Posts
This Grandfather Clock, carrying the Marshall Field name, appears on www.clockguy.com
American Tallcase Tubular Chime Clock -BRS-06- $5,550
Signed “ Marshall Field ”
This is a beautiful example of an American mahogany case with a German tubular chime movement. Untypical of the case are the hand-carved claw feet, which are most commonly found on more elaborate cases from the likes of Horner and Durfee. This is a very elegant design -- architectural-topped case and dial, suitable for the display in the finest homes or offices.
Physical Description: 30"w x 97"h x 20.25"d; 80" smooth columns; dial diameter 13.25"; 18.75" from top of dial to peak of architectural top. Note the heavy carved paw feet -- very impressive.
Movement: Chain-wound eight-day time and Westminster strike tubular chime movement with three weights. Dial is signed "Marshall Field", indicating the clock was originally sold at Marshall Field (likely in Chicago). Many makers private-labeled clocks for the large high-end retailers like Tiffany and Marshall Field; this clock is a fine example of that practice.
2 comments:
I just thought I would let you know that I just posted a video interviewing shoppers on their feelings about Marshall Fields even two years after the demise of that store name. If executives thought that people would eventually adjust to Macy’s on State Street, they are sorely mistaken. The video of these interviews has been posted to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv0Sf4Bee1k .
Shoppers interviewed want Marshall Fields back—and not just the name. They told us that Marshall Fields is more than the brand on a brass plaque. The brand is synonymous with Chicago. It stood for a quality of service and a unique experience that goes beyond the logo and the merchandise. The much touted “My Macy’s” buyers plan for 15% of merchandise to appeal to local tastes won't fix the problem. It's not how local the merchandise is. Marshall Fields used to be about merchandise that was unique and expansive. And service was an intrinsic part of the mix—from helping shoppers find just the right button to “give the lady what she wants”; attention to the customer once was paramount. And going to Marshall Fields was an event. More than anything, the Marshall Fields brand was about an experience more than it ever was about a name.
The cost efficiencies and buying power of one national brand might have looked great to Macy’s executives on paper, but in reality, it has turned into a brand blunder that will not go away. It’s hard to turn a profit when you anger your brand’s most ardent supporters. It’s impossible when you turn off the average shoppers on the street. As the Macy’s Marshall Fields Brand Blunder shows, that is exactly what Macy’s has done.
Please don't post my email on your blog--but if you have comments you can reach me at ldm@merriamassociates.com
Lisa
Well said, Anonymous. You speak for countless thousands, perhaps even millions. Macy's has failed to capture the buying public's affection in markets outside Chicago as well. Marshall Field's was indeed an EXPERIENCE. We hope to enjoy that experience once more very soon. Thanks for posting.
Post a Comment