This morning I went to my car to collect all of the left-over coupons offered by my favorite store, and then I destroyed them. BED, BATH,  and all of those useful products, have gone to the great store closing..BEYOND.

As far as I can remember, it began with the famous rivalry of two department stores in Midtown Manhattan—GIMBEL’S and MACY’S which were located two blocks from one another.  GIMBEL’S motto was “Nobody But Nobody Outsells GIMBEL’S.”  And, MACY’S countered with, “Does MACY’S Tell GIMBEL’S?”—a warning about giving secrets to ones competitor. Unfortunately, some of the secrets leaked out, because sadly eventually MACY’S swallowed GIMBEL’S which was the start of something BIG!

It seems, as if everywhere I lived, MACY’S did the dirty deed. MARSHALL FIELD’S was the gem of Chicago. MARSHALL FIELD’S  display windows, as well as magical children’s department, enchanted Chicago at Christmas time. MARSHALL FIELD’S,  the store famous for Frango Chocolate Mints—disappeared into the belly of MACY’S.

Then we moved to Atlanta, and shopped at Atlanta’s favorite department store, RICH’S, a trusted family establishment. People used to call RICH’S just to chat with their friendly telephone operators, and any merchandise could be returned if the customer wasn’t satisfied. Mothers even told their children, “If you don’t behave, I will return you to RICH’S.” When my son, Josh was a very little boy, I took him on his first city bus ride to RICH’S, where I treated him to lunch at the beautiful Magnolia Room.  What he liked the best was that I spilled a glass of Coca Cola (big medicine in Atlanta) on my white coat. Unknowingly, while I blissfully shopped at RICH’S, MACY’S took over DAVISON’S a major competitor, and then MACY’S also gulped down RICH’S.

However, now it seems “What goes around, comes around,” because since 2020 MACY’S has now targeted 125 of their own stores, and has probably closed one in a mall near you. It seems as if department stores will soon go the way of the flightless Dodo bird, including the closing of SEARS the store that absorbed “AND ROEBUCK” in 1895 when Alvah Roebuck didn’t like SEARS financial gambling, so he sold out his shares and remained at the firm as a repairman.

The AARP Bulletin, (May 2023) featured an article, “The Future of Shopping.” The writer claimed that “Upcoming shopping will be more engaging, and entertaining.” Right away I thought, “I don’t want a clown fitting bras.” The article also claimed that “Dressing rooms will be spa like retreats.” That will be lots of fun with a 2-year-old in tow. And, the article also enthused with, “Second hand goods will be sold on racks right next to new stock.” I guess they want to compete with popular Consign Stores. Also, major retailers are expanding to store-within-a store programs.  I wonder if this means that you can get your dog washed at MACY’S?

Then there’s all that digital stuff:  “Your phone is now a favorite store.” So, why would anyone ever have to leave home? I still like to browse in a store.  It can be educational and fun.  Running around looking for a salesperson is good exercise!  

Also, I don’t care where you buy your Frango Chocolate Mints. They will never taste as good as those I bought at MARSHALL FIELDS!

Esther Blumenfeld