missmolly / September 7, 2006 8:36 AM

i was at field's last weekend to buy a gift for a wedding and to help my friend buy a suit.

my coworkers and i try to go to lunch at field's every other week (i work in the west loop).

don't go to carsons, though.

J / September 7, 2006 8:40 AM

Well, it's a good place to park at and then you walk through the store to get to the rest of the mall.

sparkychicago / September 7, 2006 8:50 AM

i bought clothes on sale at field's at the end of last month. i really like shopping at the state street store. wonder if i still will after saturday...

leah / September 7, 2006 8:52 AM

I'm an enormous Field's fan. Don't go to Carson's much.

I go to Field's to eat lunch, to look at the cute old ladies who are all dressed up.

I go there to buy purty undies, and anytime I need a gift. I go to get tarted up at lunch to make my co-workers wonder about me.

The guts will be the same, mostly, but it won't feel exactly the same. Like when Jennifer Grey got a nose job.

vit / September 7, 2006 9:07 AM

I've shopped at Field's within the past month and generally stop by the store quite often (I work in the LOOP). The last few times I've visited Carson's, it was just depressing.

Marilyn / September 7, 2006 9:07 AM

I stopped shopping there after the announcement of the name change. I cut up my charge card and sent it to the Federated CEO.

I went to the Walnut Room in July before the theatre because my friend wanted to go there. I thought it could be my farewell to Field's.

I'm thinking about attending the protest, but not sure yet.

Mikey / September 7, 2006 9:16 AM

Although it's been quite a while since I've visited the Carson's, I've done the majority of my clothes and Christmas shopping at the State Street Marshall Field's for years now...

I canceled my account in the early spring after paying off my balance, and may God smite me down should I ever again cross the threshold once the Macy's sign goes up this weekend...

Field was famously quoted as saying, "Give the lady what she wants."

Lundgren would have been wise to, "Give the Chicagoans what they want."

Greg / September 7, 2006 9:17 AM

I had to buy some clothes quickly for a wedding this spring. I'm pretty sure that was the first time I'd bought anything in a department store in more than two years.

I think the Field's fuss is just dumb. No, I didn't grow up here, but I feel the same way about the Dayton's partisanship in my hometown. Why let a place to buy overpriced stuff define Chicago -- especially a company which hadn't been based in Chicago since 1982? Maybe George Romero was right.

Ironically, I believe the Marshall Field name would have had a better chance to survive the Federated Borg if Dayton Hudson hadn't imposed the name on the Dayton's and Hudson's stores.

Blagg the Axman / September 7, 2006 9:25 AM

Many years have passed since an axman rubbed shoulders with the harried throngs of market-day. Bound as I am to a life of solitary wandering, the bustle of fettered mercantilism is not an arena I often encounter—nor do I seek it out. Years of trekking, rough living and close-quarters combat with wretched beings (human and otherwise) have left my visage battered and my eyes pained, so that even were I to bathe, shear my locks and beard, and be fitted with the King’s own linens, I would nevertheless remain a man apart.

That said, my tongue remembers still the flavour of freshly-roasted hamhock, a specialty of the butcher in my hometown market.

Elizabeth / September 7, 2006 9:32 AM

I was just at the Fields on State Street on Sunday. I would say I go there once a month. I'm a big fan.

Although I am saddened by the name change, I will continue to shop there when the store becomes Macys.

a. / September 7, 2006 9:35 AM

I'm at Fields almost every day for one reason or another, as my building is connected to it through the pedway. I shop there often, and eat lunch there often. I've already had one very sour experience with Macy's in the form of an exorbitant late payment fee on my credit account, when it was included in the Macy's charge agreement I never agreed to. And I charged said item on my Fields card. In attempting to resolve the one day late payment (in full, and because my Citibank online banking delayed it), the Macy's people were a bunch of a-holes.

Not pleased at all thus far, Macy's jerks. Not at all.

p / September 7, 2006 9:36 AM

i bought a suit and some assorted shirts and whathaveyou from fields 2 mos. ago and got some white tees and some of those sweet mini-socks a few weeks ago. some gym towels in assorted colors from carsons' recently too. i believe my sister just got her wedding dress from fields. And my ladies def. purchase my smell-good at fields (however walgreens is also possible). oh and some dress shoes from fields. But no more after the switch- (although I don't know where I'll go for items like those I just mentioned- suggestions?)

Marilyn / September 7, 2006 9:51 AM

I like Carson's. It has been no sweat not to shop at Field's.

Mikey / September 7, 2006 10:00 AM

To those who would say the name change is much fuss over nothing, I would say this...

What's in a name? Sometimes, quite a lot. True, Field's hasn't been based here since 1982, but the name itself has become quite symbolic of everything that's made Chicago what it is today. That "can-do" spirit that enabled the early Chicagoans to turn a stinking swamp into a bustling metropolis; to rebuild that same metroplis even bigger and better after the devastating fire when everyone else was saying Chicago was done for; to pull off the highly successful Columbian Exposition under time constraints at a time when our country was still trying to prove to our older siblings in Europe that we had indeed arrived; the list goes on and on...

The simple act of removing a name from a retail store sign that has been part of this city's collective memory for close to 150 years is an insult to the Fields, the Burnhams, the Armours, the Palmers, the Carters and each and every laborer who ever struggled to build this city up from nothing...

True, this may not be anything to lose sleep over, but at the same time, we can all choose to take our business elsewhere. Our identity isn't wrapped up in a retail store, it's wrapped up in our history. I find it highly offensive that these "carpetbaggers" can just move right in and forever erase a very visible reminder of just what it took to get to where we are today...

Paul / September 7, 2006 10:00 AM

I go to Carson's pretty regularly, and was there just a couple of weeks ago. But Field's? I was there just to walk through what's left of it to get to the el recently. That's all.

I won't spend a red cent at Macy's.

spook / September 7, 2006 10:14 AM

I have a Field's card that "purchased" a mattress and four very cool and relatively cheap Tiffany table and floor lamps. I walk through monthly to pay my card off, which I will continue to do and might purchase another lamp set soon now that my balance is down to 25 dollars.

I will miss Carson's the most because its actually closing and my mother use to take me there to shop as a buck because it was cheaper. She had a Carson Card, which I have as well. My last purchase there was a very cheap Cappuccino maker and cheap Swiss Army watch. my balance is zero as well, which as you can see I am proud given our debt ratio as a country

I will most miss that empty vaguely abandoned deserted feel that I guess comes from people no longer shopping there. It was very "Twilight zony"
.

Sarah / September 7, 2006 10:19 AM

I shop at Nordstrom's for shoes, but generally not for clothing. I bought a nice dress for a wedding there, and had it tailored on site, which was fabulous. Even with the tailoring it was less than $100. I would totally go there to buy a suit and get it tailored (hemming is free!) but I hit Marshall's for the types of clothing you'd buy there on the rack...at a much more reasonable price.

Benjy / September 7, 2006 10:35 AM

I hit Nordstrom on a somewhat regular basis. I used to shop at Field's, too, whenever I was at Old Orchard. But I'm certainly not giving Macy's my business!

nif / September 7, 2006 10:49 AM

I'm not a big shopper or clothes person, but when I need something nice I go to Fields or Carsons, especially around Christmastime. Another part of the Fields tradition is buying wedding gifts there - I went to a lot of weddings this summer and that group of people being the last to open a present in a green box was definitely a hot topic of conversation. Also, I go to the Walnut Room for lunch during Christmastime every year with some friends. I guess we'll still go this year, but it won't be the same. Suprisingly, my mom the Super-Chicagoan, is not upset at all about the change!

Cinnamon / September 7, 2006 10:58 AM

I went shopping for a non-traditional dress to wear for my wedding in June. I'd decided to spend a couple of hundred dollars and since my time was limited, I thought hitting Field's and Carson's would be my best options. After trying on more than 60 (seriously!) dresses, none of which fit well at all, and after having a woman from alterations tell me that the $250 dress I really, really liked couldn't be altered, even though if I'd had time I could have done it myself, I came close to giving up. Decided to pop into Nordstrom Rack and got a dress that fit for $25 in the colors I had assumed I would't find.

I'd like to stop buying clothes that aren't either custom or made from smaller indie designers all together. And imagine that unless I have a need to buy a gift at a department store I'll shop elsewhere for everything.

eep / September 7, 2006 11:03 AM

I actually just went shopping this past weekend at actual department stores. But they were Sears and JCPenny's. I can't afford to shop at Field's or Nordstroms. But even if I could afford Macy's prices, I wouldn't shop there. The lack of concern for what the Chicago customers want pisses me off. Frankly, I'm a bit more concerned about Carson Pirie Scott closing, because that makes me wonder about the future of department stores in general. I don't go to them often, but when I do they're certainly convenient.

Lody / September 7, 2006 11:05 AM

It just sucks all the way around. I won't spend any money in Macy's. Though I saw an article that they are launching their largest advertising campaign ever. I wish they'd realize that it's not going to matter here in Chicago. I really wish I didn't have to go to work Saturday so I could go to the protest. :(

Cliff / September 7, 2006 11:13 AM

I purchased a suit from the Fields in Skokie. They were helpful, friendly, etc... I'm not a native Chicagoan (moved here about 3 years ago), but I understand the feeling that most native Chicagoans have. This smacks of corporate egotism and the idea that if the name blazoned across a store front is good in one location, it would be great blazoned across them all. History proves that this is stupid...

The Romans were one of the most successful societies in history because they would conquer an territory, put a governor in charge and leave the populace to worship/live as they pleased as long as taxes were paid. Ego was never a part of if. Macy's and the like would be wise to do the same. Who cares what name is on the building? The populace does.

Mister C / September 7, 2006 11:30 AM

My feelings about department stores are similar to Blagg's (as is my fashion sense as well, no doubt) and the last time I actually bought something in one was way back when Land's End was still selling stuff in Sears.

I used to get sushi from Field's basement on occasion, but won't anymore now that it's Macy's.

Just so we don't get all misty about Marshall Field the actual person; a codocil to "Give the lady what she wants" for him would have been "Unless the lady works here and then she had best shut up and do what she's told or she shall be kicked to the curb." Not only did he fire anyone who even dared to speak of unionization (or made grievances about anything), his security people would also kick out any union leaders they saw attempting to shop in his store. /end>slightly off topic rant.

Spook / September 7, 2006 12:09 PM

I think its time for the Shop lifters to add thier two cents about if they will continue to steal from Macy's because of the name change

and I heard Macy's as nod to growing Blagg at Axman consumer base has added a Knuckle Bones and battle ax sharpening section on the mainfloor!

Allan / September 7, 2006 12:10 PM

I used to slush around Fields all the time after a lunchtime cocktail because the make-up girls there are so hot. I usually pretend I am married and shopping for my wife to get them to talk to me. After the switch I am sure they will swop them out with effeminate men like the Macy's in NYC. Carson's has always seemed like a dump to me and I have not set foot in there since I was kid but I like their rib joints.

Bill V / September 7, 2006 12:24 PM

I have a Carson's near my office and will also hit the Fields at Old Orchard from time to time. I try to shop as little as possible, when I really need a couple of things the department store is not a bad way to go.

Erica / September 7, 2006 12:24 PM

I grew up going to Field's because my mom works there. I had my own discount card and used it for years after I was technically a "dependent," which was fun for me and my friends. Other than that, though, there's not a huge appeal for Field's and/or Macy's for people my age w/my income.

Carson's carried a lot of Rampage and A. Byer, two affordable/ trendy brands that I liked. Other than that, the only cool thing about Carson's is its architecture (Louis Sullivan), which I understand is designated landmark and will remain for the most part.
Erica

Erica / September 7, 2006 12:29 PM

Forgot to add that I liked when Field's tried out renting space to local vendors like Strange Cargo. It seemed like a great way to expose independent local vendors to downtown shoppers. I always dreamed that if Field's couldn't survive, some rich and brilliant person would buy it and rent out space to local, independent vendors. The renters could change monthly or something -- like a cool, well-organized flea market or something.

fluffy / September 7, 2006 12:49 PM

I work close by (State St) and sometimes go spray expensive perfume on and play with the make-up, ask for samples, etc. When I do buy fancy make-up (Lancome mascara), that's where I get it. I can't stand the make-up chicks at the regular Nordstrom's.
What'll happen to Mertz Apothecary inside Fields? Do they care?

Ever since Nordstrom's Rack opened (accross the street) , I stopped going to Field's as much. I will miss their food though. They have a chocolate pudding with strawberries, oreos, and whipped cream that is incredible.

I've never been to Carsons.

I don't care much about these huge companies. Stay downtown and in the surburbs, but let independent stores take over the city neighborhoods.

Cheryl / September 7, 2006 12:56 PM

I have had a Fields card since 1974. I was in high school and my grandmother co-signed for me. I know having department store cards is not a good idea, financially, but I've always kept my Fields card out of sentiment. I still have the card even though I closed the account when Federated announced the name change. I don't really care if all of the Fields except State Street are re-named. I just want them to keep that store Marshall Fields.

BTW, I've been to the real Macy's and I think they should change the name to Goldblatts, because that's what Macy's makes me think of.

Marilyn / September 7, 2006 1:04 PM

I think they should change the name to Pizza Hut.

Dave! / September 7, 2006 1:07 PM

1923.

relis / September 7, 2006 1:15 PM

i love(d) fields! it's really close to my office so i went there about once a week, either to shop or for lunch at the basement food court. just today my co-worker and i tried to the newly minted Macy's to get bakery for someone's birthday and discovered that they don't open until 10 am now. already, I am disgruntled the Macy's.

Hal / September 7, 2006 1:39 PM

The Macy's purchase and the preperation screwed up my wedding registry all to hell back in October. The number of items that were suddenly discontinued with no indication (some literally 3 days after we selected them) was so frustrating, we ended up cancelling the entire list. So, not a big fan of Macy's at this point.

That said, I like eating there. The 7th floor food court and the sushi in the basement are both winners. Not sure what I'm going to do about that.

Y A J / September 7, 2006 1:43 PM

I shop at Carsons often. I go frequently to check out suits and business clothes. and buy when things take big reductions. On the day they made the announcement Carsons would close I was wearing clothes I bought recently there.

I've never really liked Fields.

Phil / September 7, 2006 1:57 PM

Love Field's but like a lot of others I never really went to Carsons.

Dan / September 7, 2006 2:28 PM

Mark my words, I will never... EVER shop at a Macy's.

I bought new shoes at Field's about a month ago. I've actually found that department stores have more variety of clothing. More than the one-note styles of places like Gap, H&M, Express, etc.

I think people should keep calling it Fields. I think it would kind of bother Macy's a little if no matter what they did, people still had lunch at Field's, met under the clock at Field's. My mom has jokingly said she's going to keep a Field's bag and insist that they put her purchases in the green bag.

I think what's sad is that when they announced that Field's was changing names, I decided that I would do all of my department store shopping at Carson's. And now they're closing that store. You'd think that with so many Chicagoans acutely aware of the fact that we're losing our uniquely Chicago locales, Carson's would rev-up it's marketing to capture those disaffected dollars. Instead they're shying away. It's really kind of sad.

annie / September 7, 2006 2:39 PM

I love Marshall Fields and go there almost daily to browse. I know every inch of that place, even now that it's "Facy's". I have very fond memories of dinner with my mom in the Walnut Room after x-mas shopping and we always met "under the clock". My mom is boycotting, but I won't. I don't have a car so I find shopping there very convenient. I like Carson's for their awesome furniture sales, my couch, chairs and new mattress were all purchased there and for a steal, plus free delivery. I'm sad it's closing, but I'm looking forward to some good sales.

KJ / September 7, 2006 2:56 PM

I shop at department stores once a month or so, particularly for shoes or trolling for sales. I expect I'll still go to ex-Field's for easy access to Merz Apothecary and maybe Levenger, but I'm going to try to take my other purchases elsewhere. We recently bought some furniture and I just couldn't bring myself to spend major dollars at Macy's--Room & Board got my money instead.

I just don't identify with Macy's and don't care for its carpetbagger parent company Federated, which has run many a fine store into the ground in recent years. I do feel bad about the store employees who will suffer if ex-Field's does badly.

Paul / September 7, 2006 3:25 PM

Note, folks, that Carson's isn't going away altogether; only the State Street location is closing. Of course, that's the most visible and (probably) el-accessible location.

printdude / September 7, 2006 3:28 PM

Does "Shopped" mean actually purchased?

If it does, then I don't know.

If it doesn't, then I have shopped both the State street biggies two times each in the past week. Carsons for suits and a chair on the 6th floor that Y A J just won't break down and buy for me. Fields for the ties and shirts that I just don't wear much anymore, and therefore can't justify spending $200 on to sit in my closet.

I will miss Carson's more, because I love to hang out and wander that store more than any other.

sb / September 7, 2006 3:51 PM

I very rarely shop at department stores, and i've only been inside the downtown field's once. i pretty much only shop at those big stores if i get a gift certificate, or have to return something that i got for xmas. so i've been a little mystified about all the fuss about field's and carsons. it's just not my thing, i guess.

though i do like frango mints. do they still have those?

EV / September 7, 2006 5:07 PM

I bought a shirt at the State Street Carson's yesterday, and a pair of shoes there last week. It's close to my school, and I'll miss the convenience. The big Field's is too overwhelming for me, an often too crowded.

paul / September 7, 2006 6:33 PM

I don't care, as long as everything doesn't turn into Gaps and A&Fs where they sell things I either can't nor want to wear.

I bought a jacket at Field's last year, and probably some Frangos. I walked by Carson's yesterday thinking I should go in just because. But I didn't.

jared / September 7, 2006 8:09 PM

Actually, I shop at Field's and Nordstrom maybe three of four times a year. Field's actually has had some pretty good deals on furniture and I often buy certain clothing items (work shirts, sweaters, evening clothes) and shoes at one of the two stores above. I haven't shopped at Carson's in at least 10 years though.

I have to admit though, I shop more frequently at independent shops, H&M (mainly for pants and plain tshirts) and Filene's Basement (jeans, work pants, shoes and athletic clothes).

If department stores all disappeared, I'd probably prefer it to a world in where one could ONLY shop at department stores.

Carlotta / September 7, 2006 8:56 PM

As I haven't worked in the Loop for quite a while I really dropped off on shopping in the department stores -- as both a matter of proximity & I haven't needed any business or dress-up clothes for a long time.

For some reason I never got into shopping at Carson's, although I bought a badly needed winter coat there last November. I think I bought only one sale item since.

Last time I was in Field's was in June, buying some of the Field Gear brand they were dumping at a big discount. I like their food court and that they have a Barbara's Bookstore outlet. I'll see what Macy's will do but they'll always be Fields to me.

In June I went to Nordstrom's (for the very first time) to buy a bra so that I could get fitted correctly, they're known for that.

Demographic Dead Head / September 8, 2006 12:09 AM

As a non native, Field's always meant Chicago to me, but in 30 years of Chicagoland residency I rarely went until the last couple of years ( the wallet was lighter then) and it was usually to look for something for someone else.

Field's always struck me as that nice old department store I went to as a kid with my mother.

With the advent of self service shoe stores I found Nordstrom's. It's the only place I'll buy shoes due to service. Von Maur is also very service orientated and price not necessarily out of this world. My wife found this out a few years ago, but then we've never gone back as we've never required something from them.

As a male, aging boomer, non GQ, shopping is not that big a thing to me and I probably only go into a true department store less than a half dozen times a year. More often to look for something for someone else.

My kids don't shop them. While I'll have nothing to do with Macy's flagrant back hand to Chicago, I doubt they care one way or another what the store's name is as long as it has the style.

Today, with a heavier wallet, it's service that tends to trump and to make me a frequent shopper.

Sara / September 8, 2006 9:07 AM

I actually grew up with Macy's, in South Florida. I felt a connection with the NYC Macy's Parade every year. Macy's is an east coast thing, and there is still a little east coast in me.

But my mother grew up with Field's, in Chicago. And now that I call this city home, it feels natural for me to love the great store.

So both names are nostalgic for me, and I am torn. But this is not about me. I feel more for all the loyal shoppers and employees who have made Field's their own.

A few weeks ago, I bought a bathing suit at Field's, and the old woman behind the counter said, "Would you like to open a Marshall Fi - a Macy's card?"

It was so sad! It was so sad.

mike / September 8, 2006 9:46 AM

I shop at Old Navy or the Brown Elephant. I hate Old Navy, but where else am I going to get a pair of shorts? Shoes I've been getting online or at independent, service-oriented places like Hanig's or Alamo. Last time I bought something in Field's was a shirt for my Dad for Christmas. I think it's interesting that so many people (like my own family, Chicago natives) decry the loss of Fields, but these same folks see no problem buying most of their shit at Wal-Mart. Now THAT'S a tragedy.

K / September 8, 2006 11:06 AM

I love Field's. It's just so classy. I go there all the time. They may be a little expensive to begin with but they have amazing sales. I just bought a beautiful winter coat there yesterday for 25% off (just under the Macy's wire so I don't have to feel guilty). I've gotten cashmere sweaters for $25 and all kinds of designer stuff for at least 75% off - that makes it cheaper than even H&M and at much better quality. And I've never gotten an attitude from anyone in the store when I go shopping in jeans, a tee shirt and grubby gym shoes. I tried that once in Neiman Marcus and I think they thought I was casing the joint. No one even made eye contact. I'm also about a size 10 - for some reason most independent stores don't seem to carry much around that size so Fields is a good place to get nice clothes that fit.

Macy's is making the place look like a Sears. Their Inc. line is disgusting - all animal print and polyester. Isn't New York supposed to be a fashion Mecca? What the hell? Field's own clothing lable was generally really nice. I don't think Frango's are going away though...few things better in life than a dark chocolate mint Frango.

karen / September 8, 2006 12:55 PM

i was just in carsons a few weeks ago to buy a dress for a wedding i was attending... i ended up finding an awesome dress, kickass shoes, and a heap of other things that i could actually afford.

what i am most upset about the whole carsons closing situation is the fact that i might have to start going to sears across the street to be able to afford anything. blech.

christy / September 8, 2006 1:00 PM

I'm just glad they aren't selling the building and turning it into condos. That's the biggest threat to Chicago's identity. There are too many neighborhoods tearing down the businesses that made them interesting and building row after row of townhomes -- mini, over-priced suburbs in the city. Disgusting.

spook / September 8, 2006 1:44 PM

O.k. I tried to be good, honestly, I really did! I mentioned my most recent purchases at Fields- Now MACYS- and Carson's and then stomached the Goldbalts, Woolworth and now the Sears insults. When I was a kid, My Mom took me to Goldblats and Sears and Carsons and Fields, but mostly Goldblats down on Commercial Ave. And I was equally happy just to be with her buying me things with her hard earned money.
And No Virginia Fields is not "so classy". That comment reminds me of the movie Godfellas where the low level mob wife with the thick New Jersey accent sprays perfume on her arm and says "French" Its a freak'n midwest store populated with a bunch of underpaid workers who would rather be doing something else than waiting on a bunch of people from Schaumburg, Wheeling, Blue Island, Iowa, Hammond Indiana, etc. Christ on a popsicle stick, my X works there because she never finished college. I aint hating, on college drop outs,
I'm just trying to give yall some perspective.
Could it be that "we" are just resentful of Macy's because New York is considered "classier" than this midwest town? And for all you who are "protesting" I'm not going to begrudge you of a protest, but I hope this isn't you're / you're mothers first one. I hope you/she protested some thing else in the past like lack of civil rights, Vietnam, Iraq war, Apartied, homophobia, more gender or ethnic studies in school, abortion rights, etc instead of just this.
Now I know where Americans get their ramped consumer and materialism from, their mothers who imprint corporate brands in the psyche of their wallnuts as children!

Marilyn / September 8, 2006 1:55 PM

Stop blaming Moms! They get the bad rap of the world.

And it has very little to do with consumerism (Macy's has inferior merchandise). It has to do with the homogenization of everything unique. I'm as upset about other towns losing their unique institutions as I am about Field's. I don't want to live in a strip malled America with utter predictability and lowest-common-denominator goods and services.

New York is much tackier than Chicago anyway--they fall for anything trendy and move in greater lock step than common sense Midwesterners do.

DebO / September 8, 2006 2:03 PM

I've been a fan of Carson's since we moved to Chicago a couple of years ago. It has a lot of the same stuff as Fields, but cheaper. I was actually pretty bummed to learn that the loop location will be closing, because it was always a reliable source of fairly inexpensive stuff--you could almost count on a drastic sale on SOMETHING any time you went in. Will definitely miss it.

Lody / September 8, 2006 3:13 PM

I'm with Marilyn... stop hatin' on mom's! My mom didn't take me there because of the materilistic goods... it was for the memories we made. The architecture, the symbolism of Chicago, the wonder of the big city to a small child. To see something that was built in the 1800's survive the fire and be rebuilt and stand for 150 years. That says something about Chicagoans to me. That we can stand the test of time, that we've made our great city stand the test of time. I realize that there are other important issues we as a country are fighting right now. But, I think Marily explained it the best... it's about the "homogenization of everything unique." Especially, something so uniquely Chicago.

Justin / September 9, 2006 7:12 PM

The mere thought of people pushing shopping carts around the State Street store makes me ill.

I don't shop at Field's too often but that's mostly because I only nice stuff there. Now I guess I'll go to Nordstrom's for suits and work clothing.

Joe / September 18, 2006 7:34 PM

Unfortunately, most generation Xers and younger could care less about the name change to Field's. I am 29 and all of my friends and younger co workers think I am nuts for loving Marshall Field's so much.

My co workers and friends just tell me its a store. They say I am nuts for caring about a retail institution that was such a wonderful place to shop. I design retail stores for a living, so I go to the stores more for a bite to eat, and window shop and just take in the environment. State Street Marshall Field's had a truly European British feel, like I was shopping in Harrod's.

Unfortunately Macy's took over that favorite space of mine. And no one really seems to care, the Chicago Tribue is pro Macy's, constantly saying the good things they are doing, Mayor Daley doesn't care, and most of all MOST Chicagoans don't care. They care about the Cubs, the Bears, the Trump Tower, Rachel Ray, but they don't care about a store that built this very city. These "it's just a store" people are the kind of people that would jump if you said to jump off a tall building. These are the same people that would accept anything that's given to them and not question why.

It's sad, but no one really cares about Field's and it will be forgotten by the time some new FAD or Survivor TV show comes out next year!

JoN C. / November 13, 2006 6:59 AM

I highly recommend the website/weblog www.fieldsfanschicago.org. Please join in and tell us about yourMarshall Field experiences and how you feel about macys. The boycott continues. Field's Fans stand outside MF stores each Saturday 12-5 until Christmas advising people about the boycott and continuing protest. We can use more people to join. Go to the website and learn more.

sue / December 1, 2006 3:41 PM

For those of us who grew up in the days of the big dept. stores, I can see why it is hard for those who didn't to understand the sentiment to them. Folks, it was a different era.
I was born in '65. I grew up in the northern 'burbs of Chicago and shopped at dept. stores like, Fields, Carson's, Lord &Taylor, I. Magnin, Saks, "Needless Mark-up'" (aka:Neimen Marcus), Sears, Penneys. I remember also going to stores like, Turnstyle, Venture,Woolworth's. Where I lived we had big outdoor shopping centers (as they were called then) like, Old Orchard,
Eden's Plaza, and Golf Mill. We didn't have Target or Best Buy or Super Malmart where you could get groceries, electronics and clothing all in the same place.
Going to Field's down on State Street in Chicago was an all day affair! We would get dressed up and take the CNW train into the city and then take a cab to the store. I remember the elevators having operators in them with the old crank wheel that they used to operate it! They would even announce the different floors as we rode! We would have lunch at the Walnut Room(at Christmas, under the gigantic x-mas tree!). And at Christmastime, going to see the unveiling of the windows at Fields was a very special tradition we looked forward to. The dept. store in those days really catered to its customer. They bent over backwards to make sure your item if not on the floor, was found and delivered. They were courteous and really treasured your business. They upheld the motto, "The customer Is Always Right."
I think a lot of the uproar about Macy's vs Fields has more to do with sentiment of days gone by than anything else.
I know I'll miss it !