It’s like being a drooly kid in a candy store – a 9-story candy store, complete with every treat fathomable. The analogy isn’t far from reality; there is a whole section of fancy candy counters that includes signature Frango mints. If you can dream it, the State Street Marshall Field’s, 800,000 square feet of department store goodness, probably has it in every color.
A candy store doesn’t do this shopper’s fantasy justice, though. Field’s could nearly function as its own city, where all residents would be dressed to the nines and consequently broke, but fed, educated, pampered and entertained nonetheless. The department store/city would run like an all-inclusive resort, minus the binge-drinking, which could be dangerous with some of the store’s lofty price tags.
The store, which takes up a whole city block, recently went through “reinvention,” adding 350 new brands to its already-enormous collection and making way for more natural light from exterior windows. Field’s now boasts six brands unavailable at any other department store, including Yves Saint Laurent and Thomas Pink. Both the men’s and women’s sections contain the latest brands and styles which can satisfy anyone’s budget and taste. Even the store’s extensive collection, it’s mind-boggling that there were really 350 brands left to add to the unbelievable Field’s collection.
The fourth floor contains a shopper’s dream – or worst nightmare – depending on your preference. You can choose from exorbitant designers, like Jimmy Choo, Prada and Marc Jacobs and just as easily satisfy a foot fetish with less expensive brands. Needless to say, after scouring 16,000 square feet of shoes, there’s no need to worry about leaving barefoot.
For the obsessive shoe-shopper, Field’s is hosting the Shoe Diva Shopping Party from 5-7 p.m. on May 4. The event has informal modeling, gourmet snacks and tips for customers while they browse through the Ultimate Shoe Guide and the newest spring footwear styles. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (800) 634-3537.
Dispersed throughout Field’s 10 floors are three restaurants, two food courts, two juice bars, two Starbucks and Australian Homemade Premium Ice Cream. These eateries refuel shop-a-holics and often keep impatient spouses at bay while entranced significant others frivolously wander through each floor.
The beauty department is a buffet of colors and compacts. It consumes almost half of the expansive first floor – 26,000 square feet, to be exact. The same floor is filled with handbags and jewelry. Not to be excluded, men’s accessories and fragrances are also on the first floor, conveniently located near the arcade.
The “ultimate department store” opened in 1852 and is a designated National Historic Landmark that is as much a piece of Chicago history as it is a shopping haven. The store runs guided and self-guided audio tours and has its own visitors’ center and archive on the seventh floor. The archive is a mini-museum displaying old photos and artifacts and has quotes from past visitors painted on the wall: “Just when I thought I had seen everything worthwhile in this country, I came to Marshall Field’s and then I had seen everything,” Mr. and Mrs. Charles Slimey said in 1938.
On the fifth floor of the shopping wonderland there is a full-service beauty salon, an adorable children’s section and more women’s clothing. On the same floor is the stunning vaulted “Tiffany Ceiling,” created in 1907 from 1.6 million pieces of multi-colored favrile glass. It was designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, whose father was founder of Tiffany’s jewelry.
Field’s offers services for all types of customers. Complimentary coat, luggage and package check is available. For the extravagant shopper, the store offers a personal shopping service. Call ahead with your size and budget, and a dressing room filled with hand-picked ensembles will be assembled before you arrive. Field’s will even deliver your lunch that day. The forgetful or needy traveler can call and have items delivered to a local hotel room. Field’s also boasts “Field’s Days” sales that heavily discount merchandise, making items a little more affordable for those with credit card limits.
If shopping is too overwhelming, Field’s facilitates celebrity chef appearances, cooking demos and a wide variety of cooking classes held right in the store. Classes include “Girl’s Night Out: Massage and Margaritas,” in which students learn to prepare Mexican dishes inspired by the margarita and receive a professional massage at the end. The Green City Market Tour takes participants to an organic market to buy fresh produce for the class where they make and enjoy lunch back at Field’s. Classes vary in price, but average $65-85. Call (800) 265-COOK to book a spot.
Marshall Field’s is located at 111 N. State Street and is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday (until 9 p.m. Wednesday), and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Medill sophomore Deena Bustillo is a PLAY assistant editor. She can be reached at d-bustillo@northwestern.edu.
