It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Field's

By Tim State in News on Nov 11, 2007 8:43PM

We reported on Wednesday sales have been sinking at the flagship State Street store--nostalgic epicenter for Field’s lovers. Meanwhile, Field’s Fans continue to protest. A group of concerned Field's Fans showed up on Saturday to “protest against Macy's business practices here in the Chicago area.” They have scheduled special “leaflet” events on the Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving, as well as another rally “Under the Great Clock” at noon on Saturday, December 2. Wednesday’s Trib article might have fueled Field’s Fans’ enthusiasm as they claim success on their site.

But there’s another aspect of the story: Macy’s is moving on. Executives said they had spent so much energy trying to woo Field’s shoppers, they were not focused on making the store what everyone wants.

Now we get to see how that plays out. Macy’s is talking to several companies about opening a 20,000 square-foot grocery store, and a deal could be closed as soon as early next year, bringing a much-needed grocer to the growing downtown residential population. Saturday, Macy’s also unveiled a number of new holiday initiatives that might be an indication of their future direction: a wine bar in the Walnut Room, new holiday window displays celebrating a local tradition of the Joffrey Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” and Martha Stewart was on hand with Mayor Daley to light the holiday tree, which features ornaments she designed. They’ve also recently added college nights with denim fitting clinics (someone will actually help us figure out the difference between traditional and relaxed cuts?), free wi-fi, and a “shoe diva.”

Could it be Macy’s has heard the protesters and is changing their business practices? Could it be Macy’s is attempting to win the affections of new, young, urban shoppers by offering actual services and products they want? Seems to us it’s beginning to look a lot like Field’s.

Photo by Springsun.