Federated/May-Robinson's merger

33girl · #1 03-01-2005, 12:08 AM

THIS SUCKS BIG TIME.

It's bad enough Kaufmann's downtown bakery now has Starbucks and Krispy Kreme

but now the whole store will probably start to suck, if they keep it open at all. I already wrote a bitchy letter, so look for it yinzers.

If you don't know which stores in your area are Robinson-May and which are Federated, you can click on the link. Basically, for many people this cuts your department store selection in half.

Rudey · #2 03-01-2005, 01:02 AM

It's going to make the bonuses of the investment bankers working on the merger very large...

-Rudey

honeychile · #3 03-01-2005, 01:13 AM

I have said for years that, if we don't keep shopping at the little stores, there's going to come a time when we will go to STORE, or HARDWARE STORE, or COFFEE SHOP, or RESTAURANT, etc. It's the chaining of America, where we can't really choose where we want to shop, eat, or drink. Decent BBQ? Forget it! One of a kind clothing? Done. Books that aren't PC? Gone.

It's a massive blow for both the independent store keeper AND the independent shopper!

Sister Havana · #4 03-01-2005, 01:19 AM

They had better not even think about changing the name of Marshall Field's to Macy's.

honeychile · #5 03-01-2005, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sister Havana
They had better not even think about changing the name of Marshall Field's to Macy's.

That would truly be the end of civilization as we know it!

RedRoseSAI · #6 03-01-2005, 01:34 AM

Maybe they'll bring Frangos back home where they belong.

Every Marshall Field's employee I've talked to has hated the changes that May made to their computer and inventory system. May's system requires employees to use these big binders to look up SKUs, promotions etc. rather than using the computer! Hopefully May will improve things on that end.

I do have to say, though, that I was very glad when MF changed their web site to no longer resemble a lower-end retailer (i.e. Target and Mervyn's). That's one thing that May did do well.

33girl · #7 03-01-2005, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by honeychile
I have said for years that, if we don't keep shopping at the little stores, there's going to come a time when we will go to STORE, or HARDWARE STORE, or COFFEE SHOP, or RESTAURANT, etc. It's the chaining of America, where we can't really choose where we want to shop, eat, or drink. Decent BBQ? Forget it! One of a kind clothing? Done. Books that aren't PC? Gone.

It's a massive blow for both the independent store keeper AND the independent shopper!

Well, actually, Kaufmann's hasn't been "independent" for quite a while now. Go to Hecht's in Maryland/DC and you'll see the same signage, same slogans etc. But this is a whole different deal - for many smaller cities, we'll have NO CHOICE in department stores unless Dillard's, Neiman-Marcus or Nordstrom decides to expand. Even if that happens, some of those options might be too expensive for many Kauf/Horne's shoppers (like Saks is).

I think, or should I say I hope, that this will backfire to the point of encouraging independent regional department stores to make a comeback (Troutman's and Hess's, I'm looking at you). There are still people out there who want to shop someplace classier than Wal-Mart (thank God).

RedRoseSAI · #8 03-01-2005, 01:42 AM

Ok, this is scary:

"Federated operates more than 450 stores in 34 states, Guam and Puerto Rico under the names Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Bon-Macy's, Burdines-Macy's, Goldsmith's-Macy's, Lazarus-Macy's and Rich's-Macy's, although all are being converted to the Macy's or Bloomingdale's name. The company also operates macys.com and Bloomingdale's By Mail."

Marshall Macy's? Macy Fields? Oh, the thought is too horrible to comprehend...

honeychile · #9 03-01-2005, 01:50 AM

I've seen the over the top salesmanship of Marshall-Field's, and experienced the "I can't be bothered" clerks of Lazarus. Unless they ALL become more like the Marshall-Field's employees, I'm going to have to start shopping in very small towns.

And I haven't even mentioned how much I hate Starbucks!!!

RedRoseSAI · #10 03-01-2005, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by honeychile
I've seen the over the top salesmanship of Marshall-Field's

Unfortunately, it doesn't happen as much as it used to. The State Street store is usually better than the others in terms of service, although I did have two particularly nice experiences recently at the Woodfield store.

Jill1228 · #11 03-01-2005, 02:01 AM

Retail is going to hell in a handbasket.
In the Pacific NW we had the Bon Marche
Then it became Bon Macy's

Now as of last week they all have become Macy's stores

I tell ya what...nobody bettah mess with my Nordstrom!!!

honeychile · #12 03-01-2005, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RedRoseSAI
Unfortunately, it doesn't happen as much as it used to. The State Street store is usually better than the others in terms of service, although I did have two particularly nice experiences recently at the Woodfield store.

Okay, you know the part of Blazing Saddles when the townspeople all sing, "Winfield Scott"? I had that type of moment when I read Woodfield store!

I once saw a shopping bag that I liked from M-F while at the airport, heading for home. I called M-F (at Woodfield), and they SENT ME two bags - at no cost!!

I also find it hysterical that Frango Mints are now made in Pittsburgh, and Clark Bars are made in Chicago. Why the big switch? Isn't this yet another example of corporation idiocracy?

kddani · #13 03-01-2005, 09:49 AM

I hate this merger! There are some things I go to Kaufmanns for, and some things I go to Lazarus for (well, which is officially changing it's name to Macy's, and I have a Macy's credit card now). I find Lazarus to be better organized, especially it's women's clothing. Their Clinque ladies are nicer and will take more time with you. Kaufmann's has a better shoe section and better jewelery, I think.

Blah. I just hate when a choice is taken away.

tinydancer · #14 03-01-2005, 11:13 AM

Looks like our Foley's are going to change to Macy's as well (if I read the paper correctly.)

33girl · #15 03-01-2005, 12:03 PM

Federated is officially going to change Kaufmann's name to Macy's. GRRRRRRRRRR.

This is like going into Primanti's and replacing the cole slaw with plain lettuce.

I can only hope that Boscov's or Bon Ton steps in to fill the void here in the city & suburbs, because it's going to be pretty pathetic if I have to drive up to freaking BUTLER to get more shopping choice.