We welcome thoughtful comments and respectful opinions that help make the case for the restoration of Marshall Field's to State Street and elsewhere. Off-topic, obviously incorrect, disrespectful or abusive posts will removed at the host's discretion, although an attempt will be made to contact the author, assuming a valid email address is provided with the post. The ethos is conversational--corrections are welcomed. Differing or opposing views are welcome and such posts should respect that this is a blog for opinions of Field's supporters. Due to problems with spam attacks--some even from those opposed to our cause--during certain periods, posts are moderated. As a result, it may take up to seven days for your post to appear, but usually it will take less than a day, and sometimes even immediately. Thank you for your patience, support, and written contributions.
FIELD'S OF THE FUTURE:
A 21st-Century Marshall Field's For A 21st-Century Chicago
See our 2012 Survey Page for complete details including survey results.
Below are blog posts from before February 1, 2016 backwards to February 1, 2015.
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Date: Sun, January 31, 2016, 9:35 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan,
After decades of refusing, McDonald's reluctantly gives in to decades of overwhelming customer requests by offering breakfast items like Egg McMuffin throughout the day. The results after all that resistance from the CEOs? HUGE PROFITS! Field's is, of course, way better than McDonald's. But just like McDonald's, Macy's CEO is repressing profits because of stupidity by not bringing Marshall Field's back to State Street.
Date: Sat, January 30, 2016, 7:25 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
Thank you, Anna R! At times I feel like a harpy insisting this debacle with Field's is a focal point of a larger picture of Americans becoming greedier and meaner, in the sense of a stingy spirit. Field's may be the canary in the mine. Seems as if the failure to get Field's back on track indicates we prefer a barren land or the city dump to the lively, teeming oasis. Certainly the treatment of 111 N State is vindictive and one would think, as you pointed out, that the stockholders watching the precious bottom line would be asking why the golden goose was being plucked and readied for dinner in the board room.
Date: Fri, January 29, 2016, 2:09 pm
Posted by: Chris R,
I'm not especially hopeful about Marshall Field's and Jerry Storch. When he was at Toys "R" Us, they acquired the historic, one of a kind FAO Schwartz. Then Toys R Us closed FAO. Storch would have had to have worked with Macy's at least when they implemented the Toys "R" Us mini-shops in some larger Macy's locations like State Street. Perhaps he also worked with Macy's when they had FAO shops about seven or eight years ago. Can't say that it especially demonstrates a loyalty to Marshall Field's. But, as someone else said, we can pray.
Date: Fri, January 29, 2016, 11:11
Posted by: Anna Rosenberg,
Stumbled upon this site. It's not very well publicized. I know so many people who want Marshall Field's back. Back at State Street at least would surely be profitable and please people.
It's my opinion that the head of Macy's had a personal vendetta against Marshall Field's and wanted to quash it as competition. His ego seems to have trumped the financial benefit of stockholders. Macy's truly represents what's wrong with society. We need more stores like Marshall Field's instead.
I hope good triumphs over evil and Marshall Field's is restored. It's was more than a department store, it was and still is a place of significance in our community, indeed the world.
Sincerely,
Anna Rosenberg
Date: Thurs, January 28, 2016, 6:39 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
A couple of interesting stories in the news.
One just was published in Forbes where it says that Macy's doesn't have much time to decide if it should spin off one or two real estate investment trusts (REIT) because they are a big takeover target right now.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/elyrazin/2016/01/28/to-reit-or-not-to-reit-that-is-the-macys-question/4/#592e7896334aAnother is the announcement of the honorees of the National Father's Day Council. One is Gerald "Jerry" Stortch, CEO of Hudson's Bay, the parent company of Saks and Lord and Taylor. (You all know that Macy's Terry Lundgren was honored in a previous year, but that's not why I'm writing .)
One honoree is Gerald "Jerry" Storch, CEO of Hudson's Bay, the parent company of Saks and Lord and Taylor. (You all know that Macy's Terry Lundgren was honored in a previous year, but that's not why I'm writing.)
Story:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160125005226/en/Hudson%E2%80%99s-Bay-Company-CEO-Gerald-L.-StorchThe corporate governance of Canadian Hudson Bay is different from Macy's, Inc. and other US companies. I don't know that it is official, but Richard Baker, Hudson Bay's Governor and Executive Chairman, seems to be above CEO Storch in the leadership hierarchy. (Link to page about Hudson Bay's corporate governance: http://investor.hbc.com/leadership.cfm)
While many of us here have been overtly supporting the idea of Selfridges Group somehow getting involved with restoring Marshall Field's to State Street, Hudson's Bay has also been named as a potentially interested buyer of all of Macy's/Bloomingdale's/Macy's, Inc. Hudson's Bay's namesake stores even sell Macy's and Bloomingdale's house brands in Canada where there are no Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores.
What's interesting about Jerry Storch is that he was senior management closely involved with Target's department store division (Dayton's/Hudson's/Marshall Field's) from the mid-1990s to 2005 when he left Target after the sale of Marshall Field's to May Department Stores.
Storch was no doubt a key person involved in the implementation of the very successful 2003 "Stores within a Store" concept at State Street that was inspired by Selfridges; he probably was also a key person instrumental in the switch of nameplates from Dayton's and Hudson's to Marshall Field's circa 2002 as well as the sale of Marshall Field's in 2004.
I'm not sure whether Storch's history with Marshall Field's bodes well if Hudson's Bay were to take over Macy's/Bloomingdale's (and thus Marshall Field's on State), but it is worth considering in the coming months.
Date: Wed, January 27, 2016, 2:10 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Been trying to reorganize my kitchen and finally got to clean out some cabinets. In the back of one shelf, I found four unopened bottles of spice from Field's Marketplace (Rosemary Citrus Sea Salt, Garlic Pepper Sea Salt, Lakeshore Grill Spices, and Peppercorn Blend).
I wonder if these spices can still be used?
Seems when shoppers walked through Marshall Field's, he or she would always find something they didn't know they wanted; when shoppers walk through the "Star Store," there's unusually nothing they would remotely want.
Date: Sun, January 24, 2016, 2:37 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
It is interesting to read the stories about experimental ideas and attempts of Macy's to find ways to keep the business going, and also read that Selfridges is booming. It's like something should be very clear someplace.
Date: Sun, January 24, 2016, 2:17 pm CT
Posted by: Marcus King,
I live in Virginia and never got a chance to visit the store, but did order online. Our local Macy's is closing. I worked in that store when it was Thalhimers and then Hechts. At the time it was a store with record sales and great customer service with people standing in line for hours for a job there. After Macy's converted Hechts into Macy's they did a beautiful remodel of the store, but then they cut back on staff, merchandise was blah, and the whole feel of the store was awful.i do encourage people going to NYC to visit Herald Square and see what a real Macy's looks like. I've heard that the stores in the DC area are getting just as bad. Bergdorf Goodman has only one store and they do a good job. Macy's should just do a quality job at Herald Square. Let companies that care operate stores. And why the CEO still has a job is beyond me.
Date: Sun, January 24, 2016, 8:49 am CT
Posted by: Pete,
This morning's Chicago Tribune has something that would be hilarious if it weren't so sad.
Macy's has on it's ad, "ONLY ONE STAR."
Agreed! Marshall Field's was a five-star store. Macy's is only one star.
I think the people at Macy's must live in their own little world of hubris.
Date: Sat, January 22, 2016, 12:01 am CT
FB Posted by: Joan C. ,
How Selfridges became the best department store in the world: http://www.globalblue.com/brands/specials/selfridges/the-selfridges-story/
Date: Fri, January 22, 2016, 6:05 pm CT
FB Posted by: Denis C. ,
11 Secrets Of Selfridges
Find out why the US Army once took over the basement. http://londonist.com/2016/01/secrets-of-selfridges
Date: Fri, January 22, 2016, 7:42 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
Macy's does not comprehend what the shopper wants. It does not want to comprehend; it wants to dictate. We have been trying to say what the shopper wants.
Why do we have to be made over to fit the mold the stellar thinkers in NYC or LA think we should fit? (i.e. *everyone* "out there" being stupid and vain, will be pleased with a succession of shiny things or stuff that blows up) Witness, for example, the TV offerings now thought suitable for all of us. The more opportunity they have for outreach, the less they offer because we are all so cheap and dumb, and apparently easily led. Makes me wonder how our nation's youth can withstand the barrage of messages training them to think little and aspire to mediocrity or less-- with a mirror/smartphone in one hand.
In my youth the concern was about the deleterious effects of TV. Of course, looking back, that was tiddlywinks-- but maybe that explains today's problems. Thankfully we still have reflective, thoughtful, aware, responsible, caring, capable, energetic, imaginative, and creative youth. Maybe it's the same proportion we always have had. I hope so.
In the meantime there is Macy's in everyone's faces, congratulating itself for thinking upside down no matter what. As it sinks in the quagmire it created. Unfortunately its cleverness throws a dark shadow over a lot of lives.
Date: Thurs, January 21, 2016, 7:25 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
I think this plan will be an epic fail:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/macys-backstage-discount-stores-opening-soon-to-revive-sales/
A hybrid department/discount store will only confuse shoppers. The full collection of regular merchandise placed next to an assortment of clearance items isn't going to help macy. TJMaxx, Ross and Marshall's fill a certain niche--you can go in looking for a black jacket and you may or may not find one in the desired style and size. You can go in looking for cookware or bedding and you may or may not find all the pieces of a set. But you go to these places knowing that! Yes, there are deep discounts but the trade off is the lack of complete assortments.
I can imagine shoppers wandering from the regular section into Backstage, finding something they like, then asking for it in a different size or color. No doubt customers will question WHY this would not be possible and sales clerks trying to explain. Picture angry and disappointed customers! Just my opinion, but I would say the better brands would not want their brands sold in a discount store environment. Thus the loss of even more business!
McDonald's has had a similar identity crisis which caused a steady drop in sales and profits. Their popular reputation was a family friendly, fast food burger place. Then they added higher priced items which confused their customer base. Nobody is going to McDonald's for a "premium" burger so the budget customer went elsewhere and they never attracted the Five Guys/Red Robin patron. Seems like macy is making the same mistake.
One would think that had macy given the shoppers what they wanted 10 years ago, their sales and stock prices would not have fallen so badly.
Date: Thurs, January 21, 2016, 10:49 am CT
FB Posted by: Aaron M. ,
Macy's is closing the Lakeshore Grill the former Saginaw Hudson's on January 29th.
Date: Tues, January 19, 2016, 9:35 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jim McKay ,
Writing is something you can do to help our cause to bring back Marshall Field's. Please leave comments after the article in the comments section. Even more helpful: Letters to the editor of the Chicago Tribune can be sent to ctc-tribletter@tribune.com Be sure to include your name, city, state and phone number, along with the phrase, "FOR PUBLICATION."
CHICAGO TRIBUNE:Macy's CEO says State Street store could be used to test 'new ideas'
Macy's Chief Executive Terry Lundgren said Tuesday that the State Street store in Chicago is one of his favorites and could be used as a testing ground for "newÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂæ
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-macys-lundgren-state-street-0120-biz-20160119-story.html
Date: Tues, January 19, 2016, 8:38 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
What so many have feared has come to pass!http://www.businessinsider.com/macys-testing-discount-outlets-in-stores-2016-1#comments
Date: Tues, January 19, 2016, 3:43 pm CT
FB Posted by: Michael R. & Kevin C. ,
WSJ.com reports:
Einhorn's Greenlight buys Macy's shares as possible takeover target
Greenlight Capital, the hedge fund firm led by David Einhorn, made a new investment in MacyÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Inc. in the fourth quarter, arguing the retailer could become aÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂæ JSONLINE.COM|BY SIMONE FOXMANhttp://www.jsonline.com/business/einhorns-greenlight-buys-macys-shares-as-possible-takeover-target-b99654864z1-365800981.html
Date: Mon, January 18, 2016, 6:29 pm CT
Posted by: gl,
HAPPY MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY!
Date: Saturday, January 16, 2016, 6:09 pm CT
FB Posted by: Michael S.,
To Michael C.: Exactly
Date: Saturday, January 16, 2016, 6:09 pm CT
FB Posted by: Michael C.,
Very sad watching them destroy a business they don't understand.
Date: Saturday, January 16, 2016, 5:58 pm CT
FB Posted by: Aaron M.,
They treated the Old Orchard folks a little better, at least keeping the full time staff [of Marketplace deli] for the duration of January, so they collected vacation and sick time from that fiscal year. Probably two or three years ago this month that they closed the Marketplace at Old Orchard. Candy Counter is still there as of a few months ago, though.
Date: Saturday, January 16, 2016, 5:56 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jon R.,
remember in 2008 when Macy's goons walked into Hawthorn's deli, as food for the day was being prepped that morning; and without warning told all the employees "go home, you're closed", then started grabbing tables and chairs. All the food was tossed in the employee lounge, and as far as I know only one guy briefly kept his job. Within a month or two it was walled-off like it never existed - the menuboards and stuff are probably still mounted behind the locked door; it's a stockroom for housewares, now.
A dedicated candy department, which was next to the deli, only survived another couple years - I'm not sure what's down there, now. Vacuums, I think.
Date: Saturday, January 16, 2016, 5:49 pm CT
FB Posted by: Aaron M.,
I worked at the Northbrook Court Marshall Field's from 1997-2000. Two of those years were spent in Candy, Wine, and Gourmet Foods. We ran a profitable business in these areas, as well as the Marketplace fresh foods (sort of a deli concept). When you took the escalator up to the third floor, you were within 20 feet of the coffee bar, and we had the entire retail space along the east side of the floor.
All of this has been reduced to a couple of nesting tables of Frango Mints, and two half-empty fixtures of Godiva (Godiva is to the left, not shown in the picture).
Date: Fri, January 15, 2016, 11:55 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jim McKay,
[There were over 70 posts on our Facebook page suggesting items that are gone from State Street. Below are about 30% of these posts.]
Thanks to all who also emailed responses priviately.
Date: Fri, January 15, 2016, 3:48 pm CT
FB Posted by: Kevin C.,
Do I remember that they had a French Market?
Daum (spelling?) Crystal from France.
Hermann Miller furniture, Pilgrim Glass, Thomas O'Brien bedding, Herald Toy Soldiers, Cowboys and Indians made in England. Steif of Germany, Timpo Toys made in England, Shemag furniture.
Stiffel lamps.
Steiff
Shermag furniture from Canada
Date: Fri, January 15, 2016, 10:04 am CT
FB Posted by: Timothy E.,
Atlantis crystal was an awesome brand that Field's once carried. And of course Riedel - although that's a bit ubiquitous. But one of the things about Field's is that it carried ALL the better brands - even those that were a bit cliched (like Waterford, esp. the Lismore pattern - :-)
Something I REALLY miss is that Field's stocked (in-store!) a comprehensive offering of EVERY model of candle made by Colonial Candle: ALL the styles (columns, tapers, pillars, twists), in ALL the various sizes (6", 10", 12", etc...), and in ALL the colors (12-14 colors offered at any one time!). I know this, because at one time I was the person who took weekly inventory of the floor display, and filled in from the back stock room! And if there was a sku we were getting low on, I had to put those in a weekly report to the buying office at 111 N. State.
But to be fair, though, I can tell you one of two main reasons why the selection of fine china has been continually cut back over the years... Every piece and every pattern from every maker is available at a significantly lower price, now, via the internet. So what we had happening (and it's still happening...) is customers would come in to the department and take up our time, goin through all the various options.... and then leave without making a purchase. They used us as a 'show room', and then bought the product for less from any number of various online outlets. Department stored can't compete with those drastically discounted prices because they have associates to pay and a physical store to maintain - and to do that, they need to collect a healthy profit on each purchase. If Field's (or Macy's, or Bloomingdales, or whoever) cut their prices back to match the online competition, they have no profit margin left, and they'd go out of business. So the option of the internet has created a huge 'damned if you do, damned if you don't / catch-22' situation for ALL retailers.
There's two more brands for you, Jim: Haviland and Bernardaud - both top-end China manufacturers out of Limoges, France, that Field's used to stock. )
Royal Copenhagen (Denmark), Royal Worcester (UK), Royal Doulton (UK), Spode (UK), Coalport, (UK), Johnson Brothers (UK)....
Field's own '222' line of household cleaning products! ;-)
Crane's stationery!
Top end luggage: (Field's stocked French (brand) and Hartmann, as well as Tumi, Boyt, and several mid-range lines).
A whole section of globes - ! (Mostly Replogle brand).
The best silk flowers available - and a professional flower arranger on-hand to work with you in putting together a custom arrangement to your specifications.
An honest-to-goodness Barware department - that sold all manner of jiggers and shakers and coasters and double-old-fashioned glasses, etc, etc ,etc...
An Adult Games Department (toys for grown-ups - not kids - ! ) They sold high end playing cards, chess sets, backgammon, etc..
High-end men's shoes: Allen Edmonds, Cole-Haan, Santoni, Ferragamo, Gordon Rush, To Boot New York...
Frango Mint Ice Cream Pies (to go - ! ) grin emoticon :-)
Sterling silver flatware and hollow-ware.
Crystal chandeliers (!) Yes - they carried them!
A kitchen utensil section (in Housewares) that stocked more than Williams-Sonoma!
A deli department that was separate from the bakery department that was separate from the candy department....- that was separate from the liquor and fine wines department....!
See - the thing is, Fields had buyers for each of these departments, who had expertise in their respective areas. And who spent their careers gaining that knowledge and building relationships with a gazillion different vendors around the world... and who worked their tails off to keep Field's forever stocked with a fresh selection of the best and most wonderful items from around the world. But today - M@cy's brings in Fiestaware and a line of poor quality Martha Stewart stuff and they think that constitutes a Housewares Department! I suspect they could honestly care less about the actual quality of the items they carry.... all that matters is if it can turn a simple profit. But in the process, what they loose sight of is that they have lost the trust and confidence that their shoppers once had in the quality of M.F.&Co. merchandise.... and then they wonder why so few people feel a desire to enter their stores (let alone shop them regularly).
Burns of Boston picture frames.
Top quality cookware, such as Le Creuset and All-Clad.
Back in the day, Field's had a sewing and notions department, with a large selection of yard goods as well as sewing machines, etc.
In the 50's and on into the 80's there was the "Williamsburg Shop" that specialized in high quality reproduction furnishings of the Colonial era. Many of the items came from the Colonial Williamsburg craft shops, but some came from a variety of other vendors. I specifically recall Mottahedeh Pottery - a maker of fine quality historical reproduction ceramics that were simply beautiful.
Oh - and who can forget Baldwin Brass? Best quality brass candlesticks and accessories!
Also Steuben Crystal. I'd add Orrefors as well, but I never cared for Swedish modern design in art glass, so forget I said anything...;-)
Fine China: ( Royal Copenhagen (Denmark), Royal Worcester (UK), Royal Doulton (UK), Spode (UK), Coalport, (UK), Johnson Brothers (UK), Haviland / Limoges (FR), Bernardaud (FR) )
Hutschenreuther and Thomas (Germany); Villeroy & Boch (Luxembourg?)
Porsgrunn (Norway)
Pickard (UK)
Date: Fri, January 15, 2016, 6:48 am CT
FB Posted by: Ami M.,
Gift wrappers; fitting experts.
Bring back the beauty of wood in the display area- the display cases with salespeople to assist you. The wood floir on 8 near the Walnut Room is beautiful! Bring back the dining room with the fountain - I can't recall its former name. I think it's still upstairs sonewhere. Bring back Marshall Fields as a destination, not as a cookie cutter store!
Date: Fri, January 15, 2016, 06:46 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
If all the reports of deferred or poor maintenance are correct, start there while building up product offerings. Chipped and dirty floors, dead light bulbs, etc. communicate "loser" before you go very far. If any duct tape fixes are visible.....more "loser" message. Plywood coverups? Stock spread thin? Or heaped? All those ring the death knell. Even HERE in Dogpatch we don't get that except when the store is at the point of death. It gives me the creeps, and I leave.
Date: Fri, January 15, 2016, 5:34 am CT
FB Posted by: Marta K.,
A Spectacular toy department with beautiful handmade toys from around the world.
Date: Fri, January 15, 2016, 3:32 am CT
FB Posted by: Linnea L.,
Oriental rugs. Handmade. They used to have a small but choice department. In our living room we still have the one we bought there 30 years ago: still in perfect condition.
Date: Thurs, January 14, 2016, 10:56 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
Jim, Thank you for the Starboard Value document! This is great stuff.
Date: Thu, January 14, 2016, 8:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Help needed--Please post your responses or email jjmckay at me dot com:
What brands, items, lines, etc are gone from State Street that you think would come back if Marshall Field's came back to State Street in name AS WELL AS ethos, quality, etc.? Your replies would be very helpful for something being worked on right now. Previously, Timothy E. detailed some table top items and lines that have disappeared. Of course, some manufacturers have gone out of business, but there are those who simply just left Marshall Field's when it became Macy's.
Again, what other items--clothing, shoes, home, etc. can you think of that went away but you think would come back if Marshall Field's returned to State Street? This would be a big help to her cause if you could respond. Thank you for posting here or emailing me privately at jjmckay at me dot com!
Date: Wed, January 13, 2016, 7:07 pm CT
Posted by: Meghan Ross,
What happened with the football teams reminds me of what happened with Macys. These 1%'ers don't cafre about the common people who support their businesses. But they want us to bail them out. Big companies don't care.
Date: Wed, January 13, 2016, 7:01 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
Outcheaping the very cheap-- what a brilliant stratagem for lining investors' pockets! And doing it under a Tiffany sky-- how very clever. Whoever thought that up deserves a bonus-- perhaps a red jellybean.
Date: Tues, January 12, 2016, 11:30 am CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
A young friend (age 28) was visiting me last night, He mentioned that a nearby macy store was closing and we discussed the causes. He said that macy was just a discount store with their endless coupons that don't work on anything and their weekly One Day Sale. He stated that shopping at macy was the same as going to Walmart or Target; all the stores were the same --boring, nothing to attract shoppers, poor quality but overpriced clothing.
I told Derrick that all the classic major department stores had numerous attractions--product demonstrations, celebrity guests, seasonal displays,promotions of new products, contests, teen boards, unique departments like stamps and coins, candy counters,snack bars, restaurants, Santa Land--and shopping was an experience the entire family could enjoy. I shared several of my books on vintage department stores (Marshall Field's, Hudson's, John Wanamaker, Woodward and Lothrop, Hutzler's, Higbee's). Fortunately I was able to experience these stores in the 1980s -- 1990s although they were past their prime.
As he looked through the books, he was amazed at the variety offered by these iconic stores. He lamented that he would never be able to experience anything like that. He was impressed by the beauty of the stores' architecture and decor. Instead of doing things to attract customers, today's stores saved a few cents by cutting back on what made shopping special. We talked about how macy took over all the regional stores and promptly eliminated so many popular traditions. Derrick felt macy has contributed to its own demise by destroying the unique aspects of each store and moving to a discount model. There are plenty of places to buy "cheap stuff" and we don't need more of the same thing; he felt that macy is only going to hurt itself with Backstage by trying to beat TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Ross at their own game.
Make shopping an "experience" rather than a mundane chore, then perhaps business will improve. Give the customers what THEY want.
Date: Mon, January 11, 2016, 3:08 pm CT
Posted by: MF Fan,
Hank, I miss Camille. I mean, my whole life till I was fourteen was Bunny, you know? When she was sober. When she wasnÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂt. I didnÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂt know that moms could be kind. Or brave. Or unselfish. She didnÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂt even like me when you first brought me home, you remember that? She already had her hands full with Justin, and I showed up and I just doubled her trouble. We were hellions. I remember this one day I came home ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Iron Maiden t-shirt, skirt up to here ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ and sheÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs just waiting for me in the living room. She has a dress from Marshall Fields. She told me that you saw something in me that was worth sacrificing for, and so she would, too. And she used her Christmas money to buy me that dress.
from Chicago PD
Date: Mon, January 11, 2016, 10:37 pm CT
Posted by: Jim,
Mikea wrote:
"I know a lot of you are posting about he loss of the regional stores. In todays Internet online economy the regional stores could have not made it. Operating so many divisional stores each with its own buying and advertising departments is not feasible."
I disagree. Actually only three or four regulars talk about other regionals. I'd say 90% of people are here because Field's was different. It was a national/international emporium that was associated with Chicago instead of NYC. Field's should not be lumped in with regionals.
Date: Mon, January 11, 2016, 12:43 pm CT
Posted by: mikea,
I know a lot of you are posting about he loss of the regional stores. In todays Internet online economy the regional stores could have not made it. Operating so many divisional stores each with its own buying and advertising departments is not feasible.
Macy's problems stems from online shopping their own macys.com recorded a large increase in sales. The instore experience needs to be improved. Customer service needs to be closer towards the Nordstrom model. Stores like Herald Square and State Street need more enhanced not cheapened experiences for the customers.
The head Jeff Gaynette needs to be replaced. He emphasized to much with clothing which did not sell this past year and deemphasized the home store which actually did well.
Herald Square made the huge mistake of converting the lower level to teen and 20 something clothing. The traffic level on the Sunday before Christmas in that area was slow. The cellar area used to be one of the largest traffic areas in the store. That merchandise was moved to 8 where Santa Claus is and the lines and traffic in that area made it difficult to shop.
State Street needs more specialty areas, a food store more leased departments. They need to create an experience to bring customers in the store instead of shopping online. It seems that when sales and profits do not meet goals, they close stores, cut out departments and lay off staff. They are reactive and not proactive in running their stores. Maybe the best would be for private equity or a group to buy out Terry and company and new management needs to be installed.
Date: Mon, January 11, 2016, 7:30 am CT
Posted by: Jim,
Perhaps one of the most important documents in years about the future of Marshall Fields on State Street. I know for many of you it's not as fun as historic and nostalgic photos, but this is pretty significant in terms of our quest which brought us to start our customer and stockholder activist movement to restore Marshall Fields. It's understandable that this may be too business-oriented for all to understand or connect with, but please give it a try and see if you see anything that's interesting. Thank you.
http://www.starboardvalue.com/publications/Starboard_Value_LP_Presentation_M_01.11.16.pdf
Date: Mon, January 11, 2016, 6:51 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
Soul? That is the source of the whole problem: lack of it. Otherwise ranting about the loss of a store IS "crazy." Few weep for Kohls or Wieboldts or Pennys. One might even reluctantly accept the loss of suburban Fields stores, but the one on State is beyond all that.
Excellence is rooted in intelligence and perceptiveness, and demands supreme effort. The willingness to inconvenience oneself to that extent takes strong desire from a deep place. Focused greed, and incomprehension are not usually associated with well-developed souls although the energy driving greedy pursuits comes from a deep place too--typically a narrowly self-serving one. It *would* be odd to pursue a challenging, visionary goal that serves others' best interests and delight, for greed's sake.
So here we are, with a decimated treasure AND a disagreeable Bottom Line. And a "perp" who does not have to forgo much of his accustomed luxe once he moves on.
Date: Mon, January 11, 2016, 6:06 am CT
Posted by: Jim,
It's H.G. Selfridge's birthday. How old is under debate. Check out Gayle Soucek's book for more details: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1626197369/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1452513709&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=soucek+selfridge
Date: Sun, January 10, 2016, 10:01 am CT
Posted by: Fred,
When people start ranting that so and so or such and such a person has no soul, I think people have gone off the edge from reason to crazy. Yes, it was crazy to get rid of Marshall Fields, but some of the posters just really do a disservice rather than a service to the chances of bringing back Marshall Fields.
Date: Sun, January 10, 2016, 6:12 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
Terry Lundgran + wisdom? Imagine that! It would be too little, far too late, at best.
If he had any soul and associated conscience it would have shown up by now, and the destruction of thousands of jobs and loss of loyal work force would be a heavy weight to bear, not to mention the rending of community fabric from coast to coast. But he got what he wanted: kudos from his underlings and fellow deadwood, and most importantly-- gobs of filthy lucre. What mother would not be proud?
I am not implying that every closing was a bad decision but putting the corporate holdings in such a state that massive failures occurred in less than a decade-- that is indefensible. Too bad his harvest is a penthouse rather than a garret studio. But, in truth, it is not all his fault. The Board was not married to him; they could have replaced him any time. What was the poor bunny to think as long as they kept him on?
Date: Sat, January 09, 2016, 5:41 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Been reading many online analyses of the problems macy is having. Many of these articles have comment sections in which readers can express their opinions. Some common threads deal with the poor quality, uninspired, overpriced merchandise; the run down, badly maintained stores; the lack of customer service because of staffing cuts; the loss of beloved regional department stores.
So this latest "restructuring" will result in the loss of 4,800 jobs. How many THOUSANDS of dedicated, hard working employees have lost their jobs since the takeover? Sadly, the clown who orchestrated this disaster still collects his salary.
I think this latest debacle is proof positive that the conversion of the regional stores to macy and the transition to a discount store model has been an EPIC FAIL. Didn't the founder of one of the world's most popular, successful and profitable department stores follow the guiding principle of "Give the lady what she wants." Hopefully Terry Lundgren finally realizes the wisdom of this statement.
Date: Fri, January 08, 2016, 6:49 am CT
Posted by: Nicole, Wheaton,
I keep hearing how Macy's is doing badly. Yet, you see other stores be successful by having a great experience. Marshall Field's had that great experience. When they switched to Macy's, it was a big mistake. Macy's had no idea and still has no idea how to create that special, unique experience. Macy's people are really screwing up. It doesn't have to be that way. I sure hope Field's comes back.
Date: Thurs, January 07, 2016, 9:12 pm CT
Posted by: Philip eichler ,
Mikea, you will never see a Field's location closed, as Field's owned these locations, so they, like sears will be the last ones out.I was very surprised to see that 6 stores in Virginia were being closed, that southern, Washington connected market, is recession proof.While I hate what Macy's has done to the department store market, I think they're really bad , leaving no market good.
Date: Thurs, January 07, 2016, 3:13 pm CT
Posted by: mikea,
Well Macy's announced the store closing list yesterday. I was surprised not one former Field's store made the list. Most were old Macy's or May Company stores in small malls or in malls that are going downward. River Oaks a big surprise since that mall lost two of its anchors two years ago and there was a murder there last year.
It will be interesting to see how many stores Sears, JC PEnney, Bon-Ton and Dillard's close this year. Dillard's has closed a lot of stores in the last five years concentrating on their larger profitable ones. They tens not to oversatuarate an area with stores.
Macy's still has stores way close together in CA and the DC area.
Maybe this year Macy's will go to another company or go private. Rumor in NYC is that Macy's INc wants to be bought out and Terry and company can get their big packages.
Date: Thurs, January 07, 2016, 7:13 CT am
Posted by: LJR,
It's just so easy, sell off State Street to Selfridges!Invest in a better Water Tower Place store and let that be the Chicago flagship.
Downtown residential is on fire and Fields downtown could become hip and cool.
Think Chicago Athletic Club Hotel.
Date: Sat, January 02, 2016, 2:40 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
I enjoyed the article and photos about Selfridge's best shopping season. I remember when Marshall Field's used to have crowds like that. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Selfridge's could make that happen again in Chicago.
Date: Thurs, December 31, 2015, 10:39 pm CT
Posted by: Philip eichler by,
One thing that has not been discussed about Macy's desire to optimize the Field's store is that it is a Chicago landmark, at least all of the state street rooms. As a city landmark, it cannot be demolished or seriously altered. If I remember correctly, certain parts of the interior are also landmarked, such as the Corinthian column capitals on the first floor, the Tiffany ceiling and the walnut room . This will also impact what Macy's can do to diminish Field's.I have not been in the store since a day before the conversion, but Timothy s description of 6 rings true and scary. Macy's is not in the fine tabletop sector, Field's was,so most of that floor is now useless. Some vendors are gone because they did not want to be in a Macy's, some Macy's kicked out, and others like Steuben went out of business.Macy's could move their cheap bridal registry China to the basement and move furniture from 8 to 6 and keep the synergy of the food service on 7 continuous with the rest of the store. In addition, Bloomingdale's has never really jelled in Chicago, they sell some of what Field's sold on 6, so by eliminating Field's fine tabletop, they probably feel they have strengthened the weak Bloomingdale's brand.
The other thing that bothers me about destroying state street is it truly is a retail jewel without peer anywhere. Period, Wanamaker in Philadelphia and b.Altman in nyc, were the only us stores that touched Field's. And most really sharp retail pundits say there is a good prospect for bricks and mortar retail if they offer a great experience. Hello, idiots at Macy's, what do you possess at 111 north state?
Date: Thurs, December 31, 2015, 4:34 pm CT
Posted by: Kaitlyn,
Every year I do a holiday display using PLAYMOBIL toys and this year, I chose to honor Marshall Field's. Here it is, Chicago circa 1900 complete with decorated windows, the Walnut Room restaurant, and plenty of green shopping bags!
Link to blog to view the pictures: http://thecreativepensieve.blogspot.com/2015/12/christmas-at-marshall-fields-playmobil.html
Not the same, but something to look at from the dining room table :)
Date: Thurs, December 31, 2015, 7:06 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
I read the report on happy sales reports in Britain-- one observer remarked shoppers seem to be becoming "tactical"-- i.e. waiting for the sales. Duh. That is not new and not rocket science. No one likes being jerked around with extravagant prices that can be 'slashed' repeatedly. One of Field's principles was fair pricing......remember?
Also interesting was the observation that approximately half the shoppers were tourists, a very large number of Asians. Foreign tourists making a pilgrimage to shop for banal merchandise in a setting of boarded-up escalators and sales floors in a limp, raggedy Macy's????
Way to go, TL.
Date: Wed, December 30, 2015, 1:13 pm
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Selfridges celebrates most profitable hour in 100 year historyImagine Selfridges working its magic with a reborn Field's.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/Boxing-Day-Sales/12069616/Boxing-Day-sales-2015-deals-opening-times.html
Date: Tues, December 29, 2015, 12:16 pm
FB Posted by: Timothy E.,
Macy's is all about cutting back and eliminating... forever looking to get away with just a bit less and hoping that no one will notice. What a miserable business model.
Date: Mon, December 28, 2015, 10:25 am
FB Posted by: John K.,
Macy of course has a number of folks unhappy about buying out famous stores, but NONE with a group as vocal as FFC, or a city who wants its Marshall Fields BACK. Hey , how about a holiday twofer -- recall 9 fingers and we get MAFCO back from MACYS
Date: Mon, December 28, 2015, 12:44 am
FB Posted by: Timothy E.,
I was pleasantly surprised to see the traditional Field's Logo being used in so prominent a fashion [at the State Street store on a pylon]. Still, I know all too well that the primary reason for this is to maintain tight ownership of the name and logo, so as to keep control of it... :-(
Perhaps the most depressing thing I saw was this: the complete disappearance of the fine crystal department. Formerly, [there] was the main aisle leading to the crystal gallery. The escalators were on the left, and just beyond was all the fine crystal. Now, it's all walled up and closed off, and what little remains by way of fine crystal has been merged into the china department (which is a mere shadow of it's former self).
Date: Sun, December 27, 2015, 12:39 pm
Posted by: Carole S.,
MISSED MY MARSHALL FIELD"S AGAIN THIS YEAR!
Date: Sat, December 26, 2015, 09:27 am
Posted by: Susan NY,
Are we really in an era so different that a Field's on State can no longer be supported as it was not so long ago? Is the USA so different from GB?
I just began rereading Gail Soucek's book which reminded me of how much bigger Marshall Field's vision was, than anyone else's, and he made it work. Are there no visionaries left? Is it too late? Is it most appropriate to wring quick profit from a sprawling, cardboard mall that makes shopping more difficult and abuses the ecology of the land it sits on for a few decades before it becomes a commercial slum down the road from the newest one-- in this 'green' era of no-carbon-footprint?
It is noble to preserve wilderness, historic sites, and lives. Is it not noble to also nurture the long-term viability of communities and great cities that -- face it -- depend upon commercial and cultural vitality? What if MF had never decided State Street was the future of Chicago, and worth the effort he put into it? Or that supporting cultural attractions did not make him rich enough, fast enough?
Has American culture become irretrievably flat, at last? *There's* decadence.
Date: Fri, December 25, 2015, 14:36
Posted by: Jim,
There are many, many videos about Christmas at Marshall Field's, but this one has special poignancy because it was our 2012 Christmas video card "by community" from "friends, fans and alumni of Marshall Field & Company." It remembers the overlooked, final great era: Field's was on the upswing in 2003-05 as it remade itself with the "stores within a store" concept as inspired by Selfridge's in London. Then that was all cut short by Macy's in 2006.
http://youtu.be/rt4qVbNj8wU
Date: Fri, December 25, 2015, 11:35
Posted by: Pericles Georgopoulos,
As most, I was very disappointed to hear that Macy group intends to "stick it" to Chicago again with the possibility that it might sell off the historic Marshall Field building. I applaud fieldsfanschicago.org in its campaign to court Selfidges to Chicago to help the situation. However I also feel that perhaps we need to consider more than one option.
In the event that the Selfridges group is not interested, perhaps another possibility for a new owner for the building that would have interest in historic preservation would be Richard Driehaus.
He is a native Chicagoan and business leader who has already shown great leadership in preserving Chicago architectural gems, as evidenced by the restoration of the Nickerson Mansion now the Driehaus Museum.
He is also very active in many philanthropic endeavors through his foundation. Being a great business person I am sure he too would need to find a way that such a move would be profitable, but I feel confident that the future of the historic and iconic building would be much better off in his control than in the control of a group without his ties to the city.
One of the main issues is that the land is probably far more valuable as a new residential tower or mixed-use building than a single use store. Any potential purchaser would not make much of a profit only leasing the space back to macys. They would have to do some redevelopment to make the purchase viable. Any changes or adaptive reuse would have to have a negative effect on the integrity of the building as the historic store. Examples of this can be seen in the redevelopment of some historic New York Hotels, such as the Plaza Hotel where the historic 59th street lobby is now the private residence entrance and all of the historic suites that faces the park are now residences.
In the long run It is possible that the store building is actually best off out of macy group's hands, but the new owner has to be as civic minded as business minded or the result could be disastrous. That is why I suggest contacting Mr. Driehaus. If nothing else he would probably be a good advisor. And if he were actually interested in purchasing the building, I believe he would be the right person to act as the buildings champion and long term steward.
Thank you,
Pericles
Date: Thurs, December 24, 2015, 08:41
Posted by: Susan NY,
Regarding the Tiffany 'dome'...
At last, a reason to press the point: it is a barrel or tunnel vault.
A "mosaic" is a surface covering made of (usually flat) bits of (customarily) glass or ceramic, often molded or cut to shape to compose a design or image, from a simply geometric bathroom floor pattern to convincingly representational images such as those seen in certain medieval cathedrals. And so on.
Also I believe it is a disservice to describe the Walnut Room as "decadent." It exhibits fine materials and workmanship, but it is far from over-the-top. It certainly was outshone by many a restaurant like that at the Palmer House and beyond. The Palace of Versailles, for one example, is closer to "decadence"--self-indulgent luxury indicating moral decline-- by a long shot. In fact, I would think in the early twentieth century, the Walnut Room-- a "tea room"-- was considered to be a suitably refined, discreet setting for its lady patrons, some of whom would return to far more luxuriously appointed mansions where they dressed for dinner while staff stashed any purchases they cared to carry home.
So the building has its fine points as a commercial venue, cultural focus, and quasi-spiritual haven. It tends to resonate with some of our higher instincts. We love it. It is a treasure. So, Red Star, what is your stewardship rating? Ummm--- zip.
Date: Thurs, December 24, 2015, 07:35
Posted by: Robert H,
Eric B, Another contrast from ten years ago is the walnut room great tree. Remember the Swarovski Crystal tree in 2005... It was AWESOME! one of the best ever!
Date: Wed, December 23, 2015, 3:12 pm CT
Posted by: Eric B,
Here are two photos I took exactly ten years apart:If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a side-by-side comparison of these two images surely says whatever needs to be said.
Tiffany Dome Atrium in December, 2005
Tiffany Dome Atrium in December, 2015
Here's one more:For purposes of comparison, I do not have a photo showing the entrance to Cozy Cloud Cottage circa 2005. If I did, it would show families standing patiently in a long line for an hour or so. Anyway, this is not the "Red Star Hall of Shame" but the entrance to Macy's "Santaland." This was on Black Friday and the long line was invisible (attributed, no doubt, to "The Magic of Macy's").
5th floor, 111 N. State Street, November 27, 2015
Macy's seasonal slogan (visible on the red shopping bag) is "Believe." Could it be that Chicagoans are reticent to bring their children to see Macy's Santa because they believe the REAL Santa Claus appeared only at Marshall Field's?
Happy Holidays, Field's Fans! Yes, we all want to believe ... that someday, Santa and Uncle Mistletoe will return to Cozy Cloud Cottage at Marshall Field's.
-- Eric
Date: Tuesday, December 22, 2015, CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Selfies for Selfridges Thanks to all who made last Saturday's activities on State Street a success! We had a couple of out of town vistors who helped--Charlie from Boston and Alfred from Washington, D.C. This was in addition to Lucie, Pete, Gail, and, of course, "gle".
Below are photos from Noon-2 pm last Saturday, 12.19.2015.
Thanks for all of your support. Look for an "end-of-year" wrap newsletter in the coming days!
Date: Mon, December 21, 2015, 10:27 am CT
Posted by: Jim,
The Decadent Design Behind the Iconic Walnut Room
Tuesday, December 23, 2014, by Patrick Sisson
http://chicago.curbed.com/archives/2014/12/23/the-decadent-design-behind-the-walnut-room.php
Date: Sun, December 20, 2015, 10>19 am CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
After taking over some of America's most beloved department stores, Terry thought shoppers across the nation would be enchanted by the New York store and would be excited to have "magic" in their dull, boring lives. When customers weren't impressed by the name or downmarket offerings, he cut expenditures to maintain stock prices. After there wasn't anything left to cut, he shifted to a discount store model. Clearly discounting has been a failure as stock prices and sales continue to tank.
Date: Sun, December 20, 2015, 08:20 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
To Judy of the elevator....I may have ridden with you! Isn't it amazing to think of the day when an elevator was "'operated"? It may seem silly but even the elevators were part of the experience of Good. Even the old rickety tickety ones which ran between the upholstery and the music/TV departments on the 9th floor where I worked.....yes, when there were 9 whole floors of good stuff. At that time the 9th needed upgrading but even so it was still redolent of Field's grace.
There is a difference between corporate greed and inspired commerce, and until the present Fall, we had it there....really, TL-- is this what you want to be remembered for???
Date: Sun, December 20, 2015, 07:01 am CT
Posted by: Shawn Hoadley,
I still love Marshall Fields. I remember the first few days after Fields was purchased and the brand was still in place but ownership and management had changed. My wife and I were in the water tower store and an employee with a mop and bucket shoved her bucket in the door then pushed her way into the crowded elevator. This simply never would have happened before this change. It was sad.
Walking out of the store with my wife I was furious and felt a great sense of loss. My wife was confused (she's from Southern California). I explained how Marshall Fields always took pride in putting their customers first. They always made you feel special and would NEVER have allowed a stinky mop bucket to ride up the elevator with their valued customers. It really had an impression on me.
There are few places in the world that ever had that forward display of appreciation for its customers and very few remain. It reminds me of Walt Disneynd how he wanted each guest to experience a "magical moment" while they were visiting the park. It makes me feel like an old curmudgeon to say this but I miss those days. Things just aren't what they used to be and I challenge anyone who dares to call this "progress"
Date: Fri, December 18, 2015, 6:23 pm CT
Posted by: Judy Scrafford,
I worked at State Street Field's in 1960 - 62. I was an elevator operator and loved it. Was proud to wear that uniform. When I didn't do that I was a floater...worked wherever I was needed. Loved the Tea Room and the overall ambiance of the entire store..especially at Christmas. So sad when I went back to visit in 1998 only to find a completely different store. Even though I no longer live in Chicago, just knowing Field's would be there again would make me so happy.
Date: Fri, December 18, 2015, 3:39 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Sickening that one arrogant blowhard was able to single handedly destroy Chicago's reputation as a shopping mecca. A run down,nondescript discount store is hardly an attraction and it certainly won't induce unique retailers to locate nearby.
Date: Thurs, December 17, 2015, 6:54 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
I am excited to hear about the latest book by our author Gayle Soucek--"Mr. Selfridge in Chicago." I can hardly wait to read it.
Date: Wed, December 16, 2015, 9:47 pm CT
Posted by: Judith Wallingford,
I have not checked in to this blog in a long while and am so encouraged to see that there are so many people still interested in restoring Marshall Field & Co. I have been boycotting Macy's ever since they changed the name of that venerable institution to one that represents the doomed combination of greed and stupidity. Macy's fate seems destined to be their own well deserved failure. I am a former employee of Marshall Field's and I am still hopeful that if will one day again become the very finest retail establishment in the country.
Date: Wed, December 16, 2015, 4:19 pm CT
Posted by: Renee,
Fabulous!!! The photos are just FABULOUS!!! You all are fabulous!!
BRING BACK MARSHALL FIELD'S!!!
The people who run Macy's must be insane!
Date: Wed, December 16, 2015, 10:26 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
JOIN US THIS SATURDAY!
Selfies for SelfridgesCome out this Saturday, 12.19.2015 from Noon-3 pm (and probably before & after) and pose with our signs! Sometimes we take short breaks, so call 312.662.8980 if you want to meet us at a specific time. ALSO: Meet Author Gayle Soucek at Flat Top Grill, 30 S. Wabash, 10:30 am-1 pm. Copies of her new Selfridge book as well as her Field's & Carson's books will be for sale.
Below are photos from Noon-2:20 pm and 3-4 pm last Saturday, 12.12.2015.
See you this Saturday, 12.19.2015, from at least Noon-3 pm (and probably beyond)!
Date: Wed, December 16, 2015, 08:21 am CT
Posted by: Pete,
Macy's stock went down to $35.78 yesterday. That's 51% below its high of over $73 a few summers ago.
Date: Tues, December 15, 2015, 6:45 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
Catherine-- I too was an Oak Parker. I worked briefly in the OP store bakery. I was there when the glazed donuts arrived in the morning, I swear still a little warm.......oh my!!! None better.
It would not have been a haven for me when I was a DOOPer (High School!) but a little later when I worked at 111 N State, Field's surely was my haven in a dark time. I agree, although it defies explanation, it was more than a shopping venue. I believe it moved in a surprisingly spiritual realm or we would not all be here pushing to get it back.
The key probably is that just about anyone involved with making Field's work was passionate about it being as fine as possible. Any time a bunch of people come together with a common intent for the Best-- that is what happens. It was just understood that was the way things were supposed to be there. Not for overtly spiritual reasons of course, but doing one's best for its own sake, in the company of like minded people, has to have some happy consequences for the soul. No, it was not perfect, but satisfyingly close. The results were infectious.
Waitaminit--- stores are there to make *investors* happy. That's what Macy's is doing. They don't need us for that....
Date: Mon, December 14, 2015, 9:55 pm CT
Posted by: Robert Mau,
http://www.zacks.com/stock/news/200946/why-macys-m-may-not-be-a-good-pick-for-your-portfolio
It appears that investors are not recommending buying Macy's stock.
Date: Mon, December 14, 2015, 6:19 pm CT
Posted by: Catherine McQueen,
MARSHALL FIELDS - A PLACE of REFUGE
I belong to the Oak Park Writer's Group. I am writing a story about my love for Marshall Fields on State Street and how it became my place of refuge at about the age of 15 years old.
I hope the memory I share will let people know that it was more than a place to shop for some.....it was my place of refuge..
Catherine McQueen
Date: Mon, December 14, 2015, 4:17 pm CT
Posted by: Pete,
It's amazing that Macy's has lost half of its stock value since summer. Today they closed it under $37. Last summer it was worth over $73 per share.
Date: Mon, December 14, 2015, 09:50
Posted by: a holiday shopper,
greetings, field's fans
we lived in chicago in the 80s then we moved to texas where we were thrilled to find marshall field's. altho field's is gone from texas, we continued to make the trip to chicago to visit field's for holiday shopping. we're in chicago yesterday thru tomorrow. we shopped michigan ave and rush st. there's no special reason to shop at macy's. the store looks really worn out and cluttered. it's like a kohls is in our former great palace. I hope field's makes a comeback. that would be a no-brainer to increase sales.
Date: Sun, December 13, 2015, 9:46 am CT
Posted by: Jeff and Autumn,
It was a pleasure meeting you all yesterday. I had no idea this was going on. It's just so sad to see how dingy the building has become. The plaques on the corner look horrible, like they haven't been cleaned in ages. Macy's just doesn't seem to care about Marshall Field's and our heritage. The store is like a pearl cast to the swine.
Date: Sun, December 13, 2015, 6:48 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
Oh wouldn't it be loverly to make it worth Lundgren's while to move on..........however one must be wary of falling out of the kettle into the fire....be careful what we wish for.
How wonderful to see a corner of the building in the photos......in my mind I see Field's within. Carry on!
Date: Sat, December 12, 2015, 2:46 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
The post about Lundgren (among others) to have buyout severance available in the event of a takeover is interesting. I wonder what's up.
Date: Sat, December 12, 2015, 2:44 pm CT
Posted by: Bob, Northlake,
I was glad to the Marshall Field's signs bobbing on State Street today. Keep going!!!!
Date: Sat, December 12, 2015, 2:42 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
THE PHOTOS ARE GREAT! KEEP THEM COMING!IT'S TIME TO BRING BACK MARSHALL FIELD'S!
Date: Fri, December 11, 2015, 4:55 pm CT
Posted by: Chris R,
Michael Francis is moving from Dreamworks to Walmart.
Francis started out at Field's on State Street working along side Amy Meadows. Then he went to Target for decades before being lured to JCPenney under the failed administration of former Mervyn's and Apple Store head Ron Johnson. From there Francis went to Gap and the Dreamworks. He'll now consult for Walmart.
http://wwd.com/retail-news/marketing/michael-francis-wal-mart-dreamworks-j-c-penney-target-10296240/
Date: Fri, December 11, 2015, 3:33 pm CT
Posted by: George M,
my mother loved -- and i mean loved -- marshall fields and when it left she was devastated and today when my mom saw the marshall field's sign held up on saturday outside of macys it made her day. if marshall fields came back it would make her life.
what it meant for her was the beautiful stuff they had and the good feeling whenever she went there now she always goes there thinking about the great memories she had at marshall fields.
Date: Fri, December 11, 2015, 2:46 pm CT
Posted by: Group,
THANK YOU for keeping the FIeld's alive! ÃÂÃÂÃÂïÃÂÃÂÃÂÿÃÂÃÂÃÂýI miss Marshall Field's so much. .
Date: Thurs, December 10, 2015, 4:20 pm CT
Posted by: Mike Russell,
I have to laugh at Macy's fictitious pricing games! I was looking at coffee machines on line and this is Macy's way of saying "We jacked up the original price.".
Nespresso VertuoLine Single Serve Brewer with Aerrocino Plus Milk Frother
186 reviews
Reg. $359.99
Sale $249.99
Sale ends 12/21/15 Savings not based on actual sales
Bring back Marshall Fields!
Date: Thurs, December 10, 2015, 9:27 pm CT
Posted by: Pete,
This column profiles two companies that are rumored suitors for parts or all of Macy's and thus Marshall Field's. Those companies are Hudson's Bay and Selfridges Group.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/walterloeb/2015/06/15/germanys-kaufhof-was-just-sold-to-hudsons-bay/
Date: Wed, December 09, 2015, 07:16 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
JOIN US THIS SATURDAY!
Selfies for SelfridgesCome out this Saturday, December 12, 2015 from at least Noon to 2:00 pm (and probably before and long into the afternoon) and pose with our signs! Sometimes we take short breaks, so call 312.662.8980 if you want to meet us at a specific time.
Below are photos from Noon-5 pm last Saturday, December 5, 2015.
See you this Saturday afternoon, December 12, 2015, from at least Noon--2 pm (and probably beyond)!
Date: Wed, December 09, 2015, 08:26 am CT
FB Posted by: Jack L.,
I believe this was explained once either on this site or elsewhere on Facebook, but that explanation escapes me. Why does the Field's clock incorrectly represent the 4 as IIII rather than IV?
Date: Tues, December 08, 2015, 03:58 pm CT
FB Posted by: Carol J.,
If [Lundgren's buyout] happens, it's not happening because of our cause. In other words, our Liking or Not Liking this isn't going to make this go away, even if it leaves a terrible taste in our collective mouth. It's going to require smart, decisive, business-related decision-making to bring back Field's, and that includes the ability to move opportunistically when and if this occurs.
Date: Mon, December 07, 2015, 09:32 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
What's interesting to me about this story is this is even being talked about. This represents a shift--that the topic of Macy's CEO being asked to scram suggests a sort of "where there's smoke there's fire." Something's up?
USATodayÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂì Macy's Terry Lundgren (The guy who decided to get rid of Marshall Field's) gets a $154M golden parachute if Macy's is taken over/bought out.
From USA TODAY:
Scram! 5 CEOs can get paid $1.3B to get lost
Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer's $157.9 million golden payout is getting attention. But she's far from the only CEO to arrange such a lucrative golden parachute.
http://www.usatoday.com/videos/money/business/2015/12/07/76915020/
Date: Mon, December 07, 2015, 05:11 pm CT
FB Posted by: Sandra E.,
My mother worked for Marshall Field State Street store in a clerical position in the 1940's. I grew up with Fields as our store of choice. Always loved Fields and truly miss it. After I was born she stayed home with me full time and would take me down to shop and eat lunch in the Cafeteria on the 7th floor. Fields always had the best apple pie. Toys were my favorite department at that time. Will never shop at Macys!
Date: Mon, December 07, 2015, 03:24 am CT
FB Posted by: Susan C.,
That entrance is locate on the Red Line at pay level at Washington street. The entrance is still opened. there was also an entrance to the Brown line [at the second floor near Wabash and Randoplph] but that closed years ago.
Date: Mon, December 07, 2015, 02:59 am CT
FB Posted by: Linnea L.,
Was there once a direct entry from the underground el on state street into the basement of Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs ? An entrance right off the platform. I thought I recall my parents taking me in a few times that way, which would have been in the 1960ÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs. You could avoid having to go up to ground level and outside to enter. Only during store hours. It was used mostly by employees, but not restricted to them. I could swear I used it several times myself much later, on my own. Now I wonder if I imagined it.
Date: Sun, December 06, 2015, 05:02 pm CT
FB Posted by: Paula K.,
Thanks for adding me. I happen to work in the 25 E Washington building, once the Field's Annex Men's Store Building. I remember when it was part of Field's. The Lobby is still gorgeous. You can see remnants of what it was, and it is still connected to the Macy's basement. I've been there since 1998. Love working in the building and love Marshall Field's.
Date: Sun, December 06, 2015, 01:48 pm CT
FB Posted by: Barbara J.,
I am out in Seattle since 2010 but will never forget Marshall Field's. I recall as a child going into Fields with my Christmas gift money and being treated so kindly. I recall buying a cookie cutter for my teacher and it being carefully wrapped in tissue and placed in a green Field's box. I usually frequented the Oak Park store and remember it so well. It is as though I have a virtual floorplan of the store in my memory.
I never shopped at Macy's after their treatment of all the loyal Marshall Field's customers. I make one exception in that I will eat frangos of the present themselves to me.
Date: Sat, December 05, 2015, 05:40 pm CT
FB Posted by: Alfred I.,
IT'S DEFINITELY TIME TO BRING BACK MARSHALL FIELD'S!
Date: Sat, December 05, 2015, 04:18 pm CT
FB Posted by: Joseph D.,
CHICAGO SHOPS AT MARSHALL FIELD'S NOT AT MACY*S!!!!!
Date: Sat, December 05, 2015, 6:49 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
Oooh... green boxes for Christmas. I am old enough to remember the white enamel (or beautifully printed) ones that were not collapsible. They were treasures in themselves. That is why I have found so many around the house pressed into storage service. I have retrieved them and other Field's goodies from every corner and retired them to create my own Field's shrine/archive. It is a palpable reminder of years of not just delight but a link to something special--we tend to save that which represents our "best" in some way. Certainly Field's is so strong a cultural component that the name will not just die off. That's a "brand" for sure!
Date: Fri, December 04, 2015, 4:27 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
We will be out on State Street in front of the store passing out bookmark flyers/leaflets and pin-on buttons tomorrow, Saturday, December 5, 2015 from at least Noon to 2:00 pm and mostly likely before and after those time slots.
If you wish to get a button ("Time to Bring Back Field's" or "Selfridges Chicago" designs) or a bookmark or if you want to pose with our signs for our "Selfies for Selfridges" campaign, please come on down. Buttons are very limited right now until we are able to obtain more-so we might run out.
If you want to make sure we will be there before coming, please call our cell at 312.662.8980. Occasionally we need to step away for a short break.
We also plan to be out on State Street at similar times on the three Saturday afternoons in December prior to Christmas, as well as a few other times to be determined.
If you plan to come or if you need further details, please email regards - AT - fieldsfanschicago - dot - org
Date: Fri, December 04, 2015, 3:18 pm CT
Posted by: G.L.,
When I was a child, my grandmother, a woman with style and grace, always purchased her grandchilden's Christmas presents at Marshall Field's. To me, that green Field's box represented Christmas and those memories still generate warm thoughts and emotions years later. That's the most you can hope for as a brand and speaks to Field's enduring legacy.
Date: Fri, December 04, 2015, 12:08 pm CT
Posted by: Lucie Brandeis,
We miss Marshall Field's. It would be terrible if the Macy's kept changing the store. Please bring it back.
Date: Thurs, December 03, 2015, 6:33 pm CT
Posted by: Jim,
Private to Mikea: In teh past 5-6 years, Selfridges has experience handling similar and worse situations in Toronto, London and Birmingham. And it sue didn't stop them from just purchasing Arnotts in Ireland.
Date: Thurs, December 03, 2015, 1:04 pm CT
Posted by: mikea,
The comments about Hudson's Bay buying Macy's is good. The only thing that would work is Macy's supplies The Bay with a number of house brands.
Macy's needs to realize downsizing State Street below the 7th floor would kill the store. The Walnut room brings in so many visitors for the Christmas season. Also I said earlier the large size of the floors makes it difficult for residential or a hotel to come in.
The May Company downsized the great Wannamakers in PHl years ago to three levels from five for a Lord & Taylor. Macy's inherited a building that they would like to expand but cannot. The store tries to be a flagship and it is beautiful, but cluttered since the selling space is limited to three levels with the third floor only 3/4 used due to the Egyptian room and offices.
Date: Wed, December 02, 2015, 8:58 pm CT
Posted by: Philip eichler ,
I would still like to believe Macy's will leave State Street intact. The building is a white elephant if is not used as a grand retail destination. The other former department stores on State Street all were converted to rather low end users:institutional use,back offices for the city and state, not exactly high profit and both are plagued with financial problems.I don't see Richard Baker buying Macy's (he controls Hudson's Bay) typically he buys better to high end stores, which Macy's is anything but. First thing he did when he bought Hudson's Bay was to dump the Zellers discount chain, why would he buy another one? He is a real estate man and does leverage the real estate, but puts the money back into growth. He is opening the first 2 Saks stores in Canada, one is being carved out of the Bay flagship. The Canadian stores look like a British store with space devoted to a food hall and in Fields fashion, a good amount of space devoted to food service. Go to the Saks website, and click on the winter palace, it is a video of the unveiling of the Christmas windows and see what he is doing with the flagship store. It is promising that someone still believes in the great department store.
Date: Mon, November 30, 2015, 7:36 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
I was so impressed by "gle", Lucie, and, especially G. (who flew in all tha way from the coast) who passed out pin-on buttons and flyers this past Saturday from Noon to 2:15 pm under the Great Clock at State and Washington. Hundred of flyers were distributed throughout. During the first 75 minutes or so, people stepped up and wanted their photo taken with our protest signs. We collected over three dozen photos. And then for the last hour, around 200 buttons were distributed. (Two designs: "Time To Bring Back Mashall Fields" as well as some "Selfridges Come Home To Chicago: The DNA of Marshall FIeld's") It's seemed as if we passed out more buttons than the number of Macy's bags being carried down State Street.
We hope to be back out again this Saturday. Stay in touch with this blog/guestbook or our Facebook pages.
Below are four dozen photos in our "Selfies for Selfridges" campaign, including three dozen taken this past weekend. Aside from Selfridges Group, it is rumored that Hudson's Bay has an interest in acquiring Macy's, Inc.
Saturdays, Novemver 2015
Selfies for SelfridgesCome out on Saturdays and look for us under the clock. With Macy's rumored to be a potential buyout target, we're recruiting potential buyers who would recognze the $419M value that is associated with the Marshall Field's trade name. The owners and operators of London's Selfridges are at the top of our list. Word has it that Hudson's Bay could also be an interested acquirer of Macy's/Bloomingdale's.
Date: Sun, November 29, 2015, 10:31 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston,
It's funny how many movies I have seen Marshall Field's mentioned or featured in...the most recent being "Home Alone" on Saturday. When Kevin is in his parent's bedroom, a very clear view of a green Marshall Field's bag is seen at the end of the bed. Cary Grant mentions Marshall Field's in "North by Northwest" and an actor in "Silver Streak" mentions if they cannot get the train to stop it will ploy right through Marshall Field's. It amazes me how Macy's has wasted the enormous value of the Marshall Field's name and good will...a destination that was known nationally and internationally for decades.
Date: Sun, November 29, 2015, 4:44 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
It was really exciting to be on State Street last Saturday. As soon as we started taking the signs out people were taking our pictures and giving us a thumbs up. The response was so encouraging. And we got great photos of the "selfie's for Selfridge's."
Date: Sat, November 28, 2015, 7:29 pm CT
Posted by: Cal,
Nice to meet you on State Street today! It made my day. :-)
Date: Thurs, November 26, 2015, 11:11 am CT
Posted by: Pete,
I saw a story on I think on CNBC where they interviewed Terry Lundgren about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
He said that in 2001 and 2008 some apparent big wigs who he apparently pays attention to told him to cancel the parade for financial concerns.
The point is, apparently there are some people who do get his ear. Gotta be a lot of other people who say Marshall Field's is a huge asset and should be brought back.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Pete
Date: Tues, November 24, 2015, 6:40 pm CT
Posted by: BLB,
Regarding Selfridges...
RIGHT ON!!!
Date: Tues, November 24, 2015, 3:44 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
We will be out on State Street in front of the store passing out bookmark flyers/leaflets and pin-on buttons this Black Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28, 2015 from at least Noon to 2:00 pm each day and mostly likely before and after those time slots.
If you wish to get a button ("Time to Bring Back Field's" or "Selfridges Chicago" designs) or a bookmark or if you want to pose with our signs for our "Selfies for Selfridges" campaign, please come on down. If you want to make sure we will be there before coming, please call our cell at 312.662.8980.
We also plan to be out on State Street at similar times on the three Saturday afternoons in December prior to Christmas, as well as a few other times to be determined.
If you plan to come or if you need further details, please email regards - AT - fieldsfanschicago - dot - org
Date: Tues, November 24, 2015, 3:32 pm CT
Posted by: Jim,
Macy's unveiled their NYC Herald Square 34th Street Christmas Windows today. Most all of the windows are Peanuts and Charlie Brown Christmas themed. It's apparent that significantly more money was put into the 34th Street windows than at State Street. (State Street features Peanuts only at the State/Washington corner window). There are also interactive features at the 34th Street display. The windows at 34th Street look great. The following slides are from the WSJ.com. I'm not sure if you need to be a subscriber to see all of these.
http://www.wsj.com/video/macy-christmas-windows-showcase-the-peanuts/0FA3ED36-6D7E-4934-86AF-E8D46C6E37D8.html
Date: Tues, November 24, 2015, 12:42 pm CT
Posted by: mikea,
I read the prediction in Fortune about Macy's and Hudson's Bay.
The Bay currently and for many years has carried Macy's private label merchandise Style & Co, Hotel, INC., Green Dog to name a few.
Macy's would be a large company to buy out and with all of the stores Hudson's Bay has in the USA Lord & Taylor , Saks adding Macy's and Bloomingdale's might violate anti trust laws. Bloomingdale's and Saks are similiar stores as is in part Macy's and Lord & Taylor.
;
A more likely prediction is Bon Ton filing for chapter 11 and selling stores. They are having a difficult time and if Christmas is not good, they may have to resort to a filing.
Date: Mon, November 23, 2015, 6:29 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO FIELD'S FANS!
Date: Mon, November 23, 2015, 1:28 pm CT
Posted by: Jim,
Fortune magazine predicts that Hudson's Bay, the Canadian department store operator that owns Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue, will purchase Macy's/Bloomingdale's in 2016. Depending on how it turns out, it could be good or bad for our cause for Marshall Field's to return to State Street.
http://fortune.com/predictions-2016-future-business/
Date: Mon, November 23, 2015, 10:20 pm CT
Posted by: Pete,
Was listening on the radio about two hugenormous drug companies merging, Pfizer and Allergran. Macy's execs should take note. If they they merge the right way with Selfridge's, they could have the huge benefit of a tax inversion.
Just playing Macy's advocate for another reason that this could be a good deal. Then again, bringing back Marshall Field's would be a good deal for them and they don't take advantage.
Date: Mon, November 23, 2015, 08:15
Posted by: Susan NY,
Dumb and Dumber I guess. They are nothing if not consistent.
Hey guys at Macy's! Is this the heritage you want to your credit? Couldn't you send someone to Greatness Class to bring back some new ideas? Like instead of plucking your golden goose, feed it and let it lay the golden eggs.
Date: Sun, November 22, 2015, 5:06 pm CT
Posted by: Jimmy Gimbels,
Oh me, oh my. Those wacky folks at Macy's have their super-duper excuse machine in overdrive.
To account for failing to meet sales forecasts during the past quarter, the excuses ranged from too cold to too snowy to too rainy to too warm. They use the same excuse for both in-store and on-line sales. How does the weather affect someone at home shopping on line?
USA Today (11/19) had an article about "what is killing department stores." Macy's posted lower revenue. To improve sales, Macy's is going to launch a program to custom merchandise selection to individual markets. HOLD ON! That sounds just like the "My Macy's" program launched a few years ago. Remember the signage up and down State Street promoting the program? Well, if it didn't work once, let's try it again!
The upscale department stores (like Nordstrom are fairing better with revenue growth at around 8.4% during the past twelve months.
So perhaps people re attracted to good service, great selection, quality goods, and clean/orderly stores. Hmm, just like Marshall Fields. Time to bring back the brand I would think.
Date: Sun, November 22, 2015, 2:12 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
I have seen reports on PBS about what the Westin family has done to bring Selfridge's around, and would love to see them do the same for Marshall Field's. I would love to se them come to Chicago.
Date: Sun, November 22, 2015, 9:16 pm CT
Posted by: Karen Roberts,
I think Selfridge would be a very great operator of Marshall Field's. I studied abroad in London about four years ago. Selfridge gave off the same vibe that I used to get at Field's when I was little about 12-15 years ago. Macy's is so middle of the road. Do they ever come up with anything original? Macy's is the McDonald's of department stores. Bloomingdale's is just an expensive version of middle-of-the-road. I really hope Macy's gets its act together and makes a deal to work with Selfridge.
In the meantime, I would say that I avoid Macy's whenever I can, but it's actually pretty easy to do. It's not even any effort. There are so many other more awesome places to shop. Macy's is never on my list of regular places I even think about shopping. Field's was always on my list. Same for my mother.
Date: Sun, November 22, 2015, 4:01 am CT
Posted by: Teri ,
I continue to refuse to shop at Macy's. I've moved to South Carolina 1 1/2 years ago. There is a Macy's in Savannah which is 30 minutes from my home. Even here, everyone seems to want a return of Marshall Fields on State Street. There are many Illinois residents where I live. They also, like me, refuse to shop at Macy's because of what they did to Marshall Field's.
Date: Sat, November 21, 2015, 3:57 pm CT
Posted by: Pat W, Texas,
Having stumbled upon this site quite by accident, I was astonished to learn how many people shared my feelings about M-F and miss it as intensely as I do. We lived n Houston Texas until four years ago, and still live nearby. Marshall Field had two stores here, one in Town and Country and one in the Galleria. Most of my shopping jaunts were to the Town and Country store because it was close to home, but I also made regular trips to the Galleria site. I never left either store empty handed nor did I ever leave without finding that precisely right item. The family joke was that when Mother died she wanted to be buried under Marshall Field.
The stores here were a class act....even for Houston. All of the merchandise was the embodiment of quality and style. Over twenty years later there are still articles of clothing in my closet that were purchased there; and yes, IÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂm still wearing them. They do not appear dated or worn, undoubtedly because of the styling and the quality of fabrics and workmanship. They are truly timeless classics, totally unlike what
we are finding on the racks of so many retailers today which is best described as ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂthrow awayÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ. Many of my husbandÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs clothes were purchased there. He prized them because they were impeccably tailored and well fitting. My son clung to his forever and still reminisces about how he misses the store (or at least the clothes his ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂmommaÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ) bought for him. In the back of his closet is a barn jacket I bought for him that he cherished. It has grown too snug, but it is nonetheless too dear to him to part with.
The Country Shop line was and still is without peer.
Date: Sat, November 21, 2015, 10:54 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
THIS AFTERNOON! Please stop by for your "Selfie for Selfridges." I will be out mid to late afternoon under the Great Clock at State and Washington. It helps us a great deal as we send them to Selfridges owners to support our plea for FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs. I do have to take breaks now and then so if you are making a special trip, please call my cell phone at 312.662.8980 or email jjmckay -at- me.com before coming to confirm we're there at the same time. Thank you!
(If you can't come, OK, but please don't post excuses.)
Date: Sat, November 21, 2015, 10:01 am CT
Posted by: David, in Geneva,
Since Macy's people post here, I thought I would post as a former employee at Carson's!
If Bon-Ton had come back to State Street, Carson's would have killed Macy's. It could be that they would have brought Marshall Field's back. Given the cold-heartedness of Macy's, I think they would have just closed State Street. It is rumored that Water Tower makes more money, although it's not as cool of a store.
Some of us also wonder if another company ended up Marshall FIeld's. The thought is that Macy's then would have purchased the norther dept. stores group from Saks = Carson's, Boston Store, Bergner's, Herberger's, Younkers. Those stores pretty much duplicate the footprint of Marshall FIeld's, Hudson's & Dayton's.
But, things turned out differently. If Bon-Ton goes bankrupt, look for a lot of stores to just close outright while Macy's and J.C.Penney will buy a few of the good performers like Harlem Irving or Lincolnwood Town Center. But not many. Maybe Von Maur will bite on one or two, like at Hawthorn.
Macy's is getting more and more like a Kohl's that sells mattresses. Marshall Field's should not be Macy's.
Date: Fri, November 20, 2015, 6:10 pm CT
Posted by: Bob ,
I wholeheartedly agree with the spirit of this site.
At the same time, I have worked in the past for both Macy's and Bloomingdale's. I'm very skeptical that anything will change. It's very sad because they have a really great opportunity in State Street and Field's.
Date: Fri, November 20, 2015, 6:03 pm CT
Posted by: TW,
I have refused to shop at Macy's since the desecration of The patron saint of shopping Marshall Fields. May Selfridges see our outpouring of Selfridge love, dedication to a world class standard and our deep desperation and have compassion for our lack of options. May they hear our cries for higher standards and quality and agree that they are our answer. Our solution. And.... if you will..... Our salvation.
Let the people say..... Selfridges.
Date: Thurs, November 19, 2015, 10:19 pm CT
Posted by: Jim,
Crains Throwback Thursday on Field's and Macy's.http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20151119/NEWS07/151119804/-tbt-on-fields-and-macys-crains-gives-the-reader-what-she-wantsPlease read the comments and add your own.
One comment from "ChicagoeJoe:"
Thanks for the thorough discussion and timeline of events. I'm struck by three things.
1) Marshall Field V has some numbers to back up his opinion. Indeed the brand is a pretty good one. According to the last SEC 10K filings before Field's was absorbed into Macy's, Marshall Field's trade names were valued at $419M. SEC 10K filings at the same time showed Macy's and Bloomingdale's trade names combined were listed as $377M and all the rest of May Department Store's trade names including Lord and Taylor had a combined value of under $190M.
2) I don't think Macy's has ever publicly issued sales figures for State Street or the other former Field's locations in Chicago since the conversion. Why not? As exemplified above, for years before Federated/Macy's/Bloomingdale's took over Field's, it was quite common to see exact sales figures for Field's in the Chicago area and even specifically for State Street. And do keep in mind that two-thirds of the former Field's stores that Macy's says were not doing so well were actually former Dayton's and Hudson's locations.
3) Renting out the space to other vendors was actually inspired by Selfridges in London where it was a huge success as the "stores within a store" concept. Field's did a Chicago version and had success at State Street and was getting ready to something similar at the Minneapolis flagship when Macy's took over. That strategy is still used by Selfridges today and is why Selfridges is considered the world's best department store as voted by its peers and it's space is filled.
With current rumors saying State Street will be condensed severly, the grass roots group FieldsFansChicago released a proposal for Selfridges owners, Toronto's Galen Weston family, to take a stake in Macy's or buy the State Street store to turn it around. Details are at http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org/pr11192015.html
Date: Thurs, November 19, 2015, 2:55 pm CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE(CHICAGOÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂNovember 19, 2015)
FieldsFansChicago.org Steps Up Its Campaign
ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂSelfridges: Come Home to Chicago and Save Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs!ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ
For more information:
Email: regards -AT- fieldsfanschicago.org
Web: www.FieldsFansChicago.org
Twitter: @FieldsFansChgo
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/fieldsfanschicago/
Instagram: FieldsFansChicago
The grassroots organization FieldsFansChicago is stepping up its campaign to bring Selfridges back to Chicago and ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂSave Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs.ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Specifically, the organization is working to lure LondonÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Selfridges Group and the family of Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist Galen Weston to make a deal to restore the international retail and cultural destination Marshall Field & Company back to State Street. Indeed, a whole new chapter in the story of Mr. Selfridge could be written.
The newly refreshed efforts are in response to news reports that MacyÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs, Inc. is reviewing options for maximizing stockholder value by redeveloping, reconfiguring, downsizing, or even selling part or all of the formerly world-renowned Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs flagship store at 111 North State Street. But we of FieldsFansChicago say that the maximum value of this asset is far from realized while the store remains another MacyÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs and can only be unlocked when it is operated once again as the unique Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs.
To support this, FieldsFansChicago has refreshed several initiatives:
- Raise awareness of the unrealized value of Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs. Inform MacyÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs stockholders, business and civic leaders, and the shopping public that The Wall Street Journal recently valued the State Street store at $1.74 billion, a value that is maximized when the store is operated with the Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs trade name, which itself was valued at $419 million in SEC 10-K filings before the name was mothballed. Today, MacyÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs market cap was $12.4 billion.
- Expanded pin-on button campaign. Distribution of yellow pin-on buttons that say, ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂSelfridges Come Home to ChicagoÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ have been added to FieldsFansChicagoÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs previous distribution of ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂTime to Bring Back Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂsÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ buttons and stickers. Over 142, 000 buttons and stickers have been distributed so far.
- Educational bookmark flyer distribution. Over 175,000 bookmark-style flyers have been distributed, educating all about why the restoration of Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs to State Street is a good deal for everyone and the unique historic connection between Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs and Selfridges.
- ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂSelfies for Selfridges.ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ This is a new social media campaign on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where Chicagoans and Chicago visitors show support for our latest efforts by posing under the Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs clock on State Street with Selfridges and Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs signs and pin-on buttons.
Buttons and bookmark flyers will be distributed and ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂSelfies for SelfridgesÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ will be taken at various times on Black Friday, November 27, 2015, as well as Saturday afternoons through Christmas. See contact details for exact times.
The Historical Context
Selfridges can attribute its world-class pedigree to the DNA of the internationally renowned Marshall Field & Company on State Street. There, Harry Gordon Selfridge started his career by playing a pivotal role for 25 years in defining the Marshall Field & Company that was experienced throughout the 20th century. For his second act, Mr. Selfridge translated and replicated his FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs experience by creating LondonÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs own world-class emporium, Selfridge & Co., on Oxford Street. Today, Selfridges is considered the ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂbest department store in the worldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ by the Intercontinental Group of Department stores. Reciprocally, Marshall Field & Company on State Street successfully interpreted and implemented a Chicago version of SelfridgesÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Oxford Street ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂstores within a storeÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ concept during the early 2000s, before FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs was converted to MacyÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs.
TorontoÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Galen Weston and his family are the masterminds behind the current world-class success of Selfridges. Through Selfridges Group, the Galen Weston family successfully operates other historic department and specialty stores under their original names and styles in Canada, United Kingdom, and Europe. And the Galen Weston family operates the largest grocery and drug store chains in Canada, Loblaw and Shoppers Drug Mart, as well as CanadaÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs expansive Choice Properties REIT. For several decades, Chicago was the base of Galen WestonÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs U.S. retail operations.
People want more than Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs nostalgia and historical markers at State StreetÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂthey want the Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs experience restored as a vibrant, contemporary, world-class emporium. Surveys of more than 2,000 shoppers from 2009 to 2012 showed that 4 out of 5 people interviewed overwhelmingly prefer Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs to MacyÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs.
For further information, email regards -AT- fieldsfanschicago.org
FieldsFansChicago is solely responsible for the content of this press release. It is not connected with nor endorsed by Selfridges Group, the Galen Weston family, MacyÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs, Inc., or others.
###
Date: Thurs, November 19, 2015, 1:07 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Dear FieldsFans:
THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON, NOVEMBER 21, 2015, TIME: TBD
Assuming that we don't get 12" of snow as some forecasts are projecting as of the moment, would you be willing to come down to State Street to support Marshall Field's for an hour or two under the Great Clock at State and Washington?
You can help pass out our fliers or better yet, help with the signs used for our "Selfies for Selfridges" initiative.
If you can assist, please email me at jjmckay AT me DOT com or call 312.662.8980 so we can arrange times. You can even reach us at that number while we are on State Street in case you can help at the last minute.
Thank you.
Jim
Date: Thurs, November 19, 2015, 9:07 am CT
Posted by: Anna ,
Well, it looks like Carson's will go BK if it doesn't do well this Christmas. Stock is down over 40% today. I bet Macy's would cherry pick a few of the better locations and leave the locations in B-class malls alone. Macy's really doesn't want more stores. They also want less.
It still makes sense to run Field's as a single destination on State Street.
Date: Wed, November 18, 2015, 5:35 pm CT
Posted by: Tyree A.,
Field's is still sorely missed. Macy's is no match.
Date: Tues, November 17, 2015, 4:19 pm CT
Posted by: Pete,
On this day in 2004, Kmart announced a surprise deal to acquire Sears for $11 billion.
Based on what we hear in the news, I can only hope that there's a surprise deal to bring back Marshall Field's.
Date: Tues, November 17, 2015, 9:56 am CT
Posted by: mikea,
Right now writing on this blog, I seem to wonder with all that happened last week, does any of this matter as much as it did before be it the Bears, Cubs, Hawks, Bulls winning, the next new shiny toy for Christmas, protests over the police, corporate profits rising etc.
One comment after listening to other retailers 3rd quarter, it was not good. Nordstrom had lower traffic, Dillard's sales way down, yet the lower priced retailers Wal-Mart, Kohl's, and even JC Penney did better. Wondering if there is a shift in spending, less on higher end goods and more on leisure and travel.
Seems the airports are crowded and hotels, the last few months and I pretty much travel every 2 weeks or more.
Macy's needs to evaluate what they plan on doing with the real estate. It would be a one time profit gain, yet if they cannot right the entire company those short term profits are like putting a band aid on a gushing wound.
They have a gem in State Street the best building for retail in the country. They must realize they cannot downsize it to 5 levels without destroying sales. The Walnut room and the tree must be preserved. If they out right sell the entire building and a new retailer comes in, they too must realize the value in the traditions and the store and not carve it up into small pieces as Carson's and Wieboldt's are now.
The main problem is the floor areas are so large that residential would not really work with the limited amount of window space for the units. Let's just hope that short term profits and shortsightedness does not destroy the wonderful 111 N. State Street building!!!!!
Date: Sun, November 15, 2015, 14:01
Posted by: Carmella,
You know...I grew up shopping with my mom at Marshall Fields and I remember how gorgeous the place was! It felt like such a treat and I can only compare it to staying at a 5 star hotel! The selection, quality, customer service, and overall feel said quality! Please come back!
Date: Sun, November 15, 2015, 9:42 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
SUN-TIMES EDITORIAL on MARSHALL FIELD'S
http://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/7/71/1099401/editorial-chicago-department-stores-continue-evolve
SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP BRING BACK FIELD'S--write a brief email to the Sun-Times, even if it's one sentence.
The Chicago Sun-Time doesn't have comments after its newspaper articles BUT YOU CAN HELP by EMAILING a response to letters@suntimes.com Be sure to include the words "FOR PUBLICATION" in your response. Also be sure to included your name, address and phone number. They usually will confirm before publication. They won't print your address, but they will print your town (or neighborhood if in Chicago). If you live outside the Chicago area, that's actually better because it drives home how Field's is a national and international brand, unlike most other mothballed department store brands. Writing letters does make a difference!
(The Chicago Tribune has also been running stories on this. Letters to the editor of the Chicago Tribune can be sent to ctc-tribletter@tribune.com Be sure to include your name, city, state and phone number, along with the phrase, "FOR PUBLICATION." Writing is something you can do to help our cause to bring back Marshall Field's.)
Date: Sat, November 14, 2015, 12:21 CT
Posted by: gle,
"Chicago Tonight" on Friday November 13 briefly discussed Macy's proposed changes of the upper floors on State Street to residential. The host asked how would you like to live there, and one of the media guest said, "Yes, if someone else pays for it." Another thought it might be nice to live in the Marshall Field's building, and they did say Marshall Fields. That was about it.
Date: Sat, November 14, 2015, 12:18 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
So if the alderman is only committed to the first floor on State Street remaining retail, what's going to happen to the Walnut Room and the Great Tree? That's all most people go there for if they do go.
Date: Sat, November 14, 2015, 08:39
Posted by: Susan NY,
Seeing these most recent posts is so very dismaying. After all this, Macy's is too stupid, inept, and mean to fix this or they would have done so. They got themselves into this pickle with all of us jumping up and down on the sidelines, begging them to go back to Field's all these years. Now they have found an alderman to help them continue generating their mess to fill the dumpster to overflowing with the last bits of Field's unique gift to the city. Brilliant.
Here is a quote I recently rediscovered that adds power to the argument for restoring Fields: "...regardless of their background, training, or philosophical bent, people are predisposed to aesthetic experience....The opposite of aesthetic is anaesthetic, which is usually defined as a deadening of the senses, or a substance which blocks sensation." The author then refers to Thomas Moore's "The Re-Enchanment of Daily Life." Beverly Gordon, Bazaars and Fair Ladies, xxv.
From the Amazon blurb for Moore's book:
Starting from the premise that we can no longer afford to live in a disenchanted world, Moore shows that a profound, enchanted engagement with life is...a necessity for one's personal and collective survival. [Regarding] specific aspects of daily life such as clothing, food, furniture, architecture... Moore describes the renaissance these can undergo when there is a genuine engagement with beauty, craft, nature, and art in both private and public life.
We had it in Field's. As their prerogative, Macy's has taken something precious from us and flung the theft in our faces as an 'improvement'. How nice there is an equally benighted alderman helping to secure the long-term effects of this crippling loss for Chicago.
Date: Fri, November 13, 2015, 8:44 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
Yahoo Finance has had links to numerous articles to the downward spiral at macy. Reading through the comments one can see there are two predominant negative comments about macy. First complaint is the poor quality, overpriced, blah merchandise they are trying to sell. Second issue is the conversion of all the popular local department stores into macy; evidently many shoppers preferred their own iconic stores to the "magic" name from New York.
Of MANY posts about the lost retailers, ONE name was predominant.
Clearly the macy board has been unaware of or indifferent to consumer dissatisfaction. Perhaps this drop in sales and stock values will cause the macy board to reevaluate their operations. Show Terry the exit, decide that they are no longer competing with Target and Kmart, hire skilled buyers and eliminate discount store brands like Martha Stewart and Alfani, and restore the strong regional nameplates.
If the macy board of directors doesn't read the comment boards and understand that after all these years shoppers STILL want Marshall Field's, they will continue to preside over a downward spiral.
Date: Fri, November 13, 2015, 8:02 pm CT
Posted by: Tina Franks,
Bleeding Money, Macy's Dives Into The Bargain Bin
Date: Fri, November 13, 2015, 12:40 pm CT
Posted by: Jim,
As the store becomes less and less retail, the store becomes more and more vulnerable to bo longer being Marshall Field's or any retail establishment at all. The alderman says he is only committed to the first floor remaining retail.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE THIS MORNING:
Discusses Macy's development plans at State Street.
Hey, Kroger: DonÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂt mess up MarianoÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs, writes @MarySchmich (not that she really cares) http://trib.in/1Prvbjg
Letters to the editor of the Chicago Tribune can be sent to ctc-tribletter@tribune.com Be sure to include your name, city, state and phone number, along with the phrase, "FOR PUBLICATION." Writing is something you can do to help our cause to bring back Marshall Field's.
=========
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES THIS MORNING.
Alderman Ready To Work With Macy's Re-Purposing State Street Store:
Letters to the editor of the Chicago Sun-Times can be sent to letters@suntimes.com Be sure to include your name, city, state and phone number, along with the phrase, "FOR PUBLICATION." Again, is something you can do to help our cause to bring back Marshall Field's.
Date: Fri, November 13, 2015, 12:01 pm CT
Posted by: Erick,
After all these years, It's finally becoming more obvious that Macy's needs to return the State Street store back to Marshall Fields-in name and in quality. Redeveloping the State Street store is not going to helping declining sales. Bringing back Marshall Fields is the only option.
Date: Fri, November 13, 2015, 7:37 am CT
Posted by: Jeanne C. Fuchs,
Amazing, the loyalty of so many to what Macy's considers "development meat". I just stumbled on this website while reading the WSJ story on Macy's bad earnings/stock report. So happy to see that people are working to bring back our elegant Field's. I worked in Sales Promotion there in the 50's, when John Moss was in charge of the windows, Budd Gore the Advertising, Larry Sizer in charge of all - what wonderful days. What a beautiful store. What beautiful merchandise - and customer service like no other. I know it became a little shopworn late in the century - but its restoration both as an architectural gem and a merchandise gem should not be impossible. Good luck to all of you Fields Fans out there. Count me in.
Date: Fri, November 13, 2015, 1:45 am CT
Posted by: Robert Mau,
Wouldn't it be awesome if Macy's sells State Street AND the Marshall Field's brand? I'm sure some group of investors would jump on it.
Date: Thurs, November 12, 2015, 7:12 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
Our baloney has a name and it is spelled M-A-C-Y-S.
Buy a stable of fine race horses, starve them, put them into one stall, complain that they don't win races any more, and have them put down. There! Money saved on a bunch of old nags you don't have to worry about any longer. Brilliant move, the ledger is in the black again.
I guess it does not matter whether you have a glittering MBA and a thousand propertiesÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ anyone can be dense.
Selfridge on a few floors and supermarket on the first floor? Talk about a knife through the heart.
Tourists in the Walnut Room? What tourists? The ones not buying elsewhere in the store? We don't need that walnut any more... sell that! Who needs a Tiffany ceiling over a canned goods unit? Sell that!
Bah.
Date: Thurs, November 12, 2015, 6:53 am CT
Posted by: Joan Keeler,
This business where their redeveloping the State Street store does not sound good to me for Field's. Someone needs to talk to the mayor.
I did not know that LensCrafters was part of Macy's. Now I am also boycotting LensCrafters everywhere.
This is such a shame. It's what people predicted 10 years ago when the horrible news that Macy's was taking over Marshall Fields came out.
Date: Wed, November 11, 2015, 4:17 pm CT
Posted by: mikea,
Just finished listing to the conference call
a few points
1) Retail is going down, not unsure why however Macy's has decreased their offerings and cut down some of their departments
A) They claim home is doing so well then why close the cellar in Herald Square to put in Juniors merchandise and move it a smaller area on 8. The same is true at State Street they are decreasing the size of home
2)State Street is having less clearance while other stores are getting the clearance for backstage. Some stores ie Herald Square look like a bloomingdales while others look like a Kohl's
3) I don't see any new special merchandise coming to State Street just consolidating the space for the home store
4) This new real estate initiative can hopefully mean leasing the higher floors 10 and above which are mainly vacant and moving the regional offices to 9. Leasing out space in the lower floors to other retailers maybe even a grocery store on the lower level.
Another alternative would be to sell space on certain floors to a new high end retailer Harrod's or another new retailer to Chicago.
I don't see the store going any lower than the 7th floor. The Walnut room brings in way to many tourists at Christmas.
FYI Target tried many years ago to lease the upper floors 10 and above as office space. They had the problem with the floors being so large finding tenants. Carson's and Wieboldt's did that while they were still open, but their floors were much smaller in size and easier to lease.
Macy's needs to go back to the basics and make their stores special again as when they were RH MACY not Macy's INC.
Date: Wed, November 11, 2015, 2:13 pm
Posted by: Jane Phillips,
What's this all about????
Macy's rethinks State Street flagship
By BRIGID SWEENEY
and RYAN ORI
Macy's is considering redeveloping its sprawling State Street store as the retailer seeks new sources of revenue.
Cincinnati-based Macy's said in a statement today that it has begun exploring potential joint ventures ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂor other deal structures with third partiesÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ for flagship real estate in Chicago, Manhattan, San Francisco and Minneapolis.
Redevelopments would be done ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂin a manner that maintains a robust Macy's retail store presence while also bringing alternative use into those buildings,ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Macy's said in the statement...
Date: Wed, November 11, 2015, 12:11 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
So macy sales and profits were down in the third quarter. Lundgren cites one reason as the loss of business from international visitors.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2015/11/11/macys-third-quarter-earnings/75569178/
Maybe, just maybe, since macy is everywhere it is no longer anything special to international or domestic tourists. macy is New York, Marshall Field's is Chicago, Burdines is Florida--each region had an iconic department store that attracted visitors; macy has diluted the value of its own nameplate by becoming as commonplace as McDonald's or Walmart.
Relating the link above to comments by mikea: there is definitely a correlation between "joint ventures" with developers and downsizing sales floors, dropping merchandise lines, cutting back on store decoration and maintenance. That is EXACTLY the same strategy they used in Pittsburgh. Make the store less of an attraction so that sales decline, affiliate with a developer to allegedly better utilize the flagship property, PROMISE to maintain a presence in the renovated building THEN ultimately shut down. State Street and Nicollet Mall may soon experience the same "magic" used to make St Paul, Houston, Pittsburgh and other downtown locations disappear.
It is sad that ONE egomaniac was able to destroy the joy of shopping across this great nation. He has destroyed beloved regional nameplates, traditions and local pride with his misguided notion that shoppers all want to experience "the magic" of a nondescript, downmarket, ubiquitous competitor to Target and JCPenney.
Isn't it LONG PAST time for Lundgren to retire?
Date: Wed, November 11, 2015, 9:30 am CT
Posted by: Alfred I.,
Regarding Real Estate Deals:
Hmmm ... Subletting: what an unimaginative (putting it politely) way to use the value of an assetÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂcompared with, for example, bringing Field's back to State Street in name, quality, and service!
Here's to the M store's lack of visionary ability to maximize its precious emerald asset, Field's State Street: (Many "Thumbs Down")
Date: Wed, November 11, 2015, 9:27 am
Posted by: Jackson T.,
Regarding Lenscrafters:
It's had them in some stores branded as Macy's Optical. If you go to any Lens Crafters or Macy's Optical both can access your records with them.
The only reason I know is because I've had eye exams and purchased glasses at both places and the last time at Lens Crafters they pulled it all up and told me they had the same parent company, Luxotica (sp?).
Regarding REITS:
The REITS and retailers not owning their stores only helped the demise of many a great store. That started back in the 80's. Gimbels in NYC closed in part because it was decided that the Real Estate was worth more than the ongoing business.
Sad! At least back in the day - Federated had it's own Real Estate Division. It have them more control over land lease terms and mall development.
Regarding LBO:
LBO - not sure if that's a good thing or not?
DEFINITION of 'Leveraged Buyout - LBO' The acquisition of another company using a significant amount of borrowed money (bonds or loans) to meet the cost of acquisition. Often, the assets of the company being acquired are used as collateral for the loans in addition to the assets of the acquiring company. Often it leads to a significant amount of debt.
Personal note...many LBOs have landed companies in Bankruptcy. So I guess it really would depend in the buyer. Perhaps bankruptcy could help to bring back Fields and a few other Regionals that were profitable!
Date: Wed, November 11, 2015, 9:24 am CT br>Posted by: Jim McKay,
Right now, Macy's is having it's Q3 Conference call. Terry Lundgren is joining the CFO, Karent Hoguet. It's unusual for him to join these calls so some big announcements must be happening. He mentioned real estate. It's live right now at this link:
http://investors.macysinc.com/
A few notes I made on Facebook:
-- Terry Lundgren, CEO and Chairman (TL): Macy's is adding Lenscrafters to its stores.
My take: more middle market, less special than Field's. Not a good thing from a Field's perspective.
-- TL: Will consider real estate deals (sounds like sublets or offering portions of stores including Herald Square/34th/NYC, Union Square/SF, State Street/Chicago, & Minneapolis.
My personal intrepretation is that it could mean downsizing State Street. I don't think that's so good.
-- Karen Hoguet, CFO (KH) : Transactions (a proxy for traffic) down 3.6%; -5.2% at comp stores, tourist stores slow. A total of four reasons which you can listen to later on the web rebroadcast.
Also four areas they did well and look promising. Northwest area did best this quarter (translates to me to mean former Bon Marche, Meier and Frank, etc. areas--Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake, etc.)
-- And of course 35-40 stores will be closed. I know some think this is a sign of weakness, but I think it's a strength. In Chicagoland, there's 16-18 stores. However, states like California have double or more concentration while other areas have some malls with two Macy's. That's for starters. There are too many stores in some areas where others lose money.
-- They will add Macy's Backstage to some larger stores. Macy's Backstage is a competitor to TJ Maxx, Ross Stores, etc. I think this makes sense and is a good idea in general to chain as an nationwide company.
-- KH is offering some very, very sound reasons for not going with the full-fledged REIT. She is still talking about it but some very good reasons.
-- KH: Partnerships and deals to make more money on four flagship stores (NYC, SF, State Street and Minneapolis on the real estate. Working with Tishman Speyer to redevelop unused space.
You can and are encouraged to listen in two hours at the same link above when it is available for listening on demand. Seeking Alpha sometimes also has rights to transcribe and offer written transcripts online.
Handling inventory is one of Macy's strengths. Howerver, they are struggling with excess inventory and, I think fairly the unusally warm fall is one legit reason.
-- KH is now talking about attracting new customers especially Millenials.
Uhhh...how about restoring Marshall Field's?
-- Finally an interesting question from an analyst: Someone named Larry posed concern that Macy's could be acquired in an LBO. KH, the CFO, really paused before answering.
If i were in the room, I'd ask, "How about a deal by the Westons, controlling family of Selfridges?"
-- Macy's stock is down 14.69% as of the moment (via iOS Stocks app) 9:33 am, Chicago Time). Down to $40.12. Was in the $60s organically in the mid summer. The REIT rumors "unnaturally" (IMHO) kicked up the value to over $70 back in July. I think it will rebound a bit later in the day and week.
Date: Wed, November 11, 2015, 7:55 am CT
Posted by: Jim,
Conference call for Macy's 3rd Quarter right now.
Terry Lundgren is joining the call which is unusual.
There will be announcements about real estate.
Follow links at http://www.macysinc.com
Date: Tues, November 12, 2015, 11:28 pm CT
Posted by: Pete,
Tomorrow, Macy's releases its third-quarter results.
For all of Macy's claims that its stores in Chicago are doing so great, how come they don't release figures about them?
12-13 years ago, it was not uncommon to read in the paper how State Street or Michigan Avenue were doing individually.
If State Street was really doing great, then Macy's would be crowing the details from the rooftops, don't you think???
In response to MikeA, I think Macy's has made up its mind already to selloff part of the State Street store. They just won't say anything till after Christmas because it'll scare people off from shopping at the store. Just my humble opinion
Pete.
Date: Tues, November 10, 2015, 6:12 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
Down, Field's, down.See Macy's go.
Flop, flop, flop.
Date: Mon, November 09, 2015, 11:51 am CT
Posted by: Mikea,
I was at State Street on Friday. It is becoming a disappointment going in there. First the Christmas Decorations are not the inspiring colorful ones of the last few years , instead just plain a lot of ornaments, very little decorated trees.
The large garlands have been replaced by twinkling stars which are not large enough to fill the two atriums. Most likely all of this a cost cutting measure.
Also very disheartening is the closing off of sales areas on the 6th floor and some on the lower level for stockrooms. It seems that State Street cannot sell anything that Herald Square will not sell.
What happened to the My Macy's program of localization?????
If Macy's needs extra money to run State Street they should think about leasing out more space to other retailers or specialty stores like Target did. They already messed the store up, closing the Wabash escalators and the 9th floor, now they are closing more parts of the store. They are also eliminating more brands for cost cutting.
I did send them an e-mail with my complaints and concerns.
Date: Sun, November 08, 2015, 3:07 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
It was great to see Field's Fans under the clock on Saturday November 7, and really encouraging that so many passers-by still miss their Marshall Field's and want back. Our Field's AND Selfridge's button were a hot item.
The Macy's tree-lighting was covered very briefly on the evening news (most stations had sports instead). Channel 9 showed a countdown with some kids, lights going on and part of a song by celebrity Jordin Sparks. The anchor-woman said this was the 108th tree lighting and then added, "Dating back to when it was called--Marshall Field's."
Channel 5 showed the same countdown and announced this year's theme, "All that glitters is gold" and the windows theme, "Santa's journey to the stars." The Charlie Brown window at State and Washington was not mentioned.
After the sports was over (very late) Channel 32 highlighted the appearance by American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and Make-a-Wish kids as they showed the tree--nothing else.
Also of note, wgnradio.com has a 12-minute interview with Andrea Schwartz, VP of MacyÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Chicago, called "MacyÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Walnut Room 108th Annual Great Tree Lighting and the Art We Grew Up With." She credits their idea for the Peanuts artifacts they are selling as something they saw at Selfridge's.
Date: Sat, November 07, 2015, 9:40 pm
FB Posted by: Sharon K,
So I understand they lit the giant tree in the Walnut Room today in Chicago.If they kept the name Walnut Room, why couldn't they have kept it inside Marshall Fields instead of changing to Macy's?
Date: Sat, November 07, 2015, 6:48 pm
FB Posted by: Alfred I.,
Stephanie:
About Selfridges and Field's, see http://www.fieldsfanschicago.org
Date: Sat, November 07, 2015, 6:35 pm
FB Posted by: Stephanie S.,
Selfrdige?
Date: Sat, November 07, 2015, 3:31 pm
FB Posted by: Jackson T.,
Totally agree! (with James K.)
Date: Sat, November 07, 2015, 2:15 pm
FB Posted by: Alfred I.,
Yes, James K.!
Date: Sat, November 07, 2015, 2:05 pm
FB Posted by: James K.,
In so many arenas we've sold out the idea of "local" in deference to the big impersonal conglomerates. Field's really epitomized "Chicago" and the idea at least of the "Best of Chicago." The same thing has happened in publishing and newspapers and radio stations. We've gone "generic"-- programing and what's covered is done from afar and usually by someone who doesn't really even know the city. We need to regain our regional, and local identities. It's WAY too easy to wake up somewhere and not know where you are because everything is alike. (I'm not saying that've woken up anywhere and not known where I am smile emoticon But you get my drift.) I'll never relate to a mall-- but I'll meet you under the clock at Fields! Haute Chicago at its best....
Date: Sat, November 07, 2015, 12:43 pm
FB Posted by: David P.,
...i Hope it'll happen - I Love Marshall Fields : )
Date: Sat, November 07, 2015, 12:10 pm
FB Posted by: Alfred I.,
H O O R A Y ! all you lovely Field's Fans!
Here's to the once and future Marshall Field's!
Date: Sat, November 07, 2015, 12:03 pm
FB Posted by: Jim McKay,
At Marshall Field and Company Building, at Noon today.
Date: Fri, November 06, 2015, 10:57 pm
Posted by: gayle,
Hi Field's friends,
We really need you! Please come out to State Street tomorrow for leafleting. There will be a lot of news coverage surrounding the event, and we really want to show a good turnout for the cameras. Please, even if you can only spend 1/2 hour, your presence will be noted. Bring a friend. Heck, bring a LOT of friends! Please let's give Marshall Field's the support they deserve.
Hoping to see you!
gayle
Date: Fri, November 06, 2015, 4:45 pm
Posted by: Alfred Imhoff,
Calling all Field's Fans: If you're in or near Chicago, please come to State & Washington tomorrow, Saturday, November 7, from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm, to leaflet for the return of Field's! Here's to the once and future Marshall Field's!
Date: Fri, November 06, 2015, 3:20 pm
Posted by: Kelly,
I haven't posted for a few years but wanted to share reflections of last week's trip to Chicago (first time since Fields' demise). I traveled with a friend from Boston who loves art and architecture and had never been to Chicao. We both wanted to see the Field's building.
What a disappointment, yet strangely not surprising: 80s music was blaring throughout the store, directional signs were poor, (fake) sale signs and red stars vastly outnumbered customers. The carpets were dirty, and I spotted someone's discarded cracker crumbs on a railing under the mosaic ceiling. The Frango cafe and Walnut Room were empty. The day after Halloween, the State Street side of the store featured Christmas decorations while the windows were covered in paper announcing that M's "magic" was coming.
During out visit, I wore my Field's button around the city and got several comments. It was good to know that Marshall Field's is not forgotten.
It was difficult to convey to my friend what Marshall Field's was to Chicago. He was sure that I was overreacting, even when we talked about the ongoing movement to bring back Field's. In the Boston area, M's takeover of Filene's generated little comment. I still won't shop at or accept gifts from M's.
I have to say I was also disheartened to see that Carson Pirie Scott on State is now a Target store (among others). I'm a Target shopper, but still it was a kick in the stomach to pass though that gorgeous Louis Sullivan entry and see the red plastic shopping carts lined up. It used to feel special and joyful to shop in these buildings--a real treat and an event every time!
Jim and friends, keep up the excellent work--and keep the faith!
Date: Fri, November 06, 2015, 8:00 am
Posted by: Linda Martin,
I'm just here because I want to register my disgust with the idea that Macy's will be open again on Thanksgiving day. Thanksgiving is a holiday for families. The deals already started. Can't we just have one day, just one day, to be thankful for what we have??? Do we have to buy every day? Didn't we used to have lots of sales in time to make money when we were not open on Thanksgiving day?
Macy's disgusts me because they have this parade. It used to be the parade was to celebrate the day it is intended to honor. Now, it's just a big commercial for you to go out and buy at Macy's later in the day. Macy's is degrading and killing the American family by doing this. An ethical employer would MAKE their employees take pause and be thankful for one day rather than work. Macy's is sick!
I remember when this all started a couple years ago, the CEO of Macy's was out all the morning talk shows the next day, Black Friday, to say how important how wonderful this is. If I was a stockholder or a member of the Board of Directors at Macy's, I would throw this bum out. He is GREEDY!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: Thurs, November 05, 2015, 7:05 pm
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
I awoke to a morning news report (Fox 32) a couple of days ago that Macy's was lighting their great tree on Saturday November 7. Ugh, what a thing to wake up to. They showed people putting tinsel on this sickly-pale-green tree that looked like it needed some morning coffee. I certainly did after seeing that first thing in the morning. I'm glad Field's Fans will be on State Street Saturday November 7. Chicago still wants its Marshall Fields. I look forward to seeing you all.
Date: Thurs, November 05, 2015, 19:17
Posted by: E.K.,
Seasons greetings, Field's fans!
Is anyone going down to the Holiday Windows unveiling this weekend on State??? I wonder how good it will be this year. The past couple years of been pretty much the same. I don't work downtown anymore so I wonder if it will be worth the trip.
Keep us posted if you go.
Needless to say, I wish we still had Marshall Fields. It was so much better than Macy's.
Ed
Date: Wed, November 04, 2015, 6:26 am
Posted by: Anna,
Newsflash!
This is nowhere as near as exciting as Marshall Field's returning. However there was a miracle today with something similar but on a smaller scale.
Reports are saying that Maurice Lynell cookies are coming back out again. After listening to their customers, the company that owns the brand and the recipe has decided to bring them back, if only in the chocolate chip variety for now.
Can pinwheels' return be just behind?
OK! So these are just cookies that are favorites in the local Chicago area. But then think how Marshall Field's was a world-class, world known institution, top-rated by everyone worldwide--except for Macy's executives. If something relatively small like cookies can come back, then something so great and amazing in history like Marshall Field's definitely will come back eventually.
We can only continue to hope and persist in our quests for the big comeback of Marshall Field's!
Date: Tues, November 03, 2015, 11:28 am
Posted by: Jim McKay,
THIS SATURDAY!
Please join GLE, Judy and others and help!
GIVE THE LADIES WHAT THEY WANT!
Mini-Rally and Button & Flyer Distribution
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
This Saturday, November 7, 2015
Under The Great Marshall Field's Clock
State & Washington
Be there...and bring a friend! THANK YOU!
(Regrets and "I Will Be There in Spirit" responses to this thread are welcome, helpful, and encouraged here BUT ONLY AFTER THE EVENT and not before the event since they inadvertently discourage attendance. THANK YOU!)
Date: Tues, November 03, 2015, 10:51 am
Posted by: Mary Ann,
Sunday's Chicago Tribune had a full-page ad devoted to the lighting of the great tree in the Walnut Room. It was on one of the first pages of the first news section.
The ad looked similar to the ads they had in past years.
Whatever happened to the Glamorama substitute event they were supposed to have a few weeks ago?
I sense that macy's is just whittling away at Field's, little by little.
I wish Marshall Field's would come back and not just as as a name either.
Mary Ann
Date: Tues, November 03, 2015, 6:25 am
Posted by: Susan NY,
Sadly, "Macy's" and "smart" do not go together. Not so far anyway.
I was just presented with a green vinyl Field's tote by my family in Chicago. I will love it for Field's sake, but I had to tell them this was Macy's way of being dog-in-the-manger with the Field's brand, and litigation was involved.
How pathetic that Macy's can think of nothing better to do with Field's. They are so close to the gold and only dig for gravel. One wonders how deep the mine shaft of stupidity can be-- apparently it comes out the other side of the planet.
Date: Mon, November 02, 2015, 9:53 pm
Posted by: Philip eichler ,
The great clock ornaments by Christopher Radko are gone. For the last several years the ornament has diminished. It has been replaced by a Herald square equivalent. Herald square has this Radko ornament where it's hat forms NY landmarks, the Chicago version has a really bad Willis tower. Among other barely recognizable chicago landmarks, there is a state street sign and a bad clock. Guess Macy's could not truly wreck Field's, but wishes to diminish Field's the best they can.I'm still hoping there might be a smart person at Macy's that realizes what they pissed away .
Date: Fri, October 30, 2015, 17:57
Posted by: Pete,
I read that the theme for Macy's store windows will be the same in NYC, Boston, Washington D.C. Philadelphia and Chicago. The theme is a Charlie Brown Christmas.
Not a bad choice. Macy's has also licensed Peanuts dolls and other items as part of the theme.
Still Macy's is no Marshall Field's.
Date: Tues, October 27, 2015, 10:02 am
Posted by: Susan NY,
Field's a "peer" of Bloomingdales or Macy's? Macy's wants Herald Square to emulate the great Field's which they have trodden under? Does that not smell rat-like?
They are trying to be (the only) "Field's" and Kohl's and AnyOne at Herald Square I suppose. Yes, Field's had its bargain basement and various levels of quality. But the identity was pretty consistent throughout. At least as I remember it. You knew you were not in Wieboldt's and were glad not to be.
Let us all remember fondly the noble Great Tree in its beautiful walnut home at Christmas, throngs waiting a turn to sit in its glow for a while...... the happy hum of the place...
Sigh.
Date: Mon, October 26, 2015, 8:21 pm CT
Posted by: Pete,
Please accept the following as my replacement for my earlier post which I was writing on my phone.
--
Mikea. The stores that currently operate under the Macy's name are actually different kinds of stores with different classes of merchandise depending on what part of the country you are in. I gather you know this already, but I'm just repeating for other readers. It is understandable that because different localities, people want different things. I guess that's why they had a whole push for "localization," as Macy's honchos called it.
But really, Macy should just do what other brands do what other companies do to serve their different constituencies. They have a different brand for each area where there are different types of stores thus indicating their unique characteristics.
Hilton Hotels does this. I can't even count how many brands they have. Yet, each Hilton brand hotel has a different, more subtle identity associated with it.
Macy's can solve their identity crisis really easy. All they have to do is bring back regional department store brands and let localization define each unique brand.
Let's face it, the stores that used to be Marshall Fields in the Chicago area are much higher class than Macy's in most other parts of the country.
Go to Florida, and a lot of Macy's or closer to Kohls or JCPenney. Here in Chicago, Marshall Field's was a peer of Bloomingdale's as well as Macy's.
I think Macy's want's to make Herald Sqaure as good as State Street used to be when it was a different store, Marshall Field's. But New Yorkers aren't as interested in Macy's as Chciago was focussed on Marshall Field's.
Date: Mon, October 26, 2015, 11:39 am CT
Posted by: mikea,
I was in NYC last week and had lunch at Herald Square. The renovations are almost done. However I think and another friend who was a top manager at Hecht's agrees . Macy's is having a identity crisis.
The store is being remerchandised to look like a Bloomingdale's in some areas. They have added some high end brands and less value and sale merchandise in the store. The cellar area known for its housewares foods, and specialty items is gone. It got replaced by teen and 20 something year old M style lab or Juniors department. The once crowded cellar area is pretty much slow, however the eateries were not open, but the home store on 8 had more customers.
On the other hand large stores like Mall of America are being downgraded with merchandise that is like Bon-Ton or Kohl's. I hope they don't do that to State Street.
Date: Sun, October 25, 2015, 3:46 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
I am suddenly getting more comments about my Marshall Field's button again. I wonder if it is because the holiday season is almost here. People are reminded that Marshall Field's is where they should still be shopping.
Date: Fri, October 23, 2015, 6:20 am CT
Posted by: Field Observer,
The November issue of Chicago magazine also has an ad for the lighting of the tree. It's up in front of the magazine in the first few pages. It's the same artwork head now for several years.
Date: Wed, October 21, 2015, 3:33 pm CT
Posted by: Sherry ,
The Great Tree in the Walnut Room and the store windows at State Street will be unveiled Saturday, November 8th.
Pop star Jordin Sparks will light the tree.
It doesn't seem as big of a deal as it did when Field's had the tree. I hope the tree is better than last year's video tree..
Date: Tues, October 20, 2015, 4:33 pm CT
Posted by: Paul P,
I should explain that I don't think our beloved Marshall Field's is even in the same league or universe as a relatively lowly Walgreen's. It's just a relative comparison demonstrating change.
Date: Tues, October 20, 2015, 4:16 pm CT
Posted by: Paul P,
I agree with the last post in that Macy's reminds me of these former Walgreens that have been changed into Dollar Tree discount stores.
The buildings still look like Walgreens buildings inside and out, but the store inside is a step down now. It's clearly Dollar Tree inside, not Walgreens.
Same thing with the former Marshall Field's stores, especially State Street. You know the buildings used to be Marshall Field's because they are so distinctive. One might even call them "Marshall Field's" because of what used to be there. But the store inside is definitely NOT Marshall Field's. It's steps down because it is Macy's and not Marshall Field's.
Date: Tues, October 20, 2015, 6:21 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
This is, at the core, a morality tale, which is why it is still so galling to us all these years. It is a free country, supposedly. Within broad parameters, we may decide how lowly or how ennobled we want to be. No one can force an entrepreneur to invent, maintain, or restore a Marshall Field's. Until Macy's came along with its sledge hammer, Field's was at the higher end of the spectrum of human activity, because enough people gladly put their energy into that kind of superlative accomplishment.
We have had a good dose of benighted greed playing out at 111 N State and across the nation under the banner of Macy's exercising its right to be stupid and destructive. Here we are, still waiting for the visionary to come along to get Field's back on track.
I keep calling it Field's because it still exists even if blighted by black awnings of doom.
Date: Mon, October 19, 2015, 18:47
Posted by: Mary Ann,
It's still a national disgrace that an outsider like Macy's can come into Chicago and wipe out an entire piece of Chicago's history and culture.
Disgraceful!
Date: Sat, October 17, 2015, 1:46 pm CT
Posted by: Still concerned for Field's,
Re: Jim's post of October 12, 2015, does anyone have an update on what is currently happening with the investor Starboard and its proposals for Macy's? Is there anyone we could write letters to or something?
Date: Thurs, October 15, 2015, 7:24 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
I did not intend to diminish or deny or disregard the international significance oF Field's in my post... I just felt the need to address the frustration I feel about aspects of what I consider to be decay in American general culture--my home land--as played out in the Field's-Macy's scenario.
Strictly speaking, this is neither an American, nor a modern phenomenon. But--going the cheap route and doing the utmost to wring every last atom of immediate profit out of every molecule of property and goods, and invested dollars, without regard for long term loss....that is historically called Greed. Greed is admired only by the greedy and usually comes to a bad end, adversely impacting not only the graspers but their families, even communities and as we know, the nation as a whole sometimes. And as the globe shrinks, what messes one nation up, affects the others pretty directly as well. I would like to think modern Americans can do better.
We have all been harmed, as observed just below, by virtually unbridled investment greed. I do not accept the position taken by many, that a citizen's civic duty is to buy wantonly, and it is the prerogative of the seller to harass, manipulate, deceive and swindle--even destroy. Just because that can be done, does not mean it should be done. But taking the higher road does not work for the get-rich-quick model, so here we all are.
Looks to me like 111 N State is the canary in the mine. If it expires, the miners are next. I would like to think that Macy's recognizes what it has there, but their level of stewardship (never mind entrepreneurial genius) thus far does not inspire confidence.
Date: Wed, October 14, 2015, 8:10 pm CT
Posted by: Robert ,
I saw the name tag on chicago fire totally a Marshall Fields name tag green with white slanted script you could even see the gold clock image when the gentleman reached to get a pen from his inside pocket on his suit jacket. I admit I have a large high Def TV . I have to say little things like that on TV 9 years later is awesome and speaks volumes! Never give up this fight Fields was and is still loved!
Date: Wed, October 14, 2015, 5:37 pm CT
Posted by: Paul Miller,
This is in answer to TD. I too saw a name tag on Chicago Fire last night and while the script was right and the last name was "Field's" I couldn't verify the first word was "Marshall." That could have been on purpose due to who owns the name. But it just shows that after 10 years, we and others haven't forgotten.
Date: Wed, October 14, 2015, 12:34 pm CT
Posted by: Philip Eichler,
I would offer a contrary view in regard to whether the State Street Field's would be shrunk or closed, at this point I really don't think so. Early on, when Macy's first purchased Field's I could understand the rumors due to all the spite that seemed to be directed at Field's.
First off, I would wager that many, if not all of the other former flagships were dated and in need of renovation. It probably made no sense to revive these stores financially, and not being anyone's flagship now, there was little need to satisfy community pride. In regard to the former A & S store in Brooklyn, upon further review, that store has been operating as a shell of itself for years. Macy's is shrinking it to 310,000 square feet; it already had been shrunk to 385,000 square feet, so it is not that big of a restructuring, and the vitality of the area warrants investing in that store's renovation. Both Batus and Target poured several hundred million into the State Street store, it is largely a modern store in a historic edifice. It would make little sense for Macy's to abandon that built asset to rent out as offices or apartments.
Secondly, Macy's could shed some of the top floors without compromising the State Street store, as those top floors never were retail to begin with. They were kitchens, workshops, etc. Now, if
Macy's really had vision, they'd bring Frango production back to State, open it up as some sort of Willy Wonka tour attraction and really watch the visitor count go through the roof. (the half hearted Frango thing they did on 7 did not cut it)
Lastly, as Jim has stated, Field's wasn't just a national icon, but an international one. After almost then years, Mr. Lundgren now "owns" this store, and I think there would be major egg on his face if he closed or down sized this store by even a couple of floors. Particularly in light of the fact that he brags about how he has made State Street profitable again. How would that look? And this man is all about image.
Date: Wed, October 14, 2015, 12:14 pm CT
Posted by: mikea,
It seems that wall Street investors are taking their toll once again. If it was not for the megamergers where we lost the banks, airlines, department stores, food manufacturers etc. Now they are demanding more short term profits by selling real estate.
Wall Street has caused many problems throughout history the great depression, partially the recession of 2008 and the demise of well loved companies and thousands of jobs too.
Macy's now has to sell real estate and close more stores to bump up short term profits and earnings ratios. That is casing more downsizing of great stores and closures of others. The wall street greed cost the U.S the loss of our beloved local stores. Nordstrom too is being pressured to sell and lease back real estate. Bon-Ton just did that a few months ago, and rumor has it that the new owners of Belk will do the same thing.
I just hope State Street is not downsized or turned into a mixed use building.
Date: Wed, October 14, 2015, 9:39 am CT
Posted by: TD,
Did I see a Marshall Field's name tag on Chicago Fire last night?
Date: Tues, October 13, 2015, 6:42 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
To respond to SusanNY's post, It's a great point about Field's as a US icon. I think you are underestimating. Marshall Field's was an INTERNATIONAL icon and institution. When it was converted to Macy's, the story was all over newspapers and news outlets even cities like London, Tokyo, New Delhi and on and on. Even in those towns where a local store was replaced by Macy's, there was also coverage of Marshall Field's becoming Macy's.
Ten years ago, before we even had this web site, I was at a wedding in SoHo right after it was announced that Marshall Field's was being converted to Macy's. When other guests heard that I was from Chicago, the New Yorkers present immediately lamented Field's being converted into Macy's. At another similar event in St. Louis, someone brought how they could see Famouns Barr going away, but "for cryin' out loud, MARSHALL FIELD'S!? What reason is there to shop in Chicago?"
Marshall Field's had an international reputation for over 100 years. For starters, the State Street store was in many ways the prototype for 20th century department store buildings. But even here in the 21st century, it's amazing how the outpouring comes from abroad. We get email and posts from people from all around the US as well as abroad. In fact, for a time, over 10%--and perhaps closer to 15%--of our buttons-by-mail requests were from outside the USA. (We generally don't send buttons outside of the USA in more recent years because we don't have resources to mail internationally.) The biggest proportion of the international requests came from Europe. And then when we distribute bookmark leaflets/flyers, we'd always hear from tourists on State Street who were very disappointed to have Macy's instead Field's.
I could go on and on--but Marshall Field's is unlike most any other of the stores Macy's replaced. It was an internationally known store that was in Chicago, not NYC.
Date: Tues, October 13, 2015, 8:37 am CT
Posted by: SusanNY,
Y'know..... Field's was an iconic institution not just for Chicago. It was great for Chicagoans that Chicago was its locus....but this is an issue that has meaning for our culture as a whole. Maybe it was not the White House or the Rocky Mountains, but it was a piece of the national consciousness. It bothers me a lot that this Macy curse is besmirching us all, in connection with Field's as well as Kaufman's, Burdine's and the others, in a snaky, slithery way.
Any time anyone wants to sneer at the merchant princes of Marshall Field's era, let them instead sneer at the merchant pipsqueaks of today who lack what the Victorian and Edwardian movers and shakers had: a sense of noblesse oblige. A vision. Awareness of a larger world beyond the spreadsheet. If their largesse enhanced the moneymaking prospects, fineÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂif it stroked their egos, fine. But they knew they were doing a Good or even Extraordinary Thing, going beyond the bottom line. Now we are beset with petty Scrooges.
I am grateful for those few powerful Americans who continue to pursue and manifest great visions. Mr. Lundgren may consider himself to be a part of that heritage, but destruction of good things has never been regarded as heritage, but blight.
Date: Mon, October 12, 2015, 6:41 pm CT
Posted by: I am rooting for Chicago ,
Chicago has always been my home, and I love my city even if it isn't perfect. I love to see the Cubs win, and yes the Sox. I love to see the Bears win. I'm glad we have a Chicago Marathon and many other causes. I loved having our own department store Marshall Field's. It was part of us and something else to be proud of. Nothing can take the place of something that is part of you and home. I hope we can get it back someday. GO CUBS! GO CHICAGO! GO FIELD'S!
Date: Mon, October 12, 2015, 5:27 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
"Dave Andrews" and those reading his and similar posts :
Scroll down below to July 15, 2015, June 18, 2015, and others--there's more that's been discussed in this topic, including some writings that we have undertaken. A couple of us offered online comments following the articles at wsj.com (Wall Street Journal web site) and other outlets like it.
Date: Mon, October 12, 2015, 5:18 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
I had posted previously about macy selling off their downtown department store buildings. Specifically, they pulled out of Pittsburgh although they PROMISED to maintain a store in the landmark Kaufmann's building after the building was sold. Then I see that they are doing the same thing with the former Dayton's flagship store in downtown Minneapolis AND the former Bon Marche store in downtown Seattle. Do we see a pattern here?
Today a read an article about macy trying to satisfy activist investors by monetizing their real estate holdings. Interesting to note that one of the prime locations specifically mentioned is Chicago:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/macys-sells-top-four-floors-184506177.html
As I posted earlier, I was afraid the iconic Marshall Field's building was NOT SAFE from these despicable, greedy vultures; and indeed State Street may be the next target. Lots of empty, unused floor space in a prime location. By converting popular regional department stores into a nationwide competitor to Target and JCPenney, macy stores are not a destination in any community. Sales have dwindled and they have shored up the balance sheets by cutting merchandise and services. All that's left to maintain an appearance of profit is to sell off real estate. And indeed that is what Sears has done to stay afloat as it has fallen in a death spiral from top retailer to near extinction.
Note too that macy has downsized many of its mall stores. The lesser quality and quantity of merchandise and variety of departments offered, the less customers desire to visit the stores. We all realize that online shopping has taken its toll on brick and mortar locations, but by becoming a discount store operation macy has hurt its own bottom line.
Date: Mon, October 12, 2015, 5:02 pm CT
Posted by: Chris R,
Former Marshall Field's and Target honcho Michael Francis is stepping down from Dreamworks Animation at the end of this year.
Full-timers at State Street will remember the part he had at Field's and Target. He started as a management trainee at Field's in 1985. After the mergers and acquisition he moved over to Target. There, in the latter half of the 1990s, he played a significant role in adding the Marshall Field's spirit that can still be found at Target.
It doesn't say what Francis has planned next, but wouldn't it be great if it had something to do with restoring Marshall Field's?
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-dreamworks-francis-20150826-story.html
Date: Mon, October 12, 2015, 6:41 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
Doesn't the passage of years on this site, with the same theme song being sung here over and over, demonstrate clearly that the Macy treatment of Field's is a vendetta fueled by a toxic ego?
If Lundgren had the business acumen he is purported to have, if his ego were not so pernicious, he could have a Field's and an ego, too. Imagine if he did the Right (Smart) Thing!!! What a thought!
Date: Sat, October 10, 2015, 11:26 pm CT
Posted by: B.R.,
I lived in Chicago for approximately five years and shopped at Marshall Fields. Being a native Floridian, Fields reminded me of a great Florida store Burdines which unfortunately fell victim to the Macy's machine. I feel your pain and in support of the cause. I feel once Lundgren is gone order will be restored bringing back Field's
Date: Sat, October 10, 2015, 12:20 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
I would hate to see the State Street store chopped up into mutliple entities. I would love to see it return as Marshall Field's!
Date: Sat, October 10, 2015, 10:34 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Sarah K:
The story about the Hydrox cookies refers to the person who operates Leaf Brands as well as Strategic Marks. Over the past few years, Strategic Marks has been mentioned by several people here and in other Field's loyalist forums because it is the entity that is in court with Macy's, Inc. over the use department store names that Macy's replaced with Macy's. One of the names contested is Marshall Field's.
Pete's post brings up how through the years of leafleting, etc., I have informally heard from some top-notch vendors who would love to back at the State Street store, but only if it were Marshall Field's. It would be a terrible shame if any upper floors at State Street were sold off for purposes not related to the store and reduced the potential that running the store as Marshall Field's could offer.
State Street's highest and best use is as Marshall Field's, not as Macy's. It could be so much more as Marshall Field's--and the customers would flock to the store in unprecedented numbers if Field's was restored.
Other notes inspired by Rich's post (I'm sure Rich himself knows this but it is presented for the benefit of others) : Frederick and Nelson is said to have modeled their store after Marshall Field's. When the remaining partner wanted to retire, it's generally agreed that he was insistent that F & N be sold to Marshall Field's--and it was. That's how Field's came into Franco's/Frango's. By most all accounts, it was not a welcome acquisition.
Jim
Date: Sat, October 10, 2015, 7:18 am CT
Posted by: Sarah K,
Story about how new owners and management had big egos, didn't understand a brand, let their ego change the brand, and then blamed the brand and the customers.
http://morningnewsbeat.com/News/Detail/47878/2015-09-29/
Date: Fri, October 09, 2015, 9:52 pm CT
Posted by: Rich,
Hi All
Haven't posted for a LONG time --
I find it incredible that ---
Nordstrom in Downtown Seattle is undergoing renovation
And Rejuvination -with addition of special things for the Flagship
store (The building was formerly Frederick and Nelson and
is a spectacular edifice!)
The Nordstrom Family wishes that their store be a "Destination"
for any and all visitors to their city --- as well as a special place for Seattle residents to enjoy!!
And then their is Macy's
With the former Bon Marche flagship on Pine street --- just across the way--
and they are selling more than half of the former selling space and downsizing the store
I AM SO GLAD !!!
I HOPE EVERY DOLLAR in Seattle
will flow to Nordstrom !!!!
p.s. Nordstrom also is renovating Michigan avenue to make it more of a "Destination" as well!!!!!
As we go towards the Holiday season --
I STILL MISS Marshall Field's
Like they used to say
"There's No Place Like Field's"
Rich
Date: Fri, October 09, 2015, 7:31 pm CT
Posted by: Pete ,
Macy's is selling the top floors of the former Bon Marche flagship in Seattle. The store will be downsized, but they will keep the same number of employees.
http://www.seattletimes.com/business/retail/macys-sells-top-4-floors-of-downtown-seattle-store/
I think this is going to eventually happen at State Street. It's too bad they don't bring Marshall Field's back to State Street. If State Street were Marshall Field's, there would be such interest that the floors were to fill up again with Field's-worthy goods and services.
It's too bad they don't bring Marshall Fields back to State Street. If State Street were run as Marshall Field's, there'd be interest in bringing Trend House and other furnishings back. Other leased shops would want to come back.
Instead, as Macy's, it's like they mainly only cut what they don't do well.
What a loss to customers, Chicago, even Macy's itself which could realize more profits if Field's were to come back.
Date: Fri, October 09, 2015, 6:10 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
Marshall Field'sÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ a store worth fighting for, right?
To those who advise us hangers-on to 'get a life': it's the other way around. May the snarks get a life.
Field's was a mighty fine piece of our lives and MBAs do not have all the parts to make that kind of phenomenon happen. It's not just about profit but about passionÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂa level of commitment to excellence that goes beyond stratagems, formulas, and discount lures. Way beyond.
While it would be wonderful if Selfridge, for example, came along and restored fine shopping etc to the cityÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ- if you search your soul, you know the Field's name and heritage is what this is about.
Date: Thurs, October 08, 2015, 7:04 pm CT
Posted by: A State Street Spectator,
I'm glad to hear there will be a gathering in November on State Street. If we can't shop at Field's at least we have this to look forward to at the start of holiday shopping season. I wait to hear more.
Date: Thurs, October 08, 2015, 7:00 pm CT
Posted by: State Street Watcher,
To piggyback on Paul's post.
Growing up in the 1960s while attending Chicago Public Schools, we studied history of the city of Chicago in third grade throughout the year. We even had a textbook that was history of Chicago, written for kids our age. So they had a whole section on the Chicago fire. It talked about how Marshall Field's came through and pretty much brought back the city. I can't remember the name of the text, but it was a light blue
This history class helped ingrain in us young Chicagoans that Marshall Fields was an important Chicago institution, much more than a store. Macy's is just a store. It's not Marshall Field's.
Date: Thurs, October 08, 2015, 07:23 am CT
Posted by: Paul Martin,
They just said on Newsradio CBS 105.9 that today is the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.
Marshall Field's was destroyed, but it came back. Not only did it come back, it brought the city back. It lead the way in Chicago's comeback by being the first to help people and reopen to get back people on its feet.
Here's to Field's coming back now, even better than ever.
Date: Wed, October 07, 2015, 9:54 pm CT
Posted by: Sharon, ,
Lady in NW Indiana misses Marshall Field's so much that she made a quilt about it.
Why did Macy's get rid of such a hot brand????
Date: Mon, October 05, 2015, 6:30 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's conversationalist,
I can relate to the comment that just casually mentioning Field's gets a response. I brought my Field's Santa Bear to church for pet blessing last Sunday and set it in the middle of a table at coffee hour. Yes, the discussion started--Field's was a WONDERFUL PLACE, there's nothing but Macy's on State Street now, it's a good thing the building was landmarked, there's nothing to go downtown for anymore. The sentiment is still there, there is no doubt.
Date: Sun, October 04, 2015, 3:36 pm CT
Posted to FB by: Renee Rosen Author,
**News!!** WHAT THE LADY WANTS e-book is on sale for $1.99 & includes an excerpt of WHITE COLLAR GIRL. Available for most e-readers. Just a reminder that the $1.99 sale for WHAT THE LADY WANTS will be ending soon. Avail for any e-reader on Amazon, B&N, KOBO, Apple, Google. Not sure how long this sale is running so get it while you can! Enjoy!
Amazon/Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/What-Lady-Wants-Marshall-Gilded/dp/0451466713
[Note: "What the Lady Wants" background: In late-nineteenth-century Chicago, visionary retail tycoon Marshall Field made his fortune wooing women customers with his famous motto: ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂGive the lady what she wants.ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂàHis legendary charm also won the heart of socialite Delia Spencer and led to an infamous love affair. ]
Date: Sun, October 04, 2015, 1:40 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
A couple of things:
1) In response to "K.R.", there will be gathering under the Great Marshall Field's Clock at State and Washington on the first or second Saturday of November. Details will be forthcoming in the next week or so. This will be very similar to the gathering held on Saturday, November 7, 2014 which was lead by a contingency of our lady Field's Fans who demonstrated, "Give the Lady What She Wants." All Field's Fans and lovers of Chicago are encouraged to attend. Again, more details in 5-8 days.
2) Yesterday, I originally posted this to our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/fieldsfanschicago/ (Posted 4:16 pm, CT, 10/3/2015):
The point of the following story is not to talk about where you can buy mugs that feature The Clock; ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂïÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÿÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂürather, it's to demonstrate how just mentioning "Marshall Field's" can instantly elicit responses that it is missed and different from Macy's.
Here goes the story from a few minutes ago.
Buying coffee (at Gloria Jean's Coffee in the Harlem Irving Plaza, Norridge, IL) . I noticed that they are selling these mugs featuring the Marshall Field' clock ($12.99). I asked if the mug was at all Gloria Jean's coffee shops. Salesperson said probably just this one. I remarked that I know many who would love to buy a mug with the Field's clock. That's all I said. The sales person remarked, "Yes, I really miss Marshall Field's. Everyone does." The customer behind me also immediately chimed in, "So terrible it's Macy's--just not the same." Still: simply amazing how saying "Marshall Field's" can evoke that kind of response 9 years later.
Date: Sat, October 03, 2015, 12:18 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
At this time of year I always used to look forward to seeing signs of the holiday season appear on State Street. When I started working downtown there were 5 deprtments stores and Woolworth's to choose from. As I waited for the No. 145 bus I loved having something to look at, and often tempt me to go in an and buy something. I'm glad I have the memories (and much of the stuff I bought). The highlight of State Street was obviously Marshall Field's. If I didn't need anything at the moment there was always dinner in the Walnut Room. I hope this can eventually be restored. There are certainly enough people who seem to want it.
Date: Fri, October 02, 2015, 5:28 pm CT
Posted by: K.R.,
Are there any events planned for this fall such as a lecture or a rally for Marshall Fields? I'm planning a trip to Chicago, and would like to be part of it if I can.
I really hope it's possible that one day we will get Marshall Fields back. A shame that it is gone and that it was not valued.
Date: Thurs, October 01, 2015, 1:40 pm CT
Posted by: Paula,
Hello everyone!
Marsha, I've seen recipes for the potpies in different places. The most obvious is the Marshall Field Cookbook which came out right before Macy's took over. It's pretty common at Amazon and also in libraries. Other history books also have the recipe. I bet you could just Google, for that matter.
I was looking at the Macy's advertisement circular in yesterday's newspaper. The cover of the broadsheet section was covered with black and red and jammed with words and prices. In contrast, Marshall Fields always had these very classy magazine-like advertisement circulars. The Macy's one is so jampacked with items. It looks cluttered and cheap by comparison. It's certainly not in the same league as Marshall Field's circulars were. Even when Field's had massive sales or clearances like Field's Days, they still had more class than Macy's.
Wish we still had Field's!
Date: Thurs, October 01, 2015, 4:39 pm CT
Posted by: Marsha L. ,
I remember seeing they published recipes for the chicken pot pies. Is there anyone that is definitive????
Date: Wed, September 30, 2015, 9:51 am CT
Posted by: Missing Field's ,
We still miss Field's. When I pass through the Macy's stores from mall parking, I feel sad when I remember how good it used to be.
My money is spent elsewhere now.
Date: Sat, September 26, 2015, 3:58 pm CT
Posted by: Dave Andrews,
I have been following the stories about macy closing its downtown Pittsburgh location. This was Kaufmann's flagship department store and the most profitable location until macy took over and let it run down. Evidently macy originally promised to maintain a store after the building was sold to a developer, but they went back on their word and pulled out of downtown.
I understand that macy is planning to sell their Minneapolis location, the former Dayton's flagship, to a developer and then lease back space to run a store. Sound familiar? Sales are declining, stock prices are dropping, and activist investors are pressuring macy to sell off real estate to generate short term profits.
I fear the same thing may happen on State Street. As business dwindles because there is no reason to visit a downsized, downmarket store, macy could very well sell the building and "promise" to maintain a department store in that location then pull the same stunt they did in Pittsburgh. That despicable Terry would love to destroy the remaining vestiges of Marshall Field's! Beware Chicago! Someone with his arrogance would use his powerful position at macy to sell off the building and close the store while including some stipulation in the sales agreement that another department store could NOT set up shop there. Chicago is the only city that has maintained the fight to regain its iconic department store and Terry's tremendous ego has been bruised. His mean spirited pettiness will drive him to somehow "get even" with Chicago. Beware!
Date: Sat, September 26, 2015, 12:58 am CT
Posted by: gle,
I take the Brown Line "L" home from work in Chicago and get a back door view of the architecture along Wabash Avenue, which includes the former Carson's and Marshall Field's buildings. I ride past the 2nd floor of Carson's, now Target, and see food produce in the window which used to house merchandise. Then I see the 1893 architecture of the Field's building on the corner of Wabash and Washington. It's still beautiful but stained. Down Washington I can see the green clock in the distance (and ugly black awnings of Macy's). The 2nd floor windows do not show many people in Macy's, as I expect. The balance of the building is sadly stained and needs a tuckpoining job. I miss the days when State Street had all the great department stores, and would love to get off the "L" and shop. Hopefully, that will happen someday. I would love to see an entity like Selfridge's take the Field's building and restore it. Right now I just look and dream, and ride on by.
Date: Thurs, September 24, 2015, 3:05 am CT
Posted by: Tina Reynolds,
I love the store and really hope you bring it back my kids didn't get the experience of going to Fields. They used to sale a fragrance called Romeo and Juliet that I loved and I have not been able to find it since, they have always had good products.
Date: Wed, September 23, 2015, 6:54 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
Does any of this positive energy have direct ramifications for State Street? Maybe it is time for the tide to turn.
I wonder if anyone besides me mourns the loss of the original mahogany case enfilade of the first floor. That was the standard of the day but the first floors of Carson's and the rest were not noteworthy. Proportion, form, and detailing were distinctive in Field's, soul-stirring, and allowed for grand statements on special occasions. The first floor was an overture, a welcoming greeting. It set the mood for all the rest of the experience of Field's. When you entered, you knew you were in a special place. It embraced you and pulled right into that intoxicating shopper's whirlpool. That was not stupid.
Today's stores' standard unfocused spaces are neither distinguishing nor communicative. They make me feel like I am slithering into an indifferent crowd with backs to me, not joining a welcoming gathering. I am not saying all big stores should do it the Field's way but I still believe the Original Way was, appropriately, a coherent distillation of what the very special institution at 111 N State was all about. Even to a newbie, that would have to be exciting, and resistance, futile.
But then, I am a sucker for turn-of-that-century glam and dignity. I believe it can mesh successfully with current tastes, too.....
Date: Tues, September 22, 2015, 7:01 pm
Posted by: R.G.,
Macy's and Blooomindale's keeps opening those clearance stores outlets.
Field's had the first with the bargain basement.
Date: Monday, September 21, 2015 6:09 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay.,
According to several reports, Macy's will be hiring about the same number of employees for the Christmas season, although some positions will be shifted to e-commerce fulfillment. Macy's plans to hire about 85,000.
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2015 12:59 pm CT
Posted by: State Street Fan,
There is a book on Carson's by the same author who writes about Marshall Field's:Carson's: The Histoy of a Chicago Shopping Landmark
http://www.amazon.com/Carsons-History-Shopping-Landmark-Landmarks/dp/1609497341
Date: Friday, September 18, 2015 10:41 am CT
Posted by: PJ,
Just an update re: Macy's Pittsburgh - the main store closes this weekend.
There is a serious negative feeling about Macy's in Pittsburgh right now, and I think a boycott is brewing. It may be a good idea to connect with that energy, somehow?
As a former Pittsburgher and current Chicagoan, I can tell you that people were so dissatisfied with how Macy's ran the beautiful downtown store into the ground. It was as key in the city as the State Street store in Chicago.
Once again they earn the motto "Messy's - Way To Flop!"
Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2015 11:41 am CT
FB Posted by: Mike W.,
I miss Carson's on State Street frown emoticon
Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2015 10:39 am CT
FB Posted by: Sarah K.,
If they don't bring Marshall Field's back, then I hope the Carson's CEO realizes a perfect business opportunity.
Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2015 11:22 am CT
FB Posted by: Timothy E.,
In which case, then, I wish they would....
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 10:27 pm CT
FB Posted by: Chris R.,
I agree with the comments by Carson's CEO and the follow-up comments by the members here. However, I also find it intriguing that Macy's considers there to be 30 "platinum stores." You know that the stores have to include the following: State Street, Water Tower Pl., Oakbrook Center, Woodfield Mall, Old Orchard, Mayfair, and possibly Orland Park and Northbrook. You would also probably throw in there the former Dayton's flagship in Minneapolis. I would imagine the other stores in the top 30 are Herald Square 34th Street, Wannamaker's City Center in Philadelphia, Boston Downtown Crossing, Roosevelt in Queens, Union Square in San Francisco, a couple stores in Los Angeles, a couple stores in Miami, and a dozen others in major metropolitan areas. So think about it. At least a quarter, if not a third of their top 30 doors are former Marshall Field's locations! They need to bring Marshall Field's back!
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 7:39 pm CT
Posted by: Jim H.,
Hope they enter the US market.
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 7:36 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Selfridges' major controlling owners are so flush with cash they could buy all of Bon-Ton with their pocket change. In fact, at least on paper, they even could buy all of Macy's/Bloomingdale's.
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 7:33 pm CT
Posted by: Jim H.,
Maybe Ms. Bufano could hire a few Selfridges executives?
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 7:30 pm CT
Posted by: Judy P.,
Anywhere I go in this city, the conversation includes Marshall Fields. Some do shop at Macy's but they still would love to see Fields come back!!!
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 6:54 pm CT
Posted by: Mark M.,
One smart lady.
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 6:33 pm CT
Posted by: Marianne N.,
No surprise there. Everywhere I go, the topic eventually comes up. Everyone misses Field's. Many hate Macy's and some say they shop there half heartedly because it's there.
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 5:21 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
BTW: Carson's red hexagonal asterisk logo is back. The logo was licensed from Suisse Freres that was was used by Bergner's since the late 1930s and then it was assigned to Carson's and other stores' as they were acquired. BONT's last CEO ditched the red hexagon for the past couple of years. Buffano has now added it to Bon-Ton's logo as well. Samples of where the logo is used in Europe can be seen at http://www.maus.ch/en/#p5
What was also interesting was her comment suggesting that they consider Carson's to be their strongest brand.
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 4:56 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Carson's new CEO says their research shows customers overwhelming "mourn the loss of Marshall Field's."
Both Macy's and Bon-Ton (parent of Carson Pirie Scott) presented at last week's Goldman Sach's Global Retail Conference. For Macy's, it was the new president, Jeff Gennette. (Terry Lundgren remains CEO and Chairman). CFO Karen Hoguet was also available to answer questions. Gennette talked about Macy's new strategy of focusing of their 30 best stores which are now designated as "platinum", along with another class of their top 150 stores which will also have special attention and special merchandising. State Street is one of the 30 and, according to Gennette, the Build-a-Bear Workshop is an example of special initiatives that will stand out at State Street.
Meanwhile, Carson's (Bon-Ton's) CEO, Kathryn Bufano gave an overview of what's going on at Bon-Ton, including Carson's. Bufano is a Chicago native who most recently was CMO at Belk, a southeastern US regional chain about the same size as Bon-Ton. Before that she has had stints with the old Sears, Lord and Taylor and over 15 years ago at Macy's.
What she brought up early on in her 23-minute talk was how the local brands are what the customers want. She explains right after she took the new job, her husband asked if she was going to change all of Bon-Ton's assortment of name plates (Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Younker's, Herberger's, Elder-Beerman) to Carson's. She said no--customers shop at their stores because they love those names and are part of their identity. Customers still very much "mourn the loss of Marshall Field's." She explained that their new approach will be to emphasize that these stores are local. Bon-Ton is working on stepping up community engagement at the local level.
Keep in mind that half of their 270 or so stores are Bon-Ton and Elder-Beerman. These stores are in smaller metro areas and are much smaller than the average Carson's that we know here in Chicago. In many cases they are about the size of an average Target, if that. Also keep in mind that Macy's/Bloomingdale's outstanding shares of stock are valued at about $19 BILLION while BONT/Carson's is at about $87 MILLION. Field's State Street is valued at $1.74 BILLION as real estate while the whole Macy's, Inc. would probably sell for $40B.
I sadly can't help but think that if Bufano had been CEO back in 2005-2006, we'd still have Carson's on State Street. In earlier interviews, she's spoken about visiting Carson's and Field's on State Street while growing up in Chicagoland.
If you want to listen to the talks: Links to the 9/9/2015 Bon-Ton is at http://investors.bonton.com/events.cfm Macy's is at https://cc.talkpoint.com/gold006/090915a_ae/ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂæ
=============
Another interview from last summer where Carson's acknowledges the loss of Field's:
"'Being local and being regional, we can leverage the brand loyalty behind a Carson's customer and a Younker's customer, and definitely I see that as part of our future,ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂàshe said. ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂWe have the advantage of having our hometown nameplates, and that cements us as the hometown store. I know as a Chicagoan, they mourn the loss of Marshall Fields. We still have that (brand) loyalty. We still have the emotional tug if you will of people having loyalty to a Carson's or a Younkers.' "
"Bufano grew up in Waukegan, Ill., which is only about 50 miles south of Milwaukee, and has long been familiar with Bon-Ton's brands. 'I've been a Carson's shopper all of my life,' she said."
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2015 10:39 am CT
Posted by: Sarah K.,
This morning's Tribune has a cover story on how Jeff Smisek has finally been deposed from his throne at United Continental. It's an example of a coporation screwing up, especially screwing up things for customers. There's no guarantee that the successor will right the ship, but when I think of Macy's CEO, it gives me hope that he may leave just as Smisek finally was forced out.
Every time I go to State Street, it gets worse and worse. This Lundgren guy needs to go!!!!!!!
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2015 7:34 am CT
Posted by: Susan in NY,
Why is it OK for investors to press a company to dismember itself and sell the parts, so they can take the profits and run to feast on the next future cadaver?
Apparently now the USA is a very different place from the one in which a flagship department store could be a flagship department store. It's all about the Bottom Line in portfolios, nothing more. Doesn't matter how you get there.
Comment from the webmaster:
Susan in NY: I think this may be the first time your opinion here may be quite closely aligned with Terry Lundgren, Karen Hoguet, and other senior execs at Macy's/Bloomingdale's.
Date: Friday, September 11, 2015 8:19 pm CT
Posted by: Steph,
McDonald's expects to gain an uptick of 2.45% in sales by selling select breakfast items all day long. The news said, McDonald's has been resisting giving customers what they have wanted since the 1970s--all day breakfast items! It's something that these corporate big wigs like Lundgreen and McDonald's will sacrifice profits and not listen to their customers and give them what they want, even if it's good for business. There needs to be checks and balances.
Date: Friday, September 11, 2015 CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago,
Remembering fourteen years ago today. Honoring, respecting, and thanking all who sacrificed.
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2015 9:23 pm CT
Posted by: Eve.F.,
We really miss our Marshall Field's here in South Bend! Hudson's too!
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2015 7:35 pm CT
FB Posted by: Alfred I.,
Thanks, Jim. Here's to the once and future Marshall Field's! Here's to restoring the wheat sheavesÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂand everything!
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2015 7:32 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jim McKay,
From Bloomberg, 9/10/07:44 years ago today, Marshall Field and Company, Woodfield officially opened its doors. 9 years ago today, all Marshall Field's stores became Macy's. 8 years ago today was the biggest rally of them all for Marshall Field's to return. Macy's Finds Chicago Indignant on Marshall Field's
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a8uH0p6qx4M8 Macy's is still feeling the wrath of Chicago shoppers.
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2015 8:21 am CT
FB Posted by: Michael D.,
Here's some historic photos I haven't seen before:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WRchicagoland/permalink/420648251458381/
1930 Store window:
https://www.facebook.com/chicagodeco/posts/10152959936475755:0
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2015 12:12 am CT
FB Posted by: Jim,
I think Macy's knows it's not revolutionary. It seems like they plan such hyped distractions whenever they are about to announce bad news, like the store closings. In fact, leased or partnered electronics departments is not a new idea for Macy's. They have electronics vending machines that sell iPods, headphones, etc. in about 200 of their stores (last count) and J & R had a decent-sized electronics department the NYC flagship until J & R went under reorganization.
So my understanding (according to reports at WSJ.com, etc.) is that this Best Buy collaboration is for Samsung products only, only for two months (early November into January) in ten stores, and probably only needs one personal duty to staff it. The space is only 300 sq ft which is 10' X 15' or about the size of a single handicapped parking space. That's teeny. As you mention, Field's had their own appliance and electronics departments and then leased them to Silo (a horrible electronics dealer that deserved to go out of business). It's just a gimmick--and they chose to announce it as good news to try and balance the bad news.
I know some think that the activist stockholders are a good thing in that maybe things will shift to Marshall Field's because it will maximize value; however, it could also end up like Carson's on State, with the State Street closed and cut up for shops, offices, condos and hotels. Note that last week it was announced that the upper floors of the former Dayton's flagship is being sold off from Macy's to a Chicago developer who will make offices out of it.
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2015 12:05 am CT
FB Posted by: Peter A.,
Interesting thing. Macy's also indicated its going to test selling electronics thru Best Buy at some stores. They seem to think that's revolutionary. MF&Co had licensed Silo stores in all locations prior to the Dayton's takeover. It's so amazing how Macy's spins things. Like they invented the wheel.
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2015 9:55 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jim,
A lot of positive comments about Marshall Field's in the story below. I know that during past Januarys, people have commented Macy's must be in trouble because they closed maybe 10 to 12 stores. I disagree on those situations. This is different. This is 5% of their stores. Furthermore, they have never given this much advance warning about store closures. I think the activist shareholders who want to extract money for Macy's real estate are pushing this. They have access to what's going on behind the scenes. I'm not sure how this will turn out, but I think someone's finally pressuring Terry Lundgren and Macy's management.Macy's says it will close 35 to 40 stores in early 2016:
http://abc7.ws/1VMfMdG
Date: Monday, September 7, 2014 CT
Posted by: Field's Fans
HAPPY LABOR DAY! (especially to those who made Marshall Field's so special!)
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2015 4:00 pm CT
Posted by: Eric B.,
While browsing online, I stubbed my big toe on this Web page:http://www.traveladvisortips.com/top-10-things-to-do-in-chicago-in-winter/Upon reading the description of the "World famous MacyÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Department Store on State Street" (item #2), a much stronger word than OUCH!!! escaped my lips. I promptly sent this brief message to the Traveladvisortips editorial team:
"The description of Macy's department store leaves out a historically important fact: This store was Marshall Field's until 2006. Please revise the description to include this vital fact."
I submitted the above message on August 14. To date, I've received no reply and the description of Macy's remains unchanged. Meanwhile, I noticed that their description of the "lost fountain" is also erroneous.
Perhaps additional feedback is needed to prod Traveladvisortips into correcting their Web page description. Field's Fans can encourage them to set the record straight by completing and submitting the "Contact Us" form found here:
http://www.traveladvisortips.com/contact/
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2015 3:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Since August 25th, the posting page for this blog has had an error that was just discovered. The problem is now fixed and you should be able to post again.
Thank you for your patience while the ability to post to our blog has had technical difficulties.
Best regards and many thanks for your posts and support.
Jim
Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2015 7:01 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
What Should Macy's Do With Its Flagship Store?For us fact finders, another quotable, credible source that cites State Street as having a value of $1.7 billion is an important fact. Consider that the value of all outstanding shares of Macy's stock is about $19-$21 B. (For years, reporters were shocked and disbelieving when I told them about the value cited in 2007 of $1.5B.)
Retailer considers whether to spin off real-estate assets, which include landmark building in New Yorkhttp://on.wsj.com/1Ie7d1R Excerpt:
Cowen concluded that the companyÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs second most-valuable store, in Chicago, is worth about $1.7 billion.
My response posted at wsj.com after this article:
"Again, it's important to note that the [value of ] Chicago store goes from $1.7 billion to over $2 billion when reunited with the dormant Marshall Field's brand. Federated/Macy's and May Department Stores SEC 10K filings from 2005 showed the Marshall Field's trade names as worth $419 M. That was more than the sum of Macy's and Bloomingdale's tradenames at the time (listed in the 2005 SEC 10K as $377 M combined) and the dozen or so MayCo tradenames including Lord and Taylor (listed at that same time as under $190 M combined). Running the Chicago store as Macy's is wildly UNpopular and degrades its value. Running the store as Marshall Field's enhances the building's value as an international destination.
It's disgraceful that Macy's senior management continues to devalue stockholder assets rather than admit mistakes of the ego."
Date: Monday, August 24, 2015 7:23 pm CT
Posted by: Destiny R.,
Remember Marshall Field's Regards customer loyalty program? Macy's changed it to Star Rewards. Now it's really gotten stupid. They have a paltry program called Plenti. It's affiliated with the filthy corner Mobil station! WHOOPI!!!!!!!! Those Macy's people are nutsowacko!
Date: Sunday, August 23, 2015 8:57 am CT
Posted by: Clare H.,
Macy's appears to have gone and killed off Glamorama. They now have something called Macy's Fashion's Front Row. Instead of being held in theaters in in Minneapolis, Chicago, L.A. and San Francisco, they are having one show at the theatre of Madison Square Garden. This is the theatre, not the arena so it's not like a lot of people will attend. I mean this is for all of the NYC tri-state area!. This year's event will close NYC Fashion Week on September 17th. It will be on cable TV. They did something similar some time back. It was on CBS. It got horrible ratings. Then a week later they will have a mini Fashion's Front Row on the third floor of State Street. No event at Minneapolis. There is some sort of discount pass you can still purchase to benefit local charities. But like everything else, Macy's scales back and whittles away and away and away.
I can't wait to get clothes by Heidi Klum. Oh wait, yes, I can wait forever. Who wants clothes by Heidi Klum?????
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2015 11:59 pm CT
Posted by: Syl J.,
We visited Selfridge's in London a couple of years ago. It was eerie how it felt so much like Field's. It's a natural.
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2015 10:27 pm CT
Posted by: Barb L.,
I hope we get our Marshall-Field's back! If not, Selfridge's would be Great!
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2015 6:07 am CT
Posted by: F.H.,
In today's "Chicago Daily Tribune" almanac. Today would have been Marshall Field's 181st birthday. Born in western Massachusetts in 1834. Happy birthday!
Date: Monday, August 17, 2015 6:12 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
I think this is a fantastic strategy with perfect timing--invite Selfridge's to Chicago. I would LOVE to see a Selfridge's here. Would even more love to see a return to Marshall Field's.
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2015 8:36 pm CT
Posted by: Dave A.,
The timing of your attempts to bring Selfridge's to Chicago could not have been better! One of the excuses macy offered for declining sales and profits was lack of tourist spending.
What traveler from foreign lands or from another part of the USA would bother to shop at macy since it is everywhere these days? Even their prized Herald Square flagship is no longer a tourist attraction since it is just a bigger physical presence of a now generic, nondescript mass marketer found at most shopping centers across the USA. Travelers visit stores like Selfridge's, Harrod's, KeDeWe because they are special and unique--not something as ubiquitous as Rite Aid, CVS, or 7-11 (or Macy's).
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2015 5:35 pm CT
Posted by: Shirley L.,
I have worn my Marshall Field's button on numerous occasions here where I live in North Carolina. Everyone is well aware of Marshall Fields (as customers and former employees and part-time holiday help) tell me their experiences with the Store in Chicago!
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2015 7:28 pm CT
Posted by: Denise F.,
It's a tragedy that Macy's doesn't recognize what it has in Marshall Field's. Selfridge's would appreciate it, although they have a little bit different personality.
Date: Friday, August 14, 2015 1:10 pm CT
Posted by: Bob G.,
I still refuse to shop at Macy's for their having buried the Field's experience. If we can't get Field's back, Selfridges sounds like an interesting option. If they open here, I will, without question, check them out. If they live up to their reputation, I will likely become a regular customer.
Date: Friday, August 14, 2015 10:12 am CT
Posted by: Barbra K.,
Glad to hear about the outreach to Selfridges. That would be something for Chicago to have. I'd have a reason to go to Chicago to shop again.
Date: Friday, August 14, 2015 4:30 am CT
FB Posted by: Alfred I., Washington, D.C.
Here's to the once and future Marshall Field's!
Date: Thursday, August 13, 2015 8:32 pm CT
FB Posted by: Rosalie B.,
The Marshall Field's fans are still going strong. Yay!!
Date: Thursday, August 13, 2015 5:10 pm CT
Posted by: B L., Florida
Great idea to court Selfridges! Although we're in Florida, we miss Fields terribly and would love to have the spirit of this iconic Chicago store resurrected. I wish I were there to help!!!
Thank you for all your efforts. Please know that they are appreciated.
B.L.,
Florida
Date: Thursday, August 13, 2015 4:07 pm CT
Posted by: Gaile J.,Georgia
I have been a proud vocal supporter of Marshall Fields. I have awaited a new beginning for State Street..I welcome the day Chicago has world class shopping once again!
Gaile J.
Georgia
Date: Thursday, August 13, 2015 2:14 pm CT
Posted by: Sonia S.,Maryland
Marshall Field's means purchasing lovely fabrics and attending the fashion show every year. On every visit to Field's I'd stop on the 5th floor at a little stand to get a chilled drink of coconut milk and raspberry juice. I remember when they covered the lobby with so many luscious plants, weÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂd take a tour just to know what they were. I'd see Mr. Johnson inspecting his Fashion Fair display. I have so many fond memories.
Sonia S.
Maryland
Date: Thursday, August 13, 2015 2:02 pm CT
Posted by: David W.,
Field's has always been an important part of Chicago to me ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂàI have been in the State Street Macy's only once, for an event that I simply had to attend, but this one visit strongly reinforced my view that we need Marshall Field's back.
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 7:32 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jim McKay,
Edited out of the press release (because of space constraints: If Mr. Marshall Field were alive today and lost his store and the right to use his name on his store, he'd come back anyways, better than ever--better emporium, better name. He wouldn't wait around, begging for his rival to relent.
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 7:00 pm CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago.org,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(CHICAGO-August 13, 2015)
Contact:Jim McKay and Leslie Singer, FieldsFansChicago.org
Phone:312.662.8980
Email:regards AT FieldsFansChicago DOT org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (CHICAGO-August 13, 2015)
The grassroots organization FieldsFansChicago announces an independent campaign to bring Selfridges to Chicago. The campaign is named "Selfridges: Come Home To Chicago".
Through the generations, the histories of two world-class, beloved emporia, Chicago's Marshall Field's and London's Selfridges, have separated and re-converged. With this as inspiration, FieldsFansChicago seeks to encourage the Selfridges Group to work with Chicago's citizens and civic leaders to establish an international retail experience in Chicago that re-captures the heart and soul of Marshall Field and Company that has been missing during the past nine years.
Harry Gordon Selfridge started out at Chicago's Marshall Field and Company on State Street, where he played a pivotal role in defining and making Chicago's world-class emporium a unique retail experience beloved world-wide throughout the 20th century. Eventually, Selfridge translated and replicated that experience into London's own world-class emporium, Selfridge & Co. on Oxford Street. Highly regarded as both a Chicagoan and Londoner of great civic stature, Mr. Selfridge's legacy extends to both cities.
Today, Selfridges is considered "Best Department Store in the World" as voted by the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS). Historically, the DNA and soul of today's Selfridges springs from Chicago's Marshall Field and Company. Reciprocally, the last great renaissance at Marshall Field's on State Street was in the early 2000s, when it interpreted and implemented a Chicago version of Selfridges Oxford Street "stores within a store" concept.
While Macy's currently exists in the former Marshall Field's store building on State Street, Marshall Field's is still overwhelmingly missed. People want more than Marshall Field's nostalgia and historical markers at State Street: they want the Marshall Field's experience restored as a vibrant, contemporary, world-class emporium. Surveys of over 2,000 shoppers from 2009-2012 showed that 4 out of 5 overwhelmingly prefer Marshall Field's to New York's Macy's.
The State Street store burned to the ground twice. Yet, Mr. Field rebuilt again and again, each time better than before. With that as inspiration, FieldsFansChicago embarks on courting and encouraging the Selfridges Group and its leader, Toronto's Galen Weston, to open a new world-class Chicago emporium that recaptures the ethos of Marshall Field's.
FieldsFansChicago.org is mobilizing with fervency to recruit Selfridges to Chicago. Our first effort was an October 2014 lecture at the Chicago Cultural Center on Mr. Selfridge's history in Chicago. Our latest effort is the extension our highly popular free button campaign with a new design featuring the "Selfridges Come Home to Chicago" slogan. Other efforts will continue with our bookmark/flyer campaign; rallies; lectures; social media campaigns; and other activities. (Details on the buttons can be found here.
For further information, please contact FieldsFansChicago.org via email at regardsATfieldsfanschicago.org or phone Jim McKay or Leslie Singer at 312.662.8980
FieldsFansChicago.org is grassroots collection of concerned citizens. It is solely responsible for its activities including the content of this press release. It is independent and in no way connected with outside organizations such as Selfridges Group, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Inc. (formerly Federated Department Stores), Marshall Field's, etc.
###
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 2:38 pm CT
Posted by: State Street Observer,
A lot of stories about how Macy's fell short this past quarter. Lack of tourism - State Street, anyone? - would be an example.
Macy's is also opening a web site for sales in China with Alibaba. The red star logo should be a perfect fit with China!
The hens are coming home to roost!
Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 8:27 pm CT
Posted by: State Street Observer,
Reminder: Macy's will have their Q-2 earnings call tomorrow morning at 9:00 A.M. ET/ 8:00 A.M. Chicago Time. This is 90 minutes earlier that it has been. Here's the link to listen:http://investors.macysinc.com/phoenix.zhtml?p=irol-eventDetails&c=84477&eventID=5200520
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2015 7:06 pm CT
FB Posted by: Gary C.,
Just a correction regarding the discussion on Macy's Woodfield, The walls were constructed in 1987 to create fantastic enviornments for mens sportswear. The blank wall across from the escalator had a large oil painting until about 2005. Unfortunately the the enviornments on the other side of that wall are now bland and not so fantastic!
Date: Friday, August 7, 2015 10:50 am CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago Webmaster.,
PATRICA PERKINSON: Please privately email webmaster at FieldsFansChicago.org about your two recent posts. Confused about which should appear--or merge. Thank you.
P.S. Field's supporters are adamantly and repeatedly for Marshall Field's returning as an experience that is way unique and international class. We want more than a Marshall Field's sign on a Macy's.
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2015 10:27 pm CT
Posted by: Gayle S.,
Regarding Woodfield, Wow--that center basement always had beautiful stuff. I remember a big Lladro showing there once. With all the bedding, it looks like a Kohls now... (no offense meant to Kohls).
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2015 10:36 am CT
Posted by: Aaron M.,
Alan Gordon was the head wine buyer for Marshall Field and Company. He was well-known and highly respected in the food and wine industry.
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2015 8:45 am CT
Posted by: Jim,
The saddest laugh I got was about the time Macy's and Alfani arrived in Chicago, Walgreens, of all places, started selling belts and socks with another name that was clearly a cheeky knock off of Alfani knocking off Armani. (Gail even sadly commented about Alfani in either the Wall Street Journal or in MarketWatch--I forget which.) Given that Walgreens was based in Chicago area at the time, and that I know some Walgreens people watch FieldsFansChicago, I couldn't help but think they were poking at Macy's. Tangentially, when Walgreens acquired Duane Reade, they very much paid attention to us and the rest of the information around Macy's failed conversion from Marshall Field's. That's why you still see dual branding for Walgreens and Duane Reade even though Duane Reade has traditionally been a somewhat loathed institution in NYC.
Even more tangentially, Macy says it's stores in Chicago are doing very well--and for them to consider that is a very low saturation of Macy's stores in the Chicagoland area. Remember that in Los Angeles, California, and a number other markets Macy's has time or three times a number of Macy's per person that they do in Chicago. In other words, enough coupons and approaching the Kohls JCPenney crowd is enough to maintain some of the business at the stores.
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2015 8:17 am CT
Posted by: M.N.,
Macy's own labels are a joke. The one I find the cheesiest is Alfani, which, I guess, is supposed to make people think it's like Armani. It's the dumbing down of America.
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2015 6:30 am CT
Posted by: Marc J.,
And the Marshall Field's wines were actually not bad. Always enjoyed the wine shoppe at State and in Oakbrook. Macy's is just uninspired, unspecial, and unexciting.
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2015 1:23 am CT
Posted by: Alfred I.,
Bring back Marshall Field's, and its wine buyers!
Re: Woodfield Macy's. As they'd say on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," it's time to free No. 111 from the Borg. Here's to the once and future Marshall Field's!
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2015 10:50 pm CT
Posted by: MediaPost,
Macy's Launches Private Label Wines
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/255486/macys-launches-private-label-wines.html
"Dining at Macy's will be enhanced for our customers when they choose one of our new Macy's Select wines," Wolfe says in a release.
This is the third private label program launched by KDM Global Partners on Macy's behalf, initially under the Marshall Field's banner and again for Macy's in 2007. The KDM line of Marshall Field's wines includes a Pinot Noir and a Brut Sparkling wine. KDM also works with other retailers including 7-Eleven.
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2015 5:49 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jeanne W.,
Re: Woodfield Macy's. If I didn't know any better I would think I was shopping at Sears.
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2015 4:32 pm CT
FB Posted by: Peter W.,
They probably walled up the view from the second level into the central atrium at Macy's Woodfield so people won't throw themselves over the edge at how sad and depressing it looks.
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2015 10:50 pm CT
Posted by: Stephanie L.,
Macy's Woodfield: What a shame...
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2015 2:35 pm CT
FB Posted by: Timothy E.,
Responding to Jim's post, Macy's is all about cutting back, shrinking, reducing, and eliminating everything and anything they possibly can - well, except - perhaps - for cheaply made women's ready-to-wear. Sheesh - why don't they just throw in the towel and go out of business altogether? Or, just operate a mediocre chain of stores in dreary strip malls, selling women's mid-range clothing? Talk about trashing a birthright.... :-(
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2015 2:15 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jim,
Visited Woodfield today. Most of the display windows off the center court were covered over with Macy's logos. What a waste. Consider the entrance at Field's Woodfield and compare with any other anchor's entrance in Woodfield or most malls. All the others (Nordstrom and Lord and Taylor to Sears and JCPenney) have one big wide entrance, almost like an open garage door. The entrances from the parking lot for these other stores are like typical store entrances--standard doors with maybe a revolving door. Marshall Field's was different and the centerpiece. They built this giant formal loggia with a series of windows inviting one in, two entrances flanking either side. It's like a mini-State Street. It's similar with the interior. You have more than a cut through in the center of the upper floors that makes it easy to install a single bank of escalators. Clearly at Woodfield it is a late 1960s/early 1970s Mid-Century modern interpretation referring to State Street with the grand columns, and central atrium that actually allows light into the store and to easily see the type of merchandise on each floor. (Now significant portions of the vistas from the second floor into the central atrium are walled off.) Even the exterior entrance at Woodfield on the north (actually northeast) side of the store has an area for dropping off customers and a central exterior courtyard that is grand, civic and communal. And remember when you could look down to the lower level of the atrium and see all sorts of classy crystal and other high-end wares? Now it's just mediocre bedding as the primary focus of this formerly grand space. Architecturally, it's a great store that has been dumbed down to the level of a Kohl's. (To their credit, Macy's/Bloomindale's did finally replace the worn carpeting throughout the store.)
Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2015 10:50 am CT
Posted by: Joan Y.,
I just responded to this story. Why do our K-8 schools' programs have to be "infected" with product placement? I do not like Macy's/Bloomingdale's values of low pay for employees and destruction of local department stores. Why should our kids be seduced by a corporation before they are mature enough to decide on their own whether to act as a tool for furthering the Macy's/Bloomingdale's brands?
On With The Show: Macy's Popular "Yes, Virginia The Musical" Returns With $100,000 In Grants http://finance.yahoo.com/news/show-macy-popular-yes-virginia-140000816.html
Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2015 11:34 pm CT
Posted by: State Street Observer,
Macy's will have their Q2 earnings call on Wednesday, August 12 at 9:00 A.M. ET/ 8:00 A.M. Chicago Time. This is 90 minutes earlier that it used to be. Here's the link to cast:http://investors.macysinc.com/phoenix.zhtml?p=irol-eventDetails&c=84477&eventID=5200520
Date: Monday, August 3, 2015 6:28 pm CT
Posted by: Fionna W.,
We were in Chicago last week, from Philadelphia. WE MISSED MARSHALL FIELD'S! Why have the same store everywhere???
In fact, it's not just Macy's, it's most stores!!!!! Traveling somewhere and shopping doesn't matter anymore since the same stores are everywhere!
Today's retailers are shooting themselves in the foot by mass-producing.
(((SIGH!!!!!!))))
Date: Sunday, August 2, 2015 3:32 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
It is really inspiring to see what Nordstrom's plans to do. If there is a market for Nordstrom as an upgraded tourist destination, there should be just as much a market for a Selfridge's in Chicago or a return to Field's.
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2015 1:42 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jim H.,
If not Field's then I wish someone would revive the old Field Gear clothing brand in all its glory.
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2015 12:46 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Thanks for this find, Michael!
As many of you know and as pointed out in the Seattle Times article, this was originally the Frederick and Nelson flagship. Frederick and Nelson was modeled after Marshall Field's and, when -- was it Frederick or Nelson? -- wanted to retire after the death of the other, they insisted on selling to Marshall Field's. That sale resulted in what evolved into Frango mints coming to Field's and Chicago. It's also interesting that the Nordstrom overhaul in Seattle is based on Selfridges in London which is based on State Street. Moreover, Field's last rebirth, successfully in progress when Macy's killed Field's, was based on Selfridges all the way back in 2003-2005.
When we have conducted our surveys in 2009 through 2012, we noticed that when we've been in the vicinity of Nordstrom on Michigan Avenue, we noticed a significant increase in people who were former Field's shoppers who now refused to shop Macy's and moved to Nordstrom instead.
In the coming weeks, you will be hearing more about our efforts to court Selfridges into coming back to Chicago.
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2015 11:53 am CT
FB Posted by: Michael R.,
Nordstrom aims high with downtown flagship remodel http://www.seattletimes.com/business/retail/nordstrom-aims-high-with-downtown-flagship-remodel/
The downtown Seattle store and its counterparts in Chicago and San Francisco are getting an expensive makeover in hopes of creating an "international destination" experience that will leave tourists talking.
Speaking to reporters during a tour of the two remodeled floors, Nordstrom cited as inspiration the Galeries Lafayette in Paris, London's Selfridges and other famous European department stores.
Some 40 percent of sales on Chicago's Michigan Avenue, one of the world's top shopping wonderlands, come from visitors to the city, according to Neil Stern, senior partner at McMillan Doolittle, a retail consultancy.
"Creating more of a destination experience makes a lot of sense," he said.
A makeover of Nordstrom's Michigan Avenue store will be complete this fall, in time for the holidays.
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2015 1:15 pm CT
Posted by: J.H.,
Gilford Says Don't Believe The Real Estate Hype: Slashes Macy's From Buy To Sell
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/gilford-says-dont-believe-real-142655798.html
Date: Sunday, July 26, 2015 1:15 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
I have always noticed Macy's ads, whether I want to or not. You get hit in the face with them like the weather. They have never managed to impress me, however. I still want my Marshall Field's and so do a lot of other people I know. Macy's is getting referred to now as "that store that should be Field's."
Date: Saturday, July 25, 2015 10:23 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Macy's spent $1.6 BILLION on advertising last year.Cincinnati Business CourierThis is what makes it such an uphill battle to get coverage favoring a return to Marshall Field's. Still, it happens--that's how much Field's means to people. BTW: If you consider the out-of-pocket expenses of all of our grass roots members, donated vacation time and total dollars spent on restoring Field's have maybe maxed $10,000 annually and average of maybe $6,000. (Maybe some of you have another way of looking at that--please suggest.)
http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2015/07/24/two-cincinnati-companies-among-top-20-in-u-s-ad.html?ana=fbk
Date: Friday, July 24, 2015 8:57 pm CT
Posted by: Esther M.,
WE STILL MISS MACY'S! PLEASE BRING IT BACK!
Date: Friday, July 24, 2015 6:29 pm CT
Posted by: Out There Somewhere,
I agree:
Not using Marshall Field's brand is a huge waste of Macy's assets. When J.C.Penney's had it's mis-steps three or four years ago, Macy's could take advanatge of that. Now J.C. Penney's is catching up. I think We're starting to see Macy's decline. The jump in stock is just the activist investors wanting the Real Estate value realized.
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2015 7:15 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
A lot of hype this week about Macy's expanding their same-day delivery to more cities so as to compete better with Amazon.
However, Didn't Marshall Field's have same-day delivery over a decade ago? Remember the Field's-wrapped London taxis that would do the deliveries? This is hardly all that new for Macy's to be doing it, although they are doing it through a partnership.
Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2015 1:50 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jim M.,
Macy's still has a few good national brands that didn't abdicate after the downgrade to Macy's, but "Marshall Field" beats "Alfani" and "FieldGear" beats "CharterClub" hands down.
Date: Monday, July 20, 2015 5:52 pm CT
FB Posted by: Timothy E.,
(Who buys apparel from Macy's, anyhow? Yuck.)
Date: Monday, July 20, 2015 5:42 pm CT
FB Posted by: Steve G.,
Interesting article.....Amazon takes aim at next target: Macy's http://cnb.cx/1fYG4Ky
Date: Monday, July 20, 2015 5:35 pm CT
FB Posted by: Darrid M.,
One of the biggest problems with Macy's is that they have forgotten their own heritage which used to be good.
Date: Monday, July 20, 2015 4:40 pm CT
FB Posted by: Stephanie L.,
[Regarding the "Macy's Chicago" purses and other tourist items]
BOGUS!
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2015 1:14 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
Yes, this is definitely interesting news Jim!
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2015 7:13 am CT
FB Posted by: Garland P.,
The real estate becomes more valuable if some of the individual regional department store brands return, even if most of the chain stays Macys
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2015 6:48 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY,
I do not pretend to understand the workings and reasons, but with a relative nearing retirement age as Kodak imploded, it looked to me like Kodak was consuming its own body to survive. It did not work. Suggesting that a large corporation devour/divest its own limbs for money to send to investors is obscene.
I am sure this just shows my lack of comprehension of "economics" but that is because, in part, I cannot get my mind around the concept of "economics"as a method of obtaining income by pursuing "bottom lines" that destroy otherwise useful and functional businesses simply to wring a little more cash from the carcass. Think piranha. Is a stripped human corpse OK because piranhas spotted opportunity and the human in question was just one more ordinary, expendable guy of no particular merit? Ho-hum?
I pictured that real-estate carnage scenario with 111 N State when this all began. It makes me sick to even think of it. Should I encourage its ruin to put a few more bucks into some portfolios? Isn't that what money is all about? Mightn't that just as well be what that fancy big building on State Street devolves into? In time... a gutted dive along with everything else in Center City. But who cares about that? Macy's investors will have gotten a little fatter and can move on to the next prey. Borg indeed.
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2015 6:22 pm CT
FB Posted by: Alfred F.,
Thought-provoking; thanks, James!
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2015 6:03 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jim McKay,
Activist Knocks on Macy's DoorOf course, some of us wrote to Starboard Value to encourage them to pursue maximum shareholder value by reuniting the State Street store with the Marshall Field's brand and experience. The reality is something good OR bad could happen in terms of our cause to bring back Marshall Field's. Most likely, on the surface, not much will happen. But we can hope and try.
Starboard wants retailer to spin off its real estate, valued at $21 billion
http://www.wsj.com/articles/starboard-takes-stake-in-macys-wants-real-estate-spun-off-1436976717
Activist investor Starboard Value LP on Wednesday said it had accumulated a stake in Macy's and is pushing the 157-year-old retailer to spin off its real-estate holdings. Starboard estimates that the move could boost Macy's share price by more than 70%.
Shares of Macy's rose 7.9% Wednesday, its biggest percentage gain since November 2013.
Other investors have been urging Macy's to find ways to extract value from its vast real-estate holdings, which comprise more than 800 stores it either owns or leases across the country, including its famous Herald Square location in New York City. Starboard Chief Executive Jeff Smith valued Macy's real estate at $21 billion. Before Starboard's disclosure, Macy's market value was $22.5 billion, meaning its retail operations werenÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂt highly valued by investors.
Starboard, a fund managing roughly $4.8 billion, believes the company could separate its real-estate in strong-performing malls and enter into lucrative sale-leaseback transactions with its trophy properties, which in addition to Herald Square includes stores in Union Square in San Francisco and on State Street in Chicago. (Continues at Link above.)
I commented after the article in the limited space permitted:
Starboard should pressure Macy's to unlock value existing in the dormant Marshall Field's trade names when packaged with the Chicago State St. flagship. Despite being a huge store, State St will always underperform as Macy's and majorly repel customers until it is again Field's.
2005 SEC 10K filings reveal great unrealized value. May Dept. Stores listed Marshall Field's trade names as $419M before Macy's acquisition/merger. At the same time, Macy's & Bloomingdale's tradenames totaled $377M. (May Dept Store's other 12 trade names combined for under $190M in 2005.)
Weston's Selfridges Group is one such operator that can pay for and run a single destination store like under-realized State Street location. Combined, Field's assets could easily net $2.5 B or 10% mkt cap. (Macy's keeps their Chicago flagship on Michigan Ave).This would maximize return.
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2015 5:59 pm CT
Posted by: Annette M.,
A Happy Return!
The PABST sign in downtown Milwaukee has been dim for almost 20 years. Today it was turned on again as it was announced that Pabst Brewing is returning to Milwaukee.
http://urbanmilwaukee.com/2015/07/15/eyes-on-milwaukee-the-return-of-pabst-brewing/
Don't give up Chicago. Marshall Fields can come back!
Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2015 12:47 pm CT
Posted by: mikea ,
Heard the bad news yesterday the downtown Pittsburgh store is closing. A great grand old store that really needed renovations on some of the upper floors. It was scaled back to have a small home store on 5 and 6.
I guess Macy's is caving into the wall street analysts selling the whole building and not retaining a store like they promised they would. I can see some of the old downtown closings St.Paul, Houston, St.Louis where the area was not viable for a downtown store. However Pittsburgh is a vibrant downtown with new buildings shops and more housing moving in. This current management with Jeff Kantor is looking for nothing but the bottom line and scale back to satisfy analysts. This is really a blow to downtown Pittsburgh. Surprised the city did not offer Macy's some incentives to stay
Date: Monday, July 13, 2015 10:53 pm CT
FB Posted by: Timothy R.,
Not sure they can do much with the Marshall Field's [State Street] building because of its landmark status. But other cities with grand old department stores should see this as a dark sign. Macy's is a mall anchor store and is run as such. They have no idea how to unlock the value of a nice full service downtown department store.
Date: Monday, July 13, 2015 10:06 pm CT
FB Posted by: Alfred F.,
Very sad for Pittsburgh! But NO--the Chicago State Street store must not ever close, but be rescued from the destructive clutches of the M---- borg (see Star Trek) and reborn as Marshall Field's.
Date: Monday, July 13, 2015 9:07 pm CT
FB Posted by: Rich W.,
If they closed [Field's on State Street], they would sell it to property developers to turn it into mixed retail/condos. Same thing they seem to be planning for their downtown Brooklyn store, former flagship of Abraham & Straus.
Date: Monday, July 13, 2015 7:39 pm CT
Posted by: Donald,
macy*s being protested (once again) with customers tearing up their macy*s credit cards and threatening to boycott macy*s stores for taking the political stance against Donald Trump.
Date: Monday, July 13, 2015 7:33 pm CT
FB Posted by: Stephanie W..,
Re: Sean S.
i really hope so and bring back marshall fields
Date: Monday, July 13, 2015 7:28 pm CT
FB Posted by: Sean S.,
Pittsburghers to say goodbye to Macy's DowntownWill Chicago be next????
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2015/07/13/Downtown-Macy-s-store-to-close/
Clearance sales at the Downtown MacyÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs start next week, giving Pittsburghers a last chance to pick up a thumbprint cookie at the Arcade Bakery and try on shoes at the historic site where the city has been shopping since the late 1800s.
Date: Monday, July 13, 2015 4:08 pm CT
Posted by: Paula S.,
We getting ready to have Nordstrom's open here at Mayfair. Ever since we lost Marshall Field's, we've had a void. Nordstom won't stand in for Field's completely, but it is sure beats Macy's! For those of you in Illinois who don't know, Mayfair was built by Marshall Field's and is Milwaukee's Old Orchard or Oak Brook Center. Too bad Macy's never appreciated what they had in Field's. They lost a lot of money for their stupidity.http://www.biztimes.com/article/20150713/MAGAZINE03/150709769/-1/MAGAZINE/Arrival-of-Nordstrom-Meijer-will-highlight-second-half
Date: Monday, July 13, 2015 4:06 pm CT
Posted by: Kezandra T.,
Let's look at the list of downtown stores (most all former flagships) that Macy's and Federated has closed. * marks since Macy's bought Field's in 2006:
- Atlanta (both Davison's and Rich's)
- Boston* (Filene's, closed while Jordan Marsh remains)
- Houston* (Foley's)
- St. Paul* (Dayton's--Minneapolis flagshop remains)
- Honolulu* (Liberty House)
- St. Louis* (Famous Barr)
- L.A. (Bullocks Wilshire)
- and...who am I missing????????
Date: Monday, July 13, 2015 1:09 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Macy's announced it is closing and selling the former Kaufmann's flagship in downtown Pittsburgh. Closing sale will end in September. There will be no final Christmas. Under Kaufmann's or Macy's, this ends 125 years of continuous operation.http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2015/07/13/why-macys-closing-doesnt-necessarily-spell-doom.html
Date: Sunday, July 12, 2015 11:58 pm CT
Posted by: Mary S.,
Marshall Field's named among the stores Appleton, WI misses the most--they still have Macy's, but want Marshall Field's to come back!http://www.postcrescent.com/story/money/companies/buzz/2015/07/12/buzz-businesses-miss/30016125/
Date: Sunday, July 12, 2015 9:23 pm CT
Posted by: Richard M.,
They should have kept the old names and the old stores instead of Macy's. I was always at marshall fields. Love you marshall fields
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2015 4:05 am CT
Posted by: Gerry T.,
Macy's needs to fix their mistake. I bet Macy's is doing all it can to hide the fact that getting rid of Field's on State Street has not lived up to its hype as saving the cost of different shopping bags and ads.30 Years Ago Coca-Cola Brought Back Its Original Forumla.
http://www.businessinsider.com/30-years-ago-coca-cola-brought-back-its-original-formula-2015-7
Date: Thursday, July 9, 2015 6:52 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Marshall Field and Company played a role in the creation of Marina City.Marina City Granted Landmark Status
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-marina-city-column-kamin-met-0710-20150709-column.html
Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2015 3:42 pm CT
Posted by: Pete,
How about bringing back Field's? Why all this effort inventing new concepts when there's one experience that's overwhelmingly beloved.Will Macy's Initiatives Help it Return to the Growth Trajectory?
http://www.zacks.com/stock/news/180983/will-macys-initiatives-help-it-return-to-the-growth-trajectory
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2015 12:01 am CT
Posted by: S.W.,
They had a concert this weekend with band billing themselves as the Grateful Dead. But it was missing the main figure, Jerry Garcia. It wasn't the Grateful Dead at all but a cash grab under a name.
It reminded me that Marshall Field's return should never be a Marshall Field's sign and bags with what otherwise is a Macy's. And Marshall Field's beat Bloomingdale's ANY DAY!
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2015 CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago.org
Happy Fourth of July!
Date: Friday, July 3, 2015 10:28 pm CT
Posted by: T,E.,
One less thing to boycott.
As a result of Heinz's acquisition of Kraft, Terry Lundgren is no longer a Kraft board member as of Monday. So no need to boycott Kraft products on that count any more.
Terry Lundgren is still on the board of Proctor and Gamble, so I still boycott their products which give Terry Lundgren a cushy extra stream of income.
Date: Thursday, July 2, 2015 7:25 pm CT
Posted by: Robert H,
I was in Chicago 2 weeks ago and saw the macy chicago bags an shirts I saw these on 7 between the walnut room and the North light well there was also several Marshall Fields bags, tee's sweatshirts and mugs. These were done in good taste with the Fields script, clock they even used the logo "as Chicago as it gets"! When I saw these all I could think was they'd sell a lot better at Fields. Just doesn't make sense what a waste. Take that macys chi town junk to water tower and run macys there. And bring Marshall Fields back to state street THIS MAKES PERFECT SENSE!!!
Date: Thursday, July 2, 2015 1:42 pm CT
Posted by: Bob,
Whatever you think of the Donald Trump controversy, it's clear that a issue can sit for years and then all of sudden something happens! Donald Trump has been making odiferous remarks for decades. The Dump-Trump petition has been around for years. But only in the past month did things change. Dump-Trump gained a third of its million signatures just in the past week.
Maybe something will happen that will suddenly cause Field's to come back. I'm counting on it.
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2015 9:02 pm CT
Posted by: Steve G.,
"Hell hath no fury as a Donald scorned!"
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2015 8:11 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
mike a:
To put it mildly, you have been a curmudgeon of our cause and generally supportive of Macy's and not supportive of our cause to bring back Marshall Field's--so much so that your letters have even appeared in newspapers' "Letters to the Editors" section.
As is often the case, I don't agree with your post. It doesn't reflect my values and those of us behind this site -- but your words are featured so that others know where you stand and so they can consider that when they read your many other posts.
Jim
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2015 4:41 pm CT
Posted by: mike a,
Macys' today decided to cave in to activists and dump the Donald Trump line. The line was not the best merchandise and they have not been emphasizing it that much. However for a major company to dump a line of clothing, because they caved in to a group of activists is wrong.
Dump the line because it does not sell or the quality is bad. Companies be it Macy's NBC etc letting a small group of activists who did not like Trumps words control companies is wrong. It is not as if he said anything that yes some illegals that come here bring crime drugs etc. True all illegal immigration has risks and should be kept to a mininmum. Nobody knows what illegals coming into the USA their backround is.
Yet on the flip side Canada won't let in people who have had a DUI or DWI less than 10 years ago. Go figure!!!
Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2015 8:23 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Was in State Street today. Two things of note:
One, they have new "Macy's Chicago" bags, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. They feature "Macy's Chicago" in the same typeface as the 1910's R.H. Macy's plaques at Herald Square. They also show a line drawing of the Marshall Field's clock with a five-point red star at the 12:00 position. They also have bags that are similar with the word "Chi-Town" scrawled across the side. The "i" in "Chi-Town" is dotted with a Macy's red star. Historians will note that "Chi-town" was originally a derogatory term used by New Yorkers in the 1950s to describe Chicago. These days, that negative connotation is greatly reduced.
Second, they are servicing the masonry on the State Street facade. But what's longer-term is the replacement of every other American Flag with a Macy's flag.
On our sister Facebook page, the shirts, flags and bags have generated dozens of negative comments.
Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2015 12:38 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Regarding the previous post by JamefromCA:
This is an interesting story about how Macy's starting to have problems. I hear the problem is the tourists who they are now losing. After talking to over a 100,000 former Field's shoppers on State Street, we know why the store has been diminished as a tourist attraction and is been devalued as a shareholder asset. Want to visit Macy's flagship in United States? You visit the one in New York City, not the one in Chicago. If you have a login for Yahoo, be sure to leave comments. (Thanks Jame)
Notice that this explains a downgrade in Macy's, Inc. stock.
Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2015 8:13 am CT
Posted by: JamefromCa,
Interesting article
Macy's seems to be hurting again.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/michael-kors-driving-macys-business-195454563.html
Date: Photos taken: Sunday June 28, 2015 posted Wednesday, July 1, 2015 8:00 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Some things to mention about these photos:
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Chicago Pride ParadeSigns calling for the restoration of Marshall Field's were walked up and down the 2.5 mile parade route. While there were thousands of cheers, the following are among those who called us back to have their pic taken with our sign and say, more than ever, Chicago wants its Marshall Field's!
- Macy's said they were going to be in the 2015 parade in Chicago and other cities at their website. I saw no Macy's float in this parade whatsoever. (Maybe there's another parade in Chicagoland? But this is the big one.) Bloomingdale's, on the other hand, I saw listed at the 2015 Pride Parade's website on Wednesday when the lineup finally was published. And one thing I didn't realize until I talked to somebody today, was that apparently Bloomingdale's was in the parade last year, but we didn't see it on the lineup last year.
I walked all around the staging area today and didn't see the float at all. I did see the others on the lineup in the order they were in as published earlier this week.
- Almost everyone featured in these photos APPROACHED ME ABOUT HAVING THEIR PHOTO TAKEN. In a few cases, they chased me down to have me come back for the photos. Many more people expressed enthusiasm for having Field's return -- they just didn't request a photo op with the sign.
- You'll see me in some of these because they requested that I pose in "selfie" mode--my personal preference is not to be in them.
- Throughout the carried the signs on the sidewalk behind where the crowd was standing. Most of the crowd on my side of the street didn't see the signs because they were looking away towards the parade. So the response was even more remarkable.
Regardless if Macy's/Bloomingdale's is in next year, let's plan to be out there. If we have two or four on 6/26/2016 that would be great--one for each side of the street and someone to take photos. Of course, it be great if we had Field's back then we could cheer on Field's--heck, perhaps even Macy's.
Date: Monday, June 29, 2015 6:16 pm CT
Posted by: gle,
Thank-you to Field's fans who participated in Chicago's Pride Parade on Sunday, and for the beautiful sign!
Date: Friday, June 26, 2015 8:38 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Help Bring Back Marshall Field's
at This Sunday's Pride Parade!
Bloomingdale's is listed as being in this Sunday's Chicago Pride Parade. As in past years when Macy's has appeared, some of the Field's Fans want to distribute Field's buttons and flyers on the parade route. We always received an overwhelmingly warm reception! Another reason everybody want's Marshall Field's back because it's been such a part of Chicago's Gay history.
As most of you know, Bloomingdale's is Macy's sister store and was Field's arch-rival going all the way back to the late 1980s. Macy's, Inc's actions have long suggested that Macy's probably got rid of Field's in part to help its Bloomingdale's business.
If you wish to help the Field's Fans this Sunday from Noon to 2:30 pm, please phone 312.662.8980 or email webmasterATfieldsfanschicago.org, (replace AT with an @ symbol) preferably before Sunday so there's enough supplies.
Help bring back Marshall Field's!
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2015 6:18 pm CT
Posted by: Holly,
I was in Columbus this past week. I was surprised that a mall (Tuttle Xing) that we went to had TWO MACY'S! How ridiculous is that?!?! That's approaching a monopoly!
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2015 10:29 pm CT
Posted by: Jim,
Mikea:
You mean you want State Street to look tricked out as a casino? That's what Herald Square looks like. You have to be kidding.
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2015 1:22 pm CT
Posted by: mikea,
Was in NYC last weekend. Stopped in Herald Square to see how the renovations are coming. The store is about 60% done and two floors are closed off. What is done looks great!!!!!! I think they will need another year to finish. On thing, the old wooden escalators that are not walled off look so out of place in such a modern store. I think they should realize those escalators which some were broken need to be replaced with modern working escalators to match the dÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂécor of the store.
If they bring some of the new design t State Street it would really enhance the store. I see they are working on the exterior once again.
Date: Monday, June 22, 2015 8:05 pm CT
Posted by: Pete,
The fact that Wall Street Journal published a story that was 100% positive about Macy's probably means something's really up with this real estate deal. Where there's smoke there's fire.
Date: Sunday, June 21, 2015 CT
Posted by: FieldsFansChicago,
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2015 9:55 am CT
Posted by: gle,
GO HAWKS!GO FIELD'S!
GO CHICAGO!
Why would anyone buy CHICAGO Black Hawks items from NEW YORK's Macy's????
Sports teams have ups and downs, but Marshall Field's was always a winner!
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2015 6:35 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
The Wall Street JournalMacy's Real Estate Has Shareholders SalivatingAs a subscriber, I was able to post a brief response:
http://www.wsj.com/articles/macys-real-estate-has-shareholders-salivating-1434619981
Macy's owns some of the world's most valuable property and is being urged by investors to unlock that value. The department store chain is studying the situation, but doesn't want to be saddled with leases
WSJ.COM | BY SUZANNE KAPNER"Huge pent-up Macy's, Inc. share holder value exists in the dormant Marshall Field's trade names when packaged with the State Street flagship. Despite being a huge store, State St will always underperform as Macy's and repel customers until it is again Field's.(Note: Due to a technical error, this post did not appear correctly until 1:15 pm, Mon, June 22, 2015.)
2005 SEC 10K filings strongly suggest much unrealized value. May Dept. Stores listed Marshall Field's trade names as $419M before Macy's acquisition/merger. At the same time, Macy's and Bloomingdale's tradenames totaled $377M. (May Dept Store's other 12 trade names totaled under $190M in 2005.)
The greatest return for Macy's investors would be to sell the Marshall Field's brand and trade names combined as a package with the State Street store to another operator. Sold together, Field's assets could easily net $2.25B for stock holders or 8-9% mkt cap. (Macy's keeps a Chicago flagship on Michigan Ave) Who would buy? For one, prior to Macy's acquisition of Field's, Chicago Tribune had rumors of interest by Weston's Selfridges Group."
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2015 8:29 pm CT
Posted by: Paul,
Macy's is said to have a red-star balloon in next Sunday's Chicago pride parade.
Date: Sunday, June 14, 2015 3:19 pm CT
Posted by: Robert H.,
Karen you bring up such a good point something that I never thought of. No I have NEVER heard anyone excited about Fields becoming Macy's. I think everyone knew we were loosing something far better than what we were getting/have. Most stores are ment with excitement when they come to a new town but not when the kill of a local favorite! I have to think if the macys executives knew then what they know now we'd still have fields at least state street.
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2015 11:30 am CT
Posted by: Jo,
Uhhh...didn't Macy's sell off May's tux business 8-9 years ago because it wasn't a core business? Now it is...part of the bridal registry biz. Does Lundgren know what he's doing?
On second thought, I guess he does. Macy's needs someone to sell tuxes and suits and tailor them better than they can. It's not a strength, just like how they aren't strong in selling like sunglasses and sports team hats and shirts and the like. This all would have been a slam dunk for Marshall Field's.
Date: Friday, June 12, 2015 6:21 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay,
Walter Loeb has a new story on Bloomingdale's head Tony Spring.
What's interesting is to note that Mr. Spring started with Bloomingdale's and Federated, fresh out of College in the 1980s. He's pretty much worked nowhere else in his career--not that he hasn't had a wealth of experiences and accomplishments. But what this story supports is that Federated (Macy's, Inc.) has a pretty closed and inbred culture. More than a few say that Field's will come back after Lundgren retires in a few years. I don't think so. There's no way someone like Tony Spring and others who are next generation of leaders and Macy's/Bloomingdale's have moved up the ladder if they were supportive of Field's return. It will be something external from Macy's that causes a shift.
The CEO of Bloomingdale's Is A Gem in Troubled Waters http://www.forbes.com/sites/walterloeb/2015/06/12/the-ceo-of-bloomingdales-is-a-gem-in-troubled-watersI hold the position that if Federated didn't have Bloomingdale's, we'd still have Field's.
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2015 9:17 pm CT
FB Posted by: Darrid,
(At Northbrook Court)
What a mess! Leftover Christmas Frango mints! Yummy!
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2015 4:59 pm CT
Posted by: Pete
Macy's is pairing up with the founder of Menswarehouse to sell suits and offer their suits. They also will have a network of independent tailors who will come to offices and homes and tailor suits in a way that's like Uber.
Field's used to offer these services with more cachet. So Lungreed gets rid of that and then, when Macy's fails, gets some middle of the road shop to come in and replace it.
With all the other leased out shops and departments, it's like Macy's is becoming a mall operator.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/macys-open-house-mens-wearhouse-205508634.html
Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2015 4:59 pm CT
Posted by: Memphis Shopper
We used to look forward to coming to Chicago to shop at Marshall Field's. No reason to go there as Macy's. Sure, there's the Walnut room, but the rest of the store is so sad that it's not enough to compensate.
BRING BACK MARSHALL FIELD'S!
Date: Monday, June 8, 2015 8:21 pm CT
Posted by: karen K.
Everything else aside, have you heard of anyone who has been excited that Marshall Field's became Macy's?
All I can think is that Macy's spends a great deal of energy covering up and spinning facts about what is actually an overall failure.
Karen in Inverness
Date: Friday, June 5, 2015 7:21 pm CT
Posted by: Vicki Howard
I've written a book on the decline of American department stores that might interest all of you. Marshall Field's and Macy's feature quite prominently in my book, From Main Street to Mall: The Rise and Fall of the American Department Store. The epilogue covers the protest rallies for Field's that FieldsFansChicago.org organized.
Best,
Vicki Howard
Associate Professor of History
Coordinator of Museum Studies Program
Hartwick College
Oneonta, NY 13820
Editor: History of Retailing and Consumption http://www.tandfonline.com/action/authorSubmission?journalCode=rhrc20&page=instructions#.VM_Tt6Z0y1s>http://www.tandfonline.com/action/authorSubmission?journalCode=rhrc20&page=instructions#.VM_Tt6Z0y1s
Author: From Main Street to Mall: The Rise and Fall of the American Department Store http://www.upenn.edu/pennpress/book/15362.html>http://www.upenn.edu/pennpress/book/15362.html
Date: Friday, June 5, 2015 6:23 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
In response to Douglas's post, it is true that spending from abroad is down because of the bad exchange rates--it's just not Macy's and Bloomingdale's. I DO think there would be an impact even if State Street and Water Tower were still Marshall Field's. However, as Field's, there would still be a much larger base of domestic customers. Regardless of tourism, these stores would still be more productive and profitable as Marshall Field's.
As Douglas suggests, why not different brands for different stores. Hilton has offered all sorts of brands from Hampton Inn to Waldorf Astoria to designate their different hotel experiences, but you stil know it's a Hilton Hotel. (Even the Palmer House and The Drake retained their marquee names as Hilton Hotels.) I've brought this up at previous Macy's stock holders meetings. And who has been on the board of Macy's? A Hilton Exec.
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2015 1:18 pm CT
Posted by: Douglas A.
Does anyone else find it ironic that macy blames lower sales on declining tourism? Did anyone in macy top management realize that converting all the regional department stores would dilute the value of the macy name? In other words, when macy was centered on Manhattan and suburban stores, the store was associated with New York? Now that macy stores are everywhere, they are nothing special. Even visitors to New York realize that macy is no more unique than JCPenney or walmart.
Think of other cities too. Would a visitor to Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami want to seek out a macy store? Highly unlikely. It's like different regional department stores would be worth a visit, but now there's no reason for tourists to visit a macy when they are traveling. Why bother?
Also laughable is the plan to establish some macy stores as "premium" outlets. Again, why didn't they keep the top stores in each market as "premium" and operate them under their legendary name--Marshall Field's, Lazarus, Rich's, Filene's, Bullocks, then operate the second tier stores under the macy label. Their new plan will only confuse shoppers. So which macy store is THIS--the premium or the value one? Do they carry Waterford or Martha Stewart? Do they have the One Day Sale and coupons here?
Seems that macy now has an identity crisis. Their stores are no longer a tourist attraction--they discarded the popular regional names as well as their well-known affiliation with New York City. Their market image is also unclear--are they upscale or discount operators? In trying to be everything to everyone, macy has no clear vision of who they are. They attract neither the upscale nor the value shopper.
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2015 2:19 pm CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Reuters reports that hedge funds are taking stakes in Macy's, rumored to be asking Macy's to sell Harold Square and other key stores and then lease them back in the long term. This sort of accounting activity is a sort of stock manipulation ploy which I, for one, am glad that Macy's is opposed to. But if they really wanted to unlock stockholder value, they'd sell Marshall Field's flagship and the brand Marshall Field's to Selfridges."Reuters Exclusive: Hedge funds to Macy's: Sell your real estate"
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/02/us-macys-activists-property-exclusive-idUSKBN0OI1YQ20150602
Date: Monday, June 1, 2015 1:18 pm CT
Posted by: Pete S.
Was surfing around and found some interesting stories from ten years ago, as well as in recent years. Something to note is that when the merger was approved, Marshall Field's was not designated to become Macy's. That happened four weeks after the deal was approved and closed. It sure shows that they knew Marshall Field's was special compared to the rest of the store banners.
On top of that, I don't think Macy's ever came close to living up to their long-term promises to customers back when they came up with this idea of killing off local department stores:
Federated To Convert 330 Stores To MacyÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs
http://www.webpronews.com/federated-to-convert-stores-to-macys-2005-07
After Smooth Sales Talk, Stores Take MacyÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Name
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/26/business/26macy.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Farewell To Hecht's Familiar Brand
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/28/AR2005072800681.html
Out with Filene's, in with Macy's
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2005/07/28/federated_says_330_may_stores_will_become_macys_bostoncom/
The Real Reason Macy's is Closing (Former Famous-Barr Flagship and May Department Stores Headquarters)
http://countondowntown.com/2013/05/the-real-reason-macys-is-closing/
What To Do With 1.2 Million Square Feet In The Railway Exchange Building (Former Famous-Barr Flagship and May Department Stores Headquarters)
http://www.urbanreviewstl.com/2015/05/what-to-do-with-1-2-million-square-feet-in-the-railway-exchange-building/
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2015 1:18 pm CT
Posted by: William W.
In the 1970's and through 1990's there was a union that was organized within Marshall Fields. Does anyone know the name of the union? I know the Teamsters tried to get in but did not.
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2015 12:58 pm CT
Posted by: gle
I think at this point whatever Macy's says to impress anyone, no-one takes seriously. Their track record is obvious.
Something I have noticed, however, is that some people still go to the Walnut Room for special occasions because they consider it the only part of Field's that is still there. So why wouldn't Macy's try to capitalize on something that might help their sinking ship (such as restoration of the fountain), if they actually had the sense to figure out customer loyalty to the Walnut Room. BUT, my friends who cling to the Walnut Room usually come home disappointed, and say they have just been to "THAT STORE THAT SHOULD BE FIELD'S!"
Date: Friday, May 29, 2015 8:03 am CT
Posted by: Andrea W.
Just checking in with this site. We really miss Marshall Field's and Co. Those Macy's people should listen to their customers.
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2015 9:56 pm CT
FB Posted by: Gayle
Chris Reynolds--thanks for your detailed and obviously keen observations about Macyland! I believe you are right on the money. I remember Macy's saying they needed to "reeducate" us, and then later saying that they were writing off Field's shoppers because we were apparently nothing more than nostalgic and overly-emotional morons who would die off soon. (I think their marketing department phrased it more gently, but that was the takeaway message). I hope that someday, somehow, MF's gets resurrected. I don't believe Macy's is capable. Maybe Selfridges? Even if they don't bring back the name, they could replicate the shopping experience....
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2015 9:37 am CT
Posted by: Jim
In recent years, I haven't heard the terms "re-educate" and "resistant" in their parlance. However, a few years back I would hear those terms from Macy's execs--I'm especially thinking of CFO Karen Hoguet in her various quarterly conference calls a few years back. Also, put "Macyization" and "name change" on that list of Orwellian terms they use. If it's just a "name change", how can there be much to "re-educate" about and for customers to "resist"?
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2015 8:52 am CT
FB Posted by: Chris R.
They didn't say those words when they turned on the fountain. Remember that they are sales people. But those are the words they actualy do use in their strategies, management huddles, and so on.
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2015 12:27 pm CT
FB Posted by: Garland P.
good earth did he really use words re-educate and resistant? wow... creep-ola
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2015 11: 23 am CT
FB Posted by: Chris R.
I'm a former employee from about 9-10 years ago, but my spouse has a vendor connection.
Viewed the event from afar. It was like a cross between a scene from the Stepford Wives and an Amway convention.
Food service was started 125 years ago at Marshall Field's by Mrs. Hering and H.G. Selfridge. Macy's started their own food service some 10-15 years later. Let's face it, the Walnut Room is no longer as special as when it was Field's.
Culinary Council celebration, food service anniversary, and the American Icons are all hype. But are those the ultimate motivations behind why they tweaked the fountain and why Terry Lundgren showed up?
Based on the past four years, I say it's Terry's latest dance mis-steps in his tenuous relationship with Rahm Emanuel and Chicago. Unlike Daley, Rahm Emanuel is insistent on Marshall Field's coming back to State Street as part of Chicago's image as a global city. The two aren't cozy, to say the least.
The clocks only got repainted after Emanuel won the election. MF would have routinely kept the numerals in top shape. I think not maintaining the numerals was TL's way of saving a few dollars and, moreover, poking Emanuel and demonstrating that his conquest of the store. Roger Ebert said that Emperor Lundgren planted his flag on State Street. It's quite a symbol, as we all know. Since Emanuel won another term, Lundgren probably conceded that the clocks can't be let go another four years without further alienating customers.
Lundgren comes to Chicago for this particular weekend but isn't a guest at the mayor's inauguration less than 48 hours later?? My take: It's Lundgren's way of attempting to get the mayor's attention, but don't think Lundgren is humble. Lundgren thinks all that he's done is a huge olive branch when its really just a few leaves and, actually, Lundgren killed our olive tree in the first place.
"Setting the stage for the return of the MF name" ???? No. Period. Macy's thinks there's no stores greater than Bloomingdale's and Macy's. Even if Macy's is conscious that it was a mistake to kill off Field's, world corporate culture dictates that you bury, paint over, or otherwise cover up such big mistakes. "Hide that body!"
"We have the utmost respect for Field's history and traditions." Translation: "We're salespeople. We'll say whatever it takes to make people feel less guilty when you buy Frangos, but Marshall Field's will remain ancient history." They are willing to take baby steps as they "re-educate" the "resistant" Marshall Field's customers. Note: "Re-educate" and "resistant" are Macy's words. Those who think Macy's is inching back to Field's are very naive. They laugh at the thought.
Does Macy's deserves a bone or an concession that they are trying to reach out? Even a drop of appreciation puffs up their ego, cementing in their minds that they don't need to bring back Field's
Date: Monday, May 25, 2015 CT
Posted by: Field's Fans Chicago
Honoring Those
Who Gave Their Lives
for Our Country.
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2015 8:56 pm CT
Posted by: T.H.
IF FIELD'S WERE TO COME BACK, IT WOULD HAVE TO BE MORE THAN A NAME. MACY'S QUALITY IS SIMPLY NOT UP TO MARSHALL FIELD'S. I WILL NOT SHOP MACY'S NOR BLOOMINGDALE'S. THERE WAS NO NEED TO GET RID OF FIELD'S. HAVING FIELD'S IN THEIR STABLE WOULD HAVE MADE ME CONSIDER MACY'S AND BLOOMINGDALE'S MORE. INSTEAD, I AM REPULSED BY MACY'S AND BLOOMINGDALE'S!
I JUST WONDER, THOUGH, HOW FIELD'S COULD COME BACK WITH A NAME AND THE KIND OF STORE IT WAS BEFORE MACY'S TRASHED IT. THE OWNERS OF MACY'S SHOULD BE OUTRAGED THAT SUCH VALUE WAS DISCARDED.
Date: Friday, May 22, 2015 6:08 pm CT
Posted by: Emily D.
We miss Marshall Field's immensely. Macy's does not compare. This noise that Macy's honors Field's is just a bunch of talk. What a bunch of phoney baloney people.
People see through that.
What a strange time we live in when companies are led by egos that are valued more than the customers wants and desires.
Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:09 am CT
Posted by: Anna P.
Happy 189th Birthday to Potter Palmer, founder of what we knew as Marshall Field's and Company, and, of course, the Palmer House. Born May 20, 1826.
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 4:49 pm CT
Posted by: Susan NY
All this Macy strutting makes me wonder if they have not yet figured out who and what they are-- upscale, mid-scale, chic, ubiquitous, exclusive............. where can they be headed for except Banality?Field's managed to attract a wide range of clientele by keeping its high standards at the fore, not by scraping bottom to keep costs down. At least that is how it looks to me.
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 2:03 pm CT
FB Posted by: Dan A.
What a great and totally compelling effort
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 12:36 pm CT
Posted by: mikea
To Phillip
Rebranding the top 150 stores to Marshall Field's?? Really. Field's tried to work in other markets, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Columbus. With the exception of the legacy Mayfair , Fields' brand did not last in the other markets, the stores were sold off by Target. We at this time do not know how upscale macy's plans on those top stores. Most likely they would not be competing with Neiman's , Saks or Nordstrom, or their Bloomingdale's. They would probably upscale to more like Lord & Taylor or some of what Nordstrom sells. They may bring back the brands they carried when they first took over Field's. For a the first few years, they still continued to sell some of the higher end brands. However State Street has downgraded a lot of the high end brands in Women. They are just in the 28th shop a much smaller place than they used to be.
Date: Monday, May 18, 2015 6:31 pm CT
Posted by: gle
Glad to see our signs and our people still out there at the shareholders meeting! THANK-YOU FOR GOING TO CINCINNATI FOR THE STOCK HOLDERS MEETING!
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2015 7:50 pm CT
FB Posted by: Kathy S.
[Re: Timothy E.'s post:]
Commitment to maintaining Field's traditions such as the Walnut Room? Then take the wine bar out. It is not in keeping with the dignity or tradition of that room. You want a wine bar? Find somewhere else to put it.
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2015 11:45 am CT
FB Posted by: Garland P.
[Re: Timothy E.'s post:]
Glad they did it. Setting stage for return of mf name.
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2015 9:48 pm CT
Posted by: Philip eichler
Ok,mikea,keep your knives in the drawer until you think this one through. If Macy's wants to re enter the upscale market, they need a new brand. I would propose these upscale stores be branded Marshall Field's. It's common knowledge that the main line Macy's are no different than an outlet store. A store cannot occupy the outlet space and upscale space under the same banner. It would create absolute confusion for the consumer.Are we at the coupon Macy's or the good Macy's? And all those coupons would be worthless at these upscale stores. I say that because it's the vendor that usually excludes its products from cheap promos.Would ads have to be very different? Of course they would have to be. Training ditto. Everything would need to be different.
From the vendors side,how is upscale Macy's going to get brands? When Macy's seized State Street, Neiman's, Saks and Nordstrom had a field day grabbing the brands Field's had an exclusive. While it appeared to many that Macy's was dropping these brands, in reality most of these brands was bailing on Macy's. In addition over the last few years, aspirational brands and luxury brands have been closing doors, not opening them, attempting to shore up their brand's value. Why would any of these vendors want to open in a Macy's? And these 150 stores locations are in malls that already have the likes of a Neiman's or Saks, why would they wish to compromise their position at Neiman's for the very down market Macy's? Like all of Macy's recent whimsical ideas when examined, it really does not hold water.
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2015 3:06 pm CT
FB Posted by: Sara B.
[Re: Timothy E.'s post: ]
Give them credit? Am I missing something? Is there more than a ring of water at the top? Does the lower part also have water streaming? As it is, more than a few North Shore homes and some middle of the road hotel lobbies have something comparable. Macy's declined to say how much they paid for tihs. Given the modesty, wouldn't surprise me if the contractor did it pro-bono so they could add The Walnut Room to their resume.
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2015 3:01 pm CT
FB Posted by: Sara B.
[Re: attending stockholders meeting:]
You keep going!
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2015 2:45 pm CT
FB Posted by: Tim E.
[Re: activation of the Walnut Room fountain:]
Very brief presentation - essentially a Macy's Mgmt. feel good pep-rally. The gist of his comments was reiterating Macy's commitment to upholding Marshall Field's great retail legacy.... a part of which was maintaining such wonderful traditions as the Walnut Room.
All pretty predictable - but makes for a nice publicity stunt for the 10 pm news.
And yes - it does in fact look quite nice. Even better than I was expecting. Gotta give them credit for restoring this treasure and doing what it takes to be able to have it operating for the first time. :-)
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2015 12:18 am CT
FB Posted by: Kerry B.
Awesome!!
Date: Friday, May 15, 2015 11:12 pm CT
FB Posted by: Danel Lynn S.
You guys are awesome!
Date: Friday, May 15, 2015 9:30 pm CT
FB Posted by: Gayle S.
Huge thanks to Jim, Frank, and Darrid for driving all the way to Cinci to speak for our cause!
Date: Friday, May 15, 2015 4:27 pm CT
FB Posted by: Gail H.
Great!
Date: Friday, May 15, 2015 2:19 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jeanie D.
You brought tears to my eyes. I am with you all on spirit.
Date: Friday, May 15, 2015 2:17 pm CT
FB Posted by: Tina T.
Thank you. I hope you make some headway.
Date: Friday, May 15, 2015 1:14 pm CT
FB Posted by: Timothy E.
Very glad that you guys are able to be there.
Date: Friday, May 15, 2015 CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
Today was Macy's, Inc.'s annual stock holder meeting at Macy's, Inc. headquarters in Cincinnati. Remember that "Macy's, Inc." is the former Federated Department Stores company. For almost 80 years, it has been the parent of Bloomingdale's; it acquired R.H. Macy's circa 1992-93; May Department Stores in 2005; and Bluemercury spas just since the beginning of the year.
Three people--from Chicago, Detroit and Cincinnati--came to represent Macy's stockholders who want to see the return of Marshall Field's to State Street. Although one (representing someone who has been a Macy's stockholder for several years) was denied admission, two of us, including myself, participated in the post-meeting "questions/comments" section.
I'm paraphrasing in the following rough highlights of what I said to the audience of maybe 150 or 200 who appeared to be mainly Macy's and Bloomingdale's associates.
I brought up how last weekend some of you contacted me asking if I would yet again attend and speak up for Field's; I also acknowledged that clearly in past years Macy's has said no way to restoring Marshall Field's.
That said, I congratulated Macy's on their efforts that produced a financially successful year from a stockholders' vantage and supportively mused that with Cuba opening up, Macy's would be a firecracker of great entrant to Havana given their understanding of the Hispanic market. With regards to Marshall Field's, I applauded their (finally) repainting the Great Clocks and commented that the updated Walnut fountain sounded interesting. I continued that those things were good and people want more than nostalgia, they want an contemporary, vibrant Marshall Field's experience, not a name and some historical makers. (At this point, it was clear some in the audience including Macy's execs that I recognized were laughing.)
I've heard Mr. Lundgren and others say no again and again to this so I understand that from previous years, Macy's doesn't want that. Yet, some Field's supporters are taking new steps. A certain group of the Field's supporters are turning their efforts to reaching out to Selfridges and the Weston family to open a Chicago Selfridges flagship run in the spirit of Field's. As you probably know, Selfridge started out from Marshall Field's and people are now reacquainted with Selfridges and its connection through the PBS TV show. (I can't remember if I also saidÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂbut if I didn't I meant to say that FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs was informed by Selfridges for it's successful 2003 makeover at State Street.)
People are organizing to recruit Selfridges with buttons, rallies, lectures with same fervency that they have using for Field's. Now personally, I'd much rather see MacyÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs restore Marshall Field's in name and character, but that's what people are doing and I said at previous stockholder meeting that i would let you know about these things first. I don't recall any response.
---
After myself, Frank Loomis of Cincinnati spoke. (None of this is Frank's exact wordsÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂIÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂm summarizing.) Frank is a Cincinnatian who has credentials as an antique professional who even hosts an antique show on Cincinnati radio. Frank spoke about Marshall Fiield's clock logo brass buttons going for $11 a piece; the high demand for Marshall Field's goods on eBay; thanks for the clock and restorations at State Street. Frank showed off his prize Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Wedgwood plate. He closed with a plea to bring back Marshall Field's. FrankÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs comments all drew favorable reaction from the audience.
I left the meeting and the building immediately, but Frank tells me that he later engaged in an enjoyable conversation with Lundgren and others about Wedgwood.
Back in 2008, four Field's fans came to the Macy's stockholders meeting and posed with our Marshall Field's signs out in front of Macy's headquarters. We got the signs and posed with them after lunch. On our way to take the photo, we were approached by more than a few locals who commented on them. Some didn't understand the signs, but others who approached us started out with words like, "YES!! I totally agree--Macy's is no match for Marshall Field's...we used to go to Chicago for Marshall Field's! We miss it!"
Below is a (so-so) photo that a passerby kindly took of us.
Thanks to all who supported us in this--especially the "core Field's Fans" who advise us, especially Gayle, Gloria, and, most of all, Frank and Darrid.
Date: Friday, May 15, 2015 6:36 am CT
FB Posted by: Susan NY
Isn't it amusing that Macy's is thinking of pushing "best stores" "upscale"? Seems to me they had a best-of-the-best one they pushed downscale and they keep its head under water. Maybe that is why they are "restoring" the tradition of the Walnut Room fountain.....
But I don't recall a fountain there either--it must really have been buried. As for 125 years of fountain repression, if the Walnut Room was installed in 1907 it won't be 125 years old until 2032. Maybe the fountain was just there to begin with and they put some tables around it when they thought that would be fun.
Those wacky Macy's folks are from another time/space continuum where facts don't match up like they do for us in this one. I wonder how they will decide, for example, which are the "best" stores since they have not yet figured out where 111 N State belongs in the firmament.
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2015 3:12 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jim
(In followup to my post yesterday, it's important to note that it's not just Macy's: Kohl's and Nordstrom also fell short. JCP actually did better than expects in some key ways.)
Macy's to Push Best Stores UpscaleChicago tourists are still dismayed at the loss of Marshall Field's on State Street.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/macys-sales-profit-miss-expectations-1431519981#livefyre-comment
Macy's Inc. plans to push its best stores upscale, as it works to squeeze more growth from a slowing department-store business.
They had a really unique, international destination. While they still consider it one of their secondary flagships (next to Herald Square) it's only Marshall Field's building but a different store in side.
Chicago customers prefer Marshall Field's to Bloomingdale's; Macy's has a hugely under-realized asset until they restore Marshall FIeld's back to State Street.
One other point: If Macy's goes up scale, how will that impact their Bloomingdale's stores? Word on the street was often that Marshall Field's had to go in Chicago because it was too close to Bloomingdale's in the quality and assortment of merchandise.
Aren't coupons and clearance items huge incentives for getting people in the door? When they reduced coupons several years ago, Macy's was hit badly and brought them back. It's good that they are testing Macy's Backstage only in a small area (NYC). I think it will hit the clearance merchandise incentive to go to a "Platinum" or "B Tier" Macy's.
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2015 11:29 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jim
Overseas tourists in Chicago hurt Macy's resultsMacy's CFO Karen Hoguet said this morning that it was not only Chicago (i.e. State Street AND Water Tower) but also "tourist" stores in NYC, San Francisco and Las Vegas as well.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150513/NEWS07/150519910/overseas-tourists-in-chicago-hurt-macys-results
Regardless, restoring Marshall Field's would be a slam-dunk for Macy's and its stockholders. They have TWO Chicago flagships!
Macy's is also phasing out supplying Aeropostale with items. Started by the old R.H. Macy's and eventually separated off, I didn't realize Aeropostale and Macy's still had a relationship.
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2015 5:11 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jim
Claire: It's fair to reserve judgement until we see it in action. Will it dribble? Or be spectacular? But stuff like this is bread crumbs compared to what would really please the public. (A complete return to Marshall Field's.)
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2015 5:05 pm CT
FB Posted by: Claire O.
I apologize in advance if this offends anyone here. I think this is pretty cool news!
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2015 4:51 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jeane W.
" It is a privilege of Macy's to continue the tradition of Marshall Field's. We've been given a treasure and Macy's is committed to keeping that treasure going." So says Andrea Schwartz, Vice President of Media Relations for Macy's.
Did their attorneys write that for her?
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2015 4:02 pm CT
FB Posted by: Tim E.
I'm not sure when the current (non-operating) fountain was put into place, but it certainly is not original to the room. It looks like they had some sort of lily-pond 'water feature', but it certainly wasn't what's there now!
I only see the current fountain appearing in pics from the 70's onward. Even as late as 1960 it wasn't there:
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2015 3:16 pm CT
Posted by: Jim
Crains:
Walnut Room fountain to flow for first time in 125 years
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150512/NEWS07/150519985/walnut-room-fountain-to-flow-for-first-time-in-125-years
ABC7 Chicago:
http://abc7chicago.com/717115/
Date: Monday, May 11, 2015 10:28 pm CT
Posted by: Sandy H.
Was thinking of my mom over the weekend and how we loved Marshall Field's! Field's was beloved. She would be devastated to have it become that sorry store, Macy's.
Date: Sunday, May 10, 2015 CT
Posted by: gle
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2015 7:34 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jeanie W.
I think the last sentence of the article pretty much sums it up.The question will be, perhaps, whether in hindsight (Macy's) might have done more to preserve its rights in its "heritage brands."
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2015 2:44 pm CT
FB Posted by: Jim McKay
Good explanation from New York Law Journal of the case over the rights to Marshall Field's trade name. Depending on context, may require registration or a subscription:
http://m.newyorklawjournal.com/module/alm/app/ny.do#!/article/1743311328
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2015 6:27 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
WOW. Lundgren admits to Macy's being barely, if at all, distinguishable from bottom feeders?
Bottom feeding has nothing to do with Field's. For this Macy's needs to possess the Field's name?
And good point: why go into competition with yourself? Is a kind of robotic clone needed to harvest enough to live on at the bottom?
Somehow I find the premise that America is a bottom-feeding nation scary, not to mention destructive. This man in a powerful, influential position is setting his vision as low as possible, expecting to extract personal fortune and glory in sludge he thinks is the best we deserve. Thanks.
And more brilliance revealed --- Mr. Let's-Do-Regional-Sludge disdains petty regional (read "provincial") character? And we are not supposed to get our knickers in a twist when he swans in and stomps on our petty regional faces to bring our lives down to his standard.
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2015 12:46 pm CT
Posted by: mike a
I see Macy's is going to open 4 test off price stores WHY??? The clearance and sale items in the stores are great values, what do they want the customers to start going to other stores other than the main ones. Most likely the outlet stores will probably be like the Bloomingdale's outlets which sell 10-20% merchandise from the stores and 80-90% bought just for the outlets. This will still take sales away from the main stores. It is not like Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks that are so high priced they need outlet stores for the general public. Most Macy's merchandise is geared for the general public unless these outlet stores will be like a Target or Dollar general/.
Also they just started this Plenti rewards program which is really not good. Most likely all you get back is 1% of your purchases. The old way allowed as much as 3% back which is standard with credit cards. Bon-Ton has the best rewards program a 20.00 reward coupon used on purchasing of 50.00 or more after each 200.00 spent with the Bon-Ton card that is 10% back in rewards very good. This PLenti program is lousy!!!!
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2015 9:52 am CT
Posted by: C.C. Chicago
Here is more questionable jewelry from Macy's own circular: Diamond Necklace: 1 ct. t.w. rose cut in 18K gold over silver plated brass (disclaimer: All carat weights [ct. t.w.] are approximate;) Dyed Green Jade Bracelet, etc. These are being sold as fine jewelry!
More and more, Macy's reminds me of Goldblatt's. It's like Goldblatt's has taken over our beloved Marshall Field's State Street store. (I don't think that even Goldblatt's would have sold costume jewelry as fine jewelry.) Macy's motto should be: LET THE BUYER BEWARE!
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2015 12:29 am CT
Posted to FB by: John L.
Re: Delta Sky Mag cover story: Macy's is a New York City store with a NYC mentality. It is not welcome in Chicago. I do not shop at Macy's (but was a regular at Field's).
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2015 12:09 am CT
Posted by: Jim McKay
To follow up on Richard in Houston's comments, we all know that T.J. Maxx was Zayre's new name after Zayre redefined their business model and got rid of their unprofitable departments. Macy's claims--when it's to their advantage-- that it is the same as Marshall Field's. Who ever thought that they would see the day that "Marshall Field's" (emphasize the quotation marks) was trying to play catch-up with Zayre? Thanks to Macy's, that's what we apparently have.
Of all the stories on this, I found the one in the Washington Post was the most interesting from our perspective because of the quote from Terry Lundgren--I bolded what I thought was the key phrase:
Chief executive Terry Lundgren has said he hasn't always felt this type of business was the right strategic move for Macy's.I don't like to "crawl inside people's heads" and claim to entirely understand them. Yet, Mr. Lundgen himself has, in a partronizing tone, called me "emotional" for wanting Marshall Field's back (Macy's 2008 sharehodlers meeting). Even if it is "emotional" on the customers' part, a lot of evidence suggests to me that Mr. Lundgen has an emotional attachmemt to having his way regardless of what customers want. Customers are hugely willing to shop Marshall Field's and it's unique shopping experience which was different from Macy's. That's why Marshall Field's tradenames were so valuable. And if shopping weren't emotional, we'd all wear uniforms and sack cloth.
When it came to starting an off-price offshoot, "I was the obstacle," Lundgren said in April at a retailing conference in Tucson. "Because I said, 'You know what? Macy's price points are too close to the off-price world.'"
But Lundgren said his innovation team, led by Sachse, convinced him there may be an audience for such outlets. Sachse has been working on the concept for about six months with a team of about 20 leaders who have experience working at off-price competitors such as TJMaxx, Nordstrom Rack or Saks Off Fifth.
The rest of the Post story is at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2015/05/05/macys-backstage-aims-to-be-your-new-destination-for-bargains/
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2015 10:48 pm CT
Posted by: Richard in Houston
Time (EDT)Macy's Inc.10:0011:0012:001:002:003:00Umm... I thought Macy's WAS a discount store. They are always being compared to Kohl's and Target. Fields, nor the other regional stores such as Burdine's, Bullock's or Foley's, were every listed in that category.
$64.4$64.6$64.8$65.0$65.2
By Angela Chen
BloombergThe stories will be based in and around New York City
Macy's Inc. said Tuesday that it will open four discount stores in the fall, the latest move in the retailer's restructuring efforts.
The discount stores, called Macy's Backstage, will be located in and around New York City and will have clearance goods from the retailer. The stores won't accept Macy's (M, -1.21%) coupons and won't be driven by promotional events.
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2015 10:48 pm CT
Posted to FB by: Steve G.
Delta's May 2015 SKY magazine; it's a real eye opener. Cover story is Terry Lundgren. "STAR POWER: The Merchant of New York: Terry Lundgren on Why the Fashion World Loves Macy's."
Excerpt:
His hand-up-the-cow moment at Macy's happened after the acquisition of May. "We had 14 different names," he says. "Marshall FieldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs in the Upper Midwest. Filene's in Boston. Foley's in Texas. All family names. All of them mercantile exchanges that started in their downtowns, just like Macy's and Bloomingdale's. But I knew the regional stores were not working. There was emotional attachment to those stores, but thereÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs a difference between emotional attachment and actually shopping at the store."
http://deltaskymag.delta.com/Sky-Extras/Favorites/Another-Miracle-on-34th-Street.aspx
Date: Monday, May 4, 2015 1:48 pm CT
Posted by: C.C. Chicago
After seeing the piece on CBS news with Pam Zekman, about the "rubies" which are made of lead glass "filled" something or other, I think Macy's knows EXACTLY what they're doing. I wouldn't buy a gem stone from them or even gold right now. Ms. Zekman filmed at the Macy's on State Street. How depressing to think that was once Marshall Fields, which we could all trust to offer the finest of merchandise, no matter what.
Date: Monday, May 4, 2015 6:38 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
I feel so reassured now that it is clear we Field's fans are still cared about by Macy's. I was in danger of losing that warm fuzzy feeling.
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2015 9:28 am CT
Posted by: Joan H.
Macy's will have their Q1 earnings call on Wednesday, May 13th at 9:00 A.M. ET/ 8:00 A.M. Chicago Time. This is 90 minutes earlier than past such calls. Here's the link to the info:http://finance.yahoo.com/news/macy-inc-report-first-quarter-120000649.htmlWill someone from Field's Fans attend the stock holders' meeting on May 15th? I sure hate for them to think we don't care anymore.
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2015 6:55 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
I am no fan of Macy's but I don't see the point of smirking about their being "caught" selling glass or doctored rubies as real gemstones, for a hundred dollars or so. Clue: you don't get what you don't pay for. Naive customers abound and Macy's is taking advantage of them-- but purchasers are getting their money's worth, more or less. It would be quite another matter if Macy's charged 6 figures for imitations.
The clerks' misleading assurances are the problem, given the safeguards purportedly provided to inform the customer. Where was that critical little tag during the transaction? For bringing unfavorable publicity to Macy's (If the staff is indeed trained to tell the plain truth) those wily liars should be fired -- a really effective and quick way to "reaffirm" their training.
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2015 1:13 am CT
Posted to FB by: Jeanie W.
Re: The CBS2 investigative report on Macy's "Rubies," Macy's statement is nothing more than evasive misleading rubbish.
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2015 11:30 pm CT
Posted by: gayle soucek
The story about Macy's selling fake rubies made me laugh. After all, we already knew that Macy's couldn't recognize a true gem while they held it in their hands, right? They proved that in 2006....
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2015 8:53 am CT
Posted by: via C.C. Chicago
Did you hear that commercial yesterday on Newsradio? It featured Pam Zekman talking about her latest investigative report. A "big downtown department store" selling jewelery that isn't what it might seem. If you're like me, you thought of Macy's.
And of course it was Macy's.
The following link explains it all. Not surprising. When did you hear about Marshall Field's ever doing this? Never.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/05/01/2-investigators-are-they-real-rubies-or-processed-gemstones/#.VUTBh6S-4HQ.mailto
Date: Friday, May 1, 2015 5:49 pm CT
Posted by: A Field's Fan
Macy's Pulls the Plugs Twin Cities' Glamorama. Glamorama originated at Dayton's over 25 years ago. Glamorama will continue at Chicago, L.A. and San Francisco and may be added in Miami.http://mspmag.com/Blogs/Alishops/April-2015/Macy-s-Pulls-the-Plug-on-Glamorama/
Date: Friday, May 1, 2015 4:38 pm CT
Posted by: Paula
It's a given that Macy's doesn't want anything that used to be Marshall Field's to be as good as it once was. Why would they want to remind people that Marshall Field's was better than Macy's OR Bloomingdale's???
The Marshall Field's bags that they sell are chintzy compared to the quality of anything Field's sold. Aside from the logo, most of the bags for sale at State Street have cheap vinyl and weired color schemes like black or antique white. Marshall Field's T-shirts I saw were the wrong shade of green. Marshall Field's sports Jerseys and T's are SOOOOOO Macy's. Field's would have had a polo or golf shirt with an embroidered Field's clock or logo or Marshall Field's dress blouses and shirts. Macy's offers cheap, inauthentic souvenirs when everyone wants the real thing.
Given that they destroyed Marshall Field's, why would anyone expect quality Frangos or classy tributes to Field's by Macy's and Bloomingdale's? The best homage would be to bring back. They have no intention. As the Field's guy said, Macy's and Bloomingdale's has contempt for Marshall Field's and Chicago.
Date: Friday, May 1, 2015 6:26 am CT
Posted by: Susan NY
Tsk tsk, Mike A.
Yes, Hershey's or any other chocolate of a certain age, and ill-kept, gets chocolate bloom and loses its charm. Looks like some points were missed.
Eric did not make an issue of the exchange process, and did not quarrel with the method of dating. He did not blame Blommers for the bad candy. As his Frangos proved to be of the same date as the others still on offer, he must not have kept his around overlong before opening the box. Who among us would not choose to rip the cover off within seconds of receiving the gift?
With the taste buds teased and happy memories aroused, attempting to replace the gift of unexpectedly bad candy (note his loyalist observation: "from a misguided soul") is not a despicable act of betrayal. Trading for fresh Frangos, the last remaining shred of the Field's experience, is a rational act more to be commiserated with than censured.
The matching pile of outdated Frangos suggests those hordes at the Mall are not duplicitous Field's fans sneaking into M-land to buy them, or said pile would not be aging undisturbed in its niche. Unless there is a huge supply of old candy to replenish a quickly-depleted display.
I would rather the "whining" continue than have everyone lie down and roll over under the Macy foot.
Date: Friday, May 1, 2015 1:51 am CT
Posted by: Denise P
Marshall Fields was my life. Put my heart and soul in it. EVERYTHING. My blood bled GREEN.Greed and poor leadership ruined it. So sad.
Date: Friday, May 1, 2015 12:11 am CT
Posted by: Eric Bronsky
Yeow! Did I infer that I actually exchanged or purchased something at Macy's? The fact is that I returned the box of Frangos (which someone had given to my wife and me as a gift) for a refund.
As for shelf life and flavor, some food purveyors and retailers are more fastidious about quality control than others. 'Nuff said.
Thank you, "MIKEA," for making me laugh, and I'll be sure to say hello the next time I'm "shopping" in Macy's (if I ever actually BUY something from Macy's, it won't be within this lifetime).
-- Eric
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2015 11:20 pm CT
Posted by: mike a
You so-called "Field's Fans" are a hoot! You whine and whine about Macy's, insinuating that they are less than honest when you should look in the mirror. DO you even read this web page like you claim?
First, Phil. Macy's courting Millenials? That's been going on for years--so has the whining here about that! Now Philip wants us to think it's something new? And guess what? Beauty new? Estee Lauder has been Macy's top seller for years. Beauty has been the main attraction at department stores for years.
Then Eric Bronsky complains about Frangos. Guess what? Blommers only makes the raw chocolate for some Frangos. They don't make Frangos. If that's the way Blommers keeps chocolate, fine. But they don't make Frangos. It's been discussed again and again here that the boxes have date of manufacture with Julian numbers. This is common in the food industry. The first two digits are the year followed by the day of the year. Regardless of date, any chocolate can go bad in a month if, for example, a customer buys it, keeps it in a hot place and then returns it. It doesn't need to be 16 or 18 months. Instead of dates, how about flavor? Doesn't taste right? Bring it back! This is nothing new. Happened under Field's too, including the white haze that would appear.
Someone truly boycotting Macy's would return the product for a full refund with receipt. They wouldn't exchange it. Oak Brook was packed last Sunday. Do you know why? It was because it was full of Field's shoppers who rant that they boycott Macy's but then they sneak in and buy Frangos and anything else. That's why Macy's is here to stay. Field's shoppers shop Macy's anyways. Right, Eric!? Say hello the next time you're shopping in Macy's.
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2015 7:55 pm CT
Posted by: gle
Re: Sandy's "Are you serious? Macy's has ALWAYS acknowledged and deeply respected Marshall Field's. And now it's part of Macy's. That's the best honor a store can get!"
MACY'S LOVED FIELD'S LIKE A LION LOVES RAW MEAT--AND COMPLETELY DEVOURS IT.
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2015 2:07 pm CT
Posted by: GENA UHLEIN
I miss the quality clothing I could get at Marshall Fields at Mayfair Shopping Center in Wauwatosa, WI. I first ventured into that store in 1978 and loved shopping there. If I only knew that They would be gone years later I would of bought some more of the colorful and ooh so soft sweatshirts they sold. Macy's will never live up to what Field's was. On a recent visit to that store which now is a Macy's I found that the Customer Service that the Sales Clerks give now is little to be proud of, first trying to find a sales person then the attitude some of them have about working.......wish for the Fields stores to still be here.
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2015 11:15 pm CT
Posted by: Eric Bronsky
