "D" are less than one in a hundred.

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  8:38 am CT
Posted by: Jim H

As an out of towner that went to Field's, this is just another example of something that was unique and iconic being removed for no good purpose. We had a department store downstate called Robeseon's that was to Champaign what Marshall Field's was to Chicago, and another in Tuscola called Four Seasons, which folded when the outlet mall came to town. Now we are relegated to the 'chains' like everyone else, with the same cookie-cutter products and services. There is something special about places like Marshall Field's that some people just don't get for some reason. It was just comforting to know that it was there, even if we did not get there that often, and that it stood for Chicago.

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  8:19 am CT
Posted by: Laurie C

What a great rally yesterday! It really says something when the crowd surpassed last year's.

Again, I think special thanks should be given to the selfless efforts of Jim McKay, Mike Moran, and Gail, and additionally Pat C., Denise, Paul, Marianne, et al. who contribute in many ways, as well as the countless others who read and post to the blog, spread the word, leaflet, and attend the rallies. You embody the true spirit of Chicago and I'm proud to be associated with such a group.

Zelda, your mannequin stole the show! I admire your creativity and cleverness. And what other causes bring people in on a whim from Ohio to dress up as an 1890s lady?

Everybody, keep writing to the media. It's the best way now to show our strength and unity.

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  6:58 am CT
Posted by: Megan

NO WOUNDER "MACEY'S" IS DOING POORLEY

This past week I shopped for a birthday presant for my husband. I went to Carson's and found a Emerile culterary set priced at $129.00. Thought I would head over to Macey's to compare prices. I found the same set and was disguested to find out it was priced at $360.00. When the sales lady asked if she could help me I told her of the price difference and said "no wounder Macey's is doing so poorly in Chicago and promptly left the store".

Date: Mon, September 10, 2007  1:00 am CT
Posted by:

I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

Since I couldn't join you in Chicago today, I wore my "Marshall Field & Me," t-shirt to the San Francisco Unions Square store. (Yes, they are just as stupid if not more in CA.) I wrote for Pin to wear for the HOLIDAYS!!!

I think Terry Lungren and the executive staff need a 12 step program. They gambled and LOST, and the losses keep piling up. I'm so glad I pulled my investments before the changes.

Date: Sun, September 9, 2007  11:47 pm CT
Posted by: Tina

"Meanwhile, inside the red star store: Empty restaurants and no customers floor after floor after floor. Two people in the Walnut Room."

Hah, I wouldn't be surprised if those were the two ladies mentioned in the most recent Trib article today!!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-foreverfields10_bothsep10,1,5841158.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout

Glad to see the protest is still going very strong after a year!

Date: Sun, September 9, 2007  11:45 pm CT
Posted by: Miller

Thanks, Jim, Mike, Gail and all, for organizing a very sucessful rally today on State Street. I couldn't even begin to count the hundreds and hundreds of individuals involved in today's protest event. Wow!

The number of buttons distributed was also amazing, several "seniors" came out of the store without purchases and offered to carry a protest sign! I must have passed out hundreds of "Forever Marshall Fields" buttons. Many passerbys, even the motorists on State Street, were overly elated to see the support for Marshall Field.

Also great news coverage on many of TV news stations!

During the march around the building, several salespeople could hear the protest chants outside, but chuckled noting that the store had few customers anyway!

Could I suggest that the 100th anniversary of the Field's Christmas Tree in the Walnut Room, with Martha Stewart lighting the tree, be considered another oppurtunity for another protest rally??? Would be great to be in NYC for the Thanksgiving Parade, with a "Bring Back Marshall Field's banner". But then again, why would anyone want to partake in anything macy's????

Glad to be part of the protest and the long-term boycott.

Date: Sun, September 9, 2007  11:35 pm CT
Posted by: Elizabeth

Great job Field's Fans! You made it clear today that customers don't want an improved Macy's, they want Marshall Field's!

No matter what Macy's does to regionalize and reinvent itself in Marshall Field's image, it will still by Macy's, the discount store that took away Chicago's own Marshall Field's. Our disdain for Macy's grows stronger each day that Macy's continues to commandeer Marshall Field's many cherished traditions and magnificent stores.

Marshall Field's is as Chicago as it gets and the midwest shops at Marshall Field's!

Date: Sun, September 9, 2007  10:37 pm CT
Posted by: jimmy gimbels

CONGRATS on a well organized and effective demonstration in front of the Marshall Field's building. YES, jimmy gimbels was there and met quite a few Field's fans. Please post the lyrics to the song you were signing...very funny.

Meanwhile, inside the red star store: Empty restaurants and no customers floor after floor after floor. Two people in the Walnut Room. Lots of people on the seventh floor for the Nutcracker auditions but they did not linger in the store to shop.

Messy's had the first floor manned with a small army of security people. Also interesting was the police prescence up and down State Street. Very unusual for a Sunday.

Mrs. J. might have scooped me on the Martha Stewart Christmas Shop but I got a preview of the entire Holiday Lane. The merch is OK but nothing to write home about. Please note that some of dear Martha's ornaments are labeled "MADE IN GERMENY" (sic).

I was ignored by every sales person including the woman doing her nails in the Frango department, the five salespeople standing in the middle of the aisle chatting away in front of men's shoes, the two ladies in the Marths Stewart Shop and the three people at the main desk in furniture. Service issues at Macy's? I think so!

I noticed that several of the interior directional signs still point people in the wrong direction or list departments that no longer exist.

Macy's employees stand outside, under the L tracks to smoke. They said management was worried about the demonstration all week. In addition, the four employees I met all complained about how horrible Macy's Inc. really is. One person remarked that it was a "good day" if she even had one sale in her department.

As always...jimmy gimbels goes to Macy's to spare you the grief.

Date: Sun, September 9, 2007  10:31 pm CT
Posted by: Alan

Congratulations on the positive press in today's online Tribune. It seems the crowd was bigger today than last year. That's quite impressive. I doubt if anyone had told Federated management last year that there would be a bigger protest on 9/9/07 than there was on 9/9/06, they wouldn't have believed it.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-foreverfields10_bothsep10,1,5841158.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout

Date: Sun, September 9, 2007  8:27 pm CT
Posted by: David

Thank you ALL for a terrific rally! One highlight for me was spotting Ralph Hughes watching us from across the street by the Hotel Burnham (sp?) I recognized him and couldn't help but think how as a former Field's employee he must have been experiencing some satisfaction in all of this. As he crossed the street to enter the store (someone had to...perhaps he was doing an interview?)I shouted "Mr. Hughes! Mr. Hughes!"- between hollers of "Boycott macy*s", but he looked straight ahead and went inside not acknowledging the crowd once spotted.

It was great to meet Zelda, Maura and others, but most of all it was heartwarming to see a true cross-section of Chicagoans voicing their love for Marshall Field's and asking for a wrong to be righted. Cabbies and bus drivers honked with regularity as did all kinds of folks driving by.

, you are an inspiration and I salute your grace, candor and fortitude in making all this happen!

-David

Date: Sun, September 9, 2007  8:25 pm CT
Posted by: PatC

What GREAT Day on State St !

I saw Ralph Hughes Today and asked him if he'd like a Marshall Field's Pin. He shook his head "No" and smiled ! I still think it would have made his Suit a little more colorful.

Big Thanks to Carla Gordon, who sang her Song "I'll Miss Field's This Christmas" from her Christmas show. You can catch her at Davenport's on 1383 N.Milwaukee in Chicago,9/30/07 & 10/03/07 singing Fannie Brice.

Thanks to All the Out-of Towners Delegates who traveled so far and helped this Day a success ! Gail, Alfred,Darrid, Laurie and many more!

Zelda..your ladyfriend was a Big Hit. Please invite her next time !

PatC

Date: Sun, September 9, 2007  6:52 pm CT
Posted by: denise rule

HOORAY FOR US!!!! WHAT A GREAT DAY!!!! for all of you who couldn't make it in person, but were with us in spirit and support this cause, it was really a grand sight....lots and lots of people and new faces. at first 'Chicago's finest' were a little 'testy', continually reminding everyone or someone to stay further back...away from the store and more toward the street. but, as time went on and the numbers increased, they backed off and eventually pretty much left us alone. one officer even took a "Forever Field's" pin from me. and that was another thing, we just couldn't give out the buttons fast enough, even after we wrapped up and i went into starbuck's on wabash & washington , the folks working there loved my t-shirt ("Chicago shops..."), loved my button.... i had to run back to our Field's corner and grab 4 more buttons and bring back to them, which they proceeded to immediately put on. it was just never ending. and all this on a sunday, with very little traffic in the loop. quite a few news teams....now just to watch and see who shows what. it is a good thing we are doing.

Date: Sun, September 9, 2007  5:22 pm CT
Posted by: Stephanie

Hi Fields Fan,

I miss fields so much its a land mark icon of chicago. The clothes Fields carried better brands and had more stylish clothes than macys. I don;t care for macys brand names I have never heard of them and are they any good?? if its macys I am sure its not! I wish macys had never come!

GO AWAY MACYS AND COME BACK FIELDS!!!!!!!!!

Date: Sun, September 9, 2007  5:05 pm CT
Posted by: RG74

September 9,2006 - September 9,2007

TODAY IS A VERY SAD DAY. IT IS THE ONE YEAR SINCE PROJECT HYPEN AND PROJECT STAR WERE PUT INTO MOTION, essentially the dismantling of the regional PROFITABLE department store.

It's been one year and we think the story can be summed up like this,

Here is our title: CROWN JEWEL TO CRUDE JUNK, THE STORY OF A RETAIL TRAGEDY !

There is a story to be told here, but right now it is in progress. 60,000 people petitioned to save the crown jewel of American retail but Terry Lundgren, Chairman,C.E.O.,and President of Federated Department Stores, now Macy's Inc. with the help of the management group while the Board of Directors sat idly by and destroy its legacy (along with many other stores from around the country that were the pride and joy of their local communities. THESE WERE ALL PROFITABLE REGIONAL DEPARTMENT STORES LIKE Strawbridge & Clothier from Philadelphia, Filene's from Boston, Burdines from Miami Florida, and many many others).

GUESTS/SHOPPERS WANT THEIR REGIONAL DEPARTMENT STORES BACK AND DO NOT WANT A NATION-WIDE STORE TAKEN DOWN TO DISCOUNT STATUS ! THEY WANT FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS, THEY WANT DESIGNER LABELS, THEY WANT CLEAN EXCITING STORES AND THEY WANT FINE SERVICE !!!!

IT'S BEEN ONE YEAR OF A FAILED STRATEGY ! CHRISTMAS IS COMING...WHY NOT GIVE THE GIFT THAT WILL TURN AROUND THIS SINKING SHIP CALLED MACY'S INC. !

God Bless all parties within Macy's Inc and the shoppers/guests that await their RIGHT DECISION WHICH IS LONG IN COMING !

God Bless You All,

RG74

Date: Sun, September 9, 2007  3:43 pm CT
Posted by: Nina D. G.

Thank you for the organizing the wonderful protest rally today! I am so glad that I heard about it early enough to make plans to attend. And thanks to the vintage costumer who was thoughtful enough to include a red hat...which I borrowed for the occasion...and this is why it's important.

I am one of several thousand Chicago-area members of the Red Hat Society. (www.redhatsociety.com) While attending a RHS event at the Palmer House a couple of weeks ago, which attracted members from all over the country, I was SHOCKED to see promotional materials from Macy's being offered to the ladies. When another Chicago member and I explained that this was NOT a good idea,that Chicago women were not happy with Macy's takeover of a proud Chicago landmark, the person at the courtesy desk was amazed. She had no idea that there would be any controversy about Macy's offering special discounts, etc., to ladies attending this event.

I then wrote to the "Hatquarters" of RHS in California, asking that before they hold another event in Chicago they should be extremely prudent about exploiting whatever connections they have made with Macy's. I haven't heard back.

So...I am appealing to you! If you are aware of any other local or national organization, charity, etc., that's associated with Macy's, please make them aware that there is a controversy going on in Chicago that could reflect poorly on their group if they exploit the Macy's connection too fervently. We don't have to get violent or threatening about it - just make our position clear and suggest some alternatives. Remember, it's all about the "green!"

Date: Sun, September 9, 2007  11:35 am CT
Posted by: RG74 Family

Ladies & Gentlemen,

We send our thoughts and prayers to everyone representing America's most loyal department store shoppers. We pray for a wonderful and happy day. Marshall Field's and the regional department stores of Federated and the May Company are truly the REAL department stores. Macy's Inc. Mart and Terry Lundgren lead offer nothing more than a slap in the face to the most loyal guests throughout every division in every division of the country.

Today's the day when the fine people of this country and once again stand together to impress upon managment of Federated Department Stores that Red Star Macy's is not acceptable.

It has often been said that a leadership should set a positive example when they lead. The attitudes of top-level management affect the corporate culture.

Terry Lundgren and his management team's TAKE TAKE TAKE and TELL THE GUEST TO GO TO HELL MENTALITY resonates from the top all the way to the store-level. These are managers who are trying to pattern their management styles after their leaders at the top. All this is why the board of directors just sits by and watches the company deteriorate.

Federated & May Company's most loyal department store front line managers and co-workers are being held hostage by a very problematic working environment.

Let us Review:

1) Shoddy store maintenance,

2)dismissal of professional sales people in exchange for poorly trained cashiers,

3) Quality full-service restaurants taken out of service

4) Removal of high grade designer brands in exchange for the inundation for poorly constructed housebrands that don't hold up quality wise.

5) Dismissal of the brands that hold higher equity in their home regions without regard for the most loyal guests (shoppers).

6) Senior management and board of directors are seemingly in a vaccum. They send out canned responses to caring and concerned guests who want their department store back...NOT A NEW DISCOUNT HOUSE TO COMPLETE WITH OTHER STORES !

7) HURTING THE CORE GUESTS AND TELLING THEM TO LIKE OR LUMP IT...IS THAT THE WAY TO CONTINUE A QUALITY DEPARTMENT STORE ?

PEOPLE WANT TO SHOP, THEY WANT TO CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES WITH THEIR FAMILY. WHEN THEY GIVE GIFTS, THEY WANT TO FEEL PROUD OF THEIR PURCHASES AND KNOW THAT GIFT RECIPIENTS TO BE WOWED, TO HAVE THAT SPECIAL FEELING OF HONOR AND PLEASURE.

THE CURRENT FALL-APART HOUSE BRANDS ARE NOT THE ANSWER. PLUS, IS IT REALLY BELIEVABLE TO THINK THAT THE CELEBRITIES FEATURED ACTUALLY SHOP IN THE CURRENT INCARNATION OF MACY'S ? NOT A CHANCE !

All many people want is the that feeling of emotion...that happiness,that excitement.

IN MANY WAYS, A STORE IS LIKE A BEAUTIFUL GIFT BOX, WHAT'S ON THE OUTSIDE (THE NAME, THE APPEARANCE) IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT IS IN THE INSIDE (THE WORLD CLASS MERCHANDISE, FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS AND QUALITY MERCHANDISE AND WORLD CLASS SERVICE ON THE INSIDE.)

SHOPPING IS ALL ABOUT EMOTION, LEGACY, CLASS, IT'S WHAT IS INSIDE THE STORE THAT MATTERS...BUT THE OUTSIDE WITH THE TRADITIONAL NAMES A(REGIONAL DEPARTMENT STORES...MARSHALL FIELD'S, STRAWBRIDGES,LAZARUS,RICH'S,BURDINE'S....ETC.) THAT MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE !

THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS GIFT TO GUESTS WOULD BE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RETURN OF MARSHALL FIELD'S TO START...THEN PERHAPS THE RETURN OF REGIONAL FLAGSHIP STORE NAMES (BURDINE'S IN MIAMI - FLAGLER STREET, FAMOUS BARR, ST.LOUIS, MEIER AND FRANK,PORTLAND, BON MARCHE,SEATTLE.)

NOW IS THE TIME TO GIVE THE GUESTS AND FAMILY OF CO-WORKERS AND MIDDLE MANAGEMENT A REASON TO CELEBRATE....GIVE BACK THE LEGACY...ABANDON PROJECT STAR !!!!!!

GOD BLESS,

RG74

Date: Sun, September 9, 2007  11:05 am CT
Posted by: Richard H

Thanks for placing my last letter written on August 28 on the front page of the blog. I hope it helps your cause.

Last Sunday,September 2, I was in Flushing, Queens,NY en route for a visit to my late father's old stomping grounds. I needed to use a public rest room as I exited the subway and remembered the Macy's up the block on Roosevelt Ave.

Now, this particular Macy's was originally a Gertz department store that had opened sometime in the late 1950's or very early 1960's.Gertz, which hailed from Jamaica, NY was the Queens equivalent of Abraham & Straus.Nice merchandise and you could have lunch at the Long Island Room Restaurants. Later on Federated eliminated the Gertz name and converted all the Gertz stores to Stern's back in the 1980's. THEN, Federated erased the Stern's nameplate and converted those stores to (you guessed it)Macy's.

The store was a disorienting mess. I don't think any of the fixtures have been changed since the Gertz days. Merchandise was in a messy, disarray state. music was being overamplified at the MAC cosmertic counter.

The rest room was on a cramped lower level selling floor with children's wear and intimate apparel on top of one another.The only way down to this level that I could see was a staircase with no signage. The women's rest room had a line that snaked way outside the door and what sounded like a heated argument going on inside. The mens rest room was littered with paper towels and not enough stalls and urinals for a hectic 4 level store.

As I left the store, I could not help wondering why this Macy's, which is located in a very high ethnically diverse vicinity is not as well maintained as some of their branches that tend to be in more upscale areas.

I miss the days choice was equated with shopping. A New Yorker could choose between Macy's,Abraham & Straus, Gimbels, Gertz, Stern's, Ohrbachs,Alexander's, and the like. Each store had their own brands as opposed to today's market of the same brands in each store. Not too mention, they sold everything from apparel to furniture to records, and in some cases, pets. Each had a nice sit down restaurent to have lunch in, as opposed to a snack bar or a fast food restaurant. Aside from the Cellar Grill, Macy's Herald Square has been infiltrated by fast food merchants setting up shop, including a McDonald's on the Kids floor, as opposed to the former Fountain Restaurant, which was in the childrens dept. from the 1970's-1990's. I hope the Chicago store does not suffer from this fate.

Please keep up the support and this website.

Date: Sun, September 9, 2007  10:43 am CT
Posted by: Ali T.

A month or two ago, my Mom was shopping in my suburb's Walgreen's while I was at school. She said that when she came out, there were two or three men from Macy's handing out flyers about an upcoming sale, and if you brought the flyer with, you'd get 35% off your entire purchase. One of the men complained, "Why isn't anybody taking these? I thought people in this town would fight each other to get one of these! C'mon, it's MACY'S, for crying out loud! And we haven't even gotten rid of ONE."

My Mom came up to them and said, "Well, do you have any idea how pissed off people are at you here? You changed the names of all the Marshall Field's to Macy's. Marshall Field's was a national landmark here!" I live in a suburb 15 miles outside of Chicago, which we visit quite frequently, so my family and I are even more furious about the name changing. My Mom continued, "We were the first department store! I'm not shopping at your store until the name is changed back." And she walked away, leaving the men dumbfounded.

My family has never shopped there and we only set foot in there once to see what they offered, and everything there was terrible. We have never set foot in there since, and whenever we pass the Macy's on N. State Street it is always empty, except for some tourists. Nobody else from Chicago sets foot in there. I wonder how they keep business. The proof from Marshall Field's is a plaque deeming it a national landmark. They could do better than that.

Date: Sun, September 9, 2007  10:24 am CT
Posted by: Scott