Many thanks to Marshall Field’s for the valuable financial lesson they have just taught me. In the past, I have shopped at their store because I enjoyed the experience. Shopping at department stores like theirs evokes strong feelings of nostalgia and of imbibing local culture; the State Street store serves as an excellent example of shopping being an experience, not just a function. I patronized their business despite the knowledge that I could likely find the item in question to be offered at a lower price somewhere else. I am not a shopper at heart, but the fun of strolling around a department store–especially a venerable “local” establishment like Marshall Field’s–reminds me of enjoyable moments shopping with my family years ago.
Then I read about the decision to outsource Frango production and fire the people who make the chocolate treats that are true Chicago. Foolish me! It’s only the bottom line that matters. Sentiment is inefficient and unacceptable.
So–sadly–when I need another dress shirt, I’ll turn to the catalogs that arrive at my house on a daily basis. When I replace the coffeemaker that just broke, I’ll go to a discount store. And when I want some chocolate mints from Pennsylvania, I’ll buy a box of Russell Stover’s.
