The famed Chicago department store, Marshall Field's, will be renamed Macy's, thanks to the evil corporate bean counters at Federated Department Stores, new owners of Field's.
Take that, 150 years of local history and beloved tradition! The ruthless economics of global capitalism have spoken.
From Federated's news release:
All Marshall Field's stores will convert to the Macy's nameplate in fall 2006. This includes 62 locations in Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Indiana, Ohio and South Dakota that will continue to be operated by the Minneapolis-based division that will become known as Macy's North.
"From a shopping standpoint, customers will have the best of both worlds in major markets like Chicago, Minneapolis and Detroit. They will continue to benefit from regional buying that remains attuned to local preferences and lifestyles, plus enjoy the distinctive merchandise and shopping experience that's part of the Macy's brand," Lundgren said.
"We have great respect for the legacy and traditions of Marshall Field's, and we carefully researched customer preferences and studied alternatives before making this decision to incorporate Marshall Field's into the nationwide Macy's brand," Lundgren said. "While the store's name will change, much of what customers love will stay the same, including Marshall Field's traditions and its outstanding record of community and charitable giving. As part of this name change process, we will do everything we can to honor the Marshall Field's heritage, particularly in its Chicago birthplace."
Chicagoans will be unlikely to sit quietly and watch 150 years of history go down the drain. I, for one, will never set foot in a Federated store again if the name change goes through.
Anyone who would like to express their opinion to Federated can make use of the contact info below:
Mr. Terry J. Lundgren
Chairman, President and CEO
Federated Department Stores, Inc.
7 West Seventh St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Mary Ann Shawmeker
Operating VP, Corporate Communications
Federated Department Stores, Inc.
7 West Seventh St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Federated main switchboard: 513-579-7000
Jean Coggan, Mgr of Community and Public Relations: 513-579-7315