Columbus shoppers who fancy Marshall Field’s will need to travel elsewhere to find their favorite retailer.
The popular department store decided to sell its two Columbus locations — at Tuttle Crossing and Columbus City Center — to May Department Stores, which will turn them into Kaufmann’s.
The deal is expected to close on March 21, but Marshall Field’s could close as early as the first week in March, said Heidi Weaver, spokeswoman for Marshall Field’s.
“The stores will then remain closed for approximately two months for restocking and training,” Weaver said. “All 350 Marshall Field’s employees will be offered jobs by Kaufmann’s.”
Marshall Field’s entered the Columbus market in 1989, and upon its departure will leave the chain with 62 stores in major markets such as Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Toledo.
“Marshall Field’s made a decision so they can focus more intently on stores that have a stronger presence in their respective markets,” Weaver said.
Marshall Field’s has been losing customers in Columbus since the opening of Polaris Fashion Place and Easton Town Center.
According to Scarborough Research, from October 1998 to September 1999, 9.3 percent of Columbus consumers shopped at Marshall Field’s at least once per month. Last fall, that number shrank to 6.9 percent.
Peter Cooper, general manager of Columbus City Center, said he is excited that May Department Stores has decided to put its future in Columbus’ hands.
“We want to thank Marshall Field’s for being such a great business partner for the last 13 years,” Cooper said.
Kaufmann’s has only one Columbus location — Polaris Fashion Place — and it is a major move by May to commit to two more stores in this market.
“Kaufmann’s represents great value, quality merchandise and great customer service,” Cooper said. “They fill a great niche, as today’s customer is very savvy.”
Sharon Bateman, vice president of corporate communications for May Department Stores, said it is a great opportunity for them to add more locations to this area.
“We are very excited to strengthen our presence in the Columbus market,” Bateman said. “It gives Kaufmann’s name a much stronger position.”
With the emergence of Kaufmann’s at Columbus City Center, the hopes are that sales will increase throughout the mall.
The City Center mall has an 80 percent occupancy, and it has lost many tenants in recent months, such as Bostonian, Brooks Brothers, Cheryl & Co., Gap, Johnston & Murphy and Nine West.
“We have been in a repositioning mode since last year,” Cooper said. “We’re adding more and more local merchants.”
Before the holidays, Columbus City Center added Finish Line and Subway, and coming soon are Man Alive, Nextel Communications, the Sweet Factory and Cookie Creations by Tammy.
“We are really looking towards young adults as a big customer base,” Cooper said. “They are our best customers.”
Marshall Field’s credit accounts will be transferred to Kaufmann’s, and all gift certificates and merchandise vouchers will be honored as well.
