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Date: Mon, December 31, 2007  8:26 pm CT
Posted by: kurt

I know there has been a lot of speculation and rumors that the Macy's at Northbrook Court might close. It was not on the list of nine Macy's stores to close, but I can confirm that Nordstrom is in negotiations to open a store there. In one of their company meetings in the Chicago area that mall was mentioned of where they may plan to open a store in the near future. (this is common knowledge now among many of their employees) Originally the old I Magnin there was offered but Nordstrom chose Old Orchard to serve the north shore area. However, they now feel the area can support two stores (less competition now).

Does anyone have any more information on this, I'm afraid that its Lord and Taylor that is going to close then and be replaced by Nordstrom, rather than the M store. It doesn't seem like there is room there to build another department store.

Date: Mon, December 31, 2007  7:51 pm CT
Posted by: Matt

Thank you to Jimmy Gimbels and others for letting us know that Muckity Muck is closing 9 stores. The funny think, none of them are even in the "North" division. Could it be that this amazing boycott is going nationwide? I think so.

My perspective, the boycott is really easy. It has nothing to do with the name changes across the country, but, the inability of this company to bring its customers what they are looking for. And, furthermore, on such a large scale. I don't think any self respecting New Yorker would step foot in the place, so why on earth would the company expect anyone else to is beyond me. And, frankly, the goods at Blockheadale's are EVEN WORSE.

That's my 2 cents from San Francisco! Keep up the great work and may Corporate America learn a lesson.

Date: Mon, December 31, 2007  12:23 pm CT
Posted by: Mary Watts

State Street without Fields, what will they do next. Macy's does not even compare, send them back to New York we want our fields back.

Date: Mon, December 31, 2007  12:21 pm CT
Posted by: Allison

Remember to tell your family and friends who are boycotting Macy's in support of the return of Field's that they should also boycott Bloomingdale's which is part of Macy's.

Date: Mon, December 31, 2007  12:13 pm CT
Posted by: Jason M

I'm happy to say that I spoke around and most people didn't get Macy's giftcards for "Secret Santa." That's good news. Most of the giftcards were Target, Carson's, Nordstrom, Panera, and of course Starbucks.

Holidays and Bridal showers are so important to our cause. If we influence people here then we win a lot at once.

Date: Mon, December 31, 2007  11:01 am CT
Posted by: Betty J B

my perspective.

I found Macy's New York store employees to be rude.

I asked about a large size sweater and was informed by a snooty store clerk, that "we do not carry those sizes"!!! and it was not done with aplomb, but with a nasty attitude.

It was a shocker to me and the Walnut Room also had a rebel working there. We ordered food and was told the onion roll was all we could get for a sandwich! We asked for the Marble bread, and received this response. Shocked? Yes we were.

Thanks again,

beebee, elmhurst, ill

Date: Mon, December 31, 2007  9:10 am CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

Macy's, Inc. announced on December 29 that it will close nine stores, affecting 899 employees, in Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah.

Hmmm, on one day M-store says everything is meeting expectations. then they close nine stores. Interesting to note that an earlier press release distributed last Friday has the number at six store closures, it was changed later in the day to nine stores. This number is in addition to previously announced closures (like Lake Forest).

Date: Mon, December 31, 2007  12:08 am CT
Posted by: Marc- Boston

Here's a great article from Friday's St. Paul Pioneer Press (it's an AP story, so you may have seen it in your local papers)...

Full story: http://www.twincities.com//ci_7822418

"Macy's has become the face of all that is wrong with retailing today. It's natural to miss the personalized experience of yesteryear, but we also have to accept that the goals have changed completely."

Sigh.

Happy new year,

Marc

Date: Mon, December 31, 2007  12:01 am CT
Posted by: Marc-Boston

Beth- the blue Marketplace logo was in use when I lived in Minneapolis back in the 80s ... I have the blue bag with white lines in Dayton's, Hudson's and Marshall Field's flavors :) I recall they started using those bags when they introduced the Marketplace branding to Chicago sometime in the early 90s.

Cheers,

Marc

Date: Sun, December 30, 2007  11:18 pm CT
Posted by: Tom L

This isn't just about a name. It's about respect, or more accurately, a lack of respect. The Marshall Field's name is part of Chicago history because the quality store is part of its history and identity. Changing the store name is a sign of arrogance on the part of the new store owners. A few years ago I got some baseball tickets for my son's birthday. And while my family are staunch White Sox fans I couldn't see teaching my son about the heritage of baseball in America by going to a place that sold its soul to a phone company just to make a buck. It will always be "Sox Park" to me and we had a great time in the Friendly Confines where history and local culture are respected. Maybe some rich Chicagoan should take the Yankees off Mr. Steinbrenner's hand and change their name to New York Cubbies.

Date: Sun, December 30, 2007  9:22 pm CT
Posted by: marcus

So, Macy's is sponsoring the CW in "One Tree Hill", and their making their "BIGGEST DENIM EVENT"...

Good Luck Macy's.

That's the FAKIES OF MACYS...

PS: has anyone seen the mall with "ACY'S" and "CY'S" ?

What does Field's mean to me? EVERYTHING............:]

Marcus

Date: Sun, December 30, 2007  4:46 pm CT
Posted by: kurt k

For more great Field's memories, check out www.fuzzymemories.tv its a website someone put together that has lots of old Chicago area TV commercials, including several from Field's. One of their latest is a Marshall Field's & Christmas commercial with the special Christmas logo-

http://www.fuzzymemories.tv/screen.php?c=760&m=%22marshall%20field%B4s%22&p=1

Brings back great memories!

Date: Sun, December 30, 2007  2:34 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Like Eric, I was also pleased to see the chart/editorial graphic on the front of the Tribune "Perspective" section. If I'm not mistaken, this is about the only time in the past two months that the Tribune has featured any pro-Field's editorials or letters in their print edition. Consider that within the context of several stories about Macy's.

I would hate to imagine that Mr. Zell's leadership would influence Tribune reporters' story to one perspective or another. While some have argued that Zell is hands-off in his role at the Tribune as exemplified by the Field's clock on today's "Perspective" section, others have said they are concerned since Helen Zell heads the Museum of Contemporary Art's Board of Directors. Along with Target, Macy's is one of the two biggest donors to the MCA and the sponsor of a monthly dating event at the MCA that has been advertised on the doors at the State Street store.

Some have even argued that Zell is wealthy enough to buy Macy's or at least the former Field's locations. I don't think that will happen.

So I have heard all sorts of arguments but I don't think a shrewd and wealthy business man like Mr. Zell would ever devalue the Tribune by biasing the publication one way or another.

As for today's Sunday Tribune, there was another Macy's reference that seemed odd. There was an article about promoting the boxing events that were held here a couple of months ago. Clearly there were dozens of possible photos showing the promotion of the event. The Trib's choice of photo? One of a window at 111 N State focussing on the event. Those wishing to help bring back Field's can do so by responding to the Tribune on either of today's Macy's / Field's sightings. Just see my post below from yesterday for suggestions.

Jim

Date: Sun, December 30, 2007  1:37 pm CT
Posted by: Eric B

Section 1 of Sunday's Chicago Tribune contains a combined total of more than 4 pages of Macy's after-Christmas sale ads. The revenue generated by the sale of this advertising space is substantial, which leads one to believe that editorial opinion at the Trib would tend to lean in Macy's favor, right? Welllll, there are early signs that things might be changing under Sam Zell's leadership. Just take a gander at the illustration on page 1 of Section 2 (Perspective). It's a chart divided into 4 quadrants. Each quadrant is filled with entries consisting of recent news topics. All of these items are grouped according to "star rising," "star falling," "Bad for civilization," and "Good for civilization."

Now, what's at the very rock bottom of the "Bad for civilization - star falling" quadrant? Why, it's a sketch of Field's clock and the words, highlighted in color no less, "Macy's (formerly Marshall Field's)! Perhaps in this cryptic fashion, the editors of the Trib are admitting that Macy's is "bad for civilization." and their "(red) star is falling!"

Date: Sun, December 30, 2007  9:55 am CT
Posted by: Darrell

This article was in the Indianapolis Star - December 30th.

".....So which ones impressed you? Where will you never go again? Just four retailers - Costco, JCP, Wal-Mart and Barnes & Noble - ranked as "star performers" this year, according to America's Research Group.

Take a look at how others measured up:

Good Job: Sears, Old Navy, Sam's Club, Sports Authority and Books-A-Million.

Met Customers expectations: Big Lots, Kohl's, Home Depot, Best Buy, Tour R Us, Lowe's, Target, The Gap, Kmart, Belk, TJ Max and American Eagle.

In Jeopardy: MACY"S, Circuit City, Borders and Dillard.

Rankings were based on the percentage of customers who shopped the stores in both 2007 and 2006."

Date: Sun, December 30, 2007  12:50 am CT
Posted by: Billie J

Thanks Zelda for the stock chart! That downward trend is a perfect illustration of what we all think of Macy's!

Even though I live in Texas, I desperately miss Fields, and the idea that it's no longer there on State Street is like one's best friend is no longer with us. (For me, only occasional visits to Chicago--but most of all, "mail-ordering" from Fields is greatly missed since my family has shopped Fields this way since the 1940's!)

Actually, Fields left Houston, sadly, before The Pretender (Macy's) came here to take over our very versatile all-purpose department store, Foley's. Of course, everything Foley's stood for is dead and gone--and this Macy's place is nothing but a glorified discount house. I dislike it intensely.

Oh, for the section of Fields filled with many choices of Frango Mints. How I miss that! Bring Fields back, Chicago! This one Texan is with you all the way!

Date: Sat, December 29, 2007  9:24 pm CT
Posted by: Judy Marth

First of all, let me say that decorating our Christmas tree was actually a little depressing this year. I was pulling out all the ornaments and there was a huge green box with the Marshal Field's logo. My heart just sank and I had to stop what I was doing. I just kept looking at the logo and I couldn't stop thinking about all the past shopping trips picking up ornaments and gifts at Field's. I took special care in hanging those ornaments...God forbid I should break one! They've become prized possessions!

Now, let me fill you in on the "overseas traveler" mentioned in Jim's post of 12/26...I had man from Asia walk up to me with a map which had a number of names listed - obviously places he had been told to visit. He asked me where Marshall Field's was and I had to point and tell him he was standing right in front of where it USED to be. I showed him the plaque and tried to explain what had happened. HE even knew that Field's was THE destination on State Street! Then he asked about Carson's... I felt like "Scrooge" having to tell him that was gone, too! He didn't speak a lot of English, but he did understand what I was telling him. He thanked me, but he was obviously very disappointed. Then I met a couple coming out of messy's and they stopped to talk. They were visiting from Denver and were horrified by the change. They took a bunch of leaflets, begged for a couple of pins - which they immediately pinned on their coats - and vowed never to go in there again. I had at least a 3" stack of leaflets when I started - an hour later, they were gone. It seemed that people couldn't get enough of them! It was a great day for Field's!

My New Year's resolution for 2008 - to bring back Marshall Field's by next Christmas!

Judy

Thanks to Judy and friend, well over 800 leaflets were distributed on State Street the day after Christmas in a period under two hours.

Date: Sat, December 29, 2007  6:14 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C

"Remembering Retail" blogsite notes that even some people in GA and FL think that macy's is much lower in quality than Rich's, old macy's (Davison's) and Burdine's. Seems to be a common feeling across the U.S.

http://us.f303.mail.yahoo.com/ym/ShowLetter?MsgId=2932_56532608_8157489_3239_7404_0_219504_23423_3535653254&Idx=38&YY=44700&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&inc=25&order=down&sort=date&pos=1&view=&head=&box=Inbox

Date: Sat, December 29, 2007  12:16 pm CT
Posted by: Megan D.

I grew up in Chicago, and was recently back in town for a couple of days. A friend (who also grew up in the city but hasn't lived there for a while either) and I decided to go into "Macy's" to look around a bit (but, of course, without buying anything!!). We were completely appalled at what they've done to the building, and especially at how they're co-opting the parts of the tradition that they want, and trying to capitalize on it, while at the same time destroying the institution itself. It made us both feel quite sick.

Rest assured, I will no longer be shopping at Macy's anywhere, including where I live now. I'll also be sending them a letter stating as much, and trying to get friends to do the same.

Thank you all for spearheading this mission -- I really appreciate all the work that you're putting into keeping Chicago a one-of-a-kind place!

Date: Sat, December 29, 2007  11:13 am CT
Posted by: Jeff C

I will support Macy's in Chicago as soon as the New York Yankees change their name to the New York Cubs.

Date: Sat, December 29, 2007  11:10 am CT
Posted by: marcus

I can't afford Neiman Marcus--MY NAME!!!, Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor (even though I don't have it here), Saks Fifth Avenue, ...am I forgetting everything?

Well since my mall here is small, I have 6 choices: JCPenney, Macy's, Dillard's, Sears, Steve & Barry's, and Linen-N-Things. I choose 5 out of 6 stores.

I bet you can guess which 5 I go to:)

Regards

Marcus

Date: Sat, December 29, 2007  10:55 am CT
Posted by: marcus

I heard in Texas that they're closing 9 stores in Houston, including the center town one in Dallas and the second former Foley's and the first one out of Downtown at Sharpstown (or something like that) Mall.

Also...Red Paper Bags with white stars and candy cane color rope handles? Ew.

Bye

Marcus

Date: Sat, December 29, 2007  10:51 am CT
Posted by: LiMack

The "Consumerist" website has a snarky blurb up about Macy's announced store closings. Some of the comments attached are quite interesting, as well.

http://consumerist.com/consumer/retail/macys-is-closing-9-stores-338686.php

Date: Sat, December 29, 2007  9:45 am CT
Posted by: Scott H

Interesting article posted yesterday "Macy's to Close Nine Stores" in the Wall Steet Journal(WSJ.com)in which columnist, Mike Barris, so accurately indicated that "customers of stores that were formerly called Marshall Field's see Macy's as a downmarket intruder."

Valiant effort people of Chicago! Don't stop now, the tide may be turning! & please know that there are plenty of people here in my home state of Indiana that share in your disdain with the dismantling of Marshall Field & Co. 111 N. State St. must be restored to it's rightful namesake and nothing less!

S.A.H.

Date: Sat, December 29, 2007  9:00 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

In follow up to the online edition, the Tribune is one of hundreds of media outlets running the AP or Reuters wire story on Macy's closing of nine stores. These seem as if they are bascially a re-hash of Macy's own press release.

The Tribune edition of the story can be found at http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-071228macys-closing,0,6784790.story

The Sun-Times featured its own story written by Sandra Guy. It can be viewed at http://www.suntimes.com/business/717067,macys122807.article

The Tribune version seemed to be encapsulated into a quick news blurb with no local analysis, simply repeating the basic story about the nine stores closing -- not mentioning Chicago one way or another.

I found the Sun-Times version to be troubling in ways that goes beyond the loss of Field's to Macy's. It included analysis from a local perspective that either failed in terms of thoroughness or seemed biased to major Sun-Times advertiser Macy's point of view or both. Among other points, the article says Chicago would be spared closings and job losses suggesting this has always been the case. It points to Macy's opening of the Bolingbrook store in 2007 as well as the opening of furniture gallery store elsewhere.

How come there was no mention of the closure of Lake Forest? As far as I have heard that is still happening. While Lake Forest may be a small outlet, it's still in the same league as a furniture gallery store which was mentioned.

Furthermore, what about the Chicago Diversey warehouse's move to a site about 50 miles away? Last summer I read that this would result in some job losses as well as a number of warehouse staff not being able to make the move to the new far-away location. As pointed out in a STNG neighborhood publication, there is the opinion among many of these employees that they are being forced out. For a paper whose slogan is "Let's get into it" they sure don't be doing that, as noted on another blog.

I think it would be sad for Chicago to become a one-newspaper town. However, when the integrity and/or quality of reporting slips this much, it seems the folding of the Sun-Times is inevitable.

As always, you are encouraged to respond to such articles. It helps our cause immensely. These suggestions are made for responding to Tribune and Sun-Times articles.

* If submitting by US Mail, make a photocopy of your 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 means you probably won't have a dated copy of your response, if you ge t a copy at all. It is very important that you keep a copy for your records.
* The Letters to the Sun-Times should be sent to: letters@suntimes.com
* The Letters to the Tribune should be sent to: ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com
* The Letters Chicago Tribune Magazine should be sent to: TribMag@tribune.com
* Please remember to include a daytime phone number for verification purposes.
* Be certain to indicate in your letter that it is "for publication."
* Remember, items submitted to the "letters to the editor" section should not be cross-posted to other forums like the fieldsfanschicago.org blog. The publications request exclusivity.
* Be succinct as possible. Longer items don't have as much of a chance of being published. While there are many facets to the loss of Field's, consider focusing on just one or two facets that will best help the larger cause.
* Even if your letter does not get published in print or web media, remember that the media takes note of the public's pulse. Every letter reminds editors and producers that this is still ind eed a very important issue.

Date: Sat, December 29, 2007  7:07 am CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

Adding to the discussion about shopping bags - I recently bought on eBay one of the 1990 "environmental" brown shopping bags. There was a huge uproar when Dayton-Hudson switched away from the traditional green bags, and they brought them back soon afterwards.

I've got a substantial collection of department store shopping bags, not only from Field's, but also Rich's (now M***'s), Strawbridge's (now M***'s), Filene's (now M***'s), Burdine's (now M***'s), and Neiman-Marcus. What does it say that M***'s has bought out so many of these stores?

Certain people, who like to send e-mails under an assumed name, will claim that it's economic superiority and a sign that M***'s is a better store. This person needs to keep in mind that the largest and most profitable retailer on the planet is Wal-Mart, which makes no claims to have any "magic" or "style," and, like M***'s, has neither.

M stock has traded with a market cap below the purchase price of May Company all week.

On the Moynihan Station project - I'm sure most New Yorkers wouldn't think it at all possible for M***'s to close down Herald Square and build a new store as part of the Penn Station replacement project two blocks away. But if they can steamroll over the history, heritage, and quality of dozens of department store chains, why wouldn't they give away their own?

Date: Sat, December 29, 2007  12:33 am CT
Posted by: Sean C

Haven't posted here in a while...just a couple of thoughts...

First of all, if you want to see some vintage Fields stuff, go to www.fuzzymemories.tv -- it's a new web site dedicated to vintage Chicago TV. check out the "screening room."

Second...my mother-in-law flew in to visit with us over Thanksgiving weekend. My wife wanted to show her the Tiffany ceilng at the Marshall Field's building, but on the condition that she NOT spend a single penny there. We went up to the main level, showed my mother-in-law the ceiling, and walked right out...

Third...either I'm ignorant or I didn't see it mentioned here...but I just heard on the news that Macy's is closing several stores! (Nothing in the immediate Chicago area; closest, I think, is in Indianapolis.)

Date: Fri, December 28, 2007  11:04 pm CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

I was just doing an ordinary household task, folding the laundry, and had the extraordinary feeling of once again missing the products that we used to be able to buy at Marshall Field's. I am sure you have all experienced this in one for or another. It's been a bit hectic as I hosted 3 dinner parties in 5 days, so I decided I would stay in this eve, enjoy my Christmas tree, clean up the accumulated mess from last night's dinner and do some laundry, too.

As I was folding a batch of towels, I came to the Thomas O'Brien towels from Marshall Field's. I am in total agreement with a consumer writer from the Minneapolis Star Tribune who, together with some consumer products expert they retained, did a study of towels available from various sources in Minneapolis/St Paul. Conclusion was that the Thomas O'Brien towels from Marshall Field's were the best overall buy in terms of shrinkage, lasting softness, color-fastness, the edge stitching not unraveling, etc.

As I folded them this eve, I was thinking of now that these particular towels are about 18 months old, they have really held-up.Compared to some other towels I was also folding like Ralph Lauren Polo which were ok but fading & not as soft or thick, towels from Target which were rough/scratchy, towels from Bed, Bath were OK but the edges were losing threads and were not as soft or thick, the O'Brien were far superior.

When I mention this fact to people, sometimes they will say like it's some hot news, "But Thomas O'Brien is available at Target!" They think I was buying a brand rather than buying the quality of the brand. Then I need to educate them about my poor experience buying Thomas O'Brien products at Target. The products were not particularly low cost that I purchased, but the quality of these particular products was definitely low. Therefore, no more Thomas O'Brien for me from Target.

It made me sad and actually a bit angry that another really great product is gone from the market because of macy's----or in this case it could very well be because Target decided to retain that relationship with Thomas O'Brien when it decided to sell Field's. And if that is the case, Target is managing the brand in a direction that does not seem any different than the other merchandise at Target. It is no longer a premium quality brand at reasonable prices.

Sure wish I would have bought more than 2 sets at Field's.

Regards.

Date: Fri, December 28, 2007  5:35 pm CT
Posted by: Denise

Story about Macy's closing nine more stores.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071228/bs_nm/macys_closings1_dc_2

Date: Fri, December 28, 2007  5:29 pm CT
Posted by: Darrell

I guess the poor sales at Macy's is starting to show. I just heard on the local evening news that (1)one of the five Macy's (a former L. S. Ayres store) here in the metro Indianapolis area will be closing soon due to poor sales.

Keep up the fight for the return of MF!!

Date: Fri, December 28, 2007  5:15 pm CT
Posted by: Pat

Chicago Tribune has an AP blurb about Macy's closing nine stores that employ almost 900 workers in the USA.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-071228macys-closing,0,6784790.story

Date: Fri, December 28, 2007  5:05 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Hi Field's Fans,

This week we learned that Macy's stock had plummeted to a year-end low, and now they announce they are planning on closing 9 stores. What they don't say in their press release is that this will eventuate in the loss of 899 jobs (according to one newspaper -- my guess is more). Tell this to the next person who tells you we are "lucky" that Macy's has "saved" the department store.

In any event, we Field's Fans can end 2007 feeling proud that our efforts to drive Macy's out and bring back Field's are beginning to show up in big-time business news articles. It's just a shame so many have had to suffer not just the loss of a retailing icon and first class shopping experience but the loss of their livelihoods. Ah, the "magic" of a Macy's Christmas.

To the restoration of Field's and a better new year for all!

Zelda

Date: Fri, December 28, 2007  4:25 pm CT
Posted by: Barbara C

Grew up in Chicago, just spoke to a traveler from here in Los Angeles about whether she had gone to Fields (I had no idea what happened until I happened on a news story re Macy's). I went to Wikipedia and read the whole sick story. I am so sick about the loss of my favorite place in Chicago, so many memories. I hate what Macy's did to a similar old beauty here - Bullocks Wilshire. It got trashed in the early 90s and a grand beauty hit the skids. Now all there is any more is a pile of crap merchandise and no place with class or history.

Imagine if this happened in NYC to Lord and Taylor or Saks. There is no place for grand shopping left anywhere but outlet malls and garbage filled stores with no help and no concern for providing what is needed. The notable exceptions are Neiman Marcus (less than it was) and Nordstroms, which still has class.

I weep for Marshalls, my prayers are that you get it re-opened. Marshalls was Chicago to me for so many reasons.

Happy New Year - kick Macy's a**.

Date: Fri, December 28, 2007  3:04 pm CT
Posted by: Chris W

Found this article about Macy's closing Midwest stores due to poor sales. While not directly related to Fields, it mentions Marshall Fields in the story.

Keep up your good work. A Florida Fields Fan.

=====

Macy's to Close Nine Stores
By MIKE BARRIS
December 28, 2007 2:47 p.m.

Macy's Inc., which has struggled in the Midwest after acquiring May Department Stores Co., said it will close nine stores in six states.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119886779909756141.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Date: Fri, December 28, 2007  2:57 pm CT
Posted by: drew

HAPPY NEW YEAR from Terry Lungreed to 899 employees of the Red Star Store:

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071228/macy_s_stores.html?.v=2

How sad that these devoted employees have to suffer because of Terry's arrogance and refusal to listen to customers. The article notes that customers haven't taken to the Red Star, but that doesn't concern Terry enough to make changes. No, he still has his multi-million dollar gig so why should he worry about some poor souls who tried to make a living selling his overpriced, poor quality junk.

Most of those on this blog would probably agree that these stores are the first of many that will be closed. When are the shareholders going to realize that the macy*marting of America is a dismal failure?

Date: Fri, December 28, 2007  1:24 pm CT
Posted by: gw

The Wall Street Journal recognizes that Macy's in the Midwest, "where customers of stores that were formerly called Marshall Field's see Macy's as a downmarket intruder."

Keep up the good work Field Fans.

gw Shortcut to:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119886779909756141.html?mod=wsjcrmain

Date: Fri, December 28, 2007  11:26 am CT
Posted by: FieldsFanChicago.org

Congratulations to FieldsFansChicago.org co-organizer Mike Moran and his beautiful bride on their wedding this evening, with the ceremony and reception on top of the John Hancock Building.

Mike writes: "In attendance representing FieldsFansChicago.org will be a good friend, our own Jim McKay. NOT in attendance: Any gifts from Macy's!"

[ And that is how it was! ]

Congratulations again to the new Mr. and Mrs. Moran!

Date: Fri, December 28, 2007  9:19 am CT
Posted by: drew

A friend who seldom goes into Pittsburgh had an appointment yesterday afternoon. He hadn't been downtown in several years and wanted to go to the former Kaufmann's flagship department store. I said, "Seeing that store since it became macy*s just breaks my heart." Here are some of his unsolicited observations:

*The display windows at the corner of Fifth and Smithfield under the famous Kaufmann's clock housed a display for New Year's dresses. The spinning "disco ball" and glittery background featuring mannekins dressed in overly glitzy outfits was dismissed as "Tacky."

*The hand-me-down Cinderella display had several automated characters that weren't operating and sections of the display were coming coming apart.

*Some of the holiday trees look like "they were just pulled out of the boxes" because the employees didn't bother to straighten the branches. Other decorations in the store were nothing special.

*The elevators had litter on the floors and the stainless steel walls were noticeably smudged. Carpeting obviously hadn't been vacuumed and tile was dirty.

*Signs near the escalators advertised the gourmet foods selection on the ninth floor. Many empty shelves with a few greatly reduced items were all that remained.

*In one section four salesclerks were having a loud conversation while the few customers were ignored. Some departments were totally unattended. His comment: "There's nobody here to help you even IF you wanted to buy something.

*There were lots of empty spaces as merchandise was spread thin on the floor.

*The men's restroom was "disgusting"--filthy floors, dirty mirrors, nasty fixtures.

*His comments on the merchandise: Martha Stewart--don't they sell that at Kmart? Who's Tassa Elbo? Everything here just looks and feels CHEAP.

*He wanted to purchase a treat at the Arcade Bakery. The display cases were full of Krispy Kreme donuts and other non-descript pastries that didn't look too "exciting." When he questioned one of the clerks if any of the baked goods were still made in the store (as Kaufmann's had a wonderful bakery), the clerk said "Everything is brought in."

*As we left the store, he commented: "What a disappointment. Now I know why you call it macy*mart."

Date: Thurs, December 27, 2007  10:20 pm CT
Posted by: Ed K

I have heard that Carson's also moved off of State Street because they did not own the buiding and the building owner had decided to triple the rent and also relaized that if he carved up the store into smaller stores he could make a lot more in money collected via rent. It would seem the other reasons are secondary to this.

American Girl moving into the old Lord & Taylor location at Water Tower by Fall. How about Carson's moving into the old CompUSA building/American Girl?

Date: Thurs, December 27, 2007  5:29 pm CT
Posted by: Jim

Today's Sun-Times has an article by Sandra Guy: "Retailers ring up so-so sales".

There is one line about Macy's:

"A Macy's spokeswoman said shopper traffic at the State Street store was terrific this year but she declined comment on sales."

The full story is at http://www.suntimes.com/business/714676,CST-NWS-sales27.article

Date: Thurs, December 27, 2007  4:37 pm CT
Posted by: Patricia

For Christmas my husband bought me some beautiful Judith Jack earrings and I noticed it came in a silver box with a Nordstrom ribbon tied around it. After gushing about my gift I told my hubby, "If this were a couple of years ago I would have been opening a green box," and he just nodded in agreement.

Also, I wanted to tell you earlier this year my husband went to the macymart in Oak Brook to buy some pants he needed for work. Since he's hard to fit due to being long waisted he took anything that would remotely fit. So, he ended up with their store brand. Now, less than a year later he brought me both pairs and asked if I could repair them. Both pairs are ripping down the the side seams from the pockets!! Yea, nice construction. I plan on taking him shopping for some other pants elsewhere and throwing those other ones out. No more shopping at macymart.

A coworker told me today that he went into macymart on State St. to find a type of high end watch he wanted. When he was at the watch counter the saleswoman reluctantly came over and he asked if they had the brand he was looking for and the specific style. She glanced quickly over the case and said they didn't have it. He asked if she could check and she said again that they didn't have it. He asked if she knew if any other store carried it and she said "No, we don't have it." She didn't even attempt to check for him or even make any suggestions. She just curtly said they didn't carry it and that was the end of it. He told her "Gee, thanks for the great service!" and walked out.

Date: Thurs, December 27, 2007  3:31 pm CT
Posted by: Mike C

It always makes me feel good when Messy's stock is on the decline since it is a harabinger of change! It Darn near closed below $25.00 today. Yeah! Lets try for something in the lower teens or even the single digits! Here is to the end of the Messy's empire! May we have Marshall Field's back soon!

Date: Thurs, December 27, 2007  3:20 pm CT
Posted by: Sarah M.

I recently went into Macy's and I was in utter disgust at the filth in the store.

It was horrible. The service was horrible, the prices were horrible.

I went shopping for a prom dress. There was no way I was going to buy one there. It's not because of this website, they we just poorly made and frankly, ugly.

I want Marshall Field's back.

Macy's sucks.

Like a vacuum cleaner.

Amen.

Date: Thurs, December 27, 2007  11:51 am CT
Posted by: LiMack

In addition to some other very nice gifts, I also "scored" not one, but two, pristine green cardboard Marshall Field's boxes that friends have thoughtfully been saving for me for Christmas. They know I like to store things in Field's boxes in my closet and drawers.

Despite Field's being gone from from Chicago's current retail scene--we hope only temporarily--Marshall Field's continues to play an important role in December festivities in homes across Chicagoland in 2007, as it has for well more than a century. From treasured ornaments unpacked from Marshall Field's logo tissue and boxes, to the beautiful silverware carefully removed from wooden silver chests bearing Marshall Field and Company brass insignia, to sparkly jewelry pieces taken from their green Marshall Field's leather and velvet cases to wear with pride in the glow of candlelight---at holiday time in Chicago, it is truly Forever Marshall Field's.

Date: Thurs, December 27, 2007  9:08 am CT
Posted by: mds in mt. prospect

I posted a comment about our macy's snowglobe yesterday and forgot to mention something I found interestingly ironic.

While looking for return information, I found printed on the side of the box, "macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - the longest running show on Broadway". This made me realize that the folks at macy's do indeed understand and appreciate the importance of tradition and history.

My second thought was how little they care about preserving local history and traditions. I can't even imagine Wrigley being anything besides Wrigley (another corporate name), but this seems to be an impending possibility we need to be prepared to have shoved down our throats. At first I thought, this can't happen. Then again, I never thought Marshall Fields would be gone, so if that can happen, I guess anything is possible. I am sick to death of corporate greed. I am sick and tired of seeing yet another ad for yet another airline company when going to a basketball game or yet another ad for yet another bank when going to the theater. What can we expect next - "Welcome to Starbuck's Chicago" signs greeting travelers arriving at Office Depot's O'Hare Airport?

Let us have our traditions. Let us have our history. Let us have our Fields! If you do what's right, I believe that the almighty profits will follow.

Date: Thurs, December 27, 2007  1:17 am CT
Posted by: David

During my lunch hour (2:30-3:30 pm) today I wandered over to the State Street store to see if there was any activity. I was struck first by the fact that I walked 6 blocks before I ran into ONE red star-store shopping bag! Once cutting through the store, I took note of the fact that there were not the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds that used to fill Marshall Field's on the day after Christmas-folks catching the tree for the first time, cashing in gift certificates for bargains etc. It was busy, but not crowded- in other words "trafic", but not at the sales counters where young associates twisted their hair and chatted- and few seemed to be carrying macy's bags (other than the ones they've created under all of our eyes).

*** MOST interesting to me was walking back thru the Pedway and being confronted with something I've NEVER witnessed from a number of years of using the Pedway en route back to work from a dinner break at Field's. The ENTIRE Pedway from the macy's exit to the Wabash Street double doors was filled with litter and clothes from homeless (probably) and old food containers (one an aluminum party-size tray with food still in it). It was disgusting- like the still present grafitti on the exterior of the store. But, shocking as it was, it ALL ended once I exited the borders of macy's and entered the eastside of the westside of the Wabash Street Pedway shops/space. It was immaculate. Clearly the businesses are responsible for cleaning up the underground, same as the above. These Federated folks are even WORSE citizens than imagined!!!

Date: Thurs, December 27, 2007  12:42 am CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

I have been wondering how the stores in Minneapolis were doing this holiday season. It did seem like right around Thanksgiving Nicollet Mall Downtown was really busy with people shopping, but when I really watched them, there were really not that many bags---just a lot of people looking around, which seemed kind of peculiar. Later in the season, there were not that many people in the store. Then the weekend before Christmas, as I passed thru the store, it was really crowded again and people were shopping, althought it appeared many of them were from out of town as they did not know their way around the store or the Minneapolis Skyway System.

Today, I needed to go Downtown and make a couple of stops for a few things at Target, Banana Republic, & Crate & Barrel. Those stops took me thru the Nicollet Mall store via the Skyway System. Ugg-----it was crowded with a lot of people who did not seem to be very nice to be around---pushing and overall rather a rude crowd. There were no sales people working the floor in Men's Departments. They worked only at registers and definitely seemed ill-prepared for whatever work was required by the long lines at the registers-----must have been a lot of comlicated returns. At most registers I passed, there was a lot of explaining going on by the customers. The clerks would be punching a lot of buttons, looking perplexed & then they would pick up phones and be explaining things to someone else. Meanwhile, the people in the lines looked exasperated.

The other thing I noticed in the Men's Departments was how much Winter Stock there was. It was incredible----Minneapolitans apparently did their shopping elsewhere this Christmas as well. I saw rack upon rack of Men's winter coats & jackets. The amount of winter gloves and scarves was astounding----those things should be nearly depleted by this date.

I will probably receive notification by mail on Thursday that the Biggest Sale of the Season starts Friday to get rid of all this stuff.

Regards.

Date: Wed, December 26, 2007  10:25 pm CT
Posted by: Beth W

Hope everyone had a nice Christmas despite the lack of Marshall Field's this year. Let's hope for a good new year and hopefully the return of Fields.

Friday, I went to tea at the Drake and it was really quite nice, bringing back memories of the elegance and class that had been Marshall Field's. Afterwards, we strolled through some of the shops. In the flower shop there was a framed poem (so I first thought) and turned out that it was the song that we sung at the recent protest in Sept.! Yay for the Drake flower shop to have that displayed.

I have a question for everybody. Today at work a patron brought in a box of candy for us (as a Christmas present). He brought it in a blue bag that I didn't pay much attention to at first. After I unwrapped it and set up the candy, I looked at the bag and it was a Marketplace at Marshall Field's bag, in blue. Anyone know when this bag was in circulation? I don't remember seeing these. Of course, it just happened to follow me home to add to my collection.

Beth

Date: Wed, December 26, 2007  10:01 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Here's a Christmas present for all of us Field's fans, a graph showing the demise of Macy's stock over the past year :

http://moneycentral.msn.com/investor/charts/chartdl.aspx?Symbol=m

Our boycott is working,

which Wall Street cannot deny!

Date: Wed, December 26, 2007  9:00 pm CT
Posted by: Eric B

My wife and I were guests at two large family holiday parties where scores of gifts were exchanged. In past years, many of the gifts would be in Marshall Field's bags, boxes and/or gift wrap. Well, this year, the bags and boxes came from the likes of Carsons, Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Von Maur and Neiman-Marcus. There were no Red Star bags to be seen ... nor was there even ONE gift from the Red Star store or Bloomie's ... at either party! Proof positive that THE BOYCOTT IS WORKING!

Date: Wed, December 26, 2007  6:54 pm CT
Posted by: mds in mt. prospect

My wife received a macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade snowglobe for Christmas. If this was a Field's snowglobe, I would have gladly kept it and displayed it with great pride. But it was a macy's snowglobe and, not being from New York, I saw no reason to display this thing.

My son and I went to Woodfield to return it. The cashier said that nothing was coming up when she scanned it and had to call the manager. The manager asked for a receipt and I informed her that it was a gift and I had no receipt. She kept looking for something on the box when I pointed out that the box stated this thing was made "exclusively for macy's".

She talked to someone and informed me that this was a one day promotion with Santa on State Street and thus, had to be returned at the State Street store. I questioned this logic, but she held firm.

Not wanting to believe that this level of shoddy customer service was actually possible, I went down to the gift department to see what could be done. Wouldn't you know that I was told the same thing, but this particular manager seemed to genuinely regret that she could not help me - her hands were tied by ridiculous corporate policy. I again pointed out that the box said it was made "exclusively for macy's", I was actually in macy's as we spoke, and was stunned that they were comfortable doing nothing for me.

I asked for the name of a manager on State Street to ensure that I would not make the trip downtown for naught. The Woodfield manager said she did not have a number for a manager on State Street, but would e-mail someone down there and give them a heads up. Honest to God - she didn't have their number! She eventually gave me the State Street store general number and said that I could call myself.

I remain grateful that she pointed out this option to me - I could take care of the situation myself! I never would have thought of this on my own!

Long story short, I am amazed at the horrible, horrible service I received today. This experience really made me see red. Maybe that's the ir marketing ploy...give the customers what WE want and make them see red - macy's red!

Please get Field's back here! Please!!!

Date: Wed, December 26, 2007  4:00 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Special thanks to Judy and all who helped provide and make today's mid-day leafleting on Boxing Day possible on State Street. The store didn't look as busy as it was last week at about the same time. It seemed that the Macy's purchases were of Christmas clearace merchandise. I'll let Judy tell the story of the overseas traveler who came to shop Field's only to find it replaced by Macy's.

Leaflet distribution was brisk!

Date: Wed, December 26, 2007  1:31 pm CT
Posted by: Econ Geek

Interesting article in the online version of Crain's Chicago Business. In a piece about Sam Zell selling naming rights to Wrigley Field, the author writes, "Any buyer of Wrigley Field naming rights could risk the kind of backlash that Federated Department Stores encountered when it changed the name of the Marshall Field & Co. department store chain to MacyC-s. Protestors demonstrated outside the landmark State Street store and urged shoppers to boycott the chain."

http://chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=27552&pageNo=1

Date: Wed, December 26, 2007  11:58 am CT
Posted by: Da Burgh

Terry Lunkhead bumbles on with "the magic of macy*s" as shares hit a 52 week low:

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071226/apfn_broadline_retail_sector_snap.html

Granted, retail sales were weak this Christmas as analysts predicted, but the Red Star Store's stock value has been on a downward trend all year--just like their quality of merchandise. Other retailers have had ups and downs throughout the year, but Red Star's shares have consistently trended down.

Let's see: stores open 24/7, shopping passes offering $10 off a $25 purchase, coupon after coupon in the mail and in newspapers, massive markdowns and clearances, decent weather in most markets--now what's to blame, Terry?

Date: Wed, December 26, 2007  9:58 am CT
Posted by: D.

Die hard fan of Fields & our beloved city! Macy's must leave!! OH YEAH! Glad to of found you guys! VIVA MARSHALL FIELDS!

Date: Tues, December 25, 2007  11:50 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

I've noticed about four kinds of bags on State Street this holiday season--plastic with a circular hole cut near the top as a handle in a fashion similar to Carson's bags; two types of white paper bags with a red star on them--these have a gloss finish and seem to tear rather easily with one having a longer rope handle so it can be slung on one's shoulder; and finally a similar bag that is red gloss finish with a white star and a red and white rope handle. I'm not sure if any of these are the environmentally-friendly bags of which Macy's North head Frank Guzetta spoke.

Date: Tues, December 25, 2007  11:10 pm CT
Posted by: Steve H

I wonder why the management of Macy's North hasn't changed back to the heavy paper shopping bags. Macy's East had done this a few months ago. Nice sturdy bags with corded handles.

I don't have any, but they're all over New Jersey now. I guess the Minneapolis division can't afford them.

Makes you wonder.

Date: Tues, December 25, 2007  9:25 pm CT
Posted by: Gregg T

I lived in the northern Chicago suburbs for many years before moving out of state in 2004.

I was saddened to hear of Macy's purchase of Marshall Fields in 2005. Despite its marketing efforts, Macy's comes across as a mere upper middle class--or even just a middle class--store in comparison with the old upper-class Fields.

And the predecessor owner of Fields, Dayton Hudson (whose buyers were based in out-of-touch Minneapolis), populated the Fields store with inappropriate merchandise. I remember seeing, in the stationery department of the Fields State Street store (by then relegated to the basement), a plethora of--of all things--small picture frames, rather than an adequate stock of pens, stationery paper, etc. as in the "old days."

Date: Tues, December 25, 2007  9:00 pm CT
Posted by: Jim

In response to Paul's post about the Sun-Times' clip featuring the woman wanting to know why there's aren't protesters also out at Carson's, I suppose some might ask why she doesn't start her own protest.

But really, the reasons are multifold and different from the situation with Field's. The Sun-Times either lacks journalistic accuity to point this out or they are simply attempting to assist the Macy's PR machine by featuring comments that incorrectly minmize the difference between the loss of Field's and Carson's on State Street.

For one, unlike with Field's and Macy's, Carson's parent Bon-Ton is actively looking for a new location in or near the Loop. No decision has been announced although there have been rumblings off and on in the past year. At one point, Roosevelt and Clark was being considered, near the South Loop Target, which, IMHO, would be a little too out of the Loop. More recently, Bon-Ton execs have said they will announce something soon.

Furthermore, there are other Carson's stores in the Chicago area, although clearly the store for women near the rail stations is not adequate for the Loop's needs.

Also, it should be remembered that Carson's left 1 S. State because the store needs some major work inside and out to continue functioning as a retail establishment. There are some quirks and antiquities about 1 S. State that make it expensive and inefficient to operate as a department store. Also consider that when Carson's left, the city had not agreed to pick up the massive tab needed to remove and re-attach the store's trademark ironwork. Since Carson's left, the city has agreed to underwrite a significant amount of what I seem to recall as a $10 million tab for this part of the work. Most of the work required (especially interior) could not be done while any store was operating, at least not without greatly impacting the profitability of the store. To be sure, Carson's parent was effectively paid to leave but they are seriously looking for a new Loop location.

Now here's where we Field's fans love to speculate and wish: with the expense for the ironwork taken care of and apparently no grocer willing to move in, wouldn't it be great if Carson's came back, albeit to a scaled-down 1 South State Street store?

If Carson's is indeed interested in returning, I'd wager they are waiting to see if Field's comes back first.

Getting back to the mis-matched suggested comparison by the Sun-Times clip, aside from the fact that Carson's didn't completely go away, people aren't protesting in front of Carson's because, simply, Field's was the crown jewel of State Street. It was the number three destination in our city to the very end. Field's was the source of so many musuems, attractions and institutions. Even Carson's wouldn't have been at 1 South State if it wasn't for Field's since Marshall Field I engineered the move over 100 years ago

Consider also that what Macy's did to Field's is much more extreme than what Bergner's did when it took Carson's downmarket circa 1990. Bergner's didn't have much presence in the Chicago area at the time, but in downstate communities where there were both Carson's and Bergner's, customers did react unfavorably to the takeover of Carson's and its conversion to Bergner's in everything but name. Yes, I remember people cutting up their Bergner's and Carson's cards. So IMHO, Carson's greatness was hugely lost back over 15 years ago and much more extensively than when Dayton-Hudson took over Field's.

In short, I think the clip was placed by the Sun-Times as a way of minimizing the loss Field's on State Street by falsely suggesting the circumstances were the same. They are different.

Date: Tues, December 25, 2007  7:01 pm CT
Posted by: Paul F

Interesting audio clip posted on the Christmas Chicago Sun-Times front web page -- I don't know how to link to it, sorry.

The woman speaking in the clip states she understands why people are marching in front of Macy's but says that Carson's was her favorite and that people should also march to support Carson's return, as well as that of Marshall Field's. She laments there is no where to shop on State Street anymore.

Good sentiment all around!

I stand with Carsons fans also and strongly support all who have since taken their former-Field's business there.

Thankfully, Carson's as a company and brand is still with us! Hopefully the major renovation of the "Sullivan Center" (Carson's) building will be completed soon, and that Carson's, at least in some fashion, will return to that location -- or at least another location in the State Street area.

Date: Tues, December 25, 2007  3:47 pm CT
Posted by: JRR

Keep up the momentum to bring 'Fields' back.

I have the Marshall Field's ornaments on my Christmas tree. I'm originally from Wisconsin (and still call Wisconsin home... so Chicago was 'just down the street' from me. My grandmother always shopped at Marshall Field's when she visited Chicago. I did to during my visits to Chicago. In addition to being a customer of the Field's Chicago stores I used to shop at Marshall Field's Mayfair when I lived in Milwaukee. Also shopped at Marshall Field's at Hilldale, in Madison, Wisconsin when I lived there.

Marshall Field's always had the reputation of superior merchandise and superior service. When I heard in 2006 that the Chicago State Street store was going to be changed to Macy's I sent Terry Lundgren of Federated Department Stores a letter requesting that the conversion not be done. Marshall Field's is synonymous with Chicago. I am tired of the 'Walmartinization' of our society of which the demise of Marshall Field's in Chicago appears to be part of. Keep up your great efforts. I hope once again to shop at Marshall Field's in Chicago!

Date: Tues, December 25, 2007  9:56 am CT
Posted by: Frank F

Some of my fondest memories as a child in the mid 1960's were visiting Marshall Fields State Street or the Park Forest stores. I remember vividly the beautiful, lasting things we bought and the elegance and intelligence of the products displayed. The beauty and charm of our beloved Marshall Fields has been replaced by Macy's which has all the subtlety of a smoking, gum chewing, five dollar streetwalker.

Date: Tues, December 25, 2007  12:35 am 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 Great Tree.

Christmas Eve will find me,
Where the love light gleams.
I'll be home at Field's,
If only in my dreams.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Date: Mon, December 24, 2007  1:10 pm CT
Posted by: Mike M

A re-post from yesterday that is so worth repeating...FieldsFansChicago.org will be out on State Street leafleting on December 26. Email jjmckay@fieldsfanschicago.org if you can assist.

We leafleted again on Saturday and it was great to see more of you out there. What a great time it was! People are more supportive than ever!

Please, everyone make sure, at holiday gatherings during the next two days, to tell your friends and families that the BOYCOTT IS WORKING. People will be making plans for their shoppi ng trips on the 26th and during the next week. Please remind them to STAY AWAY FROM MACY'S.

Tell them that they are really making a difference just by shopping elsewhere!

Date: Mon, December 24, 2007  7:41 am CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

There have been more than a few noted instances of Macy's cheesy plastic bags that burst open before customers can leave the store. Remember the wonderful shopping bags from Field's? Many were works of art. If I remember correctly, at one time there was a historical display of Field's shopping bags on the 7th floor of the State Street store. I uncovered one of these gems in my attic today: a Field's shopping bag from 2001.

-Heavy, thick paper

-Sturdy sateen rope handles

-Four color printing

- and the words that say it all: "Marshall Field's...the sheer JOY of shopping"

It really was a joy to shop at Field's.

And it will be again. Let's all hope that the true "Magic of Macy's" is how it will disappear. (Their stock dropped again.)

Maybe Macy's will fix all those broken door handles and escalators; fix misspelled signage; clean up the dirty restroom; stop pushing overpriced, poorly made house brands; dump your D-list celebs like Martha and Donald; and provide a minimum level of customer service in 2008. (Yeah, I don't think so either.)

Happy Holidays to all my fellow Field's Fans. Bless your hearts.

Jimmy Gimbels visits Macy's so you don't have to.

Date: Mon, December 24, 2007  12:11 am CT
Posted by: Siamak

I was walking down Michigan Ave this weekend and right before Oak Street I noticed the LaSalle Bank on the West side of the street.

The bank had a bunch of paintings in the windows. I had seen them many times before but this time I took a close look. All were quintessential Chicago scenes. One featured a couple walking down the street in front of the historic Water Tower building. The woman was proudly holding a Marshall Field's box!

Then I thought how it is a sad day for Chicago. It has lost not only Marshall Field's but now also LaSalle Bank (where this painting was displayed). Hopefully in 2008 one of them will be back! Bring back Field's in name, quality, and service.

Date: Sun, December 23, 2007  11:35 pm CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

HI All-----

I gave a Christmas Dinner Party this eve. My friend, Larry, who attended made a comment during the meal that he had recently visited the Downtown Store on Nicollet Mall. Larry is a guy who has not paid too much attention to the demise of Field's and the takeover by macy's.

Larry described how he went shopping at the Nicollet Mall Store. His reaction was, "What happened?" He was struck by the disappearance of decent, good quality brands, and the overwhelming abundance of junk brands at high prices. The poor quality of the men's clothing was astounding to him.

Well, it only took one shopping trip to convert Larry to someone who really would prefer to have Field's back as he could not find anything to buy at macy's.

Regards.

Date: Sun, December 23, 2007  11:08 pm CT
Posted by: Jack K

Dateline: State and Washington-- 1-4 pm on a unseasonably warm(50degree)December 22nd in Chicago <hey you wana different weather-- wait ONE DAY. Sunday was Zero wind chill>.

Even with the great weather, you could find parking at the North end of Grant Park North at 1pm. Just like the suburban malls, you can easily find parking near M****. The foot traffic in and out of the State Street store was slow to moderate at best. -and this was on a 50 degree day -- Sunday was a good example of the Chicago Hawk, brutal and bitter. Just the kind of medicine that the Federated folks need. You can bet the weather will be on their excuse list for bad sales.

I have been posting here for a short while, and have some wonderful memories of Marshall Fields from the early 50's as a child, in the 60's as an Andy Frain Usher for four Christmas seasons working the escalators and Cozy Cloud, and selling cameras at Oakbrook and Old Orchard in the 70's. Well my best memory ever happened on Saturday when I joined Jim, Mike, Alred, Gloria, and Zelda to leaflet and "pin" in front of State and Washington. My fiancee -- love her -- also participated at the other end of the block passing out about 200 leaflets! We kind of staggered ourselves to catch folks crossing Washington or coming up out of the State Street Subway, and did we have a ball. I especially enjoyed talking to folks who stopped to see the "historical" window that was done to commemorate the Great Tree. What a way to start a conversation about bringing back Real Tradition and Real Shopping to Chicago. Lots of interest and as Zelda mentioned we went thru a 5 gallon bucket of pins and stacks of flyers. The stories from the shoppers who were in a great mood was common, they missed Fields, and they either had not shopped M**** since the takeover or had visited once or twice leaving in disgust at the shoddy merchandise and service.

I had to leave about 340 and headed north to join my family for dinner at Maggiano's. After that it was Nordstrom's at North Bridge. A number of sales associates there and customers as well asked me about my pin. I obliged by an explanation about what we ARE accomplishing. Every one said keep it up. I dispensed 6 or 8 buttons IN Nordstroms <employees of course could not display them> but all said they would put them on their outer coats etc after work. The customers all pinned their's on right away. At Water Tower I gave a few to sales people in different stores, and finally at The Ritz Carleton where we had gone for dessert, two more pins met new supporters of the cause.

Native Chicagoans are a hardy lot, we wait till next year, ad nauseum, but don't take away our Ivy Covered outfield <You can bet your bippy Sam Zell Listens!> or our Marshall Fields. Maybe as the new owner of the Tribune he can put some weight <or more correctly Clout> into the situation.Heck, even the Sox have Home Plate from Comiskey marked in bronze just to the north of the new stadium. It is about TRADITION.

Keep it up to all the volunteers who have come out. Take a few minutes of your time to talk to a co-worker or neighbor about what Fields means to Chicago.

By the way, one of the salespeople at a high end merchant in WT said he was "Selling Short" Macy's stock. He figured he may as well make a buck or two over the demise of a store he despises for its shoddy merchandise and merchandising.

A very Merry Christmas to All.

Marshall Fields IS Chicago

Marshall Fields IS CHRISTMAS!

JACK

Date: Sun, December 23, 2007  10:25 pm CT
Posted by: A, Perkins

I just drove past Mayfair Mall in Milwaukee and they have a new department store operating there. It's called:

CY'S

I was wondering what CY'S is short for. Is it like Sly, being short for Sylvester?

NO! it is short for macy's!

Once again macy's has burnt out letters on their store signs. This is not the first time this has happened. It has happened several times already. Two signs had burnt out letters opening week. This store has only been here 15 months and they still are having burnt out letters on their store signs!

What is wrong with these people?

Date: Sun, December 23, 2007  10:09 pm CT
Posted by: Robert M

I was born in Gary, IN, in 1957, raised in suburbs of Chicago (Lansing, South Holland, Dolton) until 1974, at which time my family moved to the South.

My father worked the "Chicago district" for his employer for 20 years. When I was taken to Karate classes, it was into Chicago we went. One of our favorite memories we shared, me and my late sister, were visitng Chicago museums, as children.

One memory stands out all by itself: the day my father took me with him to buy my mother a new vacuum cleaner, to MARSHALL FIELDS in Chicago.

I had to be about 8 at the time, but even then I was struck with the grandure of the main store, the building, the architecture of it, etc.

When I read that Macy's bought them, my heart ached.

Keep up your good work.

Some things should not be sold.

Date: Sun, December 23, 2007  8:33 pm CT
Posted by: RG74 Friends

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !

God Bless,

RG74 Friends

Date: Sun, December 23, 2007  7:04 pm CT
Posted by: S.T.

I sure do miss Marshall Fields. I live in Southern California and have been coming to Chicago a few times a year since I was a kid.

But when people say Chicago it means Marshall Fields.

Now that Macy's has taken over all the department stores in the whole country. I hate to go to any mall as you will see 2 Macy's where we use to have a lot of great stores to shop.

Date: Sun, December 23, 2007  7:00 pm CT
Posted by: Lucy H.

Hello fellow Field's fans!

I'd like to share my little quip about the horrible place. I have been born and raised in Minneapolis, home to Dayton's as you all know, and I was 'privileged' enough one afternoon to overhear the head of the m***** north division speak at a luncheon in my place of business in Minneapolis. Being that the venue was not really closed to the public, I listed to his various rationales for trying to bolster business and such, much of which I can no longer remember since I was so disgusted. I believe one reason why they didn't have strong sales was because they had not established enough of a 'presence' in the area, and they needed to open more stores. Ha! Well, we all knew that was a lie. Had I discovered this site sooner, and had know that that individual was the guest speaker, I would've planned accordingly. I did however make a point to look directly at the guy and mouth the words 'Dayton's' and 'Marshall Fields'.

Anyway, I really miss the classiness and the traditions associated with our stores. I continue to boycott that place and support the efforts to bring Marshall Field's, and all it stood for, back.

Go Field's! I hope to see it restored to its former glory...soon!!

Date: Sun, December 23, 2007  5:54 pm CT
Posted by: Jennifer H.S.

Hello everyone! I work downtown and I usually don't walk on State Street past Field's, but I'm glad I did last week (on my way to The Body Shop) because people were passing out the bookmarks and I readily and greedily accepted one. I'm shocked that the Walnut Room was empty (according to someone's blog); a coworker of mine just went to dinner there with her family last week after work and I'm curious about the crowd. Last Christmas I ordered lunch take-out from the Walnut Room (I love the peach basket) and it was kinda packed to me; but it goes without saying that I don't go in Macy's so I have no idea how the lines are on any of the floors.

They converted in 2006. Before we moved into our house, I bought all of our apartment furniture from a former Field's after it converted to Macy's. Our salesperson--formerly with Field's-- was always so helpful, as were others. I MISS THE CLEARANCE FLOOR! When we bought family room furniture during/after the conversion, it was a fiasco from order placement to delivery, and I haven't bought anything since. I watched the salesperson put the order in and I saw how they struggled with the butt-backwards computer system. Same thing with making bill payments at the store -- payments were never properly applied, and I have friends & relatives who've experienced the same thing to this day. Glitches occur with computer system conversions all the time, but add that to the junk on the salesfloor and I was like, "No, thank you."

The things that I own from Field's I treasure dearly and I hope they bring it back soon. There is nothing else like it.

Date: Sun, December 23, 2007  12:13 pm CT
Posted by: Mike M

We leafleted again on Saturday and it was great to see more of you out there. What a great time it was! People are more supportive than ever!

Please, everyone make sure, at holiday gatherings during the next two days, to tell your friends and families that the BOYCOTT IS WORKING. People will be making plans for their shopping trips on the 26th and during the next week. Please remind them to STAY AWAY FROM MACY'S.

Tell them that they are really making a difference just by shopping elsewhere!

Date: Sun, December 23, 2007  10:15 am CT
Posted by: Zelda

Hi Field's Fans,

What a great day leafleting on Saturday! In downtown Chicago it was 50 degrees and packed with people, but very very few macy bags. It was astonishing! In the past it would have been a "field" of green bags. I walked through the store on my way from Randolph to Washington, and quite a sight I was, in my customized white hoodie that says "Bring back Marshall Field's" with a large Field's mesh shopping tote over my shoulder, white furry boots and white furry hat. Occasionally a sales associate would look up from her empty counter with an astonished look on her face, and I would wink at her. Most of them actually smiled! The store was packed with people, but I saw almost no macy or fao schwartz bags. It was definitely "look and leave."

Once outside, I joined our group, which was distributing leaflets and buttons as if they were gold nuggets. We actually ran out of buttons! I shouted myself hoarse with this message: "Help us bring back Marshall Field's! We're halfway there, and with your help, we can go all the way! All you have to do is boycott Macy's, and it's easy. There are plenty of great places to shop in Chicago. Right down the street is H & M, Forever 21, Loehmann's, Filene's Basement and T.J. Maxx. The fact is, Macy's is doing terribly. Recently they announced their profits had dropped 77%. Yes, you heard me right - 77%! And that's not just Chicago, it's across the nation. And their stock is tumbling, too. They've taken away many of our finest regional stores, but the finest of them all was Marshall Field's. And Chicago is just not buying it!!! They can't go on like this forever. The success of our boycott will bring back Field's, hopefully by Christmas of 2008. It's not up to a few people in a boardroom, it's up to the people, the people shall judge!, and the people can decide where they want to shop. Come on, wouldn't you really rather have a Marshall Field's Christmas? I know I would!"

There were a couple of really special moments. A big garbage truck pulled up on State Street to empty the garbage cans, and while this was being done, I flashed my leaflets and buttons in front of the driver of the truck. She was a woman, who smiled, undid her seat belt and slowly sidled to the right window, which she cranked down to receive a leaflet and button, which I delivered while on tiptoe in front of the crowd. Another great moment was when two cops came down the street, and I turned to one of them and offered her a Fields Forever button and she smiled and said, "I already have one!"

Later in the afternoon a man came out of macy's and said he had gotten the name of the manager of the store and was going to write her a letter about his terrible experience in the store this year.

Maybe best of all: I was heckled by an elderly woman who said we shouldn't be protesting, that it was in the Christmas spirit to be grateful for what we have. I told her no, she'd gotten it all wrong, that Christmas was about righting wrongs and expecting miracles. It's time for our miracle on State Street!

It was great sharing the afternoon with Jim, Mike, Alred, Gloria, Jack and all the others who kept the word out on the Saturday before Christmas on State Street, 2007.

Your Friend in Field's,

Zelda

Date: Sun, December 23, 2007  9:53 am CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

When I think about the sadness of not having Marshall Field's this Christmas, it is all overshadowed by the heartbreak that I'm sure Mr. Charles Lazarus felt before his death this past May. I can't even imagine what this man must have felt.

"Mr. Charles" was the great grandson of the founder of Lazarus stores in Ohio and the founder of Federated Department Stores.

For this man to see the stores that his great grandfather founded and the network of department stores that he founded to be taken over by macy's and having his family name erased from their doors must have been too much for this man to bear.

Mr. Charles still was active in his family's business even after his retirement.

Seeing the Lazarus name going down and the macy's name going up must have taken the life blood out of this great man.

>From his obituary:

"Asked about his legacy in a 1981 Dispatch interview, he said, "It doesn't make any difference what I think. The only thing that matters is what the customers think."

"Stuart Lazarus said his father treated employees like members of an extended family, even as the business grew.

"He knew people, he knew their names, he knew their kids' names and he knew birthdays," Stuart Lazarus said. "He showed you can operate a large business in a very personal and family way."

"Former Columbus City Council President Jerry Hammond said Lazarus was an ardent supporter of public education, business development and job-training efforts.

"He should be remembered for his integrity and his commitment to the community," Hammond said. "He was such a quiet man, but he was a driving force."

And look who is running his stores now!

I will always remember Marshall Field's and I will never forget what macy's did to Mr. Charles Lazarus.

http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/content/business/stories/2007/05/15/Chas_Lazarus_obit.ART_ART_05-15-07_A1_2K6NIKD.html

Date: Sun, December 23, 2007  2:14 am CT
Posted by: P

Worst experience ever at the Walnut Room this year. They were out of Santa Bear mugs on Dec 18th, supposedly because "they ordered too many last year and then had to give them away." Also a big gap in seating between breakfast ending around 10:30 am and opening for lunch at about 11:15. Have never before seen them make people wait while the entire room was cleared. It is absolutely ridiculous! And there are very few clerks in the store IF you did want to purchase something, which I did NOT. Macy's is NO FIELD'S!

Date: Sun, December 23, 2007  12:08 am CT
Posted by: David

I was beaming today when I went to my 3pm appointment for a haircut and walked into the salon and saw display greeting me that said: "Honor Chicago Traditions. Boycott Macy's! Bring Back Marshall Field's" with a glass canister of "Forever Marshall Field's" and "Boycott Macy's; Bring Back Field's" buttons. The shop is "Progressions" on Montrose near the Brown Line owened and operated by Andre.

Imagine if more local businesses would follow suite?

Merry Christmas to All and to all a Return of Marshall Field's!

Date: Sat, December 22, 2007  8:42 pm CT
Posted by: PDX Tim

Well, just returned from an excursion to the "lifestyle center" mall next to my apartment complex. Why anyone thought it is a good idea to build an outdoor mall in Oregon where it rains 9 months of the year, I don't know, but that is a different matter. The Red Star Invasion Store was not very busy for the last Saturday before Christmas. I didn't go in until I had bags from several other stores full of my gift purchases. But I wanted to check out the debut of the new "rugged" Field Gear clothing, already 40% off, and I soon found out why.

The item I looked at was a long sleeve T-shirt of "organic" cotton (after the raccoon dog fur on the labeled faux fur coats, I wouldn't believe a Macy's tag at all, I would love to get it tested for pesticides and other chemicals). It was so thin I could see the fingerprints on my hand through it, seriously. It had an ironed-on design of a tree of some sort, and lower case script "field gear" along with the following: "If money grew on trees, we would all be tree huggers" Such a perfect slogan for this cheap, anything for a buck store. And the kicker, the tag price was $39.50! No way is some cheap tacky shirt from Macy's worth that much, no way! I was so disgusted I forgot to check to see where it was made.

Overheard while I was on my way out was a couple looking at Samsonite luggage, not sure what bag the wife was looking at, but when the husband read off the price as "$219 on sale", the wife let out a derisive snort and it looked like they were on their way out empty-handed at that point.

On Friday, I wore my real "Field Gear" Big Shirt (almost 10 years old and still looks and wears great, pretty good for a "store brand") to work and somehow Macy's came up. I quickly, but politely, stated my opinion of that store. Quite a few people agreed, although quite a few also said they still shopped there. Seemed like it was mostly by default since we do not have any real alternative to that level of department store (like Chicago has with Carson's). But I think a few people were surprised and intrigued that I had such a strong opinion, maybe planted a seed here and there that people should think about where they are spending their dollars.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! And a lump of coal to the Macy's executives for being so stubborn and destroying the mid-level department store.

Date: Sat, December 22, 2007  7:54 pm CT
Posted by: Jazzy E

I went to Macy's today and was so disappointed with the quality of clothes and the displays. It was so difficult to find what you wanted and it looked a mess!!!! It's amazing because as I was going up the escalator; a woman was talking to her husband and she was saying that Macy's has brought in such cheap looking clothes. I started wondering if she was reading my mind. I then contacted my aunt by cell and told her that Macy's in Water Tower was terrible and I walked out empty handed feeling like crap! Where is my Marshall Field's? A tear ran down my eye. I am forced to continue shopping at Nordstrom and I will seek out Lord & Taylor; the last one standing to see if they are also selling other than the best of the worst!! I'm depressed.

Date: Sat, December 22, 2007  6:07 pm CT
Posted by: Patricia

I work in a building across the street from the State St. store so it's in my face all week that Marshall Fields is gone. I have a couple of stories about "them".

When I get off the Blue Line when I go to work in the morning I check the Marshall Fields clock to see if I have time to stop and get a coffee. Yesterday I expected the clock to say 6:50am but it said 8:15. That's the second time I've seen the clock wrong. Apparently "they" don't care to do the upkeep on that beautiful clock.

I went with my friend after work to shop around for some boots this fall. She was having trouble finding some so she asked if I minded if we went to "that store." I made a face but went with her. First of all, the place was like a tomb. Dead. So, wandering around the shoe department it occurred to us that under the displays of shoes were the boxes in different sizes. I guess that means "help yourself." For that kind of service I'll go to DSW, at least I'll get a better selection and better prices.

Another time I went with my boss to buy a box of Frango Mints as a prize we were giving out for work. We were using Chicago items as gift prizes like Garrett's popcorn and one of them was Frangos. We went in and picked the item we wanted and paid for it at the counter. The sales lady put it in a plastic bag like the one you get at the grocery store. I asked if she could give me a paper bag. She said, "No, we don't have any. You'll have to go to the card department." Gee, that's good service. I shook my head and walked away.

Sad, sad, sad. "That" company just doesn't get it. "They" could have done some simple things that showed Chicago they respected our traditions and our city and would probably be packed with shoppers. But, alas they chose their own business model and alienating people must be number one on the list.

Date: Sat, December 22, 2007  11:24 am CT
Posted by: Darrid

This past week I sold a few of my Field's items on ebay. I received an email from the buyer and she asked if they could just pick them up since they lived here in Columbus.

Turn out this young couple had went to school in my hometown of South Bend. Her Mom was a big Field's fan as she had been raised in Chicago.

Again, this couple was in their mid twenties, Macy's target audience. She told me how much Field's had meant to her Mom and Grandma and what it meant to her.

Instead of attracting this generation, Macy's has pushed them off too. Family tradition is much stronger than some phony "Stars" and crummy sales.

Way to flop!

Date: Sat, December 22, 2007  9:50 am CT
Posted by: Mike P

Boy do I miss Fields during the holiday season....as others have said, it would be a madhouse at the stores.

Last night I went the M-store at River Oaks in Calumet City.

It seemed full near the perfumes and cosmetics but then they were offering free gift wrapping (it seemed in the middle of the aisle in the way) and it seemed a few places had customers....but not Fields....

I went to the candy counter on the lower level ...no one down there buying anything....yes there were two people but I think they were holdovers from Fields...very nice ladies who helped.

I still plan to go downtown next week when my aunt comes to town...I want to show her the ugly tree and what M Stewart did to it....ugh!!

Date: Fri, December 21, 2007  10:32 pm CT
Posted by: Debra B

I stumbled over this website while looking for info on what became of Field's wedding registries. It's good to know Michiganders aren't the only ones who don't appreciate having C's rammed downed our throats. My sister and I were walking through our local branch (and I mean "walking through") and it looked like eight customers were in the store. Considering this was less than two weeks before Christmas, I thought it was pretty depressing. Our theory that the lack of customers was due to it being a weekday evening and rather cold out was shot down when we were leaving through the Sears wing and had to walk through check-out lines that went out the door. Could it be C's lack of customers can be attributed to junky merchandise and bad customer service? Will someone stick a fork in this outfit, I think it is done!

Date: Fri, December 21, 2007  10:35 am CT
Posted by: gle

There's a nice article in the "Tribune" about a former Marshall Field's window designer: "Designer says old Field's holiday window displays were 'pure magic.'"

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-windowartist_21Dec21,0,4853349.story

And I look forward to "Marshall Field's Christmas Windows" on WTTW Channel 11 "Chicago Stories" at 8:30 p.m. tonight.

Glad to see the nostalgia getting some coverage. Field's is NOT forgotten.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS FIELD'S FANS!

Date: Fri, December 21, 2007  10:33 pm CT
Posted by: Rex B. W.

As if Macy's trashing Marshall Field's weren't enough, let's still never forget Marshall Field and just some of what he meant to Chicago. Let's see: The Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium. I quote from the Encyclopedia of Chicago about the history of the University of Chicago.

"Retail merchant Marshall Field donated 10 acres in Hyde Park for the campus and later sold additional lands as the university expanded. Architect Henry Ives Cobb designed the Gothic revival campus in the image of Oxford and Cambridge, with the enclosed quadrangles creating a feeling of insularity and detachment from the surrounding city. The board of trustees hoped the design would foster a tight-knit community of scholars."

This whole issue is not just about the name change. It's about the core and fabric of the city. It's about the history and the culture of the city. Chicagoans are a justifiably proud lot. We got our chip on our broad shoulders the hard way. We earned it.

Macy's didn't earn jack.

Date: Fri, December 21, 2007  10:30 pm CT
Posted by: Robert G

Dear Fields fans:

I have not posted here in a while (six months or so) but just so you all know, I check this sight every day!

I just saw the bill board from Peacock jewlers "marshall Field" shopped here.

I wrote the company and I think you all should do the same!

My email:

Hello:

I wanted to let you know that I saw your billboard stating that Marshall Field shopped here. I LOVED that advertisement. It so great that a local company advertises that it has been in Chicago for so long. In an age of buy outs its great to see a company proud of its Chicago Roots!

I am a little to young to be buying such high end jewelry that you retail, but believe me when the time comes, your store will be where I purchase my fine jewelry.

Merry Christmas!

Bob Garrett

Date: Fri, December 21, 2007  10:11 pm CT
Posted by: Econ Geek

So, the Econ Geek went shopping for Christmas presents last night, started at Woodfield buying some tools at Sears (nice service, displays remarkably neat considering the time of year and press of customers) then I trotted over toward Nordstrom to look for some clothing gifts. Along the way there was a Macy's cart in the mall isle selling Frango's. Seeing the little boxes just reminded me of how much I miss Fields (still would have purchased the tools in Sears, but would have been able to do all the rest of my shopping in Field's instead of running around) It hit me like a ton of bricks, really took all the air out of my shopping trip.

After Nordstroms I went to Carson's in Randhurst. I think its my new favorite store (till Field's comes back of course) They really have a nice selection of gifts, clothes and housewares. The store was clean and there were associates restocking and picking up in every department to keep things organized. The store was busy, but probably suffers from being in Randhurst (which will be torn down after the holidays)

Anyway, compliments to Carson's for stepping up and sending me home in a good mood.

Date: Fri, December 21, 2007  8:26 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

During a recent conversation with one of my new friends here in Columbus I found out that she works part time at Macy's. She's just working through the holidays and I was very interested to find out what kind of training program they have. She said there was absolutely no training given. After giving here the whole run down of department stores I laughed when she said "You have told me more about my job than I even knew". She also mentioned that people here still complain about the loss of Lazarus and she had even heard Marshall Field's being mentioned here and all of the "Problems" in the Chicago market.

No training? What a shocker!

Date: Fri, December 21, 2007  7:36 pm CT
Posted by: Jack K

Was watching the Today show Frday morning and they were reporting from M**** Herald Square store about how this is the make or break weekend for retailers. M has a number of stores open 24-7 until Christmas Eve to squeeze out every possible sale. Not sure if they are crazy enough to do the 24-7 number here, but what was more amusing was in the file footage of folks checking out. There was a very familiar and beloved GREEN SHOPPING BAG with the script "Marshall Fields" readily visible for a few seconds.

Was in two chain bookstores several times this week, and passed out a dozen buttons to clerks. One young lady in her 20's commented about her family's traditions and how not one of her large family had set foot into the M Store since the name change. She squealed with the delight of a little kid when I handed her several buttons. There still is Magic in Marshall Fields!!!!

Hello Terry ---- Are you Listening to your customers with money to spend?????? I think NOT.

JACK

Date: Fri, December 21, 2007  7:03 pm CT
Posted by: David K.

Hello everyone,

I haven't posted in awhile, so I thought I would share my recent trip to the Loop.

The reason: My mother hinted about wanting an Uncle Mistletoe figurine this Christmas, so, I swallowed my pride and made the trip to the State St store to buy one. Well...

Observation #1: no one with a Macy's bag in sight from Union Station (I took the Metra) all the way to State St.

Observation #2: No one looking at the window displays except a small group here and there. Believe me the windows were nothing spectacular. When I was little I remember having to fight people to look at the windows, my how times change.

Observation #3: The FAO Schwarz that everyone keeps talking about? Nothing more than two 25' x 25' carpeted sections of the children's department. Stuffed animals on one section, board games and action figures on the other. I can find toys just as adorable at Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, etc.

Observation #4: All this emphasis on LUSH and Carol's Daughter cosmetics? Both shops are tiny little alcoves with hardly any selection. But hey, they smelled good.

Observation #5: I had never heard of this Tous brand before, well, Tous merchandise is UGLY!

Observation #6: The Great Tree did look nice, but all the ornaments are the same three designs, just in different colors, in layered pattern around the tree. Gaudy more than anything.

Observation #7: This really made me mad! I went to Holiday Lane to get the Uncle Mistletoe doll. I found them, but, I had to inspect every one that I came across because they were so flawed. Obvious hot glue residue, fraying, scratches, broken parts. They were so bad that another women and a sales associate had to help me. I finally settled on the best one I could find.

As I was paying for it, a woman noticed the "I want my Marshall Field's" button on my lapel. She asked where I got it and I told her that I ordered them. I can't remember her exact words but I remember her saying something along the line of "Macy's on State Street, that doesn't sound right" and I replied "Macy's in Chicago doesn't sound right." She laughed. I gave her an extra button and she fastened it to her scarf right then and there. I did feel sorry for the sales associates because you could tell they wanted to say something but couldn't. What's even more sad is that you can tell the sales associates are used to dealing with Field's fans and are prepared when they're around. (The associate knew not to give me a Macy's box or shopping bag, so I made sure to bring my own Field's bag instead)

Observation #8: I didn't want to believe it, but, there really is a Proactiv Solutions vending machine right off the down escalator to the first floor. It couldn't look more cheap and out of place.

Observation #9: I went to Loehmann's (sp?) once I left Macy's and Loehmann's has the exact same merchandise i.e. Juicy Couture, Kenneth Cole, etc. as Macy's but around half the price. They are geniuses.

Observation #10: the black/red decor is overwhelming and completely clashes with the original Field's green/gold. Very cheap looking and disconcerting.

The store was busy and people were carrying Macy's shopping bags, but there are always going to be those that don't care and are going to shop there anyway.

I was beginning to think that things "weren't that bad" and "Macy's wouldn't do that" but I was wrong. They have. Macy's is a discount store trying to call themselves a department store and losing themselves in the process.

I've come to the conclusion that Macy's is desperate and is trying to do whatever is humanly possible and infiltrate all media (i.e. sponsoring TLC's What Not to Wear) to try and stay afloat without bringing back the Field's name. They will do whatever it takes to not be proved wrong even thought that is slowly what is happening. It is more money to try and gain a new customer than to retain an old one.

Well, enough of my ranting. I've recently graduated with a BS in Advertising/Marketing Comm and I am currently looking for a job. If anyone is interested, send me a message.

Merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever holidays you all celebrate.

David

PS. when I got home and unwrapped my Uncle Mistletoe, his leg was broken :(

Date: Fri, December 21, 2007  12:41 am ET
Posted by: Steven

I nearly fell out of my chair when I ran across this on the web. I was surfing around the retail history web site posted here on Wednesday (www.labelscar.com) and it prompted me to google "Herpolsheimer's" and "Jacobson's," two department stores I knew growing up near Grand Rapids, Michigan. I thought both were long gone, but NO! JACOBSON'S LIVES!!!

>From the web:

Jacobson Stores Inc. (known as Jacobson's) was an upscale regional department store. Based in Jackson, Michigan, the chain thrived primarily in Michigan and Florida, but also had stores in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Kansas. Jacobson's focused on apparel, fine jewelry and home furnishings. Furniture sales were phased out in the late 80s through mid-90s. Jacobsons entered bankruptcy in early 2002 after 134 years of service.

After bankruptcy, the company's logo and other intellectual property were purchased by Tammy Giaimo, who formed a new corporation called Jacobson Stores, Inc., which operates one store on Park Avenue in Winter Park, Florida. The web site is www.jacobsons.com. It may only sell women's clothing now but JACOBSON'S LIVES!!!

So don't EVER let anyone tell you that Marshall Field's is dead and gone. Macy's current market capitalization is just above what Federated paid for May, meaning that Terry Lunkhead has succeeded in FRITTERING and PISSING away nearly everything he bought through his complete, utter ineptitude, for which he surely deserves some lifetime achievement in retail award.

Let's hope that the new year brings news of Macy's bankruptcy and the sale of the bones of Marshall Field's to a retail wizard who knows how to create genuine excitement and magic on State Street once again.

IT CAN AND IT WILL HAPPEN.

Oh. And one more thing Mr. Lundgren (aka Mr. Grinch). Your soul is an apalling dump heap overflowing with the most disgraceful assortment of deplorable rubbish imaginable, mangled up in tangled up knots.

Just like your stores.

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  9:56 pm CT
Posted by: G

Macy's stock continues to tumble. It closed at $26.07 today.

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  9:46 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

It's beginning to look a lot like... desperation!

>From MSNBC.com:

"M***'s said that beginning Dec. 21 at 7 a.m., seven of its stores in the New York metropolitan area, including its flagship store in Manhattan, won't close until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, the Queens Center Mall location will begin operating around the clock Dec. 20. Last year, only the Queens Center store pulled an all-nighter, opening 83 hours straight until Christmas Eve."

Who is at 34th and Broadway in the middle of the night?

And does anyone remember the "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like... Gimbels!" commercials?

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  9:37 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Went Christmas shopping at Von Maur in Glenview today. The staff was incedibly attentive and they graciously wrapped all the gifts my family member and I purchased.

A wonderful shopping experience! Von Maur Bavarian Mints are superb Frango substitutes. As Darrid pointed out below, these are made in Long Grove near Chicago.

I also ended up making a short visit to Lake Forest for one last visit before the closing of what was Field's second store. I had forgotten how the windows still boasted the Marshall Field's coat of arms. What an amazingly personal store.

Macy's is STILL selling the boxes for Frangos -- one pound regular as well as dark chocolate, plus a smaller size -- with the back of the box featuring an upside down image of the Field's clock. There were LOTS of these. Ironically, the photo is part of a supposed tribute to the story of Frango. This is even more ridiculous than those maps at State Street that had "Wabash Street", etc.

Some of the newspaper articles make Lake Forest out to be some sort of villian for wanting Macy's to retain green awnings and not feature a star on some of their signs. After walking around the area, it was very clear that Lake Forest was not singling out Macy's with extra stringent sign regulations. The same rules minimizing logo placement and incorporating green awnings were the standard for all the stores in the area.

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  7:34 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

Hello Field's Fans and Happy Holidays!

Thanks to all for the warm welcome I received on 12/2/07!

Zelda, you are definitely right about the parking garage. On a regular Saturday I was LUCKY to find a parking space on the 5th level. On the day of the rally I had no problems finding a space on the 4th level, and could have probably found a space on the 3rd level. Garrett Popcorn is definitely hurting from the lack of traffic.

When I entered the store after the rally, I discovered one of my favorite sales associates no longer worked there. Off the record a sales associate told me [he/she] missed the person I was looking for and wished [he/she] still worked at 111 No. State. This associate went on to say, "I wish the store was still Marshall Field's."

Parking validation--Marshall Field's Customer Service employees would take your ticket with a smile, ask if you found everything okay and return the ticket with a smile. On 12/20/07 this is what I was told: C,Stick the ticket in the machine to the right of the counter yourself, arrow side up, facing toward the machine.C. Well, you know they had to tell me this at least three times. They also had to repeat the same instructions to two other people. The time I felt as if I had interrupted them from what?C3DOING THEIR JOB? Minor change, perhaps, nut for the time it took to give these instructions five times they could have taken my ticket with a smile, stuck it in the machine themselves and returned it with a smile. You know, provided C,Customer Service.C.

The two most popular items for the holiday season are jewelry and perfume, no lines at any of the counters that day.

I got the distinct feeling the sales associates felt they were being watched. Low and behold, what do I see? A man in a black suit, frown on his brow, pursed thin lips, earphone, eyes darting about. NONE OF THE SALES ASSOCIATES WERE SMILING!

On my way out I turned to one of those C+sad-sackC- employees and said something to the affect, 'If this was Marshal Field's, you wouldn't be able to move around in here.' the person frowned even more and rolled [his/her] eyes in disgust and said, "Yes, I know."

Terry C+ScroogeC- Lundgren: May you be visited by the ghosts of Marshall Field and R. H. Macy for your continued stupidity.

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  3:46 pm CT
Posted by: Leah F

I spoke to a friend of mine today who lives downtown. She said that she and her sisters went to the Symphony the other day and decided to have a late lunch in the Walnut Room. It was about 2:30 in the afternoon when they arrived, and all three are diehard FieldC-s fans, so it was going against their C,religionC. to enter MessyC-s, but they tried to visualize FieldC-s as still being there. They found to their total amazement that there were absolutely NO people waiting in line whatsoever to enter the Walnut Room, but when they asked the hostess for a table, she told them that the restaurant was not allowing anyone in to be seated until the 5:00 hour even though the restaurant was mostly empty at the time. My friend and her sisters were totally appalled in being turned away and ended up going elsewhere for lunch. She said that it appears MessyC-s is running the Walnut Room like some kind of a cruise ship with designated seating schedules, whereas Marshall FieldC-s not only would have had a gigantic line of people waiting to enter the Walnut Room, but the restaurant would have been jammed packed from the time that the store opened in the a.m. until it closed in the p.m. this time of year.

My friend also said that she had seen Santa Bears displayed all over the store that day, so yesterday, she returned to MessyC-s (against her better judgment) and could not find any Santa Bears whatsoever. She went to Customer Service where she was sharply informed that the Santa Bears were all gone because they are not going to sell them next year and therefore, they were sold out. When my friend asked if they would get anymore in this year, so was sharply told C,no.C. So much for C,giving the lady what she wants.C. My friend said she felt very dissatisfied, not at the fact that the Bears were sold out, but in the attitude of those giving out that information. They didnC-t seem to care.

In essence, the low degree of C,customer serviceC. at MessyC-s was completely the opposite of what Marshall FieldC-s was and stood for. My friend was sickened by Messy personnelC-s abrupt failure to appease the customer. I told my friend that their new philosophy sounds just like New York. Unfortunately, this is Chicago. Therefore, Macy Mart, MessyC-s and/or MacyC-s can head C,homeC. anytime as far as weC-re concerned. ItC-s a far cry from the exemplary customer service and tradition that we Marshall Field loyalists are used to. And theyC-re wondering why we donC-t shop there? Give us a break.

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  2:22 pm CT
Posted by: Marcus

All I want for Christmas is Marshall Field's.

All I want for Christmas is no Macy's.

Naughty List: Macy's - Way to Flop!

Nice List: Marshall Field's - Give the Lady What She Wants.

Santa Claus is bringing Marshall Field's to town!

Santa Claus gives Macy's coal.

Santa Claus gives Marshall Field's presents in green stripes!

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  10:19 am CT
Posted by: gle

I found an interesting editorial in the "Tribune" Opinions section under Perspective, "The few, the proud, the individuals" by Louis Rene Beres of Purdue University, dated December 9. It's something Field's Fans might be able to relate to about not being forced to go along with "popular" culture, especially if that culture is junk.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-mass_thinkdec09,0,7260924.story

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  10:12 am CT
Posted by: Ambassador

WTTW Channel 11 will air a History of the Marshall Fields Christmas Window Displays, emphasizing the "Marshall Fields is Christmas and Christmas is Marshall Fields" idea. Friday, Dec. 21, 8:30 pm Channel 11.

http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=1,7,1,1,8

Merry Christmas to all.

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  9:15 am CT
Posted by: Judy Marth

As usual, I will be doing my shopping on Christmas Eve this year. And I will be walking around Woodfield with my Field's bag, as suggested, my "Forever Marshall Field's" pin proudly displayed on my jacket and a WHOLE lot of pins to distribute! I had to run out and buy more Christmas cards this year and I was at a loss as to where to go! Anyone ever purchase cards by a company called "Brett"? My husband and I always went to Field's to buy those cards - they are just beautiful. The pictures on the front are embroidered! Talk about classy! I haven't seen them in any other store since Field's. I found some really nice cards at a place called The Paper House on Main St. in Wheaton, but nothing like those from Field's. All I want for Christmans is my Marshall Field's.....maybe Santa will have something special for all of us next year!

Happy Holidays to all!

Judy Marth

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  9:12 am CT
Posted by: Drew

The experts at Forbes finally agree with thousands of consumers--the Red Star Store is a LOSER:

http://www.forbes.com/2007/12/19/retail-wal-mart-biz-commerce-cx_tvr_1220retail.html?partner=yahootix

While the Red Star has done poorly, JC Penney and Kohl's have improved outlooks. Wonder why? How much of the growth at Penney's and Kohl's resulted from the losses at the Red Star? So much for the grand schemes to "re-educate" the public. What same tired excuses will Lunkhead use this month? What acclaimed "celebrity" lines will create "outstanding" devotion to the Red Star?

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  7:18 am CT
Posted by: Jane L. S.

Good Morning! I was wondering if you could help me or put me in touch with someone who could . . . before the Field's store (here in Minneapolis) B converted to Macy's I went to the after Christmas sale and purchased "Loon" Christmas tree ornaments . . . I was told by a clerk that these "bird" ornaments were a staple of Marshall Fields Christmas delights and I was wondering if you had any archive information on that . . . or does anyone know the history of this particular "collection"? Would love to hear from you . . . many thanks and Season's Greetings!

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  6:46 am CT
Posted by: DK

No Fields? I'm a lifelong Chicagoan, but now transplanted way down here in far southern Illinois. I have so, so many fond memories of Fields--especially at this time of year. I've always considered Fields the quintessential big city department store--classy, first-rate service, huge, and rich in history. One of the highlights of each holiday season was to make my way downtown and experience Field's beautiful decorations. And if it was snowing outside, then that made it even better.

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  6:23 am CT
Posted by: RG74 Family & Friends

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

FIELD'S OF GREEN FOREVER !

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

Well, it's almost Christmas time. We hope our gift is on the way ! We really hope that this Christmas, we will find out that Marshall Field's is going to be restored to its rightful place in society.

Perhaps Santa Claus, can talk to the powers that be at Macy's to give Marshall Field's back to the nation for 2008 !

Just think of it,sumptuous quality,service,traditions.. such respect for Marshall Field's and other quality stores.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS, MARSHALL FIELD'S STYLE ! SHOPPERS EVERYWHERE HAVE FAITH IN FEDERATED/MAY/MACY'S PEOPLE THAT THEY WILL BRING BACK MARSHALL FIELD'S AND THE OTHER REGIONAL TRADE-NAMES THAT HAVE MADE THEIR REPUTATION STRONG FOR OVER 100 YEARS !

PLEASE MAKE IT MARSHALL FIELD'S FOR 2008 !

God Bless You and Yours & Warm Greetings of the Season,

RG74 Family & Friends

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  5:24 am CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

Someone just gave my wife a box of Frangos for Christmas and the box said, "Marshall Field's" on it. They were just purchased at macy's.

She was so excited to see the Field's name. She said that they smelled so very good and that you could even smell them before you took the plastic wrapper off.

She was excited. I knew better.

She took one bite and you guessed it.

THEY ARE AS HARD AS ROCKS!

Those Frangos, recently purchased at macy's are atleast 2 years old.

We're not going to eat them, but we will melt them down in a pot for a Christmas fondue.

Just more of the "Magic of macy's!"

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  1:27 am CT
Posted by: David

Today offered me three more unsolicited examples of how Chicagoans miss their Marshall Field's.

First, one of my staff, Charlie, came back from his dinner break and exclaimed: "Frango Mints are on sale for $10.99 a pound. I thought people would like to know that as they make terrific hostess gifts for holiday parties." Another employee, Del, shot back: "Oh, I'd heard they were coming back to Chicago. Well, thanks but no thanks. I don't shop at macy*s, nor do my friends. It's just too tacky and we resent what they did to Field's." The bargain hunter responded: "No, I understand. I don't like them either, but I thought it was a good buy and something we all like."

Second, en route home on the #146 bus I overheard three retail types while boarding carrying on about how "they ruined that store (Water Tower)and got rid of Armani and all the good designers and junked it up with stuff that looks trashy and falls apart. Everyone goes to Nordstrom's now, but their only good for clothes. You can't do your other shopping there".

Finally, while waiting for a package from my doorman, a fellow resident walked by with a large filled Marshall Field's shopping bag. Another resident commented: "Don't you miss having Field's around? You should save that bag; it'll be worth money." The bag's holder replied: "Oh, I think it's really just a matter of time. Marshall Field's will be back. Chicago needs it. These people currently occupying the store are like the Nazis in France. Eventually they'll be forced to leave. They don't belong here, nor have anything people want. It's just a matter of time."

When I read the dribble targeting 200-plus "protesters" who've rallied outside the State Street store, I always think about stories like the fore mentioned that account for the boycott that exists among the thousands who've never read this blog or witnessed a rally, but instead were forced to endure the calculated misgivings of macy*s/federated & co. macy*s is the SHAME of Chicago.

Date: Thurs, December 20, 2007  12:30 am CT
Posted by: Gail

Macy's stock is at a three-year low. Wall Street is figuring things out. I wonder how much longer Terry Lundgren can hang onto his job.

Date: Wed, December 19, 2007  9:37 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

FieldsFansChicago.org has been out distributing buttons and leaflets every day so far this week. Response has been overwhelmingly in support of the return of Marshall Field's -- not surprising at all. In fact, almost all 10,000 leaflets that were generously donated have been distributed. If you would be willing to arrange the printing of the next batch or pay for a batch of buttons, please email us at support@fieldsfanschicago.org. It would be a great help.

Thanks to all who have made button and leaflet distribution possible including Mike and especially J. and Gail. Special thanks to gle.

Date: Wed, December 19, 2007  9:27 pm CT
Posted by: michael

Please visit www.labelscar.com. Enjoy the department store Christmas photos that I had posted but, most of all, read the comments about how people feel about Macy's. These comments are not Chicago specific and they are a good barometer on how people across the country feel about what they did to their communities. Too bad I had no Christmas at Field's photos that I could have submitted. I do treasure the many other Field's photos that I do have.

Enjoy the labelscar photos and do read the comments. Keep fighting Chicago! It just might happen. Some of us, on the East Coast, are much less fortunate.

Date: Wed, December 19, 2007  9:05 pm CT
Posted by: Mrs. W

Hi All,

Happy holidays everyone. We just had our office grab bag party and gifts were an assortment of Chicago favorites, Margie's Candies, Mark Shale gloves, Carson's scarves and hats, Crate and Barrel ornaments,...what a surprise, nothing from Macy's???? I work with alot of 20 and 30 something year olds,(which I guess are Macy's target audience these days), and I asked everyone, "Who has shopped at Macy's State Street or Water Tower this holiday season"? Out of about 25 co-workers, 2 or 3 admitted going into their store and I'm not joking, all said they bought nothing more than some Frangos and left the store in disgust. Trashy goods, unfriendly associates and overpriced private labelwear were their best explanations. Nothing all of us have not heard about before!! Where's the excitement that Macy's was bringing to town? I guess at Carson's, Mark Shale, Neiman's, Sak's and Nordstrom this season.

Can you all believe that "M" stock is trading at a new 52 week low today, given this is retailers biggest sales season? The stock traded today as low as $26.67 a share versus $46.70 back in March of this year. I'm glad the shareholders have faith in Terry and Frank leading this corporation to new levels!!

Also, dismal was Macy's retail online internet site discussed today in Hitwise.com. Macy's was published as dead last, (yes-dead last) through 12/8 from Hitwise on number of hits to their site overall in comparison to the country's largest retailers... Walmart, Target, Sears/Kmart,Best Buy, JCPenny, Circuit City, ToysRUs and Kohl's all beat Macy's. Better yet, given who Macy's competes with,(going downmarket and demographics of earning less than $50M a year), leaves little gain expected from all their fabulous new designers added to their already trashy line-up. All their hipe over Martha, Donald and the others along with their bombardment of advertising has done them little good. I wonder if Terry Lundgren can spell the word B A N K R U P T C Y.

We all missed Marshall Field's so much at the party today. I've never seen so many people tell such wonderful stories of Field's past and their hope in it returning to Chicago in the very near future.

May this New Year bring the return of the most dazzling, awe inspiring, "Give the lady what she wants", store in America. Marshall Field's forever!!

Mrs. W

Date: Wed, December 19, 2007  7:21 pm CT
Posted by: Fields' Fan Forever

I decided to never purchase Frango Mints any of the Communist Red Star Macy's stores. Until Marshall Fields' returns I will not shop there. I went to Godiva and purchased $100 bucks worth of chocolates instead for gifts to give my friends and family. Frangos used to be the gift I gave in years past, but not anymore! Godiva, and any other candy/chocolate maker will win over my heart!

Date: Wed, December 19, 2007  5:32 pm CT
Posted by: Victoria S.

I was born and raised in NYC, moved to Chicago when I was 21. Aside from their Thanksgiving Day parade, Macy's never was a big draw for its holiday decorations. My very first job in Chicago was at Carson's in 1972, and I had the privilege of seeing how Marshall Field's decorated its windows at Christmas time. I'd enjoy them on my lunch breaks, they were always a treat. I became a Fields customer, and was very sad to see Macy's take over so completely. I think Macy's management is clueless and insensitive. How can they even pretend they've had no negative impact on Chicago's consumers?

I was born and raised in NYC, moved to Chicago when I was 21. Aside from their Thanksgiving Day parade, Macy's never was a big draw for its holiday decorations. My very first job in Chicago was at Carson's in 1972, and I had the privilege of seeing how Marshall Field's decorated its windows at Christmas time. I'd enjoy them on my lunch breaks, they were always a treat. I became a Fields customer, and was very sad to see Macy's take over so completely. I think Macy's management is clueless and insensitive. How can they even pretend they've had no negative impact on Chicago's consumers?

Just saw a story on Channel 7's Five O'clock news (Dec 19, 2007) about a man named Lederman who rescued hundreds of ornaments from Field's, including several Uncle Mistletoes. He and his wife decorate their house with them. Sweet to see them put to good use. Of course, Macy's would've just dumped them. Here's a link on the Channel 7 site about this: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=5845661

Just saw a story on Channel 7's Five O'clock news (Dec 19, 2007) about a man named Lederman who rescued hundreds of ornaments from Field's, including several Uncle Mistletoes. He and his wife decorate their house with them. Sweet to see them put to good use. Of course, Macy's would've just dumped them. Here's a link on the Channel 7 site about this: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=5845661

Date: Wed, December 19, 2007  5:12 pm CT
Posted by: marcus

was at macy*mart today and an employee got my attention saying if you do this survey, you'll get a 10% coupon FREE!so i decided to do it and it took me 20 minutes...

there is like questions like "DO YOU LIKE MACY'S?"..."WHAT WAS YOUR LAST PURCHASE HERE AT MACY'S?"...blah blah blah

marshall fields will be back in 2008 of september 9th...

macy's will be come marshall field's around the world...

plus, all coupons will have only 5 EXCLUSIONS((or less))

merry christmas ya'll,

marcus

Date: Wed, December 19, 2007  4:09 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Evidently macy*mart's woes are having a ripple effect!

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071219/coach_mover.html?.v=1

Of course, Coach is going to downplay the drop in their stock price, but the facts remain:

* people are NOT shopping at macy*mart

* macy*mart is becoming highly "promotional" in an attempt to improve sales and clear out overstocked inventory

* being a supplier to--or being affiliated with--macy*mart is fast becoming a liability

* as macy*mart's stock price falls, Lunkhead will try to wring out some profit by squeezing suppliers

If Coach wishes to remain successful, perhaps the company should totally disassociate itself with macy*mart and sell only through "real" department stores.

Not to worry, though. Perhaps Lunkhead can land an "exclusive" contract to sell "celebrity" handbags by Paris Hilton or Britney Spears. That "exciting" addition to macy*mart's "celebrity" designers would certainly appeal to Lunkhead's target demographic group.

Date: Wed, December 19, 2007  2:04 pm CT
Posted by: Robert

And their stock continues to tank!

As of December 19, 2007, 2:00 p.m. CDT, "M"s stock is trading at $26.62 - down over 4% from just yesterday. It appears that this is a 52-week low! Can it go lower? We can only hope!!

Date: Wed, December 19, 2007  9:28 am CT
Posted by: Bob in DC

Wanamaker's update: The former John Wanamaker's in Philadelphia, now operating as Macy's and probably the closest physical counterpart to Field's on State Street, is being badly maintained. This week, two of the three elevators were broken and a freight elevator had to be pressed into service for customer use. Paint was peeling from the ceiling in the Men's store, and the place was a mess...at 11am.

Date: Tue, December 18, 2007  9:37 pm CT
Posted by: mg

Every time I walk thru Old Orchard shopping mall and I see that throbbingly ugly, vile red Macy's sign on the old Field's store where I've shopped since I was a baby--I feel just like George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life"---when he goes back to his town to see what's happened to it and it's all different, cheapened and wrong. I have that same sense of horror like Jimmy Stewart did, like how could this have happened to this place I loved so much???? Who did this? Where is my sweet, familiar hometown? Macy's = Mr. Potter.

I am going to send this out in an email and ask friends/family if they feel the same.

Date: Tue, December 18, 2007  7:36 pm CT
Posted by: Jim

That's great to know Von Maur Bavarian Mints are made in the Chicago area.

I think Von Maur Bavarian Mints are little more fudgy and softer; also each is equal to about two Frangos.

Definitely a worthy Frango alternative. Elegant taste and packaging.

Date: Tue, December 18, 2007  7:36 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

I just found out that the Von Maur Bavarian Mints are made by Long Grove Confectionary, right outside Chicago! Hum, wonder if they were influenced by Frango?

In any event, the box I bought yetserday is gone!

Date: Tue, December 18, 2007  3:50 pm CT
Posted by: Leslie S.

Each year my father would take us kids to Chicago for the weekend for Christmas. We had all gotten older and very difficult to shop for. Instead of trying to guess what we wanted for Christmas, he would bring us all to Chicago and Marshall Field's. We would visit every window as a family and then we would shop. We all had a great time finding our special treasures, things we could never find in our home town. My father loved seeing us find the perfect thing and being part of the moment when we found it. When I heard what happened to Marshall Field's it made me sad. Marshall Field's is part of our family's tradition and I hope one day we will have it back.

Date: Tue, December 18, 2007  2:07 pm CT
Posted by: rs

Thank you...great job. NO Macy's in Chicago... Field's Fans,

Thank you...great job. NO Macy's in Chicago...

Date: Tue, December 18, 2007  12:21 pm CT
Posted by: gle

After two weeks without a computer, I am finally caught up reading our website. I have to add to the comments on that stuff "Business Week" actually paid someone to write: "Field's of Dreams: Give It a Rest."

For one thing, the article stated "But Macy's should stop apologizing for its very existence." Since when does Macy's apologize for ANYTHING?

And then there's the label on Field's Fans as "... a group of malcontents." It seems as if the writer is the one overreacting. What is so malcontent about having a preference? Are intelligent people actually supposed to throw money away on a store they don't like? I fail to understand this attitude like people are REQUIRED to accept Messy's like it's the weather or something. At least I've never seen an editorial attacking people for complaining about weather. How about, "Ban Umbrellas: People Should Shut Up and Accept the Weather."

I agree with Steven's comments on our blog of December 6, "Americans are TOO passive," and "We need to protest more, not less." If people can't say no to a store, how can they have the guts to take a stand on something more serious? We'll keep our green umbrellas up. I'm proud of what we're doing!

Date: Tue, December 18, 2007  11:15 am CT
Posted by: Gayle

To LiMack: I laughed when I read your post about the 4 cars in the parking lot at the Schaumburg Home Store last night. I happened to drive past the Oak Brook Home Store last night, and there were only 3 cars there. In Macy-land, they'll probably spin it that sales in Schaumburg are up 25 percent! ;-)

To Jimmy Gimbels: Thanks for the report on Oak Brook. I've only set foot in the store once since the takeover, just to see what they had done. (I used to stop there several days a week after work to buy something, grab a cup of coffee, or just wander around until rush hour traffic died down). When I walked through, I saw the exact same downscale devastation you did, including the unpleasant lighting. I felt as though someone had violated a close friend's home. My husband dragged me out because I was near tears of sadness and frustration.

I can't imagine the mall management is happy with the conversion, but sales associates at Nordstrom and L&T have told me they're VERY HAPPY, because they're getting all the loyal Field's shoppers.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all!

gayle

Date: Tue, December 18, 2007  10:29 am CT
Posted by: L. Grand

Laughing out loud reading Jimmy Gimbels' comments! My husband and I recently surveilled the inaction at a Macy's here in - I won't tell either! - and noticed in the women's department the wall sign which read: Calvin Klei. Je ns (please leave in all of the appropriate spaces, Jim; I wouldn't want anyone to be deprived of the full effect of how this looked!). I said to my husband, "I wonder what Calvin would say?" He just laughed!

Macy's: HERE'S YOUR SIGN....

Date: Tue, December 18, 2007  9:32 am CT
Posted by: John

What a pleasure it was to meet Jim last night outside the State Street Store. Thank you to all who make the leaflets and buttons possible and everything else you all have done for us.

I went in the store to see the damage that is being done PROUDLY wearing my pin. It is a disgrace.....that odd shade of green carpet down the main aisle is FILTHY. The white, Christmas trees on the second floor in the men's department are tragic and falling apart. NONE of the decorations match anything throughout the store, and I am telling you...they look like they pulled them from a Dynasty set back in 1985!!!!!!!!!!

I got so angry at the destruction I had to leave! But not before loudly telling a group of tourists whose first time it was in the store to please not judge by the mess and cheapness, that was Macy's, NOT Field's. I then proceeded to tell them they took the Cinderella windows to Kaufmann's in Pittsburgh (which were created exclusively for Field's). I thought the women at the tourist and help desk were going to pass out!! I stood there for 10 minutes with a crowd expounding the lies about Field's, Terry Lunkhead's not letting anyone else have any control including his trophy wife, the lies they have fed Chicago, about how NO ONE was ever polled at any of the stores, and how they have insulted Chicagoans time and time again. I actually saw people leave in disgust. I turned to the women at the tourist and help desk and told them this is what this man wants...his Field's.

Date: Tue, December 18, 2007  5:23 am CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

This Christmas we have...

The Magic of Macy's

Yes it truly is magic!

Terry Lundgren is a real magician. He made all the customers disappear!

Date: Tue, December 18, 2007  1:06 am CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Hi All----

My---what a busy evening in Downtown Minneapolis tonight. So I park my car a few blocks away from the gym after work just to avoid anymore waits in traffic and will walk the rest of the way. I use some skyways and then cut thru Red star Store. In the Men's area, as I am passing one of the exciting vending machines, a Canon SD 850 digital camera inside the machine catches my eye because that is one of the gifts I bought for my sister and brother-in-law for Christmas.

I decide to stop at the vending machine and scope out Red Star Store's price on said cam. Oh my.

Now, when I buy electronics like the digital cam, I have some good choices of Minneapolis-based companies, which I try to support: Best Buy, Target, and National Camera Exchange. I scoped them all out and they all charged $299 for the Canon SD 850. Therefore, price being equal, for my tastes, National Camera was the best place for me to buy it. It's a small company with about 8 stores and they have 1 right Downtown so it's really convenient for me when I am doing my Christmas shopping. I bought my own new digital camera there a year and a half ago and the guy who helped me spent an hour and a quarter with me, teaching me about cams, helping me select the right cam for my purposes and preferences. I have done some other photo-related business with them before and they have always steered me right----even saving me money.Their service is spectacular vs no service at Target and hit or miss service at Best Buy. The decision was easy about where I would buy this gift cam.

OK-----so the Price at all 3 stores was $299. I approach Red Star's vending machine thinking it could be cheaper there since it is basically self-service, less overhead---absolutely no one is around in the Calvin Klein shop, which is where it is located, who knows anything about cams or iPods.Duh---now why would I think logic would prevail in pricing their vending machine products when it does not prevail in much of anything else they do in that company? We customers tell them what we want and they say it is not what we want and they insist they know we want something else. We spell out for them exactly what is needed for us to return to their stores and they set out to try to figure out what they can do to lure us back to their stores, ignoring our information.

Needless to say, their pricing of the Canon SD 850 Digital Cam in the vending machine was not logical. Best Buy, Target and National Camera all price the product at $299. Red Star sells it in their vending machine for $399!! Apparently the extra $100 is for the convenience of watching your sensitive electronic equipment drop off the top shelf of the machine into the bottom dumpster of the vending machine where you then pick it up. Oh...and for the extra convenience of not having to deal with any of the Red Star staff, I suppose, which I do understand. oh...and for the convenience of not getting your mind cluttered up by looking at other cams and getting confused, since that is the only cam in the machine.I guess that's worth $100 more.

There were some young girls looking at products in the machine and talking about buying something from the machine as a gift, when I left. I really needed to leave immediately before I started ranting about what a rip-off the whole place was, and how could they even consider it, blah blah blah, and I probably would have been arrested.

I found the whole situation with macy's OBSCENE.

Regards.

Date: Mon, December 17, 2007  10:28 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Today I tried some of the Von Maur Bavarian Mints. They run $12 for a 7 ounce, 12 piece box.

They are incredible!

Smooth texture, rich mint flavor and it melts in your mouth!

You can order them online from Von Maur at this link.

http://www.vonmaur.com/default.aspx?Function=Product&ProductID=899

Date: Mon, December 17, 2007  9:22 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

So much for macy*mart "exclusive" merchandise. I was at our local Bon Ton today and noticed displays for Usher fragrance for both men and women. Wasn't Usher allegedly sold "exclusively" at macy*mart?

BTW, The Bon Ton offered a coupon in the Sunday newspaper offering $10 off any fragrance purchase of $75--with no exclusions. Of course, I didn't buy the Usher fragrance because I don't want to be accused of smelling like macy*mart!

Date: Mon, December 17, 2007  7:55 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

Shopping advice for the Field's lovers on your list...

There are still a few of the 2007 Radko "State Street Clock" ornament at the Saks in Atlanta - 404-261-7234.

The Container Store (Chicago locations downtown at North Avenue and Clybourn, also at Oak Brook, Northbrook, and Schaumburg) have a gift wrap that looks just like the Field's wrap with the green stripes in varying widths and shades - with a red stripe to make it Christmasy!

Date: Mon, December 17, 2007  7:00 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

I went to Woodfield today to pick up a last couple of gifts for next week. Driving south on Meacham I drove past the Macy's Furniture store. I saw only four cars in the east parking lot of that wonderful building. Once I arrived at Woodfield I parked outside the store formerly known as Field's. As I walked toward the east entrance I was keenly on the lookout for Macy's bags. I saw a few. Only a few. It seems the sales staff are at least being a bit more generous with the large paper shopping bags than in the past when they were stuffing everything into plastic sacks. I also saw lots and lots of people leaving the mall carrying bags from a variety of other Woodfield stores.

Inside the M store there was a huge table piled high with handbags on sale. No one was looking. Racks of leather jackets. No one was looking. I glanced over toward the fine jewelry counter. The clerk was polishing the glass, but there were no customers in sight. As I rode the escalator up I looked down over the main floor and noticed how many cash registers in various departments appeared not to be open. Can you imagine a week before Christmas and registers not needing to be manned at Marshall Field's?

On the second floor, the Macy's men's department was deserted. Things looked quite neat and tidy in Tasso Elba land though, because there were no customers there to "mess it up". Interestingly, nowhere in the store did I see hordes of frenzied shoppers clutching their precious "One Day Sales Passes", so I guess maybe it wasn't the lack of coupons causing Macy's poor sales showing in Chicago, after all!

I went out into the mall to do my shopping. It was quite crowded and several of the mall jewelers were hopping with customers. I can say with authority, (as an eyewitness to several purchases) that the lucky wives or girlfriends of a couple of men in armed services uniform, are going to be very happy on Christmas morning!

As I retraced my steps through Macy's back toward the parking lot I felt only sadness. No matter what Macy's says about "magic" in their ads, with Marshall Field's gone, so is the magic.

Date: Mon, December 17, 2007  6:53 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C.

Here is some interesting information, Field's Fans...

Remember that supposedly official survey taken by Federated/macy's about whether or not to keep the Marshall Field's name? The URL below connects to a blog with comments from someone who claims to have worked at one of the partner businesses during the coversion. According to the #2 comment, that being from "yarnsnob", the survey was informally taken at far-out suburban MF stores with participants being under 30 with no real loyalty to Field's. It would be interesting to hear more if this is all accurate. The page on the blog originated last month in November, 2007.

http://knitandrun97.blogspot.com/2007/11/take-me-to-marshall-fields.html

Date: Mon, December 17, 2007  1:49 pm CT
Posted by: gle

I checked out Kristkindlemarket at Daley Plaza last Saturday, and the difference between there and State Street was like day and night. The Plaza was jammed with people of all ages having a great time and totally ignoring the terrible weather. On State Street people simply walked up and down without smiles. Those coming out of Messy's displayed about as much cheer as if they were buying groceries. Obviously, Kristkindlemarket is the place to be in Chicago for the holidays. The festive crowd there made me think of Field's. It looks like people still go for the unique and special, even if it might be a little expensive.

I also notice Sears has a plaque from one of their stores that used to be on State Street a long time ago. Sears came back. It is about the only thing on State Street still alive.

I haven't posted for a couple of weeks. I got laid off from the job where I used to use the computer, and have really missed the comraderie with other Field's Fans on the website. I have temp work again, and hope to be able to enjoy keeping up with our activities.

Date: Mon, December 17, 2007  1:45 pm CT
Posted by: Pat C

ATTENTION LAST MINUTE SHOPPER

You can be a "Walking Billboard" for the Comeback

When out shopping in the next few days, put all

your gifts in your MARSHALL FIELD'S BAGS !

While out shopping this weekend, I carried my Marshall Field Mesh Bag with pride. I can't tell you how many people stopped to talk to me about the Bag. One Lady offered to buy it from me, Icouldn't part with at any price.I handed out about 20 Pins who told me they WON'T shop at the "M" store. One lady told me , that I really made her Christmas by giving her a pin.

Show your CHICAGO PRIDE and carry a Fields Bag, for the Return of Marshall Fields. I couldn't beleive how many "SILENT PROTESTER'S" that don't even know Fieldsfanschicago.org exists. Spread the WORD !

Date: Mon, December 17, 2007  12:01 pm CT
Posted by: MK

I have been a Fields customer since the early 60's. My Mother before me... It was tradition to go to "Santa and Aunt Holly and Uncle Miseltoe" at Fields on the Friday after Thanksgiving. We continued the tradition up to the last year that Fields was called Fields not MACY"S. I do not shop there or do I go to the festivities there. It is not Fields. Macy...stay in NY and let Chicago have Fields.

Date: Sun, December 16, 2007  9:05 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Thanks to all who helped make leafleting this weekend on Friday evening and this afternoon and early evening a success, especially, Gloria, Gail and Mike.

Please remember: you can make a difference, especially this weekend. Please email jjmckay@fieldsfanschicago.org if you can assist us even for a couple of hours this weekend. Thanks for helping to bring back Marshall Field's!

Jim

Date: Sun, December 16, 2007  7:21 pm CT
Posted by: Da Burgh

The day is snowy, windy and icy cold in the 'Burgh. The "Stillers" lost. Just a miserable day all around.

Thinking about you guys protesting out in Chicagoland. According to the weather forecasts, you probably had rough weather also. Just want to congratulate all of you who showed up for the protest when you could have been inside your nice warm home. You are making a statement and standing up for a good cause.

I ventured to Century III yesterday afternoon. The mall parking lot was packed--even the lot outside the Red Star Store was full! As I parked my car and headed toward the store, I noticed people coming out of the Red Star carrying shopping bags. As I got closer I saw that there were very FEW Red Star bags--most of the shoppers had bags from OTHER stores and probably just parked outside Red Star because there were no other spaces.

While there were shoppers looking at the delightful merchandise, not many people were buying. I overheard comments like "What junk," "Look at these prices--they must be joking," "Who would want THIS," "Let's go to Penney's--this place is a waste of time," "I sure miss Kaufmann's."

Perhaps a very poor holiday season will be the "beginning of the end" of the Red Star destruction of America's department stores.

Date: Sun, December 16, 2007  3:18 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

Well, it's official! The incredible reports about Macy's "Thanks for Sharing" program have now been documented! The full article is found here:

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/macys-thanks-sharing-holiday-campaign/story.aspx?guid=%7BEB09CBB6%2D55A6%2D42E9%2D9B37%2DA21F482C1009%7D&dist=TQP_Mod_pressN

The nuts and bolts of the TFS program are this: Customers spend $25 for a shopping pass, good for 10% off merchandise for a period of about 2 1/2 - 3 months maximum - for a shorter duration if purchased nearer to December 31 (of course this probably cannot be combined with larger percent off coupons at any time). Only $10 ends up being given to charity - Macy's pockets the rest! I'm sure Macy's gets a huge tax deduction for charitable contributions at the end of their fiscal year, though the customers were the ones doing all the giving.

BTW, I checked out some of the links posted here to read. When I saw that red star and the name below all names, I wanted to leave that page immediately. I hate their logo and anything that resembles it!

Date: Sun, December 16, 2007  1:12 pm CT
Posted by: Joseph From CA

My boss will be moving to Chicago in January. As a going away gift I decided to get her a gift card so she could be herself something nice once she's settled. Hmmmm, if Field's was still around there would have been no need to consider any other store. Do you think I would give her a Macy's gift card? I think not. So instead I bought one from Neiman Marcus. As a side note I had my office Christmas party yesterday, and we did the gift game where you can steal each other's gifts. Many of my coworkers brought Macy's gift cards, and needless to say I wasn't trying to steal those.

Speaking of Neiman Marcus, the store that I was at the other day (Newport Beach, CA) was bustling with shoppers which made me think about the NM stores in Chicagoland. I would be willing to bet that all 3 have seen increases in sales since Field's was taken away.

Date: Sun, December 16, 2007  1:02 pm CT
Posted by: Jack K

Did anyone notice in the Tribune today (Sunday) that Tiffany's had a nice full page ad, printed on their "Signature" turquoise background, and on the next page was a M**** ad on the same color background? I think this happened last Sunday as well. For a minute I thought it was another page for Tiffanys. Sure comes across as if Macy's is hanging on to coattails!!

Looking at the comments earlier today about the financial status, you can bet that management at Macy's will offer some lame explanation.

Someone once told me "figures don't lie, but liars sure can figure"

I guess if you put on a happy face, and tell a story, all the stockholders will believe the fairy tale. NOT!!! --- WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!!

JACK

Date: Sun, December 16, 2007  12:33 pm CT
Posted by: jimmy gimbels

Jimmy Gimbels has not visited Oakbrook Center since before "Black Saturday" (the 9/9/2006 conversion to Macy's.) If one ever doubts that Macy's is downmarket, just take a look at the mess that was once the pride and joy of Marshall Field's. The Oakbrook store looks "tired", dirty (don't get me started on the restrooms) and is filled with cheap junk. They have some kind of weird lighting thing going on...the lighting is cold and shadow free...like a football field. I get a headache from just thinking about it. Oh, the store was "shopper free" compared to jam-packed Nordstrom, and Lord and Taylor.

Wasn't Macy's game plan to be less promotional, eliminate coupons and talk up their everyday "value" pricing? Now M-store is trapped. Their only audience is hunting for sale prices. You can only keep that demographic by running more sales and more coupons/shopping passes. The result: lower revenue.

Latest M-store promo: Mailing gift cards to lost customers with instructions to come into the store to enjoy the "Magic of Macy's" and to "activtate" the gift card. Reality check: The gift card has a zero balance. You need to add your own funds just like any other gift card. How tacky. But again, it's Macy's.

Hell must have frozen over! On Sunday, The Chicago Tribune finally printed two stories about retailing that did not mentioned Macy's at all. Nordstrom and Sak's finally got some column space! In addition, feature stories about great holiday gifts were remarkably Macy-free.

My spies tell me the new M-store in Bollingbrook is "doing well" but "not meeting expectations." Anyone have some inside info? Maybe that was what the free coffee was all about.

There must be a new store call "ACY'S". Oh, the five-foot "M" fell off the side of the building? Gee, the elevator is still broken (five months now). Exterior door handles still hanging on by one screw. The wall sign in the men's area still says "Calvin lein. Let's see how long it takes them to fix the exterior signage. Which store is it? I'll never tell. Let Macy's figure it out.

Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Marshall Field's in 2008. And watch out for those capital "M"s falling off the M-stores.

Date: Sat, December 15, 2007  5:13 pm CT
Posted by: Gail

I didn't get a chance to look at Macy's press release about its November sales until today. The headline looked very impressive--"Same Store Sales up 13.4% in November." But when you read the press release, you find out that number is completely misleading. The comparison isn't between November 1-30, 2006 and November 1-30, 2007. Instead, it's apples and oranges--a comparson of sales between October 29-November 25, 2006 and November 4 - December 1, 2007. Well, duh! OF COURSE such a comparison will make Macy's look good in 2007. Stores always sell more in the last few days of November than they do in the last few days of October. MOUNTAINS MORE. I did a quick back of the envelope calculation and found that Macy's sales may well have been DOWN on the same store basis comparing November 1-30, 2006 and November 1-30, 2007. (Remember too that Marshall Field's was already gone in November, 2006, so if I'm right that same store sales are down, that's very, very bad news for Macy's. It means they're continuing to lose customers even after the exodus of Field's loyalists.)

Note that this artificial "calendar change" issue will work against Macy's in December (as they acknowledge in press release). Just as November's sales looked artificially high, December's will look artifically low. (I note Wall Street responded appropriately with a decline in Macy's stock on the day the press release came out, despite the happy-sounding headline.)

Date: Sat, December 15, 2007  4:05 pm CT
Posted by: John D

macy's Inc. has a new member on the Board of Directors. Ms. Deirdre P. Connelly, an executive with the E.I. Lilly, Inc. pharmaceutical company, Indianapolis, Indiana will sit on the Board effective January 1, 2008, it was announced on December 12.

http://www.forbes.com/businesswire/feeds/businesswire/2007/12/12/businesswire20071212006043r1.html

She joins the current macy's board consisting of the following members:

http://www.fds.com/company/board.asp

It cannot be determined if the board is merely expanding or if a current member will be retiring.

Date: Sat, December 15, 2007  2:41 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

Here's an idea for a holiday vignette I'd enjoy seeing in one of the State Street windows of the historic`MF&Co building:

Lifelike figures of Terry Lundgren in a Donald Trump suit, his lovely bride in Jessica Simpson shoes and her Vera Wang wedding gown (that Terry likes so much), raising their Martha Stewart wineglasses. Instead of music, the speaker system would repeat over and over again in Terry's voice, "Well, you know that Macy's thing sure SEEMED like a good idea at the time, honey!".

Date: Sat, December 15, 2007  9:05 am CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

So macy's has given in the towel about having "old folks" shop at State Street anymore and they are trying to get the younger generation to do shopping there.

So what do they do?

They install a vending machine to sell zit cream for pimpled faced teen-agers!

As if Teens will pay Macy's high prices...and as if parents will give it to them.

Totally Unreal!

Date: Sat, December 15, 2007  7:58 am CT
Posted by: Bill W

Macy's "Best Customer" sale -- how is that for a sale name with hubris? -- has ads in the Tribune pointing out that customers get free Starbucks coffee from 9 am to 3 pm only at the new Bolingbrook store.

Sounds like the Bolingbrook store desperately needs customers, if you ask me.

Date: Sat, December 15, 2007  1:07 am CT
Posted by: FieldsFan123

I hope we all influenced what was given out at holiday parties, gab bags, etc. and that no Macy's giftcards were found in any.

I don't know when women with Spring/Summer weddings start registering but PLEASE INFLUENCE YOUR BRIDES-TO-BE. This is a great way to influence a bunch of people at once! If one or two brides register at Crate & Barrel or Target instead of Macy's that A HUGE WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Field's will be back. Macy's will be gone!

Date: Fri, December 14, 2007  10:10 pm CT
Posted by: Mark

Unfortunately, here's the grim news behind why the Sun-Times (and the Trib for that matter) end up printing what amount to PR pieces for Macy's. Its stock is down 77% from a year ago. It was $4.81 a share last year at this time. Today it is $1.10. And now the S-T has been told to make dramatic cuts. There have been various articles on this in the past day, but the Chicago Reader's Mike Minor has a decent perspective on this all: http://blogs.chicagoreader.com/email/3242/. This doesn't excuse the S-T in how it reports stories on Macy's and Field's but it does give insight.

I don't expect the Sun-Times will be around much longer.

Date: Fri, December 14, 2007  8:46 pm CT
Posted by: Joe D

Hello Everyone!

After work today, I went to Sears on State Street to purchase my Secret Santa gift. I then decided to head into the other stores on State Street including Forever 21, Nordstrom Rack, and Old Navy to see what's popular this season. After meandering about for a bit, I decided to head into the Marshall Field & Company building to check it out because it has been nearly 2 years since I walked through the store.

I walk into the main area under the Tiffany dome, and I first noticed the carpet that is an odd color of light green. I then notice plenty of other changes not worth mentioning because what I saw next was just so shocking. I did a double take because I thought my eyes for deceiving me!

Just off the Tiffany dome across from the MAC cosmetics counter by one of the down escalators is a HUGE VENDING MACHINE for Proactive Solution! The giant machine has huge photos of Jessica Simpson and Vanessa Williams. Are you kidding me? Macy's is trying to sell "AS SEEN ON TV" products from a vending machine in one of the most renowned rooms in retailing! I find this appalling on so many levels.

Well, I headed up to the men's floor. It's true! There is white neon lighting in the men's sportwear/denim area! When it was Field's the designer denim area always looked terrific. As I recall, the aisles in this area had the old stone floors. Now, the stone has been covered over with tacky faux wood to complement the neon lighting.

I then walked headed around to the designer area and shoe department. In my opinion, the men's shoe area was always the busiest area of the men's floor. It was so empty! I could have rolled a cannon ball down the aisles. Although there are still a respectable amount of desingers available, the area is most definitely a shadow of its former self. To top everything off, the area that was once the Dolce & Gabbana section is now the John Varvatos area. However, I had to laugh because it had obviously just changed from something else to John Varvatos because you could see that the previous designer's name and logo had been haphazardly scratched out with John Varvatos name sloppily painted over.

The designer area and men's suits had lots of associates standing at attention ready to help me! Ironically, I never remember seeing so many store employees standing around with nothing to do when it was Field's. As I looked around, I thought that I should at least make an effort to look at the clothes in the designer suit section. So, what's the first thing I see? A Donald Trump suit!!! I just took this to be "a sign" that I should leave the store. As I depart, I left through the other atrium that once held designer handbags. It's another area that has gone terribly down hill! Instead of the classy displays with exclusive bags and accessories, the area is now loaded with self service displays with big 20% off discount signs.

That's the report!

Date: Fri, December 14, 2007  4:23 pm CT
Posted by: RG74 Family & Friends

Macy's is having their "best customer sale." Why this kind of sale ? Marshall Field's lovers BY THE THOUSANDS have been longing to BUY BUY BUY and support their local department store doors as they have for generations.

MULTIPLY THAT SUPPORT BY ALL THE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUPPORTED THEIR REGIONAL DEPARTMENT STORES OVER THE YEARS BEFORE PROJECT STAR (Macyization of America).

Holiday time is here and one way to start the restoration of cheer is to RESTORE MARSHALL FIELD'S quality,service,traditions and brands. Federated/May management, you can make that happen...and oh how happy once loyal guests will be.

Warm Marshall Field's Regards & Greetings of the Season to one and all !

RG74 Family & Friends

Date: Fri, December 14, 2007  2:17 am CT
Posted by: Sarah

I have been passing out Marshall Field's stickers and wearing my Marshall Field's shirts and using my 2 Green Field's tote bags when I walk through Old Orchard. I make it a point to saunter through the Macy's there. I will chat with some of the employees I know. I never buy anything though. Not even Frangos, which I so desperately miss. I love Christmas but get so sad when I think about all the traditions my family was forced to relinquish when Macy's took over.

Thanks to everyone who is actively fighting for the change back to our beloved Marshall Field's.

Date: Thurs, December 13, 2007  10:47 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C.

As so very many Field's Fans have remarked...

It's bad enough not having Field's around in Spring, Summer and Fall, but it really hits people when it comes time to Holiday shop and take an excursion into Downtown Chicago to the State Street Store for an adventure in sightseeing the formerly magnificient display windows, seeing the decorations inside on all floors, seeing what's new in Field's Christmas ornaments, dining in the Walnut Room, and filling armfuls of the famous dark green shopping bags with unique "just-have-to-have" creations and gifts, not seen elsewhere.

Well, now that I'm writing my Holiday cards, another memory comes to me. How many of you remember the specially created boxes of Marshall Field's assorted Christmas Cards with scenes from throughout the State Street Store, and the familiar cursive MF cursive logo script? That's just one of the things that made shopping fun at Marshall Field's. You could buy anything and everything associated with the holidays--even special cards and party invitations.

I also remember the MF&Co Christmas mail order catalog which had all kinds of unique items, unlike any other store. I remember the Marshall Field coffees and teas being merchandised in special cardboard replicas of the State Street store. One could "open the window" on each floor to find a variety of MF coffee and tea. Field's knew how to make holiday shopping truly EXCITING. Field's was a traditional fun part of every Chicagoan's holiday preparation. It's difficult getting accustomed to having that void in our lives now, thanks to Mr. Lundgren's selfish and stubborn ways.

s

Date: Thurs, December 13, 2007  10:16 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

For a history of the Marshall Field's store at Mayfair Milwaukee, read this article.

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=477997

One funny note, on this page today there is an ad for Boston Store (Carson's). They know that people aren't shopping a macy's and are taking full advantage of the situation.

Remember it was Mayfair Mall management that stated in the press that the sales at macy's are down and because of that, it has hurt the overall performance of the entire mall!

Date: Thurs, December 13, 2007  9:14 pm CT
Posted by: MJA1951

One interesting thing that is periodically discussed here and in tens of thousands of leaflets distributed, is that while M***'s is focusing their responses on the name change, even if they kept the Field's name it is their low quality merchandise, poor maintenance of the properties and their corporate attitude toward the customer that is behind their problems.

Even if they kept the Field's stores and opened new stores as M***'s who would want to shop at a store like M***'s. You can find better values, better quality, and better service at many other stores.

So the advantage to shopping at M***'s is ?????

A while back, this page featured the e-mail addresses for large M***'s stockholders so we could send them our thoughts. I was wondering if there was a recently updated list. As always, we would keep our commments factual and respectful. Such a respectful disposition in our correspondence is a service to this website and the greater movement for the return of Field's in name, quality and service.

Date: Thurs, December 13, 2007  4:08 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

As the crucial holiday shopping season enters the final stretch, a spokesperson for the Red Star Store said "We listened to our customers."

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071213/holiday_shopping_stretch.html?.v=4

Wonder if that thought ever crossed Lunkhead's mind?

Date: Thurs, December 13, 2007  3:09 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff W

As we all prepare for our second Christmas season without Marshall Field's, let us all remember that the Macy's occupation of Field's stores is ultimately destined to follow the same path that the Soviet Red Star occupation of its satellite countries followed after the end of the Second World War. How appropriate for Macy's to use the Soviet Red Star as its symbol. Whether one is talking about political occupation or economic occupation, they are much the same. Macy's occupation of Marshall Field's is destined to follow the same failure as the Soviets. Ultimately the people of Chicago will triumph over Macy's economic imperialism. Long live Marshall Field's!

Date: Thurs, December 13, 2007  2:11 pm CT
Posted by: Laura B

After moving from Chicago to N.C., I have always taken my children back to Chicago for a Christmas trip and to shop at Marshall Field's. I would always reminise about my childhood memories and how Field's made it so special for me. No longer is it important to come to Chicago for a Christmas shopping trip. How sad! I had hoped my children would pass this tradition on to their children. It goes to show how M is affecting tourist traffic too. Probablly more so than the city realizes.

Laura

Cary, NC

Date: Thurs, December 13, 2007  1:06 pm CT
Posted by: Lani C.

Well, I've finished my holiday shopping and I'm proud to say not a even a penny of it was spent at a Macy's Corp. retailer.

I can only hope that my small effort contributes to the early demise of a monumentally bad idea.

Happy holidays all.

Date: Thurs, December 13, 2007  12:27 pm CT
Posted by: Marshall-Fields-All-The-Way

That link to the CNN Money article is:

http://money.cnn.com/2007/12/12/news/companies/macys_lundgren.fortune/index.htm?section=money_topstories

Date: Thurs, December 13, 2007  9:35 am CT
Posted by: J.W.

Keep up the good work.

Date: Thurs, December 13, 2007  9:07 am CT
Posted by: Rich W

I got some very interesting feedback the past two weeks about macy-mart. I attended a consumer focus group in Baltimore last week, and in that market macy-mart replaced Hecht's. Many of the participants dissed macy-mart and the horrible quality of their product and their poor customer service in comparison to their beloved Hecht's. Sound familiar? The one group that had praise for macy-mart was the budget-conscious family participants and their reasons for liking macy-mart: clearance, coupons, cheap prices. Their other favorite store was Wal-mart! Last night I had dinner with some co-workers after shopping at Woodfield Mall, and one of the women, without my prompting, described how she walked into macy-mart after it changed over from Field's, and she hated that all her brands were gone and replaced by their "private label junk like Charter Club." We all agreed that the JC Penney store in Woodfield looked better than macy-mart. And when Penney's new Ralph Lauren label, "American Living" hits the floors in spring of next year, maybe that will be the final nail in macy-mart's coffin. They are kicking off the Oscars next year with sponsorship and the launch of their exclusive new brand. If poor holiday sales don't sink macy-mart, further declining sales in spring 2008 will! Way to flop, Lunkhead!

Date: Thurs, December 13, 2007  6:57 am CT
Posted by: Claire Osada

Just thought I'd mention that I've been proudly wearing my "It's not Christmas in Chicago without Marshall Field's" t-shirt (I got it from someone here...don't remember who, though) lately and I've been getting TONS of compliments. It seems that there are a lot of people who can agree with that statement. :-)

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

In Terry Lundgren's interview with fortune, he makes the following statement-

Q: You recently signed a deal to be the exclusive retailer of Tommy Hilfiger merchandise. Are you looking for more deals like that and would you be interested in buying a brand outright?

A: I would be interested in buying a brand, but it can't be just a name. It needs to have good management and design talent and also have the potential to expand into other categories. As for more exclusives, if I can find more ideas like Martha Stewart and Tommy Hilfiger, I'd sign them in a minute.

He already bought a brand- Marshall Field's, it had good management and talent and had merchandise in all categories, much of it great and well designed private labels too. Why would you throw that all away, then waste money and buy another brand? Field's had higher brand recognition than Hilfiger (especially in Chicago), wasn't just a name.

Date: Wed, December 12, 2007  11:07 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

In some respects, Terry Lunkhead is a very lucky fellow. He is lucky that the Carson Pirie Scott and Lord & Taylor stores in downtown Chicago have closed, eliminating what would have been very stiff competition. Sales in Chicago would have been far worse had those two stores remained for shoppers who don't travel outside the city.

He is also lucky that the euro, the pound and the loony are all trading at all-time highs against the dollar. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Orlando are flooded with foreigners eager to snap up bargains and clueless as to the true nature of Macy's merchandise. No doubt sales to foreigners are propping up overall sales and masking Macy's failure to connect with the American shopper.

Something tells me though that with Nordstrom and JC Penney set to open in Manhattan soon, that Lunkhead's luck is about to run out.

Date: Wed, December 12, 2007  10:22 pm CT
Posted by: John D.

To John K. and others wanting to know where to buy Waterford Crystal...

Von Maur carries an exceptional selection at its Chicagoland stores or you may order online at the following link:

http://www.vonmaur.com/Default.aspx?PageId=131&nt=4&cat=79,131

Remember Von Maur has free gift wrap, free shipping in the U.S., a no-interest in-house credit card, and even free alterations.

As Chrisopher and others have said: Let's get out and support Von Maur, as one of our alteratives to Marshall Field's. Jim von Maur demonstrated the ultimate compassion by personally assisting the families of the Omaha shooting victims directly, and he attended each funeral service of the Von Maur associates and customer guests. He has made a point in his tenure to become familiar with as many Von Maur employees as possible and fosters a family feeling among all. He has stated that each of the 200 employees at the Omaha store will continue to be paid their regular pay during the time the store is closed indefinitely. Can you imagine Lundgren doing that for macy employees, or even getting personally involved and having a feeling of deep loss whereby spending nearly a week at a site near the affected store?!

Date: Wed, December 12, 2007  10:13 pm CT
Posted by: Jack

I'd like to recommend some great pix and a story about the interior and window display departments at Marshall Fields in a new book by Eric Bronsky and Neil Samors "Downtown Chicago in Transition" There are many many pictures and stories about Downtown from 1870 to today that will bring back wonderful memories.

JACK

Date: Wed, December 12, 2007  9:21 pm CT
Posted by: Mike M

Hello everyone! I have been out leafleting with Jim and others on most Saturdays lately.

Come on out for a gratifying hour or two of leafleting. You'll be glad you did it and it is an important part of our efforts!

Date: Wed, December 12, 2007  9:05 pm CT
Posted by: Gail

Well, it looks like Macy's employees have gone off the deep end. I got an e-mail from one a couple days ago comparing Field's Fans to the gunman at Von Maur's. He/she was apparently of the opinion that I am morally obligated to shop at the store that destroyed Chicago's greatest commercial icon and third most significant tourist attraction.

It's exactly that "shut up and shop" attitude that seems destined to destroy Macy's. No one is morally obligated to shop at Macy's. If Macy's wants to make make a profit it will have to do it the old-fashioned way: Give the lady what she wants.

Now where have I heard those words before ...?

Date: Wed, December 12, 2007  6:42 pm CT
Posted by: Marianne

Through my Yahoo news feed for Macy's, I got a great article by CNN Money, interviewing Terry Lundgren. The article talks about the big hype for the Macyfication of America and what how the results have fallen well below expectations with poor sales and lowered stock values. Lundgren is definitely on the defensive in the article, and for once his lame excuses seem obviously lame. Read it and see if you don't agree that we've got him on the run now!

http://money.cnn.com/2007/12/12/news/companies/macys_lundgren

Date: Wed, December 12, 2007  4:42 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Another "fluff" interview with Lunkhead in which the key issues are ignored, as usual:

http://money.cnn.com/2007/12/12/news/companies/macys_lundgren.fortune/index.htm?source=yahoo_quote

The many self-inficted problems that face macy*mart are noted in the introduction, but Lunky again blames fewer coupons as the cause of his woes. Absolutely NO INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM in this Fortune article--none. The analyst should be ashamed to sign this article.

The business world and Wall Street realize that macy*mart is in trouble, yet the media refuses to hold Lunkhead to task for this monumental flop and continues to print his worn-out explanations. Shoppers across the nation have soundly rejected macy*mart and Lunkhead has no real strategy to win them back. "Exclusives" like Martha Stewart, Donald Trump and Tommy Hilfiger haven't created a sensation; they have barely generated a yawn. Lunkhead wants macy*mart to be known for "brands"--already it's known for overpriced, poor quality, made-up brands. Seems there isn't much demand for his "brands." Lunkhead acquired "brands" with great customer support and loyalty, but he discarded them and replaced them with a name that has earned negative perceptions.

We can only hope that a dismal holiday season will lead to Lunkhead's dismissal and to a major management shake-up. Bring back the regional names, quality, service and traditions and the shoppers will follow.

Date: Wed, December 12, 2007  2:15 pm CT
Posted by: John

To Suzy W..

That scene in Christmas Vacation takes place in the Water Tower Marshall Field's...it was filmed there. The movie came out in 1989 before it was sold to Dayton Hudson and you can see the green bags throughout the movie too!!!!

Interesting that in the State Street Store they have a shade of green for the main aisle carpets and NOT red!!!!

Date: Wed, December 12, 2007  11:28 am CT
Posted by: John

Macy's makeover

CEO Terry Lundgren talks to Fortune about the department store giant's troubled buyout of May, speculation of widespread store closings and plans to bolster sales.

By Suzanne Kapner, writer

(Fortune) -- It was considered a retailing masterstroke - the $11 billion acquisition of the May Department Store Company by Federated Department Stores to form what is now known as Macy's. The 2005 merger created the first national department store chain and gave Macy's unprecedented clout with suppliers. Macy's Chief Executive Terry Lundgren, considered the merger's architect, was initially lauded as a visionary. Then the trouble started.

See the full article at:

http://money.cnn.com/2007/12/12/news/companies/macys_lundgren.fortune/index.htm?source=yahoo_quote

Date: Wed, December 12, 2007  11:16 am CT
Posted by: Gayle

Hi all,

I get the distinct feeling that other retailers are reading this blog and acting accordingly.

The other day, I received a sale flyer with coupons from Steinmart. For those of you not familiar with Steinmart, they are similar to a TJ Maxx or Marshalls in that they sell discounted designer merchandise, but they are smaller, much neater, and present their merchandise in a more upscale manner.

I get their coupons a few times a year, but these were different. In large letters across the front were the words NO EXCLUSIONS! Actually, their coupons usually don't have many (if any) exclusions, but it was almost as if they had heard what a joke Macy's coupons are, and they wanted to make it crystal clear to their customers that they are not like Macy's!

They're another nice retailer to patronize while the occupation continues...

gayle

Date: Wed, December 12, 2007  10:57 am CT
Posted by: Jack K

Absolutely LOVE Von Maur's Rule #1 as noted in the previous post. Macy's has unhappy employees who will barely do their job. Witness the sloppy stores etc. Happy employees take pride in their work and workplace. They take the time to really help the customer. No Rah Rah from upper management will motivate for very long. Today I heard a TV commercial for Macy's again, another 20-30% off basically for EVERYONE. They are hurting, badly, and yet the other retailers are doing ok. Hmmmm. As was well pointed out from the Tribune article on Monday, 20% of your customers provide 80% of your profits. The Geniuses at Macys have decided to go after the marginal new customer. Duh. How many first time shoppers will spend serious $$ there. Heck, I'm going to need more new furniture etc in the next year. Will I go to Macy's -- not a chance in the world, even if they were the only retailer to carry what I wanted. A friend of mine was mentioning how she "had" to go to Macy's to get a Waterford Christmas ornament. I suggested a local (Neighborhood) store that carried Waterford and great Christmas ornaments. (European Imports in Niles).

Keep up the great work.

JACK

Date: Wed, December 12, 2007  7:56 am CT
Posted by: PatC

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

Good Will is the ONE & ONLY ASSET

that competition cannot undersell or destroy !

by Marshall Field

WAY TO FLOP MACY'S !

Date: Tues, December 11, 2007  10:39 pm CT
Posted by: AxN

You all might have seen this, but the fashion/culture blog Jezebel dragged Bloomingdale's Gifted catalog through several feet of muddy snow:

http://jezebel.com/gossip/today-in-catalogs/bloomingdales-gifted-overpriced-brand-names-r-us-331335.php

Date: Tues, December 11, 2007  9:14 pm CT
Posted by: Brandon

In response to the post by Jimmy Gimbles,

Only the former Field's in Madison was a Gimbels, originally meant to be a Schusters (opened 1962). The one at Mayfair was always a Marshall Field and Company (since 1959, when it opened). The Boston Store at Mayfair was the former Gimbels.

Date: Tues, December 11, 2007  9:54 pm CT
Posted by: denise rule

"From the earliest days, the record books read like a veritable Who's Who of Chicago: Cyrus McCormick (inventor of the reaper), George M. Pullman (inventor of the sleeping car), Potter Palmer, Marshall Field, Mary Todd Lincoln, and Mick Jagger. C.D.Peacock continues to cater discreetly to athletes, entertainers and other celebrities from Chicago and all parts of the United States. The oldest guild jeweler in the Chicago area, C.D.Peacock's tradition of commitment to quality and service continues as they look forward to the opening of new locations in the near future." http://cdpeacock.com/history.html

SURPRISE SURPISE! how exciting to see a billboard on the southbound side of I-294, just north of the Rockford exit and also the exit to the Eisenhower (about 2mi....actually around mile marker 35)advertising C.D. Peacock Jeweler's and right across the top it reads, in huge letters: "MARSHALL FIELD SHOPPED HERE" !!!!! amazing!!! after calling a couple "field'sfans" i immediately called Peacock Jeweler's on Michigan Avenue and told them what a wonderful thing this was they'd done and how much it is appreciated. i urge anyone and everyone to give them their business (they now have several locations) and also to call them and let them know how much this means. store phone #: (312) 236-5355

Date: Tues, December 11, 2007  8:32 pm CT
Posted by: suzy w

I am really missing Marshall Field's this Christmas. I just watched "Christmas Vacation"

last night. It's a great Christmas movie and it's set in Chicago. They show tons of Marshall Field's bags throughout the movie. There's even a scene that is supposedly in Field's (I don't think it is). It's funny movie, but it made me sad. I'm so mad the New York store could do this to us.

Date: Tues, December 11, 2007  1:37 pm CT
Posted by: Lani C

I am a former Chicagoan whose life was in many ways shaped by Marshall Field's. It employed my grandfather and several aunts. Some of my fondest memories are going to Field's on State Street and visiting one of my aunts. I had an Uncle Mistletoe doll that was given by one of the aunts to my parents when they married to give to one of their future children.

Marshall Field's was not just a destination, it was a Chicago landmark like the Art Institute or Soldier Field. Chicago without Marshall Field's is a Chicago without a major part of its history.

The corporate entity that is Macy's has even taken over the small local department store in the rural community where I live now. It stocks merchandise no one locally really wants or needs.

Since this behemoth has taken over the retail world, I refuse to even enter a store with the big red star over the door It kind of reminds me of the old Soviet Union or Communist China and has the same regimented philosophy in merchandising. I thought we won that war. Silly me.

Anyway, please add my voice to the cry to restore the name of Marshall Field's to its rightful place in Chicago's culture and community.

Lani C.

Date: Tues, December 11, 2007  11:06 pm CT
Posted by: Ken

Another Christmas Season without Marshall Field's, but with the "national" brand of Macy's, PLEASE!!

Do any of the idiots at Federated, opps, I mean Macy's Inc, realize how simple the solution to all this is???? Yes, reinstate, Marshall Field's, but in the Chicagoland area, operate it as a single division to serve the mid-west with no Bloomingdales. This way Marshall Field's can be what it is, and carry the best of the best in all price points.

Clearly Macy's, Inc is hurting, and as an exmaple in Philly where it operates on 3 floors of the former John Wanamaker flagship, it still has not opened any Home Store departments despite using less than 1/2 of the total square footage available on it's 3 floors as selling space. There are many other expamples nationwide as well.

For those searching for the perfect Christmas Gift, I have a suggestion. Von Maur. They are a true class act as it is. After the tragedy last week, they had to temporarily close one of their busiest stores at the holidays. Despite the losses, they are paying their employees. Don't think for a minute that insurance will cover all their losses.

Ken

Date: Tues, December 11, 2007  10:12 am CT
Posted by: Gayle

I just came across a quote from the Nordstrom employee handbook I thought I'd share:

"Rule No. 1: Use your own good judgment in all situations. There will be no additional rules."

--Bruce, Jim and John Nordstrom,

co-presidents of Nordstrom department store, in the employee handbook

This was sent to me by a daily aviation/aerospace industry email newsletter that features a motivational quote each day. They only quote really insightful stuff from the best business or cultural leaders.

Oddly enough, I haven't seen any quotes from Lundgren or Guzzetta yet. Go figure.

Date: Tues, December 11, 2007  9:50 am CT
Posted by: Da Burgh

The Red Star Store has outdone itself!!!

A friend who was formerly a major Kaufmann's shopper received a Best Customer SALE book from the Red Star Store. The sale includes a discount card offering "Extra 20% off regular, sale or clearance purchases with ALMOST NO EXCLUSIONS *15% off home."

To quote the sale book: "The excitement begins before the present is even unwrapped! This metallic gift bag is yours free when you spend $35 or more using your Macy's Card...With a glossy red color and sparkling snowflake design, this gift bag is sure to stand out from the rest."

A free gift bag! How "exciting"! However, "Quantities are limited, while supplies last. One per qualifying purchase."

The excitement starts on Wednesday, December 12. See you at the Red Star!

Date: Mon, December 10, 2007  11:11 pm CT
Posted by: R

When I traveled to Chicago, I would take an extra bag (more like a suitcase) just for the wonderful merchandise I purchased from Marshall Fields. I would stop at Shaumburg, State Street and if I was unable to shop in person, I would shop online. Marshall Field's reminded me so much of Woodworth and Lothrop. I am so missing The Fields right about now!

Date: Mon, December 10, 2007  10:55 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

The macy's at Mayfair in Milwaukee is DEAD, DEAD, DEAD!

This is exacly as Jimmy Gimbels has reported.

I reported back shortly after the conversion from Field's that someone at the store was actually flying the American Flag at half mast.

Mayfair is now building a new restaurant. Guess where it is?

"McCormick & Schmick Corp., Portland, Ore., has received Plan Commission approval to build an 8,000-square-foot restaurant on a 1-acre parcel in the parking lot of Mayfair Mall...

"The 257-seat restaurant will be constructed on the northern end of the mall's parking lot across from an access road leading from North Mayfair Road to Macy's."

Plenty of room in macy's parking lot to build a 8,000 square foot restaurant.

Let me tell you that the parking lot at Boston Store (Carsons') is so packed that there isn't even enough room to errect a mail box or gumball machine! But at macy's you can build a restaurant and in the winter dump all the mall's snow!

http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2007/04/16/newscolumn1.html

Date: Mon, December 10, 2007  10:28 pm CT
Posted by: norridge

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-mon_customers_1210dec10,0,5896140.story

Someone want to forward this to Terry the Lunkhead? Maybe we can explain it to him in "small business" terms--more his speed, it would seem. I especially liked the observation that "20% of your customers create 80% of your sales". Guess that explains why there are seemingly so many people around the store, but sales are STILL DOWN--they're the sales they're NOT getting--from US, the very loyal Field's customers. And almost 80% to date--and counting!

The following is an excerpt...check the link for the full story. ------------------------ Building loyalty can help keep customers

Assess expectations, then exceed them

By Jamie Herzlich | Tribune Newspapers: Special to Newsday

December 10, 2007

If you're like many small-business owners, you probably spend a great deal of time finding ways to attract new customers.

But have you given any thought to how to keep happy the customers you have?

It might be worthwhile. After all, experts say that businesses on average see 80 percent of their profit from 20 percent of their customers.

So if you are not focusing enough of your efforts on building customer loyalty, you might be missing out on repeat business. Plus, it's far less costly to keep a customer than attract a new one, loyalty experts note.

"On average, it's four to six times more expensive to get new customers than it is to keep existing ones," said Shep Hyken, president of St. Louis-based Shepard Presentations, which specializes in customer loyalty and customer service. "You've already got them. They are a captive audience."

So how do you keep them coming back for more?

Read the full story at:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-mon_customers_1210dec10,0,5896140.story

Date: Mon, December 10, 2007  6:25 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Hi Field's Fans,

A few observations on the State Street store at Christmas:

1. I came downtown today and was able to get a parking space in the Inter-park garage across from macy's on the second floor. When it was Marshall Field's, I would often have to go all the way to the top level and all the way down, searching for a space, because Field's was always loaded with Christmas shoppers. In the old days, I used to get annoyed with the crowds and look forward to January so I could "get my Marshall Field's back." Believe me, I'd rather have the inconvenience of crowded parking garages and crowds of shoppers if I could just "get my Marshall Field's back" today!

2. You know how I've been pointing out the broken door handle on the Randolph Street side which has been missing for months and months? Well, for the past two weeks, there were workmen inside that set of doors, and I thought "Finally, they're going to fix it." But noooooooooo! Today, that same set of doors is worse off than ever. Of the 6 doors in the entrance (Randolph near Wabash), FIVE are marked OUT OF ORDER. There is also yellow and black tape across the entrance. Very unsightly! This NEVER EVER would have happened at Field's, let alone at Christmas time. These people are not good stewards of our architectural landkmark!

3. There's a big car ad on the windows on the Randolph side, and inside, at the Washington side (near Wabash) is an actual car on the floor, in the place formerly occuppied by the equally winning "headbands on State." Really! What will they come up with next?

4. On another note, it's about two weeks before Christmas, and the main floor, always the busiest foot traffic in the store, was pretty much empty. I counted two macy's bags. Two!

OUR BOYCOTT IS WORKING, WORKING, WORKING.

Your friend in Field's,

Zelda

Date: Mon, December 10, 2007  4:57 pm CT
Posted by: Maura

I just read the Bob Reed article on Field of Dreams. What a uninteresting piece of drivel.

He tells us that time marches on. Well Mr. Not so State of the Art let me clue you in on some of the big trappings you stated that Macy's is offering the Chicago public.

1. FAO Schwartz it has failed in Chicago not once but three times. There stand along store which is now a Filene's failed almost five years ago.

2. WIfi? um well many fast food chains and coffee houses have been offering that for several years now....not really up and coming.

3. Special fittings? For what jeans and t-shirts. I mean really how much fitting does that require. Besides the youngsters are looking for "the names" and "the messages" not the fit.

Mr Reed shame on you. You obviously are not a shopper and don't care to be. Should Macy's move on. (Yes please do move right on out of Chicago). If he had taken an opportunity to walk through 111 State he would be calling more than just the Walnut Room waitresses crusty. I asked one of my younger co-workers what she thought about Macy's. She said that first she doesn't shop department stores they scare her and she thought Macy's had nothing special to offer and the store was junky.

I just would not pay much attention to what he wrote. Who was he speaking to? Certainly the young hipsters in college are not likely to be reading Businessweek. So he basically just insulted the type of people who do. Really sort of a silly approach. He analytical skills are questionable also. He admits that Macy's made mistakes by alienating customers upon their arrival. So exacting what is Macy's doing when they tell a bunch of people that they have moved on and they no longer want to even try to cultivate their business? I woudn't exactly call that a group hug.

Bottom line a bad piece of writing that contradicts itself and is aimed at the wrong audience.

Date: Mon, December 10, 2007  4:49 pm CT
Posted by: Nina Gaspich

I received a Messy's gift card some time ago and decided to use it to purchase the ONLY product at that store that I have any interest in - Frangos for the Holidays. I made it a point to buy boxes that specifically say "Marshall Field's Frangos" and sport a picture of the Chicago downtown or skyline on the box. (Hey, the label says they're good till Oct. 08 and really, what's the chance that it'll take that long to finish a box?) I didn't even bother to check out the "new" flavors that come in boxes without The Name.

When I approached the cashier I asked if there were any samples available. He showed me a tray of the Candy Cane seasonal specialties - AND THEY WERE ALL PILED UP AND STICKING TOGETHER, WITHOUT THE PAPER FRILL THAT SURROUNDS THE CANDIES IN THE BOX! How unsanitary! How unattractive! Don't these people know ANYTHING about how important "presentation" is in marketing?

Oh, yeah, the Frango counter was pretty busy but the rest of the store (Old Orchard Mall) was not.

Date: Mon, December 10, 2007  11:41 am CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

Jimmy Gimbels is a bit depressed today. Yesterday, I decorated the Christmas tree in my living room. Since I store many of the ornaments in green Marshall Field's boxes, the room looked like many holidays of past when gifts from Marshall Field's were piled high around the tree. Then a had a bittersweet moment when I remembered no Marshall Field's this Christmas. I pray next year Field's will return.

No star at the top of my tree....it's a Marshall Field's clock ornament!

********

I am helping a friend with her gift store this year so I overhear a lot of people talking. You would not believe how many people are trashing Macy's about lack of service, low-quality merchandise, "dumbed down" sales staff and those tricky sales "where nothing you would want is actually included in the sale." Everyone seems to have a horror story. I always mention this site...even write the web address on their sales reciepts.

Several people, lured by some exceptional sales prices at Macy's, ventured into the M-store only to be turned off by the low quality of merchandise and the mess! I agree with a previous poster: the Northbrook Court store is trashed...Vernon Hills is not much better.

Lastest report from Lake Forest store: a spike store traffic. People visiting the store one last time to chat with their favorite Field's sales associates. Did they purchase any thing? No way.

****

My M-store insiders mentioned two stores in Wisconsin (both former Gimbels, then Field's locations) are not doing well and could end up on the chopping block. The large store at Mayfair Mall still has not seen an increase in business since the conversion. Meanwhile, Boston Store (now operated by Bon Ton) is going like gangbusters. Attn. Lughead: Brand names mean a lot to people...so do "real" sales.

****

Watch for the M-store to start mentioning their "robust" sales. Keep in mind the the huge outlay for advertising and continuous price cuts on merchandise (just to get people in the doors) will severly reduce revenue. Who wants to bet these expenses will by buried under the "conversion costs" banner?

Date: Mon, December 10, 2007  8:34 am CT
Posted by: Derrick

Check page 3 of today's Chicago Tribune Business section for the latest Macy's product placement. Story about a company that offers personalized gift cards. These are like those personalized postage stamps.

These can be had for several retailers, but the Chicago Tribune, aka The Voice of Macy's, of course, chose Macy's as an example.

The Trib is in bed with Macy's--plain and simple.

Date: Mon, December 10, 2007  12:01 am CT
Posted by: Susan in California

Here's another great example of how a great brand that is well loved by the customers can come back despite corporate arrogance.

Northern California had a beloved grocery store chain named Lucky. It was wildly popular. Back about eight years ago, it was acquired by Albertson's who decided it would be cost efficient to convert these Lucky stores to Albertson's. The customers HATED Albertson's. Eventually, it lead to the break of Albertson's. A third of the parent company's stores went to a Private Equity group. Some others went to new store owners named SuperValue (including Chicago's Jewel). And the Sav-On and Osco drug stores went to CVS. The company was broken up. In fact, Albertson's in some parts of the USA are owned and run by one company and Albertson's in other parts of the USA are owned and run by another. Now, some of the Albertson's run by the private equity group in Northern California are being converted back to Lucky! The stores that were failing as Albertson's are now doing so much better as Lucky that more stores are being converted back. It took 8 years but it can happen and it did. Let's hope Macy's isn't as stupid to wait that long and face reality. The reality is customers love and want Marshall Field's. It can come back bigger and more profitable than ever ASAP!

Date: Sun, December 9, 2007  11:51 pm CT
Posted by: Catherine Smith

I saw the GMA segment. The hostess seemed wistful for Field's but still it wouldn't surprise me if it was some sort of PR move by Macy's. New York doesn't care about Chicago. It's flyover to them.

Do compare how the Field's Christmas trumpets looked back 3 years ago and then compare them to today's. The green and gold and red was so much classier. I'm surprised the Christmas decoration maker would want his name associated with the modified and defiled trumpets.

Terry Lundgren and Frank Guzzetta have basically made a deal with the devil. They've sold their souls and are trying to cover their huge egos. Let's hope those "Grinches" have hearts that grown back to their normal size.

Date: Sun, December 9, 2007  11:17 pm CT
Posted by: Jack K

I was on several American Airlines flights this week and the sentiment among the flight attendants when they spotted my button was UNIVERSALLY Bring Back Marshall Fields!!! I passed out a number of buttons to them. All of them stated that they HAD NOT set foot into a Macy's since the name change -- BRAVO!!!! They also brought up their sadness at closure of all the regional department stores. In addition they extolled Nordstroms, Von Maur, and even Dillards. Most folks who travel looked forward to shopping for a gift from a local store, that made it "special". Now we get a watered down homogenized national chain. Heck at least Wal-Mart does not have the pretentions that M apparently does.

This weekend I shopped at Northbrook Court (2x) and Vernon Hills Center. At both locations the only place one could find lots of parking places was near the RED STAR store. Hmmmm. Someone yesterday posted the same fact about Old Orchard. At Vernon Hills multiple sales persons in each of several stores where I was shopping for an item in the $1000-1200 range commented on my button, and a lively discussion ensued about how BAD "Messys" was, what poor merchandise and merchandising was now pervasive in the store and how the traffic at that end of the mall was off because folks were avoiding the junky store (not my words but that of an experienced retail sales person). Heck, Marshall Fields would have been my FIRST choice to shop for this gift item. Geez another sale down the drain thanks to the brilliance of the Macy's management team.

A Happy Hannukah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and Eid ul-Adha to everyone reading this wonderful blog site. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. The arrogance and slap in the face to not only Chicagoans but those on the West Coast, Florida, Michigan, and Minnesota who loved their home town stores and had traditions for generations of families that Macy's has chosen in its infinite wisdom to trash is beyond common sense, it is a VERY POOR business model, the flaks at Business week not withstanding.

JACK

Date: Sun, December 9, 2007  11:06 pm CT
Posted by: Alan

I just noticed the article about Papyrus and Sears. It's important to note that Sears is also making an offer to acquire Restoration Hardware. I think Sears may be deliberately trying to move a bit more upscale now that Macy's has moved further downmarket, closer to Sears' market position. I doubt Papyrus will sell many $40 boxes of Christmas cards in the Sears stores, but they do have a good collection of moderately priced individual cards and gift wrap that could have broad appeal. How ironic would it be if the best stationery and furniture on State Street is found at Sears?

Date: Sun, December 9, 2007  10:50 pm CT
Posted by: David

A week ago, Sunday morning, I was riding the #147 bus en route to the Orange Line/Kansas City via Midway when a well-dressed woman with her young son commented on my Hart Schaffner Marx garment/travel bag.

"That's a great bag," she said. "Where did you get it?"

I replied, "It was free via a promotion when I bought a suit at Nordstom's. Not that I don't like Nordstrom's, but I've had to switch completely to them and elsewhere for other goods since Marshall Field's was taken over by macy's."

Almost before I could finish my sentence she chimed in: "I worked for Marshall Field's for 15 years and finally took the byout package macy's offered me because there was NO WAY I could make a decent living working for those people. All the good designers left, they cut our commissions almost in half from what they were and the store on State Street emptied out. It's awful what they did to Marshall Field's AND Chicago. I went back to teaching. Steady money, but less than I made at Field's- yet FAR more rewarding than a life with macy's."

The macy's store that had replaced "The Jone's Store" in the upscale Kansas City, KS suburb in Prairie Village had a near empty parking lot at three on a Sunday afternoon before Christmas and then again Monday when I passed by en route to the post-funeral luncheon. When I mentioned macy's to some locals, who, like myself, had embraced it when it was a midwest anchor back in 50s,60s and 70's then "R.H.Macy's",but then closed or sold to "Dillard's" they said: "Don't get us started. Folks are very angry to have lost "The Jone's Store" and had it replaced with this."

Finally, I remember Mrs. W. commenting last summer about the absense of the green M. Field's delivery trucks from the Chicago landscape. Good grief was she right! Even though they're now covered with white tarps with red stars, you rarely see them. It used to be a daily accurance in Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Uptown/Edgewater!

Peace to All. I too have substituted Fannie Mae for Frango, though my niece and nephew miss the seasonal decorations that garnished each piece at Christmas, Valentine's, Easter and Halloween. I'm wishing for a "Marshall Field's" GREEN Christmas, just like the one's I used to know...

Date: Sun, December 9, 2007  10:45 pm CT
Posted by: Mary Witherspoon

I didn't realize until Sunday's rally how many buildings were due to the Marshall Field's and heirs to the department store fortune.

Merchandise Mart. Pittsfield Building (named after where Marshall I came from). Field Building at 135 S LaSalle, home to LaSalle Bank but not for long. Shedd Aquarium. Museum of Science & Industry. Marshall Field Apartments. The move of Carson's to State & Madison. Field Musuem. The building at the southwest corner of Wabash and Washington.

Mary

Date: Sun, December 9, 2007  10:41 pm CT
Posted by: Mark T

Read about the Steppenwolf Theatre Company getting a "big break" with a move of a production to New York's Broadway. So many things Chicago have to move from here to NYC to make it big. Not so with Field's. It was bigger and everyone came here. People keep fighting for what is best about Chicago.

Date: Sun, December 9, 2007  9:58 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Thomas

Fellow Field's Loyalists;

As a native Chicagoan, for the holiday season I have designed 2 ornaments showing the Field's clock.

In keeping with the spirit of the season, I hope you will join me in raising funds for the charity of your choice. I am asking $25.00 for each ornament, and hoping that you feel that they are more valuable. Please donate whatever that amount may be to your favorite charity.

Each ornament will be hand painted, by a Field's customer since 1956, and are not reproductions.

Please contact me at mjamgt@msn.com for more information and to view the ornaments. Note that this is independent of the activities of this web site.

Date: Sun, December 9, 2007  8:41 pm CT
Posted by: Mrs. W

I am a listener to WLIT-FM and I wrote a year ago to the station to complain about they replacing Melissa Foreman in the morning line-up. She was a local talent that was terrific and was bumped for a national syndication of Whoppi Goldberg. Here again you have a local station part of one of the big conglomerates that thought they could retain ratings by just putting in a bunch of nationally syndicated shows, cutting their costs and no one would care. Guess what?..Chicagoans did care and wanted better. Ratings fell drastically, the station was bombarded with complaints and guess what; Melissa Foreman returned in late Fall this year. She is back on top of her game and the station is seeing ratings go through the roof.

I guess I think this is an interesting parallel to what Macy's has done to Chicago and that we won't go unheard either. I had sent letters and emails to WLIT management and to Macy's management. Macy's has to know they are in trouble here...and with continued pressure we can see the return of Marshall Field's. We all have to believe in something and we won't settle for a mediocre, bland replacement for Field's.

Keep the faith everyone.

Mrs. W

Date: Sun, December 9, 2007  10:08 am CT
Posted by: Clark

Section 1 of today's Sunday Tribune had a total of 18 pages. Just under a total of four pages were for Macy's and it's Bloomingdale's stores. That's over 20% of section 1. Who knows for sure what ad rates Macy's negotiated with the Trib, but last I heard, each full page was $20,000. If iyt was that rate, that would mean roughly $70,000 in revenues to the Tribune, just for section 1, not even including ads in other sections and the Sunday insert. It would be a good motive for the Tribune to go easy on Macy's.

Date: Sun, December 9, 2007  3:08 am CT
Posted by: AxN

I took a walk through our local Macy's today out of morbid curiosity over the blight that befell the new formulation of the Frangos. Right away, I noticed that there was no emphasis on the Frango mints at all, and the tables where they usually were had been ornately stacked with tins of peppermint candy.

What Frango products they had were shamefully packed away on two wire racks and a single table in the very back of the candy department. Most of the products were facing away from the sales floor, and VERY MANY of these were inside Marshall Field's packaging. There were even the huge boxes of the Frango cookies with the Marshall Field's insignia blaring off of the front. You'd imagine them to have been clearance merchandise with this presentation, but they were full price. Only the one-pound boxes were at the "sale" price of eleven dollars per box.

In Michigan, we have a discount store called Meijer's that revamped one of their stores to a model similar to what Target runs right now, only twice as big. In a very unsuspecting place, I ran into a display of Fannie May chocolates that even had a freezer case for the 1-pound boxes. They carried the mint chocolate meltaways, and I enjoyed several in the car ride home. They were chilly, and a good substitute for the old Frangos.

Also, Von Maur has begun to sell the Belgain chocolate mints on their website - www.vonmaur.com.

Date: Sat, December 8, 2007  10:57 pm CT
Posted by: Fields' Forever Fan

It was so funny, yet true....today I was looking for parking at the Old Orchard Mall and the closest spot I could get was near the Macy's store. As I was heading into Macy's (not to shop, but to cut through the store and head to Nordstrom's), a lady next to me commented to people around her and said "doesn't Macy's look like a junk store"?

I looked around, and thought to myself, very funny, but so true! They had so much crap blocking the center aisles and I couldn't see anything around me. There was no associates on the floor working, and no one to clean up the garbage scattered all over the floor, on the tables. I mean the entire store was in disarray! And they were selling Trump, Martha Stewart, and Jessica Simpson merchandise! Weren't these people convicted criminals at one point? Also, Martha Stewart's merchandise is currently being sold at Kmart. I wonder what's going to happen next at Macy's; maybe bring in a "Red Light Special" to try and attract customers?

I miss the old Marshall Fields! I hope Macy's Old Orchard and all the other Macy's in the Chicagoland area close! Bring back Marshall Fields'! Get rid of that "JUNK STORE"!

Date: Sat, December 8, 2007  10:04 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Hi all! I know we often talk about other places to shop and I wanted to mention two stores. Dillard's and Belk.

Over the past year I have replaced all of my kitchen appliances and cookware with Cuisinart. Dillard's has great prices on some of these products and are far less than Macy's. I recently drove an hour and a half to the Dillard's in Richmond, In to do some shopping. The store was very nice and the employees were very helpful. I ended up spending $130. $99 for a Cuisinart 23 piece knife set (regularly $199) and a 12 inch Cuisinart stainless frypan for $20 (regularly $40)

Here are a few examples how Dillard's compares to Macy's.

Cuisinart Stand Mixer

Dillard's regular price - $449

Macy's sale price - $449, regularly $499

Cuisinart 14 Cup Food processor

Dillard's regular price -$199

Macy's sale price - $199, regularly $229

Cuisinart 12 inch stainless skillet

Dillard's regular price -$25

Macy's sale price - $49, regularly $80

Dillard's and Belk have a few lines that are exclusive to them as well. Dillard's carries a Reba McEntire line of home goods that actually looks pretty nice. Belk carries a line of home goods named after the Biltmore home in Ashville, NC. The Biltmore is a spectacular place if you haven't been there!

Here are their site addresses.

http://dillards.com

http://belk.com

Date: Sat, December 8, 2007  8:37 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

Excerpt from an article in today's Tribune, written by none other than Sandra Jones! There's an odd perspective of backhandedness in her writing that comes across as Sandra acting as Macy's PR mouthpiece. The news... Papyrus, the high-end greeting card company is testing shops at Sears and Target. The article notes that Papyrus had a store in Marshall Field's, but closed when Macy's took over because Macy's "didn't fit with Papyrus' high-end environment." Macy's is considered too low-end, yet Papyrus is going to test shops at Sears and Target!

Full article and please do read it:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sat_retail_notebookdec08,0,1149025.story?coll=chi-stockticker-misc

Date: Sat, December 8, 2007  4:32 pm CT
Posted by: TIME FOR FIELDS

Here's another example of why Marshall Field's has to be restored so that services will remain intact.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9507EFD91F31F93AA25751C0A9669C8B63&n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/People/W/Wong,%20Edward

Date: Sat, December 8, 2007  2:33 pm CT
Posted by: Clint

I found an article at the Tibune that speaks of Sears testing Papyrus greeting cards in there stores. In the middle of the article it speaks of Fields as mentioned below. Now I wonder if Sandra Jones said that Macy's is downmarket from Fields or if the good folks at Papyrus said that.

"Papyrus operates 180 stores and supplies 4,500 others, including Whole Foods and Borders. Papyrus used to have a shop in the basement at Marshall Field's flagship on State Street in Chicago but shut that down after Macy's took over because the new store didn't fit with Papyrus' high-end environment. It raises the question of how this will work at Sears."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sat_retail_notebookdec08,0,1149025.story

Date: Sat, December 8, 2007  12:38 pm CT
Posted by: Alfred in Washington

Dear Field's Fans,

Happy Hanukkah, Advent, and almost Winter. I happened to see the ABC-TV Good Morning America bit about its Chicago holiday window Thursday that Denise Rule told us about below--thanks, Denise.

Though there was no image of the Field's Building's sad state in the window, the story did prominently feature what Field's stands for. Almost the first words used by the Chicago PR person who described the window were "Marshall Field's," as she noted that the window was designed by the eminent person who designed the Marshall Field's outdoor decorations (the ones currently shlocked up with red gunk). To quote the story recap:

"Meghan Risch, director of public relations for the Chicago tourism board, joined 'GMA' to talk about the exhibit and why the holidays are the best time of year in the Windy City.

The display features ice skaters in Millennium Park along with iconic Chicago sights such as Michigan Avenue and State Street, the John Hancock Center, Old Water Tower Place, ...

Designer Robert Finzel created the set using one-fourth-inch-thick acrylic, individually coloring and polishing each piece. Finzel also conceived and installed the famous holiday horns and garlands on the exterior of the former Marshall Field's store on State Street (now Macy's)."

There are links to this recap and the video of the actual show segment at http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/ChristmasCountdown/story?id=3946852 .

When Ms. Risch spoke, I don't think I imagined her wistful tone as she referred to Marshall Field's--of course a PR professional gets what's wrong with the national image of Chicago at Christmas without Field's State Street. Here's to the once and future Field's!

Cheers,

Alfred

Date: Fri, December 7, 2007  12:12 pm CT
Posted by: Joe

Happy Hoildays all.

Viva la Marshall Field's!

Walked through the RED STAR store today on State. "What a Dump!"

Where are Armani, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Etro, Balenciaga, Yves St. Laurent, Dior, Narcisso Rodriguez, Chloe, Gucci, Helmut Lang, Alexander McQueen, and Dolce & Gabbana? I wish Mr. Lunghead can asnswer that question. But I know the answer, they are at better stores.

Date: Fri, December 7, 2007  10:43 am CT
Posted by: Gayle

Just saw something yesterday that made me shake my head in disbelief. I'm scrambling to get my Christmas shopping done, and was having a problem with one gift. My niece wanted a very specific style of Crocs shoes, and I couldn't find them anywhere in the proper size/color combination. For those of you not familiar with Crocs, they are usually sold at a fixed manufacturer's suggested retail price, so the price doesn't change no matter where you buy them. This pair sells for $39.95. I googled and checked dozens of merchants, including Nordstom and Boscov's, and all were out of stock until after Christmas. Then I saw that Bloomingdale's had them advertised. Of course I wouldn't buy there, but I clicked on the site out of curiosity, just to see if they actually had them in stock. (They didn't.)That's when I noticed the price: $54.95! Not including shipping or tax, of course.

How can they seriously do this?! How can they charge $15 more than everyone else on the planet, and justify it? Do they think that Bloomie's ambiance makes people froth at the mouth and pay nearly 40% more than MSRP? The stupidity of Lungren and his minions never fails to amaze me.

By the way, I eventually found the shoes at Dick's Sporting Goods. For $39.95, of course.

Way to flop!

gayle

Date: Fri, December 7, 2007  10:41 am CT
Posted by: Christopher S

Dear fellow Field's fans:

I am Field's loyalist and supporter (my wife and I were married in Chicago), and a former Regards member right up to the conversion to Macy's. We live in Omaha, and have revisited the former Marshall Field's State Street store a few times since the conversion: I hate it and will probably not return. The service and merchandise is abysmal. It is NOT the same place it was. Especially noticeable is how dirty the floors are with garbage strewn on each floor! Where are the maintenance people? When we asked the reception desk about the Holiday light display in the atrium (which is no longer there), the receptionist said that that was discontinued and something that Target initiated. Her tone was nasty, as though Macy's is such an improvement to TargetC-s ownership (NOT!). My wife responded: "You mean when the store was actually clean?!" The receptionist sort-of scoffed and said nothing.

Anyway, Macy's downgrading of our favorite store is not the purpose of my message today. As an Omaha resident and professor at the University of Nebraska, we are all saddened by the senseless and tragic massacre that happened on Wednesday at Von Maur, the retail jewel of our city. Most of the victims were employees of the store. Jim von Maur, president of the department store, immediately traveled to Omaha on Wednesday, and he was visibly shaken by the events in the television interviews. Von Maur is truly a world-class department store, and one of the few remaining family-run stores in the US (based in Davenport, Iowa). It has a similar ambience to Marshall Field's (on State Street) with equally fantastic service (free gift wrapping, shipping, and a no interest credit card!). It is so unfortunate that these events occurred here! In today's paper, Jim von Maur announced that the Omaha store is closed indefinitely, and that all the employees of the store would receive pay until the store reopens. He is also offering financial and emotional support (i.e., counselors, etc.) to the victims' families. Is that class or what?!! Von Maur has become a beloved member of our community, and if there is any store worthy of Marshall Field's replacement, it is Von Maur.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victimsC- families, employees, and von Maur family.

Christopher S

Date: Fri, December 7, 2007  10:27 am CT
Posted by: Mr. & Mrs. W

Hi All,

I just wanted to give a few comments back to everyone in rebutal to the article by BusinessWeek. First of all, I truly doubt that Mr. Reed was any long time Marshall Field's Platinum Card holder? Let's face it from a business prospective if all American's want are fewer choices we are going to continue to support the blandness of Walmart, McDonald's, Bank of America and so on; but Macy's complete contempt to basically change everything about the Marshall Field's experience was the last straw for alot of us.

Congratulations Field Fans for digging in and having an actual backbone to put up a fight! It is an all out boycott because Macy's has changed everything about the Marshall Field's experience we all loved; from the lovely green bags to the merchandise and customer service level; Macy's is truly a fleebag retailer. Sure there are shoppers who will support change and alot of us would have been won over if it were not for the horrid demise of one of the finest department store brands being turned into a truly bad JCPenny experience.

Keep up the boycott folks; Macy's realizes it has a disaster here in Chicago. The sales at their stores continue to lag and it's a totally different clientel who are cherry picking the sales, spending less and making fewer trips into their stores. The shoppers like ourselves made Field's a one stop shopping experience for the holidays. In 2005 my husband purchased a sherling coat from the Field's Fur Salon and an Armani jacket in the 28 Shop. Those sales aren't coming back to Macy's let alone if they are carrying any high end merchandise on State Street?? I used to by 30 one pound boxes of Frango's to give out as holiday hostess gifts for the parties we attended. Sorry Macy's but Vosage, Fannie May and Margie's Candies have all been bought this year to replace Frango's. My husband and I are enjoying the many fine department and specialty store replacements for Field's but long for the day of returning the most magnificant store at 111 N. State! Bring back the luster of Marshall Field's to us all in 2008.

Happy holidays everyone.

Mrs. W

Date: Thu, December 6, 2007  10:26 pm CT
Posted by: mike cassata

I hope this is not too far off the topic? But I would like to ask the Marshall Field & company Historians among us if they recall a Marshall Field & Company shopping bag from the late sixties or seventies that had a blue border Field script and the Field family crest at the center of the bag? Your help would help settle a long standing disagreement that the bag ever existed at all. Thank you. Mike Cassata

Ps: I do recall that the old Marshall Field & Company Charges used to have nearly the same design.

Date: Thu, December 6, 2007  10:25 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

Indulge me for a moment while I set up the point I want to make.

I have advice for anyone who is planning a trip to France. In spite of what travel books may tell you about delaying your trip until after the summer travel season in order to save money and avoid crowds, DONC-T DO IT. Do not travel to France in the months of September, October or November. These are the months that strikes take place.

Ps: I do recall that the old Marshall Field & Company Charges used to have nearly the same design.

Date: Thu, December 6, 2007  10:25 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

It's been given advice by some that one should not travel to France in the months of September, October or November. These are the months that strikes take place.

It might be public transport workers. Or railroad workers. It might be airline pilots and flight attendants. You might find all the highways blockaded with farmersC- tractors or truck driversC- semis. Or you might find city streets blockaded by students. But somewhere in France in the months of September, October or November, you will find people protesting. Protesting changes in work rules. Or decreases in social security or medical benefits. Or increases in tuition. People protest anything and everything that affects their quality of life.

So this bozo, this what's-his-name from Business Week, thinks that Field's Fans should just shut up and accept Marshall Field's loss. Wrong! So WRONG! That is precisely what is wrong with this country! Americans are TOO passive and that is why there are fewer and fewer family-owned farms in our country, unlike in France. That is why higher education is beyond the means of more and more families in our country, unlike in France. That is why there are millions of people without health insurance in our country, unlike in France. That is why so much of our architectural and historical heritage has been bulldozed for strip malls and parking lots, unlike in France. That is why trains travel slower than cars on the highway instead of at 200 miles per hour, unlike in France.

I could go on and on, but the point is that we need to be less passive and more like the French in this respect. We need to protest more, not less, or we will continue to see our quality of life decrease (and seriously, is there anyone out there who thinks life in this country is getting better for our children?). And protesting against MacyC-s is as good a place to start as any. It is perhaps the only thing that people from all walks of life can agree on: MacyC-s needs to go.

Date: Thu, December 6, 2007  9:34 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

I have an honest question. Is Sandra Guy the ONLY REPORTER for the business section of the Sun-Times? Are there other business news reporters there? Best question of all: Is there any other business news for the Sun-Times besides whatever the hell is going on at Macy's? Sandra. Please. Adding other news below your Macy's advertisement contained in the headline and initial copy does not count for other news. DAMN! They need some new material! Blah, blah, blah, blas.....BOR-ING....

I'm so glad not to be a subscriber!

Date: Thu, December 6, 2007  2:28 pm CT
Posted by: FieldFan

Yahoo! finally created a message board for Macy's Inc. stock. Please comment on the financial difficulties Macy's is facing because of eliminating regional department stores - including Marshall Field's.

It is important that the financial community knows.

http://messages.finance.yahoo.com/mb/M

Date: Thu, December 6, 2007  10:24 am CT
Posted by: Alan

I see the market is not impressed with November sales, sending the stock down sharply today. It seems even the company admits most of the increase is the result of heavy discounting and "front-loading" of holiday sales because of the early Thanksgiving. December is supposed to be down 4-7%. Let's see what happens.

Date: Thu, December 6, 2007  9:57 am CT
Posted by: Darrid

Well I finally got my tree up and decorated my apartment in Columbus. I miss my other 30+ trees I had in Indiana, but they are all safely in storage till I get a house here.

I DID DO ONE THING DIFFERENTLY!

I DID NOT use any RED in my Christmas decorating this year. No STARS, NOTHING RED AT ALL!

Instead, I used classic silver, white and of course GREEN!

Here is a link to some pictures from my house in Indiana and my decorations. At my last Christmas there in 2004 I had over 30 trees up, 27,000 lights inside and a giant wreath (10 feet tall and 400 lbs) that came from LS Ayres!

http://www.slide.com/r/3A3K0JgD0D8O_VbVg1ExETvfxv0qDIUH?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

Date: Thu, December 6, 2007  9:56 am CT
Posted by: ML

This was in today's NY Times but not the Chicago edition.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/06/nyregion/06macys.html?ref=todayspaper

Is New York ready for a Miracle on 33rd Street? The developers behind the long-gestating plan to rebuild Pennsylvania Station and redevelop the surrounding neighborhood are trying to lure Macyb�s from its 105-year-old landmark building in Herald Square to a glass-enclosed mall that would sit inside the new train station, public officials and real estate executives said.

It may sound very unlikely, but then again, so did the insanity of dropping Marshall Field's sound unlikely 3 years ago at this time.

Date: Thu, December 6, 2007  9:34 am CT
Posted by: Darrid

Yum Yum Yum!

This morning I received the 2 boxes of Frederick & Nelson chocolates I ordered from Seattle Gourmet Foods. They were still cold from the trip but I had to dig in. I ordered the Mint and Raspberry.

Both have a smooth chocolate covering and are filled with a delicious, soft center. They both melted in my mouth (I'm on my 9th one as I write this!) with no waxy or grainy feel! Tasting these after some of the recent Frangos I had, left no question in my mind. I sure miss the old Frangos!

Here is an article about the company and how they started. They previously made Frango for Bon Marche.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/layoff.asp?id=615

Date: Thu, December 6, 2007  9:27 am CT
Posted by: denise rule

to Simack and others: i saw the 'Good Morning America' show when they unveiled the "Chicago" window. I absolutely agree how great it would have been to include Marshall Field's as the true, historical icon of Chicago that it is....HOWEVER, i was holding my breath when they revealed the window that there would none of 111 N State NOW and no evidence of the red star store. Thankfully, there was not. the ABC shows are using macy's all over the place so i think we have to feel thankful they didn't include them. that would've been a real .....BUMMER.

Date: Wed, December 5, 2007  11:41 pm CT
Posted by: RG74 Family

Ladies & Gentlemen:

Our hearts go out to Jim Von Maur and his family of retail professionals and shoppers in Omaha. We extend our prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time.

It has clearly been a day of terrible grief and our hearts go out to everyone who is feeling any pain or sorrow whatsoever !

May God Bless You All,

RG74 Family

Date: Wed, December 5, 2007  10:42 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

The Sunday, December 2 editions of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review included a sales brochure called "the perfect gift in the colors of the season." The color of the brochure and most of the items inside were, of course, RED. What was especially "exciting" was the page featuring a model dressed in "Only at macy's Morgan Taylor RED satin pajamas" posed against a RED background. The printing was in white, but the page used four different shades of RED.

The sales brochure also included *FRANGO. Only at macy's. 25% off assorted chocolates...Extra savings discounts do not apply." The illustration showed three pieces of Frango candy and three boxes, a 1/3 lb. mint chocolate, a 1 lb. limited edition/ candy cane, amd a 1 lb. mint chocolate labeled MARSHALL FIELD'S in traditional script!

What's that all about? Why would the Red Star Store sales brochure picture a box of candy with the Marshall Field's name?

Date: Wed, December 5, 2007  10:37 pm CT
Posted by: RG74 Family

Well we think it is important to give credit where credit is due. Between Macy's P.R. and their "connections," at Business Week, they have done quite a job getting out their point of view.

NOW IF THEY WERE TO PUT THAT ENERGY INTO INVITING EMBRACING THEIR LONGTERM CORE-GUESTS (AS WELL AS THEIR ASSOCIATES) THEY WOULD REALLY HAVE SOMETHING !

Warm Marshall Fields Regards,

RG74 Family

Date: Wed, December 5, 2007  9:47 pm CT
Posted by: lara

I almost can't stand to watch "Miracle on 34th Street" anymore because of all the Macy's talk. And it used to be my favorite holiday movie. Such a bummer!

They have so much nerve. I want my Marshall Field's!!!!

Date: Wed, December 5, 2007  9:00 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Back on November 13, I wrote the following post and several of you responded. Bob Reed, the writer of the "BW Chicago" article that is currently being discussed was in fact the reporter I refer to below and I assume this month's "BW Chicago" article is the one he told me to be "prepared" for.

Here's the post I made about three weeks ago:

---

Date: Tue, November 13, 2007  5:36 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

I was telephone interviewed by a reporter for "Business Week" earlier this afternoon. It was extremely unpleasant. I'm not sure why he was so hostile and argumentative--I could barely complete a sentence, let alone make a complete point without him interrupting and seemingly advocating only Macy's positions. At the end, he told me to be "prepared" for his writing. It will be interesting to see what comes of this or what he means by my being "prepared".

Jim

Date: Wed, December 5, 2007  8:07 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

The link to send letters to the editor of Business Week is:

http://www.businessweek.com/custserv/letters.ed.htm

(It's so difficult to find that I actually found it in a blog post on their web site talking about how it was so difficult to find!)

I never set foot in the State Street flagship store until 1999, so I am not one of those whose opinion of Field's is blurred by some "sepia-toned" fantasy of what a great store Field's was decades ago. I refuse to accept Mr. Reed's Orwellian claims that Field's was doing poorly or that there are enough people in the Midwest that aren't so disgusted by the loss of Field's that they can support M***'s.

We know that Field's WORKED. It provided quality, service, and selection whether you were buying a $10,000 vase or a $10 one. Things were SPECIAL from Field's. There's nothing special about M***'s.

Date: Wed, December 5, 2007  7:26 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

I'm searching the BusinessWeek web site for a way to send a letter to the editor...

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the awful incident at the Von Maur in Omaha today. I won't describe the details, they're readily available at any news web site.

Date: Wed, December 5, 2007  6:47 pm CT
Posted by: Sarah, Lily and Grace

We are three suburban high school kids who came downtown on Sunday to look at the Macy's windows and do some Christmas shopping. We were surprised to see the protest is still going on and that there is hope for Field's to come back. We got very excited and put on the Forever Marshall Field buttons and walked through Macy's. We decided to join the boycott. None of us really likes Macy's and we all miss Field's.

Date: Wed, December 5, 2007  5:15 pm CT
Posted by: Dawn M.

There are PLENTY of other fish in the retail sea so it would be a mistake to think that Macy's people think they will have such a following that business will be as good, or better, than it was when it was Marshall Field's.

When I went in to check on the Frangos the other day, I had a talk with the clerk and she said,"You are too young to be so staunch about not shopping here". (I'm 42.) I told her, "My mom was a diehard Marshall Field's fan so that's where I get it from. You guys shot yourselves in the foot by dropping the Field's name. You could have easily kept the name, capitlized on the amazingly strong brand equity, tweaked your product assortment, and been quite successful in this effort."

Take for example Safeway grocery stores. They raised a lot of ire when they bought Dominick's, but they had the smarts to keep the name. Granted, their generic products are Safeway Select and not the old label. They could have easily changed the name of the store but they did not. Safeway stores include Randall's, Genuardi's, Tom Thumb, Von's, and Safeway. I think Macy's should adopt this strategy with their stores--leave the name alone!

If Macy's is going to stick to their guns, their strategy of "forgetting" the "older crowd" who was so loyal to Field's IS the smartest business strategy; however, they are forgetting that this is a legacy passed down to the younger folk from our loyal parents. And, plenty of other stores from which to choose, especially off-price stores like TJ Maxx and Burlington Coat Factory, which no doubt have been doing well in this challenging economy.

I bought the Monet enamel Marshall Field's Frango box the last year before the switch; I'm so glad I did. It will be a keepsake forever even if we are not successful in bringing Field's back.

Date: Wed, December 5, 2007  2:10 pm CT
Posted by: jeanie w d

I grew up in Chicago and miss seeing Marshall Fields on my return visits. I feel the Macy's is way out of touch with their core customers and I fully expect that one day in the near future you will see the saga of this business venture being taught at Harvard's Business School. You will find it under the marketing heading of "Business Disasters" and how NOT to market your product.

Date: Wed, December 5, 2007  1:27 pm CT
Posted by: O.B.

Marshall Field was a man of the highest honor and integrity. A man who believed that a business should not only exist to make a profit, but to also serve the community. Those founding ethics served to accomplish both and, I believe, are responsible for the sense of loss that is now felt by the community. I am not so sure about the Macy's outfit. Macy may have had some of those traits in his day, but are any of those traditions left in the present organization?

I no longer live in Chicago, but I too felt a sense of loss the last time I walked down State Street shortly before the name change. Marshal Field was not just the name of a store, it was the name of a great Chicago pioneer, therefore, unless the traditions that made the business great are also retained, it is better that Marshall Field's name NOT be attached to it, so that the legacy of this great man will not stained.

The name Marshall Field implies quality in product and service, so let there always be truth in advertising, don't hang the name on a fake.

Date: Wed, December 5, 2007  11:29 am CT
Posted by: John

So I work at 135 LaSalle..the Bank building, and I did not know that Marshall Field III built this building to house Field Enterprises. He also began to lease space to some gentlemen who helped to build a bank which became LaSalle Bank. Mr. Field, along with Mr. Armour (another old money family scion of Chicago) also had a hand in building the bank to what it is today.

If you have never been inside, you can visit in the lobby and the stores. It is a STUNNING example of Art Deco inside the main lobby and atriums and elevators.

Date: Wed, December 5, 2007  10:14 am CT
Posted by: MJT

I haven't, nor have the other 21 members of my family bought anything in a Macy's. We were able to get several pins on November 24 and am wearing them proudly. It really annoyed me to see Macy's touting the Walnut Room, Return of Field's tree, the Tiffany Ceiling and the clock. They will never be a Marshall Field's and now I learn there are Macy's Frango Mints. I am buying my mints at Fannie May. The awnings on the State Street Store are not even attractive and with their Wal-mart star!

Date: Wed, December 5, 2007  9:31 am CT
Posted by: FieldFan

Until Field's comes back, I've been shopping around. There's a big sale at niemanmarcus.com where you can save 25% off clearance prices. There are some great deals to be found! You can also get free shipping and gift wrap. I think you'll have enter a code - WINTER (double check this I'm not sure)

www.niemanmarcus.com

Date: Tues, December 4, 2007  10:11 pm CT
Posted by: JasonM

Marshall Field's is so missed. I was looking at some postcards along Michigan Ave today and I saw a couple that had the green awnings of Marshall Field's on the State Street. One was so old that it even had a pic of State Street with only Bus traffic. Remember the "outdoor mall" idea.

This time of year I remember everything that I use to buy at Field's. From presents, to gifts for myself, I use to get my watch battery fixed, eat the famous Fish & Chips at Marketplace, go to see the windows, buy something in the Men's dress shirt department, just spend time walking and shopping in the store. I haven't set foot in a Macy's or Bloomingdale's (across the country) since 9/9/06.

Date: Tues, December 4, 2007  5:36 pm CT
Posted by: John D.

For those of you Field's Fans wanting to help fill the void caused by the temporary disruption of Marshall Field & Company's normal business operation by macy's, you may want to try Saks Fifth Avenue online until Field's returns. Many of you do not live near a Saks Fifth Avenue store, so here is fine quality option.

From now until Monday, December 10, Saks is offering absolutely free shipping on any merchandise at any price. As you know, Saks sells some of the quality designer we found at Marshall Field's. Just enter the Codeword WINTER7 to obtain free shipping.

Date: Tues, December 4, 2007  4:20 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

I genuinely believe that most people around Chicago and the country agree in spirit with what we are saying and doing, and support our cause. Occasionally, however, a person posting on another site, or a reporter or a columnist for some reason feels compelled to make snide comments about us as activists who miss Marshall Field's and resent Macy's for taking our iconic store and Field's cultural identity away. They seem to feel it is somehow their personal business to criticize us for believing what we believe, for making our feelings known, and for depriving Macy's of revenue.

The nasty comments seem to focus on four recurring themes, paraphrased below, along with my responses:

1. It's been a while, things change, and it's time to move on. Response: Well, we HAVE moved on----to Carsons, Nordstroms, Von Maur, Crate and Barrel, etc. We simply do not choose to spend our money at Macy's and will not do so, ever. We keep leafleting and making noise about the boycott because we never want Macy's and their shareholders to misconstrue their poor sales results to be anything but what they really are----a specific rejection of Macy's. On the other hand if preaching to us about "moving on" means forgetting and forgiving and shopping at Macy's, then no, that's not going to happen.

2. Marshall Field's had not been family owned for years before Federated-Macy's bought them so what's the big deal, now. Response: It is true that Field's had several owners over the past 30 years. Some owners were better custodians of the legacy than others. But each owner prior to Macy's at least understood that there WAS an historic legacy to mine and to protect. All previous owners recognized the marketing value of the Marshall Field's brand in Chicago and around the world. All previous owners knew that maintaining the Marshall Field's name and traditions made psychological and political sense. All previous owners respected Chicago's sensibilities and pride in its home town department store, Marshall Field's. THIS owner, Macy's, screwed it up royally. That's why it's a big deal.

3. Field's was not as good as it used to be nor as magical as people choose to remember from their childhoods. Response: How insulting!!! The many people who enjoyed and shopped at Marshall Field's regularly, or only occasionally as tourists, know that even on its worst day Field's was a hundred times classier, more magical, had better merchandise selection, and better customer service than Macy's on its best day. Of course, the more modern and recent Field's was not the same "white glove and hat" Field's of great-grandma's day, but to its very LAST day Marshall Field's was special, unique, and is justifiably mourned.

4. Field's loyalists are spinning your wheels because Marshall Field's is gone forever and never coming back. Response: Oh really?!! I suppose people who "know" this with such certainty are psychic, clairvoyant and have the ability to see into the future. Quick! Let's ask them for lottery number selections, which stocks to buy, and inquire as to who will win the next presidential election. Many people believe just as fiercely that there's a good chance Marshall Field's WILL be back. I am one of the latter group.

Date: Tues, December 4, 2007  12:50 pm CT
Posted by: Siamak

Chicago made a debut in New York City this week through some holiday windows displayed by Good Morning America. They're pretty neat but I can't help but think that Marshall Field's would have been proudly displayed alongside the Water Tower, Millennium Park, and the "el" as something quintessentially Chicago.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/ChristmasCountdown/story?id=3946852

Date: Tues, December 4, 2007  9:48 am CT
Posted by: James

I grew up in Chicago, and was horrified to find out that Fields no longer existed...I was planning a trip back, but will never go there again unless MF&C is restored..

Date: Tues, December 4, 2007  9:43 am CT
Posted by: Mike Hartwell in the UK

Greetings from the UK. Only just learnt of Marshall Fields demise but what an incredible bunch of people you all are. If Harrods in London ever goes the same way I doubt very much that the same action would be taken by it's customers. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !!!.

Date: Tues, December 4, 2007  9:22 am CT
Posted by: M.M.

Many of us in Wisconsin are hoping you can be instrumental in successfully bringing back Marshall Field's.

Macy's doesn't even come close.

Downtown Chicago just isn't the same without MF, and we miss it.

Good luck!

Date: Tues, December 4, 2007  6:26 am CT
Posted by: Jason

I've been reading this site since it first went up and am diehard about the boycott... I thought you should know that the blog Consumerist has posted a small blurb about the last protest and some of you may want to comment. Here's the link:

http://consumerist.com/consumer/tenacity/-329524.php

Best Regards!

Date: Tues, December 4, 2007  2:13 am CT
Posted by: RESPONSE TO BUSINESS WEEK

QUESTIONS ????

IS BUSINESS WEEK IS CALLING MARSHALL FIELD'S SHOPPERS AND SUPPORTERS EFFORTS HURTFUL NAMES ?

If so, then isn't it a sad day when a respected publication creates a one-sided article that makes fun of the very people who are trying to patronize and ask for the return of a profitable and palatable Marshall Field's division ?

MALCONTENTS ? FUTILE ? RIDICULOUS ? Did you ever think we would see the day when a Business magazine would print an article that would call people names ? Is this a hurtful and pernicious article that does just that ? If so, that is the real news here.

What happened to the straight forward reporting that covers both sides of a story ? Even if Soap Box is purely opinion, how is it possible that the author could simply provide such a one sided story, while calling people names in the process ?

Wasn't it once said that when people can't lay out facts, they start calling people names ? (Wasn't it something along those lines...?) Is it true ? Interesting thoughts.

Doesn't a business magazine exist to serve their readers with both sides of a story ? What happened to Macy's 77 % of their fiscal second-quarter profit throughout the country ? How about the severe drop in sales in stores throughout Macy's North ? How can an author create an article like this when no where is that mentioned or even questioned ? Yet Marshall Field's people are ridiculous and futile ? Macy's new merchandising and marketing is NOT working well or is it ?

Aren't opinion and free press the key to our society. Can't people make their own choices and decisions about whether or not they want to shop at Macy's ,EVEN THOUGH MACY'S SAYS THEY ARE WILLINGLY TAKING ON A POSITION OF SHUNNING THE MARSHALL FIELD'S GUESTS WHO HAVE MADE THE CHAIN SUCCESSFUL TO BEGIN WITH ?

ISN'T IT HARD TO UNDERSTAND WHY BUSINESS WEEK WOULD ALIENATE THEIR CORE READERS ? ISN'T IT TRUE THAT BUSINESS WEEK CUSTOMER DEMOGRAPHICS INCLUDE THE SAME PEOPLE WHO ARE THE CORE CUSTOMERS OF MARSHALL FIELD'S ? HOW COULD IT BE THAT THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO WANT MARSHALL FIELD'S RESTORED IN EVERY WAY ARE BASICALLY MALCONTENTS ACCORDING TO THE AUTHOR ?

Should Business Week should offer to tell the whole story ? Would it be fair if they should explain that Marshall Field's and regional department store supporters want the quality,service designer brands and the soft elegant Marshall Field's script logo...all of it restored ?

Isn't it interesting that a magazine that depends on the Chicago's well-healed customers would say hurtful words and make people feel bad ? Isn't it possible that the core Marshall Field's customer is also the core Business Week reader ?

IS IT IMPORTANT THAT BUSINESS WEEK SHOULD PROVIDE EQUAL TIME TO THE LOYAL DEPARTMENT STORE SUPPORTERS WHO ARE WILLING AND ABLE TO SUPPORT MARSHALL FIELD'S ? ISN'T IT NECESSARY FOR BUSINESS WEEK TO PLEASE TELL THE REST OF THE STORY BY REVEALING TO THE READERS THE TRUTH ABOUT HOW MUCH SHOPPERS HAVE LOST SINCE THE MOVE AWAY FROM MARSHALL FIELD'S ? ISN'T IT TRUE THAT MARSHALL FIELD'S WAS PROFITABLE BEFORE THE MACYIZATION AND NOW IT IS NOT !

COULD MARSHALL FIELD'S BE PROFITABLE AGAIN IF IT WERE RETURNED TO ITS FORMER GLORY ?

IS IT TRUE THAT MR.REED GAVE THE MACY'S POINT OF VIEW ALREADY...WITHOUT ANY REGARD FOR THE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO WANT MARSHALL FIELD'S BACK ? SHOULD BUSINESS WEEK TELL THE REAL STORY ?

Date: Mon, December 3, 2007  9:51 pm CT
Posted by: JamesfromCa

I read the "soapbox" om page 36 of Business Week, what the writer basically said was we need to accept mediocrity, mediocrity is a good thing. If you don't you're a whiner, a sore looser, someone who can't change with the times. Why his argument is so weak is he gives blame to this website yet that's only one part of the equation. There are tens of thousands of people who perhaps never heard of this website and wouldn't take this website as gospel truth but still checked out what macy's had to offer and wasn't impressed! Since this website exists and has a spokesman he uses Fieldsfanschicago.org as the object of his criticism. Even if this site never existed the public would have checked out macy's and the end result would still be the same.

And what's his defense for macy's? it offers wifi! So what! When I go shopping I don't bring my computer with me! Not even if I went to a restaurant. Also didn't Field's already have a wine bar on the LL? No one is asking for macy's to apologize for it's existance, it's largely criticized for being a junky store. He writes about how "now it needs to concentrate on showing the merchandising moxie and brands necessary to win over new customers. If it can't let the chips fall where they may." Now those are HIS words! Guess what Mr. Reed? THE CHIPS ARE FALLING WHERE THEY MAY, and it ain't pretty.

Date: Mon, December 3, 2007  9:46 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

To Susan D:

Have you talked with anyone in the Pittsburgh area who actually LIKES macy*mart? Very few people said that it's "okay," but most people I talk with dislike that dump or just ignore it.

I have heard many customers are still complaining that macy*mart is nothing like Kaufmann's and that sales are WAY DOWN. The variety and selection are also way down from Kaufmann's. A management level person said that store closings are likely in the new year. Supposedly the Century III store is going to close and that several others will be "reviewed" after the Christmas season. This person also said that the downtown store will probably be "downsized."

Guess the "hand me down" Christmas windows, "celebrity" merchandise and limitless--but virtually worthless--coupons aren't making much of an impact the Pittsburgh market.

Date: Mon, December 3, 2007  8:48 pm CT
Posted by: Kay Nixon

This was posted on the jobscmob web site by a former Macy's employee. No wonder why Macy's is such a bad place. I hope this person gets a better job.

Ever since Macys west took over Robinsons last May our family like atmosphere went to h@##. The executives in our store are liars and real lazy. I put in 10 or more years into a company that absolutely loved you to the point where when an executive was promoted to store manager he calls you and wants you to be on his management team.(Was so happy!). Here comes Macy's(which probably is a great company), but they lay off really hard working people and bring in I don't know what! Now I'm dealing with the strangest choice for store management and two of the most 2 face woman I have ever met for human resource and what ever title the other one was(because we where in the middle of the merge).They preach about customer service but they don't even know what customer service is! It's the hard working employees that work with no help from anyone who know what real customer serivce is."Just call a manager"they tell you but they are no where to be found. With the exception of maybe 1 or 2 managers .Well I will leave you with this after actually loving my job for many years, I'm sad to say they win, they actually forced me to quit.

Date: Mon, December 3, 2007  5:40 pm CT
Posted by: Mike M

Here's a summary of observations about the rally and news coverage. Given the terrible weather, there were not as many people as at the September rally. There was a cold rain falling all morning,occasionally pouring, and then tapering to a very light drizzle for the rally. Nevertheless, considering the horrible weather, the turnout was respectable and the rally was great.

There were TV news stories about the rally, complete with plenty of video of the protesters and signs, on CBS2-TV News, ABC7-TV News, WGN-TV News, and CLTV-News. A few of the reports featured comments by Jim McKay, with the CLTV report featuring an interview with Jim while protesters chanted in the background.

There was also a story, with a link in a post below, on WBBM Newsradio 780, a story that featured comments about Macy's and Marshall Field's by rally participants. Congratulations to everyone who made this rally a great success. And oh yes, the boycott is working!

Date: Mon, December 3, 2007  2:21 pm CT
Posted by: CR

I thought it was a great event yesterday. It was great to see people take pride in their city.

Date: Mon, December 3, 2007  1:37 pm CT
Posted by: Luann

I posted once back in May, but am a regular visitor to this site. I am very encouraged by the continued passion to bring back Field's. I agree with another poster - the loss of Field's does feel like a death of sorts. State Street seems so empty and purposeless without the historical Field's and Carson's gracing its corners. Whenever I see Jim McKay under the clock, I pray momentarily that the unprecedented legacy of one Chicago visionary, the man Field, continues to inspire like visionaries, Jim et al, to persevere in their mission to restore 111 N. State to its rightful place.

May God grant stamina, and may His wisdom and peace abound in your hearts this Christmas season.

Luann

Date: Mon, December 3, 2007  12:17 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Last night WGN ran clips from the protest yesterday. The story was actually carried about 8 minutes into it's hour timeslot. Obviously, important news to be carried so early in the broadcast!

I wish the weather would have allowed me to make the 350-mile trip for the rally as I have in the past. I wish I could have been there yesterday, I miss all my Field's friends!

Darrid

Date: Mon, December 3, 2007  11:25 am CT
Posted by: Susan D.

Having relatives in the Chicago area, going to Marshall Field's was always a special treat: Frango mint bars, holiday decorations that created magic and high-quality items in every conceivable category. I can't imagine that the beautiful flagship store is now a Macy's and carries the same cheap crap that they do here in the Pittsburgh area and every other shoddy Macy's. There is no comparison in quality.

Date: Mon, December 3, 2007  10:27 am CT
Posted by: Tim J.

WBBM Radio 780 AM has a story on yesterday's protest in the rain.

http://www.wbbm780.com/Die-Hard-Marshall-Field-s-Fans-Not-Giving-Up/1277681

Date: Mon, December 3, 2007  10:05 am CT
Posted by: Econ Geek

Found a great place for Christmas ornaments! Check out Pesche's in Des Plaines on River Road, just south of Golf Road.

http://www.pesches.com/aboutus/index.php

I had to buy ornaments for a gift exchange this weekend and was very impressed with their selection and the quality. They have the store laid out like the old MF ornament area at State Street, lots of nicely decorated trees and displays of other decorations and seasonal knick knacks.

They also give you a free box for the ornament and wrap it up for you.

Date: Mon, December 3, 2007  9:47 am CT
Posted by: Siamak

There is a new Businessweek Chicago article online stating the usual PR spin about how Macy's is targeting "a different customer" (i.e. non-Field's loyalist).

Cut and paste the link below. You'll have to "flip" to page 36.

http://www.zinio.com/express2?issue=233914884&folio=24

Date: Mon, December 3, 2007  7:12 am CT
Posted by: Jan Hagstrom

I saw two news stories on Field's supporters' protest on TV yesterday.

The first was one of the lead local stories on the 5:30 PM news on CBS2. I haven't found it on the web.

The second was from ABC 7. Here's the URL in case you missed it.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=5809701

Date: Mon, December 3, 2007  6:10 am CT
Posted by: J.L.

I fully support the cause to bring back Field's and have not set foot in the State Street store, nor bought anything at any of the stores. Keep up the good work, as I believe it is working due to slumming sales.

Date: Mon, December 3, 2007  12:32 am CT
Posted by: MA

I am originally from St. Louis. Don't boo me for my Cardinal fan-ness, I too hate Macy's. They bought out Famous-Barr and I hate the new stores. They ruined all that was good about it and I no longer shop there. I miss the organization by sizes, not designers, the hominess and friendliness that Famous used to give to its shoppers. I think that Macy's has killed Midwestern shopping by bringing in the East Coast aloofness. So I just wanted to let you know that I support the push to get rid of Macy's and hope by your group's pushing them out in Chicago, maybe Famous will come back to St. Louis as well.

Date: Mon, December 3, 2007  12:07 am CT
Posted by: Erick

Just a goodbye to all as I move to Florida in January. I tried to make the rally today from Mt. Prospect, but my taxi was extremely late and caused me to miss the entire rally as I arrived around 1:35 pm. My heartfelt apologies to Jim and the gang who have worked so hard in putting this together.

I wish all of you the best as you continue the cause to return Marshall Fields back to its rightful place in Chicago and beyond. I am with you in spirit. Doris it so delightful to see you again high spirits and health. Good tidings to you and everyone.

Happy Holidays to all.

Love,

Erick

Date: Sun, December 2, 2007  10:38 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

Conversation relayed to me by a friend, which took place in Alabama:

"You don't sound like you're from around here."

"We've lived here a long time, but we're originally from Chicago."

"Oh, I used to go to Chicago a lot, I really like it. Do you still have family up there?"

"Yes, our daughter, son-in-law, and their kids."

"Do you ever get to see them?"

"Well, they're coming down here for Christmas. We used to always go up there, but now that Marshall Field's is gone there's no point. I can get the same junk at M***'s down here."

Date: Sun, December 2, 2007  8:38 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

What a great protest rally today! What we lost due to the rain, we gained in the mounting spirit of our protesters! And the crowd responded. There was lots of support. A generous stranger (now friend) brought me a Starbuck's mocha after I urged him to go to the non-Macy's Starbucks at Wabash and Washington and said I'd treat him if it was closed. Well, it was open, and he brought me not only the treat of coffee but the chance to meet another Field's supporter! He said his wife had formerly worked for Field's. It was also great, as always, to see some of our longtime Field's Fans, like Jan, Pat, LiMack, the inimitable Paul, Jim, Mike and Laurie. Doris, it was just great to see you again. And Pat, thank you so much for your generous remembrance.

Did everyone notice that there weren't nearly as many red bags on State Street as there used to be green backs in the good old days? Also, did anyone notice the car advertising on the windows of the Randolph Street side of the building? Tacky, tacky, tacky. Nothing these low-lifes do will surprise me.

It was too rainy to roll my mannequin, Marsha L. Field's, down the street, but after dressing her in her winter look, I couldn't just leave her at home, so I put her in the front seat of my car. After the protest, I drove her around the block, and a few of the staunch were excited to see her.

Thanks, everyone, for sharing in our glorious day -- those who protested through the rain and those who joined us in spirit.

We WILL prevail.

Your Friend in Field's,

ZELDA

Date: Sun, December 2, 2007  7:39 pm CT
Posted by: Lori

My family wanted to continue our tradition of lunch at the Walnut Room yesterday, I was outvoted. In the interest of family peace, I forced myself to go along. As we all know, State Street is one hot mess. The windows, always eye popping magic when it was Fields, don't even warrant attention. Loads of people, not many really shopping, mostly passing through. The sales staff seems to be suffering from a store-wide style virus, when you could find a salesperson. I've never seen a store staff looking so poorly dressed.

Has anyone else been freaked out by the headless crawling baby mannequins in the children's department?

The ladies rest room on the fifth floor did not have toilet paper in most of the stalls and ALL of the sinks were stopped up. I almost started crying when I saw the wallpaper peeling away from the wall. This is Macy's, the pride of New York? This is upholding our tradition of excellence? I've used nicer porti-pottys.

Martha's tree in the restaurant was....Meh....boring. Time in a federal pen has extinquished her creativity if this is the best she's got. The whole day left me feeling depressed and mildly disgusted. God, I miss Fields.

Date: Sun, December 2, 2007  6:42 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

Lundgren promised to keep Marshall Field's traditions and that he did.

He kept the old Christmas decorations of Marshall Field's and shipped them to other stores!

What a nice guy!

Date: Sun, December 2, 2007  4:04 pm CT
Posted by: Pat C

Today's PROTEST RALLY

What a Great Group Of FIELD'S FANS

AND A SPECIAL THANKS TO DORIS ! !

She drove from Kentucky (6 HOURS) to help us protest!

BIG Kudo's to EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED...

GREAT SEEING YOU ALL, SEE YOU ALL NEXT TIME

Date: Sun, December 2, 2007  3:58 pm CT
Posted by: Robert

I hope the rally went well; due to a foot injury, I wasn't able to get downtown today, SADLY!

Even more sad is another Christmas without Marshall Field's. Perhaps this is a bit extreme, but I can't help but feel as if a much-loved relative has died, and Christmas will never be the same. Something central to the celebration of Christmas in Chicago is gone. And I do hope it comes back in time for next year.

This morning I heard a track from the Rolling Stone's album "Some Girls," and I remembered back in the fall of 1978, when I was in high school, we were on an architectural field trip in downtown Chicago. I ran into Field's record department (remember that?), and purchased the "Some Girls" album. Funny, even then, I never thought of going to Rose Records, Musicland, etc., to buy records - when downtown, I just assumed Field's would have everything. And it did!

Date: Sun, December 2, 2007  1:30 am CT
Posted by: Brian Laesch

I agree, Macy's should have, at the very least kept the name. This is horrible, and I recently wrote a blog about it, and Macy's horrible commercials.

http://brianlaesch.com/?p=81

Date: Sun, December 2, 2007  12:37 am CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Hi All----

Todays Minneapolis Star Tribune had an article confirming the rumor that has been circulating here for a couple of months that Nordstrom has signed a letter of intent to open a 2nd store here at Ridgedale, an upscale mall in the western 'burbs. The only store they have here is out at the heinous Mall of America and they have been trying for a dozen years to find space for more stores. When Carson's closed up all their stores here, Dayton's quickly grabbed up all the leases to keep Nordstrom out and then brought in Mervyn's, since Dayton's owned them. Then a few years ago, Nordstrom agreed to enter a new mall in the fast growing NW 'burbs but then the mall never got built, so once again NOrdstrom was shut out.

The article today had some interesting points in it. Even now Nordstrom is still hampered. It had announced on Friday that it would demolish one of the 2 macy's stores at Ridgedale and build a 172,000 sq. ft store in its place. Later on Friday macy's announced that would not be happeneing since it has not agreed to move out of either one of its stores.... Nordstrom quickly retracted its announcement and stated that it was premature and said that it definitely is going into Ridgedale but the location is TBD.

The reporter then interviewed Frank Guzzetta and Frank stated that he wishes Nordstrom would come downtown since wherever they locate, it would be a boost to retail and downtown is suffering a bit right now. He believes everybody would be better off if Nordstrom came downtown. In this case, I would say I agree with Frank. Macy's would not have to go through the trouble of relocating their Ridgedale store(s), Nordstrom gets a 2nd Minneapolis store, and Downtown gets a real boost with another glossy retailer locating there along with the new Brooks Brothers.

An interesting comment from a local retail consultant was that having macy's and Nordstrom in the same mall together no longer seems so untenable since they attract different customer segments. He stated that Nordstrom "inherited the market position formerly held by Dayton's and Marshall Field's." I so hope that other consultants and analysts start understanding this point------just because macy's slapped their name on our Dayton's and Marshall Field's BUILDINGS, does not mean that macy's owns that market position that those stores built and then enjoyed. macy's has lost that position as they do not know how to run those kinds of operations.

Regards.

Date: Sat, December 1, 2007  9:53 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Our rally is just about 14 hours away as this is written. The common thread through all the weather reports as of this writing is that it will be in the low '40s F and rain will have ended, ice and snow melted.

Let's meet under the clock at Noon to support the return of Marshall Field's!

Jim

Date: Sat, December 1, 2007  9:52 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Thanks to all who helped make our leaflet and button distribution session a big success this afternoon and early evening, especially Mike, Grant and, of course, Gail and J. Almost 2,000 leaflets and hundreds of buttons were distributed in the snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain on State Street.

Date: Sat, December 1, 2007  9:40 pm CT
Posted by: David in Chicago

Can it go any lower?

http://tinyurl.com/2sezpu

Date: Sat, December 1, 2007  9:07 pm CT
Posted by: RG74 Family

Well...tomorrow is the day for a lovely Marshall Field's revival. Our family wishes all you the very best as we think of you all. The Marshall Field's revival stands for the voice of millions across this nation who want their first class regional department stores back.

Just a thought here regarding the reason why the Macy's executives don't smile.

THEY KNOW THAT THE DISMANTLING OF MARSHALL FIELD'S AND THE REGIONAL DEPARTMENT STORE BRANDS THAT TOOK GENERATIONS TO BUILD IS PLAIN WRONG. AS FOR THEIR CLAIM THAT MARSHALL FIELD'S LOYALISTS DON'T MATTER...WELL ONE CAN ONLY FIGURE THAT THEY ARE SO EXHAUSTED FROM THIS WHOLE THING THAT THEY SPOKE OUT OF TURN AND DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THEY WERE SAYING.

WHAT ELSE COULD IT BE ? WHAT BUSINESSMAN OR WOMAN WOULD GO OUT PUBLICALLY AND PUT DOWN THEIR CORE CUSTOMERS ? IT'S VERY HARD TO UNDERSTAND.

QUITE FRANKLY, IT HURTS !

YET,as we in our family are Christians, we believe that all people who have said hurtful things (Macy's Execs.) can be forgiven. In fact perhaps they can give back the shoppers of America their beautiful department stores.

WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR JIM AND ALL OF YOU, THE REALLY GREAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN HERE FROM THE START...AS WELL AS THE NEW PEOPLE WHO VISIT EVERDAY TO ASK FOR ONE THING...THE ABILITY TO PATRONIZE THE STORES THEY GREW UP WITH AND LOVE.

IN FACT, IT IS IN THE MARSHALL FIELD'S TRADITION THAT JIM, A REALLY GREAT MAN,GAYLE,ZELDA,J,GIMBEL,Darrid,LiMack,Doris and (all of you lovely people here) who represents the millions of people for whom these posts represent.

WARM MARSHALL FIELD'S REGARDS & GREETINGS TO ONE AND ALL !

RG74 Family

Date: Sat, December 1, 2007  7:25 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C..

Mr. Bill Wundram, has been a newspaper reporter/columnist for the Quad-City Times newspaper for well over 50 years, and he holds the distinction of being the nation's only seven-day a week columnist. The Times serves the entire Iowa-Illinois metro area of Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa and Rock Island and Moline, Illinois.

In the edition of today, Saturday, December 1, 2007, Mr. Wundram vividly describes his experience as a boy in boarding the Rock Island Rocket train with his family in Davenport for the magical trip to Chicago and to Marshall Field's on December's first week-end.

http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2007/12/01/opinion/columnists/bill_wundram/doc4750fd6e97e53511788028.txt

By the way, Davenport is the headquarters of the family-owned Von Maur department stores. Since it is right on the shores of the Mississippi River facing Illinois, you might say that Von Maur is as close as you can get to being a Illinois-based department store, without technically being in Illinois.

Date: Sat, December 1, 2007  4:50 pm CT
Posted by: B

Hi All

Hope ALL are well

I Miss Chicago

And I, Of Course, MISS Field's

I was in Downtown Pittsburgh last week and the former Kaufmann's Flagship store (now the red star (ofCommunism) store) is dressed up for Christmas and inside the windows are the Field Cinderella windows of 2005!!!!!!!! Of Course no aknowledgement of the work of the former Field display department. I guess the red star store will simply play shuffle with all the various window assortments year to year and everyone will mistakenly believe that they are still employing full display departments.

Yet another disappointment --upon countless others

With so many places as alternative -- There is NO reason to buy anything at the red star store!

Jimmy Gimbels--THANK YOU for going to that place --So I DON'T have to!!!!

B

the real B italbearr@yahoo.com

Date: Sat, December 1, 2007  2:55 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray`

Hello my Fellow Field's Fans,

For tomorrow's rally be sure to 'sport' any Bears attire you may have laying around. After the game there may be lots of Bears fans on State Street and they will take notice.

Doris

Date: Sat, December 1, 2007  2:34 pm CT
Posted by: Carolyn

Sandra Jones' retail column in today's Chicago Tribune has a blurb about our fifth protest rally tomorrow.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sat_notebook_1201dec01,1,5853577.story

Tomorrow's Tribune has more PR for Macy's in the form of hype for the FAO Schwarz shop in the State Street Store.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/chi-1202p2pdec02,1,7032888.story

Date: Sat, December 1, 2007  1:03 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

Marshall Field's was indeed a wonderful retail establishment which provided generations of Chicagoans with classic apparel, gifts, and household furnishings. But it was so much more than a "store" or a place to go buy "stuff". It represented our heritage and helped define for more than a century the way in which Chicago was viewed in the world. Chicago is known for its historic architecture, its unrivalled symphony orchestra, its honest Midwestern approach to living, its ethnic neighborhoods, its cutting edge theatre community, its magnificent skyline, -----and Marshall Field's. We still have everything else. But we want and need our Marshall Field's back!!!

Date: Sat, December 1, 2007  11:12 am CT
Posted by: Siamak

Desperately seeking customers!

While walking around the Loop during lunch on Friday I saw four Macy's promotions people passing out 20% coupons on State & Washington and State & Randolph. They were trying very hard to get people to take the coupons. Some did, some didn't. For a company that originally said that they would cut down on promotions, I found this very interesting! I know they more recently said they are going to have to step up promotions at the May Co. stores but this was quite strange. I've never seen a department/specialty store give out coupons outside on the street (or in the Mall area). At times, coupons are given out when you enter the store but never outside of it!!! It looked like a sign of desperation.

Did anyone see similar efforts anywhere besides State Street?

Date: Sat, December 1, 2007  9:47 am CT
Posted by: Marge Mangano

I have been at every protest rally since this horrible change took place and will continue to be there until we can say "Welcome Back" to our Marshall Field's.

I will never shop at Macys. They need to get that ugly red star off of our Marshall Field's.

"Field's is Chicago"

Date: Sat, December 1, 2007  7:20 am CT
Posted by: Stephanie

I miss Fields so much, they had a great selection of womens clothing and I could always find something there. I miss going to the State street store and going inside fields and getting one of there chocolate drop cookies! Its real shame that something like macys has to come to chicago when It belongs in new york! I don;t like the selection of clothes the clothes for women at macys look like something that my grandmother would wear! It makes me happy to hear that macys sales are down! I hope that they continue to go down and down more!

Date: Sat, December 1, 2007  6:49 am CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

To L. Grand and all,

There are NO stars who shop at macy's! AND there are no stars in any macy's commercials. Those people like Martha Stewart, Donald Trump, Usher, etc. are NOT stars. They are VENDORS. They are vendors who are pitching their products at macy's.

These people are vendors and pseudo-stars at best. They are just like any of the designers who sell their products at macy's, no real stars. Off hand I can't remember the names of any real designers who sell at macy's. So many have left after they killed Field's.

Date: Sat, December 1, 2007  2:12 am CT
Posted by: Darrid

"Field's Attic"

I can attest that the animated characters for Cinderella, Snow White and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory were all there on 1/15/2006. That was the day I was trapped on the 13th floor and took pictures. The pictures are on my website under the "Marshall Field's Forever" link. There was lots of cool Field's stuff there.

I was told there was an overseas company that wanted the Cinderella set. Guess it never made it.

Date: Sat, December 1, 2007  1:00 am CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago.org

FIELDSFANSCHICAGO.ORG HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

There's no place like Field's but there are some places that can help out while waiting for the return of Field's. Our new Holiday Shopping Guide is a very brief and incomplete list of some options you have until Marshall Field's is restored in service and quality as well as name

Our Holiday Shopping Guide is located at

http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/wheretoshop.html

We have distributed over 90,000 leaflets that remind you that every dollar you spend at Macy's (and Bloomingdale's) is like a vote against bringing back Marshall Field's. Every dollar you spend at other stores sends a message to Macy's that it must bring back Marshall Field's. Please remind your family and friends to help by boycotting Macy's this holiday season and beyond. Please remind your family and friends that under no circumstances would you ever want a gift from Macy's or Bloomingdale's. Not shopping at Macy's is the most basic thing you can do to help bring back Marshall Field's.

Date: Fri, November 30, 2007  CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago.org

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FieldsFansChicago.org
Newsletter Number 12

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2007

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

* TO UNSUBSCRIBE:
Send email to unsubscribe@fieldsfanschicago.org
Please include the email address you wish unsubscribed if it is not the one from which you are sending the request.

* TO SUBSCRIBE:
Send email to subscribe@fieldsfanschicago.org
Subscription requests must be sent from the email address that is to be added to the subscriber list.

* SWITCHING ADDRESSES?
1.) Send an unsubscribe request from either you old address or your new one; then
2.) send a subscribe request from your new address.
Again, NEW "Subscribe" requests MUST come from the address at which this newsletter is to be delivered.

* Please send all bug reports to jjmckay@fieldsfanschicago.org

* This newsletter has NO affiliation with Macy's, Inc. (formerly known as Federated Department Stores), May Department Stores, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Marshall Field's, the Field Family, the Field Foundation of Chicago, keepitfields.org, etc., and the views, opinions and info expressed here represent only the writer.

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For more information, please see

http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org

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In This Newsletter...


PROTEST RALLY--BRING A FRIEND
For The Return of Marshall Field's
The Institution That Created Many
Chicago Holiday Traditions

NOON
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2007
Under the Great Clock at
STATE & WASHINGTON STREETS


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


* BRING YOUR SISTER!
BRING YOUR CO-WORKERS!
BRING YOUR COUSIN!

* PRESS RELEASE

* FIELDSFANSCHICAGO.ORG HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

* THANKS FOR THE HUGE SUCCESS:
OUR BLACK FRIDAY & SATURDAY BUTTON & LEAFLET CAMPAIGN

* WEAR YOUR PRIDE FOR CHICAGO & FIELD'S

* IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, WRITE SOMETHING!

* OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

* STAY IN TOUCH VIA THE FIELDSFANSCHICAGO.ORG BLOG

* SPECIAL REGARDS

* TO UNSUBSCRIBE


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

PLEASE HELP BY FORWARDING THIS NEWSLETTER ON
TO POTENTIALLY INTERESTED FRIENDS & FAMILY.

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PROTEST RALLY--BRING A FRIEND
For The Return of Marshall Field's
The Institution That Created Many
Chicago Holiday Traditions

NOON
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2007
Under the Great Clock at
STATE & WASHINGTON STREETS


b� -----------------------


COME TO OUR HOLIDAY SEASON RALLY


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

* Field's Fans should start gathering at 11:30 am
Under the Great Marshall Field's Clock at
State & Washington Streets
* Wear your "Marshall Field's Best" or something
dark green (please, no profane t-shirts).
Also consider supplementing your apparel selection with items
invoking Chicago pride suu
* Bring signs and placards with Marshall Field's slogans.
* If you have a sign from a previous rally, please DO bring it.
* Carry a Marshall Field's Shopping Bag.
* Carry a City of Chicago flag.
* Please be peaceable and dignified in the spirit of Marshall Field's.
* Please be careful not to obstruct the doors to the store.
* Please do not stand in or block the street.
* Dress accordingly for the weather and the media
* Check http://www.FieldsFansChicago.org and your Email box
for last minute news and bulletins.


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BRING YOUR SISTER! BRING YOUR CO-WORKERS! BRING YOUR COUSIN!


Bring your brother, your guru, your fitness trainer, your hair stylist, your dog groomer!

Bring your bridge partner, your favorite waitress from your favorite restaurant, your rabbi, your priest, your dentist!

Just bring someone to this Sunday's important holiday season protest rally on State Street!

Just be there and be sure to bring someone--or two, or three, or more!

We need as many people as possible! Everybody loves Marshall Field's! So be sure to come--and be sure to bring someone!


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PRESS RELEASE


FIELDSFANSCHICAGO.ORG ANNOUNCES
PROTEST RALLY on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2007

(CHICAGO--November 26, 2007)

What: RALLY FOR THE BIG COMEBACK--RALLY FOR THE RETURN OF MARSHALL FIELD'S

Where: "Under the Great Marshall Field's Clock" at the corner of State & Washington

When: 12:00 PM (NOON) until 1:30 PM on Sunday, December 2, 2007


While Chicago sports teams like the Bears and the Bulls have had their ups and downs, it's Chicago's Marshall Field's that has always been viewed worldwide as Chicago's perennial winner for over 150 years. Marshall Field's was one of Chicago's "championship" institutions and became Chicago's third most popular destination. Not everyone likes our sports teams--but everyone loves Marshall Field's.

On Dec. 2, 2007--the day the Chicago Bears play the New York Giants in Soldier Field--Chicago will come out to rally for one of the "winningest teams" in its history, Marshall Field's. Championing pride in all that is Chicago's best, Field's supporters' fifth major protest will be a thrilling rally for "The Big Comeback" of the legendary Chicago store known internationally for the title of best service and quality--Marshall Field's

On Sept. 9, 2006, in a gross display of corporate hubris, that New York department store converted all of Chicago's "Marshall Field's" stores to "Macy's, including the iconic Marshall Field's flagship store on State Street.

Since September 2006, a grassroots boycott has been in effect against Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores until Field's is restored. The boycott is working. The business community has since noted a significant decline in sales at Chicago-area Macy's while sales at Macy's competitors have significantly increased. It's not just Chicagoans that have a deep resistance to the loss of the Marshall Field's name, Marshall Field's way of doing business, and Marshall Field's significantly higher levels of quality merchandise and service. Field's supporters across the U.S. are boycotting Macy's. As Macy's has become ubiquitous across the country, 111 N. State St. has been significantly diminished as a unique international destination.

In the past 15 months, the grassroots organization FieldsFansChicago.org has sponsored multiple efforts in support of the return of Marshall Field's. A total of four major protests have been held so far. With hundreds participating, the most recent, on Sept. 9, 2007, was the largest yet, demonstrating that support for the return of Marshall Field's continues to grow rather than wane. Since Fall 2006, Field's Fans have so far distributed over 90,000 leaflets on State Street, at civic events and elsewhere reminding everyone that Field's can indeed come back as the result of a sustained customer boycott of Macy's. Over 85,000 pin-on buttons, lapel stickers and bumper stickers with slogans such as "Marshall Field's Forever, " "Field's Is Chicago," and "I Want My Marshall Field's" have also been distributed. These activities have received international media attention, with coverage by Reuters, Associated Press, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, New York Post, CBS Sunday Morning, WGN, National Public Radio, Chicago Public Radio, the local and national television news reports of ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, and more.

FieldsFansChicago.org organizers steadfastly maintain, "As we continue our grassroots efforts to bring back Marshall Field's in all its glory, it is good to keep in mind that in corporate America, anything can happen. After seven years as part of Daimler, Chrysler is again an independent American auto company. 'AT&T Wireless' became 'Cingular' only to reverse course back to 'AT&T'. Great brands, like the Ford Taurus, can be resurrected after much consumer demand. And CEOs can admit they've lost touch with giving their customers what they really want, as the CEO of Starbuck's recently did. With the widespread perception that the conversion from Marshall Field's to Macy's is a huge corporate blunder, we look unflinchingly to the future and keep emphasizing that although Field's is gone for now, it can indeed come back--just as Coke did when consumers rejected New Coke. It is only a matter of time until those visionary business and civic leaders with the needed clout come forward to do what needs to be done. At Noon, Sunday, December 2, Chicago rallies to reclaim a premier institution, to champion the return of quality and service that is both uniquely Chicago and world-class, and to bring back 'The Title', Marshall Field's".

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, Contact Jim McKay of FieldsFansChicago.org
via email, jjmckay@FieldsFansChicago.org

v. 1.0ffc



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FIELDSFANSCHICAGO.ORG HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE


There's no place like Field's but there are some places that can help out while waiting for the return of Field's. Our new Holiday Shopping Guide is a very brief and incomplete list of some options you have until Marshall Field's is restored in service and quality as well as name

Our Holiday Shopping Guide is located at http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/wheretoshop.html


We have distributed over 90,000 leaflets that remind you that every dollar you spend at Macy's (and Bloomingdale's) is like a vote against bringing back Marshall Field's. Every dollar you spend at other stores sends a message to Macy's that it must bring back Marshall Field's. Please remind your family and friends to help by boycotting Macy's this holiday season and beyond. Please remind your family and friends that under no circumstances would you ever want a gift from Macy's or Bloomingdale's. Not shopping at Macy's is the most basic thing you can do to help bring back Marshall Field's.


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


THANKS FOR THE HUGE SUCCESS:b�
OUR BLACK FRIDAY & SATURDAY BUTTON & LEAFLET CAMPAIGN


Thanks to all who helped make our Black Friday and Saturday leaflet and button distribution campaign on State Street a huge success. Special thanks goes to Gloria, Judy, Cisley, A. and J., and, of course, Mike. And then there is special thanks to Gail who supplied the buttons.

How successful was it? Over 8,000 leaflets and over 1,300 buttons were distributed on State Street over the two days. Friday's distribution exceeded our previous busiest day (Saturday, December 23, 2006) by roughly two-and-a-half times! Part of this was due to an unprecedented number of shoppers on State Street. Another part of this was simply those former Field's shoppers who came to check out what was happening in the building that used to house their favorite store and were unhappy. They came in droves to get leaflets in buttons. At more than a few times, people stood in line to get leaflets and buttons from us. A couple of times, the lines were 10-12 people wide, although 5-7 people wide was more typical. That's right--people waiting in line for buttons that say, "Forever Marshall Field's" and leaflets explaining why it is important to continue boycotting Macy's until Marshall Field's is restored in service and quality as well as name. It was quite unprecedented. What's more, there were those who picked up a leaflet or button or both and then came back minutes for even hours later with other family and friends to get more.

Saturday was quieter on State Street, although there were a couple of "bursts" of activity on State Street that matched Friday--mid-afternoon and late afternoon/early evening.

Thanks again to all who made it possible.


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WEAR YOUR PRIDE FOR CHICAGO & FIELD'S


Remember that Field's Fans can also help by wearing and displaying special items in support of bringing back our Marshall Field's. Two of these are "Forever Marshall Field's Forever" buttons and lapel stickers and "Field's is Chicago/Boycott Macy's" Bumper Stickers courtesy of Gail. For more information, please see http://fieldsfanschicago.org/buttons.htmlb�

NOTE:
THESE BUTTONS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED COURTESY OF GAIL AT THE 12/2/2007 PROTEST RALLY!


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IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, WRITE SOMETHING!


As a Field's Fan, you can help bring back Marshall Field's. We Field's Fans make a difference by keeping Field's in the public eye. When Macy's inevitably fails in the Chicago area, we don't want it to be glossed over as if it was simply about sales figures.


Please let newspapers, television, radio, web media and public officials know that both the public and the private good is best served when Marshall Field's is restored to 111 North State Street.

When you see ANY story on television or in the newspaper about Field's, it is essential to respond--even if you think the story is favorable towards the return of Field's. People need to be reminded that these stores have slipped so much because they are no longer Marshall Field's and they can only be brought back up by being restored as Marshall Field's stores.

These suggestions are made for responding to media articles or TV news segments:

* If submitting by US Mail, make a photocopy of your 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 means you probably won't have a dated copy of your response, if you get a copy at all. It is very important that you keep a copy for your records.
* The Letters to the Sun-Times should be sent to: letters@suntimes.com
* The Letters to the Tribune should be sent to: ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com
* The Letters Chicago Tribune Magazine should be sent to: TribMag@tribune.com
* The Letters to Crain's Chicago Business should be sent to: letters@chicagobusiness.com.
* Please remember to include a daytime phone number for verification purposes.
* Be certain to indicate in your letter that it is "for publication."
* Remember, items submitted to the "letters to the editor" section should not be cross-posted to other forums like the fieldsfanschicago.org blog. The publications request exclusivity.
* Be succinct as possible. Longer items don't have as much of a chance of being published. While there are many facets to the loss of Field's, consider focusing on just one or two facets that will best help the larger cause.
* Even if your letter does not get published in print or web media, remember that the media takes note of the public's pulse. Every letter reminds editors and producers that this is still indeed a very important issue.


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OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP


There are numerous other ways you can help bring back Field's. These are just a few more.

* Don't shop at Macy's or Bloomingdale's.
* Remind your family and friends that you do not under any circumstances want a gift or gift card from Macy's or Bloomingdale's.
* Forward this e-newsletter along to other family and friends.
* Respond to to the Letters of the Editor section of publications and programming that present stories on the loss of Marshall Field's.
* Participate in upcoming leafleting sessions, protests, and other activities during the weekends in December and in the new year. Email support@fieldsfanschicago.org
* Donate to fieldsfanschicago.org in support of our program of leaflets, lapel stickers, bumper stickers, buttons, and more. Contact support@fieldsfanschicago.org


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

STAY IN TOUCH VIA THE FIELDSFANSCHICAGO.ORG BLOG


The FieldsFansChicago.org blog is a place for Field's Fans to talk about Marshall Field's and what it means to them. Stop on by to share thoughts, comments, news and rumors. The URL is http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/blog

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SPECIAL REGARDS


Special regards to everyone who has helped this cause in every way.

Marshall Field's CAN come back. Your ongoing support and dedication is what enables our progress to continue. Macy's will fail regardless because of its own mistakes. Yet it is the work of we Field's Fans that reminds key business and civic leaders that that these stores can be an overwhelming success again as Marshall Fields.

Our efforts are so essential because it gives immense consciousness to the once and future Chicago institution, Marshall Field's.

Remember, your efforts to help bring back Field's are greatly appreciated, respected and admired. You are helping to make history!


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TO UNSUBSCRIBE


Send email to unsubscribe@fieldsfanschicago.org

Please include the email address you wish unsubscribed if it is not the one you are sending the request from.


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

END OF NEWSLETTER #12


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Date: Fri, November 30, 2007  10:51 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

Walked through the former Rich's flagship store (after the downtown store closed). It was remarkably neat and orderly. Apparently the salespeople had so few customers that they had time to shop the clearance racks for themselves AND straighten up! Frango was on sale, 25% off.

On a weekday evening when there was nowhere to park, the lot behind Bloomingdale's (the former Davison's/M***'s store) was completely empty.

Making a brief sales pitch - The Saks in Atlanta still has some of the 2007 Radko clock ornaments! Their number is 404-261-7234 and the operator will transfer you to the Christmas department. Not all the salespeople know it's the Marshall Field's clock, though, so you'll have to tell them it's the big green clock with "2007" on it.

My favorite salesperson at Saks, who opened my account there in 1988, is back as a seasonal employee after retiring. She's Jewish, but unlike M***'s she has no problem saying the word "Christmas." :)

Date: Fri, November 30, 2007  8:38 pm CT
Posted by: The Other Guy

Marshall Field's means so much to Chicago. I've been there three times, in 1998, 2004, and 2007. The first two times it was Marshall Field's, and the third I could just sense a sort of tension in the people walking past it under the black canopies. It just wasn't the same.

I resent how Federated had shut everything off. I live in Columbus, Ohio and formerly lived in Cleveland. I know how Federated department stores have killed names such as Lazarus, May Company, and Kauffman's around here. I'm all for bringing the name Marshall Field & Company back (the last store in Columbus that used to carry the Field's name years ago, under the name Macy's, closed for good yesterday) but I would also love to bring the other names back as well.

One step at a time: Keep up the good work, Chicagoans!

Date: Fri, November 30, 2007  8:11 pm CT
Posted by: Jamie D

This opinion article written back in 2005 on Marshall Field's, still rings true...

http://www.flakmag.com/opinion/marshallfields.html

Date: Fri, November 30, 2007  3:29 pm CT
Posted by: C Lady

My granddaughter sent me a button and a card about the rally at the Clock.

I truly wish I could be there but living in Arizona it is not very likely. As a former employee of M.F. & Co. I have a particular interest in seeing our store restored. I worked at the store (in Window Display) during the Cenntenial year and loved every minute of it. I would have stayed on if I hadn't wanted a family more. In those days women didn't work after they had their first baby and I retired after the Christmas windows went in. A long time ago but fond memeories remain.

I wouldn't dream of going to Macy's which we have here in Phoenix.

I wish you all the best in your campaign and I would look forward to hearng the results of it.

Date: Fri, November 30, 2007  1:09 pm CT
Posted by: gle

My office just surprised me with a cake for my birthday and last day on a long-term temp job--with "Happy Birthday, Field's Forever" in green lettering in a Marshall Field's shopping bag. We ate the cake, but the bag will come with me on Sunday to our protest. This office has been great letting me use their computer to participate in Field's Fans. There are some good people in the world.

Date: Fri, November 30, 2007  12:51 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

For what it's worth:

I did some further number crunching based on the figures provided by Darrid. Here's a breakdown by region:

BloomingdaleC-s = 12,200 employees = 40 stores = average of 305 employees per store

MacyC-s East = 43,600 employees = 189 stores = average of 231 employees per store

MacyC-s North = 18,100 employees = 62 stores = average of 292 employees per store

MacyC-s West = 38,900 employees = 195 stores = average of 199 employees per store

MacyC-s Florida = 9,900 employees = 62 stores = average of 160 employees per store

MacyC-s South = 22,500 employees = 136 stores = average of 165 employees per store

MacyC-s NW = 9,500 employees = 67 stores = average of 142 employees per store

MacyC-s MW = 17,600 employees = 113 stores = average of 156 employees per store

Bloomingdale's has the most sales staff per store as would be expected. "Macy's North" - the once and future Marshall Field's market area, God help us - has the most sales staff per store of all Macy's divisions. So you think finding a salesperson is difficult now?! Notice though that Macy's East comes in third, where Macy's has been longest. And Macy's West after that, where Macy's has been longest elsewhere. Notice the remaining divisions; sales staff is dramatically reduced in these stores on average. Burdine's suffered the loss of their nameplate one year earlier than did Marshall Field's, and though Macy's Florida and "Macy's North" have equal the number of stores (62), the margin is quite drastic. Macy's Florida stores, on average, are staffed by almost half as many as in "Macy's North" stores - 55%!

I believe Macy's has planned to eventually try to run these stores on as little sales staff power as possible, but that they haven't dared cut further so drastically in Marshall Field's territory because of the outcry that has already been made. Based on the numbers above, which could be a foreboding sign of things to come, I cannot fathom how Lundgren can possibly see a profitable future for his "vision." It truly seems to be a case of his thinking, "You WILL come to love us, you WILL come to accept us, you WILL come to shop us, BECAUSE WE GIVE YOU NO CHOICE IN THE MATTER."

Well, Mr. Lundgren - I hate to burst your fantastic bubble, but WE HAVE A WILL OF OUR OWN AND WE WILL NOT SHOP YOUR STORES!

There is a bumper sticker that reads: "We are Microsoft. You WILL be assimilated." In the case of Microsoft, that bumper sticker is funny cuz it's close to the truth. The difference is that Microsoft didn't force itself on the buying public - it was snatched up because PEOPLE WANTED IT AND STILL DO. But Macy's? Please.... You're no match for a brand like Microsoft anyway and you certainly will not get anywhere by forcing your crap down anyone's throat. WE HAVE OUR OWN VOICES. WE HAVE OUR OWN CHOICES. AND OUR CHOICE FOR WORLD-CLASS SHOPPING IS MARSHALL FIELD'S!

Date: Fri, November 30, 2007  10:25 am CT
Posted by: gle

Perhaps Terry Lunkead thinks weather keeps people away from things. It won't keep this Field Fan away from our protest this Sunday. I have prepared for our typical Chicago weather forecast with my durable plastic Field's bag, a green umbrella, extra green mittens and extra determination. Field's Fans don't give up.

Date: Fri, November 30, 2007  10:00 am CT
Posted by: L. Grand

I just happened to come a story about another boycott against Macy's on a Google search without any effort at all. Although the actual reason for their boycott is different, the echo is there that Macy's cares about Macy's' and not the customers.

Clearly, the author of the aforementioned blog recognizes that Macy's (formerly Federated Department Stores) uses everything as a marketing tool rather than to cater to customers. Likewise, the Great Tree is likely being used as a marketing tool for Martha Stewart, Macy's partner in crime and arrogance. And am I correct that I've read somewhere that the tree topper is in a STAR SHAPE?

While I'm on the subject of stars, Macy's ads are suggestively telling people that the STARS (celebrities) are found at the Red Star Store. Yeah, right!

God - it seems at times that Macy's uses "softening targets" and indoctrination tactics! As if they put their nasty RED STAR and name MACY'S enough times in enough places, the hypnotic effect will start to take! I must say that it has not worked for me! Since Macy's came to town, I have lost any and all affinity for the color red and the star shape! And I cannot stand the sound of the word "Macy's." (No offense meant toward the original Macy family, however, I wonder how R.H. would feel knowing his NAME has been tarnished indirectly by such greedmeisters!) I guess we should be thankful that while Macy's, Inc. squats on State Street and elsewhere, at least they aren't tarnishing Marshall Field's name!

I do NOT want Macy's to put the MF name back on the stores. They'd ruin it in a heartbeat. I want SOMEONE ELSE who is wise and good and honest to BUY THE STORES who WON'T turn a good name bad! They will RESPECT the heritage and legacy of Marshall Field's vision and do their utmost to continue it!

I have absolutely NO CONFIDENCE IN MACY'S TO DO THE RIGHT THING FOR THE RIGHT REASONS. Where is that savvy and honest merchant to come along and redeem the 62 stores? WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU!

TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELD'S ON STATE STREET!

Date: Fri, November 30, 2007  8:03 am CT
Posted by: Mitch

What's the sense of having discretionary income without a Marshall Field's to spend it at?

Time wounds all heels.

Around the 1910 era Marshall Field's would send special coaches to the major railroad stations around The Loop to transport passengers arriving on the best limiteds to their store. Even before the passengers registered at their hotels.

Best regards to all,

Mitch

Date: Fri, November 30, 2007  2:43 am CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

Have you heard of Filene's Basement?

Well here's a new one.

It's called "Field's Attic!"

>From what I've heard, macy's has raided Marshall Field's attic of old Christmas windows and displays and has shipped them out to other macy's stores to be their own "new" and "exciting" Christmas displays!

Yes, Marshall Field's decorations could be recycled for decades with macy's having them going from store to store to store.

I didn't know that macy's was such a "green" company that was so concerned about recycling! Maybe they can have Martha to a feature on her TV show about how to recycle old Christmas ornaments. Who knows, maybe she can decorate the Great Tree (the late Great Tree) next year with old burnt out light bulbs (there are plenty of those in macy's including in their store signs), packing peanuts and bubble wrap! She could have Al Gore light the tree with her! Wouldn't that be "exciting!"

Date: Fri, November 30, 2007  2:41 am CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

HI All---

OMG---I was at an event this eve and had the opportunity to taste some of this year's Frangos; specifically the Limited Edition Liqueur Filled Flavor. They were always my favorite and were available only during the Holidays.

This year they are exceptionally salty. And like many of you who have posted previously, I also found the texture to be waxy. In fact, the liqueur flavored mints are exceptionally waxy. There are several different liqueuer flavors in each box: Amaretto, Orange Liqueur, Irish Creme, Rum, etc, and some of them seemed as though I had gotten some candle wax in my mouth from a birthday cake where the candles had melted on to the cake and no one had noticed before they served me my piece of cake . You all know that feeling and taste, yes?

Once I detected it, unfortunately, I did eat about 12 pieces just to be sure....LOL. And right now I am feeling very ctrummy.

Regards.

Date: Fri, November 30, 2007  1:30 am CT
Posted by: David

-While in line at a Loop post office I noticed the woman in front of me had a big macy*s shopping bag and several pieces in it to mail. I commented: "How is that place? I haven't shopped there since they took it over from Marshall Field's."

She shook her head and immediately said in a soft English-accent: "It's not the same... the decorations they're all right, but no longer special, the store's offerings- not near as good. Well, it's 'okay', but nothing special. With Marshall Field's it was always magical. Now that's gone."

..Ah, "the magic of macy*s!"

P.S. Gail/Gayle: you're both terrific and deserve much praise. I regret I won't be coming Sunday as my dear Aunt Betty died today two days short of her 92nd birthday. The visitation is in Kansas City at 2pm on Sunday and the service the next day. I need to be there. One of our favorite memories together was her visiting Chicago and our afternoon at Marshall Field's shopping and dining next to the Marshall Field's Christmas Tree at the Walnut Room.

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  10:46 pm CT
Posted by: Jim Wright

My wife was shopping at Yorktown Von Maur department store in Lombard (near Oakbrook) today, where she has been shopping more and more since macy's took over Field's. She brought home a box of VM Chocolate Mints. She said that Von Maur has some tasteful displays of the boxed mints in the (free) Gift Wrap area, plus at many of the sales counters.

Von Maur refers to them as "Von Maur Bavarian Mints" but to us, the mints remind me SO much of Marshall Field's FRANGO mints---in the familiar shape, the instant aroma upon opening the box, and in the freshness of the inside layer of chocolate. The choclate mint flavor is something to behold! I found it difficult not to eat just one.

I highly recommend the Von Maur Mints to anyone and everyone with strong cravings for FRANGOS, especially at this time of year.

By the way, as with all purchases made at VM regardless of price, the Von Maur courteous Gift Wrap counter staff will wrap all gifts free of charge, PLUS offer FREE UPS shipping to any U.S. city with their compliments. The wrapping paper is of thick quality and VM always has many choices of style and color for anyone's whim.

www.vonmaur.com

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  8:59 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Here is a link to an interesting article about Eddie Lampert who was once hailed as a marketing "genius" who had grandiose plans to reinvigorate Sears. As most readers of this blog are aware, Sears (and its sibling Kmart) have plummeted in value and have little hope for improvement. This article notes how Lampert was able to earn profits despite falling sales and lists some of the company's marketing errors:

http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/29/magazines/fortune/kapner.fortune/index.htm?source=yahoo_quote

As you read this article, notice how many parallels can be drawn between Sears and the Red Star Store. Sears lost focus on its customer service, quality and merchandise offerings--doesn't that sound familiar? The "brilliant merchant" Lunkhead is doing many of the same things that Lampert has done to destroy Sears.

In the not too distant future, Fortune can reprint this same article, simply substituting "Terry Lunkhead" for "Eddie Lampert" and "Red Star Store" for "Sears."

Just like Sears, the Red Star Store is totally irrelevant to most consumers.

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  8:29 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Dear Everyone,

Maybe it's because of the holiday season, but lately I feel such a groundswell of fervent support for our cause that sometimes I get tears in my eyes when I read the blog. So many of us have the same love for Marshall Field's and the same memory logs, it is truly amazing. Thanks to the power of the internet to bring us all together, we can each feel cheered on in our efforts to turn the course of history and restore what we all want so much. I've said it before and I'll say it again: TOGETHER WE CAN BRING BACK FIELD'S. I urge everyone, especially our new voices, to come to our protest on Sunday. We need each and every one of you to show the media that we are still here and we aren't going away.

I went through the State Street store again today, and it is indeed pathetic. There are some people in there, but as someone said, it's apparently a matter of "look and leave," because there are few buyers. Macy's is not doing well, and if we keep leafleting and protesting and above all, boycotting, we will win in the end.

I'll be there Sunday, rain or shine, and hope to greet my friends in Field's.

Zelda

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  7:03 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

I have a very large and friendly black Labrador Retriever who always attracts attention when we go out for a walk. Last weekend I started wrapping Christmas gifts and in my stash I found a small amount of some nice, wide, dark green grosgrain ribbon that was left over from a previous year. Today when we went out for our stroll I pinned our "Marshall Field's Forever" button onto the ribbon and tied it around the dog's neck. It hung down and swung like a medal of honor when he walked and he was obviously very proud of himself. If you think people notice and comment in a positive way when YOU wear one of the Field's buttons on a jacket, you should see the reaction WE got! It was really fun. Total strangers feel like striking up a conversation when Marshall Field's is involved.

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  6:25 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Yesterday I had to orient a new employee who will replace me on a job. She saw my button and immediately started saying how much she loved Field's and was disappointed with Messy's. Obviously I gave her a button and told her to wear it on the job. I oriented her to our website along with her job duties.

I look forward to our protest Sunday at Noon, and have a lovely new green umbrella in case it rains. Hope to see many of you there.

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  5:58 pm CT
Posted by: Nichole W

Hi everyone...

Continuing a 38-year tradition (I'm 37; it started when I was 6 months old), my parents, brother, husband and I traveled to Chicago the day after Thanksgiving (when I was little, we lived in Chicago; now we come from Indianapolis). Our original traditon was to get our picture taken with Marshall Field's Santa (did it every year until year 36 - the year it wasn't Marshall Field's Santa, but Macy's Santa). We still go in the State Street store, but don't buy anything. We go and see the Great Tree, take a picture there (instead of with Santa), look at the ornaments...just wander.

We noticed something odd this year. For the first time in 38 years, at about 8am, the Walnut Room wasn't even half full! In years' past, the wait would be 2 hours or so. Anyone have any ideas as to whether this was just a lack of interest in Macy's or was there another reason? Did they make the prices prohibative? Open earlier?

And as a side note, as I mentioned before, I'm not a Chicagoan, but am boycotting Macy's from Indianapolis. Von Maur has my business now. That's really our only other option here.

I won't be able to join you on Sunday, but know that I'm there in spirit. And thanks to those of you that leafletted on (brrrrrr....coooold) Black Friday. I got my "Forever Marshall Fields" button and wore it with pride. You all did a great job of getting those buttons out there - I saw so many more of them on people's coats than I did last year. Somehow I missed the email saying that you needed help...I was a part of the dress-up protest last year...held a sign, wore a hat, and was even interviewed by the Tribune, but I don't think my story was published.

Keep up the good work, all!

Nichole

Indianapolis, IN

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  3:54 pm CT
Posted by: Leanne Lee

I love and truely enjoy Marshall Fields! It represents Chicago, and it's classy yet old fashioned style. My mom worked for Marshall Fields in the wrapping department when my sister and i were little. she raised us on Frango Mints and taught us how deliciously special they were. Each Christmas she'd bring out the evergreen box and we knew we were in for a wonderful treat! I have raised my boys to know that these are special too. Also between the Walnut Room, the huge christmas tree the outstanding christmas windows and all their wonderful products it speaks of their quality. you know you are getting the best with whatever it is that Marshall Fields sells!

I want marshall fields to come back!

L.

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  3:40 pm CT
Posted by: John

Hi Everyone,

Hey - check out Ebay's selection of Marshall Field's merchandise for Christmas gifts. I was just on there and there is a great selection of items.

BTW, I watched part of that mess on Saturday night and got supremely TICKED to say the least. How trashy with second hand acts doing the entertaining. I was so enraged I knew right then and there I will be coming for sure on Sunday.

Let Terry L and his band of merry twits hear the Mighty Monsters of the midway!!!! I am not talking about the Bears....but about the Field's Fans of America!!!!!!

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  2:40 pm CT
Posted by: Heather

I have lived no where else than Chicago my entire life. Every Christmas when I opened a gift and saw that script and the green box, I knew that I was in store for a great holiday gift.

My dream was to grow up, get a good job, and a Marshall Field's Regards card, and spread the cheer and love I had shopping at the State Street store every year with my children as my parents and grandparents did for me.

I have not been in a M-word store since the "black conversion". I even go into the mall through Carsons now. I cut up and paid off my Macy's card, but still carry my Field's card in my wallet. It's a sad reminder to me that something I so cherished in my childhood is gone.

In Dec '05, I took my 18 month old son to see Santa and have lunch at the Walnut Room. I haven't stepped foot inside the State Street store since. My daughter will never know the joy of a Marshall Field's Christmas.

I am still too sad for words.

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  2:27 pm CT
Posted by: amelia

two small items of support from local institutions:

1. eleven city diner - last year was threatened with legal action by macys if the diner did not remove their "marshall fields special" from their menu. familiar with the story but oblivious to the diner, i happened to eat there last night. the owner has framed the letter and the news article and displayed it prominantly on the wall by the exit...not hard to miss!

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20060831/ai_n16698484

PS its a great place to eat, i recommend it!!

2. this weeks chicago reader - in their holiday gift guide, have listed the frango mint diet bath products: "philosophy's frango mint diet three in one shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath is now available at what used to be marshall fields."

nice jabs, eleven city and the reader!! :)

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  12:25 pm CT
Posted by: John in Memphis

I just had a very interesting conversation with a former Macy's employee. He sold suits for over 15 years and recently went to work for another store in the mall. Sales at the Memphis "flagship" store have dropped 28% over the past two years. I find that very interesting. Federated has owned the Memphis stores for 50 years. They were flooded with Charter Club, etc. LONG before Macy's killed Goldsmith's. Apparently Memphis doesn't like Macy's either.

They replaced the carpet in the linen and china departments some time this month. It is FILTHY and stained already. The previously mentioned former employee said they only vaccum twice a week and never steam clean the carpet.

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  10:24 am CT
Posted by: Tisha

Macy's has taken something that has been one of the purposes of my and many peoples trips to Chicago at Christmas time for decades. They have cheapened a icon and tried to make it something t is not! You can not cheapen Marshall Fields into a Macy's! Macy's SUCKS with a capitol crap!

I will not ever walk into the building again until it is restored to it's glory as Marshall Fields! Chicago is nothing without Marshall Fields!! Shove Macy's! Especially at Christmas when Chicago WAS Christmas because off Marshall Fields!!!

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  10:22 am CT
Posted by: Matt

Found this today at CNNMoney.com.

"Goel expects that Macy's (Charts, Fortune 500) was the hardest hit in terms of sales because of its status as a mid-priced retailer. "Americans are either trading up to high-end [stores] like Nordstrom or saving money by shopping at Penney's. Macy's is stuck in the middle," he said."

Nothing new here, just found it interesting.

BOYCOTT!

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  8:43 am CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

1. We are always discussing M-store's overpriced merchandise. Here are a few more examples:

- 4 Martha cookie cutters - $30.00

- Four small jars of Martha sugar sprinkles - $18.00 (about $60 a pound)

-Martha cake mix: $15.00 (it's a bag of flour and flavorings)

2. In the past, we've noticed the M-store has turned off outside signage. Now it appears they've turned off more outside lights! More cost cutting measures to try and squeeze out some profit. I guess when you can't make it on selling merchandise...

3. Which store was packed last night with holiday buyers? Carson's. Which store had a few lookers but no buyers? You're right. Macy's. A Macy insider calls the store "Look and Leave" because no one buys anything.

4. Very nice holiday decor. Oh yeah, it was developed by Marshall Fields. Keep in mind, the stores only look good because Field's built them that way. Macy projects - like the Bollingbrook store - are boxes with shelves.

5. Not that you would consider buying them in the first place, Frango fans: M-store is still trying to sell Frango mints from last holiday season. One item, a green box with a Macy logo that contains a box of Frangos with a Marshall Fields logo, is labeled "BEST SERVED BY 6/01/06"! The store had about 100 boxes in a display. TSK. TSK. Check the "old" Marshall Field Frango box with the newer M-store version. Notice something? Look closer. The order of the ingredients has changed. That means the recipe has been altered. Look for those boxes that tell the story of Frango on the back with a Field's clock watermarked in the background. As pointed out last year, note that the clock is upside down. Leftover boxes?

6. Is business off at M-store? You betcha. Another sign: I heard that some people hired as holiday help have yet to get any hours. They were trained on the register several weeks ago and sent home. Word has it regular part time staff has also experienced a decline in assigned hours.

Jimmy Gimbels goes to Macy's (BUT NEVER, EVER BUYS ANYTHING) so you don't have to!

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  8:40 am CT
Posted by: Judy M

Good morning all! I really had a great time last Friday on State Street! I finally got to meet some of the people who's names I see on the blog! Anyway, the couple of posts I saw this morning regarding the Midwest vs. NYC thing - it really isn't about that at all - to me anyway. It's just that SOMEONE - it happened to be Macy's, but I would feel the same if it was it was another store - came to our city and took away well loved traditions and told us to just swallow it and get a life. Simply carpetbagging! And the worst thing is that they just don't care! Petitions, boycotting, etc., have been going on since Day 1 and their attitude is so pompous! The attitude is what has really gotten me boiling mad. The attitude - we are here and you WILL like it, you WILL buy our junk, you WILL accept lousy service...guess what macy's -you may be here now, but you WON'T be for long, we WON't buy your junk and we WON'T accecpt your lousy service, and Field's Fans WON'T quit until we see Marshall Field's restored to it's former glory - no matter how long it takes! If they wanted a fight, they came to the right place....I really do believe that "all good things come to those who wait". Perseverance is the key here and we WILL win.

Judy

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  6:50 am CT
Posted by: RG74 Family

Dear Fellow Field's Fans,

Welcome back Marshall Field's ! Oh how we wish we could say that. Christmas is the time of giving and Macy's executives should give back their regional department stores to America starting with Marshall Field's !

Our extended family is very proud to know that there are so many wonderful people who truly understand quality and tradition. It is hard for us to believe that Macy's management could honestly turn their backs on the best guests (MACYS'S HAS TURNED THEIR BACKS ON THEIR CORE-CUSTOMERS BY TAKING AWAY THE UNIQUE REGIONAL TRADENAMES AND THEIR HIGH QUALITY OFFERINGS.) Taking Marshall Field's away was the absolute worst nightmare. How can it be true ?

We were BIG TIME Marshall Field's website guests. Many many generations of our family (as many of yours have too) have been loyal supporters of the many of the Federated & May regional department stores around the country. In fact, we were loyal supporters of the (pre-1986) Macy's and Bamberger's stores that many of us grew up with and loved.

God Bless & Warm Regards,

RG74 Family

Macy's management needs to show department store loyalists that they matter. Quality,service,tradition and legacy matters. Bring back those full-service department store restaurants. Restore the presence of designer brands....the list goes on.

MACY'S MANAGEMENT, PLEASE GIVE THE U.S.A. BACK ITS GREATEST REGIONAL DEPARTMENT STORES. THE BEST WAY TO START IS BY GIVING BACK MARSHALL FIELD'S.

Date: Thu, November 29, 2007  2:21 am CT
Posted by: David

Darrid, Thanks for the WGN interview link. Having now listened to it twice, I think Bob Sirot did fine. Keep in mind, he's a journalist and yet a show host. It's senseless to outright insult your guest or the interview tanks. What struck me most was how Mr. Hughes voice and clarity changed dramatically when questions came around to the return of Marshall Field's and Field's level merchandise. This was in response to admitting they'd made a mistake and should do as the local network did in the 1970s who fired a popular newscaster and took ads out essentially saying "we heard you"...a "win-win for everybody", according to Sirot.

This dye has been cast. These federated folks will ultimately do what's best for them: either change or sell. These are NOT humanitarians by any stretch of the imagination. The parades and other sponsorship are merely tax write-offs and "good will" publicity stunts. A company wanting to make right by a community would've taken a completely different strategy.

No one with a lick of marketing sense would truly want to maintain/grow a remaining historic depratment store while destroying it's historic ties. That's utter madness!

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  11:16 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston

This is in response to an obvious Macy's employee's comments about how great Macy's is in regards to Foley's on Topix:

I am from Houston and your outright stupidity amazes me. You must work for Macy's. Foley's was clearly superior over the current incarnation of Macy's. When Macy's first came to Houston in 1984 with 4 stores they were upscale and on the same level as Foley's. Marshall Fields was also in Houston with a store at The Galleria and Town & Country. When RH Macy was taken over by Federated they closed all the Macy's except the one in the Galleria which has fallen into disrepair. Now, under Federated, the MKmart has taken over Foley's glittering store in the Galleria in addition to their old trashy one. I am sure Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue have enjoyed the new customers that used to shop Foley's. Marshall Fields pulled out of Houston after they were taken over by Dayton/Hudson (Boy do we miss Marshall Field's here!!! Please come back when you return to Chicago!) They have a loyal following in Houston and Foley's had a much greater one due to their birth on the banks of buffalo bayou 107 years ago.

We lost jewels such as Joske's, Sakowitz, Frost Bros, Battelstein's, Walter Pye's, Isabell Gerhart, etc over the last 20 years. Foley's was our last and greatest grand dame left in Houston.

I can only hope a suitor will take over Macy's and bring back Marshall Fields, Burdines, Foley's, Rich's, I Magnin, Bullocks and the host of other stores they destroyed. I feel America is fed up with the cookie cutter stores and would welcome the return of their beloved stores and traditions.

Believe me, the antagonism towards macy's is not just limited to the midwest. My wife and I were vacationing in St Kitts in the West Indies when Macy's came up with other travelers, including some from Chicago! It also came up at Thanksgiving with relatives, at church and on and on.

Macy's missed the boat bigtime on the sentiment Americans had for the remnant of their hometown stores. Most, if not all, of the stores that were eliminated were the last of the multitude of stores that used to dot various cities.

I remember Foley's slogan. Foley's...of course! When you received a gift from Foley's it was something truly special. Take a look at this old ad on YouTube. It is from the 1980s and reflects the bond Texans had with Foley's. This was prior to their expanding into Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Louisiana and Colorado in the late 1980s thus their slogan at that time "At the heart of Texas... Foley's"

http://www.youtube.com/watch...

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  10:16 pm CT
Posted by: Don D

For those of you Field's Fans who are wondering what Mr. Frank Guzzetta and Mr. Ralph Hughes, as well as Mr. Terry Lundgren look like in case you ever see them, just click on this link. This is an article which appeared in a Honolulu, Hawaii newspaper when the name change of Marshall Field's to macy's was announced.

http://starbulletin.com/2006/08/14/business/story01.html

Mitch is absolutely correct. Ralph Hughes nor Frank Guzzetta NEVER appear to smile. Since they are in the retail business depending upon customers to keep their stores profitable, it only stands to reason that the executives should be pleasant and be presenting a good public relations front.

I have seen Mr. Bruce Nordstrom at the Oakbrook Nordstrom mingling with customers, having a very down-to-earth manner about him. I have witnessed the CEO of Saks 5th Avenue in the N. Michigan Avenue store smiling and acknowledging guests and employees in a friendly style. I have observed the CEO of Bon-Ton, Mr. Bergren at the Carson's store on Eden's Expressway as well as Mr. James von Maur at the Yorktown Von Maur department store. Each and every one of them presented a very cordial smile and friendly body language and none of them appeared to be arrogant or stuck-up. They all realize it is the nature of their business to be pleasant to their customers, the basis for their being in business in this competitive world.

Contrast this style with that of Hughes and Guzzetta. Of course, would You be smiling if you realized that macy's was sinking fast?!

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  9:41 pm CT
Posted by: Jack K

I have been wearing my "Forever Fields" button for the past few days (thank you GAIL!) and have had a few inquiries. I keep a few in my pocket, and after discussion will hand one out IF they promise to WEAR it proudly. At my bank branch, I gave one to a teller yesterday and the other two tellers asked me for one today. While they cannot wear them at work, they all said they can put them on their outer winter coat. Only one of the three has set foot in a Red Star store since the changeover and said she left quickly after seeing the junk that was there. She would rather shop TARGET as a discount store. At least Target had an inkling of what Marshall Field's was, continuing tradition, supporting local charities etc when they owned the place. Macy's gives lip service to the concept.

I also got an email today from CITICARDS/AADVANTAGE program offering a "Friends and Family" 20% Discount at Red Star <With some of the usual fine print>. Even fine jewelry was included. Lunkhead needs to get warm, breathing bodies into the store and try to part them with some money. He does not get the fact that people who use airline affinity cards are pretty saavy. The junk that comes from Red Star just cannot compete with L&T or Nordstroms. Even at a discount, you gotta put quality on the shelf. That is why TARGET has done so well. Decent quality for the price and good selection. If the store is messy (oops did I say that??) after a busy Saturday or Sunday, we tolerate it because it is a discount store and they make no bones about it. I see Red Star as somewhere between Target and Wal-Mart. <sorry about the comparison Sam>.

PS I sold Cameras and men's gifts in the early 70's at Oakbrook and Old Orchard. We are talking 35mm Nikon, Canon, Minolta, Kodak, along wiht Ronson, Underhill etc. It was a class operation and while cameras were eventually pulled when camera chain/discount stores could sell much cheaper, Fields always competed in clothing and housewares and gifts. Fine Jewelry and Silver matched CD Peacock and other high end stores. The Bridal registry was as one posting put it, part of wedding dreams for countless young women. I remember the anticipation as a chlid every year of the trip to the 4th floor at Christmas to see the new LIONEL trains and new layout. One of the long time salesmen on 4 was actually a magician, and kept all the kids entertained. Yes, another era, but it was Marshall Fields after all !!!

JACK

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  9:31 pm CT
Posted by: http://www.forbes.com/leadership/2007/11/26/retail-stores-lundgren-lead-manage-cx_mk_1126macys.html

If this is not pro-Macy's I dont know what is. I am so sick of the press giving Lundgren and his knuckleheads free advertising. He is so egotistical is makes me sick. Just admit you made a mistake and bring back Marshall Fields and the other "pockets" where you are losing money hand over fist. Does Burdines ring a bell in your Florida "pocket"? How about Foley's in your Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arizona "pocket"? Rich's in Atlanta? Bullocks/Bullocks Wilshire, I Magnin, The Broadway, Robinsons, May Co, Emporium and Weinstocks in your California "pocket"? I wonder where the anti trust watchdogs were when Macy's was allowed to eliminate virtually every hometown department store across the country?

At the beginning of the 1990s we had several thousand independent regional department stores. Now we have 5 (BonTon, Belk, Dillards, Gottschalks and one I cannot remember). Is something wrong with this picture?

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  8:47 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

Wednesday's Tribune had inside a mini Macy's catalogue titled "Perfect Gift Sale" As I tossed it in the recycling bin I said aloud, "The only perfect gift from Macy's would be to have our Marshall Field's back."

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  8:15 pm CT
Posted by: Michael R

After listening to the Bob Sirott interview with Ralph Hughes---that Darrid was so kind to post a link for---it seems that Mr Hughes may be a big part of the problem. He states that Field's client base was eroding while he was present, AND (unable to convince Federated that the Chicago market was unique) he has continued to lose clients by propping up the illusion that Macys is an acceptable replacement.

Yeah, Mr. Hughes, you did fail to tell Chicago who Macys was. But, how do you tell your clientelle you're going to offer them mediocre, overpriced product? How do you lure established customers to experience stolen traditions after you've told them you no longer care to cater to their desires? You may believe that Marshall Fields will not return, but Macys will not exist in Chicago if it doesn't.

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  8:07 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

Some interesting math here.

The 2003 Target annual report stated that Marshall FieldC-s accounted for 6% of Target CorporationsC- annual revenues of $48,163 million (or $2,890 million).

If Macy NorthC-s annual revenues are only $2,266 million (per DarridC-s posting and including one extra store), that means sales have decreased 21.5% for the entire Marshall FieldC-s chain since 2003.

Since we know that sales INCREASED during the last year of TargetC-s ownership and perhaps increased further under the year of MayC-s ownership, it follows that MacyC-s has lost even more sales, possibly driving ONE QUARTER of Marshall FieldC-s sales away.

This is CHAIN WIDE. Assuming that the loss of sales in smaller cities with limited competition is not as bad as the loss of sales in Chicago, Minneapolis and Detroit, one could also assume that the loss of sales in these larger cities is closer to ONE THIRD or perhaps even more.

ONE THIRD!!!!

Where is MacyC-s Board of Directors? Where are MacyC-s institutional investors?

If I were one of the directors or investors of a company that paid over $3 billion for another company only to see one-quarter of its sales evaporate (insert poof sound here) in one year, IC-d be outside Terry LunkheadC-s office with some tar, some feathers, a baseball bat and a noose.

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  7:12 pm CT
Posted by: denise rule

http://www.oprah.com/community/thread/9269 here's a link to Oprah's message boards. i started a thread about her using the m store again on today's show ("thanx to macy's for all the clothes for today's show" and then they show a shot, current, Christmas-ey, of our Marshall Field's bldg, with all those little red circles hanging in the bugles.....) anyway, would be nice to have more than just my comment there! you have to register to comment on the boards but it's a one time thing and then you just sign in. as always, the more the better. i also wrote an e-mail to abc, since the "View" ALSO used macy's macy's macy's in their show today, especially m.stewart, "exclusively at macy's". also e-mailed the "View" separately, at their website. i think the Oprah factor is the most important, at least to me.

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  6:51 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

to David: Thanks for your kind words, but I want to clarify: there are two Gail/Gayle postings here. I am Gayle (with a y) and I post (rant) here most often, and have attended most of the protests. The other Gail (with an i)is our angel who funds and distributes the buttons, bumper stickers, and lapel stickers, and who is one of the major powers behind this movement (next to Jim, of course).

I don't want for one second to take any of the recognition for all of Gail's efforts and generosity.

I wholeheartedly agree that this blog is filled with warm and insightful people. I feel like so many of you are friends, and think it's wonderful that such a diverse group can come together for a shared purpose.

warm regards to all!

gayle (not Gail)

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  6:42 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

Hello Field's Fans,

I saw the Oprah show today for the first in a long while. I see 'that' store at 111 North State is an advertiser. I immediately sent her a very nice email expressing my disappointment.

KEEP UP THE FIGHT!

Doris

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  6:27 pm CT
Posted by: denise rule

just listened to bob sirroit's interview with hughes on the wgn site. i actually got a sick feeling when i listened to hughes talk about the whole Frango operation, blah blah blah. i would so rather the candy not exist at all than be associated in anyway with macy's. same with the Great Tree and the Walnut Room and absolutely everything Field's. i just sceeve the whole idea of everything macy's touches.

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  6:14 pm CT
Posted by: Marianne

I arrived downtown this afternoon for an appointment in the Loop and parked at the lot on Randolph across from messy's. What a shock! First of all, there were tons of spaces on the 2nd level, and then, no cabs across the street at the cab stand. In the past, after Thanksgiving, Field's was always full of shoppers, and there were always 3-6 cabs dropping people off or picking them up on the Randolph side. Just for the heck of it, I decided to walk through messy's to see how they're doing. There was some foot traffic, but no shopping bags from messy's. I saw several from Old Navy and Filene's Basement, though, so I guess everyone else was doing what I was doing, just walking through the store to keep warm. Out on Washington and Wabash, still no Macy's bags. It was kind of eerie. In the past, everywhere you went in the Loop, you saw people with green Marshall Field's bags. If it had been Field's instead of messy's I walked through, I probably would have had a green bag or two myself. Oh, for the good old days. I must say, from the look of things, messy's isn't going to make it.

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  5:11 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Crunching the numbers...

Out of the Macy's divisions, Macy's North is the second highest for sales per store. I would also assume the higher sales for Macy's East because of the flagship in NYC.

100 stores, Bloomingdale's and former Field's stores, control almost 20% of sales. What the does that tell you? LOL

It will be interesting to see how 2007 looks. Macy's North is almost totally unique to look at since there is only one store in that division that wasn't a Field's, I believe a location in Northern Indiana. So we should definitely be able to see what happens with former Field's as opposed to the remainder of the country where there were conglomerations.

The former Field's market should be high on Wall Street's radar!

Store / Division # of Stores Sales Avg Sales Per Store % of Total Sales % of Stores # of Employees Emp/Sales

Bloomingdales 40 $2,317,000,000.00 $57,925,000.00 9% 5% 12,200 $189,918.03

Macy's East 189 $7,193,000,000.00 $38,058,201.06 27% 22% 43,600 $164,977.06

Macy's North 62 $2,266,000,000.00 $36,548,387.10 9% 7% 18,100 $125,193.37

Macy's West 195 $6,000,200,000.00 $30,770,256.41 23% 23% 38,900 $154,246.79

Macy's Florida 62 $1,756,000,000.00 $28,322,580.65 7% 7% 9,900 $177,373.74

Macy's South 136 $3,808,000,000.00 $28,000,000.00 14% 16% 22,500 $169,244.44

Macy's Northwest 67 $1,369,000,000.00 $20,432,835.82 5% 8% 9,500 $144,105.26

Macy's Midwest 113 $1,809,000,000.00 $16,008,849.56 7% 13% 17,600 $102,784.09

Totals 864 $26,518,200,000.00 $30,692,361.11 100% 100%

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  5:14 pm CT
Posted by: Vikki L S

Macy's has been eating up one fine department store after another in areas I have lived (Denver, Atlanta, Florida, Chicago). I am so tired of the uninviting stores, cheap merchandise and poor service I never even consider going in. The loss of MF is the last straw. Although I am no longer in Chicago,my support is with you all!

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  4:11 pm CT
Posted by: gle

I listened to Bob Sirott's interview with Ralph Hughes on WGN.com yesterday, with mixed feelings.

Does Ralph Hughes think people can't see? He said Messy's failed to emphasize what they had to offer and concentrated on the best of what was still Field's. It seemed obvious to me from day one that Messy's was cheap trendy trash that seemed to target 12-year-olds and didn't care about anybody else, especially Field's. I did not notice any love for the best of Field's.

While Bob Sirott did confront Hughes about the possibility of returning to Field's (which Hughes said he didn't think would happen), I thought he was way too sympathetic towards him.

Also, I was unable to find a link on WGN.com to the interview with Field's Fans. Is there one? That should have been on the web as well. Some people have to work at 12:30 when that interview was supposed to be aired.

There is a tremendous market for the return of Marshall Field's whether Messy's wants to see it or not. I have to hand out buttons almost every place I go. It is becoming as routine a part of interacting as saying "thank you, have a nice day!"

Look forward to our protest Sunday, December 2 at Noon!

[Note from Jim:
I suspect that yesterday's interview with FieldsFansChicago.org will be on their website shortly.

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  4:05 pm CT
Posted by: Joe Dugan

I just wanted to let you know that while I was watching Oprah (with the wieght loss stories) this afternoon on WABC TV Channel 7 in NYC,

there was one segment called the Best Life Weight Loss plan, and at the end of the segemnt, she said "Thank You Macy's", with a shot of the State Street Store.

SHAME!!!! SHAME!!! SHAME!!!!

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  3:45 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

I know a lot of people will disagree, but I actually would have continued shopping at 111 N. State had Macy's ONLY changed the name. Not being originally from Chicago, I'm not caught up much in the Chicago / New York rivalry. I like New York. I like to visit, go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, see a Broadway show, do a bit of shopping and then after about four days of insanity, I like to come home to a city less electric but immensely more liveable.

But Macy's did more than just change the name. Some changes were little, like doing away with complimentary beverages for Regards cardholders and substituting cheap plastic bags for sturdier paper shopping bags. Other changes were significant like doing away with most high-end merchandise and trusted private label brands like Field Gear. The end result is, well, another JC Penney (except that JC Penney is actually organized, clean and well-staffed).

So a name change back, to Macy's at Marshall Field's, Macy's Marshall Field's or just plain Marshall Field's isn't going to get me to shop there again. If I'm going to pay department store prices, then I expect department store quality merchandise and a department store quality experience. Having been to both Herald Square and Union Square years before this nonsense happened, I know that Macy's can't deliever either. So I get my department store fix at Nordstrom now and my discount store fix at Target.

Macy's has simply fallen off my retail radar screen, much like GAP and Sears. Terry Lunkhead and his cronies don't realize what their own employees already know: that Macy's doesn't sell what customers want any more.

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  3:15 pm CT
Posted by: Cheryl Stevens

Here is an email I wrote and sent out to those in my address book. If you would like to, copy and paste and send it along!

___________

Some things should not be changed, period.

Take Marshall Fields, it was a different kind of department store. There was a special aura within every one, especially the State Street location. It was an institution, a feeder root, a tradition, a religion (for the true meaning of the word), a cathedral where Chicagoans placed their hearts.

The Macy's people are now realizing they have severed an artery.

Click here for more info and absolutely free and effortless ways you can help.

http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/

And please, pass this along. You just may "get what you want."*

(your name here)

*"Marshall Field was famous for his slogan "Give the lady what she wants." He was also famous for his integrity, character and community philanthropy and leadership."

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  8:19 am CT
Posted by: Mitch

Is it me or has anyone else noticed this. When we see ralph Hughes or Frank Guzzetta in the media they are wearing black, or near black suits. When we see Terry Lundgren he's always wearing white. If this is true I think there's a lot wrong beneath the surface.

I notice that Mssrs. Hughes and Guzzetta are never smiling when they're interviewed, or appear in print.

I read the blog spot posted earlier concerning "Caretaker Managements." My first experience seeing this was sum 36 years ago with the forming of Amtrak. All the personalities of the regional railroads' passenger trains were slowly mereged into one. It hasn't worked well. I've seen this recently with certain restaurants. They change names, refer to themselves as "trendy," put in loud music, pile the food high in the center of a plate that could seat 5, squiggle some sauce all over the place and declare themselves, "Oz One, Wizard De Luxe." They then go merrily out of business after many years as an "institution." They'll do anything but improve the food and service. Sound familiar?

My best regards to all,

Mitch

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  7:02 am CT
Posted by: Duane Waller

I wholeheartedley agree with DarrylE. I, too, am a native New Yorker (insert rousing boo chorus here), and have lamented the loss of the REAL Macy's since 1985 or so. When I arrievd in Chicago in 1989, I was thrilled to see that there was a local upscale retailer that was unique and genuine, kinda like what Macy's was before they went low-rent. Relatives loved the Field's branded merchandise that I would send as holiday gifts. "More Frangos!" was a comment sentiment.

Now, if I do go to a Macys (I've been to the State Street store once, to see how they killed it), all I see is a select few pieces of high-end merchandise, lost in a sea of questionable-quality junk. I've seen neater displays at the flea market. How very very sad.

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  1:46 am CT
Posted by: David

Folks:

As I read today's comments I am struck by many things. First, by the number of new people posting and the warmth and insight of their remarks- all of which remain consistent with previous posters.

I am always heartened by the generosity and clarity of Gayle's comments and deeds- my God...how many buttons, stickers etc. has she given out? And the decency that Jim McKay (don't edit this out Jim! Russian and US Gov afford us enough censorship) demonstrates in his interviews and posts. Bravo Bob Sirot-and Roger Ebert(it'd be nice to hear from you again on this subject).

I have learned SO much via this website and I am so proud to be a Chicagoan, former New Yorker and Kansan: all of which had local, luxurious and community-loyal department stores that eventually went the way of capitalism-gone-astray (e.g. "B. Altman's" in NYC, "Marshall Field's" in Chicago and "The Jones Store" in Kansas City among others).

As I tugged on the bundle of over-crowded catalogs stuffed in my mailbox this evening, I took note of the fact that the delivery no longer includes the semi-glamourous bribes to an "exclusive...valued,preferred customer"..,"breakfast with Santa" (a Field's tradition bastardized) shopping excursion at "macy's". No such reality ever existed. My loyalty ended the day Marshall Field's signs went down; however, the effort on macy's part remained. And who could blame them? I and countless others had spent small fortunes at "Marshall Field's". They (macy's) have stopped courting me- and THANK GOD! I suppose they've "surrendered" me to their "Bloomingdale's" market as I still get those solicitations. Truthfully, I never disliked Bloomie's, but I usually wound up at Field's for a better selection- if I hadn't just gone there in the first place. Knowing the connection of the macy's/bloomingdale's federated bond, I just avoid them altogether today. Good for Nordstrom's etc., but sad for the local identity and the individual.

God bless ALL of you and this effort- not for materialism, as some would suggest- but, for having the COURAGE and CONVICTION- and, yes, GOOD TASTE- to support that which touches ALL of our souls, our own spirits of giving at Christmas and ALL year-round. You are truly an exceptionally special group of people!!!

Thank you,

David

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  12:59 am CT
Posted by: Da Burgh

Although I would never own Macy's stock, does someone know the details of how many shares one has to own to bring a proposal to the shareholders meeting? Perhaps by owning some shares of Macy's Inc. we can write and present a proposal asking for the sale of Macy's North. Of course it wouldn't be a good financial investment since the stock is ever-falling! but it may be what's needed to get Field's back.

I remember seeing a program on public TV about how some environmentalists purchased a company's stock to help change the company's by-laws regarding the environment. It resulted in positive changes.

Date: Wed, November 28, 2007  12:10 am CT
Posted by: Darrid

Did anyone catch this on 11/23? Bob Sirott interviewed Ralph Hughes.

http://caster.wgnradio.com/podcasts/noonpod-010-071123.mp3

Seems to me that Ralph blatantly lied about so much! (or maybe he was just wasted)

Said basically, that the brands changed all the time and that this was no change from Field's. Well then isn't it time that Alfani, Charter Club and INC hit the curb? Where is the Dolce, Prada and well-made Field Gear?

He also said service is the same. Macy's is renowned for it's piss-poor service! There is no comparison to Field's whatsoever!

Listening to it just got me furious! Are these people all on crack? Get real Macy's execs and look at your stock price! Hello!

Unless you dump the Chicago market soon, you will totally fall on your ass!

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  10:36 pm CT
Posted by: Da Burgh

Thanks to Jon C for the link to the article "Macy's Bites the Dust." The first two words of the title describe the feelings of many people toward that dump--"Macy's Bites!"

The article is an excellent commentary, as is Mr. Frankel's 2005 analysis in which he predicts the failure of the macy-ization program:

http://robfrankel.blogspot.com/2005_09_01_archive.html

That Terry Lunkhead and his board of directors would ignore the warnings of customers, retail analysts and columnists demonstrated their arrogance and isolation from reality. How much longer are shareholders and pro-macy Wall Streeters going to accept his excuses?

As Mr. Frankel so clearly states, Lunkhead has destroyed local retail icons across the nation. What he has offered in return is a nationwide chain of nondescript, generic, boring, overpriced discount stores. Lunkhead's macy-ization program was the answer for which there was no problem. JC Penney, Kohl's, Sears, Target and others are well-established nationwide retailers, and they fill a certain need for consumers. On the other hand, the regional department stores offered something unique and distinctive to a particular area of the country. The public simply DIDN'T need another national chain of department stores--especially a store as poorly operated and merchandised as macy's.

While the organized Marshall Fields boycott is making a great impact, macy's arrogance, clueless leadership and ineffective marketing have also driven shoppers away. We can only hope that DISMAL HOLIDAY SALES will force the stockholders to demand the firing of Lunkhead and the restoration of quality and tradition. Obviously Lunkhead's "One size fits all" theory hasn't worked and won't work!

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  10:19 pm CT
Posted by: gmjdt

I saw the people passing out the flyers and buttons on black friday.

I'm back in Tampa now but just wanted to say that I saw the effort being made and I applaude it

I will wear my "Forever Marshall Field's" button with pride.

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  10:12 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

If Macy's were to voluntarily take action to ensure that Marshall Field's were restored, rather than to broadcast Macy's failure, this could be perceived (and spun by Macy's impressive PR machinery) as a show of Macy's ability to respond to customers and respect for Chicago's unique relationship and powerful bond with Marshall Field's.

Granted many cities lost cherished and historic department stores, but none of the other stores eliminated by Macy's were known for standards of quality, luxury and service comparable to Marshall Field's, and none had such rich histories nor demonstrated such grand generosity with their home cities as has Marshall Field's with Chicago. Not that Macy's name and merchandise changes are acceptable elsewhere, but the changes to Field's involved significantly greater downgrades and Field's history in Chicago and world-wide reputation puts Field's in a league all by itself. Perhaps this provides justification for Macy's to restore Field's, but not all of the other May Company stores.

Perhaps Macy's would earn some admiration for restoring Field's and counter some of the anger and disdain that now tarnishes any improvements Macy's tries to make to their stores and their image. Macy's would be free to continue to adapt and improve other stores, perhaps meeting less resistance having proven its willingness to listen to customers.

An added benefit to Macy's would likely be the increase in revenues at former Field's stores, all of which appear to be underperforming, and perhaps a decrease in the negative press that's fueled by the constant efforts of loyal Marshall Field's customes and Field's Fans everywhere.

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  9:35 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston

Take a look at this free pro macy's garbage in Forbes:

http://www.forbes.com/leadership/2007/11/26/retail-stores-lundgren-lead-manage-cx_mk_1126macys.html

I am so sick of the press giving Lundgren a free ride in marketing his trash. His ego is so enormous already and the "reporter" just plays into that with his questions. Wait till you read about the "weakness" in the midwest and pockets like Florida. It is always an excuse.

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  9:33 pm CT
Posted by: Daniel W. Harcourt II

It was so nice earlier today when while I was shopping at Carsons in the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg several people noticed and asked where they could get one of my 'I want my Marshall Fields' buttons-which I always wear on my coat. Naturally, I wrote down the web address for Fieldsfanschicago! Myself and four other people, one was a Carsons employee and three were other shoppers, all reminisced with me fond memories of Marshall Fields. I know that it helped make this holiday season a bit brighter for me and I can't help but to believe that it brightened their holiday as well. Marshall Fields truly is Chicago! The sooner Macy's accepts that, the sooner they'll see my money-and I suspect there are A LOT of other Fields Fans who feel the same way!

Daniel W. Harcourt II
Schaumburg, IL

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  9:26 pm CT
Posted by: MJA1951

My wife and I were downtown today. We went into M***'s to look around. I was surprised at how many Marshall Field's references there are on the 7th floor near the entrance to the Walnut room. There are two exhibits on the walls, one with quotes from famous people about Fields and one with a State Street that Great Street theme touting the man Field's firsts.

I was shocked at how they think they could come in and destroy the Field's name and everything it stood for, then have constant reminders about how great Field's was.

We also noted at 11:30 am there was no wait to get into the Walnut Room. Much different then when it was Fields.

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  9:17 pm CT
Posted by: Nathan

I don't know if this was mentioned, but I noticed something that made me smile as I was walking by the Nutcracker display. In the window where the characters are flying over the Marshall Field's building, I noticed that the building has green awnings! Looks as if MacyC-s made a mistake again. That will be the only thing I see at Macy's that will put a smile on my face!

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  7:43 pm CT
Posted by: Jim

Blogger Larry Horist writes an excellent one about Macy's, Field's and Christmas.

http://www.larryswire.blogspot.com

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  7:24 pm CT
Posted by: GF

Although I live downstate now and could go to Macy's or Bloomingdale's, I refuse to go. I grew up in Chicago and we went to Fields often. My mother shopped downtown and the truck from Fields would come to the suburbs with her purchases. I will never forget the wonderful corner windows they had back then and I own a cookie jar shaped like the Fields clock and it stands in a prominent place in my home.

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  6:38 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

A young woman we know got engaged recently and she stopped over after dinner on Thanksgiving to show off her beautiful diamond ring. She was absolutely glowing. Somebody asked if she was "registered" yet. A small sad look came over her face. She told us that ever since she was a little girl (and long before she had any idea who she would marry) she always imagined herself going through all the wonderful departments at State Street and signing up for the Marshall Field's Bridal Registry. In her mind she had pictured the dark green delivery truck showing up at her parents' door, and then she would open boxes with the Marshall Field's ribbons and wrappings to find the treasures inside which would be used in her "new" home.

She told us she has not registered yet--probably will do so at both Crate and Barrel and Target. She said she just can't bring herself to register at Macy's, because it will make her too sad. She is quite irritated that she and her fiance have been deprived of this long-held Chicago tradition of "registering at Field's".

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  6:17 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

To Christopher W: to answer your question regarding the name Macy's-Field's...although that MIGHT have been acceptable to some in the very beginning, and then only if they maintained the same level of quality, that would never be acceptable now. Far too much damage has been done to the brand at Macy's hands. I used to say that I would return if they changed back the name, but now I realize it would take much more than that: a return to the quality, the brands, the reputation, the service, and the level of TRUST and RESPECT that Field's had earned in the eyes of consumers. I doubt I could ever feel that way about Macy's, even if they cleaned up their act with the superficial points.

I'd also like to point out that this goes way beyond the State Street store. Although 111 N. State is the icon, it represents a slew of other stores across the country. I want my Marshall Field's Oak Brook back, and James in MPLS wants his store back, and Drew in PA wants his stores back, and on and on across the country. People want Burdine's and Foley's and Kaufmann's and Lazarus and so on. Heck, people in NY want their old Macy's back!

I don't know if anyone can undo the damage that Federated/Macy's has caused, but it's my fervent hope that some investors buy the old Field's stores and return them to their former glory. Then we can start work on Lazarus and Burdine's and the rest...;-)

Thansk for your support!

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  5:38 pm CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago.org

A representative from FieldsFansChicago.org was on Bob Sirott's noon hour radio show on WGN AM 720 today. Bob mentioned this web site several times and also this Sunday's protest rally.

Among the points made by FieldsFansChicago.org was that if Macy's were ever to close State Street, they basically would be sending a message that the Macy's merger was a failure. Since the store was the to be the third major flagship, it would be a highly visible symbol of failure of Lundgren and his team. It would also devalue the building and the trademarks associated with Marshall Field's since the highest and best use of the building would be as Field's. Effectively, such an action would devalue Macy's stock.

Other interesting things were said.

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  5:28 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

Hello Field's Fans,

I wish I could be there but I am still recovering! Be prepared to hand out thousands of buttons between now and Christmas. I suspect people will be giving them away as gifts--or you may want to suggest this.

Doris

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  5:22 pm CT
Posted by: Philip E

In regard to the Marshall Field apartments, they are a couple of blocks West of Wells Street and just South of North Avenue on Chicago's North Side.

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  4:24 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston

This is an interesting note in a new report on Plain Vanilla Shell today:

Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Dollar General and Target have posted big gains in brand image within the past five years, according to CoreBrand, a Conn.-based research firm that compiles an annual index of 1,200 U.S. brands.

Macy's, meanwhile, has watched its brand equity drop from 4.6 percent of its market capitalization in 2002 to less than 2 percent this year. Changing from Federated to Macy's could help boost its brand in numerous markets, including Greater Kansas City.

Could it be that the rest of the country absolutely despises Macy's as the "terminator" of the nation's oldest and most beloved department stores? Hmmmmmm....

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  1:53 pm CT
Posted by: Darryl E

I grew up in New York City; moved to Chicago in the mid 1980s. My first job was at Macy's during the Christmas season of 1980 -- the toy department at the height of the Cabbage Patch doll craze. Talk about initiation by fire! Two years later the very first charge account I ever had was at Macy's. Back then Macy's was quite respectable, a middle- to upper-middle-market store, with much the same reputation locally that Field's had in Chicago. I still have several Macy's store-brand shirts and sweaters in my closet. They are very well made, hold up well in the washer/dry cleaners, and were more than worth every penny I spent on them. They bear labels with "Macy*s Mens Store" proudly stitched in white on a maroon background. At the time, Macy's aspired to be more upscale, to become more like uptown rival Bloomingdale's.

Fast forward 25 years...

Macy's/Federated store brand merchandise today is, by all accounts, cheaply made and not worth the price. Instead of letting their name speak for itself, they hide behind pseudobrands like Alfani and Charter Club. Lundgren & Co. think they can make their brands more attractive by using celebrity endorsements and coupons with a page of fine-print exclusions. They announce abandoning all attempts to keep the Field's customer base and strive to become more downscale by promoting a brand that didn't save K Mart from bankruptcy and takeover (Hi, Martha!). And that is just what they have done to their customers; I'll leave it to others to describe what they have done to their employees, suppliers, and lesees.

The main complaint that posters to this blog have is not a matter of Chicago-style-versus-New York-style retailing, or at least, it shouldn't be. Not until Federated acquired Macy's and decided to merge every department store they could get their hands on into one big chain did things really start to go downhill. The original New York Macy's as it existed from the 19th century until the mid-1980s is long gone. New Yorkers lament the direction Macy's/Federated has taken stores in that market about as much as Midwesterners do here. In addition to downgrading the original Macy's, the Federated Powers That Be eliminated a number of local nameplates (Long Island's Stern's, Brooklyn's Abraham & Straus, and New Jersey's Bamberger's) and replaced them all with the current incarnation of Macy's -- after lots of layoffs and store closings, of course.

Ugh.

Is it any wonder that JC Penney, which never had any stores in NYC (just in the suburbs), is rumored to be planning to open in the old Gimbels/A&S space on 33rd Street in Manhattan -- one block from Macy's Herald Square flagship?

In summary, as a former New Yorker and current Chicagoan, I say,

BRING BACK FIELD'S! BOYCOTT MACY'S!

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  2:05 pm CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

Consumer confidence is down this holiday season. Retail experts point out people will limit spending to retailers who they know and trust...to get the most out of every gift dollar. People trusted Marshall Field's for value, service, style and selection. More the reason to loose the red star, the black awnings, stores full of overpriced, poorly made goods and bring back Marshall Fields.

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  10:50 am CT
Posted by: gle

Our latest press release looks great!

As Christmas decorations go up in downtown Chicago, I start remembering my first trip to Marshall Field's at age five in 1959. At that age everything looks twice as big, and I was overwhelmed by Santa's cottage and the seemingly endless toy department. When I outgrew Santa, the trim-a-home department became my Christmas favorite--a entire forest fairyland of twinkling lights and glitzy shapes. In the 1980's I started working downtown, and had opportunity to wander through Field's whenever I chose to look for something to take home. I almost had to fight for camera space to view the ever-popular Christmas windows. I learned to head for the Walnut Room as soon as the tree went up to avoid lines that stretched the closer it got to Christmas. When an announcement went out that 2005 would be the last Christmas as Marshall Field's, the Walnut Room crowd was as hugh in November as on Christmas Eve. I had to celebrate my November birthday in the Frango Cafe--it was impossible to get near the Walnut Room.

I am still adding to Field's memories by attending our Field's Fan rallys on State Street, meeting and working with some really dedicated and interesting people and knowing that the business community has got to take notice there is a tremendous market for the return of Marshall Field's. This is about the future, not something dead and gone to be left in the past.

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  10:38 am CT
Posted by: Nina G

The Marshall Field Apartments are alive and well on the Near North Side, in the "Old Town" neighborhood south of North Ave. and west of Wells...sorry, don't know the exact address..can someone help me out?

Date: Tue, November 27, 2007  10:04 am CT
Posted by: Noam F

Hey Fieldsfans!

I must be your sole supporter in Wilkes Barre, PA! I know it's hard for me to do that 'round here (most people in NE PA laugh when you mention anything about Chicago and then continue to go blah blah blah about NYC, Teanek, & other trivialities), but it's the right thing to do.

As a feeble minded 18 yr old, I've made a few observations. When I went to the mall to see what happened to their Macys (formerly some other store that was much better), I found out that nobody, including my age group that doesn't give a damn, shopped there. Two people came in and left during the course of a half hour. Bargain items were overpriced to match a level of "class" the former store had. Frango mints were collecting dust next to cashiers who looked lonely and begged their customers to rate their "quality" of service. But above all, Macys was not getting business.

So UNCONSCIOUSLY, Wilkes Barre giving all the support they can!

[ Note from Jim:
You're not alone in the area. Several months ago, someone in Scranton requested a bunch of leaflets and several bumper stickers to distribute.

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  11:28 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C.

A reknown branding expert, Rob Frankel, predicted that Federated Department Stores plan to consolidate the entrenched regional department store brand names into one macy's brand name was doomed from the start. He explained that Terry Lundgren failed to comprehend the extreme importance of venerable brand names in department stores across the U.S. Lundgren and macy's, Inc. is now suffering as a result of that blunder. Hopefully, the title of his article "Macy's Bites the Dust" foretells the near future!

http://robfrankel.blogspot.com/2007/07/macys-bites-dust.html

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  11:14 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff R

"Marshall Field's by Macy's" would be like "BMW by Buick"

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  11:11 pm CT
Posted by: Mike M

In response to the question below, the Marshall Field Garden Apartments are indeed STILL STANDING. They are located in the Old Town neighborood, just west of the busiest part of Wells Street. Just go to the corner of Shiller and Sedgewick and you will be there.

The Marshall Field Garden Apartments occupy more than a city block and have several hundred residences, all of which are government-subsidized housing units. The complex is 100 per cent African-American or at least close to that percentage.

This complex was one of the countries first large-scale housing developments for low-to-middle income citizens, thus predating the concept of the government-funded "housing projects." It is the North Side's counterpart to the Rosenwald Apartments, which are located at 47th and Michigan.

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  11:10 pm CT
Posted by: L. Grand

To Christopher W. who asked if MF fans would tolerate "Macy's Marshall Field's" as a name on the store. First of all I would like to say THANK YOU! for your support, Christopher! It's been good to see so many new people post on this site from all over the country!

As for the naming of the store as "Macy's Marshall Field's" I can only speak for myself here, but I would not like that at all for a couple of reasons. First, Macy's has already commandeered Marshall Field's many traditions, trying to pass them off as their own. This has added insult to injury. Secondly, Marshall Field's is as Chicago as it gets so MF should have been left as the icon it has been for over a century. I must say also that I actually cannot stand to say "Macy's." It has become an utterance that actually disgusts me to hear, especially coming from my own mouth. As is evident from many a Field's Fan's comments, some cannot even bring themselves to type all of the letters of that name as it has become reprehensible in its association; another reason the "Macy's Marshall Field's" name would likely not be acceptable by many, if not most, if not all Field's Fans. I know it would not be acceptable to me.

Marshall Field's set the standards for department stores' excellence in service, selection, and style. For that reason, it should stand as before: a world class institution and destination, needing no implied boost by the use of any name in front of it, nor behind it.

Once again, Christopher - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Personally, I'd like to see everyone get back (by taking back?) their regional stores and respective nameplates, including Burdine's, the Florida Store. Who knows? That could happen too! Marshall Field's Fans are real and many and very proactive, not to mention doggedly determined to see Marshall Field's returned and restored. We may be seeing more and more passionate appeals and protests occurring in other markets as well as people realize that they really can make a difference!

We plan to be there for the protest on the 2nd!

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  10:33 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

So what do you suppose Terry Lundgren and his lieutenants say to each other when they are in private behind the closed doors of the executive suite? Do you think they say, "Wow, that Donald Trump suit you're wearing looks really fabulous on you!"? Do you think they say, "Man oh man, I'm sure glad we bought all that Macy's stock when it was at $48.00 last year!"? Do you think they say, "Boy, it sure was a good idea to rename Marshall Field's."?

No, I don't think so either.

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  10:33 pm CT
Posted by: JasonM

I walked past the Macy's on State Street and noticed the window display - the one with the Frango mints made into a Christmas tree. Some of the boxes said Marshall Field's. Some didn't. I couldn't tell what was going on - are they going to be labeled as MF or not? Didn't matter anyway I haven't stepped into ANY Macy's (or Bloomingdale's) across the country since the conversion. In fact in my entire life I've only purchased one thing from Macy's. That was a pair of khakis at Mall of America in 2003 or so... so even before Macy's messed everything up... I still didn't find it appealing.

Yearning for the days of Marshall Field's again. Bring back Field's - in name, quality, and service.

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  10:31 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston

Over the Thanksgiving weekend my sister in law from northeast Texas (near Tyler/Marshall) brought up Macy's. She said she cannot stand them due to the lack of quality merchandise and the rude salespeople. Ever since the changeover from Foley's she avoids them entirely. She used to make a special trip to Tyler just to go to Foley's. Now she doesnt bother. This goes to show the boycott of Macy's is being felt in all regions. I honestly do not see how over half of the old Foley's stores can remain open given their sad state and lack of customers. The Houston Galleria, the first "galleria" in the nation, has 2 Macy's (one was a new Foley's).I am sure Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue are enjoying the new customers! By the way, the Saks space in the Galleria used to be our very own Marshall Fields, which we sadly miss. Keep up the boycott!!!

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  9:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jack K

Another letter in Crain's Chicago Business today fom a Joe Hosteny suggesting that Guzzetta thinks we in the midwest CARE about what Martha Stewart, P-Diddy, the Trumpster and Jessica Simpson have to peddle or think. WRONG. Historically Marshall Field's customers were everyman and everywoman. The "budget floor" carried items that still spelled quality, and those folks who had less to spend still could find a nice "gift from Fields" for Christmas or a special occasion. Yes I know that the Budget floor has been gone for a few decades now, but the attitude of having something for everyone was important.

Macy's is synonomous (sp?) with NYC. That is where it BELONGS. Not painting over the mural at Burdine's or disrespecting the values and traditions of the rest of the 49 states. Daytons, Hudsons, the May Stores, Magnins, all were regional names that you would visit to see the DIFFERENCE in the merchandise and merchandising methods. As I see it, Marshall Field's is the finger in the dike for MACY. If we win here in Chicago, what is to stop a movement in Minneapolis, or Florida, or southern California or San Francisco or the Pacific Northwest or Ohio. Their grand scheme to homogonize America fails.

Keep up the great work --- homogenization works for MILK, not for people.

JACK

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  8:59 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

Don't forget that as an iconic and prestigious world-class department store, a restored Marshall Field's would once again enhance Chicago's unique tourism appeal and enhance the city's image as it has for more than 154 years.

Field's magnificent State Street store became the city's third most popular tourist destination because of Field's prestigious reputation and renown as a unique Chicago tradition and experience. Field's earned this acclaim through unwavering loyalty to Chicago and respect for customers, quality and service. Macy's deprived Chicago of an irreplaceable community asset when it closed Marshall Field's.

Many city's are known for their famous stores - London has Harrod's, New York has Bergdorf Goodman and Chicago has Marshall Field's. Of course, Field's contributed more to define Chicago character, culture and style than has any other store for its home city anywhere in the world.

Marshall Field's is much more than just a store, its the heart, soul and pride of Chicago. Macy's may occupy Field's landmark building, but it can never replace the history, traditions and unique appeal of Chicago's own Marshall Field's. Each day that Macy's continues to operate its own stores in Marshall Field's buildings is a day that erodes Chicago's connection to its own unique history and the strengths on which to build and define the character of our city for the future.

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  8:56 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

Here's more about the Marshall Field apartments in Old Town (from the Encyclopaedia of Chicago):

The city's largest philanthropic housing developments are the Michigan Boulevard Garden Apartments, at 47th and Michigan, and the Marshall Field Garden Apartments in Old Town, both built in 1929 and both modeled after the Dunbar Apartments built by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., in 1926 in New York City's Harlem.

The Marshall Field Garden Apartments were at the time the largest moderate-income housing development in the country, with 628 units. This experiment, built by Marshall Field III, aimed not only to provide housing at a reasonable cost but also to provide a catalyst for renewal of the surrounding area. Like the Michigan Boulevard Garden Apartments, the buildings are five-story walk-ups, here in a two-square-block site. Both developments have the feeling of college quadrangles. The project originally included 20 stores, a parking garage for 288 cars, and the progressive Marshall Field School for Children. The tenants had their own newspaper, theater groups, and many clubs. Because of the Great Depression rents had to be lowered, and the development never lived up to the initial modest financial expectations, was never enlarged as planned, and did not stimulate the hoped-for revitalization of the area. Both the Michigan Boulevard and the Marshall Field Garden Apartments remain viable, after several changes in ownership and various renovations through the years.

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  8:50 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C.

Regarding information on the Marshall Field Apartments, requested by Mr. Rex Wicklund...

The Marshall Field Garden Apartments still stand at 1450 N. Sedgwick Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610. Office Phone: 312.335-9420

The remain as yet one more tribute to the legacy of Mr. Marshall Field.

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  8:44 pm CT
Posted by: Michael R

I agree with Gail. Many non-Chicago residents have got to be boycotting Macy's in support of Field's. I was a gold Regards customer at Field's; spending thousands each year. After our Columbus store closed (and even before) we made annual pilgrimages to Chicago to shop at State Street, Watertower and Woodfield. Field's was so special; unlike any other retailer in any city. We haven't stepped foot in Macy's since they extinguished our favorite store. I hold out hope that Marshall Field's will return in all its glory.

Thanksgiving was full of fond memories of Field's shopping trips. Our first "real" china custom ordered from Bernardaud through the Columbus store. A collection of Tiffany sterling and crystal sourced over many trips to State Street, Old Orchard and Woodfield.

Mauvel copper cookware and Marketplace serving pieces (inexpensive, but stylish enough

to stand up to their luxe counterparts.) Every trip to Field's feathered our nest in the best quality and style available. I have to go to five stores to find a similar assortment of quality wares.

I read the postings to this site everyday. Thanks for all the efforts you have put forth in Chicago and elsewhere. Many of us are supporting your boycott in cities hundreds of miles away.

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  8:11 pm CT
Posted by: Erick

I will be there Dec. 2 as well as folks protesting that the Lake Forest Store that is closing in January.

This is a critical holiday season for us to make a statement about the the return of Marhsall Fields so please come and wear or bring something creative that will generate publicity or attention to our cause.

Viva La Boycott!

Happy Holidays

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  7:52 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Seems to me that "What Not to Wear" and "Macy's" would be a perfect fit.

What not to wear = Macy's!

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  7:52 pm CT
Posted by: Marianne

A cousin came in from Milwaukee this past weekend. She said the Boston Store has been busy, just packed!, but when she stopped by Macy's, she couldn't believe how far down the store has come since it was Marshall Field's, which explained to her why there was almost no one shopping there on a day when the Boston Store was packed. She has been slow to come around to our cause, but is now getting it!

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  7:20 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

The Marshall Field apartments are in Old Town. Between Blackhawk & Evergreen and between Segwick & Hudson. About 3 square blocks.

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  6:57 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Today I spent some time at the former Marshall FieldC-s store in downtown ColumbusC- City Center. The store had changed hands from Marshall FieldC-s to KaufmannC-s and now MacyC-s. In 10 days it will close erasing the last of downtown department store shopping in Columbus. A few boutique stores remain, but not much else. Columbus City Center is an example of another failed downtown shopping plaza similar to St. Louis Centre.

Several of the remaining employees worked for Marshall FieldC-s when the store first opened. You can tell by talking to them that they are experienced, seasoned professionals. Finding these types at MacyC-s is increasingly difficult as many have been replaced for lower paying C,cashierC. positions. But go into any MacyC-s in Mid-Ohio and try to find someone to wait on you. Good Luck!

Last week I visited the former Lazarus location at Polaris and glanced through the housewares area. I was shocked when an associate came up to me and asked to help. She then explained that she was watching 3 departments. We chatted about the new line from Martha Stewart, I couldnC-t even walk through the area because itC-s totally hideous. Although green and blue are my favorite colors, their convergence in this area brings on a feeling of nausea. I was really surprised when MacyC-s dropped most of the Cuisinart kitchen accessories line in favor of hers. If I wanted Kmart, I would shop there.

In any event, itC-s sad to see this beautiful location closing. When it was opened, Marshall FieldC-s commissioned a clock to be built similar to the ones on the 111 State Street store in Chicago. Although it doesnC-t have that familiar green itC-s still a great icon of this store and its past. The store also bears resemblance to the State Street store by the fencing that looks down over each floor.

When it comes down to it, MacyC-s (previously Federated) has a history of closing some of these great downtown landmark stores. Here are a few I could think of.

1. Lazarus C1 Columbus City Center - Closed 2004

2. Marshall FieldC-s / KaufmannC-s / MacyC-s C1 Columbus City Center - Closing 2007

3. DavisonsC-s / MacyC-s C1 Peachtree Street Atlanta C1 Closed 2003

4. HorneC-s / Lazarus - Penn Avenue & Stanwix Street Pittsburgh C1 Closed 1995

5. Lazarus - Fifth Avenue & Wood Street Pittsburgh C1 Closed 2004

6. BambergerC-s - 131 Market Street New Jersey C1 Closed 1992

7. RichC-s C1 Downtown Atlanta C1 Closed 1991

Another MacyC-s will be closing soon which was also a previous Marshall FieldC-s / KaufmannC-s location at Tuttle Crossing Mall, (MacyC-s at Hayden Run). The Hayden Run location is much more elegant and inviting than the overcrowded feel you get at the former Lazarus at the other end of the mall. It still bears the Marshall FieldC-s green marble at its entrance. You can tell itC-s slated for closing from the tacky plastic banners hanging on the building. IC-m surprised that Dublin doesnC-t have something to say about that since they are so particular about building and signs. When I moved here I couldnC-t tell where anything was because all buildings must be brick and road signs are practically invisible. Maybe DillardC-s will come in and offer Columbus some choice. Anyway I digress.

I also recently heard the rumor that the former Lazarus (now MacyC-s) at Kingsdale will be closing. This is probably one of the last of the old-school Lazarus buildings left in service. It was built in 1970 and has a unique finish of blue bricks. Although itC-s not a big store, it has some charm of the past. Many of the employees there were also long time Lazarus employees.

In closing, ubiquitous shopping has taken over America. Regional gems such as Marshall FieldC-s, Lazarus, FileneC-s, KaufmannC-s, LS Ayres, Famous-Barr, Burdines, The Bon Marche, StrawbridgeC-s, May, RobinsonC-s, HetchC-s, FoleyC-s, Abraham & Straus, SternC-s, Meier & Frank, HudsonC-s, DaytonC-s, Bonwit Teller, RichC-s are all gone. Yes, you could find some of the same items at each store but the storeC-s presence and name made a shopping trip exciting! Each store had something unique about it. Many of us have wonderful memories about these stores, giving us reasons to go back. Where have the traditions gone that differentiated these stores from JC Penney or Sears? These traditions are what made the store part of their respective communities.

How can MacyC-s think that a big parade will compensate for all the local traditions that have been lost?

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  6:51 pm CT
Posted by: Gail

Here's something Macy's may not realize: A significant portion of its decreased sales around the country may be due to Marshall Field's loyalists. I get a lot of e-mail from retirees in Florida and Arizona, students in Boston and the Bay Area, and folks whose jobs have taken them to various parts of the country. Lots of them are boycotting Macy's there in their new homes. Midwesterners are everywhere. It's not smart to cross them.

Here in San Diego, I've spoken to quite a few people who miss Robinsons-May. But the shoppers who are mad enough to boycott Macy's are the Midwesterners who are upset over the loss of Marshall Field's, not Robinsons-May. Foley's in Houston, Burdine's in Florida and Rich's in Atlanta have some diehards too, but I can't help but believe that Macy's would be doing okay if it had just left Marshall Field's out of the Macy-fication plan. Instead its stock price has plunged. What a mistake!

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  6:09 pm CT
Posted by: Rex Wickland

A cousin sent along a site about historical postcards for all the states in this country. It's a rootsweb.com site. Looking at Chicago residences I found this postcard of the Marshall Field Apartments. Here's the site:

http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/il/cook/postcards/chicago/mfapts.jpg

I have no idea where these apartments were, but I'm guessing south side. Pretty cool to know how much else Mr. Field branched out into. If these still stand, this Chicago native would really like to know where. Love the Forever Marshall Field's button I got on Saturday the 17th.

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  5:56 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Hi, Field's Fans:

I haven't checked in for a while, though I read this blog at least once daily. It is so heartening to hear from so many new voices among the die-hards! I am writing to let you know I am madder than ever and can't wait for our Sunday rally. Weather permitting, I will again be bringing my mannequin! She stands (in dress rehearsal) in my living room, all decked out in her winter holiday outfit. At the one-year anniversary protest, several people suggested names for her, and the one that won out is "Marsha L. Fields." I'll be bringing friends and relatives, and hope you will, too. It is more important than ever that our crowd is seen as large and energetic. I feel it in my bones that this Christmas is crucial. Our boycott is definitely working (absolutely no problem parking in the garage across from the flagship store on Black Friday or since, something unheard of when the store was Marshall Field's. Far fewer macy's bags on the street than Field's bags in the recent past. The boycott is, of course, the bottom line, but it is also important that the media see our protest as alive and boisterous and loyal as ever! Come on down!

Your Friend in Field's,

Zelda

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  5:54 pm CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

WE STORMED THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT!

They were planning to use Macy's Gift cards as raffle prizes at the company holiday party! The horror! So five of us, all wearing our Marshall Field's Forever buttons had a sit down with the HR director and explained - in detail - why giving Macy's gift cards is not a good idea. Success is ours! The business went to Sears, Kohls, J C Penney and Target among others (120+ cards total!). And guess which HR manager is now sporting a Marshall Field bumper sticker on his car?!

This is another way to steer business away from Macy's. Get on planning committees at work and tactfully point out that a Macy's gift card is no gift at all. In addition, company gift baskets for our clients are not coming from Macy's either. Marshall Field's would have received this $4,000 bit of business. Not one red cent will go to Macy's.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Anyone notice the new JC Penney commericals running during Desperate Housewives"? The commericals sure outclass the horrid "Magic of Macy's" spots featuring ex-con Martha (hey, her ornaments are already 50% off!), the Donald and Jessica Simpson.

Macy's is in trouble in several states for not having merchandise advertised during Thanksgiving week promos. Macy's claims "production problems" but many consumer organizations are not falling for it. Those same consumer groups are also focusing on all the "exclusions" in the 6 pt type on every Macy coupon.

Another sign of boycott success: Macy's plan to cut sale events (for everyday value pricing [HA!]) and eliminate coupons was thrown out the window. Just look at all the recent sale events, mailings and coupons (now called shopping passes to fool us).

I agree with a previous post. In Milwaukee, the Boston Store (owned by Bon Ton) was a mad house over the Thanksgiving weekend. Macy's? I bet you already guessed: a ghost town! Wisconsin shoppers are avoiding the Red Star store for the Boston Store brand they know and trust. Shop owners at MayFair Mall are still complaining because traffic flow at the Macy end of the mall is so slow. Hey Macy's, there is a lesson in that for you.

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  3:53 pm CT
Posted by: gle

From the "Akron Beacon Journal" November 23, 2007: Lunkhead admits Messy's is not doing just great.

"Macy's pushes to boost its sales, Retailer is struggling to integrate May stores"

"We are behind where we want to be at this time," Lundgren said of the combination of the two retailers. "We are counting on the fourth quarter to get there."

http://www.ohio.com/business/11781196.html

Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  3:52 pm CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago.ogr

FIELDSFANSCHICAGO.ORG ANNOUNCES
PROTEST RALLY on SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2007

(CHICAGO--November 26, 2007)

What:   RALLY FOR THE BIG COMEBACK--RALLY FOR THE RETURN OF MARSHALL FIELD'S

Where:      "Under the Great Marshall Field's Clock" at the corner of State & Washington

When:       12:00 PM (NOON) until 1:30 PM on Sunday, December 2, 2007

While Chicago sports teams like the Bears and the Bulls have had their ups and downs, it's Chicago's Marshall Field's that has always been viewed worldwide as Chicago's perennial winner for over 150 years.  Marshall Field's was one of Chicago's "championship" institutions and became Chicago's third most popular destination.  Not everyone likes our sports teams--but everyone loves Marshall Field's.

On Dec. 2, 2007--the day the Chicago Bears play the New York Giants in Soldier Field--Chicago will come out to rally for one of the "winningest teams" in its history, Marshall Field's.  Championing pride in all that is Chicago's best, Field's supporters' fifth major protest will be a thrilling rally for "The Big Comeback" of the legendary Chicago store known internationally for the title of best service and quality--Marshall Field's

On Sept. 9, 2006, in a gross display of corporate hubris, that New York department store converted all of Chicago's "Marshall Field's" stores to "Macy's, including the iconic Marshall Field's flagship store on State Street.

Since September 2006, a grassroots boycott has been in effect against Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores until Field's is restored.  The boycott is working.  The business community has since noted a significant decline in sales at Chicago-area Macy's while sales at Macy's competitors have significantly increased.  It's not just Chicagoans that have a deep resistance to the loss of the Marshall Field's name, Marshall Field's way of doing business, and Marshall Field's significantly higher levels of quality merchandise and service.  Field's supporters across the U.S. are boycotting Macy's.  As Macy's has become ubiquitous across the country, 111 N. State St. has been significantly diminished as a unique international destination.

In the past 15 months, the grassroots organization FieldsFansChicago.org has sponsored multiple efforts in support of the return of Marshall Field's.  A total of four major protests have been held so far.  With hundreds participating, the most recent, on Sept. 9, 2007, was the largest yet, demonstrating that support for the return of Marshall Field's continues to grow rather than wane.  Since Fall 2006, Field's Fans have so far distributed over 90,000 leaflets on State Street, at civic events and elsewhere reminding everyone that Field's can indeed come back as the result of a sustained customer boycott of Macy's.  Over 85,000 pin-on buttons, lapel stickers and bumper stickers with slogans such as "Marshall Field's Forever, " "Field's Is Chicago," and "I Want My Marshall Field's" have also been distributed.  These activities have received international media attention, with coverage by Reuters, Associated Press, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, New York Post, CBS Sunday Morning, WGN, National Public Radio, Chicago Public Radio, the local and national television news reports of ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, and more.

FieldsFansChicago.org organizers steadfastly maintain, "As we continue our grassroots efforts to bring back Marshall Field's in all its glory, it is good to keep in mind that in corporate America, anything can happen.  After seven years as part of Daimler, Chrysler is again an independent American auto company.   'AT&T Wireless' became 'Cingular' only to reverse course back to 'AT&T'. Great brands, like the Ford Taurus, can be resurrected after much consumer demand.  And CEOs can admit they've lost touch with giving their customers what they really want, as the CEO of Starbuck's recently did. With the widespread perception that the conversion from Marshall Field's to Macy's is a huge corporate blunder, we look unflinchingly to the future and keep emphasizing that although Field's is gone for now, it can indeed come back--just as Coke did when consumers rejected New Coke.  It is only a matter of time until those visionary business and civic leaders with the needed clout come forward to do what needs to be done.  At Noon, Sunday, December 2, Chicago rallies to reclaim a premier institution, to champion the return of quality and service that is both uniquely Chicago and world-class, and to bring back 'The Title', Marshall Field's".

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, Contact Jim McKay of FieldsFansChicago.org

via email, jjmckay@FieldsFansChicago.org

v. 1.0ffc

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Date: Mon, November 26, 2007  12:42 pm CT
Posted by: Rita M C

I went to Chicago on Friday with my family, we took the train down from the NW suburbs and we window shopped and had dinner as we do every year at this time of year. We all walked in the beautiful city of Chicago, and went past Macy's store and front windows which we always liked to look at when it was Marshall Field's. We also use to go to the Walnut room for lunch, but have no desire to go in the store now that it is under Macy's name. We all have fond memories of Marshall Field's and thought their Christmas themes in their windows were always exceptional. As I saw the windows at Macy's, I thought they did not go to a whole lot of trouble in decorating their windows or have a theme as Marshall Field's did. Macy's is no where close to Marshall Field's. It belongs in Chicago. Field's quality was the best. I'm all for the boycott!!! Rita

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Date: Sun, November 25, 2007  11:55 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

Well, my Christmas shopping is done - forty-seven presents! They came from Saks, Neiman-Marcus, Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, Tiffany's, Leiber, and other high-end retailers. In past years, everything would have come from Marshall Field's. I also would have bought lots of Frango, the Santabears, and a few Field's Christmas ornaments. I did get my 2007 Radko clock. :) [Remember, Saks in Atlanta is selling them.]

I read some recent comments and I noticed that "What Not To Wear" has M***'s as a sponsor. I watched a WNTW marathon one Saturday afternoon, and I only saw ONE makeover candidate even go INTO M***'s - they rode in the cab to Herald Square with their instructions and said out loud, "if I can't find something HERE..."

Guess what - she couldn't. She wandered through the "World's Largest Department Store" and couldn't find anything that suited her needs.

To be fair, a recurring theme is that the person is clueless about shopping using the new guidelines, and doesn't buy much until after the hosts intervene. Whoever steered her toward M***'s as her first stop should have known what would happen.

Each of the makeovers has a page on the web site that shows a list of everything bought - Mexx and Club Monaco are favorites, and almost never do you see that anything was bought at M***'s. Why are they paying money for a show that makes them look bad, or doesn't mention them at all?

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Date: Sun, November 25, 2007  7:08 pm CT
Posted by: No Macy's Fan

Hi, I live in Texas and I assume that this is the historic "Give me back my Marshall Field's Trademark Site"? Yes. Well, I have a story to tell you.

Well, I was going to my mall and then I decided to go to visit some stores like SEARS, JCPenney, and Dillard's all packed, with incredible prices. On the other hand, Macy's, our previous Foley's has NO CUSTOMERS, only 3 of them, looking and then LEAVING.

I don't really know much information about this Marshall Field's, but I want it back so I don't have to be shopping around the US & keep finding Macy's.

Love Ya,

Macy's Fan---Yeah Right!Not really...Not a Macy's Fan

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Date: Sun, November 25, 2007  5:30 pm CT
Posted by: Mike P

I've been reading this site off and on since the "takeover"....figured I would put my 2 cents worth in....

Over the holiday I was actually in New York as I have family on Long Island and up in Connecticut...so while my aunt was working on Friday I had decided to go into the City (NYC) and would eventually meet up with my other aunt and uncle and cousins.

For anyone not familiar with NYC, one of their transportation "hubs" (Penn Station) is close to THE Macy's in Hearld Square...I had decided to go in there to check a few things out.

In a nutshell, I was not overly impressed. The "Nutcracker" windows looked tacky and it seems that Macy's lacks the walking space that Fields here in Chicago had.

I'll give you this much that it was rather crowded....but it looked moreso like they were looking around....although I did see some lines for their basement eating areas. And with the narrow aisles it made getting around the store hard at times.

I mainly went there to see what their Frango setup was like...again not overly impressed...and they charge $22 for a pound versus the $18-$19 I've seen here in Chicago. Felt strange finding a box of Frangos in NYC but anyway...after finding the Frangos I decided enough was enough and left to find my way to see the relatives.

So for anyone going to NY....no need to bother with Macy's....not worth it in the least...and as for Chicago, I probably won't get anything big here in Chicago from Macy's this year....not worth it in the least.

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Date: Sun, November 25, 2007  3:10 pm CT
Posted by: Nina G

FOLLOWUP TO PREVIOUS POST. I decided to take in a performance of "The Santaland Diaries" at the Theatre Building, Belmont & Racine, Chicago, on Sat. 11/24. The one-man show was conducted brilliantly by a local actor, presenting David Sedaris' classic account of his (mis)adventures as a Macy's Elf.

At one point in the proceedings the character muses on the fact that Santa is an anagram for...SATAN (remember the SNL Church Lady's take on this?)...and does a little "riff" on it, asking the audience if they believe Macy's Santaland is actually Satan-Land!

After the show I met the actor and congratulated him on his performance, then told him it was a good thing I wasn't in the front row. Because if I had been, after his question about "Satan" I would have yelled out "YES-THEY TOOK AWAY MARSHALL FIELDS!"

The actor then told me that he understood about the protests; a friend of his worked for Field's until a year ago, when Macy's offered far less attractive employment terms so the guy bolted to Barney's.

So...yes to the fictional "Santaland"...no to the real "Satanland!"

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Date: Sun, November 25, 2007  11:56 am CT
Posted by: JIMMY D

M**Y'S BLOWS AND BLOWS AND BLOWS AND CONTINUES TO BLOW!! MY WIFE AND I WILL MAKE THE JOURNEY TO CHICAGO ON THE 2ND, TO SUPPORT MARSHALL FIELD'S GREAT COMEBACK. IT TRULY IS A GOOD CAUSE. TERRY LUNGSCUM IS A VERY VERY SICK SOB!!! JUST CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HIM AND HIS COMPANY FALL FLAT ON THEIR FACES. IT MAKES ME ILL TO BELIEVE WHAT HE HAS DONE TO THE FLORIDA STORE - BURDINE'S - PAINTING OVER THE CEILING MURAL IS APPALLING. LUNGSCUM JUST DOESN'T GET IT. HE ACTS LIKE A LITTLE ROTTEN SPOILED RICH BRAT. WHEN ARE THE SHAREHOLDERS OF M**Y'S GOING TO GET WISE AND GET RID OF HIS ARROGANT ASS!? THANKS. I JUST HAD TO GET THIS OFF MY CHEST....

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Date: Sun, November 25, 2007  11:13 am CT
Posted by: Terri S.

Hey Field's Fans! Love the work you do! Don't look now, but I think that the management at WGN has put the word out to their radio hosts. I've heard three of them speak out for Macys in the past few days. Boooo!!! Stay strong and never give up the fight.

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Date: Sun, November 25, 2007  9:00 am CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

I just watched Miracle on 34th Street on TV this past weekend. It is one of my favorite movies of all time. This year it took on a new meaning for me.

I enjoyed seeing Santa telling parents not to buy toys at macy's, because their toys aren't all that good, but to shop at Gimbel's where they can get exactly what they want. Way to go Santa, I laughed out loud. No, actually I cheered! Especially since Milwaukee was the home of Gimbels. Throughout the movie, I continued to boo macy's and cheer Santa! It was so much fun!

If you remember the movie, macy's tried to put Santa Claus into a mental institution and they had the insanity trial for Santa. Mr. Macy lied in court and said he believed there was a Santa, only because he was afraid of loosing sales if he said otherwise! He was very concerned about public opinion.

Too bad macy's is run today by a man who doesn't care at all about public opinion. Mr. Lundgren didn't care that over 60,000 people signed an online petition stating they didn't want to loose Marshall Field's. He also doesn't care about public opinion expressed in less traffic at the former Field's stores and also expressed in LOWER SALES!

If Mr. Macy was still here it would be Terry Lundgren that he would be trying to put into a mental institution and NOT Santa Claus! [Note from Jim:
To add to that, keep in mind that for about a century, Macy's was a very well-respected middle-market store. New Yorkers loved to get something that came in those burgundy Macy's gift boxes. It's only been the past 20 or so years that things have taken a turn. Check out the book from the mid-1990s entitled, "The Rain On Macy's Parade" to find out how that all changed.

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Date: Sun, November 25, 2007  6:50 am CT
Posted by: Christopher W

I wholeheartedly support your efforts to see Marshall Field's returned to downtown Chicago. I am doing my part here in Florida by avoiding our Macy's stores, which used to be the much-better Burdines.

Does anyone know why Macy's didn't just rename the downtown Chicago store "Macy's Marshall Fields"? I know it's inelegant, but it would have let them get their brand in there while still offering an olive branch to Chicagoland.

Would this have been tolerated by the MF fans?

In fact, Macy's could have done this around the country as the took over popular local chains. Macy's Burdines and so forth. They could have used their Macy's credit cards, Macy's boxes and bags, but still kept a bit of the local tradition that is so important to many shoppers.

Just a thought. What do others think?

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Date: Sat, November 24, 2007  11:26 pm CT
Posted by: Da Burgh

The Downtown Pittsburgh Red Star Store was very quiet this evening for Thanksgiving weekend. The second-hand "Cinderella" window displays were okay. People paused to look at them, but nothing like crowds that packed the sidewalks in front of Kaufmann's, Horne's, and Gimbels. The regular display windows looked decent. Guess the Red Star Store kept some of Kaufmann's window design staff on board.

For the person who asked, some of Kaufmann's brass plates remain attached to the building. The landmark Kaufmann's clock at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Smithfield Street still has the brass plate noting its historical significance.

Inside, the main floor looked just like Kaufmann's--the same wreath arches that Kaufmann's used are still on display, with a few red cardboard stars added. The decorated trees are the same ones Kaufmann's used, again with a few cardboard stars added. The upper floors have minimal holiday decorations, mostly vases with red and white stems. How festive.

There was nothing worth a second glance, and the assortment seems to get smaller and smaller. I give the design staff credit for doing the best they can with what the Red Star executives have given them to display. On some of the upper floors, salespersons outnumbered patrons. Didn't notice very many shopping bags either.

I chatted with a few clerks who weren't doing much business. One person said "sales are better this year than they were last year--but the sales couldn't have gotten much worse!" Several clerks said straight out that they are fearful the store will be downsized since there isn't the wide selection of merchandise and there is lots of empty space. It was obvious that the staff was trying to make the place look less barren. I don't know how they can keep that big building operating with fewer services and less merchandise.

Maybe another year of dismal sales will cause the stockholders to realize that this isn't working--bring back the regional brands as "premium stores" and use Red Star as "basic merchandise."

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Date: Sat, November 24, 2007  10:09 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Thanks to all who helped make our Black Friday and Saturday leaflet and button distribution campaign on State Street a huge success. Special thanks goes to Gloria, Judy, Cisley, A. and J., and, of course, Mike. And then there is special thanks to Gail who supplied the buttons.

How successful was it? Over 8,000 leaflets and 1,300 buttons were distributed on State Street over the last two days. Friday's distribution exceeded our previous busiest day (Saturday, December 23, 2006) by roughly two-and-a-half times! Part of this was due to an unprecedented number of shoppers on State Street. I've never seen it so crowded. Another part of this was simply those former Field's shoppers who came to check out what was happening in the building that used to house their favorite store and were unhappy. They came in droves to get leaflets in buttons. At more than a few times, people stood in line to get leaflets and buttons from us. A couple of times, the lines were 10-12 people wide, although 5-7 people wide was more typical. That's right--people waiting in line for buttons that say, "Forver Marshall Field's" and leaflets explaining why it is important to continue boycotting Macy's until Marshall Field's is restored in service and quality as well as name. When was the last time people stood in line for leaflets on State Street? What's more, there were those who picked up a leaflet or button or both and then came back minutes for even hours later with other family and friends to get more.

How foolish can these execs be to deny the popularity of Field's? How can they underutilize shareholder assets like 111 N State and the Marshall Fields's brand when customers want it so much?

Saturday was quieter on State Street, although there were a couple of "bursts" of activity on State Street that matched Friday--mid-afternoon and late afternoon/early evening.

Thanks again to all who made it possible and please be there to help bring back Field's next Sunday, December 2 at Noon under the Great Clock at State and Washington.

Jim

Date: Sat, November 24, 2007  10:07 pm CT
Posted by: James E C

I EXPECT I CAN MAKE BACK TO CHICAGO FOR THE HOLIDAYS, IF YOU NEED ANOTHER FIELDS FAN UNDER THE CLOCK I,LL BE THERE

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Date: Sat, November 24, 2007  8:37 pm CT
Posted by: Christian

Being raised in the Midwest, I was in the Lazarus Stores my entire life and we would come to Chicago and shop at Marshall Fields. Years after up until the Marshall Fields name change, I would travel home to the Columbus Marshall Fields and ship multiple boxes of merchandise home to my new home Fort Lauderdale. I still have my old Marshall Fields credit card as a reminder of what a great store Marshall Fields was and the legendary service I always received.

Macys also took our Beloved Burdines in South Florida and changed it to Macys last year. Burdines was a store that bought for warm weather year round, hence the jingle, Burdines...."The Florida Store", now the store is stocked with wool sweaters when it is 80 degrees outside in December. Everything Macys touches turns to poop!

Keep up the fight!! Marshall Fields is worth the battle!

My respect to you all from Fort Lauderdale

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Date: Sat, November 24, 2007  11:34 am CT
Posted by: JasonM

I think the most important times to influence people to not shop at Macy's are those where we can influence a lot of people at one time.

I look at it as a NUMBERS GAME.

- the holidays. do everything you can by telling family/friends about a new retailer that you like and go to instead of macy's. word of mouth is the strongest form of advertising. talk about l&t, carson's, von maur, etc.

- bridal registries. if we can influence a bride-to-be we've diverted thousands of dollars worth of sales from macy's to crate & barrel or carson's or target. i think this is one of the best ways to directly effect macy's sales. tell your friends about the amazing products at crate & barrel or the national reach of target/target.com.

- office gifts. if you have any influence over office gifts have your office buys something from another retailer. vases, crystal trays, etc. can also be bought at crate & barrel, carson's, bed bath and beyond, linen n' things, etc. so many choices!

The Boycott is working! I suspect macy's will have to close one big suburban store in 2008. it can't keep them all open since sales are so slow. my guess would be northbrook court.

Can't wait until we get Field's back!!!

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Date: Sat, November 24, 2007  11:15 am CT
Posted by: John in Memphis

Hello fellow Field's Fans.

This morning I read an article about the recent revamping of Apple retail stores. I absolutely LOVED the quote by Ron Johnson the head of Apple retail stores.

"We try to pattern the feeling to a 5-star hotel. It's not about selling. It's about creating a place where you belong."

Well said!

Apple's retail store sales have increased 24% over last year. For some strange reason they haven't been affected by heat, cold, drought, or rain.

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Date: Sat, November 24, 2007  10:39 am CT
Posted by: PRISCILLA SNYDER WALSH

I CANNOT BELIEVE MARSHALL FIELDS IS GONE!!! I GREW UP IN RIVER FOREST AND IT WAS A CHRISTMAS TRADITION TO SEE THE WINDOWS AND HAVE LUNCH NEAR THE CHRISTMAS TREE. I AM NOW 81 YEARS OLD AND HAVE TAKEN MY CHILDREN TO MARSHALL FIELDS WHENEVER WE VISITED THEIR GRANDPARENTS IN CHICAGO. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE CHILDREN HAVE GROWN AND HAVE GRAND CHILDREN OF THEIR OWN, AND I HAVE TOLD THEM ABOUT CHRISTMAS AT FIELDS. PLEASE BRING BACK THE WONDERFUL STORE-----

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Date: Sat, November 24, 2007  10:05 am CT
Posted by: Anne

Does anyone know of the orginal Marshall Fields Recipe for the Hermit Cookies with Maple icing? You could buy them at their bakery in the basement. The dissappeared when Macys bought. Thanks!

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Date: Sat, November 24, 2007  1:47 am CT
Posted by: Darrid

Frango Test!

I'm doing a test this week and ordered some of the mints from Seattle Gourmet Foods.

http://www.seattlegourmetfoods.com/products_01.htm

Evidentially they claim to have the original Fredrick & Nelson mint recipe. I ordered a box of the Mint and Raspberry. I will let everyone know what I find.

So far all Macy's has been able to do is make the regular Frangos taste waxy and make another company "guess" how to make them. I don't think they are being tempered properly which is why they have a grainy texture as well.

Another Marshall Field's tradition shot in the ass!

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Date: Fri, November 23, 2007  10:02 pm CT
Posted by: Nick K.

As I am sure it is for so many who are passionate about Marshall Fields my bond with the store has to do with family. From as far back as I can remember my mother and her mother would bring my sister and brothers along with myself to State Street (often with my mother's sister and my cousins) at least once a year for the awe inspiring experience of browsing and shopping in that great palace of the loop and feel like we were royalty amongst our treasures. Often we took the IL Central RR (now Metra) from our home in the south suburbs making the trip that much more adventuress. Locally we enjoyed the intimacy of the long gone Park Forest Fields.

I truly believe one cannot overestimate the part Marshall Fields has placed in the greatness of our beloved Chicago. As I understand it, Fields was the invocator and pioneer in all aspects of the development of the department store and no store before ever made the experience so exiting and (admittedly) indulgent. The lady who was C,given what she wantedC. was treating as a celebrity though she could be from any economic class. This was revolutionary for its time and retail across the nation took the hint (including Macys). It wasnC-t until I was older that I realized what a tourist attraction Fields was C1 this I learned when people from out of town would ask me about the store. (Though I must admit I should have been more cognizant of this as all my life I loved Cary GrantC-s reference to the store in North By Northwest, C,Where do you propose I change, in Marshall FieldC-s window?C.).

The degree to which Marshall Fields is part of the foundation of Chicago and is intimately connect with so many people in the region is beyond my expressing here. However, it is because of this connection that MacyC-s taking of the store is to so grievously offensive! It is a personal insult and only the restoration of Fields can make it right.

Some people of course are indifferent to the cause (I find many of these to be people with roots outside of the Chicago area). Some of these people may laugh and say, C,Get over itC.. But one thing about this cause of ours C1 itC-s very affordable not to get over it. All it really means is one donC-t have to spend money C1 thatC-s one cause I should always be joining! Of course I am talking about boycotting Macys. For me as long as that name is around, the former Fields stores are just vacant lots.

So lets keep it up C1 if we crusaders join in we have to win in the end!

'

'

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Date: Fri, November 23, 2007  9:10 pm CT
Posted by: Rex W

Last weekend, my wife Julie and I were in Chicago to celebrate our 28th anniversary. We had a great time. Friday, the 16th we took a cab out to the south side to see the building I had lived in when I was a kid. We had a late breakfast at Army & Lou's, right around the corner from my parents' old place. Loved it. Saturday we walked up to Water Tower Place. Visited with a couple of guys who were out leafletting. We got buttons, and I was wearing my Marshall Field's baseball cap. We HAD to do it, and walked through Macy's I said hi to a couple of clerks, and felt the temperature drop a good 30 degrees. One female clerk turned completely away from us. We did stay through Monday morning, and went back through Macy's a couple of times.

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Date: Fri, November 23, 2007  8:14 pm CT
Posted by: MJA1951

This is not a post about Field's, but just a note about how classy Nordstrom's is and one difference between them and M***'s

My wife and I were at Woodfield on Wednesday and while walking to Nordstrom's they had a sign over their windows stating they wanted to have people enjoy 1 holiday at a time and they would not be showing their Christmas windows until Friday.

A classy move by a classy store!

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Date: Fri, November 23, 2007  2:38 pm CT
Posted by: Vijay

I was one of the hundreds of loyal Marshall Field's Customers who was disappointed when the top-of-the-line Field's store in downtown Minneapolis was converted into a cheap Macy's store with "Made-in-China" written all over it.

I hope the decline in sales will make the arrogant Management of Macys spin-off or sell Marshall Fields.

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Date: Fri, November 23, 2007  9:57 am CT
Posted by: Corey K.

Greetings and Happy Holidays Fellow Field's Fans!

I also should say "Happy Black Friday" to all.

Wanted to share some observations with everyone that I found quite interesting as I ventured out in to the abiss and 5am this morning with all the other crazy shoppers looking for that perverbial "Awesome Deal!"

Since I live in Waunakee, WI, which is closest to the west side of town I thought I would start with West Towne Mall(the more upscale of the two malls here in Madison). Boston Store, JCPenney, Sears and D icks Sporting Goods-Thank God-NO MACY'S!!!!

I only wanted to go into Boston Store(Same as Carson Pirie Scott) and was it worth it. The place was packed!! Wall to wall people, but all of them getting exactly what they wanted. The doorbusters were plentiful and good quality. The service-excellent. Granted the lines were long-but the associates were efficient and courteous. As I walked out with my Cusinart Blender for just $29.97, I went into the mall, Boston Store bags and JCPenny And Sears Bags dominated the mall!!!!

Since it was getting to be 5:45am, I decided to drive over to Hilldale Mall and check out Macy's(aganist my better Judgement)

Since they opened at 6am, I thought there would be at least a good line of people around the back side of the building since the mall enterance does not open that early. To my astonishment, there was on o nly about 15 people waiting to get in the place. I laughed as I called my wife and told her the difference between how packed and busy Boston Store was to how Dead Macy's was, she just laughed. So did th e people in line waiting to get in.

After I got in, I spent about 15 minutes, seaching for something, anything that would catch my eye and make me want to open my wallet. NOTHING!!! Just the SOCDD.(Same old Crap-Different Day) Prices were very high, no true doorbusters, and of course the coupons/Savings Passes that have 1000 exclusions make it impossible to shop there. I also saw the Store Manager, who knows who I am and knows that I hate the fact that Marshall Field's is gone. I looked at her, gave her a dirty look and walked on by as I listened to my new ipod that I bought direct from Apple. I noticed that alot of people were angry and frustrated with the fact that the so called "Morning Specials" were over priced and some items were having "production problems" so substitutions were being made but not at the same price point as the item advertised. I did notice one other recurring theme with the customers that were at Macy's. "Walk in, Find Nothing, Walk out with nothing."

I just felt so happy with my purchases from Boston Store that I went back to Boston Store West Towne and bought more!!!!

It seems as though Boston Store/Bon Ton knows what Customers want and they were "Giving them what they want!"

HMMMMMM-Now what other store used to "Give the Lady What She Wants"?

HMMMMMM-wonder why no one was shopping at Macy's?????

HMMMMMM-wonder what excuse Terry Lunkhead will come up with this time for sales being off-what the weather is too cold and we are just too confused??????

Well, VIVA LA BOYCOTT.

Marshall Fields will come back-just wait, the boycott is working.

Happy Holidays to all!

Warm Regards,

Corey K.
Waunakee, WI

Field's Fan for Life.

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Date: Thanksgiving Day, 2007  10:42 pm CT
Posted by: James in MInneapolis

Last week in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the larger of our 2 Dailies (the other being the St Paul Pioneer Press), Macy's bought the strip of advertising again here as well, across the bottom of the front page of Section A, which contains the hard news of national and international focus.

Now this is interesting: Target has never done that before; at least not in this, their hometown. Macy's has done this now several times here. Since Macy's did it again last week, Target has done it EVERYDAY since then. It's like Target is checkmating Mcy's at their own game, not allowing the space to be available.

What makes the chess match a bit more fun in this city is the former close relationship of the 2 companies and workforces. For example, even after the divestiture of Field's, when Target returned to formal business drag as dress code, moving away from business casual at headquarters, Field's extended a discount to the Target workforce to stock up on suits and other business drag at Field's.

And now they are competing for the primo ad space in the same newspaper. The Target HQ bldg is on 10th & Nicollet Mall while Macy's North HQ is in the store on 8th & Nicollet Mall, while the large 2-story Target Downtown store is on 9th & Nicollet Mall.

All the people who are plotting strategies in their respective companies are probably eating lunch in the same restaurants...LOL.

Regards.

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Date: Thanksgiving Day, 2007  7:59 pm CT
Posted by: Field's Fan

Today's Chicago Sun-Times lists a schedule of all holiday television specials that will air in the coming weeks. This Saturday at 6 pm, WGN, Channel 9, will air "The Lighting of Macy's Great Tree". It's described as "Festivities in Atlanta include a look at Martha Stewart illuminating Chicago's evergreen." Sounds like Macy's working with Tribune on what seems to border on being an infomercial. And I didn't think they could get dumber--so they want to show Macy's is ubiquitous? Should do a good job of repelling Chicagoans.

As first predicted by some here earlier this year, Macy's surely would take advantage of the Tribune's new option of advertising on the bottom couple of inches of the front page of the paper. Today's edition has just such as ad. Meanwhile, the Sun-Times was delivered today in plastic bag that was a Macy's ad.

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Date: Thanksgiving Day, 2007  6:53 pm CT
Posted by: Mrs Creamer - Dayton, Ohio

Macys name used to ring synonomous with names like Marshall Fields, Lazarus, Foleys, and Daytons....These were stores that our grandparents, parents and now our generation enjoyed shopping.

You could get everything you wanted under one roof. Most of these stores offered specialty shops within the store, as well as places to rest your feet, grab a cup of coffee or get a quick bite.

They were many family traditions set as Annual Christmas parades, Window displays, and places that live on in our memories that we wanted to pass on to our Children. It is very sad that in the past few years most of the names mentioned above, that brought so much joy to families over the past 100+ years are no more. Except for Macy's!!

When I used to visit Chicago...the first place I would visit would be Marshall Fields....set in the cafe, enjoy the famous cookies, and a long day of shopping.

In Ohio, Lazarus was a very special to us. In New York it was Macys,

In Minneapolis Daytons, etc.etc......

The point is....the thing that made these landmark places special to shop is that they were all different and offered many wonderfully unique shopping experiences.

Now we no longer have a choice....Macys has taken away our traditions and replaced them with the equivilent of a chain store.

All with the same name, the same products, same price, and no choice.

We want our choices back!!!!

Until that happens I will not shop in the Malls, Why bother when your choices are Sears, Macy's, Macy's or Macys.....(previously Sears, Lazarus, Marshall Fields, Kaufmans) I will continue to shop online and Macys will not be one of my "favorites".

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Date: Thanksgiving Day, 2007  3:36 pm CT
Posted by: Gail

Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for all you do to keep one of Chicago's grandest traditions alive!

___________________________________
Note from Jim:
Gail is one of the pillars of our movement. While she has given in many ways, so many of you are touched by her generously supplying Field's Fans lapel stickers and most all pin-on buttons, as well as the majority of bumper stickers. To date, over 85,000 lapel stickers and pin-on buttons have been distributed by mail, on State Street and elsewhere, most all funded by Gail. Thank you for all you do to keep one of Chicago's grandest traditions alive!

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Date: Thanksgiving Day, 2007  3:17 pm CT
Posted by: Alfred in Washington

Dear Field's Fans,

Happy Thanksgiving. This morning, I heard that
the Pilgrims patterned their thanksgiving celebration
after the Jewish Feast of Succot,
http://www.jewishmag.com/95mag/succot/succot.htm.

Hallejulah! Thanksgiving that we have known the
beautiful vision of a gathering place
known as Marshall Field & Company.

Field's lives in our hearts, in Heaven,
and will again at 111 North State Street.

See you leafleting or rallying between
now and Christmas.

If you love Field's,
come and meet us under the Great Clock.
Here's to the once and future Marshall Field's!

Love,

Alfred

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Date: Thanksgiving Day, 2007  2:34 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Glad to hear the media is taking note.

We still have some slots we should fill with additional backups for this busy weekend's leaflet and button distribution campaign. Extra support tomorrow (9 am to 4 pm) is especially welcome -- special thanks to those who have already committed. If you are tentative about coming, please let us know that as well--email support@fieldsfanschicago.org. That way you can be filled in on details for meeting up.

I wrote this yesterday but think it is worth repeating:

With Macy's product placement proliferating different aspects of the media, I would like to point out that our response must be to make OUR presence known. That's why we leaflet under the clock. That's why we meet Field's Fans on State Street and explain why Field's should come back and how it can come back. Take the sugar coating off Macy's message these days and you are left with, "Resign yourself to Macy's." Don't buy into that! Accept nothing less than, "Give the lady (and the gentleman) what they want--Marshall Field's!" If you are frustrated by such media ploys, the most pro-active thing you can do is come down to State Street and leaflet and distribute buttons with us, sing, talk with Chicagoans! Please come out for Field's this weekend, December 2 and throughout the holidays. Be seen and heard in front of 111 N State.

Thanks to all--and all you do! You have my respect, admiration and support for your efforts to bring back Chicago's Marshall Field's.

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Date: Thanksgiving Day, 2007  1:45 pm CT
Posted by: Mike

WBBM AM 780 just featured a segment on Marshall Field's with comments from FieldsFansChicago.org's Jim McKay and Ralph Hughes of Macy's North. Word of tomorrow and Saturday's lefleting campaign and the Sunday, December 2 protest rally on State Street was broadcasted throughout Chicago area and Midwest, not to mention streamed over the internet.

We're getting our deserved attention. Let's make the most of it! Be there tomorrow, be there Saturday, be there next weekend! Even for just an hour or two.

http://www.wbbm780.com/Marshall-Field-s-Fans-Still-Want-The-Name-Back/1242105

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Date: Thanksgiving Day, 2007  10:29 am CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

I am thankful that there are people in Chicago and the mid west who care about Marshall Field's and are willing to fight macy's.

You hear stories now from people all around the country, like that writer in Atlanta who now wishes that people down there would have fought macy's takeover of Rich's.

You hear from people in Florida what macy's has done to Burdine's, which is nothing short of vandalism. We all should be thankful that the City of Chicago put historical preservation rules into effect at 111 State Street, otherwise macy's may have painted over the Tiffany dome by now, like they did on the mural ceiling at Burdine's in Florida. Although the Marshall Field and Company plaques are unpolished, they are STILL THERE! Try finding any Kaufmann's, or Filene's plaques anywhere.

I am also thankful for the man, Mr. Marshall Field, who rebuilt the city of Chicago after the great fire of 1871 to become the showcase of the world by having Chicago host the 1892 World's Fair, just 20 years later, which was a remarkable feat! It was that fair that brought my great grandparents to Chicago from Europe and had them settle in Chicago to start their new life in America.

Mr. Marshall Field was more than just a department store owner, he was the man who built (or rebuilt) Chicago. This is something macy's just doesn't understand, Chicago's love for Marshall Field!

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Date: Thanksgiving Day, 2007  9:51 am CT
Posted by: John

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The main camera station and grandstand setup is ONCE AGAIN smack dab in front of the Carson Pirie Scott Building and NOT Messy's. Thank God for the small blessings in life.

OF course Messy's probably told them not to since they are not sponsoring the parade this year, or, the news decided the windows looked like crap and the outside was dirty so did not want to use it.

It is as though in Chicago's Thanksgiving Day Parade...Messy's does NOT exist.

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Date: Thanksgiving Day, 2007  9:11 am CT
Posted by: Darrid

Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Field's Fans!

Darrid

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Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  9:30 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

I just have to comment on all the great people from the midwest, south, east coast, and west coast who have taken the time to post on this site recently, and to share memories of their own beloved hometown department stores. While Marshall Field's continues to be our primary focus, it has been very interesting to find out just how much resentment there is against Macy's all across the country, and how many people are absolutely furious about the dull and boring grey retail landscape that Macy's has perpetrated upon America.

When it came to implementing a revolutionary and winning strategy with their big investment, it seems that Macy's managed to get it 100% wrong. Too bad Macy's management didn't take advantage of the "personalities" and good will inherent in so many of the historic brand names they picked up. Too bad they didn't honor the pride, unique character and traditions of each of the cities in which they acquired stores by investing in upgrades and advertising the stores instead of killing them off. Too bad Macy's management wasn't savvy enough to realize that using technology to bring these stores into the 21st century and to create local assortments and experiences in each location was where the REAL "buzz" and differentiation could have been for them. Honestly, how "exciting" and "sensational" is it to end up with a chain of same old, same old in 800-plus cities across the nation? How much marketing genius did THAT take?

Too bad, Macy's-----to paraphrase a famous movie line----you coulda been a contender.

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Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  7:28 pm CT
Posted by: Joe D

I also saw the Melanie Hobson Report on GMA - At the time on TV, I did not get the impression that they blurred out the Marshall Field's plaques. Considering she was walking through Macy's, I think she said very little about it. The reason Melanie did the report from Chicago is that she is the President of Ariel Capital Management. A very large money management firm here in Chicago based in the Aon Center. Earlier this year, she also talked about the founder of Jet & EBONY magazines. She mentioned that he bought a make-up business from Marshall Field's before he launched his magazines. I made a post on here when it happened.

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Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  5:55 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

I'm not at all surprised that Macy's has used 111 N. State as the backdrop for its television commercials, interviews, etc. Has everyone seen its Herald Square store?

The first time I went to check out Macy's in Manhattan was also my last. I could not believe that the largest department store in New York City looked so dirty, so cluttered and so unsophisticated. And I went during the spring flower show, one of Macy's biggest events during the year! None of the elegance associated with Marshall Field's (and many other fine stores like Dayton's) buildings was present at Herald Square. If it had been a nice building at one time, Macy's had long ago ruined it.

The one thing that struck me most was the presence of wooden escalators. Now Macy's may boast that it is one of the first stores with escalators, but the time to replace those original wooden ones with modern escalators passed long ago. I have two words for wooden escalators: FIRE HAZARD. Just ask Londoners.

This just goes to show that the executives at Macy's know it has no class. It has to borrow class from Marshall Field's and pretend that it is its own. Too bad they didn't borrow the brands, the quality, the service and, of course, the name Marshall Field's too. Then perhaps sales would be UP instead of DOWN.

That's what I would have done, had I been in charge. I would have kept the dominant eight or ten regional names and consolidated only the back office functions. And taken the stores upmarket, particularly in major cities like Chicago. Terry Lundgren does quite seem to realize that a department store is supposed to be upmarket.

---

Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  5:35 pm CT
Posted by: RG74 family

The greatest gift Macy's management can give to America this holiday season is the full restoration of MARSHALL FIELD'S STORES AND E-COMMERCE WEBSITE ! Make Macy's North the Marshall Field's division that includes the restoration of full service department store quality,service,class and traditions.

Happy Thanksgiving. God Bless America and God Bless You !

Warm Marshall Field's Regards,

RG74 Family

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Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  4:30 pm CT
Posted by: gle

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FIELD'S FANS!

I look forward to leafletting on Friday.

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Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  4:25 pm CT
Posted by: JasonM

I received a response from the Fairmont Chicago. I asked them to consider other retail partnerships in the future. If you haven't already, please take a moment to email the Fairmont Chicago.

Each partnership that Macy's doesn't get in the future, is a win to bring back Marshall Field's!

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Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  4:12 pm CT
Posted by: Katie M

Note to A. Perkins, posted on the 18th: quote "Unless you're deaf, dumb or blind (or a New Yorker) you want Marshall Field's! " quote - You may want to be careful with that generalization as there are Deaf people out there (including myself) that refuse to shop at Macy's. So Deaf people ARE aware of the fisaco.

Now putting that aside, I wanted to share a wonderful story showing how much Macy's doesn't care for the store itself. I went to State Street on Saturday since the Drake was overbooked for tea (another holiday tradition, having Christmas tea at the Drake with my aunt). So off to State STreet we went (mostly to poke fun at the store and see how badly it ahs changed since my last visit in 2000 when they had the Harry Potter windows).

Store was crowded but not many were actually buying... and I was hungry so we decided to check out the Walnut room - the line was winding around the restaurant - didn't look like an option (another tradition - eating at the Walnut room - and I wanted to see if they would make the Fields Special if I requested it). So back to the elevator (the one overlooking the water fountain atrium) and got on. Remembering the FAO Schwarz, I asked my aunt to stop at the fifth floor (should be fourth) and had a look-see - I was not impressed. Outsde, I recalled seeing Playmobil toys in the FAO window display but when I got there, I did not see any Playmobil for sale (I'm also a Playmobil collector). A bit ( a lot) disappointed, we returned to the elevator and set down.

Only we didn't make it. The elevator jammed between the fifth and fourth floors. My aunt was dismayed but I saw it as an adventure! "Only you would be overjoyed at the prospect of getting stuck on an elevator - especailly at coughMacyscough". We still had a great view of the atrium while my aunt pleaded with the button to call for help. (I couldn't help seeing i was Deaf). Five minutes... ten minutes... finally someone said "someone is on their way" and I was thinking, from inside the store or outside? My aunt asked me why the elevator jammed and I pointed at the registration on the wall. "They haven't inspected the elevators since the name change."

Truthfully, the inspection still read 2004. I thought elevators were required to get a yearly inspection? Especially older elevators? Fifteen minutes... twenty minutes... finally the elevator moved, much to my disappointment. Only our adventure didn't end then - it landed on the Lower Level (the window facing the clock repair counter - or at least it looked like one.) The doors wouldn't open, the buttons still wouldn't work. Still stuck, we called for someone again - five... ten... fifteen... and this creepy guy in the painting propped against the glass window was giving me the chills... "I know what you're thinking...and you are up to no good..." I wished someone would come and move the paiting out of view... didn't like him "breathing" down on me. Finally security came and pounded on the doors. Perplexed, I awtched my aunt ty to communicate through the doors and said, "Why can't they simplywalk around and talk to us through the window? Wouldnt that be easier?" (here, I know hearing people can't excatly hear each other through windows but if someone knew sign, that would be EASY... or at least gesture or paper/pen... sometimes peodple don't think about the options available. But they must have heard me mutter that and sure enough, they came around and moved the painting (thank god) and gestured to us... I was disappointed that the Jaws of Life weren't used but we finally got the doors pried open. Security was nice - but wanted us to talk to the manager (so we woldn't 'sue' them, methinks). Took escaltor to first floor (not touching the elevators again since I know they were not inspected for four years ish) MAde us wait by the founatain until the manager came and talked to my aunt (of course they ignored me... why do people assume I'm dumber than I look? Just becuz I'm deaf doesn't mean I don't undertsand whats going on - the only erason I had a confused look on my face was cuz no one was interpreting until I asked my aunt to repeat what the manager was saying to her.

Manager asked us if we were shopping, but one look at my "Marshall Fields Forever" button sent her the message loud and clear. My aunt explained to her how we were at the 7th floor and got stuck on the way down and Manager offered lunch in the Walnut room as compenstation for our time wasted "stuck in the elevator" (only I didn't think that was time wasted at all! More points in favor to MF's return! So for you all, don't ride the elevators unless you have to - and if you do, check th registration before you ride! Escalators are much safer, esp at Macy's (they cut back on maintainence, they told me. No duh.) Manager igonred my pleas not to go back on the elevator but lead us through back halls to the service elevators and my aunt dragged me on, protesting. The doors closed with an omnious clank and there was this weird noise (I have a cochlear implant) and the elevator lurched/dropped and everyone panicked, thiking we were going to get stuck again and manager looked at me to make sure I wasn't gonna blame her for making TWO elevators get stuck. Thankfully (or maybe not?) the elevator made it to the 7th floor and we got to skip the line (200 people?) and got a table in the Walnut room, ate lunch free, got free Frango mints (they were grainy, in my opinion and less minty... took a couple sucks to distinguish the minty flavor. Thought it was milk chocolate at first... but the grainy flavor reminded me of the sandy chocolate at the beach. (chocolate bar with sand on it).

So that's my story of getting stuck in the elevator at State Street. (for a total of 45 minutes.)

---

Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  2:24 pm CT
Posted by: Danny S.

I wont Shop Macys ever! They made me lose my job of over 21 yrs!I worked for Fields for 21 yrs then they (MACYS) came along and closed down my store!

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Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  1:33 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Help! Help!

I just completed the page on my website for the Tiffany Ceiling and am in the process of re-doing the restaurant page.

Can someone give me the names of all the restaurants that were in Field's?

Here are the ones I know.

Walnut Room

InField's

Frango Cafe

Marketplace Cafe

Thanks for your help!

Darrid
darrid@columbus.rr.com

---

Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  1:17 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

Here's a look back to Dec. 23, 2003 with an excerpt from Sun-Times article and comments made by Marshall Field's Ralph Hughes (now with Macy's) and Ms. Sandra Guy):

The article was titled "Shoppers Turn Tightwad in Season's Last Weekend", but it seems that "upscale merchants" Tiffany, Neiman Marcus and Marshall Field's were notable exceptions!

___________BEGIN EXCERPT________________

"Marshall Field's State Street store kept shoppers busy this holiday with hundreds of new vendors and brands -- part of a wholesale renovation estimated to cost $100 million.

The store is doing "significantly better" than at this time last year, and is meeting internal sales goals", said Ralph Hughes, regional director for the State Street store and Field's Oakbrook Center and Woodfield home stores.

"The season isn't over yet," Hughes said Monday. "I have expectations of doing even better by the end of the month."

----------END OF EXCERPT----------

Can you believe that these are the same Ralph Hughes and Sandra Guy who tried to convince Chicago that Macy's was going to bring exciting enhancements to save the failing Marshall Field's? Note that Field's "significantly better" performance in 2003's holiday shopping season over the previous year continued into 2004 with a 6.1% gain in revenues for the first quarter of the year before the May Company acquisition.

---

Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  1:00 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Regarding Darrid's point about the "Marshall Field and Company" plaque being blurred out, I did notice something funny as well--I couldn't decide if it was blurred out or if it was simply hard to make out because Macy's has seems to have stopped polishing the plaques. [ That's really what I debated! ] So much for Macy's respecting our icons and traditions.

With Macy's product placement proliferating different aspects of the media, I would like to point out that our response must be to make OUR presence known. That's why we leaflet under the clock. That's why we meet Field's Fans on State Street and explain why Field's should come back and how it can come back. Take the sugar coating off Macy's message these days and you are left with, "Resign yourself to Macy's." Don't buy into that! Accept nothing less than, "Give the lady (and the gentleman) what they want--Marshall Field's!" If you are frustrated by such media ploys, the most pro-active thing you can do is come down to State Street and leaflet and distribute buttons with us, sing, talk with Chicagoans! Please come out for Field's this weekend, December 2 and throughout the holidays. Be seen and heard in front of 111 N State.

"The Santa Diaries" is far from a flattering account of working at Macy's. I'd be curious to find out how the theatre troupe arrived at performing this one.

Jim

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Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  12:48 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

I think that Marshall Field's 2004 Great Tree best represents the elegance and style Field's brought to Chicago. This was the the year in which the State Street store's impressive renovations were completed and the last year during which Field's remained free of the May Company's brief 8 months of transitional influence with Frank Guzzetta as president and Macy's subsequent control.

Can you believe how quickly we went from the elegance of the 1962 White House to the mediocrity of the Martha Stewart housewares collection?

ABC News: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=News&id=2378788

"Caroline Kennedy To Light Marshall Field's 97th Annual Great Tree
This year's tree inspired by the 1962 White House Christmas Tree under the stylish eye of Jacqueline Kennedy."

"Marshall Field's will light its annual Great Tree on Saturday, November 13 at the State Street store with help from Caroline Kennedy and this year's tree designer Jim Marvin. The 97th annual Great Tree, inspired by the 1962 White House Tree, is in association with Marshall Field's sponsorship of Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years, Selections from the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum exhibition, also opening Saturday at The Field Museum."

"Jim Marvin, who has designed White House Christmas trees for the Clinton and Bush administrations (and administrations dating back to the Reagans), found great inspiration in the original 1962 Kennedy tree. Marvin recreated hundreds of ornaments and incorporated details such as a six foot mirrored Star of Bethlehem tree topper. Additionally the Great Tree is decorated with more than 15,000 white lights and sits in an enormous French wire basket lined in hot pink. The base of the tree was inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy's holiday place settings."

"Jacqueline Kennedy contributed such an impressionable style to the White House, fashion and history, which has stayed with us throughout the years," says Ralph Hughes, regional director for Marshall Field's. "As we celebrate Jacqueline Kennedy through the exhibition, it was a natural tie in to incorporate her legacy into Marshall Field's Great Tree."

---

Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  12:04 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Did everyone also catch that ABC photo-shopped out the Marshall Field's sign in this clip?

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/ChristmasCountdown/story?id=3885438&page=1

Shame on ABC & Macy's!

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Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  11:29 am CT
Posted by: FieldFan123

This holiday I'm gong to pick a particular retailer and try to do all my shopping there. I already kind of started this during the summer. Every gift I would give would be from Lord & Taylor. Whether it was for my friends having a new baby or a birthday gift for a relative. By doing this others can see someone they like/respect (me:) give nice gifts from L&T. A nice gift that's wrapped in a nice box can go a long way! The recipients too may be inclined to "check out" L&T next time they're in the mall because they received such a nice gift. Sometime influencing others to check out other retailers is as easy as giving a gift! So this holiday it'll be L&T, next holiday it'll hopefully be Field's!

(Real Field's not some watered-down Macy's Field's)

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Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  10:21 am CT
Posted by: John

Thanks Darrid.

I had the displeasure of walking through the ENTIRE store last Friday night. I cannot believe they shipped the Cinderella decorations off to Kaufmann's, I think. The decorations in both atriums are horrible, just horrible. A bunch of shiny ornaments which only reach about 40 feet in the air, if that. Strands of greens stuck between columns with gold lights. Honest to God, the decorations look like they came from Alexis Colby's penthouse circa 1985. There is no rhyme or reason to the decorating scheme at all. It is a hodge podge of a mess.

There is graffiti on the outside doors on the Wabash side. The plaques need to be polished, and the windows are dirty and CONSTANTLY under construction.

That odd shade of green carpeting when you walk in does not fit...but at least it is green.

The more I stayed in the store, the angrier and nastier I got twoards the sales people...the ONES who were brainwashed, NOT the ones who worked for Field's. They miss the store, they miss being treated with respect, with class. The men and women who work for the outside cosmetics companies as reps to the store HATE Macy's and totally think they are nothing more than discount.

Two women in the Martha Stewart section LOUDLY proclaimed how cheap and common it all looked and then said how nice it was Kmart finally came to State Street.

---

Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  9:56 am CT
Posted by: Nina G

COMING TO CHICAGO - "The Santaland Diaries." Dramatization of David Sedaris' hilarious holiday classic; an account of his experience as a "Santa Elf" at the New York Macy's. November 23 - December 30 at the Theatre Building, 1225 W. Belmont; tickets $25.

Are the "Santa Elves" going to be at the State Street Santaland this year?

Maybe some of us could go "en masse" to the theatre with our buttons and leaflets in tow!

---

Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  9:47 am CT
Posted by: Nina G

What's with this "Black Friday" stuff? It reminds me of "Black Thursday" which was of course the stock market crash of 1929. The more appropriate term is "Green Friday" because of all the "green" being spent that day! And of course for us "Green" is very appropriate, right?

Will be there on Dec. 2.

---

Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  9:11 am CT
Posted by: Rich W

A couple of other notes: was watching an episode of Roseanne last week where Dan takes a job moonlighting in a big & tall men's store at the mall to make money to pay for his anniversary gift to Roseanne. At the end, in a scene outside the store in the mall, a woman walks by and there is close up of her dark green Marshall Field's shopping bag. You could absolutely read the name! And last week, as I left Dominick's supermarket, I gave money to a transient woman who had her things in none other than a Field's shopping bag. A macy-mart bag would have fallen apart after 30 minutes!

---

Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  2:06 am CT
Posted by: David G

First of all, let me say a huge THANK YOU to all of you who provide a link to stories taking place both here in Chicago (e.g. Bob Sirot's NBC post) to those nationwide (e.g. Atlanta, Pittsburgh etc.). Without your thoughtfulness, I'd only know 10% of this story.

I just listened to yesterday's NPR piece (provided by several considerate posters)and thought it fair. I'm sorry folks, but criticizing a woman's voice because she doesn't have a Chicago accent seems petty, if not downright misguided. Chicago is made up of a true cross-section, as were "Marshall Field's" customers. THAT was it's strength. Yes the high-end merchandise was exciting and something we sought out and- in my case- often paid for with a year's interest-free payment plans, but it also provided selections for folks from all backgrounds. The several protests that I've attended have been highlighted for me by the presence of people from ALL walks of life who reside in the greater Chicagoland area. It's no accident that cabbies and busdrivers honk with regularity and enthusiam in support of our efforts at each protest. They KNOW what was lost- both in revenue and IDENTITY for our city.

I "get" the anger towards those who seem non-Chicago. It somehow personifies "macy's", but the reality is: we are ALL Chicagoans with time and shared experience. I was raised in Kansas, lived in Chicago for 15 months in the early '80s, grew up in New York City for 10 years and continued to grow in Chicago for the past 15 years. I don't have a local accent, nor a New York accent, nor godforbid a Kansas accent- whatever that might be.

Did I "cut up my 'macy's' card"? You bet. Would I consider a return? No way- under current circumstances. BUT, I would not silence or criticize the voice of one who might. We are ALL finding our way. Hopefully, one day- before it's too late for State Street, macy's will as well- and "Marshall Field's" will return beyond the far-too-often photo-altered historic plaques (sp?) on it's historic corners!

---

Date: Wed, November 21, 2007  1:04 am CT
Posted by: Darrid

Brad & John

The Vera Wang tree was Macy's not Field's. Swarovski was the last to adorn the Great Tree in 2005.

---

Date: Tues, November 20, 2007  11:26 pm CT
Posted by: Joseph From CA

As another holiday shopping season gets underway I am going to do my best to ensure that Macy's does not get one cent of my money this year. Granted it's a little bit harder out here because Macy's through devouring the competition over the last decade, is the only middle market department store left in southern California. Nevertheless, I've been checking out some online retailers and I think Lord & Taylor and Carson's will probably get some of my money via the internet. The rallying cry for this holiday season should be "anywhere but Macy's". I think if we really hit them hard, they just might finally take notice that we are not fooling around and we mean business. We want Field's back!

---

Date: Tues, November 20, 2007  11:13 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C

Here is even more support for Marshall Field's and our efforts:

http://sweethomeandgardenchicago.blogspot.com/2007/09/whats-in-name.html

---

Date: Tues, November 20, 2007  6:09 pm CT
Posted by: Julie F

I heard on the radio that Field's supporters would be passing out leaflets on State Street this Friday which is Black Friday. Way to go.

---

Date: Tues, November 20, 2007  4:08 pm CT
Posted by: Lee

Anybody notice that Macy's stock was at a high of $72 in 3/06 and now is hovering in the $32 range and continuing to lose value? How much longer will the shareholders stand for the poor management of the company?

Time for Lundgren to goooooooooooooooo!!!!!!

---

Date: Tues, November 20, 2007  4:02 pm CT
Posted by: Lee

Christmas is coming and no Famous Barr again this year! By now I would have spent several hundred dollars! How sad. Macy's-you are no Famous Barr!

---

Date: Tues, November 20, 2007  1:00 pm CT
Posted by: Judy M

I just listened to the NPR broadcast. I agree - if you listen to the woman at the end, that is NOT a Chicago "accent". Even if she is from Chicago, there may well be some people who will shop at macy's. However, she is NOT in the majority. And as for traditions....nice of them to keep the tree, nice of them to acknowledge the Tiffany ceiling, but they JUST DON'T GET that we who love Marshall Field's are looking at the WHOLE picture, which obviously macy's refuses to see. It wasn't just ONE thing that makes us miss Field's - it was the whole experience.

When I was a kid, my grandmother worked downtown. Lunch hours were usually spent shopping on State Street - mostly at Marshall Field's. At Christmas, my sister and I were dressed in the most beautiful dresses she would buy at Field's. They were always a rich velvet of beautiful warm colors and trimmed in lace or satin collars and ribbons. The day after Thanksgiving we would go to the Walnut Room and walk along State Street looking wide-eyed at the famous windows. But that wasn't ALL we did...after lunch we'd do MORE shopping in the store! Grandma's gone for a long time, but those are things I will NEVER forget. Marhsall Field's made those memories possible. Regardless of what macy's does, it can never, never replace those memories. And memories like that will NEVER be made again if it remains macy's. I want my Marshall Field's back!!!

Judy

---

Date: Tues, November 20, 2007  12:58 pm CT
Posted by: Robert Mau

My letter was published in Crain's - 11/19/07

Thank you for Crain's coverage on Macy's latest efforts to turn around its failure in Chicago ("Macy's drops efforts to placate Field's die-hards," Chicagobusiness.com, Nov. 8).

It's interesting how Macy's execs continue to blame Chicagoans for not accpeting change, rather than responding with what we want, and that just emphasizes how incompetent they are as retailers.

I'm in their new "key demographic," I guess, and no one I know would ever shop there because Macy's is decidedly down-market. Like many of the older Field's loyalists whom Macy's is apparently writing-off, younger people have migrated to Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Saks and Barney's.

Macy's would do eveyone a favor if it admits it made a mistake and reintroduce Marshall Field's in both name and product mix in the Midwest, or, simply close up and leave. The State Street store would make great loft condos for us "young professionals."

Robert Mau

Chicago

---

Date: Tues, November 20, 2007  12:10 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

Will Black Friday Save Retailers?

Tuesday November 20, 11:30 am ET

By Scott Reeves

..The downbeat forecast follows October's generally disappointing sales numbers as consumers fretted about rising gas prices. Limited (LTD) and Macy's (M) reported slight dips, but upscale retailers such as Saks (SKS) and Neiman Marcus reported gains.

Luxury retailers such as Coach (COH) and Tiffany (TIF) appear ready to report solid holiday sales because most high-income individuals haven't been buffeted by the recent roiling in the broad economy. However, look for trouble among retailers serving low- to middle-income consumers. The National Retail Federation says this could mean difficulties ahead for discounters and even some department stores whose customers plan to save a few bucks....

http://biz.yahoo.com/minyanville/071120/20071120blackfriday_id.html?.v=1

Hmm, had Federated/macy's kept Marshall Field's as is when they aquired May Co., then they wouldn't be having any of these problems with dips in sales.

---

Date: Tues, November 20, 2007  12:05 pm CT
Posted by: R.O.G.

I thought this was really cool. Word is getting out.

This Atlanta retail analyst talks about the leafletting on State Street for Black Friday and the protest.

http://www.allbusiness.com/retail-trade/4968906-1.html

Word gets around!!!!!!!!!!!!

---

Date: Tues, November 20, 2007  10:47 am CT
Posted by: John

Hi Brad,

One small correction. The last tree to be designed under the name Marshall Field & Co. was done by Vera Wang for the Great Tree in the Walnut Room in 2005.

It continued the elegance and style of having a sophisticated and talented person of a certain stature design the tree ornaments and topper. One year Christopher Radko did it too.

John

---

Date: Tues, November 20, 2007  10:15 am CT
Posted by: gle

I had occasion to visit my neighborhood funeral home Saturday, and couldn't help but notice:

Red awnings with large white Roman type lettering you can see.

The funeral director was dressed like a person, no black.

The funeral director was very knowledgeable and personable.

The funeral director loved Marshall Field's, and laughed at Messy's desperation in thinking they can impress anybody. She was delighted when I gave her a button.

---

Date: Tues, November 20, 2007  10:00 am CT
Posted by: LiMack

OK, Here's the thing Macy's didn't get right from their initial mistake to rename the Marshall Field's stores, and still don't get to this day as is clearly demonstrated each time Guzzetta and Lundgren make the foolish mistake of opening their mouths to the media:

Chicagoans do not always agree on local politics, on who makes the best of the best Chi-style pizza, or whether it's Sox or Cubs. But EVERYBODY agreed on Marshall Field's and shopped at Marshall Field's. Shopped there because they loved to-----NOT because they HAD to.

Bring back the store and green bags that defined a city! Bring back the store that united the city! Bring back our Marshall Field's!

---

Date: Tues, November 20, 2007  5:00 am CT
Posted by: denise rule

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/ChristmasCountdown/story?id=3885438&page=1here's the link to the video where "Good Morning America" goes shopping to show 'how to save', etc. recognize the store????? rather, the building? and how odd, i thought, that here they were: diane sawyer, sitting in NYC, home of the red star store, talking with this financial person (melody hobson?) who is going on a shopping experience in CHICAGO!!!!! AT 111 N STATE, no less. how odd, how really really odd. ????? take a look at the video.

---

Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  11:59 pm CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago.org

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

FieldsFansChicago.org

Newsletter Number 11

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2007

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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

* TO UNSUBSCRIBE:

Send email to Unsubscribe@FieldsFansChicago.org

Please include the email address you wish unsubscribed if it is not the one from which you are sending the request.

* TO SUBSCRIBE:

Send email to Subscribe@FieldsFansChicago.org

Subscription requests must be sent from the email address that is to be added to the subscriber list.

* SWITCHING ADDRESSES?

1.) Send an unsubscribe request from either you old address or your new one; then

2.) send a subscribe request from your new address.

Again, NEW "Subscribe" requests MUST come from the address at which this newsletter is to be delivered.

* Please send all bug reports to jjmckay@FieldsFansChicago.org

* This newsletter has NO affiliation with Macy's, Inc. (formerly known as Federated Department Stores), May Department Stores, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Marshall Field's, the Field Family, the Field Foundation of Chicago, keepitfields.org, etc., and the views, opinions and info expressed here represent only the writer.

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

For more information, please see

http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org

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

In This Newsletter...

PROTEST RALLY--BRING A FRIEND!
NOON
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2007
Under the Great Clock at
STATE & WASHINGTON STREETS

For The Return of Marshall Field's
The Institution That
Created Chicago's Holiday Traditions

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

HELP US ON STATE STREET at our

BLACK FRIDAY and SATURDAY LEAFLETING EVENT

THIS FRIDAY & SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 & 24, 2007

Under the Great Clock at

STATE & WASHINGTON STREETS

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

* DONATE BUTTONS, LEAFLETS & MORE

* CONTINUE TO BOYCOTT MACY'S

* STAY IN TOUCH VIA THE FIELDSFANSCHICAGO.ORG BLOG

* SPECIAL REGARDS

* TO UNSUBSCRIBE

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

PLEASE HELP BY FORWARDING THIS NEWSLETTER ON
TO POTENTIALLY INTERESTED FRIENDS & FAMILY.

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

PROTEST RALLY--BRING A FRIEND

For The Return of Marshall Field's

The Institution That Created Many

Chicago Holiday Traditions

NOON

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2007

Under the Great Clock at

STATE & WASHINGTON STREETS

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

COME TO OUR HOLIDAY SEASON RALLY

Already Field's Fans locally, nationally and globally have started to plan for our fifth protest rally--a very important rally celebrating Chicago holiday history and pride. Help restore the quality, service, unparalleled history, legacy, culture, pride, tradition and world-wide reputation that can only be Marshall Field's.

Let's remind the world that it was Marshall Field's--not Macy's--that started so many great Chicago holiday traditions over the generations. We are asking Field's supporters to dress in their Marshall Field's holiday best, wear green, and bring items celebrating the holiday traditions of Chicago as created only by Marshall Field's. With the Chicago Bears playing the New York Giants later that day in Soldier Field, Field's supporters and proud Chicagoans are also invited to wear their favorite Chicago sports team gear.

At Noon on Sunday, December 2, 2007, please be there for Chicago! Please be there to help bring back Marshall Field's!

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

HELP US ON STATE STREET at our

BLACK FRIDAY and SATURDAY LEAFLETING EVENT

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 & 24, 2007

Under the Great Clock at

STATE & WASHINGTON STREETS

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

A number of you have wanted to show your support for Field's later this week on the Friday ("Black Friday") and Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Please join us on State Street this Friday or Saturday or both for our Black Friday and Saturday Leafleting event. Field's Fans are needed from 9:00 am to 5 pm on Black Friday and again on Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please email Support@FieldsFansChicago.org letting us know the times that you can assist.

It can be for an hour, a couple of hours, half of a day or a whole day. Please email us in advance at Support@FieldsFansChicago.orgso that we have sufficient leaflets to distribute and can establish coverage throughout the day.

Helping on this special mini-protest activity will help to remind Chicagoans to boycott Macy's in support of Field's. It will also go a long way in attracting newcomers to our upcoming protest rally the following weekend.

Come early! Come late! It's fun and exciting to let people know about our cause to bring back Marshall Field's.

Please email us at Support@FieldsFansChicago.org and let us know when you will be helping to bring back Field's this special weekend!

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DONATE BUTTONS, LEAFLETS & MORE

We are totally committed to continuing our efforts. People have come forward in amazing ways to help us, including the donation of leaflets, great pin-on buttons, bumper stickers and more.

Help support us by paying to print up a batch of buttons or leaflets. We need your help to pay for distributing these items which inspire others to continue supporting the return of Marshall Field's. Your financial help grows support for the return of Field's.

If you can donate buttons or leaflets, please email Support@FieldsFansChicago.org. Alternatively, you can mail checks to our address (please email us) or send money via PayPal to Support@FieldsFansChicago.org

All contributions are solely channeled to support our program of leaflets, buttons, and ads. Help finance our continuing efforts to bring back Field's!

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CONTINUE TO BOYCOTT MACY'S

Spend not one red-cent, not even for a single Frango mint, at Macy's. Be sure tell your family friends that under no circumstances would you want a gift or gift card from Macy's or its Bloomingdale's stores. Remind everyone you know that more than ever, it is especially critical NOT to shop at Macy's this holiday season in support of the eventual return of Marshall Field's.

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STAY IN TOUCH VIA THE FIELDSFANSCHICAGO.ORG BLOG

The FieldsFansChicago.org blog is a place for Field's Fans to talk about Marshall Field's and what it means to them. Stop on by to share thoughts, comments, news and rumors. The URL is http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/blog

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SPECIAL REGARDS

Marshall Field's CAN come back. Your ongoing support and dedication is what enables our progress to continue. Macy's will fail regardless because of its own mistakes. Yet it is the work of we Field's Fans that reminds key business and civic leaders that that these stores can be an overwhelming success again as Marshall Fields.

Our efforts are so essential because it gives immense consciousness to the once and future Chicago institution, Marshall Field's.

Remember, your efforts to help bring back Field's are greatly appreciated, respected and admired. You are helping to make history!

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TO UNSUBSCRIBE

Send email to Unsubscribe@FieldsFansChicago.org

Please include the email address you wish unsubscribed if it is not the one you are sending the request from.

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END OF NEWSLETTER #11

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  11:54 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

I am in the market for a sports jacket, specifically one that is classically styled and will last years. The only brands I am considering are Hart Schaffner Marx, Hickey Freeman or Joseph Abboud. EVEN IF I were not completely pee-ohed by Macy's takeover of Marshall Field's, I still wouldn't shop Macy's because Macy's doesn't carry these brands.

I do not want Donald Trump. I do not want Alfani. I do not want Sean John. I do not want Kenneth Cole Reaction. I live in Chicago, the most classic of American cities and I want to wear the most classic of American clothes. I want Hart Schaffner Marx, Hickey Freeman or Joseph Abboud.

Do you get it yet, Frank? The State Street store HAD the brands I and Chicago wanted. HAD the excitement. HAD the stores-within-the-store. You aren't coming up with anything new. You're simply re-hashing what Macy's threw away with inferior brands and substitutes and sweetie, the only substitute I'll accept is Splenda.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  10:41 pm CT
Posted by: Kurt

In regard to an announcement a few weeks ago that Macy's was looking for a grocer to open in the downstairs of the State Street store, I would be surprised if it happens soon. Any smart retailer, such as Whole Foods would not likely take the risk and open in that store if it's Macy's. Converting part of the floor into a grocery store would be tremendously expensive and would require a long term commitment. The decision makers at any of these grocers are obviously aware of the customer pushback due to the Macy's conversion. I would see that as a negative risk, and opening a location there would not be a sound business move. If I were in charge of signing a lease there, I would request the store to be changed back to Field's as part of my deal. I could almost assure this has come up in any negotiations that Macy's has had with any new retailer for their space.

Other retailers who are putting in shops, such as FAO, or Sarah's, are small and don't require a lot of capital to open, and if the store does poorly, they can close up and move. That won't be the case with whoever goes downstairs.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  10:34 pm CT
Posted by: Lllian Z.

I have been going to Marshall Fields for 35 years. I loved it so much. I live in Wisconsin and usually get there 6 times a year. Today I was at the State Street store. The great tree looks really bad this year. Very Sad. When I went to the Guest area on the seventh floor I ask about Penny the harpist. They told me that there would not be a harpist this year. Also no little people. People are even going to be more upset. Also in the M magazine they have free in the store it says that Penny - the harpist will be there. I called the top brass to complain and left a message. This is bad business again.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  10:32 pm CT
Posted by: Da Burgh

Great site! Other cities also miss their home town department stores and don't care much for macy's. Like Field's, Kaufmann's was the last home town store and was well loved by the community.

You folks in Chicago realize that macy's looks down their corporate nose at you. In Pittsburgh we know that we're also at the bottom of macy's priority list. The three downtown department stores (Kaufmann's, Horne's, Gimbels) always had creative, exciting holiday windows that were a Pittsburgh tradition. This year macy's has shown how much it cares about this city--we got the "Cinderella" display that was used previously in Chicago!

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/search/s_538364.html

How cheap, tacky, and utterly insulting--Pittsburgh doesn't even deserve an original display. We just got a second-hand one! Maybe this will be another way for macy's to save money by moving Christmas window displays from one city to the next.

I would LOVE to know how well macy's is doing in the Kaufmann's locations. The stores are never busy. Most people don't even bother going there because the prices are way too high for generic, low-quality stuff.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  10:02 pm CT
Posted by: Aaron - Memphis

Minneapolis - Day 2:

Today I had lunch in the Sky Room at macy's Nicollet Mall. The place was busy (but just to note, every eating joint is busy at lunchtime in downtown). The food was okay.

Went up to the 8th floor animated display, this year's theme: The Nutcracker. Macy's is flexing its buying power/economy of scale this year by giving every downtown store the same windows (I guess). Anyone seen the windows in St Louis, Seattle, Pittsburgh or Philly to verify this?

The display was extremely well-done. I have a difficult time believing that they can pull off such a display but can't seem to get a damn thing in the store that I want to buy.

Went to the Mall of America tonight. The Macy's here was built as a true Macy's (pre-federated). This is the look and feel I used to expect from Macy's. Same boring merchandise but you can at least tell the place was built to a different standard and for a much different store. Since the converison.... I don't see or feel any magic. Some things are just better off left alone.

Did not make it to Herberger's but I will tomorrow for sure. I really wish they'd put in a downtown store and give macy's a run for their money. The SAKS building could use a real retailer.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  9:38 pm CT
Posted by: PatC

Link to the NPR feature today:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16411613#email

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  8:57 pm CT
Posted by: Mike M

One point about that NPR story. You that lady at the end? The one who said she initially cut up her Macy's card that had been sent as a replacement for her Marshall Field's card, but then gave in and is now apparently shopping at Macy's?

Well, you can tell by her accent that she is not from Chicago. No wonder that her loyalty to Marshall Field's was not great. What they should do, if they are trying to suggest that people are caving, is find a native of the Chicago area.

Ah, well, it was still a good story and Jim McKay spoke perfectly!

[If you agree with Mike that it was a non-Chicagoan speaking at the end who probably wouldn't have much loyalty--or if you have other comments--you can leave comments at the following web page. Keep in mind that NPR often reads letters on a segment. Go to http://www.npr.org/contact/ and be certain to "NPR Program" as the "Recipient" and "Morning Edition" as the show.]

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  6:41 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Here is the link to the NPR radio clip.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16411613

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  5:05 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

Even if Macy's got everything right, improved the merchandise, brought back the exceptional service and restored the style and sophistication of the displays, lighting and decorations back to the level of Marshall Field's, people would still be upset over the loss of Marshall Field's name... and rightly so.

Throughout the world, when someone sees the Marshall Field's name, they think of Chicago. This value to Chicago and tourism is created by Marshall Field's long history of generosity and leadership in Chicago, the many museums Marshall Field's created (the Museum of Science an Industry, the Field's Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium (named for Field's president John G. Shedd), the Art Institute of Chicago (land and endowment to purchase the museum's first collections provided by Field), the University of Chicago (land donated by Marshall Field's, one of the University largest benefactor over the years with John Rockefeller) and of course the unique world-class destination department store that made all of this possible. There's also the leadership Marshall Field's showed to help the city rebuild after the Chicago Fire and to survive the Great Depression when Field's completed construction of the Merchandise Mart and kept employees on the payroll, demonstrating his commitment to his store and Chicago's future. Marshall Field's, the name and the store, have been a valued community partner and source of pride for Chicago that helped to define Chicago's style, culture and character for generations.

A name like Marshall Field's is not so easily replaced, especially not by Macy's, a rather generic mid-tier discount store and a name best known for a parade in New York City. Certainly the value of Marshall Field's iconic State Street store to Chicago can not easily replaced with an outpost of any national chain. One small example of this is clear in Macy's choice of Martha Stewart to design the Great Tree in the famed Walnut Room in honor of its 100th anniversary. Much ado was made by Macy's when Stewart came to town to light the tree. Stewart, whose housewares and made-in-China Christmas are sold by Macy's, making the Tree a rather crass marketing resource. In contrast, Marshall Field's last tree in 2004 was designed by the designer of White House decorations dating back to the Reagan Administration. Marshall Field's tree and Walnut Room decorations were a re-creation of the elegant designs for the Kennedy White House in 1962. Caroline Kennedy was invited to light Marshall Field's tree.

Macy's deserves the disdain and anger it now battles to overcome in Chicago for its actions. Rather than to build their own new stores as has been done by most competitors entering new markets, Macy's commandeered Marshall Field's in order to acquire prime real estate in highly desirable locations and to eliminate competition for the Macy's and Bloomingdales brand.

For this short cut to national expansion, many have had to pay a very high price. Chicago and State Street have suffered the the loss of unique tourism appeal and the decline of high-end customer traffic so important to maintaining a vibrant shopping district. Chicago has lost the distinction of having its own world-class department store in a league with London's Harrod's, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, Paris' Printemps and Bon Marche, New York's Bergdorf Goodman and Dallas' Neiman Marcus. Customer's have lost many cherished traditions shared by generations - not with a building, but with Marshall Field's. Employees have lost thousands of jobs and those remaining have seen salaries, commissions and benefits cut. Many communities once served by Marshall Field's have suffered the loss of tax receipts due to the decline in Macy's revenues following their conversion.

The saddest part of this story is that Macy's insists on staying the course instead of an obvious alternative in which everyone would benefit. To restore Marshall Field's - on State Street and perhaps other select location in high-end markets - would bring back customers, enhance tourist appeal, create new and better jobs, increase tax receipts and reward Chicago's pride in its iconic and elegant Marshall Field's brand. At the same time Macy's would hardly miss one underperforming store amongst 824 across the nation. Macy's would also benefit from having done the right thing, which might go far to offset much of the anger and resentment so many people feel as a result of seeing their beloved Marshall Field's erased from history. Certainly the other 823 Macy's would benefit from a bit of positive public relations.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  5:04 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

I can't help but think of this Macy's - Field's thing in terms of a fantasy horse race. There would be two very well known horses running. One named Marshall Field and one named Macy. In a fair race they would be going out from the starting gate together tails flying, in the same weather conditions, each giving it their best shot. Neither would have an obvious edge. But one horse comes from better and older racing stock, is a little more familiar with the track and has a greater cheering section because he is the hometown favorite. His training was a little better and he is very smart. So, the horse sporting the beautiful green silks would win this fantasy race.

Of course, this honest competition never was allowed to take place because Macy's owners were afraid to run him in a fair race against Marshall Field. They knew Marshall Field would win easily. So they cancelled the race, declared Macy the default winner, and had it printed in all the newspapers with red ink.

But Marshall Field is not forgotten and has not lost his true power and strength. He stands patiently and proudly in the wings waiting for his chance to race again for his many fans.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  4:17 pm CT
Posted by: Eva P

Like thousands in the Chicago area, I was deeply saddened when I heard the Marshall Field's store in Chicago was closing, I wasn't even in town to run down to Marshall Field's and buy a cup as a souvenir. I can remember as a little girl, going to Marshall Field's every Christmas to see Santa and shyly asking him what I wanted for Christmas - he never let me down. We would have lunch downtown and look at the beautifully decorated windows - this was our big downtown treat once per year. My sister and I will have these memories forever.

I moved out of state 2 years ago, however, when my grandchilren get a little older, I would like all of us to travel to Chicago, and re-create those same memories with my grandchildren during the Christmas season. It will be hard to do that without Marshall Field's.

I am so glad to hear that there are so many people trying to get Marshall Field's back in Chicago. I'm not a Macy's shopper. My daughters tell me when Macy's took over Goldsmith's in Jackson, TN they tried Macy's a couple of times, they were not impressed, and switched to Dillards and Belk. I'm not sure what Macy's is doing wrong however, they are not appealing to the midwestern segment of the population.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  3:06 pm CT
Posted by: jmr

I took a stroll through 111 N. State at Noon today. My impressions:

- The outside of the store looks dingy, despite the exterior holiday decorations. I think that this has something to do with the black awnings, as opposed to the classic green during Marshall Field's reign. Green is more consistent with holiday decorations.

- It was sort of insulting not to see any mention of Marshall Field's whatsoever in the exterior signage commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Great Tree, etc. I realize that Macy's is trying to "get past" this whole Marshall Field's thing, but they're making it entirely too obvious when they purposefully ignore 100+ years of tradition as MF, not Macy's.

- Inside of the store (basement, first floor and seventh floor at least) was busy and I found the interior decorations to be fairly tasteful.

- The Sarah's Pastries shop looks nice, but I didn't see a soul at the counter.

- "Magic of Macy's" signage everywhere! It was as if Macy's is trying to say "Look, Chicago! Look at how magical we are! Why don't you understand how magical we are!?"

- MacyC-s State Street will continue to have problems unless they do something about the poor selection in menC-s and womenC-s clothing and accessories. Clearly they are toning down the promotion of the MacyC-s in-house brands. However, they do not appear to have made up the difference with any actual designer brands. The brands that do remain are the second tier lines, such as Kenneth Cole Reaction. As a result, the key floors (two though four) were surprisingly barren of foot traffic.

- Lots of traffic in the FAO Schwartz section on five, most of that seemed directed at the stuffed animals with comprise probably half of the roughly 3,000 square feet of the section.

- The housewares floor had light foot traffic. The Faberge C,shopC. looks nice, but it canC-t be any larger than 300 square feet, i.e. basically a modest series of shelves dedicated to Faberge. No customers there or any of the adjoining sections.

- As mentioned, the seventh floor was busy. There was a long line for a table in the Walnut Room, with some spillover into the Frango caf, but not very many folks in the C,food courtC., especially for the lunch hour.

- Finally, I thought that the Chicago History MuseumC-s area paying tribute to the Great Tree was very nice. Fittingly, not one mention of MacyC-s there, but much mention of Marshall FieldC-s. There is a guest sign in book where patrons can contribute their memories of the Great Tree, etc. It was very heartening to see so many people (especially children!) providing their memories and expressing their wishes to see Marshall FieldC-s return!

Overall impressions: MacyC-s is trying very hard to ignore Marshall FieldC-s and place its stamp on the building, but the more they do so, the more it becomes obvious that MacyC-s is essentially squatting in 111 N. State. They have no business being there, but MacyC-s real problems will begin and end with the merchandise. If left to their own devices, MacyC-s would stock nothing but its C,exclusiveC. in store brands like Alfani, Donald Trump and Martha Stewart. I believe that they have realized that strategy is not winning in Chicago and now they are desperately trying to return to the store-within-a-store concept, in part to draw traffic, but also to earn some much needed revenue from renting out space within the building. My hope is that MacyC-s itself fails but that they continue to rent out space to more worthy tenants. Ideally, IC-d like the Marshall FieldC-s moniker to return somehow, not only to State Street, but also to Michigan Avenue, Oakbrook, Old Orchard and a few other select suburban locations.

Comments from Jim:
There is a sighting of "Marshall Field & Company" as part of historical window at State and Washington which is about the Christmas Tree. One thing that certainly looks dingy to me are the "Marshall Field and Company" plaques which sure look as if they have not been polished since Macy's took over. So much for taking care of the legacy.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  2:49 pm CT
Posted by: Bob in DC

Interesting to note in light of the favorable comments on Lord & Taylor's below that their same-store sales are up 8% - 15%, particularly in former Filene's, Kaufmann's, and Hecht Company margets. DUH. Joseph Abboud has just joined L&T as head of their Men's division, here is a store that understands that retailing is theatre, as Marshall Field's did. I was just in the New York City flagship, as always it was sparking clean and those great new shopping bags are everywhere to be seen up and down Fifth Avenue. Let's all wish them well and spend as many of our Fieldollars there as possible.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  2:15 pm CT
Posted by: Laurie C

Here's the NPR link to the Macy's story.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16411613

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  2:15 pm CT
Posted by: Claire Osada

I noticed that Field Gear is back at Macy's (at least at Woodfield...I can't speak for other stores) and it seems that Macy's has redesigned the image of FG. It used to just be a good quality Field's house brand. Now, FG has a campy/outdoorsy theme. I noticed one of the men's FG t-shirts said something like "If the field was full of trees, we'd all be treehuggers". What the heck is that all about?? They just can't do anything right, can they?

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  2:09 pm CT
Posted by: Laurie C

I was in my local Trader Joe's this morning in Glendale, WI (open for just 1 year, one of only 2 in WI, second one being in Madison) and stopped at the area where they have the coffee and sample products. The store was hopping with Thanksgiving shoppers and the sample area was especially lively. The TJ employee working there spotted my button from Gail and told me she was originally from Peterson Park and was incensed over what Macy's did. Since I had forgotten my buttons I gave her mine and promised to bring one for her mother who's still in Chicago. I then went to my car to get her bumper and lapel stickers. When I got back another shopper was asking the TJ employee about her button (which she had pinned onto her apron and promised to wear). It turns out the other woman was from Glencoe and wanted a button, too. We all talked about Field's memories -- the Glencoe woman had gotten her first watch from Field's -- to an audience of several people. I'll be back with a supply of buttons to give to the TJ employee who offered to pass them out to anyone interested. A fringe benefit of being associated with Fields Fans is meeting many ex-pat Chicagoans here in Wisconsin. There's a certain common Chicago quality I've noticed -- a somewhat wry bordering on the cynical attitude (must stem from the politics), a great sense of humor, and a fierce loyalty to all things Chicago.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  1:17 pm CT
Posted by: Judith W

I tore up my Macy's card and sent it back to the "executive" office at 111 N. State Street. I worked at the downtown store as did my mother as a young girl back in the 1930's. Marshall Field & Co. stood for quality. Macy's stands for greed. Combine that with poor taste and stupidity and we are stuck with Macy Mediocrity in Chicago and throughout the country.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  12:15 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

..Macy's, for instance, last week reaffirmed fourth quarter earnings guidance of $1.70 to $1.80 a share, even though it now expects sales for the period to fall about $100 million light of earlier expectations. How does it make up the difference?...

One way for retailers to increase their margins is by selling more merchandise at full-price. That seems like a tall order for Macy's, given the overall slowdown in consumer spending, not to mention integration problems the company is facing related to its 2005 acquisition of the May Department Stores Company. To improve sales at the former May stores, Macy's has increased - not decreased - its level of promotional activity this holiday season.

http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/19/news/companies/kapner_retail.fortune/index.htm?source=yahoo_quote

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  9:07 am CT
Posted by: Matt

Has anyone seen the Holiday Promotion from M? Yep, that's the beautiful Marshall Field State Street North Atrium that is the set for that felon Stewart and her gang. It's nauseates me when I see that beautiful store being violated in such a fashion. You don't see the Herald Square DUMP or the Union Square HOLE in the WALL.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  8:00 am CT
Posted by: Kathleen H

You folks have a powerful ally (and pr instrument) in my friend who worked at Field's for many years. She knows the entire store and the history because she lived it all. HER GRANDFATHER WAS A REALTOR WHO WORKED WITH THE ORIGINAL MARSHALL FIELD, procuring the land on which the store now stands. Before they sold out, I tried (unsuccessfully) to interest Field's in her stories. She is a walking history book--but a temporary one. She will celebrate her 103rd birthday next month. She is healthy, lucid, and a treasure. She now lives in Green Lake, WI, but is worthy of a trip for a good visit and interview.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  1:33 am CT
Posted by: Robert

Posted by: Michael Rose "In fashion, one day you're in...the next you're out. Auf Weidersehen Macys from Project Runway!!!"

I noticed too that PR seems to have dumped Messy's for BlueFly. If only What Not To Wear would dump Messy's too. Still have not set foot in the store since I bought my last items at Fields.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  1:10 am CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Hi All---

To the point made by Aaron from Memphis upon visiting us in Minneapolis at the store on Nicollet Mall:

Yes, the Christmas Section has really decreased in size last year and this year even more. It used to be huge back in the Dayton's & Marshall Field's days when it was Trim-the-Home Shop located on 5th Floor. It made a great stop either before or after one visited the 8th Floor Auditorium Christmas Display Show. Not only were the decorations unique and tasteful, rather than the garish things that are available now, there was also a large selection of wrapping papers, ribbons, invitations, cards & holiday note papers. Having it all on 5th floor next to furniture made it possible then to showcase some rooms decorated for the holidays as well, which I always thought was a clever cross-promotion for the designers and for furniture, which was always a strong department for Dayton's.

About four years ago the Trim-the-Home Shop moved to the Lower Level which also made some sense as it was then close to all the other home, kitchen and entertaining products. The space felt a bit more condensed down there, especially when it got really busy, but there were still lots of grand products.

One year I needed a new electric star for the top of my tree but I only saw really gross garish things every place I looked. I did not remember seeing any electric decorations at Field's but I was in the Trim-the-Home Shop looking at some other things and I happened upon a beautiful electric star that would plug into the last string of mini lights that reached up that high on my tree. The star was imported from Italy & made of fine, gold-colored, curly wrought iron-like designs. I remember at the time thinking it seemed like a lot of money for a Christmas tree star----it was like $29. I put it down and kept looking around and thinking about it. I came to the realization that I had not found and probably would not find one that I liked---it was the only one. And perhaps it will be the kind of thing that I will have for my whole life, so I guess $29 is not so much. I went back and bought it. It looks so delicate & beautiful sitting atop the tree with several white mini-lights behind all that curly gold wiry stuff that forms its shape. Even tho I have had it for a while now, when people first enter into my loft and see the tree, many of them will remark about the star, want to know where I got it, etc. Given the current state of affairs, I am even more glad I bought that star; makes it more special.

Regards.

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Date: Mon, November 19, 2007  12:42 am CT
Posted by: Darrid

I think New Yorker's would also prefer something different. When I was there last year I talked to several people. People complained about how messy the stores were as well as the loss of Stern's and A&S. How long has that been and people are still upset?

One man refered to Macy's as the 34th Street Dump.

Comments from Jim:
One motivation behind this site was an experience I had in New York City about the time the conversion was announced in Fall 2005. I was at a swank wedding in Soho and several New Yorkers were upset about the loss of Marshall Field's since it was one thing they all agreed was great about Chicago. It was like they were offering condolences on the passing of one of my family members. I asked about Macy's--they said things like "Macy's is just Macy's" and the like. We have many supporters here from New York and other areas traditionally associated with Macy's territories.

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Date: Sun, November 18, 2007  10:28 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

Field's Fans will love this blog...

"Macy's = Borg"

http://hooeyspewer.blogspot.com/2007/11/macys-borg.html

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Date: Sun, November 18, 2007  9:58 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Why is there all the noise about Frank Guzzetta being at State Street, I think he's a little late and horribly out of touch with the customer. What happened to Linda Peeho? Did she go into hiding? Shouldn't she be involved in some of this or at least mentioned?

If State Street closes, it will breed a whole new type of super-protester. I think people who have remained passive will be instantly infuriated be loosing this icon of Chicago, even under its current condition.

And PS- the Wifi that is being touted is not new, however I think Macy's wants to turn it into a student flop-house like Barnes & Noble. No offense to you B&N folks, but that's not the environment of a department store.

Here's another stolen idea from Kmart, maybe they should have "red-light" specials similar to Kmart's "blue-light" specials. I would love to see the ads for that "Red Light Special on State Street"! Hum...

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Date: Sun, November 18, 2007  8:53 pm CT
Posted by: NPR

Macy's will be the subject of an NPR segment on tomorrow morning's "Morning Edition".

In Chicago, it will probably air between 5:35 and 5:45 am and repeat again between 7:35 and 7:45 am on WBEZ, 91.5 FM as well as other stations.

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Date: Sun, November 18, 2007  7:41 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

So macy's is trying to attract a younger customer in Chicago?

GOOD LUCK!

Unless you're a student from New York studying in Chicago, you still won't shop at macy's.

Everyone over the age of 2 in Chicago remembers visiting Santa Claus at Marshall Fields and eating in the Walnut Room.

What young adult hasn't eaten Thanksgiving dinner on china, Grandma's wedding present, bought at Marshall Field's?

What young bride hasn't worn Mom's pearls on her wedding day, bought by dad as an an aniversary gift, at Marshall Field's?

What young adult doesn't have a family tradition or connection to Marshall Field's

Unless you're deaf, dumb or blind (or a New Yorker) you want Marshall Field's!

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Date: Sun, November 18, 2007  7:20 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

Macy's management apparently thought that when they bought the buildings and names of America's department stores they were also "buying" the customers along with the deal. People are not so mindless as that, and that is not at all how retail works in this day and age of many shopping choices. Marshall Field's shoppers know what they had, what they miss, and what they still want. We will return to 111 N. State Street when Marshall Field's returns to 111 N. State Street.

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Date: Sun, November 18, 2007  5:34 pm CT
Posted by: Aaron - Memphis

Just visited the macy's Nicollet Mall. All I can say is that it is better than the macy's we have in Tennessee. You have more designers to choose from.

The Christmas Shop was tiny this year. Same crap we have back home. I'm headed to Herberger's tomorrow. I'll probably be happier there.

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Date: Sun, November 18, 2007  2:06 pm CT
Posted by: laurie cacault

I just wanted to urge everyone to come out on Saturdays and help Jim in the leafletting efforts. Huge throngs were out on State St. yesterday and by and large there was tremendous support for Field's. There is a festive atmosphere with the Salvation Army people playing Christmas carols and all the lights. If only Field's were there it would be perfect. You'll get to hear stories from people about their Field's memories -- it's a real Chicago experience!

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Date: Sun, November 18, 2007  2:00 pm CT
Posted by: laurie cacault

Thanks, Paul, for alerting us about the Fairmont's and See's alignment with Macy's in their promotions. I called and got the name of their marketing people and left messages for both.

At See, it's Susan Rafferty: 800.289.3937 -- it's a Southfield, Michigan (Detroit suburb) company;

The contact at the Fairmont is Colleen Fweitzer, her number is 312.565.8000, ext. 6668.

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Date: Sun, November 18, 2007  1:57 pm CT
Posted by: Jack K

"Macy's Motivated to Matter" (Tribune 11/18) --- Hey Frank G. There is a quick and simple solution. Give the Lady What She Wants!! ie if you want to spend $10M to revitalize the "flagship " store,why not do it RIGHT. Bring the quality and the NAME back, and you will solve your problems. You can have your cake and eat it too, new generations of customers who will come to regard the Field's name with appreciation for excellent value for the money, as well as the hordes of us who have gone elsewhere. You still don't get it. Yes, FAO Schwartz has gotten off to a good start (hmmm anyone from the City, State or Feds checked their stuff for lead?), but parents are wary today of buying ANY toy for their child. I suspect that you will still see disappointing results there too.

Yes Macy's would have to capitulate and admit they were WRONG about Chicago, and Chicago traditions. The ads in the paper today and the business story are a joke. They can try all they want to "keep traditions". Well, the KEY tradition is GONE. Name plate and QUALITY. Wall Street wants results --- and Lundgren and Guzzetta won't listen to the shoppers. Listen and Guess What? I will begin to shop at Marshall Field's Again, and spend some serious money as I did before Macy's had the stupidity to think we were sheep. Give Chicago what it wants, period.

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Date: Sun, November 18, 2007  1:25 pm CT
Posted by: Elaine

I was an employee of Marshall Fields from 1997-2004 and would like to add that it was some of the best years of my professional life. Not only was it a great place to work, but a great place to offer impeccable "Guest Service". We were taught to treat every person who entered our store and departments as though they were guests in our own home...always making sure the guest was taken to the merchandise they were looking for, or call "Field's Express" to assist our guests. Definately not pointing to the area.

Yesterday, I was in 2 Macy's in Chicago (Watertower and State Street). Both stores were busier --even stores losing money look busy at Christmas, and looked beautiful with Christmas/Holiday decorations-there was no sense of urgency by most of the employees to make sure I had what I needed. Especially true of the State Street Store-where no one could seem to agree on where a particular coat we were looking for might be...too bad. We went elsewhere and found something that suited us instead (NOT MACY'S)

I would be just wonderful if Marshall Field's could return to Chicago and carry on with it's "give the lady what she wants" philosophy.

Good Luck!!

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Date: Sun, November 18, 2007  12:03 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

I just saw a show on PBS. One of they things that they discussed was that SMART retailers are targeting older consumers as the baby boomers get older. They do this in two ways, in both merchandise, geared to the older consumer and even more importantly in hiring older employees including retirees. They said that older workers, bring an invaluable wealth of life experience that young workers just don't have and as their customer base gets older, they want employees who look like their customers.

Hmm, that sounds just the opposite of what that wretched m store is doing, but then again I'm sure they know more that all the market and retail experts on this show and all the other retail establishments interviewed, who have had success with this, as well.

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Date: Sun, November 18, 2007  11:14 am CT
Posted by: MJA1951

I saw the recent comments from Frank Guzzetta and think this is a good thing for Field's fans. His comments show there ignorance in running a high-end store like Marshall Field's and expose them for their clueless management techniques.

When you see how they constantly change their story on how they tried to win us over and now they don't want us, it just re-enforces that they are doomed to failure and it's only a matter of time before Field's is back.

As I said in an earlier post, since it's clear they can't be trusted, having M***'s bring back Field's would be a huge mistake. We just need to keep up the protest until a quality company steps in and buys the former Field's stores at a bargain price and returns them to glory.

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Date: Sun, November 18, 2007  9:27 am CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

I just came back from Philadelphia. At King of Prussia, which at one point had NINE department stores, now only has six, considering that M***'s occupies the former Bamberger's space (M***'s since 1986) and the former Wanamaker's/Strawbridge's space (M***'s since 2005). The original Strawbridge's space, built as Abraham & Straus, has been torn down to add on more stores, including a Morton's and a Cheesecake Factory.

At Neiman-Marcus, they were very friendly, professional, and curteous. Less so at Lord & Taylor, but the two purchases I made there were wrapped in large amounts of tissue with the L&T signature all over them, and placed in one of the highest-quality paper shopping bags I've ever seen. Even better than Neiman's or Field's ever did! The new owners got something right!

Walking through the mall, shoppers that bought things at stores with paper shopping bags are moving advertisements. At a high-end mall like King of Prussia, people who bought things at stores that use plastic bags feel a sense of shame, and they stuff them tightly under their arms or put them into a "proper" bag from another store.

I didn't go into either M***'s there.

My hotel downtown was just down the street from the Daniel Burnham designed John Wanamaker building. When Wanamaker merged with Woodward & Lothrop of DC, both cities felt they got the short end of the stick, and that the other had taken over their beloved store and ruined it. The top four selling floors were converted into offices, the bargain basement and the service level with the Post Office were gutted and turned into a parking deck, and Mr. Wanamaker's office, untouched since the day he died, was boxed up and sent to DC.

Lord & Taylor reduced the selling floors to three. Floors four and five still look like selling floors, but they are vacant. The magnificent atrium and the ornate detail of the moldings and columns was expertly and expensively re-done, but the staff were clearly annoyed at the thought of helping customers.

M***'s has not expanded into home goods on the two empty floors. I didn't go in, but I was shocked by the windows. Every window on the Market and Chestnut Street sides were boarded over. One might think they were planning for a big Christmas display, but you could see beyond the edges of the boards and there was nothing but storage behind them.

There were three decorated windows on the Juniper Street side - two had pairs of mannequins dressed in black - the male figures in suits, the female figures in party dresses. The backdrops were pathetic and uninspired. And the caption on the window read "the Magic of M***'s." Black magic? Or just innefective and awful magic? The third window was an advertisement for a local ballet company that featured a large illustration of two dancers, as well as a montage of photos of the youth dance group in rehearsals and on field trips.

The movie "Mannequin" was about Prince & Co. fighting a takeover bid by rival Illustra. Prince & Company was represented by John Wanamaker, and Illustra's in-store shots were filmed at a Boscov's. Boscov's isn't a bad store, but it is no Wanamaker's. Illustra's plans included tearing down or boarding up the elegant downtown Prince store and replacing it with something garish and awful. Looks like life imitates art.

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Date: Sun, November 18, 2007  2:34 am CT
Posted by: FieldsWebShopper

Marshall Field's web shopping was so much fun. We really miss it. When we tried to go into the Macy's website to see if Field Gear had been restored, this is the message we received;

We'll be right with you.

It's a little crowded in here right now, and to make sure everyone enjoys shopping with us, we're asking new visitors to wait here a few moments while other shoppers finish up. We'll refresh your browser and welcome you in momentarily. Thanks for your patience!

Ohhh..how we miss Marshall Field's !

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Date: Sun, November 18, 2007  12:36 am CT
Posted by: RG74 and Family

Ahhh...the MARSHALL FIELD'S MYSTIQUE ! That's what I call it ! Macy's holds tradition in my heart but MARSHALL FIELD'S is like the Selfridge's of the US and I love it. That's what my family and I think.

Terry Lundgren, please open your heart and give Marshall Field's back to the heart of the nation, Detroit,Chicago and Minneapolis. (I am a purist and would really love to see Hudson's and Dayton's name restored...BUT Marshall Field's name embodies the spirit of those two wonderful stores. Macy's is a different store.

May God Bless the Field's fans and the Macy's people (Mr.Lundgren especially) who can warm the hearts of millions.

THE MARSHALL FIELD'S MYSTIQUE - MADE FOR AMERICA.

Warm Marshall Field's Regards,

RG74 & Family

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Date: Sat, November 17, 2007  10:28 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Despite the drizzle, it was another busy, productive and informative day on State Street with another busy day of leafleting from mid-Afternoon to early evening. Over 2000 leafltes were distributed as were hundreds of buttons. Special thanks to goes to Chicago native Laurie C who came in from Milwuakee to co-preside over the activities. Of course, thanks also goes out to Gail who provided our hundreds of buttons.

Of special note is who is clamoring for the buttons and leaflets--more than anybody it is the late-teen and twenty-something group Guzzetta and Lundgren are trying to attract. They stand in line for the buttons, they ask for extras for their friends and are most vocal about wanting Field's back and refusing to shop at Macy's. They come back for more. Another sight: We had a group come back after getting buttons requesting to have their picture taken with those of us leafletting. A 20-something couple came by after just taking a look around the store. They were thrilled to see us. They noted the store had a guestbook for people to leave their favorite memories of the store. The couple continued that the book had many requests for the return of Field's (to put it politely) instead of or in addition to memories.

We will be having our marathon leafleting session this Friday and Saturday as our Black Friday activity. Please join us--Be there for Chicago! Be there to help bring back Marshall Field's!"

Jim

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Date: Sat, November 17, 2007  10:27 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C.

Mr. Dick Lee, author, consultant and founder of HIGH YIELD METHODS, which helps clients align strategies with customers, is another expert who maintains that "macy's has blown it". Here is one sentence: "Can you believe that grown men and women sat around and thought this up?"...meaning the change of name, service quality and unique merchandising of Marshall Field's to macy's!

http://www.customerthink.com/blog/macys_blows_it

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Date: Sat, November 17, 2007  3:47 pm CT
Posted by: Alan

There's another article in today's Tribune with a comment section. The main point is that Guzzetta, armed with a $10 million budget, is charged with the responsibility of turning around State Street. Among his points is that they want to create something uniquely Chicago. However, I just don't see how it can ever be viewed as "uniquely Chicago" with the current name. It just doesn't make sense, and is a poor branding strategy. Naturally, the story ends with the contrasting views of the 47-year old who won't go in the store and the 28-year old who doesn't mind the switch (which appears to be their new strategy), but something tells me that's not the whole story.

The article included an estimate that the building could be generating $450 million revenue based on its size. Apparently it generated around $200 million in Target's last year (although I thought elsewhere I read it was closer to $250 million), and has fallen since Macy's took over. It seems the best Guzzetta could say was that the pace of decline has slowed in recent months. That's not exactly a ringing endorsement. At the end of the day, I can't help wondering how much bringing back the Field's name would help sales by itself, how much bring back the green bags would help sales by itself, how much scaling back the private labels would help sales by itself, and, most importantly, how much doing all those together would help. If nothing more, it would generate far more goodwill and positive press than putting a wine bar in the Walnut Room.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sun_macys_1118nov18,0,852061.story

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Date: Sat, November 17, 2007  10:36 am CT
Posted by: denise rule

http://www2.oprah.com/index.jhtml -- that's the specific link to Oprah's web site, or if you just put in www.oprah.com it will go into that. i really urge everyone or anyone to e-mail the site with our dissatisfaction re: her and her magazine's association with the 'm' store. there are several places, once on her site, to e-mail. "e-mail Oprah", and if you look around, there's also a category to contact about "O" magazine, which is actually most appropriate re: the braclets currently at the 'm' store and in her Decmeber issue of "O" magazine. you may also go to the 'message boards', which requires a simple registration, and start a discussion. for anyone who has a copy of the december issue of the magazine, there is always the possibility of writing a letter to the editor, re: this matter in this issue. my thought is that it's highly unlikely such a letter would be printed.....UNLESS they receive quite a few. anyway, these are all options. i hope many of you are game. thanx..... denise and Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, many who feel like old friends by now.

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Date: Sat, November 17, 2007  10:04 am CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

I have listened to the last few conference calls that macy's has had with Wall Street analysts.

I really can't believe how much those "experts" are eating up Karen Hoguet's line of crap. Some of them sound real ditzy and I see NONE who are pressing Hoguet or asking her any real hard questions.

Questions I've been waiting for someone to ask:

Karen, why do you put so much faith into Martha Stewart helping macy's sales? Don't you know that Kmart also sells Martha Stewart and that while doing so had to file for bankruptcy? How will Martha Stewart help macy's when they couldn't help Kmart?

Integration costs Karen, what is that for? The former MayCo stores look already integrated to me and have been so for over a year What are all of these MILLIONS of integration costs going to? And why are your integration costs 7 TIMES HIGHER than you predicted?

Why have you cut maintenance, housekeeping and cleaning at your stores? And if you claim you haven't where is the money going that you spend on maintenance? It clearly isn't spent on maintenance and cleaning, especially at the lower level food court at State Street. Is the maintenance money padding your over all sales?

What are the real sales figures for "macy's north" and for State Street, without padding them with "integration costs" which are SEVEN TIMES HIGHER than you projected?

Do you admit your defeat in Chicago and especially at State Street with attracting the "older" shopper as evidenced with your push at attracting younger shoppers?

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Date: Fri, November 16, 2007  10:30 pm CT
Posted by: James Nell

Hey Macy's Execs,

My mom and I are itching for multiple big-time shopping trips to Marshall Field's. Bring back the quality, the selection, & the name and we will be there to prove your genius! It's not too late for a BIG Thanksgiving announcement.

James Nell
Chicago

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Date: Fri, November 16, 2007  10:25 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Field's Fans will be out on State Street under the clock at State & Washington tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon.

While you are free to come by and spontaneously leaflet, it is recommended you contact us in advance so we can anticipate supplies and strategize locations--and we can be sure to meet up at the time you prefer. Please email jjmckay@fieldsfanschicago.org by 11:30 am Saturday morning if you plan to come help us leaflet in the afternoon. I will contact you with further details.Thank you!

_____________________________________________

I found the blog entry first noted by Darrid to be very interesting. Here's the link again.

http://twolfe.blogspot.com/2007/11/things-that-once-were-so-big-suddenly.html

Thanks again!

Jim

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Date: Fri, November 16, 2007  8:45 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

Field's Fans should be aware that although Macy's was finally been able to post a profit last quarter, their total sales dropped .8%, thus continuing their decline since eliminating Field's. Macy's acknowledges that former Field's stores continue to struggle as Macy's (certainly they're not profitable) and that Macy's has all but given up on ever winning over Field's high-end customers.

Also note that Macy's $33 million profit figure for last quarter EXCLUDES their May Company merger related costs and INCLUDES profits for all 826 Macy's stores and all 40 Bloomingdales stores.

You may want to compare the performance of Macy's and Bloomingdales 864 stores to that of Marshall Field's in its last years before the takeover. In 2003, Field's worst year in more than a decade, it was still able to post profits $106 Million. Bear in mind that Field's turnaround began in 2004 with an increase of 6.1% in the first quarter before being acquired by the May Company. 2004 was also the year that the State Street store's $115 Million renovation and upgrades to merchandise began to provide benefits.

Despite Macy's recent profit, their stock price dropped again two days ago to $28.47, down 7.1% - their biggest drop since 2002 - and closed today even lower at $28.32.

One year ago, on Nov. 17, 2006 Macy's stock price was $42.57.

Once again we see how much better off Chicago and investors would be if Marshall Field's were to be restored!

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Date: Fri, November 16, 2007  4:48 pm CT
Posted by: Robert Gaertig

Hello all,

I have been reading the blog for quite some time and felt it was a good time to share my Marshall Fields memories.

I will start with my last trip to Chicago in Dec 05 prior to the conversion. I live in Florida, so right away think of the Air travel, lodging and meals that the Chicago economy enjoyed from my week long trip. I brought ny wife and sister along for the last Fields experience.

We arrived , got to the hotel, and rushed to the Fields at River Oaks. I grew up in South Holland so this Fields had strong childhood memories for me. For the holidays the store was open late, it was filled with guests and wonderful cheerfull team members.We bought a boat load of Frango's that night.

The next day we rode the el downtown to State Street and bought bought bought. Clothing gifts and some stuff for ourselves as well.We arrived at 11 A.M. and left at 7p.m.We spent time at the market at Daley Plaza Too.Every Time I was I.D for my credit card I would show my FL DR Lic and first the team member would dream about being in Fl and then they would ask WHY ARE YOU HERE?

I told them that in Fl we had Burdines and it had been MACYIZED a year prior and I knew what was to come and I had came to say goodbye to and old friend and choose to remember it in all their glory. I would repeat this over and over in various departments that day. Some had worked for fields for over 20 years, I wished them well.

My sister and wife had such a blast they went back downtown again to State ,then to Water Tower. We had to ship boxes home due to carry on limits on the plane.

All these stores were filled with guests, great products and wonderful team members.It is hard to believe the choice Macy's made just to save on cost. IE one shopping bag or reciept paper.Come on does it cost them that much more to print different logos on bags?

I believe Between my wife and sister about $4800.00 in shopping at Fields occured during this trip. I have a Macys right in the town I live so why bother. I don't shop in this one so why would I come there. I am glad I had the chance to say goodbye to my old friend. It is best this way.

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Date: Fri, November 16, 2007  4:31 pm CT
Posted by: JasonM

I can't believe Oprah capitulated. macy's must have read that Oprah always called Field's "the greatest store in the world" and the macy's people went to work, thinking that they had to get Oprah's approval or macy's will fail. macy's will fail regardless - with or without Oprah.

This is VERY UNFORTUNATE that someone with the presence of Oprah could be "persuaded" by macy's. She represents Chicago. Women all over the US come to Chicago to see Oprah. Oprah is Chicago. Marshall Field's is Chicago. What does it mean when a Chicago icon (Oprah) throws away the history of another Chicago icon (Marshall Field's) !!!!

PLEASE let's all write letters and emails to Oprah. Her people read them. She often says on her show "Before you all start sending letters..."

PLEASE write a letter this weekend. Old fashioned in the mail letter.

PLEASE write an email this weekend.

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Date: Fri, November 16, 2007  3:22 pm CT
Posted by: Jim Campbell

Hi Chicago

I just wanted to say I am very proud of the people of Chicago for supporting what they believe in. And that's keeping the Marshall Fields name. I could only wish and hope that the people here in Miami had the same guts to boycott the Macy's stores when they changed Burdines the favorite store here in Miami to Macys. Keep up the fight and bring them to their knees. I have not shopped at Macys here in Miami ever since the name change. As someone has mentioned before,the management at Macys seems to think that everthing that comes out of New York is the best and is what the rest of the U.S. crave for. I guess you all in Chicago has shown them a thing or two. Keep up the fight until they change the name back Marshall Fields or close every store that was Marshall Fields.

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Date: Fri, November 16, 2007  12:30 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Has anyone noticed CFO, Karen Hoguet's excuse for Messy's lack of performance--"Lack of compelling fashions?"

I love it! Messy's admits they sell junk.

Marshall Field's was a compelling store--period.

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Date: Fri, November 16, 2007  12:30 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Again, Macy's target audience disappointed.

http://twolfe.blogspot.com/2007/11/things-that-once-were-so-big-suddenly.html

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Date: Fri, November 16, 2007  12:17 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Again Macy's has hit an all time low and was trading for $27.50 this morning. This was its lowest trade in the past 52 weeks. The market cap was $12.2 BB, so Macy's is officially ONLY worth $1BB since they paid $11.2BB for May Company. Interesting.

Since I started my website Darrid.Com back in March, I have researched hundreds of other sites. I also get email alerts from Google about Marshall Field's and Macy's. Does anyone else do this? It's utterly amazing how many blogs there are out there that mention the horrible service and low quality goods at Macys.

Here are some of my observations from my research.

1. Pictures, of Macy's Chicago are still being labeled Marshall Field's in image services such as Flickr and Photobucket.

2. I found countless pictures of people "giving the finger" to Macy's signs, most of which are Macy's target youth audience.

3. There are so many other blog sites that bash Macy's as well. Have you seen how fast comments are added to all of the Chicago Tribune stories? People are still outraged!

Did anyone see this?

http://consumerist.com/consumer/new-and-exciting-products/macys-contaminated-with-giant-furry-e-coli-323411.php

This is the kind of junk you would find at Spencer's, not at a department store. Perhaps it goes with the fruit flies.

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Date: Fri, November 16, 2007  11:08 am CT
Posted by: Joe D

In the spirit of talking about how great Field's was, I must admit I am very confused by the Water Tower's Christmas decorations. Once again, the Macy's lobby is filled with the same white trees. In 2003, the lobby continued the "Willy Wonka" theme from the State Street Store. In 2004, Field's theme was "dreaming of a White Christmas" and the ad campagin was fantastic. It seems like the Water Tower hasn't changed its decorations since 2004. Has the Water Tower always had a White Lobby except for 2003?

I don't see what the point of all bringing out the same plastic decorations each year. It just reminds me of how magical my first Christmas at the State Street store was in 2003. The fantastic Wonka displays inside the store were very dramatic as well as the fancy silver snoflake bags, and the classy silver snowflakes hanging in the store and the atrium. The Field's uniqueness really did make the holiday's special.

Oh well, those were the days!

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Date: Fri, November 16, 2007  10:31 am CT
Posted by: Paul F

Today I received a mailer from See Optical in Chicago. I actually really like See and they do have some fab glasses available.

The mailer, however, was offering a promotional $50 gift certificate from area stores for people who come in and buy a new pair of glasses.

The stores were: Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Macy's.

So, a coffeeshop, a bookshop, a five and dime, and a junkshop.

I think Field's fans should contact See and respectfully inform them that we disagree with their decision to affiliate themselves and market the gift cards for Macy's.

See's contact info is listed as:

"Susan, Queen of Freebies,
SEE
2531 N. Clark St., Chicago
(773) 281-3560"

And, also, a happy, healthy Thanksgiving to all.

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Date: Fri, November 16, 2007  8:39 am CT
Posted by: denise rule

ughhhhhh....... wrote to Oprah, wrote to "O" magazine, which is actually where the bracelts are represented (being sold at the m. store,) wrote a letter to the Fairmont...... the red star place is desperate to give away anything, anywhere, they are really on the prowl. (LIKE US!)

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Date: Fri, November 16, 2007  12:15 am CT
Posted by: LiMack

Don't you just hate that Macy's own press releases as well as articles by retail analysts following Macy's keep using the word "lure" in their stories? Like, "Macy's is trying hard to lure shoppers who are still unhappy about the name change from Marshall Field's." Or, "Macy's is hoping Martha Stewart goods will lure holiday customers into their stores." Or, Macy's wants to lure a new type of buyer to State Street."

Funny, before this I never really thought of "lure" as a positive marketing incentive, did you? It's actually kind of creepy. To me, "lure" connotes something sneaky, underhanded. More like a tactic a predator would use, or something an angler does to trick a fish into biting.

Perhaps Macy's will figure out that most consumers do not like to feel they are being "lured" any more than they appreciate being "re-educated".

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Date: Thurs, November 15, 2007  11:41 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

I just spoke with my brother and his wife in Michigan. They have visited Chicago between Thanksgiving and Christmas every year for about the last ten years.

Not this year. Guess the reason? It's not high gas prices. It's not financial troubles at home. It's not because their schedule is too hectic this year. It's not because they can't find a hotel room.

It's because Marshall Field's is gone from State Street.

My sister-in-law says Michigan Avenue is great, but she can find the same stores closer to home in Detroit (and pay less sales tax). It was the State Street Field's that was magical and unique and she says last year the store didn't look the same as Macy's.

So this year they aren't bothering to make the trip.

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Date: Thurs, November 15, 2007  11:16 pm CT
Posted by:

Hello Everyone!

I was looking at my hometown paper's website www.chron.com and I see a HUGE ad promoting a RED APPLE SALE for Macy's. This is very interesting because the Red Apple Sale was one of Foley's trademark sales for years. They also had a terrific jingle to promote the sales. Macy's said there would be NO MORE Red Apple sales, and now they are back!

Just another sign that Macy's is doing poorly in another market other than the Midwest!

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Date: Thurs, November 15, 2007  11:04 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Thanks for all your posts.

Please remember that the posts that go the farthest in helping bring back Field's are those that remind us of why there was no place like Field's.

Building up the case for the return of Field's is so much the high road and does so much more for our cause than tearing down Macy's.

Jim

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Date: Thurs, November 15, 2007  10:15 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

Thursday November 15, 8:29 am ET

Macy's Having Trouble Enticing Shoppers in Certain Markets, Analysts Say

..Macy's sales growth has remained sluggish because some shoppers have resisted the Macy's brand that replaced local favorites as part of its purchase of May Department Stores Co. in 2005...

Morgan Stanley analyst Michelle L. Clark said Macy's had trouble with its converted May stores in the Midwest, reversing the prior year's performance.

"We have long argued that the Midwest would be a challenging region for the converted May Co. doors, due to competitive pressures, assortment challenges prior to the merger and a weaker consumer," Clark wrote in a client note....

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071115/macy_s_ahead_of_the_bell.html?.v=1

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Date: Thurs, November 15, 2007  10:10 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

Leaders & Losers For Thursday, Nov. 15

Poppy Harlow 11.15.07, 1:45 PM ET

Macy's (nyse: M - news - people ) is pulling ahead today despite news from the department store chain that it is facing soft consumer spending and having a hard time luring shoppers into its stores in the Midwest.

http://www.forbes.com/2007/11/15/macys-tyco-kohls-markets-cx_ph_1115leadersandlosers.html?partner=yahootix

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Date: Thurs, November 15, 2007  9:58 pm CT
Posted by: RG74 Family

Tonight, TVLand featured "4 of a kind at primetime," and tonight's 4 shows were "Good Times." One of the episodes was about buying Illinois lottery tickets and winning !

When the winning number came up, the Evans family jumped up and danced around the room shouting out different things they would like to buy with the winning money.

One of the first things that Florida Evans (Esther Rolle) shouted about was a wonderful sofa she saw in the window at where else ?

M A R S H A L L F I E L D'S !

That's right. Even the made up television family knows that when it comes to the best of the best...it can be bought at MARSHALL FIELD'S !

Priceless. Marshall Field's Forever ! WE HAD TO ADMIT, TEARS CAME TO OUR EYES WHEN WE REALIZED THAT MARSHALL FIELD'S IS GONE.

BUT IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE ! MACY'S MANAGEMENT COULD BRING BACK MARSHALL FIELD'S BACK RIGHT NOW !

MAKE MACY'S NORTH --- MARSHALL FIELD'S ! PLEASE !

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Date: Thurs, November 15, 2007  6:05 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

Hello Field's Fans,

Report from Western Kentucky: I gave out two more buttons today to sales associates at a local strip mall after explaining what was happening in Chicago with the downgrading of Marshall Field's to 'that' store. They expressed how inappropriate it is for a retail business to come into a city and make random changes to such a popular institution with no consideration for its citizens.

With all this turmoil, what I wouldnC-t give to be a fly on the wall in one of those board meetings!

Good luck next week.

Doris

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Date: Thurs, November 15, 2007  4:42 pm CT
Posted by: Mrs. W

I just wanted to let people know that Baker Furniture has opened a beautiful showroom in River West at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street. It has several floors of traditional and modern lines. I was in the store and told them how glad I was that they had relocated out of Messy's State Street. The sales associate laughed, and said, "They have received many glowing endorsements of being out of Messy's State Street". Go Figure!! According to her, business was horrendous at State Street and caused Baker to speed up their decision to find better digs in a trendy neighborhood. I guess Baker figured it out quickly that the "Big Red Star" store was no big sensation for drawing in customers to the 8th & 9th Floors.. I said, "You mean Baker and Martha don't mix?" There was a pause and a then a big laugh from both of us ......happy furniture shopping everyone...

Got to go...busy buying some Thanksgiving tableware items at Carson's and Crate and Barrel this evening!

Mrs. W

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Date: Thurs, November 15, 2007  4:13 pm CT
Posted by: Maura

Hello,

Well yesterday we finally used our Marshall Field's $50 gift card. I was saving it to possibly buy an ornament but it simply makes me to sad to hang it on the tree because it will remind me of Macy's. So we purchased some men's underwear. I feel that is appropriate. ANYWAY, why I am really writing is to tell you my observations of a Macy's Christmas. I just don't understand what they are thinking? It is not going to be popular with Chicagoans. First the Martha Stewart Christmas tree is Boring with a capital B! It is like one of hundreds of big trees placed in the lobbies of office buildings around the country. It is not fun for children and the ornaments are safely boring. It's so bland. I thought Martha Stewart knew how to do Christmas but I guess not!?! It is really quite a mystery how she could have come up with such a dull tree adorned with such dull ornaments in multiple colors of teal pink and cream. There is an Uncle Mistletoe under the tree but he looks so out of place. The store is only really decorated on the first floor and my husband remarked that it looks like how Carson's used to do it. Another writer pointed out the reason. Usually the nutcraker theme would have been brought inside. Instead its just huge ornaments that look like they can be used year after year. Also, what is up with the "golden" trumpets outside. They are is such need of repair! My goodness spend a bit of cash and at least give them a fresh coat of paint. The windows are pretty but not unusual and certainly not worth going out of your way to see.

Also, there was grafitti on the Wabash side of the store. That would never have been allowed to remain under the Marshall Field watch.

The FAO Shwartz section is cute. But hasn't FAO struggled in Chicago? Their stand alone store closed on Michigan Ave and their store in Water Tower closed. The store is not kid friendly and I can't see the young trendees flocking to buy their neice and nephews huge stuffed animals or madame alexander dolls. I would think Brats, Barbies, and video games would be more their style.

The more time that goes by and the more unkept the store becomes the less likely they are to succeed. The store is looking more and more like Carson's on State all the time. Frankly, I don't understand why that store was not maintained. But I can tell you this it was never a destination shopping stop for the young trendees or tourists.

I feel hopeful that Macy's will be a failure at least that will give a hope of resurrected Marshall Field's someday.

I'll be having another blue Christmas without our beloved Marshall Field's.

Maura

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Date: Thurs, November 15, 2007  3:39 pm CT
Posted by: Nina G

Does anyone know if Martha's "tree topper" or other decorations were inspired by her entry in the "prison holiday decoration" competition during her incarceration...which actually won SECOND PRIZE?

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Date: Thurs, November 15, 2007  3:11 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Today's "Sun-Times" by Sandra Guy mentioned Field's Fans and paraphrased Jim McKay, then speculated "Retail experts say it's more likely that a private-equity firm would buy the State Street flagship, shutter it and covert it into a multiuse building."

"Macy's back in the black"

http://www.suntimes.com/business/651468,CST-FIN-macys15.article

I wrote them to disagree and reminded them the market for Marshall Field's is NOT going away.

Letters@suntimes.com and sguy@suntimes.com

The "Tribune" has more on Lunkhead's latest excuse, "challenging economic environment." That's actually more realistic than what he usually comes up with. Maybe he's being forced to wake up. There is the usual opportunity for comments:

"Macy's forecast overshadows profit"

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-thu_macys_1115nov15,0,1184331.story

"Tribune" letters to the editor go to:

ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com

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Date: Thurs, November 15, 2007  11:35 am CT
Posted by: gle

I have been trying to read the barrage of Messy's latest financial mess and excuses on my Yahoo! News search. A biz.yahoo.com article by Associated Press that showed up November 14, "Out of the Gate: Macy's Declines," but has since disappeared from the search (or possibly outnumbered by millions of similar stories) had a comment by JPMorgan analyst Charles Grom: "ALTERING CONSUMER SHOPPING BEHAVIOR CAN BE AN UPHILL BATTLE, AND THEREFORE WE ARE NOT SURPRISED TO SEE THE FORMER MAY DOORS STRUGGLING AT MACY'S." I'm not surprised either! It makes no sense why Macy's insists on struggling to succeed in selling such an unpopular product. It's as if the challenge of forcing Messy's down everybody's throats is all Lunkhead cares about instead of doing his real job--retail.

I also noticed on the "Tribune" coverage, that some of those people who feel so terribly threatened by us posted comments immediately even though the article was only financial data and didn't even mention Marshall Field's. We are winning or they wouldn't be upset.

YES WE ARE HAVING AN IMPACT! You should see people's eyes light up when I give them a Field's button. I have to hand out buttons almost every day.

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Date: Thurs, November 15, 2007  9:42 am CT
Posted by: Paul F.

11-15-7

FROM THE Tribune: "[...]The elegant Fairmont Chicago (200 N. Columbus Drive; 312-565-8000) is getting into the spirit with its "Holiday Shopping at Macy's on State Street" package. Starting at $269 a night, the package includes a $100 gift certificate to Macy's, a reusable tote bag, candy cane Frango mints, a Martha Stewart ornament and 5 p.m. checkout[....]"

I think that Field's Fans should contact the Fairmont and inform them that they respectfully disagree with the decision to associate and market the Fairmont Hotel with Macy's.

The Fairmont's contact info is:

T.(312) 565-8000

F.(312) 856-1032

email:chicago@fairmont.com

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Date: Thurs, November 15, 2007  8:18 am CT
Posted by: :-Diane in Ohio

I just wanted to share a message of support from a colleague in Pennsylvania. I sent an e-mail to her about a work matter and she replied with this:

_____________________________________________________________________

Hi, Diane,

I also felt compelled to comment on your "BOYCOTT MACYS" website link. All I can say is "HOORAY FOR MARSHALL FIELDS FANS!!!" Your organization could provide inspiration for similar actions here in Pittsburgh. Kaufmann's department store was an icon of the Downtown business district for decades (we even have a clock similar to the Marshall Fields clock!) It was indeed a sad day in Pittsburgh when Macy's took over. The quality and service HAS gone down; it was funny this came up because my office mate and I were discussing this very thing just minutes ago. Well, I guess it's just another symptom of the "Walmartinization" of the retail industry.

Anyway, best of luck in continuig the good fight!

Sincerely,

Lynn

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

I thanked her and suggested she check out this site for inspiration. Wouldn't it be great if people nationwide rose up in support of the return of regional department stores?

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Date: Thurs, November 15, 2007  5:24 am CT
Posted by: Daniel W. Harcourt II

With the holidays approaching, it sure doesn't feel the same without Marshall Fields. I want my Marshall Fields back!

It's GREAT that we are boycotting and protesting Macy's-and I do believe that it is working. For those interested, however, there is another approach that can be taken which guarantees us an audience with Terry Lundgren, the Macy's Board of Directors AND the shareholders. I've mentioned this before in previous posts, but now seems like a very good time to revisit the idea. We can actually buy Macy's stock and become shareholders ourselves. I mention this now for a couple of reasons. 1) As of 11/14/07 Macy's stock is near it's 52 week low-below $30.00 a share. 2) Macy's has announced that they are halting their stock buy back until next year-which suggests both a 'cash flow' problem in the company but more importantly prevents them from inflating the price buying the stock themselves.

As stockholders, we have the RIGHT to attend annual shareholder meetings. As stockholders, we have the right to speak out at shareholder meetings. If enough of us become Macy's shareholders and attend the next Macy's sharholder meeting, it just might be the final push needed to bring back Marshall Fields.

At this point, I want to point out that I have spent ZERO at Macy's since they took away my beloved Marshall Fields. I still have no intentions of shopping at-or accepting anything from any Macy's until the return of Marshall Fields. I will, however, purchase Macy's stock-when the price is low-if that's what it will take to bring back Marshall Fields. In other words, I plan to be a royal PAIN in Terry Lundgren's you know what-and I'll do it as a stockholder-untill Marshall Fields is returned to us!

Sincerely,

Daniel W. Harcourt II

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  10:26 pm CT
Posted by: (A. Perkins

Macy's Picked Apart

Andrew Farrell, 11.14.07, 9:20 PM ET

"The company also lifted its expected costs for merger integration to between $60 and $70 million, during the fourth quarter. It previously only expected $10 million."

http://www.forbes.com/2007/11/14/macys-earnings-closer-markets-equity-cx_af_ra_1114markets35.html?partner=yahootix

What exactly are "integration costs?" Why are they 7 times higher than expected?

What more does macy's have to spend to integrate the former MayCo stores? Aren't they already integrated?

Is it possible that macy's is using the integration money to pad the low sales at the former MayCo stores?

Is this what they mean by "cooking the books"?

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  9:41 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Rose

In fashion, one day you're in...the next you're out. Auf Weidersehen Macys from Project Runway!!!

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  9:41 pm CT
Posted by: GrowingUpWithMacys

Warm feelings,warm hearts,warm memories. We grew up with Stern's,Abraham & Straus, Bamberger's and of course, Macy's. We were proud to get a gift from Macy's. In fact, in the late 70's to mid 80's, we were proud of what Macy's had to offer.

Believe it or not, one of our Macy's stores in White Plain's New York actually had a beautiful script logo. The logo was very elegant.

Then around 1986, they started taking restaurants out, pulled out many of the other great services, started cutting staff and essentially removed the excitement from the store.

In fact, Macy's even took out their formal dining room (small as it was, the French Bistro called Cafe LeToile located on the Balcony level was closed.

The famous Macy's Cellar ended years of tradition by closing their in-house food hall. In its place came Eatzis, a take out kitchen in the basement with freshly made food. They closed original cellar grill, and when the Patio on the 8th floor closed and replaced with an Au Bon Pain, there were actually no full-service dining options in the store at all for a short time.

As part of the exciting changes made to the flagship Herald Square store, Macy's basically outsourced all of their food and beverage outlets. During the last few years when Restaurant Associates, (now Patina Group) took over the food service contract from Eatzi

So now, Macy's flagship store on 34st, the largest store in the world only offers a small pub and bar to serve as their sitdown restaurant. It is nice that they offer a fine tribute to the store but it's simply casual in conjunction to the take out kitchen called Cucina and Company. The fact is, they actually started out with an alternate branch of Naples45 Italian restaurant found in The Met Life Building called Naples34.

Here is the thing that amazes even the most savvy shopper tourist is the fact that Cucina & Company (the new take-out/casual service outlet) in Macy's is not unique to the store. It is actually just one of three. Cucina and Company can be found on the lower level of Rockefeller Center, the Met Life Building and Macy's lower level. What is unique about that ?

MACY'S HEARLD SQUARE TRULY HAS NO UPSCALE, WORLD CLASS DINING ROOM LIKE THE WALNUT ROOM AT MARSHALL FIELD'S ! CONSIDERING ALL OF THE SPACE AT HERALD SQUARE, A FINE DINING RESTAURANT THAT WOWS SHOPPERS WOULD BE SUPERB AND SHOULD BE APART OF THE STORE ALL TOGETHER. !

Macy's was a wonderful store. Macy's could be a wonderful store again in their home territory of New York and New Jersey. In other parts of the country, generations of families want their regional stores back. They want their department store traditions, full-service restaurants, fine designer goods, all things wonderful.

MACY'S ALWAYS SAID,"We're apart of your life." THEY SHOULD BE BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF THE OTHER GREAT STORES.

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  9:14 pm CT
Posted by: Pat C

WELL Field's Fans..

Oprah has now Teamed up with M***'s

"CHANGING LIVES, ONE WRIST AT A TIME"

M**y's will sell OPRAH'S "O Braclets"

As part of continued commitments M**y's will receive NO PROFITS from the Sale of the Braclets. I can't believe that they will not make a penny.Oh I know what this means, free advertising on Oprah Show and Free Ads in "O" Magazine.

First the Free $100 Gift cards to Oprah audience members...

NOW THIS ?

I am SO DONE with the big "O".

She could have sold these at her new store near her Studio.

She could have sold them on-line. NOT M**y's !

Oprah, you can't diss Chicagoans like this !

PS..Don't look it up on M**y's website, they probably make $1.00 for every "hit" on their website looking for "O" Braclets. And believe me they are ugly.

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  6:46 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Jimmy Gimbels has written some delightfully sarcastic--but totally accurate--observations about his visits to various macy*mart stores. Since macy*mart "supporters" frequently respond to critics on other blogs, one could reasonably assume that the Red Star Propaganda Department also monitors fieldsfanschicago.

I find it strange that suggestions and observations made on various blogs are not taken to heart by the Red Star executives. Jimmy Gimbels has basically given them a check list of things to correct, yet the Red Star management is too arrogant, clueless, indifferent or stupid to make the corrections. Although they have been given FREE ADVICE on how to improve their operations, the Red Star Store continues to disappoint and to amuse the public. One wonders if Lunkhead and Friends are deliberately trying to devalue the business so they can liquidate the stores and sell off the real estate.

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  4:26 pm CT
Posted by: Steve and Diana

MacyC-s, go back to New York. IC-m sure that we would love New York and New Yorkers, but not in Chicago.

FieldC-s is an inseparable part of our city -- from the Field Museum of Natural History, to the FieldC-s store, with its emphasis on quality throughout.

FieldC-s is an aesthetic that MacyC-s can never hope to capture. FieldC-s is a level of quality; it's a way of furnishing a beautiful home, a way of dressing in understated style, and a way of entertaining your best friends.

All our best to you MacyC-s, but not in Chicago. You are out-classed here; you are out of your league. Chicago is a cosmopolitan and international city, but with the enduring and loyal friendships of a small town. MacyC-s, I know you donC-t understand this, but then, you never will. ItC-s a Chicago thing.

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  4:12 pm CT
Posted by: Never liked Oprah

Que sara....sara........LOOKS like the Oprah jumped on the bandwagon too selling bracelets at Macy's. I never did like her.........

Hope she enjoys the neg PR..........ah......she's a friend of Marta!

Miss Winfrey............ah.....LET ALL OF CHICAGO KNOW! SHAME ON YOU............SHAME SHAME

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  3:42 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

Wednesday November 14, 10:37 am ET

Macy's Heads Lower; Analyst Notes Trouble Luring Customers of Former May Stores

NEW YORK (AP) -- Shares of Macy's Inc. opened higher but then quickly turned to the downside after Wednesday's opening bell, as an analyst said the department-store operator is having trouble luring shoppers in some markets dominated by former May Department Stores.

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  2:53 pm CT
Posted by: geraly unite oday

just an fyi - i've been looking at alternatives to getting santa pics and a traditional family meal at the walnut room for christmas. i just heard about this thought i should pass along in case anyone else was wondering the same:

Dates: 11/14/2007 - 1/1/2008

The 14th Annual Hancock Holiday Mountain Railroad is on track! This elaborate, miniature railroad exhibit showcases twelve model freight and passenger trains running through 1,400 square feet of snow-covered trees, mountains, and towns decorated for the holidays. We recommend that all observatory visitors check out this complimentary display between 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dates: 11/17/2007 - 11/18/2007

Between 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., the 12th annual "A Great View and Santa, Too!" will delight visitors of all ages! Visitors will experience wintry views spanning up to 80 miles and four states, a visit with the "real" Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a twelve-train, 1,400-square-foot holiday railroad exhibit! Visitors will also receive one complimentary digital image/party with Santa!

and i figure we'll find somewhere nice to eat as well in that area and maybe start a new tradtion... until they change macy's back to marshall fields that is. :)

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  3:42 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

Regarding the writer who called Jim McKay, I truly hope he is wrong that the supposedly professional reporter came to the interview with preconceived notions and a mentally pre-written article, rather than looking for the real story so readers can draw their own conclusions. We shall see.

Jim and a few of the most visible and vocal Field's Fans have been the public face of the movement for a while, and as such have recently been increasingly singled out by Macy's attack dog PR machine. That is so silly and petty and futile. It is true that Jim and others are effective spokesmen and cheerleaders, but it is the determined multi-city "team" apart from them which is doing the real damage to Macy's---a team comprising hundreds of thousands of shoppers who adamantly and individually refuse to spend a dime at Macy's and who are handing Macy's their just desserts. I'll spare you the sports analogies, but suffice it to say these non-shoppers are quite noticeable as far as Macy's bottom line/goal line is concerned.

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  1:19 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

It's interesting that Sandra Guy would quote retail "expert" Howard Davidowitz. The New York Times reported that Mr. Davidowitz is a convicted felon, caught making stock trades based on confidential inside information of a planned takeover.

Regardless of Mr. Davidowitz' past transgressions, his point as quoted by Ms. Guy deserves to be addressed. Ms. Guy writes, "Retail expert Howard Davidowitz said new owners could sell the Macy's flagship on State Street for its tremendous real estate value, and further the breakup of big department stores on State Street."

Yes, this is true. New owners could sell the Macy's flagship on State Street for its tremendous real estate value. Macy's hasn't performed well at this location, certainly they've attracted far fewer customers with revenues and profits well below the level enjoyed by Field's.

This is where Ms. Guy and Mr. Davidowitz ignore an obvious alternative to the further breakup of big department stores on State street. Of course, they fail to make any distinction between a big, generic outpost of a mid-tier discount chain and a distinctive high-end destination department store as though the type of store makes no difference as long as it's big. But certainly they must realize that the landmark building and Marshall Field's name could be sold by Macy's to restore Chicago's iconic Marshall Field's.

There are many reasons why this would be an ideal, low risk alternative to Macy's or being converted for other uses.

Field's revenues were higher than Macy's. Field's profits were higher than Macy's. Field's attracted more of the all important high-end customers to State Street than Macy's. Field's attracted more tourists than Macy's. Field's offered more to enhance Chicago's image and to promote Chicago as a unique destination than Macy's. Field's provided more jobs and better pay and benefits than Macy's. Field's benefited more Chicago vendors than Macy's, like Hart Marx that Macy's has replaced with off-shore manufacturers. Field's enjoyed far more good-will and an historic emotional connection with customers and Chicago.

Why is it so hard for Ms. Guy to accept that Chicago's customers and community interests are better served by Marshall Field's than by Macy's or subdivision of the store?

---

Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  1:12 pm CT
Posted by: Jeri

Remember that last year at this time, the former Field's stores were already Macy's.

Except for about three weeks, this third quarter compares to Macy's last year's third quarter.

Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  11:32 am CT
Posted by: John

I see they used Alexis Colby's Christmas decorations from 1984 to decorate the store. Tacky, tacky, tacky, both in the main atrium, and the Tiffany Dome atrium. The dark green swags and wreaths with red ornaments and touch of fake snow SCREAM 1980's.

I agree, they did a magnificent job on the 7th floor with the archives for the tree and the store. It was the only place there I felt comfortable to be in and almost started to cry as I reminisced.

The irony there is here these words tell the story about the innovative Marshall Field's from the beginning and pay a touching homage, while all the while these idiots at Macy's cannot see what is right in front of them. I overheard a conversation between a manager and her employee talking about Lunkhead's visit to the store for the lighting and she was VERY strict as to what that moron is looking for.

I interrupted politely and asked her if she was going to be meeting with him and she said yes. I told to please pass along the message loud and clear that we will not go quietly into the night, that we will NEVER shop at Macy's, that we want Field's back, and what Guzzetta said about Chicagoans was insulting and won no one over. She tried to give her excuses so I looked her right in the eye and told a real adult is supposed to admit mistakes. What a shame none of you can. That their behavior was on par with Communism and that the red star symbolized that. Her face turned white as I handed her a Forever Field's button...

BTW..the men and women who are working in the store BUT work for the designers directly, such as perfumes or purses, told me that the designers are disgusted with Macy's and consider it to be nothing short of trash.

How sad and pathetic our parade will be next Thursday...

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  10:09 am CT
Posted by: Drew

I just don't understand how the Red Star Store can post a profit when same-store sales are flat or declining:

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071114/earns_macy_s.html?.v=4

Does this "profit" result from lack of store maintenance, reductions in merchandise assortments, cutbacks in staffing? How much longer can Lunkhead and Company continue to make a profit by cutting operating expenses? Sales continue to decline and markdowns increase--not a exactly a pattern for long-term retail success. Apologists for the Red Star mimic the Orphan Annie refrain, "The sun will come out tomorrow..." The variables indicate a perfect storm and the Red Star is fast approaching the breaking point.

How much longer is macy*mart going to use "the May stores integration" as an operating expense? Where are all the alleged "economies of scale" by operating a national brand? How many analysts will continue to blame "customer resistance" for macy*mart's poor showing? Hopefully, the tailspin resulting from a truly disappointing holiday shopping season will result in well-needed change for America's department stores.

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  10:06 am CT
Posted by: Gayle

So, let me get this straight: Sandra Guy is actually *arguing* with a reader about the virtues (or lack thereof) of the M store?! Another reporter is hostile and argumentative with Jim?!

Well, silly me! I've been a writer for 20+ years, and all this time I thought I was supposed to be fair and impartial and stick to verifiable facts. Good grief, I've wasted tons of time doing actual research! Who knew that you can avoid all that and still get paid by simply recirculating press releases? I'm so embarrassed.

Gee, journalism school sounds much easier these days!

gayle

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  9:24 am CT
Posted by: PATC

I love Bob Sirot..HE'S MY HERO , AGAIN !

Thanks again Bob for speaking about Fields on 11/13 show

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  1:56 am CT
Posted by: norridge

Had to go to Woodfield today. I still refuse to go into the Communist store, but noted the PATHETIC Christmas decor in both the court as well as the storefront (the interior front, that is). Proves you can't give a professional retail establishment to a mediocre staff and expect the same results. If Field taught us anything at all, it was "you get what you pay for".

Got several "thumbs ups" from various store personnel throughout the mall re my Field's button--they all agreed with our position albeit in a very low whisper! Understood!

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  1:13 am CT
Posted by: Steven

This is for all the people outside Chicago -- particularly those New York retail analysts and reporters -- who think Macy's is turning the corner.

The FAO Schwarz on Michigan Avenue (across from Water Tower Place) used to be very crowded this time of year, at times so much so that it was difficult to move around the store. If you analysts and reporters think FAO Schwarz will help draw shoppers to State Street, think again. The photographic evidence is available ONLINE!

Go to www.gettyimages.com. On the left side of the screen choose Editorial, then search on "Chicago Macy's FAO". You will see approximately 70 photos of the opening of the FAO Schwarz shop in the State Street store the first week of November.

Thanks to Macy's accomplices, the Tribune and the Sun-Times, Chicago was bombarded with the message that Macy's was opening an FAO Schwarz shop. In a city of 3 million, certainly several hundred would line up to be the first to shop this special store, right?!

Wrong! The only thing I see lined up in the photos are some guys dressed as toy soldiers and Frank Guzzetta. And an awful lot of velvet rope. Only one photo shows about two dozen people (many of whom appear to be -- for once -- Macy's sales associates), but the remaining photos are very telling. Many of the photos must have been taken before the store opened, because there are no people in the background to be seen anywhere. When the photographer for FAO Schwarz did focus on a child present at the opening, the lens captured much more -- empty floor space, empty aisles, empty escalators in the background. Very empty.

Check it out and see how exciting it is for yourself!

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Date: Wed, November 14, 2007  1:08 am CT
Posted by: Peter

I read the article in the Sun Times from Guzetta on Adapt or die.

I think the irony is how out of touch Macy's is with their customer Chicagoan or otherwise. Newsflash Frank...every Chicagoan and Field's loyalist would rather see State Street die knowing full well that Macy's could no longer do a disservice to the good name of Marshall Field or State Street.

As much as I want Field's to return I'd rather see the building lay fallow into perpetuity than to have Macy's continue.

The stupidity of Macy's statements never fails to amaze me. Get a clue.

---

Date: Tue, November 13, 2007  11:58 pm CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Wow---Drew from Pennsylvania nailed it today in his post re: the consulatnt from CitiGroup. Yes, I also would be interested in knowing just why she thinks things at May Doors are improving when macy's will never disclose sales at particular stores. Should she not have data before making sweeping statements that sway people in making decisions about their money? Something doesn't seem right with all that.

Last eve I was speaking to a friend of mine who has worked inside the business for many years and currently works merchandising for macy's. The friend claims Martha Stewart is not selling at all. I began thinking about that after we hung up and it just puzzles me to no end why macy's ever did that deal. Look at us----we are for the most part not retail professionals but we are quite retail savvy. We are teachers, nurses, truck drivers, warehouse guys, secretaries, students, lawyers, social service types, biz guys, accountants and everything else----but not retail experts-----BUT A NUMBER OF US WERE SKEPTICAL WHEN WE HEARD THAT macy's CUT A DEAL WITH MARTHA THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A BIG DEAL FOR THE STORE. We already knew from the moment it was announced that it was doomed----macy's is a mass merchandiser and if the masses want Martha, they will get it at Kmart, the mass merchandiser that is known for selling Martha.

BTW---I have seen Kmart's Christmas television ads and they work the mention of Martha as a gift idea into it. Quite clever, I think----good for them.

Regards.

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Date: Tue, November 13, 2007  7:18 pm CT
Posted by: Ian M

Approximately 5 years ago I visited Chicago and was delighted to shop at Marshall Field's. It was wonderful to go to a department store where the staff were knowledgable, courteous and professional. This was shopping the way I remember it and customer service as I was taught when I started my carrier in retail 20 years ago. I was very sad when a friend told me of the changes at Marshall Field's. I wish you success and hope that your group might make these retailers finally realize that history and good service are just as important as having low prices.

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Date: Tue, November 13, 2007  6:05 pm CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

Jimmy Gimbels visits Macy's on State Street so you don't have to!

1. The building, especially at street level, looks dirty and worn. I guess this is more evidence of Macy's reduced maintenance program.

2. This year's Nutcracker windows are missing a certain magical quality. True to Macy's, the speakers broadcasting the Nutcracker Suite soundtrack were either broken or reproduced sound very poorly. Didn't the windows just premiere last weekend? How can they have burned out light bulbs already? I watched people several times throughout the day - 95% of the people didn't even bother to look at the windows!

3. A tour bus pulled up filled with out-of-town shoppers. About ten people were carrying the classic GREEN MARSHALL FIELD'S SHOPPING BAG. (You just gotta love them!) Several others had cloth Marshall Field's tote bags. The whole group dismissed the windows as nothing special. What they did find exciting was my Marshall Field's button! I gave out my last six. They were actually "fighting" over them. One lady said, "We didn't want to stop here but the bus driver said we had to."

3. Inside, the store does say HOLIDAY. Gone are all those tacky red stars, and green and red plexiglass squares hanging from the ceiling. Remember how Field's would carry the window theme into the store? Not Macy's. In my opinion, there are way too many signs about Martha Stewart and her contribution to the Great Tree scattered inside and outside the store. By the way, Martha's ornaments are already on sale at 30% off. She also lost all her space on the first floor.

4. And speaking of the Great Tree: it looks like they chopped off the top of the tree. The top, about 6 feet from the ceiling, is FLAT with this horrid "star shaped" tree top designed by Martha herself. Again, Macy's falls flat.

5. And speaking of Martha - her furniture collection does have several nice pieces but the contruction is rather poor. Upholstery is puckered and trim is crooked. Nice try Martha, but no cigar!

6. I stand corrected. Unlike most suburban stores, State Street has men's Field Gear clothing. A very small grouping in the men's department. The quality? Need you ask? Typical Macy's overpriced junk. Lots of loose threads on that merchandise!

7. Now about this craziness about FAO Schwartz. All I can say: "Is that all there is?" What was all chatter about? It is a very small area with an uninspired selection of overpriced toys.

8. The Chicago Historical Society did a nice job with their salute to the Great Tree. The presentation gives full credit to Marshall Field's.

9. The store was very light on sales help. There appeared to be no one in linens/bedding or the entire china/gift area. One person in "Holiday Lane" was talking on her cell phone while a lady waited to buy a cermaic deparmtent 56 house. She eventually walked away without purchasing the item. The Men's department had seven Macy's Associates standing around joking and laughing and ignoring people. I never say any other black-clad sales people in the rest of the men's department.

10. I thought it was funny how Macy's had stickers all over the exterior doors: "WI-FI only @ Macy's". It's like they want you to believe they cornered the market on free WI-FI in the area.

11. FREE copies of "M" magazine in the store. Be sure to pick one up because inside is a postage paid comment card. Be sure to tell them to bring back Field's. Just wait till you see the "quality" and "unique" gifts featured in the magazine.

Well, I guess you get the picture: Macy's sure isn't Marshall Fields. The true "Magic of Macy's" is how they manage to keep their doors open.

Happy Thanksgiving to all you Field's fans. And to avoid emails, let me assure you I did not spend one dime in the store! Now Nordstrom was a different matter!

---

Date: Tue, November 13, 2007  5:37 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C

Neiman Marcus is marketing their merchandise very aggressively and with extras for a limited time, such as free shipping and free gift bax, bow and ornament for their Top 100 products in their Holiday Catalog.

Many of the brands are those which Marshall Field's carried, which should help get us through this Holiday period a little easier. This is an excellent opportunity to order online with the special Codeword WINTER for free shipping and free ribbon bow, box and ornament.

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/templates/F0.jhtml?itemId=cat15070733&parentId=cat000672&masterId=cat000000&ecid=NMEC111307Big100_Pucci&ncx=n&uEm=joncoffey@earthlink.net

P.S. I see that a lady from Lake Zurich, Illinois won NM's online contest for a free Prada Purse. I wonder if she were a former Field's guest.

---

Date: Tue, November 13, 2007  5:36 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

I was telephone interviewed by a reporter for "Business Week" earlier this afternoon. It was extremely unpleasant. I'm not sure why he was so hostile and argumentative--I could barely complete a sentence, let alone make a complete point without him interrupting and seemingly advocating only Macy's positions. At the end, he told me to be "prepared" for his writing. It will be interesting to see what comes of this or what he means by my being "prepared".

---

Date: Tue, November 13, 2007  5:19 pm CT
Posted by: PJ

The spirits of the Macys employees are at an all time low.......I have talked to some of them

---

Date: Tue, November 13, 2007  3:53 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

I left early for work in the Loop today (I start at 3 p.m.) because I wanted to do a bit of window shopping first. I'm finally getting around to decorating the entry hall of my condo and looking for small console tables. Normally, Marshall Field's eighth floor would have been my first stop, but today I looked at Room & Board first. I'm also looking to buy a sportscoat and since I have particular colors and style in mind (and not the latest trend), I thought I would look at Nordstrom Rack first, before Nordstrom itself. To get from Room & Board to the Rack, I walked down Wabash to the river, then over to State.

On the way I passed the new Trump Tower. About the best I can say is that it is NOT heinous like his buildings in New York and not nearly as awful as I expected. But a classic building like Sears Tower, John Hancock or 333 Wacker Drive it is not. If it collapsed tomorrow (at night with no loss of life naturally), I think a lot of people would be happy. The fantastic site on a bend in the river deserves much better.

Anyway, I digress. Walking down to Nordstrom Rack I passed by the Abomination on State Street, already decked out for Christmas. Now granted it is roughly 2:30 in the afternoon on a Tuesday the week before Thanksgiving, so there are few families or out-of-towners in the Loop. But I really did expect at least half a dozen or so people would be looking at each of the animated Nutcracker windows.

Nada. Zip. No one. Not a single person was looking at the windows. Few even glanced in their direction. Except for a homeless guy camped out with all his belongings in front of one window near the columns of the main entrance, the windows were drawing no one's attention. Frankly, I was surprised. Sure, Chicago hates that store with a passion, but I still thought the Christmas windows might melt hearts just a bit.

Nope. Chicago is a cold, cold town when it comes to that store.

Regardless, I snuck a peek at a few of the windows. And again, about the best I can say is that they are NOT heinously done. You might even say that they are better than I expected (though I expected so little). But really, State Street and the building deserve much better.

---

Date: Tue, November 13, 2007  3:08 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston

My wife and I just got back from a trip to St Kitts in the West Indies. Two Chicagoans were there as well. Of course, the disgust of Macy's came up regarding Foley's and Marshall Field's demise. It goes to show you the disdain for Macy's is being felt around the globe!

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Date: Tue, November 13, 2007  10:51 am CT
Posted by: Brian

When you're doing your Christmas Cards this year, remember to add Ralph Hughes, Linda Peafaux to the list. 111 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60602 :-) And remember to put a "Forever Marshall Field's" Sticker on the back side of the envelope. They want to kick us to the curb, let's kick them right back. Where did these over paid execs go to school? The same place the Home Depot Flunky & Gary Forcee from Sprint went aparently.

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Date: Tue, November 13, 2007  10:10 am CT
Posted by: Nina G

Chicagoans will accept "imports" from other cities - even countries - if the "foreign" business or product is something that we don't have, or can't match in quality or "cachet."

Macy's will not replace Field's in Chicago's culture or collective imagination for the same reason Nathan's Famous, try as it might, will not replace Vienna as a major player in the Chicago hot-dog scene. We've got our own, we like it, we see no need to change our loyalties.

---

Date: Tue, November 13, 2007  7:52 am CT
Posted by: Michael

For those Strawbridges and Wanamaker fans from Philadelphia, the Christmas light show in the Wanamaker Grand Court will be on display this Christmas, albeit in its smaller state. Macy's promised the return of the Great Christmas Tree and the Dancing Waters for this year, but then again they also promised a home department! I saw a preview of the light show on the internet for this season. It's basically the same as last year expect for one hideous addition. On the top of the massive organ console is a big bright red neon star! It's disgusting.

Also disgusting is the loss of Strawbridge's in Center City. It's always a hard time of the year when you realize that that historic Center City store was killed. The only justice was that my wife was in Philly Saturday and was at the Convention Center, located 2 blocks from the new Macy's (Wanamaker's). She asked the Visitor's Bureau where Macy's was? They weren't sure but gave her directions to where the old Strawbridge's was. Sure, that says something about the Visitor Center's employees but, for God's sake, this "flagship" store is 2 blocks away. (The home department is about 12 miles away.) Some impression Macy's has made. Have they just given up?

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Date: Tue, November 13, 2007  7:02 am CT
Posted by: Mitch

I saw the news clips the other night of the Tree lighting routine in The Walnut Room.

The first thing that ran through my mind is how many Macy's employees and relatives did they have to get in order to stuff the place.

Second thing was I notice although Mr. Lundgren had a barely descernable smile he had the look of someone who's been through the wringer. As if he was a bit worn out. The Mayor didn't have as big a smile as he usually has either.

And there was Martha with that condescending smerk telling everyone to go shoppng after lunch.

The whole thing wreaked of desperation if you ask me.

Remember, mark mid-April on your calendar. That's my prediction for huge changes on State Street.

Best regards,

Mitch

---

Date: Tue, November 13, 2007  6:57 am CT
Posted by: Drew

WELCOME to the many new people who have posted on this blog recently! Your comments and insights are greatly enjoyed by those who have been members of the group for some time. Despite statements to the contrary, the boycott is NOT going away and customers are NOT shopping at the Red Star Store. As the all-important holiday season approaches, be sure to tell family and friends that there is NOTHING at the Red Star Store that can't be found with better quality and at better quality elsewhere.

Th Red Star Propaganda Department continues to work overtime to convince the public that all is well in macy*land. The news media makes each new feeble attempt to regain customers seem like the a guaranteed success. So many retail analysts (who SHOULD be able to see through all the hype) still sing the Red Star song. Try not to laugh while reading this so-called Citigroup expert's opinion:

We were impressed with the progress that Macy's made during the quarter in its home business (driven by the Martha Stewart Collection launch improvement in big ticket home), as well as the traction that Macy's is beginning to gain at former May doors," said Citigroup analyst Deborah Weinswig, who rates Macy's "Hold," in a note to investors Friday. "We believe that recent promotional efforts contributed to the improvement at former May doors."

What "promotional efforts"? More coupons with loads of exclusions, ridiculous "celebrity" endorsements, executives insulting and dismissing a large base of disenfranchised customers, further cuts in product lines and services, deep discounts on poor quality over-priced merchandise? By the way, Deborah, how have these "efforts contributed to the improvement at former May doors" when the Red Star doesn't break down sales by individual stores? How are you able to make such a statement about "improvement" while M stock prices continue to drop? Shouldn't an spokesperson for an esteemed institution such as Citigroup have to document such statements with factual data?

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Date: Tue, November 13, 2007  12:37 am CT
Posted by: Steven

As we head into the holiday season, think about sending your family and friends some really luxurious chocolates MADE IN CHICAGO from Vosges: www.vosgeschocolate.com

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Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  10:29 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

One possible answer to the question Sandra Guy posed in response to Judy M's letter, YES, I am in favor of Macy's store being closed!

As yet another generic store on State Street, an outpost of a national chain of 800 mid-tier discount stores, Macy's offers nothing of value to Chicago. It's certainly not a destination store, unlike Field's which attracted more than 9 Million customers each year, and it certainly doesn't appeal to the high-end shoppers that the city so desperately wants to attract to State Street.

Many other functional uses would be of greater value to Chicago than the landmark building's current incarnation as Macy's. Macy's commandeered the real estate, but clearly has failed to win the hearts and minds of Chicago and offers nothing that can't be found elsewhere.

However, I hope that Ms. Guy doesn't mean to suggest that Macy's closing necessarily means the end of retail shopping at 111 North State Street. This assertion would clearly be an attempt to create the impression that the only options are Macy's or nothing at all. Clearly there's another far more desirable option, however it appears that Macy's is so far unwilling to consider the many benefits that restoring Marshall Field's would provide to Chicago and to Macy's own bottom line. Field's was profitable and growing with the luxury department store sector prior to Macy's takeover. Field's provided more tax revenues to Chicago prior to Macy's takeover. Field's employed more Chicagoans and offered better salaries and commissions prior to Macy's takeover. Field's attracted more customers and held far more tourism appeal that does Macy's. And.. Field's represented the best of Chicago style and culture to the world and defined Chicago's character. Macy's does not.

Close Macy's? Absolutely! The Marshall Field's building would be of much greater value to Chicago were it to be restored as Marshall Field's!

---

Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  9:49 pm CT
Posted by: Larry

Macy's and Bloomingdale's gift cards expire after two years. This is quote unusal as a gift card policy.

http://consumerist.com/consumer/shopping/watch-out-for-fees-with-gift-cards-321680.php

---

Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  9:21 pm CT
Posted by: James Massey

Hooray for you Chicagoans who want to keep Marshall Fields. Wish we would have realized what Macys was going to do in Baltimore. Using Bambergers, they killed our local Baltimore ladies; Hutzlers, Hochschild Kohn and Stewarts. Poor ol' Hechts fought them for years until the evil Macy empire bought May Company. Though I only get to Chicago every couple of years, I loved Marshall Fields, in fact, I have one of the Fields clocks I bought on Ebay. It was lovely and I am sure you miss it. Keep fighting the evil Macy empire--Baltimore is rooting for your victory!

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Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  8:55 pm CT
Posted by: Judy Marth

I feel a dialogue coming on! Another exchange from our intrepid reporter Sandra Guy at the Sun-Times! Following is her latest communication and my response:

"Guy, Sandra" <SGuy@SunTimes.Com> wrote:

fyi

Retail expert Howard Davidowitz said new owners could sell the Macy's flagship on State Street for its tremendous real estate value, and further the breakup of big department stores on State Street. Carson Pirie Scott & Co. shuttered its 102-year-old flagship at 1 S. State St. in February, and the building is being divided for smaller, as-yet-unnamed retailers and entertainment uses. Filene's historic flagship in Boston, shuttered last year by Macy's, was bought by a private-equity firm and is being converted into a multi-use building with specialty retailers, condos, hotel and office space.

Judy Marth wrote:

Nothing I'm unaware of. The point is that Macy's is failing. They can do whatever they want and they'll still fail. No one is buying their junk. I would, of course, hate to see anything happen to that building other than Marshall Field's being resurrected. But whatever the outcome, why should I spend my money in a store that has no interest in me as a customer, and continually insults me by saying they have no interest in what I want. I don't shop Filene's Basement, or Marshall's or even Kohl's. I shop at places like Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, Marshall Field's and, yes, Carson's (Eden's Plaza at Lake Ave. is a great store!) I happen to like elegant things whether it's attire or housewares. Macy's does not know the meaning of elegance or class. As I stated in my letter, I did try to give them a chance, but was so sadly disappointed that I refuse to go back there. So all I can do is pray that someone out there hear's the cries of desperate shoppers and has the good sense to listen.

Judy Marth

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Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  8:31 pm CT
Posted by: Steven

Go ahead Macy's. Make our day. CLOSE the State Street store and sell the building to someone else, someone like Mohamed al-Fayed, owner of Harrod's. He obviously would know what to do with the building. He'd run it as Marshall Field's--as it should be.

Go ahead. Make our day.

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Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  8:39 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Saturday's leaflet and button distribution activities were a huge success. Over a couple thousand leaflets were distributed--we believe it was our third most active leafleting session since we started doing this back in the fall of 2006. The interest is getting bigger and bigger. Thanks to all who helped make it such a success and especially Mike, Gail, Zelda, Marianne and Marianne's dog (who wore a shirt to bring back Field's).

As mentioned, a carpenters union had their own separate activities protesting Macy's as well. This was the second Saturday they were out there. They handed out full page, color 8.5" X 11" flyers. As I understand it, their issue is the kind of labor being used at Macy's, especially in the construction of the warehouse southwest of Joliet. This warehouse will replace the warehouse at Diversey and Pulaski while the clearance center is being relocated to near Aurora.

Thanks to those who have volunteered to assist with leaflet and button distribution. I will be getting back to you about times in the next day or so. And if you haven't volunteeredi yet, especially for our big Black Friday weekend leafleting session, please do so and let us know soon.

Thanks!

Jim

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Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  7:08 pm CT
Posted by: Stephen G

OK. I know this has all been said several times before, but let's recap.

Here's what Macy's did to try and win over former Marshall Field customers:

1. Change the name to Macy's

2. Downgrade the merchandise by eliminating Fields brands, designer labels, specialty items and shops and supplant with Macy's unknown and high priced house brands

3. Deliver poor customer service by eliminating staff, rotating knowledgeable sales people to other departments, changing their work days and cutting their hours

4. Minimize maintenance in their stores so cleanliness, working escalators and elevators and sloppy displays are often an issue

5. Blame the local customer base of being ignorant by issuing many press releases saying that "they" need to be re-educated in the Macy's "Way to Shop"

Gosh! And this is just a short list Mr. Guzzetta. (I am truly sorry, really, as I know you have a tough job).

Again, I know this has been said several times before, but regarding State Street.....

Above anything else, no matter how many slanted Macy'ized newpaper articles/blogs say to the contrary, Marshall Fields State Street, WAS A DESTINATION..!!! It was a DESTINATION not only for the local shoppers who live and work in and around downtown, but it was a DESTINATION for many suburbanites who would make their "scheduled" shopping trips to State Street. Moreover, it was a DESTINATION for the thousands and thousands of tourists and conventioners that descend on Chicago every year. I myself took our out-of-town family and friends many times each year down to Marshall Fields State Street for shopping excursions, because it was a DESTINATION, and they WANTED to go there! Not just once, but each time they visited! My visitors now will bypass State Street saying, "if I want to shop Macy's, I can do that at home"! The "New Sensation Across the Nation" unfortunately does not hold any allure for them.

If State Street is to survive and be profitable in the current world of "department stores", it will once again have to become a unique and special DESTINATION for all shoppers. Marshall Fields was that destination in the past, and it can be again.

---

Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  4:48 pm CT
Posted by: gle

During this Messy's saturated media weekend, some highlights I noted:

Lunkhead's big evil smile, resembling a flashing knife, at coverage of the treelighting ceremony. It looked like a face to frighten children, not something that belonged with Christmas.

Scenes from the Christmas windows showed kids fighting over a toy and other Nutcracker characters having a sword fight, also a rather inappropriate image for Christmas.

Then Martha Stewart kissed the mayor, rather inappropriate for any time.

I know Christmas started early for retail, but don't they know Halloween is over?

I also wonder what kind of gourmet fruit flies Messy's proposed organic grocery will carry.

On a positive note, I look forward to Field's Fans upcoming protests, complete with Christmas carols. We are having an impact. I enjoy reading our posts every day.

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Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  4:24 pm CT
Posted by: Anita F

I'm doing a history project on Marshall Field's and I think Marshall Field is important and Macy's shouldn't have token Marshall Field's away and even change the name too. Marshall Field worked very hard to own the company but now it's all gone. (did my research... )

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Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  12:17 pm CT
Posted by: Linda S

Today's Wall St. Journal has an article about the launch of a new perfume by the Italian designer Valentino (in conjunction with Proctor and Gambel which is becoming a powerhouse in the designer fragrance category). It says that Valentino decided to launch it at upscale Neiman-Marcus rather than at the "hundreds of Macys" around the country. Only several months later did the perfume arrive at the "downmarket Macys and DIllards." The real designers know what's luxury and what isn't. Hint: Macy's is NOT!

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Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  9:29 am CT
Posted by: gle

Another pro-Field's "Tribune" letter to the editor with space for comments, November 9, 2007:

"From day one it targeted the young"

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/chi-071109macys_briefs,0,5461728.story

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Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  9:19 am CT
Posted by: James in MInneapolis

Hi All---

I've been meaning to mention this for a while and keep forgetting. I received by mail a catalogue recently from a store called "The Territory Ahead". It has a distinctive style; think LLBean with a Euro flair for the Aspen crowd.

I am not big on buying clothes online/thru catalogs---prefer to see them live, but there are definitely things in there I will order. I never see anyone here mention the store when they remind each other of alternatives to macy's. There is a Chicago store in Water Tower. We do not have a store here in the Twin Cities and I never heard of the place until I received their catalogue-----even tho I was just in Water Tower at the end of September!

For others around the country looking for alternatives, there is also a Web site: territoryahead.com. I'm glad they sent their catalogue---it's nice, the clothes look nice, there are a couple of things I like and need, and it reminded me of some other stuff I should probably start shopping for.

Regards.

---

Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  9:12 am CT
Posted by: Mark Plocharczyk

Please read my blog about your web site.

http://markploch.blogspot.com/

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Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  9:04 am CT
Posted by: Clare

And we're supposed to believe that Macy's is Marshall Field's equal????? New Yorkers know that isn't true! And now Londoners would point it out too, I bet.

"New York: great city, bad shopping"

"Macy's (151 West 34th St) reminded me of Debenhams. It was packed and steamy. In the shoe department customers stood around clutching shoes, eyes glazed, waiting to be served. Unbelievably, Georgia found a pair on the sale rack for $150. A young man noted our requirements on an electronic notepad and then disappeared. We asked another assistant to help. "I can't. You're John's sale, you're in his system."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/main.jhtml?xml=/travel/2007/11/12/et-new-york-122.xml

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Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  8:27 am CT
Posted by: denise rule

yeah Pat C.!!! i had similar visions re: martha s. and her lighting the tree. i was sickened when i saw it on the news that nite, with her smiley smiley face, talking about 'being a part of this 100 yr. tradition'. SORRY! IT'S NOT YOUR 100 YR TRADITION.....IT'S 2! 2 LITTLE SEASONS OF TREE LIGHTING FOR THE RED STAR STORE. (did they top it with a red star???) GO BACK TO NEW YORK!!!!

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Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  5:09 am CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

So macy's wants to put a grocery store in the basement of State Street. Where will this be located? Next to the fruit fly food court?

There goes the produce department!

Does Martha Stewart make a bug zapper?

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Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  1:14 am CT
Posted by: A Longtime Fields' Fan

Marshall Field's has always had a special place in my heart. When growing up, I remembered my mom would take me to different Field's stores throughout the Chicagoland area, letting me know that this "store" stands out from the other ones. I was so impressed as a child with the high quality of merchandise, the great attention to service offered by sales associates to its customers that I wanted to become a part of the company in some way in the near future.

One year my mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I told her that I did not want anything other than something from Marshall Field's. It just so happened that year the company made numerous memorabilia (emblazened with its name logo) for sale in its stores that I requested those as presents; ironic that as a child I didn't want any toys, I just wanted something, anything from Marshall Fields'.

Years later while I was still in school I ended up working part-time at Marshall Fields' as a sales associate. It was funny that people that used to teach me in grammar school and high school (after they had retired) also worked in the same store as I did. I asked them "why come to Marshall Fields' to work?" Their response was the same as mine: great memories of Fields' that they wanted to become a part of such a wonderful Chicago icon.

I even took my grandmother to the great tree lighting on State Street. She had never seen such a large Christmas tree, with so many ornaments around it sparkling; we had so many memories from that day that I cherish it so much.

I only hope that the Marshall Field's name, along with its traditions are returned to its former glory. It has become such an important part of my family, and to Chicago as well. It would be such a shame if lagging sales and poor management under the Macy's name would cause it to close.

Since the store changed ownership to Macy's last year, I have been extremely disappointed in the lack of response management has taken to retain customer loyalty. All of my favorite brands and styles are no longer carried by Macy's.

Bring back Marshall Field's: its traditions, Frango mints, green paper shopping bags! Down with Macy's and its communist red star, low-end merchandise, and non-existent customer service and management staff.

---

Date: Mon, November 12, 2007  12:18 am CT
Posted by: Amy G

I am so glad to have found this web site. I have been quietly boycotting Macy's since the name change. Marshall fields meant so much to me. I could tell dozens of stories about how field's was part of my life, my childhood and my family history. One of my earliest memories of Field's...I was about 5 years old & my mother took me down to field's for a ladies luncheon with her cousins. I was dressed in a poweder blue dress with white gloves. It was just before Easter so I visited with the Easter bunny before lunch in the Walnut Room. It was the most beautiful place I had ever been. It was beyond class and style. It was a place that made you feel special. 30 years later...For my wedding, I naturally had to register at Field's. Bed Bath & beyond had everything I needed,even china, but I had to register at both. After all it is Field's and Field's is Chicago. And my style and my family are all Chicago. My Family has actually been in chicago since before the Chicago fire. My great great grand parents survived the chicago fire on Goose island surrounded by water. The favors for the wedding? Naturally, Frangos. I must admit I almost broke down the otherday, passing through Macy's at the mall, I saw the cutest purse on sale. I had it in my hand ready to buy. I walked from one register to another, none were open. Finally I decided it was a sign,to keep the boycott and a reminder that Macy's service sucks. I dropped the purse and left.

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Date: Sun, November 11, 2007  11:59 pm CT
Posted by: Michael Trenteseau

I've seen two great articles from the AP, all across the nation, about how M***'s is suffering in Chicago and is trying to attract new customers. Both have great quotes from Jim! Keep up the fight!

I was in the one M***'s in Atlanta that was originally a Davison's (all the others are closed). The friend who won't stop shopping there, despite his continual lousy service and products, went in to buy some cheap black napkins. They were, for some reason, unavailable elsewhere. The customer in front of us in line said that the shoe department lost a sale because she couldn't find a salesperson.

The store was quite dead, the silence interrupted only by the tinny Christmas music from some gadget in the "Holiday Lane" department and two salespeople in bed linens enjoying each other's company.

No Frango, anywhere, not at any price.

Oddly, as I posted before, Saks still has the 2007 Radko clock ornament, but M***'s didn't have Radko at all.

On an unrelated note, this is the first year since 1999 that I won't be in Chicago in December. Last year I suffered through the first year of the conversion, and got to met Jim, but it's just too depressing. Four nights at the Peninsula and the commensurate dining and shopping, and the tax revenues associated with them, are gone from Chicago this December. For the first time ever, I finished my Christmas shopping by November 10th. I miss Marshall Field's!

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Date: Sun, November 11, 2007  11:21 pm CT
Posted by: Judy Marth

This reporter has just solidified my opinion of journalists. She also solidified my feeling that the Sun-Times is in Macy's pocketbook. This is the answer I got from Sandra Guy of the Sun-Times regarding her article. Could her response have been any more childish?? My letter follows her response. Read it and, unfortunately, weep:

-----Reply from Sandra Guy-----

So are you in favor of the State Stree store being closed?

-----Original Message from myself-----

From: judy m
Sent: Sun 11/11/2007 7:59 AM
To: Guy, Sandra
Subject: CEO: Macy's flagship must adapt or die

Dear Sandra,

I keep wondering why the media continually plays into the hands of Macy's. Really, what is it? It can't be their charm! After reading some of the comments made by Macy's execs I don't think they know the meaning of the word. Guzzetta's comment - "But is it the name or the heart of what the store is about?" is a prime example. To a very large group of people, it's BOTH. The name STANDS for something. It stands for quality, history, tradition, memories - all of which Macy's has taken away from Chicago - first by changing the name of a city icon, then by removing the very merchandise that brought shoppers in, aligning themselves with a convicted felon (Martha Stewart in case you were wondering), and last but certainly not least, an attitude that has done nothing to enhance their reputation among Chicago veteran shoppers. And the HEART - well, if they have to ask, obviously they just don't understand.

I actually tried to be open about the takeover. I went into Macy's on State Street several times, but I just didn't like what I saw happening. Not only the change in quality of merchandise and staff, but the slow deterioration of the building itself. It's become an old, literally broken down shell of it's former self. And I know it's crying out to be born again into what many of us want to see come back - a quality Marshall Field's.

Every time I read an article on Macy's, I get the feeling that the paper is talking out of Macy's pocketbook. Now, I know we all have to work for a living and money means a lot to everyone, but when is the Sun Times going to start telling it like it is? Never, I guess, as long as Macy's pays for advertising, right? I thought journalism is about getting to the truth - well, the truth is, that there's a growing crowd out there with a growing dislike of Macy's. They have NO idea how to "give the customer what they want". They never will. And it really has nothing to do with East Coast vs. Midwest. I'd feel the same whether it was Macy's or Harrod's. You just don't come in like a bulldozer and strip away over 100 years of peoples lives and expect them to thank you.

Venting session over.

Kind Regards,

Judy M
Chicago, IL

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Date: Sun, November 11, 2007  9:38 pm CT
Posted by: WAY-TO-FLOP-SHOP

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MARSHALL FIELD'S GREEN AND MACY'S RED IS LIKE A STOP-LIGHT.

GREEN = GO TO MARSHALL FIELD'S

RED = DON'T GO INTO MARSHALL FIELD'S (Red star in your face...Macy's management telling you to like it or lump it !)

REMEMBER, MACY'S MANAGEMENT MADE IT PUBLIC THAT THEY HAVE NO USE FOR THE MARSHALL FIELD'S SHOPPER !

DOWN 77 % AT MACY'S AND NOW THEY TELL THE FIELD'S SHOPPER TO GO TO YOU KNOW WHERE ????????

ONE THING THEY FORGOT WHEN THEY ISSUED THEIR PRESS-RELEASE AGAINST THE MARSHALL FIELD'S SHOPPERS...THEY BASICALLY MADE EVERY SHOPPER IN CHICAGO AND THEIR GRANDMOTHER FEEL HURT,UNWANTED, AND NOT CARED ABOUT.

GUESS THAT'S THE MACY'S WAY...THROW AWAY DUDS AND THROW AWAY CUSTOMERS ! GREAT WAY TO BE FOR A COMPANY THAT HAS TO EARN A PAYCHECK BASED ON WAY TO FLOP SHOP X 800

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Date: Sun, November 11, 2007  9:19 pm CT
Posted by: Mike

Since my Foley's in the Houston Galleria has been a Macy's like the other OLD Macy's next to Saks Fifth, I would probably shop at Saks Fifth or Neiman Marcus or even Nordstrom, or Barneys! We don't have Lord & Taylor, it closed 5 years ago (I think), and still I think that Norstrom is the best, even though it's not my budget. LOL.

Anyways, I was going on a trip to Chicago to see my family, I was raised in Chicago. They wanted to go to State Street, and we visited the Macy's. It was a MESS! Elevators and Escalators not working, Lack of staff members, and what's even worst, I did see a swarm of fruit flies on the kitchen cookware aisle. :O

Also, I went to Marshall's & TJ Maxx in Houston, pretty good stuff. I really was pleased that this was a full service, more staff, and nice aisle racks. :] I spent $20.00 and it was very cheap too!!!

Then after that, I watched this show, Still Standing, and it takes place in CHICAGO!!! Then theres this girl named Lauren and talking to her mom's sister, Linda, and Lauren says, something about her pants or dress. Then Linda says, "The guy at Marshall Field's said they were cute." Haha. LOL funny.

Wow, 800 stores around the world?...Make that a Marshall Field's around the Universe please Macy's.

Regards,

Mike

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Date: Sun, November 11, 2007  8:30 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

When my sister and I were kids Mom took a loving but firm line when it came to our conduct. For instance, there was no TV turned on until we'd practiced the piano, or we were not allowed to leave the table until we had at least TASTED everything on our plate. We'd often whine a little, make excuses, or try diversionary tactics. But at those times our mom would say, "C'mon, luvs, you know what you need to do. You're just making it harder on yourselves." As a result of Mom's persistence, today we both thoroughly enjoy the piano and are able to appreciate a wide variety of foods and flavors.

When it comes to Terry Lundgren and Macy's and their sinking sales, I think Mom's words are quite appropriate. "C'mon, Terry, you know what you need to do. You're just making it harder on yourself" We need our Marshall Field's back.

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Date: Sun, November 11, 2007  7:14 pm CT
Posted by: Lyn

This boycott to me is more than where we are going to buy our clothes or the quality of service (yes those are very important as well). However, It's about our culture and heritage as Chicagoans too. It amazes me the lack of respect people can have for our past. So easily are landmarks torn down only to be replaces by overpriced condos. A name switch to me is merely taking away a piece of Chicago history and making it into New York landmark. But I'm not from New York I'm a Chicagoan! We need to stand up and show that our past means something to us. That we are proud of the people that came before us and broke new grounds like Marshall Field. Without Marshall Field we wouldn't have such great phrases like "Give the lady what she wants" or "The customer is always right." These are values I think we in Chicago used to uphold until Macy's came along. The building on State Street can not be torn down so we will always have that but I think Macy's has taken away a piece of our history and that is something worth fighting for. Keep the boycott alive!

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Date: Sun, November 11, 2007  6:40 pm CT
Posted by: Tiffany

Chicagoist is a great place to reach us twenty- somethings.

There is a new article about the latest goings on at the store formerly known as Marshall Field's. Talks about Macy's abandoning Field's customers for new customers and the protest there over the weekend. Check it out. You can leave comments too.

Bring back Field's!

http://chicagoist.com/2007/11/11/its_beginning_t.php#comments

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Date: Sun, November 11, 2007  5:46 pm CT
Posted by: suzanne rosbach

I live near SpringHill Mall in West Dundee. As a life long Fields shoppper, it was great that Marshall Fields was across the steet. I loved driving by & seeing the Marshall Field logo on the store. Made me real happy. Then that ugly red star took over. Everytime I drive ring road @ SpringHill, I feel sick to look over & see that communist inspired red star. I hate that store. I avoid parking anywhere near their store so I don't have to even walk thru their ugly useless store. The best thing Macys could do is leave town. Only the most ignorant Chicagoans would shop there. Truly I hate that store. If people really loved Chicago, they would take pride in themselves & not shop there.

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Date: Sun, November 11, 2007  10:54 am CT
Posted by: Pat C

Re : Macy's .. 100th Anniversary Tree Lighting

Let's set the Record straight

Macy's -"IT'S NOT YOUR TREE"

It's your SECOND Anniversary Tree Lighting

I watched the 10pm News last night, with(Jail-Bird) Martha Stewart.

It upset me so much, that I had a Nighmare about the way the

"Tree Lighting" really went !

Martha, walks into the room, and the crowd begans to BOO her. Then she described how each Ornament was designed made in China.

Then a women in the crowd yelled a question to Martha- "How many of your fellow inmates did you hire after each one was released from prison ? She replied .."Oh, we hire only qualified applicant's, and we do an extensive Backround Check on everyone"

Then, the women yelled,

If the Backround Check shows you have a Criminal Record , will you Hire that person ? Martha answers "Oh No, we have a strict Policy at Martha Stewart, No Felon's" !

Now Mayor Daley starts to get a little nervous and turns to Martha and says,

"Light the Damn Tree Martha" !

Then Martha puts her hand on the "Switch" that will light the Tree and begins her countdown...3..2..1 and she flips the "switch" !

All of a sudden, Martha's eyes are wide-open, her hair stands up in the air, and all the lights go out in the whole building ! It's now pitch-black in the whole store !

The women in the crowd yells

"Martha, thats what you get for Not taking care of your Fiends"

One of the Macy's employee's was overheard saying

"Too bad we couldn't Pay the Electric Bill this Month" !

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  10:41 pm CT
Posted by: James in MInneapolis

Hi All----

Postscript to today's shopping post:

I went to a friend's party tonight that he gave to show off his 7-months of remodeling of his master bedroom suite. Wow---fabulous.

After viewing the work I went back downstairs to the kitchen and was standing around the center island scarfing down some kind of expensive chocolates that somebody brought...LOL. While I did that, I had the distinct pleasure of eavesdropping on an animated conversation taking place at the island between an artist and the wife of one my friend's law partners.They were dissing macy's. I joined in between chocolates. Now, I tend to dominate that type of conversation and I decided it would be better for me to just listen more and add only occasional comments and just eat more chocolate.

The male artist thinks macy's sucks so bad he stopped going there right after the store (Nicollet Mall) was "desecrated", as he describes it. He despises the junk brands and knew all about the flight of the real brands. He goes to Mall of America to Bloomingdales & Nordstrom and when I questioned him about the general heinousness of MOA, he admitted that is an issue so he parks just outside those 2 stores and does not enter the general Mall.

I LOVED the wife of my friend's law partner. She wanted to talk real loud and brassy about the whole situation and like me, just finds MOA too heinous so it's not really an option to go all the way out there to do shopping anyway.I let her carry on and wave her hands around in the air while I ate some more chocolate. She was saying things like, "Isn't macy's just the worst? I won't go there anymore. I-am-through!!!"

We talked a bit about using this store for this, and that store for that; of course the same conclusion is always arrived at, just as it is by you all: there is no substitute for Marshall Field's. We simply cannot get done at any other store, all the tasks, chores errands & shopping we used to accomplish at Marshall Field's.

Regards.

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  8:59 pm CT
Posted by: Love You Marshall Field's

Instead of, Macy's, now there's a Macy's everywhere you turn, over 800 stores, Let's make it Marshall Field's, now there's a Marshall Field's EVERYWHERE IN THE UNIVERSE, over 1 million stores.

And the world goes YAY MARSHALL FIELD'S! :]

Boycott's working...Good luck to you...

Marshall Field's Fan

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  8:45 pm CT
Posted by: Alan

Hopefully Whole Foods or some other high-end grocer decides to locate in the old Carson's building to grab that market before Macy's can. I find it somewhat ironic that one of the first things Macy's did was downgrade the Marketplace, and now they want to bring in a high-end grocer to give the store the superficial appearance of a Harrod's. Hopefully Whole Foods or some other high-end grocer decides to locate in the old Carson's building to grab that market before Macy's can. I find it somewhat ironic that one of the first things Macy's did was downgrade the Marketplace, and now they want to bring in a high-end grocer to give the store the superficial appearance of a Harrod's.

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  7:57 pm CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Hi All---

Wow! I went real shopping today in Downtown Minneapolis. I finally got some time to spend inside the new Len Druskin Men's Store and the new Brook's Brothers right across from macy's. While they are at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of style, I liked both and there were some similarities. Both were on the skyway level so I can jump over quickly from the gym; both had exceptionally friendly guys working there who greeted me when I walked in---Brooks of course was more manicured and professional about it; both mentioned that shoppers frequently lament the demise of Field's when they stop in. I like that between the 2 stores they provide me a wide variety of traditional and hipster/night time clothing

I posted a couple of weeks ago about the young guy at Brooks when I just stopped in for a minute to look at the store when it opened. He was there today when I shopped and I re-introduced myself. This guy is exactly the kind of guy I want to do business with. I ended up spending $90 on a....a....I'm not sure....LOL;cross between a sweater and a sweatshirt. He knew what it was made of, how it would wear, that it would not shrink/pill/fade. He told me all about Brooks' product training before the store opened. You know-----the stuff a sales guy should know, that sort of makes you buy a product.

I was ready then to wrap up and pay him but he spied an elderly gentleman needing assistance, so excused himself and hopped over and helped him and also took the guy to the register and rang up that purchase. I actually did not mind waiting. The other sales folks seemed occupied all around the registers and I admired the industriousness of my guy.When the transaction was finished he asked if he could help me with anything else, wrapped the sweater/sweatshirt/thing in paper and put it in a real bag, came around the corner of the counter and handed it to me. Then we had a fun conversation because he has some humor, too-----told me to come visit again even if I wasn't shopping, so I said, "You mean like if the police are chasing me?" He started laughing and said, "Yes, I will hide you back in the suits." Isn't this the way shopping is supposed to be?

On the way out, I spied a camel-colored toggle-coat I needed in order to replace my current toggle-coat from Field's that is starting to look a bit ratty after like 7 years. I looked at the price tag: $550. Guess I will be back in a couple of weeks.This stuff all used to just automatically come from Nicollet Mall Field's which is about 150 feet away, thru a skyway.

Regards.

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  7:11 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

The Chicago newspapers seem to provide lots of free advertising by "reporting" on macy*mart's "exciting" enhancements. Evidently things in the Chicago market are even WORSE than people realize, because the newspapers appear desperate to emphasive every lame macy*mart strategy in a positive manner.

A grocery store in the basement of State Street is good news, but how about waiting until AFTER a lease is signed? The Chicago media tries to whip up excitement for all things macy*mart. Evidently the media realizes the boycott has been effective and fears loss of advertising revenue.

It is simply amazing that the Red Star stockholders haven't said "Enough!" and sent Lunkhead and Company on their way. The public relations blunders, poor merchandising, corporate arrogance have received well-deserved coverage, yet the same executives continue the same failing strategies. I sincerely wonder if Lunkhead's ultimate goal is to destroy the stores and profit from sale of the real estate? Everything he has done contradicts Principles of Marketing 101, yet Lunkhead is upheld by the powers-that-be at the Red Star. A year after the macy*fication process, analysts are finally starting to admit that the rebranding was a mistake and that customers aren't accepting macy*mart. How much longer will the madness have to continue?

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  5:12 pm CT
Posted by: Gail

Note that the Sun-Times article, "CEO: Macy's Flagship Must Adapt or Die," does not provide any space for comments from readers. That's priceless.

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  4:32 pm CT
Posted by: JasonM

Macy's is DESPERATE!

The SunTimes article is outrageous. What is Guzzetta doing? Threatening people to close the store unless they shop there? Get lost Guzzetta. Chicago has a plethora of stores on State and Michigan Ave to shop at WE DON'T NEED MACY'S!!!!

Bye bye Macy's. I wish I could say it was nice knowing you but that would be the biggest lie.

BTW-Carson's had a "One Day Community Sale" and the one I went to was packed! It was like the day after Thanksgiving.

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  2:34 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

I almost had to chuckle at some of the Macy's quotes in the Nov. 10 Sun Times article by Sandra Guy. Sounds like Guzzetta is posturing to receive a Nobel Peace Prize for "saving the department stores". Funny that. Most people know Macy's KILLED the great department stores of America. Macy's is the 800-store gorilla in the room.

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  11:22 am CT
Posted by: Judy S

I was raised in Chicago. I moved to California after I got married. Went back for a visit a few years ago and was mesmerized by the beauty of the city, the excitment, the class. I had to visit Marshall Field's on State Street, because, after all it is a Chicago icon. I also worked there during my school years. When I entered the store my heart broke. All the beautiful memories of my visit are overtaken by the memory of the let down I felt entering that store.

How could this happen? Please bring this beautiful icon back. You might as well tear down the Art Institute too.

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  10:42 am CT
Posted by: GRA58

So Frank Guzzetta now acknowledges he can't get people used to Marshall Field's back into the downgraded Macy's stores. Duh. How much does this guy get paid?

They won't give us what we want, but they want us to give them our money. Why on earth would they expect that? What business school did these clowns attend? Jamming one's agenda down someone's throat is not a good recipe for generating sales or goodwill - both essential for a thriving business. I don't understand. I'm truly at a loss.

Where do these guys think these new customers are going to come from? Do they think people in Chicago don't know about Macy's? This has been a topic of conversation for two years. If people were inclinded to patronze Macy's they would have done so by now. But instead, their sales continue to worsen. I left after the name change announcement. It's pretty obvious others continue to leave - including those souls who were willing to give Macy's a chance. Do they really think there's some deep pool of customers out there that just don't know about Macy's or haven't heard about them? Again, how much do these guys get paid?

Insulting and writing off a huge chunck of your alleged target market isn't a path to prosperity either. These guys don't have a clue. No wonder their stock is at a 52 week low.

It's obvious the boycott is inflicting real pain. Keep at it!

GRA

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  9:49 am CT
Posted by: LiMack

We humans are constantly called upon to make informed decisions that reflect and reinforce our values---how we wish to conduct our lives and allocate our resources. Those decisions include: Which city to live in, what church to attend, which political party to support, which charities to help with our time and money, how to spend our leisure time, etc. These decisions also include the choices we make with respect to the products we buy and the companies we believe deserve to enjoy our patronage.

That is why so very many people who valued Marshall Field's on so very many levels and decry its destruction by Terry Lundgren, "choose" not to patronize Macy's. Ever.

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  9:05 am CT
Posted by: Don D

Not only will university business majors be studying macy's as a text book example of how NOT to carry-out a merger or buy-out, but communications majors will be having macy's examples of public relations as the way NOT to deal with customers.

>From the very beginning, macy's, guzzetta and lundgren...(please note that I do not capitalize their names, because of the total lack of respect I have for them)...have done everything ass-backwards (pardon my French) from the proper way. NEVER would you have a retail executive saying that we do not to maintain a certain customer group.

Can you imagine Saks, Neiman's, Carson's, Von Maur, Kohl's, Sears, JCPenney, Kmart and even Wal*Mart executives putting forth that position??

One more thing...If mr. lundgren demanded from mr. guzzetta that he take the position of dismissing the large customer base of Marshall Field & Company and stating so, then guzzetta should have resigned out of respect for his own conscience. Now we know what kind of man guzzetta was in guiding Marshall Field's prior to the takeover by lundgren...All out for himself and his salary! Marshall Field the First must be turning over in his grave so many times!

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  7:24 am CT
Posted by: Jack K

Tribune reports today 11/10 that Red Star now wants to run a grocery on State Street. Gee, it is looking more like Wal-Mart every day. At least Wal-Mart is straight up with what they do, not masquerading as a full service? department store. I hope the new developer that owns the old Carsons building at Mad&State can get a really first class grocery chain to set up shop as was mentioned in the story.

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  7:02 am CT
Posted by: Mrs B

I was going to post this to the Tribune......but, I expected them to NOT print it.......my thoughts to Mr Guzetta.............

Mr Guzetta...you OUGHT to be ashamed of what your store did to 111 N. State St. YOU single handedly (with the help of your black clad associates) TOOK away GREAT Customer SERVICE.....and GREAT Brands........and replaced with crappy brands (and I do mean SHOTTY & POOR quality)....and at BEST SUBstandard customer service. You have angry associates....and even more .....ANGRY customers. In case you didn't know...Retail 101 Customers=Profit ... Lots of Associates chatting with each other=ZILTSCH, and it ONLY angers the shareholders..... You DO that.....you get DIFFERENT customers for 111 N. State St....Good Luck with that....I give you until Easter....and I expect 111 N. State to be UP FOR SALE. How EXCITING......I am watching & waiting.

We WILL get Marshall Fields back....with OR withOUT you! And, sorry....but, Martha is HARDLY exciting. You even have the Union Mill Wrights - Carpenters actively PICKETING/PROTESTING you. Can you imagine.....rather I can't imagine just WHAT group you are targeting for customers.....You have angered all the Loyal Marshall Fields shoppers....(LARGE GROUP)....now, you have angered (and they DO STICK by EACH other)...ALL the UNION workers in Chicago/Suburbs...Carpenters, Mill Wrights, Electricians, Painters, Laborers, Pipefitters, Teamsters. These long time Unions HONOR each others pickets! OH MY....THAT IS a lot of lost business...actually I think its EXCITING to see crowds again on State St.

Mrs B

Union Member 30+ Years in Chicago

3rd Generation Fields Shopper

Fields FORever....and Nordstrom until then

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  1:45 am CT
Posted by: norridge

So, you don't want our money anymore, Frankie? Sounds like a self-fulfilling prophesy to me! I don't think you have to worry about our return--at least not as long as you are there. Hope your "Golden Parachute" fails to open when you get booted off the roof of 111 N. State. Please don't hit our precious clock on your way down!

Oh, and you MAY get my nephew's crowd in to look at jeans they can buy anywhere in town, but you lost the ones that buy all that crystal, furs, jewelry and other big-ticket items. Now you're another jean store. Old Navy with a Tiffany dome!

What a STUPID remark to make to ANY customer immediately before the most important shopping season of the year! I smell fear . . .

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Date: Sat, November 10, 2007  CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

[ There are additional posts from today that will appear late this evening. In the mean time, please join us on State Street, if you are able, to help us leaflet. Please see John Dunn's post below about a different protest group that will also be out in front of the store this morning and afternoon. ]

Today's Tribune and Sun-Times both have more pieces on Field's and Macy's in today's newspapers.

Please write LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. Below are the links for you out-of-towners; but if you can access a print newspaper, you will be able to see the layout and presentation. For some, that might be a concern worth writing to the editor--for others, maybe not.

Chicago Tribune: Macy's is making an attempt to add a grocery.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sat_notebook.1nov10,0,1082097.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout

Sun-Times: "CEO: Macy's flagship must adapt or die"

http://www.suntimes.com/business/643678,CST-FIN-macys10.article

Please keep in mind there will likely be more coverage in the Tribune and other papers tomorrow (Sunday) because they are unveiling the Walnut Room tree and store windows today. The Trib co-sponsored an event with Macy's concerning the tree. Given all that, please plan some time to write letters tomorrow. Thank you.

Suggestions for writing letters to the editor:

* 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 hel p 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.

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  9:05 pm CT
Posted by: John Dunn

Just a reminder again -- to all Friends of Field's:

Myself and a large contingency of members of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters will be down at the State street store tomorrow morning, Nov. 10th at 9:30 a.m. with a protest against Macy's busi ness pratices here in the Chicago area. So if anyone is interested in showing support for local working men and women, while at the same time showing contempt for Macy's, please come on down to state street under the clock and make sure to wear your "Forever Marshall Field's" button! Please email if you have further questions -- jdunn3@sbcglobal.net

Thanks,

John Dunn

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  8:59 pm CT
Posted by: MJA1951

I have a suggestion for Macy's to make their new slogan more realistic.

Take Me to State Street - Because Maxwell Street is closed!!!

For you non-Chicagoans, Maxwell Street was a flea market equivalent that was famous for selling seconds, knock offs and worse and other items where the motto was Buyer Beware!

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  8:03 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Frank Guzzetta's comments say so much more than forget Field's. It says that macy's knows it all! Regardless of the problems, what kind of PR says forget the customers!

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  7:55 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Mr. Guzzetta's remarks verbalize the attitude held by macy*s executives--the customer be damned! His arrogance indicates that macy*s has no use for cardinal principles of retailing: "the customer is always right" and "give the lady what she wants." The macy attitude seems to be "we are always right" and "you get what WE want."

So now Mr. Guzzetta basically tells people who don't like macy*s to go to h***. Guess what, Mr. Guzzetta and Mr. Lundgren, macy*s can go to h***! You need the customers more than the customers need your overpriced, generic, tacky merchandise and your has-been and/or wanna-be "celebrities."

There is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING sold in your stores that can't be found elsewhere. Cheaply made, faux designer clothing can be found at wal*mart--at prices comparable to the quality. Merchandise comparable to anything else you sell can be found at better prices and with better quality and wider selection at Kohl's, JC Penney, or Bed Bath and Beyond.

In case you haven't figured it out, nobody NEEDS what macy*s is selling. The lack of selection, quality and value coupled with executive arrogance has alienated many shoppers. Your half-hearted attempts to attract shoppers will continue to fail.

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  6:47 pm CT
Posted by: Jeff W.

Late on Friday afternoon I decided to visit the Sixth Floor of the State Street Flagship store to see the Christmas ornament section. I recall that at this time in 2005 the place was mobbed with eager shoppers who were grabbing everything that they could that said Marshall Field's. The situation today was radically different. Just a handful of people looking. I didn't see anyone making a purchase there while I was looking over the merchandise. I have to say that the Martha Stewart collection of tree ornaments were hideous, but then again, since when has Martha Stewart been an authority on Christmas tree ornaments? Mention the name Christopher Radko when it comes to tree ornaments. Initially I didn't see any of the famous Christopher Radko "Great Clock" ornaments, so I inquired with one of the sales associates and was directed to a wall section literally lined from the ceiling to the floor with racks upon racks of the small and large clock ornaments with 2007 on them. The thing that struck me was the fact that there were SO MANY of these Radko ornaments that had formerly been so hard to obtain. I bet that they have thousands of them available for sale, but no one was buying them. Wonder of wonders! The Macy's marketing geniuses probably think that we will be suckered into buying the Radko ornaments, but the times have changed radically - it's just that they don't have a clue about the changes. I suspect that in January they will have a big ornament clearance sale on the Radko and Stewart ornaments. Personally I wouldn't accept them even as gifts for we all know that Christmas 2007 is not a Marshall Field's Christmas. Macy's reported today that the Macy's North Division is their poorest performing division. Hopefully 2008 will bring a golden parachute for Terry Lunkhead. I suppose that he will take the Macy's shareholders to the cleaners when he leaves. Good riddance to a real loser!

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  6:21 pm CT
Posted by: Jimmy D

FIELD'S FANS LOVE JIMMY GIMBELS! THANKS FOR SPARING US! MACY'S BLOWS!

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  6:06 pm CT
Posted by: E.

I heard on the news today that Macy's is not going to make any effort to return our store to be Marshall Fields..

I just don't shop at Macy's...

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  5:58 pm CT
Posted by: Matt in CA

Yesterday I received a wonderful sweater I won in Ebay: it's Irish Wool and has "Marshall Field's The Store for Men" label. It is now my most prized possession - and brought back happy memories of Marshall Field's (of course), and more specifically The Store for Men. I'm old enough to remember the Men's Annex across the street from State Street - it was what I imagined a high-end men's store in London to look like - with the well-trained, professional salesmen all in suits and ties and eager to help you.

ROBERT, I am green with envy. I too remember the STORE FOR MEN Annex, better than Brooks Brothers. You have a true treasure. It doesn't get better than that

BETTER DEAD THEN RED people!

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  5:57 pm CT
Posted by: Alan

I can't say I'm surprised that the company is "giving up" on wooing back the Field's customer, although I am a bit surprised by the tone. In particular, I'd have thought the spin would be about how all the new features would appeal to everyone (Field's fans and newcomers) with the focus on the newcomers. At least they are being upfront and are no longer playing the charade that they are "honoring" Field's traditions. The upside is at least they won't be doing any more damage to Field's reputation in the meantime.

Of course, it isn't as if the rest chain is doing very well, so it doesn't seem that they have a good strategy for attracting these mythical new customers, either. There's an old marketing adage (that they seem to have forgotten) that it's a lot harder to attract a new customer than retain an existing one, and so don't expect the Street to let them off too easily on this one. This Christmas will be bad for everyone given the current economy (even Nordstom and Saks are well off their peaks), so they will naturally drive expectations downward, but there definitely will be a lot of parsing of their numbers for the year and a lot of pressure on management if things don't change quickly.

They seem to be pinning their hopes on the Martha Stewart line and deals like the Hilfiger transaction. They clearly aren't going for an upmarket customer with either line, so I wouldn't be surprised if the much ballyhooed fashion incubator (which we haven't heard much about lately) and 28 Shop improvements are quietly rolled back. This puts them squarely in the middle of the market, and a re-appearance by Carson's downtown (such as Michigan Avenue), and even Sears' renewed presence on State Street will hurt them, as will the ubiquity of strong competitors like Kohl's and JC Penney. I give this strategy about six months (maybe a year) before they abandon it.

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  5:56 pm CT
Posted by: John

One of the articles talked about Field's elevator operators purportedly having been sent to charm school.

With comments like Guzetta's it's clear charm school never even crossed these people's minds.

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  4:30 pm CT
Posted by: James Miller

A note to the Macy's management types:

Don't act so surprised. It isn't like nobody tried to explain it to you.

Just as predicted, you are losing more money again. Here's a friendly reminder that you can stop losing money. You know what people want. Do the right thing and make money.

If you keep on like this, the State Street store will continue to lose money. What do you gain by that? How will it look?

Think of what impression it would give if you end up shutting down such an iconic facility under your brand.

Please think about this.

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  3:17 pm CT
Posted by: Mad At Macy's

Just a quick post, but I had to vent.

So Macy's has bascially said "F*** You" to Field's Fans and Chicago!

Argg!

Well they are learning that Field's Fans have the money they need and we are saying "F*** Macy's"!

When Field's gets sold again I hope to hell Frank Guzzetta get's pitched as well!

Excuse my language but I'm sure I speak for many. I am amazed at how many sites picked the story up and it basically says "Macy's Gives Up".

This is the final nail in their red stared coffin!

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  12:40 pm CT
Posted by: David

Hi guys,

It's working. Please read below article from Chicago Tribune

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-071108-macys-chicago,0,7530944.story

Thanks for all of you guys' hard work!

boycott Macy's forever!

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  11:18 am CT
Posted by: John Dunn

Just a reminder again -- to all Friends of Field's:

Myself and a large contingency of members of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters will be down at the State street store this Saturday, Nov. 10th at 9:30 a.m. with a protest against Macy's business pratices here in the Chicago area. So if anyone is interested in showing support for local working men and women, while at the same time showing contempt for Macy's, please come on down to state street under the clock and make sure to wear your "Forever Marshall Field's" button! Please email if you have further questions -- jdunn3@sbcglobal.net

Thanks,

John Dunn

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  10:58 am CT
Posted by: Mrs. W

Hi All,

I think we all need to thank Frank G. for letting us know where Messy's stands on their opinion in returning Field's anytime soon to Chicago. The ivory tower is beginning to crumble. Shareholder revolt will go into full swing soon. I'd expect a corporate raider to buy a big block of stock after Christmas.

Is it any surprise that "M" stock is trading at a 52 week low today?? They couldn't fool savvy Midwestern shoppers that by replacing the venerable and iconic Marshall Field's with a down market, discounter that they wouldn't expect a 40% decrease in sales in this market. We aren't coming back to shop their stores and there aren't enough new shoppers to replace all those well heeled Field customers. They are desperate and by sticking their head in the sand their corporate marketing spin wants the public to believe they can attract new shoppers. I don't think shareholders will want to wait 10 years for college students to become mainstream shoppers at Messy's. I give most college students alot more credit than thinking they'll want to buy Trump, Alfani, Inc. and other rag wear goods from Messy's.

Funny isn't it how Neiman's and Saks just continue to humm right along. If Bloomingdale sales are strong in NYC because of the mass number of foreigners buying designer goods on the cheap with the low US dollar; how much must sales really be down at Messy's? I'd say probably more like 5-10%...

Let's all send Frank G. the message; "Anyplace but Messy's this holiday season". Thank you Carson's, Lord and Taylor, Costco, Target, Neiman's and Saks for being a great substitute this holiday season.

Mrs. W

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  10:55 am CT
Posted by: gle

ABC News adds a question to the story of yesterday:

"Should It Be Called Macy's or Marshall Field's?"

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/IndustryInfo/story?id=3842807&page=1

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  10:49 am CT
Posted by: Chris S

Dear Field's Friends:

An apology is an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an admission of regret. If Guzzetta (and Macy's) were truly sorry, then he would take care of the problem. In fact, Mr. Guzzetta has not apologized for anythingC3he has simply offered an excuse. In all the press coverage of this most recent story about MacyC-s attempts to woo new customers, I hear one thing: "We do not care about former Marshall Field's shoppers."

Well, thanks for being clear, Mr. Guzzetta. I am sure Mr. Guzzetta enjoys making his six-figure salary whether working for Hecht's, Marshall Field's or Macy's in Cincinnati. He is a good company man towing the company line. But one thing is for sure: sooner or later, Terry Lundgren (CEO) will feel pressure from the stock holders concerning the debacle in Chicago and former Marshall Field's stores. Who do you think Terry will blame for this? Certainly not himself: it is all Mr. GuzzettaC-s fault because he did not know how to C,re-educateC. the consumer.

So, once again, thank you Mr. Guzzetta for explaining to us that you have no interest in wooing former Field's shoppers. Now I know exactly how your company feels about having my disposable income.

Christopher Stanichar,
Former Regards member

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  10:34 am CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

ATLANTA, Nov 8 Retailer Macy's Inc on Thursday reported a 1.5 percent fall in October sales at stores open at least one full fiscal year. (VERY IMPORTANT THAT MACY'S SPECIFIED STORES OPEN "ONE FULL FISCAL YEAR. Why? Does not include former May Company stores that have not been considered Macy's for a full MACY FISCAL YEAR. Anyone else thinking they are covering up even lower sales?)

Analysts on average expected a decline of 0.6 percent, according to Reuters Estimates. Macy's had forecast same-store sales in a range of down 1 percent to up 2 percent. (IMPORTANT: Macy's already lowered their sales expectations for 2007. So the 1.5 percent fall is from lowered sales expectations.)

Conclusion: Boycott is working.

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  10:25 am CT
Posted by: Siamak

Looks like L&T is benefitting from Macy's takeover all across the country.

"Lord & Taylor, a division Macy's sold last year for $1.08 billion to NRDC Equity Partners, said it picked up market share in some cities in the fall of 2006 when Macy's transformed the former May stores. Lord & Taylor sales in Boston were up 30 percent, and sales in Washington, D.C., were up 24 percent last fall, Lord & Taylor President and CEO Jane Elfers said."

"But Lord and Taylor CEO Jane Elfers says her chain scored a 12 percentage point bump in sales since the Field's-to-Macy's switch last year."

So let's see...

Boston 30%+ months right after Macy's takeover

DC 24%+ months right after Macy's takeover

Chicago 12% throughout since Macy's takeover

Macy's the Biggest Failure in the Midwest... any beyond.

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  9:54 am CT
Posted by: Jim Wright

Never before in retail history as a store exec come out with such a hot temper and blasted customers in the way Frank Guzzetta has done. Brad hit the target bullseye when he said that Guzzetta made remarks that are offensive, arrogant and snide...and done so publicly. No other department store exec has ever lacked diplomacy so much that he insulted a loyal customer base that other stores would envy having, as Field's guests. It's a direct reflection on the macy's personality and ruthless way of conducting business. Other stores are so based on customer service and reputation that they would never, ever resort to such tactics as Guzzetta has. As one of my former business professors remarked to me, "It shows Frank Guzzetta's true colors. He is not fit to be in the retail customer service industry. Macy's is not a class act, nor is he. He's demonstrated it"

All of a sudden, I recall the posting by John D. several weeks ago, in which he described leafleting at an Illinois-Iowa football game and a mother of a former macy's intern coming up and stating that macy's most likely implement a strategy to blame the Field's Fans for lack of business and using that as an excuse to have another press release, to change the State Street store in some way, sell it to another owner, or eventually close it.

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  1:19 am CT
Posted by: Steven

Again, there are just so many things wrong with this latest pronouncement from Macy's, it's hard to know where to start.

Just who does Frank Guzzetta think Macy's is going to attract as new shoppers? Does he really think new Loop residents who can afford half million dollar plus condos are going to equip their kitchens with Martha Stewart? Does he really think Loop college students are going to express their artistic fashion sense with Tommy Hilfiger? Does he really think tourists are going to load up on Frango mints now that they are made in Chicago again?

Frank, sweetheart... let me explain this once again for you.

Macy's will not succeed in Chicago because Macy's doesn't sell what Chicago wants, with service it expects, in an atmosphere it enjoys, at prices it finds attractive.

Let me break that down into smaller bits for you to digest, okay?

Macy's doesn't sell what customers want. As an example, for me that means Giorgio Armani and Joseph Abboud, not Alfani and INC. Just because we live in the Midwest does not mean that Chicago does not dress to impress. No one is impressed with Macy's private label brands. No one. This is perhaps the most crucial mistake Macy's has made (regardless of the name). When Macy's took away the fashion Chicago likes to wear, Chicago simply started shopping elsewhere.

Macy's doesn't provide the service Chicago expects. That means helpful, knowledgeable (not disinterested) salespeople and sturdy paper bags. That means if an item is not available, that the salesperson calls another store to see if it is available there. If you don't understand this point, walk into the men's department on the second floor of Nordstrom on Michigan Avenue. You don't need to ask for help. A salesperson will approach you.

Macy's doesn't provide an atmosphere Chicago enjoys. That means NO FRUIT FLIES, no broken escalators or elevators, no dirty carpet or bathrooms and no packing materials visible on the sales floor. Jesus, Mary and Joseph man, you're running a department store, not a COSTCO (and I apologize to COSTCO for comparing it to Macy's). This is perhaps the most visible mistake Macy's has made. MOST of the Midwest had been to State Street Field's and now when people return and see the mess Macy's has made of the place, do you think they are going to shop? Or leave and go to another store, NEVER to return?

Macy's doesn't have attractive prices. Everything -- especially the private label goods -- is overpriced and sales aren't really sales because so much is excluded. Again, this is Chicago, where there is perhaps more retail choice and competition than in New York. Retailers who don't provide good value don't last long here.

So you see Frank, a wine bar, Wifi, holiday windows based on Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker and all that stuff you blither-blathered about, all that is irrelevant because it doesn't address the fundamental reasons why Chicago doesn't shop at Macy's. Brands. Service. Atmosphere. Value. Had Macy's focused on those fundamentals from the very beginning, our boycott would have fizzled. Instead, Macy's made our boycott stronger!

Thanks, Frank! And you have a nice day, okay?!

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  1:06 am CT
Posted by: Brad

Another thought about Frank Guzzetta's comments and the change in promotional strategy announced in yet another widely published Macy's press release....

Macy's has now proven what Field's Fans have known all along, that Macy's primary interest in Marshall Field's was the well-positioned real estate in which to operate and expand the Macy's brand and the elimination of Marshall Field's as competition for the Macy's and Bloomingdales brands.

Macy's was not concerned with the potential for significant negative impact on Chicago tourism, jobs and image, nor did Macy's have any desire to preserve Field's traditions for the sake of bolstering Chicago's unique character or for future generations of Field's customers.

Macy's merely acquired real estate and commandeered those elements of Field's that were expected to drive sales from acquired stores. Macy's certainly wasn't trying to "give back" to Chicago. In fact, nothing about Macy's actions showed any of their promised respect for Field's legacy or for what's important to Chicago.

Macy's self-serving actions haven't provided the desired results, so without regard for Field's customers or for the character and culture of Chicago, they've decided it's time discard more Marshall Field's traditions and "redouble efforts" to imprint Macy's on Chicago.

We shouldn't be surprised. After all, this is the same Macy's that at one time planned to take Chicago's iconic Marshall Field's clocks and bronze plaques off the building. So much for respecting and preserving Chicago's traditions.

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  1:05 am CT
Posted by: Regional-Department-Store-Traditions-Lovers

Dear Macy's Executives, (Mr.Frank G and Mr.Terry L.), and all department store loyalists,

Speaking as a group of shoppers who go back over 100 years worth with your companies and individual stores, we offer our love and respect for your cherished history.

The reason people can't get over the name changes around the country are very clear. You have taken away what it took the founding members and their offspring years (generations in fact)to cultivate.

The Macyization of America is a slap in the face to the Lazarus family and to all of the founding families and generations of shoppers.

Please Mr.L and Mr.G, start to realize that the value added experience is what people expect in a department store and that is why the guests will pay a higher price for shopping in the stores.

WHY WILL PEOPLE PAY MORE AT DEPARTMENT STORES ?

1) Top designers, great selections of quality merchandise served in a clean, exciting environment with top quality merchandising professionals offering caring assistance to their guests.

2) FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS and other value added services that set your stores apart from the run of the mill discount houses.

3) Respect for local traditions in name, quality, service, excellence and caring for guests so much that they will become repeat guests.

WHILE WE MAY NOT HAVE AGREED WITH THE CONSOLIDATION OF MAY AND FEDERATED STORES, WE AT LEAST WERE LEAD TO BELIEVE THAT THE INDIVIDUAL REGIONAL STORES OFFERED TAILORED ASSORTMENTS AND RESPECT FOR THE --FLAGSHIP STORE TRADITIONS-- AT THE VERY LEAST.

Now, the removal of designers, homogenization of store merchandise that is poor in quality, deferring maintenance, offering UNCLEAN ENVIRONMENTS in some stores leaves a lot to be desired. The most loyal department store shoppers will simply shop elsewhere.

PLEASE REALIZE THAT THESE REGIONAL STORE BRAND NAMES, SERVICES AND FULL-SERVICE TRADITIONS ARE WOVEN INTO THE FABRIC OF THE EACH REGION AND THE LEGACY OF RESPECT GOES BACK GENERATIONS AND GENERATIONS !

Please offer the greatest Christmas and Holiday gifts ever by giving back MARSHALL FIELD'S IN SERVICE,TOP QUALITY, CLEANLINESS AND OF COURSE SELECTION OF MERCHANDISE. FIELDGEAR, FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS...MARSHALL FIELD'S FRANGOS.....THE MARSHALL FIELD'S MERCHANDISE WEBSITE, ALL OF IT !

Thank you very much.

Respectful Regards in the Marshall Field's, Burdine's, Strawbridge & Clothier, Abraham & Straus...and the list goes on TRADITION,

Be well & God Bless you all.

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  12:53 am CT
Posted by: A Friend From the Northeast

Thought you guys would like to read this. They mention Marshall Field's:

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/gifts/pdf/press/crains.pdf

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  12:49 am CT
Posted by: JamesfromCa

A few comments, there is nothing Guzzeta can say anymore at this point. His comments come as no surprise. He wants to keep his job. Field's customers and the Midwest find macy's offensive, period. So he has to say that macy's will find new customers, where they will come from will be interesting. As I have said and many others, the moderate Kohls/Penney/Target/Costco customer won't shop at macy's, it's too expensive, the Field's customer, well you know how they feel and the higher end shopper trades with Neimans/Saks/Nordstroms/Von Maur. Who does that leave then? Another thing I find hilarious is every time an article tries to put a positive spin that SOMEONE likes macy's what's their motive for shopping there? It's the cheapskate looking for a bargain, "she scours the sales rack looking for deals". Another article mentioned some woman who was so pleased with herself that she found a Claibourne blouse reduced by 70% and only then will these people shop at macy's. That's sad. I have read that a least a half a dozen times! No retailer wants a cheapskate trolling for bargains as a customer.

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Date: Fri, November 9, 2007  12:29 am CT
Posted by: LiMack

Wow!! One doesn't need an MBA to know that Frank Guzzetta really "stepped in it", as they say, when he gave that interview which has been so widely disseminated. I wonder if perhaps soon he will be taking an early retirement to spend more time with his family.

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  10:51 pm CT
Posted by: mikey

FOR YET ANOTHER INSULT. GO TO MACYS.COM AND TYPE IN "MARSHALL FIELDS" IN THE SPACE RESERVED FOR "SEARCHES". YOU WILL BE AS SHOCKED AS I WAS.

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  10:51 pm CT
Posted by: John Dunn

To all Friends of Field's:

Myself and a large contingency of members of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters will be down at the State street store this Saturday, Nov. 10th at 9:30 a.m. with a protest against Macy's business pratices here in the Chicago area; which Just happens to coincide with the promotional appearance of the much loved humanist (sarcasm alert)Martha Stewart! What a pairing! A mean convicted criminal so-called celebrity with a an uncaring incompetent corporation. So if anyone is interested in showing support for local working men and women, while at the same time showing contempt for Macy's and their spokesfelon, please come on down to state street under the clock and make sure to wear your "Forever Marshall Field's" button!

Thanks,

John Dunn

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  10:50 pm CT
Posted by: tjm

So regarding the AP story with comments by Macy's North's Frank Guzetta.....perhaps it could be summed up as.....

"In desperation, Guzetta tells Field's shoppers to go to hell."

Came across that way to me. If he can't treat current and recent loyal customers right, why would anyone want to be one of his new customers?

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  10:49 pm CT
Posted by: Jack K

Silly Macy's still can't get it right. FAO Schwartz will be on FIVE. Any Chicagoan KNOWS that toys are on FOUR at Fields on State Street.

I have to laugh. My family had a charge account since 1949 (remember the addressograph charge-a-plate that had the correct shaped index slot cut into the plate so it would work at Fields, Carsons, The Fair, Lyttons?). Since the Red Star arrived, I have not set foot in a store, nor have I spent one thin dime there. I bought much furniture, many many gifts, clothing, shoes, Frangos etc since I had my account in 1968 but not now. They arrogantly assumed that Chicagoans were sheep, but even today announced that they were now going to go after "their" customers. Lots of luck. They can try all they want, but until the name AND the quality comes back, Chicagoans and those who travelled to make a pilgrimage to MAFCO will vote with their feet and continue to boycott.

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  10:49 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

Now I've heard everything... we all wondered what fantastical new excuse Macy's would come up with after cold weather, hot weather, etc., to blame for their lagging sales, and now we know. It's been the "excess amount of energy" Macy's put into pleasing Marshall Field's customers! Now Macy's will redouble its efforts to appeal to new customers who don't have connections to Field's.

Here's a quote and an "I'm sorry you feel that way" apology from Frank Guzzetta's, published in today's Crain's. Note that he's sorry Field's customers feel disappointed, not that he's sorry that Macy's disappointed us. Could he have been any more offensive, arrogant and snide?

"You have to, at some point, stop and say, 'I apologize. I'm sorry you feel that way' and move on," Guzzetta said. "We wanted so hard to not disappoint the old Marshall Field's customer that we put an excess amount of energy on that and not enough on making sure the store was what everyone wanted."

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  9:50 pm CT
Posted by: John D

Frank Guzzetta is calling us Field's Fans DETRACTORS for standing in the way of macy's in Chicago, Folks. Poor, Frank, he's just got to blame SOMEONE, rather than Terry L. and himself. He also states that we just cannot get over the name change, no matter what macy's does to convince Chicagoans. Frank, it's FAR more...much more than just a name change. You know that! Do we need to list the detracting changes once again?

The reporter, probably through Guzzetta's urging, refers to macy's store brands such as INC, Alfani, as POPULAR.

This Associated Press story attempts to present the other side by interviewing our own James McKay for the article. Jim positively presents our position on Field's, in sharp contrast to Guzzetta's apparent belly aching.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/5285949.html

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  9:31 pm CT
Posted by: LiMack

So Frank, this article says you're finally giving up on us? I doubt if even in 100 years Macy's can recoup customers equal to the number of loyal Marshall Field's shopping families you just willfully kicked to the curb along with the Field's brand and Chicago's heart. Why didn't you just do the decent and honorable thing and open a brand new Macy's franchise in Chicago, work to wow us, compete fairly for retail business, and leave our Marshall Field's and 111 N. State alone?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21693664/

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  8:19 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

AGAIN BON-TON'S CARSON'S/BOSTON STORE DIVISION HAS THE BEST SALES!

Hmm, I wonder why?

http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2007/11/05/daily35.html?jst=b_ln_hl

Bon-Ton (NYSE: BONT) said same-store sales for the five department store chains operating under its Carson's group dipped 0.5 percent for the four weeks ended Nov. 3, compared with the same period last year. Same-store sales is a comparison of sales at stores open during both years.

The York, Pa.-based department store operator said its Bon-Ton group of stores posted same-store sales decline of 3.2 percent. Overall, Bon-Ton's same-store sales declined 1.4 percent.

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  8:09 pm CT
Posted by: A. Perkins

Former May customers haven't responded as well as hoped to the September 2006 re-branding. A year after Marshall Field's and other May stores officially converted to the Macy's nameplate, dozens of protesters gathered outside the Chicago store carrying "Macy's Go Home" signs and urging a shopper boycott.

Marshall Field's fan Jim McKay, who has led protests, said many shoppers have been dissatisfied.

"The quality of merchandise is less quality but they're still charging the same prices," McKay said. "They feel like there's less service, and less enthusiasm among the staff."

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071108/macy_s_holiday_hopes.html?.v=4

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  7:08 pm CT
Posted by: JasonM

Regarding the new AP article. All I can say is that Macy's will NEVER succeed on State Street. Each and every time shoppers see the store they will see the Marshall Field's plaque displayed beautifully on the building. It will ALWAYS REMIND them how Macy's ruined a Chicago icon.

Those feelings of anger will always be there, no matter what Macy's does.

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  6:12 pm CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

Department store operator Macy's Inc. said its September same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, fell 2.7 percent in September, falling short of Wall Street's expectations.

(HERE IS THE REASON FOLKS: THE WEATHER AGAIN!) The company blamed unseasonably warm weather in the Northeast and the Midwest, as well as a difficult comparison to September 2006, when more than 400 former May Company stores were converted to the Macy's name amid intense marketing and events.

Sales are down but more importantly: REVENUE IS WAY DOWN due to discounting and heavy marketing expenses to try to get people into their stores. TSK. TSK.

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  5:51 pm CT
Posted by: Hilary

When the FBI discounted third hand rumors of terrorist attacks at malls today, I thought maybe the "M" stores would use that as an excuse for "Poor sales"!

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  5:40 pm CT
Posted by: JamesfromCa

In my local paper the Contra Costa Times there was a heading under "Coming Sunday" it shows the State Street store with the caption

"Macy's Inc. is turning to star power, new merchandise and more promotions this holiday season to fight disappointing sales and resistance to it's local takeover of local department stores. Analysts say holiday sales aren't a make or break situation, but Macy's needs to show progress to avoid becoming takeover bait."

I think it would be a make or break situation, if sales are lousy once

again and the other stores have a decent season it can't look good for him. I don't see Macy's going under, the stockholders won't allow it but they can replace him and without him change could happen.

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  4:41 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Abusurdity continues:

"Unable to shake off name-change flack, Macy's shifts Chicago focus"

"But nowhere has the switch proved harder than Chicago, where anger at the loss of the iconic Marshall Field's chain stubbornly refused to recede." [STUBBORNLY REFUSED? THEY SOUND LIKE SHOPPING AT MESSY'S IS THE LAW OR SOMETHING.]

"Instead, executives are mounting a full-fleged campaign to bring in new shoppers--especially those who lack a deep-rooted Field's connection--to its flagship State Street store." [EXACTLY WHERE DO THEY EXPECT TO FIND THOSE SHOPPERS? MANY PEOPLE SAY MESSY'S IS BORING EVEN IF THERE HADN'T BEEN A MARSHALL FIELD'S.]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-071108-macys-chicago,0,7530944.story?coll=chi_tab04_layout

"Tribune" letters to the editor go to ctc-TribLetter@tribune.com

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  3:54 pm CT
Posted by: Carol W

I really liked Marshall Fields. I am from Michigan, and when our local Hudson's stores changed to Marshall Fields, we quickly began to see what a great store Marshall Fields was.

It felt like home because Marshall Fields was, after all, Chicago: In other words, it was a lot like us and thus very familiar, while being a BIG step up in quality Most importantly, it was very Midwest-appropriate because of its custom, well thought-out Field Gear in-house merchandise.

Since the switch over to Macy's, nothing has been the same. As a loyal shopper, I tried to get enthusiastic about Macy's; I really did. But clearly, the quality of the stores has fallen; the strong, established Midwestern identity is lost; and now I simply refuse to shop or even go to Macy's. To me and so many of my friends and family, Macy's means NEW YORK -- and we simply want no part of it, period.

I would dearly love it if Marshall Fields were reinstated. I understand the business concept of 'economy or scale', and why someone though it would be a really smart idea to make the switch to Macys.

But by doing this, they have turned off a HUGE shopping target who like to be identified with the Midwest.

I can only say: Somehow, someway, please bring back Marshall Fields! It's good for the community --and it will be very good for the ultimate bottom line!

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  3:28 pm CT
Posted by: Melody

I'm sure you've all seen this already... On the Tribey online.

Unable to shake off name-change flack, Macy's shifts Chicago focus

By ASHLEY M. HEHER | AP Business Writer

1:39 PM CST, November 8, 2007

CHICAGO - Macy's Inc. expected resistance when it began putting its name on the door of local favorites like Kaufmann's and Filene's after it bought the May Co. more than two years ago.

But nowhere has the switch proved harder than Chicago, where anger at the loss of the iconic Marshall Field's chain stubbornly refused to recede.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071108/macy_s_meltdown.html?.v=1

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  2:34 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

Please be sure that you aren't eating or drinking anything when you read this article:

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071108/macy_s_meltdown.html?.v=1

This has to be the most HILARIOUS comment on macy*mart's troubles in Chicago that I've read!

"Boo hoo," cried poor little Guzzetta. "We tried our best to get you to love us. You still don't like us after we worked so hard for over a year, but now we don't care. We're going to get some new friends. NYAH, NYAH, NYAH. We don't need you. We've got some new toys that will attract new friends and they will love us. You're gonna be sorry. <Sob> You're gonna miss us, but we don't need you any more, you old mean Field's Fans. We have lots of friends who love our popular Alfani and Charter Club even if you don't. <Sob, sob> You are just picking on us and wouldn't give us a chance--and after all we've done for you! Uncle Terry and all of us are really mad now. We don't want you Field's Fans to come around any more! So there! If you do try to come back to our place, we're TELLING on you! Go ahead and play somewhere else. <Sniffle> We'll do just fine without you."

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  2:08 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

So macy*mart thinks that "star power" will improve their sagging sales:

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071108/macy_s_holiday_hopes.html?.v=1

Yeah, Donald Trump and Usher will really have shoppers bustin' down the doors. More Martha Stewart? Isn't that just special? Lunkhead constantly uses the excuse "we changed too quickly" and promises more coupons. He still doesn't get it. Shoppers didn't want or need another nation-wide, nondescript discount store--especially one that sells overpriced, low quality schlock.

If Federated had any sense, they would have kept the regional department store names and upgraded their better locations as "premium" stores. Thus the top volume locations of Field's, Kaufmann's, Strawbridge and Clothier, Burdine's, Filene's, Foley's would be merchandised and operated as the "upscale" store in each respective market--better selection, quality, and service. A visitor to Miami, for example, would know that Burdine's is "the Florida store." The lower volume stores could be operated as macy's, a step above JC Penney and Kohl's. Shoppers would then understand what each nameplate represents. At this point in time, macy*s doesn't have a target market--just a reputation as an poorly run, expensive junk store.

Also note that the sales at Lord and Taylor have increased since the macy*ization in Boston and Washington DC. The anecdotal comments made on this blog and others have been proven! Despite Lunkhead and Company's optimistic press releases and lame promotions, the consumers have spoken with their wallets! Way to flop, Terry!

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  1:50 pm CT
Posted by: Clint

"There are a lot of people who just can't get over the Marshall Field's name change," said Frank Guzzetta, the former president of Marshall Field's who is now chairman and CEO of Macy's North, one of seven regional division of Macy's Inc. "Those people, no matter how hard we worked at it, have continued to be detractors."

That's why this holiday season, Macy's has all but given up wooing the Field's faithful.

Instead, executives are mounting a full-fledged campaign to bring in new shoppers _ especially those who lack a deep-rooted Field's connection _ to its flagship State Street store.

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/apwire/39e4c0434711be2e6ec0e9e45bc96eec.htm

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  10:19 am CT
Posted by: LiMack

Just a reminder to all that the next few months are critical for "OPERATION MARSHALL FIELDS".

Gently remind people in your extended circle that you do not wish to receive presents or gift cards from Macy's and encourage them to do the same. As you entertain be sure to casually point out special pieces of furniture or decorative items in your home that came from Field's. When attending events and you receive compliments on items of jewelry, clothing, or accessories that were purchased at Marshall Fields don't hesitate to mention that, and how much you miss shopping at Marshall Field's. Always wear your Forever Marshall Field's button and try to carry extras to share.

To the world Marshall Field's was Chicago. To us, Marshall Field's was State Street. Marshall Field's was Christmas. Marshall Field's was our legendary homegrown department store and the source and inspiration for so many of our beloved multi-generational holiday traditions. Macy's apparently thought they could brutally obliterate Marshall Field's, yet somehow still retain the Field's magic and benefit from all the good will, brand equity and traditions that were unique to Field's merely by occupying the same real estate. Macy's was so wrong. Macy's feeble attempt to co-opt for themselves, or "absorb", the aura of over 100 years of Field's history, pride, loyalty and reputation was misguided and a true insult to the City of Chicago. Chicagoans are not fooled. We do not accept Macy's, and we never will.

We want our Marshall Field's back.

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  9:28 am CT
Posted by: gle

We are having an impact!

>From "The Enquirer" from Cincinnati:

"Macy's reports weak sales"

"Cincinnati-based Macy's, Inc. on Thursday reported weak sales in October 2007 compared with October 2006 - a decline of 1/2 percent to $1.85 billion compared with $1.86 billion in sales for the same period last year.

On a same-store basis, Macy's sales were down 1.5 percent in October, a greater slowdown than had been expected."

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071108/BIZ01/311080024

>From Yahoo! Finance:

"Macy's Same-Store Sales Fall in October:

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071108/macy_s_sales.html?.v=2

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Date: Thu, November 8, 2007  9:05 am CT
Posted by: jimmy gimbels

JIMMY GIMBELS RISKS HIS SANITY VENTURING INTO MACY'S SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO!

1.Field Gear

Remember when Macy's said they were bringing back Field Gear? Well, they did - but not in clothing. It is a group of men's gifts - all made in China: travel thermos, gym bag, etc. Of course, all are extrememly overpriced.

2. Gift Baskets

Last holiday season, the M-store had a huge variety of food gift baskets -many featured Marshall Field's Frango mints, MF wine and other food products. This season: NADA! The gift baskets were sold by the thousands when they came from Marshall Field's. For Macy's, not so much because, as we all know, no one wants a gift from Macy's. After the 2006 holiday season, Macy's was stuck with thousands of unsold baskets that they reduced up to 90% off. Several stores still had unsold baskets come Easter!

3. Gift Department

Mostly low end products with ridiculous mark ups (most likely so they can be put on "sale"). Looks like merch from "Big Lots." Very tacky. Overheard two sales associates who could not believe they have to sell this "junk." By the way, art glass is being phased out.

4. Tabletop

Remember when MF offered a wonderful assortment of holiday table cloths, napkins and table runners? Not at Macy's. Selection has been greatly reduced. It looks like department is being phased out. You're better off going to Linens and Things or Kohl's.

5. INC.

I would love to tell you about the trendsetting fashions for men with the INC. label. But I cannot, it hurt my eyes to even look at that stuff. If if looks lousy on the hanger, why would anyone think it would look good on their body. By the way, the sole salesperson in the Men's department was too busy fixing her hair to help anyone.

6. Holiday Lane

Perhaps someone should vac up the broken glass on the floor. I watched a woman try to find someone to ring up her ornament purchase. No luck, so she just hung the ornaments on a mannequin and walked out. Later, saw her buying a basket full of ornaments at Carsons.

So there you have it.

Take me to State Street and MARSHALL FIELDS.

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Date: Wed, November 7, 2007  8:50 pm CT
Posted by: RG74 Family

Well, it's Christmas shopping season time again. How hard it is to be without Marshall Field's in quality, name, service and cleanliness. For those of us who don't live in the Detroit,Chicago,Minneapolis,St.Paul region, MARSHALLFIELDS.COM was SO VALUABLE TO US ! How we miss it !

If you happen to go on to macys.com , type in Marshall Field's Frangos. NOTHING COMES BACK. YOU GET A SEARCH ERROR.

IT'S JUST SO HARD TO TAKE.

THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS GIFT THAT MACY'S MANAGEMENT COULD GIVE BACK TO AMERICA IS OUR BELOVED REGIONAL DEPARTMENT STORE. AGAIN, THE WAY TO GO ABOUT THIS IS TO START BY BRINGING BACK MARSHALL FIELD'S AND COMPANY IN NAME, SERVICE,STYLE, FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS, AND CLEANLINESS.

IT'S MARSHALL FIELD'S FOREVER AND REGIONAL DEPARTMENT STORES AROUND THE COUNTRY THAT WE NEED !

Respectful Regards,

RG74 Family

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Date: Wed, November 7, 2007  4:18 pm CT
Posted by: Charles C

You would think Federated would have learned from the mistakes May made with the Marshall Fields brand. May drove Marshall Fields and Lord & Taylor in to the ground by making these iconic stores into average department stores. I am happy to see Lord & Taylor being brought back to life as a luxury store and I hope Federated will give the Marshall Fields brand that same respect.

I live in Houston where our local brand Foleys was rebranded Macys. Foleys had lost its luster but Houstonians were loyal to the name. It surprised me that Federated choose to brand our stores with the Macys name when Macys had closed all their Houston stores (except one at The Galleria) a few years earlier due to poor profits.

I hope Chicago gets Marshall Fields back soon!

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Date: Wed, November 7, 2007  2:44 pm CT
Posted by: gle

Good to see this week's "Crain's Chicago Business" has very pro-Field's letters in the "Opinion" section, page 30, of the print edition. Since my employer's computer I use isn't letting me download the online version, I don't know what is there, but perhaps someone else has access and can post a URL.

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Date: Wed, November 7, 2007  2:03 pm CT
Posted by: Katie

Do they still serve Field's special in the Chicago area? Went to "messys" here in Minneapolis - both the downtown one and the Southdale mall locations and both said they stopped serving the Field's special... was wondering if they still had it on the menu in Chicagoland. (on the other hand, the potpie is still on the menu but the Frango hot chocolate is not - miss those Santabear mugs.) Also, I found it interesting how on the 12th floor wall archive of the downtown Minneapolis store it still says "Today at Marshall Field's..." As for "messys" - pretty much every student on the U of M campus refers it to "the store at the Marshall Field's bldg" or if it is here, then "meet me at the Dayton's bldg". The theater listing here still names Marshall Field's as a good place to eat, and the parking lot maps still reads "Marshall Field's". Found that interesting *grins*.

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Date: Wed, November 7, 2007  12:42 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle

Hi all,

Yesterday I had jury duty in Cook County. During jury selection, the judge asked each potential juror several questions, including whether or not we were employed, and if so, where we worked. Then he got to one gentleman who said he was employed "for now." When the judge asked where this man worked, he lifted his chin and stuck out his chest, and replied "I've been employed for 35 years with Marshall Field's!" The judge appeared confused, obviously thinking of the name change, and repeated "Marshall Field's?" The man repeated in a loud and strong voice, "Yes, Marshall Field's!" The judge dropped it, but of course I couldn't wait for break to interrogate him.

He told me he has been a warehouse supervisor on Diversey for 35 years, but will be laid off in January when the facility moves to Minooka. I asked if he had considered moving, but he just rolled his eyes and snorted. I then asked if ANYONE was taking the move, and he said he didn't know of any old Field's employees who were moving. He also said that Macy's doesn't really want the old employees to move, they'd rather hire new (and cheaper) workers. He was obviously very bitter toward Macy's because of their treatment of employees, and he was very proud of his years with Field's. It opened a large discussion of Field's VS. Macy's amongst all the jurors within earshot, (all negative toward Macy's) and a few people wrote down this website.

Does ANYONE like Macy's?

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Date: Wed, November 7, 2007  9:19 am CT
Posted by: Robert

Yesterday I received a wonderful sweater I won in Ebay: it's Irish Wool and has "Marshall Field's The Store for Men" label. It is now my most prized possession - and brought back happy memories of Marshall Field's (of course), and more specifically The Store for Men. I'm old enough to remember the Men's Annex across the street from State Street - it was what I imagined a high-end men's store in London to look like - with the well-trained, professional salesmen all in suits and ties and eager to help you.

What are the indicators that Macy's will have a not-so-merry Christmas this year? I'm curious about opinions on whether or not their new ad campaign and addition of FAO Schwartz will boost sales this year. Also, is there any word about Macy's performance in Field's former suburban stores?

Keep up the fight!

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Date: Wed, November 7, 2007  7:42 am CT
Posted by: Donna A

I am a transplanted "Child of Marshall Field's".(My Parents and my aunt were 40 yr retiree's and my brothers and I worked there.) My father set up the train under the tree many, many years. I live in Arizona now ........ but there are Macy's stores here, too! I wonder if I may have some "Field's Forever" pins sent to me down here?. Believe me, I am NOT the only loyal Field's supporter in Sun CIty West! We have many residents who spend time in Chicago and here every year.

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Date: Tues, November 6, 2007  9:34 pm CT
Posted by: MJA1951

At this point, I don't want to see the Field's name return under Macy's watch. They have already proven that that don't even know how to run a mid-priced store, much less a quality store like Field's. Even if they decided to change the Macy's back to Field's do you think they could EVER be trusted?

I think the only options left for Macy's is to close their stores here or sell them to another company worthy of the Field's name.

After they tried relentlesly to ram Macy's junk and their crappy idea of what they think we want down our throats, it's not enough for them to try and pacify us with a half-hearted Field's. The company needs to suffer huge financial losses (which are already taking place) to show the east and west coast people who think we are county bumkins. After Macy's leaves with their tails between their legs, maybe it will be a reminder to the next out-of-towners who think the can "re-educate" us!

Field's FOREVER, Macy's NEVER!

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Date: Tues, November 6, 2007  8:37 pm CT
Posted by: Joe D

I read the editorials in Crain's Chicago today!

Way to go team!!!!!!!!! All of the editorials slammed Macy's for the bad business decisions.

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Date: Tues, November 6, 2007  3:53 pm CT
Posted by: Nina G

A friend of mine just experienced an episode that taught her what so many of us have alrady known...that "customer service" at the new place is an oxymoron.

She bought a pair of diamond/ruby earrings in the Fine Jewelry department. Within an day of purchase, somehow one of the jewels came loose and disappeared. She went back to Macy's to get a refund or replacement...sorry, no dice, these were on sale, sold as-is, etc.

Suffice to say this is not giving the lady what she wants.

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Date: Tues, November 6, 2007  12:48 pm CT
Posted by: jimmy gimbels

FOUR GREAT LETTERS IN CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS THIS WEEK!

Here are some highlights from each letter:

"Macy's can't compete"

The elimination of the venerable Marshall Field's name has resulted in nothing but an emotional outpour for a brand that was truly Chicago. It took 154 years to build this gem.

"..No 'dancing' here"

The poor service, diminished merchandise selection and poorly made house brands under Macy's cannot be fixed by an ad campaign. Customers want the style, selection and service that was Marshall Field's...

"...more than a name"

People might eventually get used to a name change, but Chicagoans have noticed a lot more in one year, and its been a downhill plunge.

"...missing the point"

As an Illinois native, there is only one way of getting me back into the old Marshall Field's building on State Street - change it back to Marshall Filed's in every aspect. Macy's keeps missing the point and the boat.

Keep writing those card and letters folks!

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Date: Tues, November 6, 2007  11:23 am CT
Posted by: Jim

Regarding the reaction to wearing "Forever Marshall Field's" pin-on buttons (most all provided by Gail), here's a couple of more stories.

By chance I encountered a group of DePaul University students who reminded me a recent morning when I was not quite yet awake that I had on a "Forever Marshall Field's" button. They clamoroured and commented how much they liked Field's, hated Macy's and refused to shop there. Like I said, I was still very tired so it was nice to have the button and the students do "all the work" without my having to say anything. I then realized that I had some extras with me and they were excitedly snapped up by the students. Please note: these students are pretty much the exact demographic that Macy's is courting on State Street--and they are pretty vocal about how much they loathe Macy's.

Then there was Halloween. I didn't have to offer or coax people to take pins. about three dozen children, adults and teens simply requested them after they saw mine.

It's one thing for a store to have new ownership and change and lose business--but it is UNPRECEDENTED that customers would protest and be so vocal. It's even more revealing how the media downplays this and gives disproportionate coverage to this unprecedented news story.

Another example of stores that CAN come back. Back eight or nine years ago, Safeway purchased Dominick's for well over a billion dollars. Much of Dominick's local management ended up leaving for Milwuakee area based Roundy's supermarkets which is owned by Chicago-based Willis Stein. Safeway made many mistakes which might be best generalized as they turned Dominick's into Safeway with a Dominick's sign out in front. Dominick's has gone from having about 28% of the Chicago market to about 14% of the market and from about 120 stores to 83 stores. Before people start blaming it on Wal-Mart hurting the traditional supermarket, consider that the only gain was by Jewel whose market share has roughly increased by the amount of business Dominick's has lost.

Financial Times is now reporting that Dominick's old management team at Roundy's, backed by Chicago's Willis Stein will likely buy Dominick's and merge it with Roundy's with Dominick's returning as a locally-owned Chicago grocer.

Macy's shareholders should take note: While Safeway purchased Dominick's for well over $1.8 billion in 1998 (source: ft.com), the price for Dominick's in 2007 will likely be well under $400 million.

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Date: Tues, November 6, 2007  8:31 am CT
Posted by: LiMack

In the past few days several very high profile CEOs have been forced to resign from their very high profile companies. It's been all over the news. The reasons given are that these executives made poor or imprudent decisions that have caused their stockholders great harm and have put the very survival of their companies at risk. There are allegations that the heads of these companies misled others about the true financial condition of their business and the potential for significant future losses. There are calls on Wall Street for at least one of these companies, Citicorp, to be broken up into smaller, more manageable pieces.

One cannot help but wonder when Terry Lundgren and Macy's will be the subject of similar headlines. Greed and overweening ego. It's a sign of the times.

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Date: Tues, November 6, 2007  1:14 am CT
Posted by: Gabriel M.

After Macy's takeover of Marshall Field's in 2006 , I became interested in seeing if anyone sold Frango mints other than Macy's.

I found a business in Vashon, Washington State called "The Country Store and Gardens" which sells the west coast version of Frango under the Frederick and Nelson name. The Frederick and Nelson chocolates are packaged in hexagonal tins beloved to Seattle residents for generations. As earlier posted the Frederick and Nelson name is in fact written in the Field's logo script.

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Date: Mon, November 5, 2007  11:35 pm CT
Posted by: Matt

BETTER DEAD THAN RED!

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Date: Mon, November 5, 2007  11:05 pm CT
Posted by: Miller

I have a feeling that if sales at the holidays are poor, the return of Marshall Field may happen in 2008, along with Carson's return to State Street.

Funny, how it took them so long to determine if the Field name would remain, or be retired when Federated took over. I can't believe "they flubbed-it", but then again, history reflects these name changes, with all of their acquisitions. They had no idea how special these stores were to Chicago and the Midwest. I would be intrested to know if business schools across the country, refer to this blunder or if this will become a "landmark case" for generations to learn about. Ironic, that they don't seem willing to correct this, when millions of dollars are being lost each day! Despite the two year thresholds to test an idea, It amazing that they wouldn't say "we learned from our customer that we made a mis-step and we will correct it, returning the name, service, traditions and all special lines"..and come back! If they were clever, they would have speciality stores, like Field's in each market. Instead of cutting costs, by the name change, they've lost most of their loyal customer base!

Its what happens when you get too big! You lose touch with reality in your ivory tower, and you let the little people define the store. In reality, so much has been lost, there's little that you can't get elsewhere!

Lets face it, if the 800 stores fail, of the Macy's-Federated-May merger, it reflects very poorly on the economy, so its in the best interest of many corportations and analysts to report anything other than extremely poor results. Revenue from ads also play heavy on articles posted. However, macy's would be walking on water and making great strides in Chicago, if they only reinvested and imporved under the Field's banner.

Most ironic, it that my "tween" children have no desire to go to the m-store to shop. That makes no-customers from this family! The 100 year centennial of the building, dome and clocks, would have been very profitable, if only they did the right thing.

Its up to the citizens of Chicago to seek Madison-Dearborn, Neiman's or other such buyer for State Street, and let the rest of the chain, wither and sink.

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Date: Mon, November 5, 2007  8:16 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

When sales figures come out this week, here are some possible excuses Lunkhead might use to explain the poor showing:

1. We had to change the clocks back, and everyone was too busy enjoying the extra hour to shop.

2. It's Fall.

3. People didn't shop as much because they were anticipating a writer's strike in Hollywood.

4. It's that construction on Block 37 keeping people away.

5. People don't want to deal with the Field's Protesters, so they're shopping elsewhere. (LOVE that one!)

6. People wanted to avoid the long lines to get in to see the FAO Schwartz section, so they all stayed home.

7. It's Fall. (Oh, did I say that one already?)

8. People in the rest of the country don't have the good taste that New Yorkers have.

9. They tried to enter the State Street store on the Randolph side but that broken door handle from a month ago is still broken.

10. The Midwest is just so stubborn. If they would just give us a chance....

11. People don't realize that we're not really Macy's that replaced Marshall Field's, we're just "State Street."

12. People unfairly pick on Terry Lundgren because he makes millions and gets a bigger discount that his employees and because he broke the hearts of millions of Field's shoppers.

13. Oh, and because it's Fall.

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Date: Mon, November 5, 2007  8:08 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

While talking about Macy's store on State Street, Terry Lundgren makes some bold claims about how he expects to turn around "years of declining sales" at Marshall Field's former store this holiday season.

Regarding Macy's claim that the hope to end years of declining sales at Marshall Field's. This is not simply misleading, it is patently untrue.

Prior to 2003, the entire department store sector experienced declining sales, yet Field's remained profitable with average sales per store higher than Macy's or Bloomingdales.

In the years immediately prior to Macy's takeover, Marshall Field's was profitable and sales were not declining. In 2003, Field's posted profits of $106 Million and in the first quarter of 2004 revenues began to increase by 6.1%. This was the beginning of Field's turnaround.

Also in 2004 Field's State Street store completed a $115 Million in upgrades and renovation with significant additions of more high-end merchandise. Customers responded and Field's growth continued in 2004, 2005 and 2006, up until the week that Macy's eliminated and replaced Chicago's iconic brand.

As Macy's, customer traffic and sales at former Marshall Field's stores took a nose dive - some analysts estimate by more than 40% - and customer anger towards Macy's for eliminating Field's remains strong.

If Macy's seeks to show an increase this holiday season on State Street, it will be comparing Macy's performance this year to Macy's dismal decline in sales during its first holiday season after commandeering Marshall Field's landmark store. I suspect that Macy's press releases will not emphasize this distinction.

As Marshall Field's, the store was the center of Chicago holiday traditions and gift giving as it has been for generations. An outpost of Macy's 800 national discount chain store can't expect to replace Chicago's most cherished luxury brand, the popular and profitable Marshall Field's.

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Date: Mon, November 5, 2007  7:04 pm CT
Posted by: j

Today's Tribune had two Field's sightings.

One is on page 16 of the news section in a story about the helium shortage(!). It shows a color scene on page 16 of a giant turkey balloon, perhaps from a couple of years ago. It's in front of Field's on State Street where the store is decked out in FIELD'S trumpets with the shafts of wheat hanging from them as well as a Marshall Field's banner.

Then on the front of the business section, there is an article by Sandra Jones about the history of Block 37. Jones carefully navigates between calling it Field's when it something about the history of the block and calls it Macy's when referring to current issues. This is an article that deserves response from Field's Fans. It points out that Block 37 is struggling to recruit upscale and unique tenants that aren't found in every mall, as is much of State Street. Clearly, the return of Field's, formerly the number three destination in our fair city, with its unique upscale merchandise and service fills that need. On the other hand, Macy's is ubiquitous and down-market from Field's.

The article is at

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-mon_block37nov05,0,5146352.story

Despite all the chatter on the discussion boards that typically follow Tribune articles, it's been ages since anything has been in PRINT. Send a email to ctc-tribletter@tribune.com and be sure to include your phone number and that the message is for publication! Given all the Macy's articles that have been in the Tribune, there is no reason there shouldn't be letters from the readers on this topic. The Block 37 article is a primo example. Keep it brief and to the point!

J

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Date: Mon, November 5, 2007  2:54 pm CT
Posted by: j

The latest issue of Crain's Chicago Business has letters about the Field's conversion to Macy's.

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Date: Mon, November 5, 2007  10:39 am CT
Posted by: gle

Frank Guzzetta's rosy holiday forecast in this November 3 "Sun-Times" article by Sandra Guy is crazier than our wacko Chicago weather forecasts. I wrote the "Sun-Times" and told them nobody is falling for it.

"Macy's holiday cheer forecast, RETAIL/CEO expects good sales, plans local flavor for stores,"

http://www.suntimes.com/business/633338,CST-FIN-macys03.article

Be sure to see M.M.'s post from a couple of days ago (Saturday) for suggestions on replying to the Sun-Times editors at letters@suntimes.com

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Date: Mon, November 5, 2007  10:14 am CT
Posted by: Marianne

Frank Guzetta says shopping at Macy's will even exceed last year? What a joke! Last year's sales dropped significantly due to the boycott, so what record is he beating? I'd bet the farm that the figures for December sales were much higher when it was Marshall Field's (even when it was owned by Federated but before messification). Who does he think he's kidding? I will boycott Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Channel 7 News, the Sun-Times and the Tribune until the Twelfth of Never! And as for my Christmas packages, I'm having postage stamps made with photos from the protests. I did this last year. Everybody's favorite was my "God Hates Macy's" stamp.

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Date: Mon, November 5, 2007  8:58 am CT
Posted by: Jim W

Over 400 replies to the Chicago Tribune story about the so-called EXCITING changes at the State Street store f/k/a MF&Co!

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

Keep up the efforts, Field's Fan, and also be sure to write actual letters by email to the editors' addresses which Jim McKay provides every time a free macy's promotional advertisement story comes out in the Tribune or the Sun-Times...which seems like twice a week lately.

In conclusion, our boycotting strength increases in numbers weekly, but do you realize how much it our numbers would grow if EACH of us would vow to spread the word about our boycott against macy's and bloomingdales, and our protests and our website/weblog?!

Let's each of a goal of contacting five people a week...business associates, dentists, doctors, train-travel partners, neighbors, and in apartment and condo towers---flyers on the walls of the inside mailbox areas where residents are sure to stop. Be creative on your own in devising ways to increase our numbers of Field's Fans. A business friend of mine makes a point to have his coffee break at various downtown and N. Michigan Avenue hotel coffee shops and makes a point of saying "Good Morning" to those other drinkers at the counter and asks that they avoid macy's and bloomingdale's because Field's was Chicago, and Chicago is much less without Field's. By informing the tourists and visitors of the boycott, he has been effective in keeping some potential tourist business away from macy's. He has been successful, he says, by the reactions he receives from them how macy's has ruined their own former hometown stores. One visitor told him that she walked into macy's on State Street because of her curiousity and to only use the restroom, but left suddenly because of the awful stench, never to return while it was macy's.

It's up to each and every one of us to contribute in our own special ways to our group effort! It can bring some fun to see the success in people's sympathetic responses to what we way!

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Date: Mon, November 5, 2007  7:42 am CT
Posted by: Jim

Hey! I war black quite often! My main disagreement is that it is a little too New York! That and the whole ubiquity factor and some underpaid clerks being made to replace their wardrobe... employee discount or not, I don't think it is fair. And did I mention that black is a Macy's color--and is obviously not Field's green!

Jim, one of those "arty" types

---

Date: Mon, November 5, 2007  5:42 am CT
Posted by: John D

Miller's posting was particularly revealing about the macy's State Street Store Manager. I have been wondering if Linda Piepho was still around since we have not heard a peep out of her in months and months.

Anyway, when Miller asked her where Marshall Field's was, and she answered: We are all here and nothing's changed, as well as: Black is my favorite color and I've never looked better, speaks volumes about her insecurity and defensiveness.

I asked a neighbor who is a psychiatrist what it means if a person has BLACK as a favorite color. The answer: She is not in touch with reality, and could very well be admitting depression, and calling for help in a round about way. No rational person would have black as a favorite color. She needs help!

I would like to go further about Store Manager, Linda Piepho, who never paid attention to the lower level Market Place kitchen and therefore was ignorant about the existence of the infestation of fruit flies. As if that were bad enough, she then ignored the first write-up by the Chicago Health Department, before being forced to have it cleaned up a week later when the story reached the media. Piepho is not in touch with reality at all when she says that: We are all here and nothing's changed.

Linda, let me explain. How about these CHANGES for starters---

* The veteran, professional sales associates who were canned because they cost macy's too much in salaries and benefit and replaced with gossiping teeny-boppers who don't know anything about the merchandise and couldn't care less?! How about the axing of the Diversey Street MF Warehouse store and the many loyal employees who lost jobs in that retail store and in the delivery department?

* How about the enormous numbers of designers who have fled the store---either by choice in not wanting to be associated with the downscale macy's name or by being eliminated as too upscale?

* How about the strong MF dark green paper shopping bags being replaced by cheap, think plastic bags that burst open on the floor or on the street.

* How about the Field's well-stocked, well displayed merchandise being replaced by sparse, unprofessianally displayed cheaply made macy store brands of ALFANI, Inc, Charter Club amongst piles of cardboard boxes? The vast areas of emptiness reveal that you did not carry anything close to what Field's did in quality and in quantity.

* How about the quality greeting card brand names being replaced by American Greetings, a brand you may find anywhere else. (Even Wal*Mart carries Hallmark.)

* What about the many, empty promises of making the 28 SHOP a real showplace of courtre fashion lines and a doorman welcoming guests?

*How about the cheapening of the true FRANGO mint candy recipe, and not retaining the candy in refrigerated containers to preserve freshness. Why do people who do buy the FRANGOS talk about a stale, gummy, waxy taste?

* Why have you replaced the brilliant halogen display lights in the China and silver departments with flourescent spot lights that do not show off and do not make the merchandise attracive to the eye?

* Field's kept the display many display windows at the State Street store ever-changing with fresh, interesting, professional displays. Now the par for the course are windows being blocked, some showing a ladder as a display, others with pasted up signs and pinned up store brands of merchandise, resembling an elementary school bulletin board or display project. No offense to you, kids.

* You got rid of the quality house brand of FIELD'S GEAR and have had empty promises of bringing it back in limited lines, most likely with

macy's cheaply made ALFANI and INC apparel that falls apart, and merely putting FIELD'S GEAR labels inside.

* Erasing anything and everything that was Marshall Field's and giving macy's full credit for the many TRUE traditions of Field's. For example, macy's has NOT been decorating the Walnut Room tree for more than a century. FIELD'S did! Macy's has shown repeatedly that it has trashed the Field's name and has no respect for it. How can we have respect for macy's in return?

I could go on, and on, and...on. Summarizing,though, the only way you can truly state that: We are all here, and everything is the same...is to bring back Field's in every form of its historic, traditional and beloved ways, not only in name, but in the retail culture, the reknown reputation for TRUE guest service, variety of TRUE quality brands, and the knowledgable, customer service driven, classy sales associates who were proud to be a part of Field's. Pure and simple. It would have been so much easier if you would have just left things that way they were before your company, led by Terry Lundgren, invaded and destroyed a legend and Chicago's #3 Attraction.

* I know that Field's Fans can add dozens and dozens more of macy's EXCITING changes that show that THINGS HAVE CHANGED in a drastic way that cannot be denied, even if her favorite color is Black.

---

Date: Mon, November 5, 2007  12:24 am CT
Posted by: James in Minneapolis

Hi All--------

I spoke with my sister this eve on the phone. She lives diagonally across the metro area from me. I live in SW Minneapolis and she lives in a NE St Paul Suburb. She mentioned that she went to Maplewood Mall near her house a couple of days ago and as usual, parked at macy's since she has no trouble finding a space there, and then walked thru the store to get into the Mall.

Also like me, she used to buy almost everything at Dayton's, then Field's. It was convenient to her, they were the hometown store, they had what she wanted, if there was a problem----there would be no hassle with a return, blah blah blah----you know the script. And like the rest of us, she finds macy's unacceptable. On this particular trip, she decided while she was moving thru the store, she would check out the Petites Section, which are her sizes.

Needless to say, she was appalled by what has become of the Petites Section under macy's. Liz Claiborne Petites was one of her favorite brands as it was good quality, fair prices and it always fit her perfectly. Now under macy's, there is practically no Liz C petites, as Lunkhead is punishing Liz Claiborne for creating a line for JC Penney, so the macy's buyers were instructed to cut way back on their orders from that company. Sounds more like he is also punishing himself as at least in this market, Dayton's and Field's were always known as being strong for Women's Petites selections and now that has been destroyed. Southdale Mall in the SW 'burbs even had a separate Petites Store outside the regular Dayton's/Field's store, to enable them to carry even more merchandise.

My sister said now there were like 2 or 3 items from Liz C, a couple from Polo and Jones of New York, and the rest "were that junk stuff put out by macy's----I don't even remember the brands." I refreshed her memory by suggesting names like Alfani, Style & Co., and Charter Club and she practically yelled in the phone, "Yes! That's the junk I mean."

So---there you have it. Another unhappy Minneapolis/St Paul shopper who used to do almost all of her shopping for herself and for gifts at Dayton's, then Field's, who now looks with disgust upon the merchandise and who is angry at how complicated shopping has become because of the downgrading of the store.

Regards.

---

Date: Sun, November 4, 2007  9:58 pm CT
Posted by: simba

I was walking through Dominick's this evening, and in the candy aisle, there was a display of premium chocolates. I had to do a double take - it was Frederick and Nelson candy, after the Seattle department store that originated the Frango mint. And the name was in the Marshall Field script!

For a brief moment, I thought that the Field's brand had been resurrected. I also thought that Frederick and Nelson no longer existed as a department store. Has anyone else seen these candies?

[Comment:
These same candies were sold in Dominick's stores last holiday season as well. A candy company has the rights to use the Frederick and Nelson name. It is unclear if these candies are being offered at other Safeway Company stores besides Dominick's. Of course, Frederick and Nelson was the Seattle department store whose owners wanted to retire and approached Marshall Field's about a take over back almost 80 years ago. Frederick and Nelson, of course, was the originator of "Franco" mints which became "Frango" during the rise of European dictatorships in the 1930s. Today, the Frederick and Nelson flagship is Nordstrom's flagship store. There's even more to the Frango story and Seattle, not the least of which is that Frangos are a Seattle candy that have always been sold there through various department stores including pre-May merger Macy's in the Pacific Northwest that were Bon Marche. Frangos sold in Seattle are of a different recipe and taste than those that were made for sale in Chicago, even before Gertrude Hawk took over production in Pennsylvania.]

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Date: Sun, November 4, 2007  9:44 pm CT
Posted by: Angelos - Itasca

Good for you all supporting a Chicago tradition. Ever since this terrible company took over the chain, it has been nothing but horrible service and a lack of quality products. Their stores are filled with house-brand garbage. Continue the hard work which makes all Chicagoans proud.

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Date: Sun, November 4, 2007  7:54 pm CT
Posted by: PDX Tim

Had the opportunity to view the activity in the "new and exciting" downtown Portland Macy's. Just was a peek from the train as we went by (would never go in there), not many people for a Sunday afternoon, could probably count them on my fingers. And the inside looks like it is glaring white everywhere: floors, walls and way overly bright lighting. As the train moved past the nearby Nordstrom's, I could easily see that there was much more activity inside. So looks like Macy's is a failure from coast to coast, even when brand new.

I asked my friend I was with what she thought (who is pretty neutral on such things) and her opinion is that Macy's will wind up only getting business from wedding registries by default only because they are everywhere. People wouldn't shop there willingly. Not exactly a ringing endorsement from someone who I thought may be somewhat receptive to Macy's. It was good for me to hear.

I think it is going to be a rough holiday for Macy's but I am sure they are working on the spin already (housing market decline, weather too warm or too cold or too snowy or too nice, etc. etc.)

---

Date: Sun, November 4, 2007  7:19 pm CT
Posted by: Claire Osada

I went shopping at Woodfield today and cut through Macy's to get the stores I actually want to shop at, and I noticed something that just screams of cheapness at Macy's. It seems that for the holiday season they have taken some floor space and used it for the sole purpose of selling cheap junky stuff like talking picture frames and TV show-based board games. You see this in the lower-end department stores. You'd never see anything like this if it were still Marshall Field's. Yet another reason to boycott Macy's!

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Date: Sun, November 4, 2007  7:07 pm CT
Posted by: JasonM

Just announced. Another Macy's to Close! So let's see... here is the list I've been able to gather so far.

Chicago Warehouse, IL - Closing

Lake Forest, IL - Closing

Columbus City Center, OH - Closing

Westland Mall, OH - Closing

River Valley Mall, OH C1 Closing

El Con, AZ C1 Closing

As has been discussed here, there are rumors that Northbrook Court, IL might close too but Macy's has not announced this.

Bring Back Field's - In Name, Quality, and Service.

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Date: Sun, November 4, 2007  6:58 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

In a reprehensible display of irresponsible journalism and a breach of the public trust, Sandra Guy and the Chicago Sun-Times continue to repeat unchallenged Terry Lundgren's claim that Marshall Field's stores were in decline prior to becoming Macy's.

http://www.suntimes.com/business/633338,CST-FIN-macys03.article

Ms. Guy and the Sun-Times must surely be aware that Mr. Lundgren's claim is patently untrue. Why is this lie perpetuated, if not to appease one of the newspaper's larger advertisers? As far as I know, Marshall Field's performance disclosures made by Target and the May Company are uncontested.

In 2003, while still owned by Target, Marshall Field's posted profits of $107 Million.

Readily available public financial disclosures show that Marshall Field's began a period of revenue growth long before Macy's takeover with 6.1% gains in the first quarter of 2004. This ended a period of time for Marshall Field's declining profits, a period of time when the entire department store sector experienced declines, including Macy's and Bloomingdales.

Marshall Field's profitable growth trend continued up until the time that Macy's rebranded Marshall Field's stores in the fall of 2006.

Target's investments in upgrades to Marshall Field's stores and merchandise in 2003 and 2004, including an impressive $115 Million renovation to the State Street store, were credited as primary catalysts of Field's success and with increasing Field's value prior to Target sale of Field's and Mervyn's, their department store division, to the May Company.

Be sure to see M.M.'s post from yesterday (Saturday) for suggestions on replying to the Sun-Times editors at letters@suntimes.com

---

Date: Sun, November 4, 2007  12:18 pm CT
Posted by: FieldFan123

There is a Lacome gift with purchase event happening at Lord & Taylor. This might be a good time to see yet another alternative to Macy's. L&T Old Orchard, Woodfield, Oakbrook, and Northbrook (being remodeled) are the better ones. They have some nice stuff on sale too.

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Date: Sun, November 4, 2007  12:47 am CT
Posted by: John D.

Thought y'all would like to learn about the salaries of macy's, Inc. officers, plus an updated listing of the Board of Directors.

With a salary of $15.6 Million, would Terry Lundgren really shop at his own macy's? Will he be making $15.6 M next year?

Click on each name to learn more about each person, after clicking on this link:

http://www.forbes.com/finance/mktguideapps/personinfo/similarResults/byTicker.jhtml?passedTicker=M&passedCompanyName=Macy%27s%2C+Incorporated&resultsStart=1&resultsHowMany=25&resultsSortProperties=%2BtitleRank%2C%2BlastName%2C%2BfirstName%2C%2BmiddleInitial&resultsSortCategoryName=title

[Comment:
Actually, Mr. Lundgren apparently does a significant amount of shopping at Macy's and Bloomingdale's. This was a topic of debate in a controversey in the news where Macy's execs such as Mr. Lundgren get a greater employee discount than many other employees. Some employees were not happy about this. If I understand correctly, because Mr. Lundgren buys a considerable amount of merchandise at Macy's and Bloomingdale's, the discount ends up being a significant amount over the course of a year.

---

Date: Sat, November 3, 2007  10:59 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay

Thanks to all who helped make leaflet and button distribution on State Street a success today, especially Gail and J.

There was an incredible amount of Block 37 construction today such that the leaflet and button distribution moved over to the other clock at State and Randolph.

Please email me if you would like to assist next weekend. It would be a huge help.

Regarding Mr. Bourgeois's letter to Nathan, like so many Macy's execs' he's going to have to acknowledge that it is more than simply a name change (which he implies) before there will be even a teey glimmer of winning back any customers.

Jim

---

Date: Sat, November 3, 2007  10:58 pm CT
Posted by: B

Thanks to Gail, Every Christmas card I write will be sealed with a Forever Marshall Field's sticker!!

Hope you are all well

Anywhere BUT the red star store and bloomingdales for the holidays!!

B

The Real B --italbearr@yahoo.com

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Date: Sat, November 3, 2007  10:51 pm CT
Posted by: Jim W

I was just thinking the other day---

We haven't heard a peep out of Frank G. of macy's North division.

Well, look who should appear, making a lofty prediction once again! It's Frank Guzzetta having dreams of throngs of people crowding into messy's on State and promoting macy's new promotion of the week---"My Macy's!"

Here is goes again, talking about his former employer, Marshall Field's declining sales for the year before last. How many times do we need to set him straight about numbers?! I notice he relented somewhat and quantified his prediction by saying this Holiday season's numbers should at least be equal to last year's, when the Red Star store took over.

http://www.suntimes.com/business/633338,CST-FIN-macys03.article

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Date: Sat, November 3, 2007  7:39 pm CT
Posted by: Dona

Dillards in St. Louis gave chroncially ill children a free shopping pass today to shop for their family for the Holidays.

Didn't hear of anyting that special from Macys.

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Date: Sat, November 3, 2007  6:58 pm CT
Posted by: Drew

The macys.com web site recently advertised a cookbook developed by the macy*s Culinary Council. I collect cookbooks and want to see what this volume included, so I visited a suburban Pittsburgh macy*mart store.

I went to the kitchen department and asked the clerk about the cookbook. The clerk knew nothing about the book, but did call the department manager. The department manager was also unaware of a Culinary Council cookbook, but offered to check for me. After a few telephone conversations, the department manager said the cookbook is only available online and in the Chicago market. I was totally "confused" and asked why the book wasn't available in all macy*mart stores. The manager said, "They are having lots of problems with the Chicago stores and they are running special promotions targeted to the Chicago market." Imagine that!

BTW I checked out the men's department. There were racks and racks of Tommy Hilfiger clothes, both summer and winter, on clearance with an additional per cent off with a macy*mart credit card. Evidently, the clothes weren't moving since the clearance racks were chock full of Hilfiger fashions. If the merchandise isn't selling NOW, how is stocking MORE of this line going to help.

Martha Stewart lines were also on sale, with an additional 10 to 15% off with a macy*mart credit card. The displays were well-stocked; some display tables even had more merchandise stacked underneath.

The October sales figures are to be released next week. Any bets on what excuse Lunkhead will use if sales are down again?

---

Date: Sat, November 3, 2007  6:43 pm CT
Posted by: Mrs M

I just watched the ABC7 news clip and could not help notice it was edited with mostly extreme tight shots of this new toy area. This can convey that the place was more crowded then it was. When they did show wider shots it was obviously not heaving with a throng of customers.

There were only two little girls at a craft table and we could not see how many kids were listening to the story, only a couple who were up close to the man reading. They had a shot of the choir, which look like there were a lot of people there, but actually we could only see the choir! Also there were no lines at the check out, only one woman, who appears to be the same women the reporter interviews at the end of the piece. FAO Schwartz should be very concerned

Why does the Chicago media continue to promote this store?

Bring back Marshall Fields!

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Date: Sat, November 3, 2007  11:24 am CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston

I am in the insurance business. One of my customers indicated she has not bought one thnig from Macy's since they took over Foley's. Without my saying anything, she went on about how overpriced they are for the junk store brands they carry now. We lamented how awful it was that we have no hometown stores any longer and how the other regions of the country are in the same boat with this macyfication.

On another note, my wife and I stopped by a new TJMaxx last night. You would not believe the loads of Macy's exciting store brand merchandise was there--- the great Donald Trump dress shirts among others... and, get this, on sale for $5!!! I wouldn't pay a nickel for their garbage. Keep up the boycott!!!

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Date: Sat, November 3, 2007  9:30 am CT
Posted by: Nathan

Alright Fields Fans!

So, I read these blogs everyday and I loved the story Bob Sirott gave SO much that I just HAD to share it with MacyC-s! Here is their response!

Dear Nathan:

Thank you for your e-mail regarding the NBC story about our name.

As a Field's employee for over twelve years, I can understand your feelings for our store and our name. Those of us that work in our store are proud to work at State Street and proud to work at Macy's. We all work hard to provide outstanding service in a beautiful store. I hope that you will support the nearly 1500 Chicagoans that have worked and continue to work in our building.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. We look forward to continue serving you in the future.

Sincerely,

John Bourgeois
Assistant Store Manager,
Macy's State Street

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Date: Sat, November 3, 2007  8:17 am CT
Posted by: M.M.

Today's Chicago Sun-Times has what amounts to another PR piece for Macy's. Not even a couple of negative sentences can save it from being shameless promotion for one of the Sun-Times clients, Macy's. As someone pointed out about last week's PR for Tommy Hilfiger, since when does the Sun-Times include color photos on their Saturday business pages?

The whole article can be found at :

http://www.suntimes.com/business/633338,CST-FIN-macys03.article

It's important to write in to the Sun-Times.

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 o f 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

* 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 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 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.

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Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  11:11 pm CT
Posted by: Jon C.

I would like to piggy-back on Darrid's idea of putting "Marshall Field's Forever" stickers on packages being mailed. How about writing MARSHALL FIELD'S FOREVER---BOYCOTT MACY*S on our outgoing Holiday Cards this season! Mail delivery people would also read that message, besides friends and relatives, near and far.

Oh, Yes, Mrs. W...

I did earlier notice the forest green color theme in the Neiman Marcus Holiday Catalog. I was wondering if anyone else would make a connection. I also did notice that Neiman's features many 100TH ANNIVERSARY souvenir gift items, no doubt something Field's would do for anniversaries in its catalogs. When I saw what NM had done, too, I thought of the emptiness of another Holiday Season without Marshall Field & Company.

Finally I want to make a follow-on thought to the excellent post of MJA1951 regarding our keeping up the constant boycott of macy's and bloomingdale's...

Field's Fans, remember what Frank Guzzetta, VP of macy's North said last September, soon after the take-over of Field's: Field's shoppers will be back in our stores by Thanksgiving, and forget all about Marshall Field's by that time.

How wrong he was, and how wrong he and Terry Lundgren continue to be and always will be!

[Comment: Last year, Pat, Gail and a number of others generated a great deal of interest with "Forever Marshall Field's" stickers and the like on mailings, etc. Pat used her color printer to print her own return address labels featuring Field's supportive slogans, including, as recalled, a mini version of our "www.fieldsischicago.org" / "Boycott Macy's" bumpersticker. and don't forget, like for the 9/9/07 protest, this website will have note cards to insert in your mailings about the upcoming protest, as well as postcard versions of our leaflets. These will be forthcoming in the next week or so. The possibilities are endless with the combined efforts of all the Field's Fans.]

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Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  11:00 pm CT
Posted by: Brad

It doesn't seem like Macy's is giving anything back to Chicago by adding an FAO Schwartz department to the State Street store. They eliminated the much cherished Marshall Field's, commandeered traditions in Macy's name, eliminated many of the brands customers loved, eliminated Field's trademark high level of service, gave the store a generic appearance, but brought in a vendor in an attempt to produce revenues... and this is giving something back?

ABC sure gave them both a lot of press for opening a toy department to capitalize on holiday toy sales. ABC also focused a lot of attention on a $24,000 lifesize Lego Batman, but failed to mention that much more impressive Lego creations are on display at THE LEGO STORE on Michigan Avenue in the mall by Nordstrom. ABC also commented on FAO Schwartz' unique merchandise while showing background shots of typical toy cars, truck, dolls (cabbage patch) and assorted stuffed animals. Aren't all of these things available at Target stores and most every toy store in and around Chicago?

I just don't see why the newsmedia considers this to be newsworthy. Does anyone know if the original large free-standing FAO Schwartz on Michigan Avenue ever got this much attention?

I am very impressed with Macy's uncanny ability to get such an enormous amount of free press when at the same time other department stores' growth, new merchandise lines, renovations and enhancements go without any press at all.

---

Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  10;16 pm CT
Posted by: Thomas Kaye

While watching the News this evening, (Mary Ann Childers I think) was introducing the FAO Schwartz opening piece and I noticed that the MACY's graphic behind her was grren with white lettering. Is this new? I thought Macy's was black and red.

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Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  10:08 pm CT
Posted by: DAS

All:

Thought you might enjoy this email I just sent to Frank and Terry:

To: Frank_guzzettaATmacysDOTcom, Terry_lundgrenATmacysDOTcom

Frank & Terry;

Cut and pasted from the Macy's.com web site:

SantaBear is on his way!

His sleigh was delayed, but Mr. SantaBear will be available for purchase online soon! Please note: due to overwhelming demand, the SantaBear Family Collector 019s Edition has sold out completely and is no longer available for purchase.

Interesting how the santa bear collection has COMPLETELY SOLD OUT from a division whose business model you thought was no longer viable.

I face another Christmas with no Fields and no Burdines to shop at.

I will be shopping at Dillards, Neimans, and Saks this holiday.

I would have much preferred those colorful Burdines boxes, and Fields Green under the tree this year.

Let me know when you want our business back.

Not only do I not purchase gifts from Macy's and Bloomingdales any longer, I also do not accept them.

I also just had dinner with my neighbor here in south Florida who is boycotting macys for a whole set of reasons separate from my own love of my favorite brands, and who has cut up her credit card and sent it back.

A new neighbor I might add, who I did a big re-education with on what you all have done to Americas beloved names. She ate up every word I told her. And imagine! Without a coupon!

---

Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  10:06 pm CT
Posted by: Miller

Hello All!

I had the chance to walk-thru State Street yesterday, something I used to do often, but have avoided for the past year and a half, since the name change. The store had a line of lots of women on the first floor getting their "eyebrows arched for free". kinda' funny with many stations set up to handle the 100-150 or so, waiting in line. It was quite a hurried production! ..and under the Tiffany dome!

While walking through to my parking lot, I had the chance to walk past the store manager, who was engaged in a conversation with a floor manager, at which time I asked her if she knew where I could find Marshall Field's, the famous Chicago department store???

I chuckled, as I asked this question, and she stated that "we are all here and nothing's changed"! I had to state that I strongly disagreed, and the name & culture, changed with the transition to macy's, and not for the better. There was some discussion re black uniforms, and one of them stated that "she never looked better and black was her color"! I laughted, and stated that was most likely not true and they're in trouble for many reasons, and on behalf of many Chicagoan's it is difficult to even walk-thru the stores, let alone shop in them! They suggested they would welcome me, but I told them flat out, with a big smile, "I'm not a macy's-kinda'-guy!"

Ironically, upon exiting, were many cameras waiting for the unveiling on the red-curtained FAO Schwartz window. I had the oppurtunity to see Alderman Reilly, surrounded by macy's execs,news cameras and expressed to him a number of items, including that the FAO name would have been more welcomed and sucessful under the former green Marshall Field banner, rather than the black banner and red star. He chuckled and nodded. Several folks looked horrified at my comments!

After crossing the street, I came across the former Alderman, and expressed my overall dismay in the m store and the Block 37, development. He agreed, shook his head and stated he was very upset too!

Hang in there all! A private equity group is most likely on its way after the holidays. I would like to see a class-operation like the Neiman-Marcus group "step-up to the plate" and restore Marshall Field. Nobody likes the changes in Chicago, and its only a matter of time before they'll need to cash out or make some positive changes.

See you on Dec 02, with my loudest protest voice!

---

Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  8:37 pm CT
Posted by: JasonM

I too saw the Saks article in the Sun Times. The question is... will Talbott's be asked to leave because another department store is coming? Probably not likely but who really knows... Von Maur, Carson's, and L&T are all looking for downtown space.

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Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  8:17 pm CT
Posted by: COZY Cloud SANTA

OH MY.......Now that really messes up my wanting to be @ My's @ 6:00AM on Black Friday...........CAN YOU believe....this.....read....Cease & Desist order...........http://www.chillingeffects.org/tradesecret/notice.cgi?NoticeID=16067 <---Highlight & paste into your browser....start @ http: They actually ordered their ADS not be posted....

NOW.....I can't remember WHERE to get a crappy Club sweater for 20% off.......after waiting in line for a store to open @ 6 am. ARE THEY SERIOUS????? I found myself wandering around the River Oaks store earlier today.....I SO MISS FIELDS......I swear I was the only person in the store....I hit all 3 floors....DEAD as could be.....the Christmas Dept sucked also........WHOOOOOOHAAAAA 30% off......FUNNY story.....ALL the Halloween ((and I MEAN HALLOWEEN NOT FALL)))).......candy was 40% off. It does not look like ANY has sold all season.........@ 90% off.....it will still be sitting there.

SO SAD................... Keep your Holiday Spirits UP.....wear your buttons...and carry a few to PASS ON! They light up faces like NOTHING ELSE~!

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Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  7:40 pm CT
Posted by: mg

Our five year old little girl asked us tonight if we would take her on the train downtown. I said, "too bad we can't take her to Marshall Field's on State Street to see the Tree and the windows like I did when I was little." My husband said, "why not just take her to Macy's?" It was a joke, but a sad one, because that's what we'd be doing this year if it weren't for the Terry Lundgrens of the world.

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Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  7:27 pm CT
Posted by: MJA1951

I just saw what seemed like a 5 minute piece on ABC7 news about the exciting FAO Schwartz opening at Macy's. They even had some expert saying how when Field's changed to Macy's they took a lot away from Chicago and now they are giving some back. A New York toy store is giving something back to Chicago? I can't believe that the media in Chicago are afraid to tell the real truth.

It's funny how Macy's is thinking that if they keep ignoring the facts, we will give up. Boy, are they going to learn a lesson about Midwesterners!

Be sure to respond about the "news" which is really product placement at http://www.abc7chicago.com.

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Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  5:18 pm CT
Posted by: Mrs. W

Hi All,

Was walking through State Street on my way to Loehmann's today. Stopped up on 5th floor to check out the FAO department. I'll say that there were very few shoppers on hand for the big debut. Nothing special as far as merchandise, please a Cubs Monopoly set; who cares! This won't save State Street but we all know what will..

Has anyone noticed in the 2007 Neiman Marcus Christmas catelog that on pages 66 and 67 their items are all in Marshall Field's green motif? Even Neiman's is "working it" to continue to take hords of Field's shoppers over to their stores this holiday season. According to one of my friends who works at the Michigan Avenue store, business can't be better, sales are continuing to be very strong. She says about every other day one of the ladies she is waiting on complains about the horrid demise of Marshall Field's. Isn't it just sad.

On a more upbeat note; Carson's website has vastly improved. I just ordered a bunch of Christmas gifts online. Some terrific buys...gee, I hope they return soon to downtown....anyplace but Messy's is my Christmas slogan this season!

Mrs. W

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Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  3:53 pm CT
Posted by: Darrid

Here are some more "Exciting" ideas for Macys to use. Since they have such an "Exciting" array of stars I came up with a "Top 10 Must-Have Celebrity Products" for them!

1. Whitney Houston "Chia Head" Pot Planter

2. OJ Simpson Custom Leather Glove Collection

3. Roseanne Barr Christmas CD

4. Paris Hilton Barware Collection

5. Ashlee Simpson Karaoke Machine

6. Imelda Marcos Shoe Collection

7. Janet Jackson's "Magic Top" Lingerie Collection

8. Tammy Faye Makeup Line

9. Russell Crowe "Rockem Sockem" Robot Toy

and finally...

10. Britney Spears Wig Collection and Child Rearing Books

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Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  1:22 pm CT
Posted by: Mike M

I was driving in my car at 9:40 AM today, Friday, listening to WBBM-Newsradio 780. The traffic report was being given. The report included the following passage, which I immediately scribbled down:

"....And if you are in the Loop be on the lookout for backups due to additional lane closures on State Street because of construction activity in the Block 37 area across from Field's...."

I loved the way that they called it "Field's."

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Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  10:48 am CT
Posted by: Darrid

Another idea to spread awareness...

I sell on ebay and I have started putting my "Forever Marshall Field's" stickers on all my packages.

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Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  9:13 am CT
Posted by: gle

From "Pioneer Press" in Twin Cities:

"After Macy's announced this would be Santabear's last year at the store, all 2,000 of the $175 limited-edition Santabear collector's sets sold out by phone before noon Thursday. 'It exceeded expectations,' said Natalie Bushaw, senior manager of public relations for Minneapolis-based Macy's North. Customer service agents reported at least one customer cried when placing an order."

Looks like there is still a market for Santabear. What a shame.

"Santabears going fast in their last season at Macy"

http://www.twincities.com/ci_7345762?source=rss

I also noticed WGN Channel 9 and ABC Channel 7 News announced the grand opening of the FAO toy store at Messy's last night. The announcements seemed rather matter-of-fact, not flashy. I note that news sources usually mention that Messy's took over Marshall Field's a year ago whenever they make an announcement for something about Messy's.

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Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  6:26 am CT
Posted by: Drew

Ever wonder why Thanksgiving is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November?

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07306/830498-28.stm

The day to celebrate this national holiday was established at the request of a large department store operator. This iconic department store was lost in the macy*fication of the nation.

So much of America's sense of place and history was destroyed in the name of generic, nondescript sameness.

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Date: Fri, November 2, 2007  12:50 am CT
Posted by: Steven

The Sun-Times had a small article about recent renovations to Saks on Michigan Avenue. The Tribune made no mention of the story, no doubt all the reporters were busy falling over the latest Macy's PR stunt.

Anyway...

Saks Fifth Avenue will show off its renovated store at 700 N. Michigan Ave. on Nov. 30. Saks' new look will feature shops dedicated to high-end brands such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta.

The redesign covered 15,359 square feet of space on the second floor and 10,000 square feet on the third floor and includes an open floor plan and neutral color scheme to let the merchandise stand out, as well as the shops emphasizing Saks' luxury brands. Saks is the sole department store in Chicago to sell Gucci and Graeme Black merchandise.

The redesign is part of a two-year-old effort to reinvent the image and personality of the Saks Fifth Avenue brand.

The article made no mention of the fact that Macy's tossed boat, no, make that yacht-loads of well-heeled customers to Saks when it downgraded Marshall Field's to another ROTM (run of the Macy's) store.

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Date: Thu, November 1, 2007  3:39 pm CT
Posted by: Zelda

Bob Sirott is a GREAT, and from now on, I'm switching to Channel 5 News. It's not that Macy's will take his advice seriously or even pay attention. It's just so wonderful that SOMEONE in this town with some EXPOSURE went out on a limb for us and stated the obvious. I think Bob is the first person with a wide audience, other than the great Roger Ebert, and collectively us FieldsFans, to take a public stand that needs to be taken.

On another note, the Christmas decorations were up at messy's on State BEFORE HALLOWEEN! Another sign of desperation. My son and I walked through the store today, and there was, as usual, no action in the Martha Stewart section. I said, in a voice loud enough for people to hear, "Wow! This Martha Stewart stuff is really jumping off the shelves, isn't it!" And my son, in an even louder voice, said, "Of course people can get the same stuff at Kmart for a lot less!" (And I have to say, it gave us a little kick!)

In a quieter voice, but no less powerful, our boycott continues to work its magic.

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Date: Thu, November 1, 2007  1:12 pm CT
Posted by: Doris Ray

Hello Fans,

Great idea John D., mall management does listen to its customers if the points are valid. Having worked for a mall developer I know first hand how much marketing and management hates it when a store, particularly an anchor store, does not perform up to standard. During the holiday season mall owners look to all the anchors to drive in traffic for its overall revenue; a store is subject to loose or not have their lease renewed if they do not perform up to the standards which were agreed upon! Trust me, the owners will be watching.

Another thought. Do you know why all the 'm' reports are classified as 'news' stories? ItC-s because EVERYONE knows the BOYCOTT is WORKING so anything to combat the boycott is news!! Yeah Chicago; keep up the great work everyone!

Doris

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Date: Thu, November 1, 2007  10:13 am CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels

SHADES OF THINGS TO COME!?

Just got back from a trip out east and did a "walk-through" of several Macy suburban stores (so you don't have to!) in the Philadelphia and Atlantic City area. Some stores were built by Macy's, others were unlucky converts. Yikes. You think things look bad now, just wait.

- DID NOT SEE A COMMUNITY GIVING PROGRAM. Will Macy's phase out this program in the North region?

- No ifs, ands or buts: Stores desperately needed maintenance - broken doors and esclators, walls that need to be cleaned and/or repainted. Carpets were threadbare in many places.

- Few, if any, "designers" that Macy's claims to carry. Most of the stores were those "exciting" house brands that Macy's wants us to love.

- Even lower numbers of sales associates. One poor woman was responsible for shoes and womans accessories.

- Stores had a warehouse look with boxes of merchandise stacked on the floor. The china/gift area seemed to be a sea of cardboard boxes.

- No one I asked knew about Frango mints yet all had heard stories about the Chicago fiasco.

One factor was the same: VERY FEW CUSTOMERS. Malls were busy but not at Macy's. How can this "sensationa across the nation" stay open? It's really must be the magic of Macy's. HA!

OVERHEARD AT MACY'S EAST:

"Yeah, it is usually slow during the week. We do get a few more people on the weekend but not many."

"I can't help you. I'm on break. Go over to cosmetics if you want to buy that." (No one was working in the men's department.)

"I love your Marshall Field's button. I grew up in Chicago. I heard Macy's trashed the place. What a shame." (Of course, I gave her a button and told her about the web site).

(At 8:45 pm)"You got to go. We closing (sic). If you are not going to buy something, you go."

TAKE ME TO STATE STREET....SO I CAN BOYCOTT MACY'S!

Oh, been to Lord and Taylor lately? Fantastic merchandise for the holidays!

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Date: Thu, November 1, 2007  9:38 am CT
Posted by: gle

My office just got five new people and it looks like they are 100% pro-Marshall Field's! As part of office orientation I told them about the success of our boycott, and directed them to our website. I need to bring extra buttons to hand out tomorrow, since I was completely out of them except for the one I was wearing. Their office assistant has a lovely green Marshall Field's bag sitting here where we can enjoy it. They look forward to viewing our protest pictures which I have to bring tomorrow. It makes your office so much better if co-workers are pro-Field's!

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Date: Thu, November 1, 2007  9:29 am CT
Posted by: Marissa P

Macy's has done it again. After announcing the end of SantaBear, they then charged $175 for the family set, only to sell out in hours. It went on sale at 8 AM on November and by the time I got to a sales representative they were gone. If you announce the end of an era, such as SantaBear, wouldn't you order more than a few thousand? This is on top of them not even having shopping bags. I'm becoming more and more disappointed with this store and longing for the days of Hudson's and Marshall Field's.

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Date: Thu, November 1, 2007  2:14 am CT
Posted by: Fields-Internet-Shopper

WE REALLY MISS THE MARSHALL FIELD'S SHOPPING SITE. IT WAS AWESOME. IT HAD SO MANY NEAT AND DIFFERENT THINGS. IT HAD A REALLY BEAUTIFUL GREEN COLOR AND A REALLY BEAUTIFUL SCRIPT STORE LOGO.

IN FACT SO MANY OF THE OTHER STORES WERE SO GREAT TOO. IT'S TRUE..WE WISH THEY COULD COME BACK. SO MANY PEOPLE WANT THEM BACK.

THE MARSHALL FIELD'S WEBSITE REALLY EXCITED PEOPLE AND MADE THEM WANT TO GO TO THE REAL STORES. THIS IS WHAT EVERYBODY KEEPS SAYING.

FOUND OUT EVERYBODY WHO WORKS AT MACY'S FOR SOME REASON HAS TO WEAR BLACK. VERY REASONABLE FOR MOURNING THE LOSS OF MARSHALL FIELD'S ! SO MUCH FOR TREATING STAFF LIKE PROFESSIONALS. COME ON ALREADY MACY'S MANAGEMENT. MAKE RETAIL HISTORY, AND GIVE BACK WHAT ONCE WAS THE GREAT DESIGNER DRIVEN AWESOME STORE.

MACY'S TOOK OUT A LOT OF THEIR RESTAURANTS AROUND THE USA AND THEY THEN ALSO HAD THE REALLY NICE WAITRESS RESTAURANTS IN THE SUBURBAN STORES. WE MISS ALL THE COOL QUALITY STUFF AND THE FANCY RESTAURANTS IN THE STORE.

MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY AND FINALLY PLEASE DO GIVE US ALL BACK THE REAL BIG TIMRE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE BACK. MARSHALL FIELD'S FOREVER ! IT'S TIME FOR FIELD'S TO RETURN. TAKE ME TO STATE STREET ? HOW ABOUT TAKE ME TO MARSHALL FIELDS, AND BURDINE'S AND STRAWBRIDGE AND KAUFMANN'S.

WWW.MARSHALLFIELDS.COM WWW.KAUFMANNS.COM WWW.STRAWBRIDGES.COM WWW.BURDINES.COM

ALL THESE GREAT STORES. OH AND FIELD'S IN THE STORE AND THE INTERNETS.

THANKS.

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