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Yes, But Where Do You Put The Chalk?
In news that will surely give fodder to the Macy's h8rs in the house, the city closed down the lower level food court at the flagship Macy's yesterday after they found "a fruit fly infestation, water backing up from a clogged drain, a leaking sink, and grease and food debris on the walls and floor around the inside trash can."
The Health Department was there in the first place because a customer called them after becoming sick from eating a salad purchased there. They went to check it out, told Macy's what was wrong, told them to fix it, and told them they would come back. And Macy's didn't fix what was wrong. So, closed you are Macy's food court! Ha, that should teach you a lesson about how things work in the Windy City!
"Not only did they not do anything, the problems seemed to get worse," Tim Hadac, spokesman for the Chicago Department of Public Health, told the Trib. "It was a surprising and disappointing lack of adherence to basic food safety regulation. . . . We stopped counting fruit flies when they hit 200."
The food court will remain closed until its management has corrected the violations and passed re-inspection. Do note that this won't effect the Walnut Room, if you had imminent plans to go there. On August 23, Macy's food court representatives will have to go to appear at an administrative hearing and explain the failure, in addition to paying an expected $1000 fine.
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Ha! Die Macy's! Don't eat at the Walnut Room either. Boycott Macy's!
I no like Macy's but the lower level food court has NEVER been cemented in my brain as a bastion of cleanliness.
Bring back the English Room!!
Yup. English Room was great!
It's not like people were shopping at Marshall Field's when it was owned by Target. Sales figures:
2000 - $2.97 billion. Pretax profits - $190 million
2001 - $2.78 billion.
2002 - $2.69 billion. Pretax profits - $135 million
2003 - $2.58 billion.
source.
The lower level food court was disgusting for a while now. The food court on the 7th floor seems nicer than ever, though.
The Market Place was once such a great place for a quick bite to eat! Under Field's it was one of the cleanest food courts I had ever been in!!!
No more. RIP Marshall Field'!
"We stopped counting fruit flies when they hit 200."
That's a lot of counting.
Wes - What's your point? We're talking fruit flies here! And klling Macy's! Eeehah!
Good people! Get hold of yourselves, Cold Beer still pours forth in the basement! Draught Beer!
As a founding member of the Logan Square Draught Beer Preservation Society *
I appeal to you to ask yourselves what's really important during these turbulent times! A place to get an honest pour of Draught in the loop? Or a silly name change and some silly fruit flies, I mean they must be clean right because all they eat is fruit! So if could be much worse with rats, mice roaches and real flies, like every place else in the loop including city hall, the James R. Thompson Center, etc!
* Organizational name used for identification purposes only
Hell the lower level pedway is disgusting enough and the lower lever always smelled I would never eat there.
That store will be closed with in 5 years anyway.
hey spook-
its easy to make fun of what other people care about. heck, i can jibe with the best of them.
its a little more challenging (even honorable) to say - i respect that you have an opinion/are passionate about *something*
whats the difference...let everyone do their thing - unless by your opposition you are somehow making the world a better place.
peace out
If only they had as many customers as fruit flies.
Macy's on State Street is a ghost town. And deservedly so. The Macy's chain will have a new owner soon...an owner that will not tolerate the incompetence of the current management. The new owner will also see that Macy's on State was dead on arrival. Chicagoans will never, never shop at that store.
The boycott is working. In fact, it's working better than anyone at Macy's could have imagined. Keep telling your friends to stay away from Macy's!
Cold Beer still pours forth in the basement! Draught Beer!
That was one of the reasons I used to do all my x-mas shopping there. It was pretty cool to be able to take a train downtown and end up in the store without ever hitting the freezing elements. Shop, get that shit wrapped, have a beer and go home. Done!
Looks like you Macys Haters will have another reason to celebrate. From the Trib:
"Macy's Inc. plans to close its store in downtown Lake Forest at the end of January, according to company officials, citing rising costs."
Question: After Macy's downtown closes, what will you boycott, complain about and rally against?
Other Macy's stores.
sparky: developers taking over the city.
"Macy's Inc. plans to close its store in downtown Lake Forest at the end of January, according to company officials, citing rising costs."
Sparkster, I think the issue was really only with the historic downtown location and that it would have been respectful to Chicagoans (and a better business decision) to leave that one location be. Who cares about the other locations?
Boycott sparky!
Navin: Thanks for showing yet again this about cheap Chicago nostalgia and not anything related to business or economic development.
No, I don't care about Macy's, just I never cared for any other retail brand or corporation (owned by out-of-towners).
Let the weeping begin anew, and the hopes that MF will, like the long delayed Messiah perhaps, return once again.
Sparkster: You rule.
I've heard the a compelling perspective from more than a few Macy's boycotters calling for the return of Field's. They boycott because it is Macy's plan all along to close the State Street store and cash in on the real estate value. That's why they boycott.
They believe that this has been their plan from the very beginning, that it is Macy's plan all along to drag the store downmarket and make it unprofitable so they can justify cashing it in. Last Saturday's Tribune listed a Morgan Stanley appraisal of the State Street Store as about $1.2 billion. That's a heckuva lot of money.
The State Street store is is listed as the number three destination for tourists and locals alike, according to Field's literature from 2005. There's no way they will let some tycoon just come in and cash in a huge draw as Field's just like that.
Wes Sabi in his post above shows the sales figures of Field's when it was owned by Target, but notice they never break out these sales by stores. Remember that until 2000, two thirds of Marshall Field's stores were money losing Dayton's and Hudson's that rebranded themselves Field's Dayton's purchased Field's. Sure, those Dayton and Hudson stores are probably losing money but not most Field's stores. I bet the majority of Chicago stores were profitable.
I'd say the sanitation problems along with reducing the number of stores is just the ticket to degrade the State Street store to the point where it would be more valuable as real estate.
In short, the lack of sanitation, the el cheapo merchandise that replaced Field's merchandise, the closure of Lake Forest, and so many other downgradings are all part of a plan from the beginning to close the store and turn it into real estate.
Sure seems that way. And why should people care? Because it means jobs are being moved elsewhere, tourists are going to the Macy's flagship in NYC-who cares about a Macy's in Chicago?- and we are losing a major institution that makes Chicago unique as a destination.
The boycotters are voicing loud opposition because they won't go quietly on this real estate wheeling and dealing.
Anyone catch that the Chicago Reader has been sold to a Florida publisher? After 36 years, The Reader will no longer be locally owned.
Anybody have thoughts on that?
Guest #20: I have never heard that Macy's wanted to cash in the the real estate value, and that does not seem to be the motivation for the boycotters on fieldsfanschicago.org., from what I have read on their website.
I do not have an extensive background in business, but why did they even set up shop in the first place, when they could have simply sold it when they acquired Field's comapany?
Carson's is also a landmark building--I know it dows not have the same nostalgia that the Field's store has (but the company was there since 1904). Does anyone know what the space will be used for? If Macy's closes, what will the Field's space be used for?
Daley should give them the Tiff money he wants to give the CME. 40 milliion to change the name back and to use to renevate the building.
Anonymous guest #19
You show your ignorance by not realizing that 'cheap chicago nostalgia' is the major part of that locations local and tourist draw making it very much a 'business' issue.
RE: The Reader
Will it be called The Florida Reader now?
Even if Macy's were to sell the State Street property, the building has landmark status, so it's not like some developer could just roll in and bulldoze it anyway...
And I agree with the sentiment concerning the $40 million in TIF money going to the CME/CBOT should go to the State Street Field's instead...
Hell, I think an even better idea would be for the city to buy it and re-open it as Field's. And by the city, I mean you, me, all of the Chicagoland residents, in the form of shares of stock. If the city of Green Bay can own the Packers in this manner, why can't we own the State Street Field's?
A TIF is designed to fund improvements in distressed/poor/underdeveloped areas where development would not normally occur or be funded. Without getting into an argument about TIFs, I think that Daley and the city of Chicago heavily abuses TIFs. I agree: there shouldn't be a TIF for CBOT/CME (as well as all of the other companies the city gives TIFs to), but there shouldn't be a TIF for Field's, either. Does it really qualify?
I believe the Green Bay Packers are unique in that they are a non-profit, tax exempt organization. I wonder how that would fit into a business model like a department store.
Macy's decision to downgrade the Field's stores is an intentional one. I agree that they want to cash in on the real estate. It will be a huge loss to Chicago if State Street is converted into condos or offices. Marshall Field's (not Macy's) State Street was the #3 tourist destination in Chicago. That store alone had revenues of $250 Million a year! Think of all the Chicago jobs, the civic pride, the history that we lost because of a greedy bastard known as Macy's came in and ruined it. They don't care... all they want is for you to spend your hard earned dollars on some fake "designer" house brands. Boycott Macy's - shop Nordstrom, Saks, JCPenney, Target, Neiman's, etc.
Marshall Field's WILL BE BACK soon - in all its glory!
Dear new owners of Macy's
BRING BACK FIELDS!
I'm getting a sick and tired of these stupid, shortsighted, and counterproductive protests at Macy's on State Street.
How many of these clueless protesters actually shopped at Marshall Fields? Few, if any. That's why Marshall Field's was in serious decline for a long time before Macy's came along. Let's stop believing the hype of fanatics who don't have their facts straight and refuse to accept reality or listen to reason.
Protesting and boycotting will do nothing except result in closure of the store and loss of jobs. Talk about selfish.
Face facts: Marshall Fields is GONE and isn't coming back. Get over it and get a life, Chicago.
How many of these clueless protesters actually shopped at Marshall Fields? Few, if any.
If these people are actually taking the time to volunteer and protest, than it's reasonable to assume that these same people also shopped at Field's as well. Who really needs to get a life here? The people who care enough about the loss of local flavor and homegenization of America, or losers like you who take the time to rant online about it?
"How many of these clueless protesters actually shopped at Marshall Fields? Few, if any."
WRONG!! I was a proud gold-card customer. I cut it up the day Federated announced the name change.
Guest 30 - You got that right!
Navin: Good point in 24.
I'm the guest who raised the original point, and here is what I do not understand:
OK, you all liked MF. And it brought tourist and other revenue into the city.
But MF is gone, and it seems unlikely it will return to anything resembling its former glory.
Why not fight for other parts of Chicago, then? Things like neighborhoods, mom and pops, corner taverns, etc, instead a fucking retail brand?
I have to tell you, protesting to bring back an out-of-town retail brand is just sillly, if not stupid or foolish. There are more important fights.
Yeah, yeah, I know: I should just move to Naperville if I don't understand. Don't worry, my bags are packed.
I really don't understand how it seems is impossible for some people to understand the idea of FIGHTING FOR MORE THAN ONE CAUSE! Go save whatever greater things you think are worth saving. I'll work on Field's, Amnesty International, election funding reform and keep contributing to cultural institutions in the city.
Why not fight for other parts of Chicago, then? Things like neighborhoods, mom and pops, corner taverns, etc, instead a fucking retail brand?
Mom and pop stores and corner taverns are only near and dear to the immediate inhabitants of that particular neighborhood. Field's and memories of it were embraced by Chicagoland residents as a whole (if not much of the Midwest)--city dwellers and suburbanites alike, Northsiders and Southsiders alike. Before there existed even the concept of retail branding, corporations, etc. (as well as the great Chicago fire, for that matter), there existed Marshall Field's.
Dear Guest 11, sorry for the late reply
I get that you go contemplative/socratic faculties "going on" and as a fellow organic intellectual, I dig that!
But I fail to see whats so laudable about celebrating others passion for passions sake.
Every body has “something” they are passionate about; NSACAR, yuppie sports teams, celebrities, soap operas, torture porn Movies, being a mindless republican, bombing other folk’s countries, mindlessly going off to war, or getting all up in arms because one rich corporation made a deal, signed a contract, smiled greedily, shook hands and purchased another greedy rich corporation who’s owners are probably off purchasing another corporation as we write perhaps in China or the Sundan
So these people- now all up in arms- instead of hitting the tread mill or getting involved in a real civic cause, puts on their pink or orange pants or sweat suits, some oversized designer sunglasses made in Korea, hoist themselves into their SUV’s, drive three minutes, park, and waddle up to the Metra train, to go "protest" in Chicago.
True, my passion happens to be social justice, art, muck raking, but also beer- including the preservation of the proud draught tradition in Chicago! I mean Daley is going after corner bars almost with the vigor demonstrated in his policies of going after the poor.
So is it that bad that I point a major way that Macy's has stayed true to some of the grandest Legacies of Marshall Fields and Chicago? Which is continuing and honoring a tradition so that good citizens like Navin can still partake in? Drinking in the Basement of a corporate store!
For the record TIFFS can be used however Daley see fit.
Spook - Your prejudices about people who shop are Field's or care about Field's are amazing and inaccurate! How do you live with so much hate and blindness inside you?
The problem with the foolish and short-sighted protesters is that they absolutely refuse to consider any perspectives other than their own.
Let's expose these protesters for what they are: selfish and clueless. The rest of the country is looking at you like a bunch of crybabies who don't have your priorities straight.
Change is a fact of life. Stop living in the past!
Guest #29/38 obviously works for Macy's. So to you I offer my condolences that you will soon be out of a job. But as you said yourself, change is a fact of life. Stop living in the past.
Sorry, but guest #29/38 doesn't work for Macy's.
Once again, the Marshall Field's fanatics get it wrong in their desperate attempts to discredit anyone who dares to challenge their silly protests.
Marshall Field's was in decline for a long time before Macy's came along. That's not Macy's fault, that's YOUR fault for not shopping at or supporting the store when it counted.
Dear Ferdy:
Out of respect I'm trying to focus on your words with seriousness as opposed to mirth, which is hard in this case. But here goes.
The fact that you’d actually equate/use the words, refer to some one( yours truly)as living in "so much hate and blindness inside” them, for poking fun at a bunch of vapid clueless citizens because they spend so much time protesting,
a past businesses decision between two CORPORATIONS, that doesn’t hurt working folk or the environment, - when soooo many business decision DO- , and do this- especially in THESE times- when there are sooooooooo many more worthy ISSUES that Cry Out and Beg,starving for just a little public attention,not to mention protest,
Demonstrates to me, the sad premium that you,
Ferdy,place on this issue,not to mention your crew. I call it a disturbing rise in consumer market morality invading all spheres of private, public and intellectual life/ space at the expense of real shrinking civic engagement and socratic dialogue.
Now what I do Hate is what’s going on with our lack of humanity,the lack of public words and protest for Iraq, the Sudan, the attack on public housing here, Aaron Patterson being on trial in the Federal Building for his life right now instead of in treatment as a human rights abuse victim, our babies killing babies, poverty, racism, sexism,homophobia, classism, the declining economies in the U.S, etc, etc, etc,
and I'm blind to how these issues are ignored while "Red Eye"celebrity and shallow iconic symbolism, such as a corporate store manage to resonate so deeply in the populace, ya feel me Fedry?
I could say, yall should feel ashamed of yourselves, but perhaps if I say this then I might really get disturbed. So instead please allow me to look at this with more tragic comic jest and just make fun of yall as a bunch of Naperville soccer Moms instead getting the blues like Tennessee Williams! Smile Ferdy, cause I am
First off, Macy's is the store that is in decline!!! By disposing of Marshall Field's, Macy's has lost a tremoundous amount of sales, and their sales declines across the country are PROOF that people don't like Macy's!!!
The rest of the country is also going to other places to shop. So, fans of Marshall Field's are definitley not the only ones avoiding Macy's.
Marshall Field's was in decline for a long time before Macy's came along. That's not Macy's fault, that's YOUR fault for not shopping at or supporting the store when it counted.
I did shop there, often; in fact, I canceled my MF credit card as soon as the Macy's re-branding was offically announced (and no, I'm not a protester either, but nor do I shop at Macy's). And if MF was in decline, then Macy's in the Midwest is now in a mucher steeper decline--what does that tell you? And so I ask again--who's more pathetic? The people who care enough about something to do something about it, no matter how trivial that may seem to others, or the people like you whose lives are so devoid of anything of substance or meaning that you apparently have all this free time to bitch about a cause you could care less about?
#43
I have to admit, I threw up in my mouth a little when I read that. Do you realize what you just wrote?
Spook-
hi it's me, guest #11 again.
well i normally dont get involved in blog discussions...but i just wanted to make a few points and just let the whole thing lie.
its strange that opposors to the marshall fields cause most frequently say "you should be devoting your time to more pressing social issues"....when in fact, all i am doing is NOT shopping at macys....which frees up more of my time to do something else.
by the way, i fit none of the "fields protestor" descriptions that rend your otherwise intelligent posts ignorant. it seems your energy could otherwise be challenged into more progressive things.
i would encourage anyone who cares about *anything* to participate in that cause. its a rewarding experience.
BOYCOTT MACYS!!
I'm not going to repeat yet again why boycotting Macy's is not about shopping in an of itself but rather the homogenization/bottom line mentality that is wrecking this nation. If you can't see beyond your own prejudices about commerce, then that's just too bad. It's not a dirty word or deed when done the right way. People need to get stuff to live, though perhaps you'd prefer we went back to hunter/gatherer methods (which required societies to kill their sickly young and old to survive, btw).
Ferdy: Give me a break.
Yes, I agree with you on the threat of homogenization. And I understand that Field's protestors can spend similar amounts of energy on other causes, though I am doubtful this happens as much as you think.
That said, you are much, much better off fighting against the spread of chain stores (like MF) and strip malls in Chicago, and the politics that let this happen. You are much better off fighting FOR the mom-and-pops, even those outside your neighborhood, as they help make this city different from the 'burbs.
What I see from all the MF protestors are just people selfish about their nostalgia and unwilling to see that sometimes, businesses fail, even chain stores owned by out-of-town companies that have managed to trick many weak-minded Chicagoans in thinking that MF, even at this late date, was still theirs.
Simply put, you MF people make no sense whatsoever. Get on with your lives already.
I have to admit, I threw up in my mouth a little when I read that. Do you realize what you just wrote?
I know exactly what I just wrote; as a matter of fact, it was directed as much toward you as it was to guest #29/38. And I would call that getting a taste of your own medicine--now you know how I feel whenever I have to read one of your idiotic posts. There's a lot of causes and issues out there I don't necessarily agree with or care about, but I don't waste my time telling the people who do that they're selfish or foolish or wasting their time either, unless I have a personal stake in the outcome. Unless you work at Macy's, own a lot of stock in Federated, love shopping at Macy's, or your last name is Lundgren...why do you even give a fuck...seriously?
News Flash:
Macy wanted to stay in Lake Forest but the landlords wanted to raise their rent.
48: Well, I give a fuck because I like to point out the absurb sight of fellow Chicagoans acting like they are saving the world by supporting one nostaglic retail brand over another, less nostalgic retail brand, both of them owned by distant, faceless corporations.
And I give a fuck because you MF people seem to think anyone who can appreciate the holy greatness of MF is not a real Chicagoan, and perhaps even some Satanic low life.
In our society, we have a right to debate all isssues, even stupid ones, so kindly piss off, 48.
Oh, please. I just love how global the arguing gets when you can't get people to agree with you. Who ever said anything about "real Chicagoans." I'm throwing up in my mouth now that this tired, inaccurate, and childish attack has emerged yet again.
It's not about nostalgia. It's about what Field's did and does for the city that Macy's will never do--the civic responsibility, the quality of life for inside and window shoppers alike, the tourist destination, the maintenance of a landmark building, the shared identity that Chicagoans new and old can have. You're so f_cking obtuse about this point that I'm sure you must think there'd be nothing wrong with pulling down a landmark building that is not really serving today's needs. Why not? It's just nostalgia, right?
Ferdy: No one said the building would be torn down. Show me where anyone said that. Architectural legacy is different from retail nostalgia. Art is different from some out-of-town company owning a local brand and trying (and failing) to get Chicagoans to buy retail goods. Are you so fucking obtuse you cannot see this?
Second, "shared identity"? Bullshit. Only to people nursing nostalgia for one store's shopping experiences.
I've lived in a few places small and large, and most of these places have had familar retail brands fail and fade. Yet, except for Chicago, I've never seen grown people shed so many tears for a retail brand. Pathetic.
Again: Get a life and fight a more important cause. Fight for property tax relief, for instance, so more mom-and-pops aren't driven out of business. Even if MF were still Chicago owned, I would hope you fight for the smaller stores rather than the giant.
Don't worry--my tiny violin is playing for all you saps while I flee to Naperville.
Guess 11
what about just recognizing that they are both just Corporations who could give less than a rat’s patotty about any of us, ya feel me? And that if Marshallfields cared about Chicago they wouldn't have sold. They are the same with the same amount of compassion.
So if the people who are pro Macy's or pro Fields,anti either or both wanna focus on some thing relating to local business, what better than beer? Fight to Preserve Chicago’s Draught Houses!
I expected you to have some nostalgia for art instead of commerce. We all know that true "liberals" care about the gratutious beauty of a structure, not the people who use it. You are the most pathetic poster on this entire site.
48: Well, I give a fuck because I like to point out the absurb sight of fellow Chicagoans acting like they are saving the world by supporting one nostaglic retail brand over another, less nostalgic retail brand, both of them owned by distant, faceless corporations.
So basically, because you have nothing better to do (certainly not saving the world, at any rate). It's a beautiful thing when you give people enough rope to hang themselves, and they don't disappoint.
Ferdy: God, you are stupid with your assumptions. Liberal? Uh, yeah. And you really care about the low-paid retail workers from MF? That's what this is all about? Christ, make up your mind. You have more shifting reasons for this than anybody. And no, I am not a nostalgic person. Don't know where you got that.
So, architectural legacy in Chicago--the best buildings and streetscapes--are the same as shopping and getting the green shopping bag and maybe some extra special mints? Is that what you are trying to say?
Uh, 55: I was actually making fun of you and other MF fetish people. Perhaps I should have made that more clear. But underneath the making fun is the wish that you dolts would get on with your life, or at least be AS VOCAL about other, more important causes (you know, solicict media attention and all the other stuff). Yes, I think you are wasting your time, and yes, I think your cause is unimportant, and yes, I will tell you time and again until you nostalgic crybabies move on. You really make this whole city look dumb--I know of out-of-towners, even those in hick towns, who can't understand why spoiled brats in Chicago would weep over a failed department store owned by an out-of-town corporation. You MF fetish people make Chicago look stupid.
So you're embarrrassed that you don't care about Field's, is that it? You're really afraid and insecure that you're not a real Chicagoan, right? Good thing you have so many out-of-town friends you can turn to to let you know you're a REAL Chicagoan, even if they're not. How pathetic are you!
Ferdy: If protesting in front of Macy's is truly about the homogenization/bottom line mentality that is wrecking this nation, I must ask:
Where do you shop?
Field's is a department store. Yes, the building is beautiful, and architecturally important to the city (I do not think anyone here is arguing that point), but by shopping at Nordstroms, Target, or any other retail chain, aren't you also contributing to the very thing that is, as you say, wrecking this nation? Wasn't Target, at one point, owned by Field's?
And Guest #48. Let me clarify: you stated that the cause was trivial. You then mock people who question why there is a protest against Macy's and tell them that their life that is so devoid of anything of substance or meaning.
Oh, and the idiotic post accusation...that's sweet. Thanks ;)
Post 58--I meant Fields was owned by Target, not the way I wrote it.
it started by people just being pissed about a great store going away. there were things you could get at fields you could not get anywhere else. as the protest started to gain momentum and supporters were forced to defend themselves against people like on this message board (who i think for the most part, make very good points) the issue became deeper.
at this point fields supporters are not just pulling for the restoration of the brand that existed last year.
what i think might come out of this whole thing is the clean-slate restoration of a brand that at one time did contribute a lot to this great city - the field museum, the shedd aquarium, the university of chicago campus...what fields fans are encouraging is for a local, private equity group to step up and take ownership of the brand and rebuild a chicago legacy.
if - at the very least - marshall fields on state street is restored to its pre-1990 former glory, i think it can do wonderful things for the city it seems like (most of us) really love.
I am so sad and crying no more Field's. How do I make it through each day. I think I can! I think I can!
Bottom Line Michigan Avenue is the new shopping destination in Chicago unlike State Street. State Street used to be Chicago's MI Ave. I would think all you Chicago natives would know that, that care so much about MF.
Macy's will close the store and sell the building. It might get turned into small retail/office and swankly condos.
But it will always be the MF building. Won't it be great to say you lived in MF building.
And Guest #48. Let me clarify: you stated that the cause was trivial.
Let me clarify. I believe that what I really said was:
The people who care enough about something to do something about it, no matter how trivial that may seem to others... ;)
And #56, don't worry--I get your point. The real question is, do you get mine? You want us dolts (now there's no doubt in my mind that you hail from Bumblefuck, USA) to be more vocal about "other, more important causes," yet you're wasting precious time and breath over here getting your panties in a bunch over the same people you accuse of supporting unimportant causes. Is the irony not smacking you right in the face? (hint: it should be)
Shut the fuck up already, and go save the rest of the world. We fetishists have Marshall Field's covered.
First:
I get the feeling that I was wrong in assuming that just suburbanites are the ones behind these child like protests. I just assumed that we Chicagoans had more substantive things to focus on. But I have no problem being wrong and apologizing because that’s how one grows intellectually and emotionally.
Second: This is sooo Interesting!
Its clear that Ferdy and the rest of The Save Marshallfieds( how laughable) Herd are drowning in such existential angst, (probably compiled by personal baby boom midlife crisis with little personal accomplishments),that they must hold on for “dear life” to a hollow cultural buoy, i.e Marshallfieds, that now defines happier time of their youth and family. To “let go” is to fall of earth into emotional/spiritual darkness,meaningless, and despair
I call this deeply ingrained corporate moral sentiment and sensibilities.
Let this be a lesson for all of US, to live deeply,critically engaged and honestly, so when we age, we will have significant deeply rooted natural cultural memories and our actions will be centered around truly significant causes and behavior, instead of “protesting the name of a corporation” I mean it must be the name right? Are they so deluded to think that Marhallfields is actually coming back, or that he is being held hostage inside Macy’s under guard be evil doers like Sparky, guest 56, guest 47, etc?
Yes, Ferdy, I am ashamed that I don't care about Fields, and I am insecure about my identity as a Chicagoan, and whatever else you are trying so mightily to say.
You nailed it. God, you are so perceptive. Let me guess: A Chicago native?
With such smart supporters like this, it is amazing that MF could have ever failed.
And I doubt all you MF fetish people shopped there more than once or twice a year. If you did, the store still might be around.
Spook & Co.: You know absolutely nothing about me or what I've done, am doing, and will do. I contribute a lot to trying to make this world a little better (working on an article of children of the incarcerated right now). I have had no midlife crisis because I've done a lot to be personally and professionally proud of. So take your assumptions and shove 'em.
Where I usually shop is at local stores. I'm a firm believer in shopping locally and support my neighborhood restaurants and shops (including clothing stores and the local Ace Hardward). I will shop at Target on the rare occasion that is necessary because they are a socially responsible company, and at Whole Foods for the same reason. I shop at Carson's in the burbs for dept. store items. I boycott Wal-Mart, Macy's and its affiliates, and Blockbuster for bastardizing movies.
Who is Ferdy? Guy? Girl?
unfortunately for the people who feel like this whole thing is lame, macys is continuing to do poorly and the question of what is going to happen to all these converted macys stores is looming.
franchises can make a comeback...coca cola classic, oldies 104.3, family guy.
the MF thing is not going away, because people who remain interested in it continue to support each other and taste blood every time an article like the one above pops up
Let's play a round of Ferdy Sez---
Ferdy sez: "So take your assumptions and shove 'em."
Pot, kettle, black.
Ferdy sez: "I'm a firm believer in shopping locally and support my neighborhood restaurants and shops (including clothing stores and the local Ace Hardward)"
Yet you protest in favor of a store owned by out-of-towners who don't give a shit about you? Selective idealism, it seems.
Ferdy sez: " I contribute a lot to trying to make this world a little better (working on an article of children of the incarcerated right now)."
Everyone clap for Ferdy. While you are at it, clap for me, too, as I've written similar articles, so I guess I am saving the world as well. As well, I've bought Streetwise and given food to homeless people.
Ferdy sez: "I boycott Wal-Mart, Macy's and its affiliates, and Blockbuster for bastardizing movies."
Well, I guess Ferdy has some standards, though the standards continue to shift and remain vague, and seem to have some loose connection to that rare beast known as Chicago identity--don't worry, if you don't know what that is, you just don't have it.
I propose a boycott of Ferdy for bastardizing logic.
Then again, it is fun to play Ferdy sez, so perhaps not.
I didn't say that to get applause. In fact, I really hate when people call each other out on their credentials. It gets really exasperating having people make all kinds of weird assumptions based on their own prejudices--if you care about a store, you must drive an SUV, wear jogging suits, think anyone who doesn't like MF is from Naperville or out of state, etc. I tried sarcasm, but that, of course, doesn't translate in print. I really don't know why I'm the one--and the only one (maybe because I'm not a "guest" or people just like picking on someone who won't roll over like a flayed dog--who's getting called out for being angry at all this sanctimony about what I should care or not care about.
Finally, I decided to reveal a few things I stand for. And now I'm getting riddled for it. Field's may have been owned by out-of-state people, but they were good to the locals.Dayton Hudson's didn't shit all over Field's the way Macy's does. YOU say they didn't give a shit about me. I saw that they did. They deserved my business. Target isn't local, but it is responsible. I choose local when possible, but can't always. Then I go to the merchants who match my values the best.
Ferdy How was Fields "Good to the locales" as opposed to Macy's?
Can you actually answer this question?
And don't worry about Spook. He's just another white suburban punk posing as a wigger posing as a Marxist revolutionary posing as a progressive intellectual posing as a...well, you get my drift. You just know he wears baggy pants, a flat-rimmed baseball cap and a big cubic zirconium rock in his ear to work in the mail room of corporate America, bitchin' about how the man is keeping him and his brothers down.
Fields Goood
Macy's Bad
I have no brain
I am an idiot
Yes, I can. Marshall Field's was known for its charitable giving in all its markets. For example, in Minnesota "Marshall Field's supports arts, education, and social service organizations. Target doesn't specify how much is currently given in Marshall Field's name. The Minnesota Council on Foundations says Marshall Field's donated about $6 million in 2001." That figure certainly is much higher, since that is only the Minnesota market.
The original Marshall Field was a real philanthropist, giving us the Field Museum. The Shedd aquarium is named for one of his CEOs, who also gave generously. From a book about Field:
"At a time when the average American earned $500 a year, Marshall Field enjoyed a tidy annual income of $40 million. Unlike his robber-baron contemporaries, however, Field was the enlightened prince of the Gilded Age. Always looking toward the future, he built his department store empire on a solid foundation of quality, customer service, and a hard-earned reputation for honesty and good character. His attempts to secure the future of his family and his fortune were less successful."
I've read about 2/3 of these posts and needn't read further to comment. I address all of those who mock the protesters, call them names and tell them to "get a life."
The protesters are NOT saps, wimps, or simple nostalgia freaks - they are more like heroic. I am an employee in Michigan who knows FIRSTHAND that this is not only a fight FOR the return of Marshall Field's - THIS IS A FIGHT AGAINST ABSOLUTE EVIL in the form of a corporation known as Macy's, complete with it's own SATAN in the person of Terry Lundgren. People all over the country HATE Macy's - more haters than lovers - INCLUDING EMPLOYEES. Macy's seems to be in the business of DESTRUCTION, cuz they've destroyed and sought to destroy regional CULTURES as well as HISTORIES. Macy's shows far more hatred and contempt of the general public than these protesters could ever show. Macy's TELLS LIES, DEVISES EVIL PLOTS, INSULTS THE INTELLIGENCE OF THE CONSUMER BASE AND ABSOLUTELY DEFILES COMMUNITIES. Macy's sees people as utterly stupid, and easily manipulated. No...if I were to call anyone a sap or wimp it would be those who just don't see the handwriting on the wall - like you mockers. Even though it's boring as hell to work in the store when business is so damn slow, I have the uttermost respect for the fieldsfanschicago organization. They STAND for something (class, dignity, community) as they concurrently STAND AGAINST EVIL (arrogance, disrespect, disregard and dishonesty). Nostalgia? That's a small part of it actually, though not to be dismissed. Im not from Chicago. Not even from Illinois. But during our morning meeting, a few associates' eyes misted up, and they said they felt like crying - this was just after our manager gave a brief history of the Lake Forest Marshall Field's store, and relayed Macy's plan to close the store in January. Fancy that - Michigan employees feeling a deep sadness and sense of loss about a store that probably none have ever been to. I've never been to it either. We just know that this is all wrong and for wrong reasons: GREED AND ARROGANCE. You mockers disgust me. Just like Terry Lundgren does.
So these people- now all up in arms- instead of hitting the tread mill or getting involved in a real civic cause, puts on their pink or orange pants or sweat suits, some oversized designer sunglasses made in Korea, hoist themselves into their SUV’s, drive three minutes, park, and waddle up to the Metra train, to go "protest" in Chicago.
Better hope your mom doesn't find out you've been talking that way about her, spook! Otherwise, it could make for an excruciatingly awkward and quiet Thanksgiving dinner for spook in the burbs this year.
Field's DID Support Chicago! In it's last decade of existence it launched GLAMORAMA! It raised the profile of Chicago's leading designers, brought celebrity designers to the city, increased tourism, and raised alot of money for the Art Institute. Field's also sponsored countless other arts events including youth literacy,the ballet, and Field Museum exhibits.
People that don't appreciate the legacy of Marshall Field's have obviously never experienced the culture of Chicago's State Street. Also, Field's supported small businesses!! The State Street Store housed a locally owned independent book seller, candles from New Orleans (they were the only retailer that sold them outside of New Orleans and were the only retailer for at least a year after Katrina). Remember the big Vertical Fashion Show in 2003? Field's had a big party for the city and also landed on Good Morning America!! That also promotes tourism and raises the profile of Chicago being a world class city!! Marshall Field (the man) was responsible for the creation of the Chicago Sun-Times, Merchandise Mart, and many other Chicago institutions.
Mashall Field's was the ultimate department store.
Obviously Macy's isn't.
What is all the fuss about protesters. Instead of putting protesters/boycotters down this board should be applauding them. In this country we too often don't stand up for what we believe in. A historic, civic institution that was part of our collective history is important. It is NOT the only thing that we should care about, but nonetheless something that should be relevant to our lives.
Marshall Field's will be back in all it's glory!
You pro-Macy's posters are never going to change your tune.
Your insults of Field's supporters only make us happier. Don't you get that?
The boycott is really working. Oh, and you Field's supporters, be sure to check out www.FieldsFansChicago.org and be sure to mark down Sunday, Sept. 9th at 1:00 PM in your schedule books. That is the time for the next pro-Field's rally at State and Washington. See you there!
By the way, though Field's did see a decline in sales in 2002 and 2003 things actuall started turning around quite a bit by 2004 and into 2005 under the ownership of May, outperforming most of its competitors. Macy's forgets to mention that, but just look at some news archives in Google and see headlines like "Field's sales a bright spot in May's poor quarter" talking about the sales increases in the Marshall Field's division. I wouldn't call that a decline.
Pro-Field's rally?
Just when I thought it couldn't get any funnier, it does.
Do you have chants? Songs? Do you pray? Do carry around busts of The Founders? How about mints? Do you burn a Macy's bag--you know, sort of like burning a flag?
Still waiting for the rally for mom-and-pops, or property tax relief, or all the other causes you MF fetish people CLAIM to care about.
Losers.
Marshall Field's protesters are in a State (Street) of Denial!
What bothers me most is that these narcissistic protesters absolutely refuse to listen to any viewpoints other than their own.
The sad reality is that the Marshall Field's fanatics just want to live in the past, refuse to adapt to necessary change, and don't have their priorities straight. They want the truth, but they can't handle the truth!
Their short-sighted protests are not going to result in a return of Marshall Field's - they are going to result in the closure, sale, and conversion of the store to commercial office space.
WardUp: I don't think this is an issue of Pro-Macys or against Fields. I don't care either way. I never shopped at Fields and I'll never shop at Macy's.
If the stuff Macy's sells isn't quality, don't buy it. Boycott with your pocketbooks and credit cards. It seems to be working, if driving Macy's out is your goal. I just don't see the power in standing outside and holding up signs. People that are shopping at Macy's are not going to stop shopping at Macy's because you are standing in front of the door with a sign. They will stop shopping at Macy's because the quality or customer service is poor. I doubt Fields will come back, at least in the form that you want it. No sign on a stick waving it around on State is going to change that. Just my opinion.
Is it true that the jumper last night in Macy's was Lundgren?
Still waiting for the rally for mom-and-pops, or property tax relief, or all the other causes you MF fetish people CLAIM to care about.
So why not spearhead the effort, Captain America? You might even enlist some of those very same protesters you so despise. What's that, you don't actually care that much about those issues? That's what I thought. Anyone can pay lip service, asshole.
The Marshall Field's fanatics are getting more defensive because more and more people are finally challenging their silly protests and questioning their selfish boycotts.
#81 - Seriously. I'm still curious as to which crummy little town you shook the dust off your feet, because nobody around here uses the word dolt. Truly, that's the funniest thing you've said these past couple of days. And another thing--I thought you small-towners were supposed to be all folksy and genial, not bitter and crusty. I guess the big city will do that to some people.
Guest 85: Fuck you.
Don't worry, I do my work on those issues. I don't happen to think meaningless public protests are as effective as writing letters; making calls; enlisting other to do the same; write articles about said issues; and other forms of political grunt work that don't attract the attention of TV cameras.
What do I know? I mean, I only have long experience among politicians, policy makers and media types, and I'm basing my work on what has proven most effective.
Lip service? Nice assumption, asshole.
Still, nice way to dodge the issue: You MF assholes claim to care about and work on other issues, but I don't see you doing these silly protests for anything else. I think you are not only a bunch of dolts, but liars as well.
That's what happens with self-centered, nostalgic people.
Sparky is still making the best points of anyone: Why do some silly, TV friendly protest when you can just not shop there? That's the best form of protest in our society.
And no, I don't shop at Macy's. Another assumption bites the dust.
So I'm just curious, if Fields is so great, why did they leave yall high and dry? I mean they abondoned their children! How can you forgive them?
p.s that was just Wrong guest 75, funny, but wrong
you better leave folks Moms outta this!
"Better hope your mom doesn't find out you've been talking that way about her, spook! Otherwise, it could make for an excruciatingly awkward and quiet Thanksgiving dinner for spook in the burbs this year.
[75] Posted by: guest
How many phone calls and letters do you think you could have fired off about those other important issues had you not been spending so much time bitching and moaning over here?
You MF assholes claim to care about and work on other issues, but I don't see you doing these silly protests for anything else. I think you are not only a bunch of dolts, but liars as well.
Again with the dolts thing--I guess I should be grateful you didn't cry Liar, liar, pants on fire! as well. At any rate, I'm glad you have the protesters all figured out. Thank God there are sanctimonious assholes out there like you to save the people from themselves and lead them to the Promised Land.
It's utterly laughable how much you're letting all of this get under your skin--I can almost see the vein throbbing on your forehead. You should really channel some of that excess angst and energy into your one-man crusade to save the mom-and-pops and bring property tax relief to the down-trodden. At any rate, thank you for me keeping me thoroughly entertained on this board these last couple of days.
Guest: Yet you still avoid the question: Why no similar big actions for other issues that could help keep Chicago stores thriving?
Why are so afraid of answering? Perhaps because you know you are full of shit?
Don't worry, I am more entertained by you MF fetish people than angered.
Does anyone care about property tax relief for Chicago-based businesses?
What are you doing to make sure other Chicago-based businesses can thrive?
Why don't other Chicago-based business that have been drowned by big corporations deserve protests and similar actions from the MF crowd?
Let me ask my question, again, as well. If Fields is so great, why did they leave yall high and dry? I mean they abondoned their children right?
Dolt -
I'm not avoiding any question (Unlike you--where are you from again? You conveniently keep neglecting to address that). Furthermore, I'm not even a protester--I simply refuse to shop at Macy's...
Why do some silly, TV friendly protest when you can just not shop there? That's the best form of protest in our society. -- Remember writing that, Einstein?
Nobody gives a shit who owns MF or even where the corporate HQ are located. What Chicagoans do expect is respect for our culture and history, both of which Lundgren and Federated arrogantly wiped their feet on in the name of corporate greed and homegenization when they erased the Marshall Field's name and store branding. You say nostalgia like it's a four-letter word, but to most people it is not. Certain aspects of the shopping experience at the State Street MF became a tradition for generations of Chicago families. The history of the store as well as the man are hopelessly intertwined with the history of the city. That's it in a nutshell--people are fighting for a long-standing symbol of our identity and local flavor. MF may as well have been a mom-and-pop to the people who grew up here, because this is where it all started. The protesters may be silly, but the sales numbers don't lie--obviously enough people do care to send a message...
You're wasting your breath over here. Get off your fucking high-horse. Again, I find it so hard to believe that you care so much about your so-called causes when you spend so much time putting down the causes of others. With each post you write, it becomes more and more apparent what an ass you are. I doubt you possess the charisma, intelligence or leadership abilities to persuade anyone to rally behind you, no matter what the cause may be.
Dear Dolt:
Have you even spoken to a true Field's Fan? You keep on mentioning property tax relief. So, you obviously care more about your own pocket. The city has to pay for things somehow. How should the city and county replace income from reduced property taxes??
If anything the problems with the CTA are a MUCH greater issue. One that you haven't mentioned at all in your crusade to save Chicago. I would be right behind you in a protest to improve the CTA. If you love Chicago so much, do you realize that Field's is responsible for much of Chicago's success?
If you want to create your own website supporting idependant Chicago businesses, set up a website!! I guarantee you that many of us Field's Fans would use you as a resource in our quest to find retailers and vendors that deserve our business since Macy's isn't getting it!!!!
95: Dipshit, businesses pay property taxes, too. This has nothing to do with my own pocket, believe me. And if you want to spend your energies on the CTA, that is much better cause than MF.
94: Nostalgia is a four-letter word. Nostalgia is what weak-minded people do, people overwhelmed by cheap sentiment. History and legacy are far different from nostalgia.
So, start a property tax group! Some field's fans would support you, but we are not just a Chicago or Cook Country group of fans. Field's loyalists span across the Midwest, the US, and the Globe.
By the way, tourists and visitors to Chicago don't care about property taxes. They care about visiting a unique city that is convenient and fun to visit. Without Field's shopping in Chicago's main tourist destinations is hardly unique from other large cities, and the CTA is what takes people to other locations in the city to shop at other independently owned businesses.
So, I think you need to re-evaluate your priorities. Improving the CTA would help the Chicago region much more than lowering property taxes.
Folks, we're up to 97 comments, and no mention yet of Trixie or Chad. What's happened to the Chicagoist I used to know and love?
you cant criticize what other people chose to do without exposing your own soft underbelly.
i get the "why not devote your time to something more important than marshall fields/macys" argument all the time.
what i usually say at that point is, what do you consider important and what do you do to support those causes?
there are a lot of people that dont do shit about shit. in the case that my challenger can actually provide examples of what they are doing to make a difference, i say - well, good for you. can i go now?
To everyone arguing that this has something to do with selling the store -- well actually no. Macy's doesn't actually OWN 111 N. State, nor does any parent company like Federated/Macy's Inc. Macy's, the store, is merely a tenant. Sadly (but actually good in this instance) Marshall Field's had sold their ownership rights years ago. So they may get out of their lease, like in Lake Forest (where the landlord was trying to get them out since day one), but they can't "sell" the land. In New York, they still DO own the building.
Keep up the BOYCOTT! It's working!
Do you people actually expect MF to return? I can't see how that will happen.
What is your goal? Just to make noise and bitch about diminished shopping experiences?
Fannie May Candies returned.
Diminished shopping experiences?
Oh my, you have no clue. It's not just about the shopping experience. It's about respecting customers, listening to your employees, supporting a successful business, community investment, promoting Chicago as a leader in retail, unique gormet foods, a lovely meal in the walnut room with a loved one, and countless others. Some of us like to spend time with our elders. I cant think of a better way to enjoy lunch with my mother than times spent enjoying food from Field's. (Food made it kitchen's that passed city inspection)
Guest 103 - Give it up. The people who are putting down the boycott think we're a bunch of losers, and they don't or refuse to understand the issues that drive our protests, though many of us have stated them over and over again. Now it's a just a game of seeing how long this can go on. Boycott Guest 101 and the like!
My my, all the vicious comments. Well a very important history lesson kiddies: MF wasn't 'sold' and turned into a Macy's because it was losing money. It was sold because it was but one unlucky chain, along with dozens across the US, good and bad, that were then owned by The May Company. Field's didn't "sell itself" out to Macy's, as some have incorrectly said. Rather, two years ago, Federated bought the entire May Company and all of its stores. Their goal, for both good May stores or poor, was to morph every single one into a Macy's, aside from Lord and Taylor which, fortunately, was bought by Saks Fifth Avenue and saved. The notion that Chicagoans and others wouldn't be shocked and enraged, etc. by a name change and the product downgrading of Macy's, was dismissed as something the damage control people at Macy's could somehow deal with and an issue shoppers would get over. Well, obviously, no one has gotten over this, especially in Chicago, Boston, St. Louis, and Atlanta, where Macy's sales have dropped severely. Macy's North (MF) and Midwest (Famous-Barr) Divisions have been hit the worst. Inside word is that they have actually had to borrow funds from their successful West Division in order to make payroll in the failing divisions. Likewise, inside word is that they are doing focus groups on responses to changing 111 State to "Marshall Field's: A Speciality Store By Macy's" (Without the signature script logo, however.) Fact is that their national model has in good part simply failed. State Street alone, and some of the suburban MF's have dropped sales by approx 40% to at some times, insiders say, 75%. When the top salesmen left last year, many of their customers went with them, to Nordstroms, Nieman's, Von Maurs, Carsons, and others. Those retailers are doing just fine, employing lots of Illinoisans and making their customers happy. Rumor is the Joliet Macy's store is going to go next. Lake Forest is closing because the landlord, other mall tenants and the city had always wanted Macy's out and essentially the landlord wouldn't renew their lease (Come on, Macy's claimed they couldn't AFFORD a lease? Please!). That Lake Forest store was DOA as a Macy's. People in Lake Forest don't tolerate that kind of crap. (In Lake Forest, it's actually not permitted for police/firemen to use sirens, for example....) So, here we all are. Hopefully a Macy's buyout and likely spin off of the Field's brand will occur around the beginning of next year. Cheers to all! - hyperlexis
So if Macy's doesn't who the real estate who does?
Yes, Fannie May returned better than ever!!!
The world would be a sad sad place without their vanilla buttercream easter eggs and truffles! They are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Good!
Why aren't you guys protesting MF, then? After all, they left.
Again, you make no sense whatsoever.
What drugs must I take to understand you? Is it the same drugs one must take to appreciate David Lynch?
108 I would try some nice hydro. That always makes things better, even Macy's.
About ownership -- there is some confusion on the subject. I may have mis-spoken and if so I do apologize. It was in a REIT real estate trust or some similar thing when Target owned MF. MF was a tenant. I just asked a source and he said Federated/Macy's may in fact own the property. It is actually somewhat difficult to ascertain. Even the Cook County Tax Assessor's website won't show it. Riddle inside an enigma.... If anyone can get something definitive, it would be good to help sort this out. Most people just assume Macy's owns the building when in fact they may not.
so again the question is
Why aren't you guys protesting MF, then? After all, they left.?????
108:
Is everything you own locally manufactured and produced by local companies?
If not, then stop complaining and buy more local stuff!
spook and others-
if you really want to know the reason behind the protests (and are not just deliberately trying to peeve the MF side for your own amusement and enjoy watching people type paragraphs of defenses)....
go to fieldsfanschicago.org, and read the message boards. it will take you 20 minutes and you will get a wide array of perspectives.
here is a link to the MF company history as well
http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Marshall-Fields-Company-History.html
if you arent willing to do the legwork, stop your bemused tinkering of the whole thing.
so again the question is
Why aren't you guys protesting MF, then? After all, they left.?????
Are you sure you're not already on those drugs? Are you recommending that we protest Marshall Field, the person? He's been dead for quite some time now, but feel free to have a go at it--he's buried in Graceland Cemetary at Clark and Irving Park...
Are you recommending we protest the Field family? The chain went public in 1930 and has changed hands multiple times since....
Marshall Field's, the brand, didn't leave, it was bought out and erased from existence. So what are we supposed to protest then? The museum?
I've done the legwork, Guest 113, even referenced the website in my above posts (post 22). People are aware of the site.
And I've read the comapny history, and know about the Field family's generous philanthropy to the city (the museum was named Field Museum because of his 1mil endowment and an additional 8mil after his death. It doesn't take a genius to do a little research.
So, again, go back to my post (83), for the thoughts on the subject. It's cute that you get the media attention...nd I am sure that the press will have a field day at your next protest (pun intended)...heck, you may even get a 30 second sound bite on NBC5. You give Macy's media attention that way.
How much has the Anti-Macy's movement cost you? Is someone donating the signs and T-shirts? I wonder what else could that money be used for? Maybe that new Prada handbag that you always wanted.
Hmmm, insulting designer goods now!!
If you really lived the lifestyle you so proudly preach about, you wouldn't know what a Prada bag is!! So, what exactly is your point hear? You think it's silly to protest what Macy's has done to retailing in our country. Okay, fine.
It makes no sense why you should be annoyed with people protesting a store that you don't like or care about. Next time we protest, come on down and ask us to protest high property taxes and help you with other social injustices!!! Until then, you idiotic arguments are just reminding me that Marshall Field's was a great store and we need more stores that aspire to be like them.
You obviously know nothing about marketing, sales, merchandising, retailing, community investment, and tourism. Otherwise, you would understand why people do care about Marshall Field & Company.
hi sparky-
thank you for reading up on it...its hard to keep up with comments and who said what.
i dont participate in the protests, i just dont shop at macys. i also am very secure in how i spend my money; its something i think about a lot and also keep private, so i know i am not donating money to things just so i can casually mention in it conversation.
my point in posting was to encourage everyone to really *learn* about what makes people tick, before you are disrespectful to them. its healthy to challenge people on their beliefs but its quite another thing when you start to become scornful.
amelia
Amelia,
Thank you for being reasonable. There is a lot of scorn and disrespect on the website, from both sides.
#116: Just because I know the brand name prada doesn't mean I own anything by the brand name. certainly you must know that. I know what a Lexus is, but I don't own a car....I don't live in a bubble. And I admit, while I worked in it in the past, I know nothing about retail. And I am not an expert in business--again, I have made that clear in my posts.
Nonetheless, I'll see you at the protest in September. I can't wait to meet you! I won't be protesting, but perhaps after you protest, we can write letters to the mayor about the CTA, or knock on Blago's door in Ravenswood Manor and ask why a budget won't be passed. Or maybe you can come with me to help the homeless, or we can discuss what people have been doing to make housing more affordable in this city, or discuss property tax relief and TIFs.
Spook can provide the beer!
Have a great day!
C'mon, sparky!
With all that coin you make in the medical field, you mean to tell me you don't own a single item made by Prada? Or Coach? Or Gucci? That might just be a first. Bollocks, I say!
116 Here:
You see, us fans of Marshall Field's do work on other important issues. Not only do I work to ensure that uninsured kids at CPS receive free dental services, I have also been active in supporting CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) and done my share in working to encourage development of affordable housing in Chicago.
But then again, the next time a pro-field's Blog is mentioned, we will begin this battle once again.
119: Hardly! There are a lot of different jobs in the medical field other than doctors. Just like not everybody in the law field makes a lot of money.
Besides, even if I could afford any of those, I would spend my money elsewhere. It's not my style.
If you can afford any of those, good for you!
I cannot. Unfortunately, I work in the financial services sector, and am living proof that not everyone in that field makes a lot of money either. Besides, as a guy, I have little use for a Prada purse...
Get a life, Marshall Field's LOSERS! Stop trying to put hard working people out of work over your selfish boycotts over a tired name of the past.
In no other city do you see these silly protests - only Chicago refuses to adapt to necessary change.
MARSHALL FIELD'S IS GONE AND IT'S NEVER EVER COMING BACK! DEAL WITH IT! IT'S OVER! MOVE ON!
Guest 123 obviously cares so much about the issue or he wouldn't be on here. Hmmmm he should probably try to get a girlfriend rather than worrying and fretting so much about how Chicago hates Macy's and is eventually going to bring them down. Oh wait maybe he can't get a....
Guest 123...
What does this make now, something like your 12th post here? And now I see you're even resorting to angry, capital letters? Dear boy, I think you have an unhealthy obsession and should seek professional help...fast. Not even the MF protesters are as fanatical as you.
the boycott is working. bye bye macy's
Why are the Marshall Field's fanatics so defensive when they are challenged and questioned?
Will the Marshall Field's fanatics provide financial support to the many hard-working Macy's employees they put out of work?
I'm appalled that these fanatics are so selfish - these are not Midwestern values.
Fuck the Macy's employees--they're fucking scabs as far as I'm concerned. Where was your concern when the Field's employees got laid off? Do you really expect me to lose sleep over a couple of hundred FD employees? Fuck you!! The world is much bigger than that, my friend...
Not scabs. Most were Field's workers who stayed after the conversion. They'll still be there when Macy's sells to another corporation.
MARSHALL FIELD'S WILL BE BACK!
MARSHALL FIELD'S WILL BE BACK!
MARSHALL FIELD'S WILL BE BACK!
MARSHALL FIELD'S WILL BE BACK!
MARSHALL FIELD'S WILL BE BACK!
The former Macy's employees will be able to get jobs at many of the other fine stores in Chicago - Carson's, Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman's, JCPenney, Sears, etc.
People have not stopped spending. They just don't spend at Macy's.
Nordstrom Michigan Ave had the highest same store increase out of all the stores in the country! That says a lot.
Sears isn't a fine store. It's a dump.
Carson's closed their flagship store while Macy's bent over backwards to keep its Chicago flagship store open. Yet the selfish Marshall Field's lunatics won't even give it a chance.
Love the comments from the same person who keeps making the "selfish" comments.
"Oh my God--by choosing not to shop at Macy's, I could be contributing to people losing their jobs if the store is forced to close down due to poor sales. I feel so awful now! I can't believe how selfish I was being. Thank you for opening my eyes. As soon as I get paid next week, I'm going to spend my whole paycheck there. That should fix things!"
Feel better now, loser?
Let's not forget that the wondeful Macy's fired the Frango mint makers in a move Ebenezer Scrooge (pre-ghosts) would have entirely applauded, and closed warehouses, throwing hundreds of employees out of work.
131, you're right about Nordstrom. We used to spend thousands at the State Street Marshall Fields every year, but cut up our Macy's cards when they arrived. Now that money goes to Nordstrom.
132, The State St Carson's was a dump, and not even in the same league as MF. I didn't enjoy shopping there.
It honestly baffles me that so many people are upset about the Marshall Field's supporters. I'll spend my money where and how I want, and I'll boycott whomever I choose. Five generations of my family shopped and worked at Marshall Fields, and it was replaced by a shoddy discount department store. I don't feel guilty about avoiding it.
I'll spend my money where and how I want too - and I'll boycott Chicago until these insular losers get a life, stop living in the past, and adapt to necessary change.
Marshall Field's is gone and isn't coming back - anyone who believes otherwise is delusional and in a state (street) of denial.
...and I'll boycott Chicago until these insular losers get a life, stop living in the past, and adapt to necessary change.
Get your whiny ass back on the turnip truck and head back to your crummy little town. You're not welcome here, and the natives can indeed be hostile.
Hey Ferdy!
Do you Lie when you are "writing" about Juvenile incarceration issues too? Maybe given your involvement in saving “corporate icons” you actually write articles for those right wing nut cases who want to incarcerate more kids for profits.
Actually more than likely you don't write about Justice issues at all. You just made it all up
See, ferdy if it were any body else- but you- who said that it was Macy's that fired the Frango women, I'd say they just made a mistake. But clearly you know all the ends and outs about the glorious Marshall Fields, including the fact that Marshall Fields Corporation outsourced Frango, which meant the termination of the Frango workers. This was way before Macy’s even announced negoiations.
It takes a crass shallow mind, like yours, to lie about something as stupid as this.
As in a lie to defend a dumb corporation by making another dumb corporation look bad. That’s what you’re about. That’s your level of engagement. At first I was more having fun with you dumb saps for caring so much about a stupid store, now I'm just blown away at the insanity behind it.
idoits like you are whats wrong with this country
I think Ward Churchill's term "little baby eichmanns" fits you folks like a glove.
Spook -
When can we look forward to you taking the plunge from the 8th floor of Macy's?
Spook - You're right. It was Dayton-Hudson that moved Frangos to PA. But Federated did close the warehouse.
It wasn't a lie, it was a mistake. You're so angry at the world you can't get around to saking simple questions. I feel very, very sorry for you.
Spook-
you said in post 41
"Now what I do Hate is what’s going on with our lack of humanity....our babies killing babies, poverty, racism, sexism,homophobia, classism...."
but the majority of your comments (on all topics on this website) are spiteful, jeering, full of assumptions, and reek of your own pretentiousness.
what up, dude? why dont you practice what you preach?
141,Some times utter disdain comes across as hatefully in type.
I don't hate Ferdy I do strongly feel that Ferdy is a liar. Why do I say that? Because she knows this issue like the back of her/his hand,Dayton-Hudson, the color of the original M. Fields socks he wore to the grave, etc. No Fields minutiae is too small for Ferdy. When Frango got sold by Fields it was big news,( covered in all chicago's papers including Chicagoist) which is why some one who cares nothing about fields or macys( I now have credit cards for both) knew about it. yet Ferdy some how managed not to know it? Come on!
My point is no matter how bombastic I might come off here I won't stoop to lying on Chicagoist
.The fact that its about a department store is even worse. It shows you how this stupid issue is so important to a clueless few :-)
LOL a Clueless few??? This story about Chicago's anger toward Macy's was a top story on both ABC 7 and CBS 2 last week!!!
As for those people that say getting rid of Field's was a necessary change.... That's a total joke! Replacing Field's with Macy's has been a total disaster, and Macy's same store sales are doing TERRIBLE!!!!!
OOps! CBS 2 just did another story tonight about how angry Chicago is!!
http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_212220522.html
I did not lie. I was wrong. If you really want to know me, come meet me. Then maybe you'll find out you're lying about me! Stop lying! Stop lying! Start with yourself, Spook.
"This story about Chicago's anger toward Macy's was a top story on both ABC 7 and CBS 2 last week!!!"
This goes to show you how Stupid this county has become thanks to people like you and of course Ferdy. Congratulations.
And on an international front, this just in.......They don't hate us cause we’re free, they hate us cause wer're Stupid!
Well, considering the fact that Field's had an international reputation with the first European buying office for a U.S. department store, I can promise you that there is a large population of international people care about Marshall Field's.
Local news in other countries is also celebrity filled too. The only people that truly hate the US are going to hate us no matter what we say. The same can be said that you will always hate department stores.
So when am I going to meet you Spook? I'm calling you out.
No, Spook, they hate us because we have the power, as is usually the case in international relations.
But your other observations are spot on.
No, Spook, they hate us because we have the power, as is usually the case in international relations.
But your other observations are spot on.
The fact that you're agreeing and aligning yourself with an alcoholic, rambling, pseudo-intellectual moron like spook speaks volumes about who you are.
And I would disagree. They don't hate us just because we have the power, as much as because we abuse it (i.e. meddling in regional affairs that don't concern us, propping up ruthless dictatorships because they are friendly to our interests, bullying countries economically and militarily in order to bend their will to ours, pulling out of international treaties, unilaterally invading Iraq on baseless assumptions in defiance of the U.N., etc.). With great power comes great responsibility and discipline, and we have failed miserably in that area.
Enjoy it while you can, we're living through the rise and fall of the Roman Empire...
Guest 150,
how sad you are! forced to be a fan of Le Spook!
I’m that cool kid you hated, but secretly admired back in the 8th grade! Don't front! Just like you know I'm gonna agree with you about OUR abuse of power. But In the immortal words of Kool Moo Dee, “let me continue cause there’s more on the menu”, Further its about our abuse of power combined with our fervent anti-intellectualism, ignorance and willful historical amnesia, which we confused with freedom!
Further, you know my ramblings are “spot on” and my intellectual capacity is rapid fire and fluid like Muhammad Ali and the late James Brown(RIP) in their prime!
But I keep it real by being humble enough to admit that it’s not a "gift", but something organic and accessible to all of us willing to read alot and under go paideia to speak parrhesia, with and with out fear, you feel me Guest 150?!
And you call me and " alcoholic"?
Well from my postings its clear that your Spook likes to get his swerve on- aka drink on -during the weekend and I don’t trust people who don’t, like F.D.R. said those who “don't drink don't trust themselves" But I’m willing to wager that I’m in a lot better physical shape then you will ever be, because if the revolution comes A Spook must be in not great mental shape, but excellent physical as well, which also takes discipline and work!
And speaking of drinking, Ferdy, tell you what, at the next “Macy’s Fields protest, just stroll on in and come down stairs. I'll be at the bar wearing my green Fidel Castro hat drinking a beer, cause that's how a Spook rolls! And the first round is on me. Yea I could beef that Macy’s changed the name from Hinky Dink McKenna's to :inField's" with a dumb sports theme, but heck long as they continue to serve beer out those big old glass goblets, thats the important thing right?
150: Everyone who has power eventually abuses it, so it seems we are agreeing, despite our best intentions.
As well, do you have any proof of Spook's alcoholism, or did you pull that out of your ass as well?
Oh, yeah, how original: The Roman Empire. Gee, haven't heard that one before. Did you learn that in high school history?
Oh, yeah, how original: The Roman Empire. Gee, haven't heard that one before. Did you learn that in high school history?
I'm guessing that passes for razor-sharp, sarcastic wit in your world?
At any rate, it would appear that spook has found himself a little bitch--I mean, sidekick. Only you don't have a nickname yet, do you? May I suggest ass clown? Yeah, that has a nice ring to it, sorta like one of those buddy cop flicks:
ass clown and spook
You two idiots really are proof that there is indeed somebody out there for everybody.