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Expansion of Louis Vuitton Boutique to Four Times Its Current Size Highlights Phase One MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Marshall Field's today announced plans to significantly remodel its flagship store in downtown Minneapolis. The plans include a transformation of the interior throughout the store and a complete remodel on the first floor, including an expanded Louis Vuitton boutique. The renovation is underway now and is expected to be complete by fall of 2006. "Marshall Field's is an important part of the downtown community and we're thrilled to transform our Minneapolis store into an even more compelling shopping environment that will only add to the cache of downtown shopping," said Frank Guzzetta, president and chief executive officer of Marshall Field's. "Once construction is complete, guests will find more spacious departments, expanded merchandise assortments and new and exciting brands that are unlike anything else in retail." The renovation has started with the relocation of Marshall Field's Optical from the fifth floor to a more visible and modern space on the first floor. Marshall Field's Optical is a full-service optical center opening on Aug. 26, 2005, and will offer everything from eye exams, contact lens consultations and fittings to an expansive assortment of the latest eyewear from brands such as Christian Dior, Prada, Versace, Fendi and Gucci. This fall, the existing Louis Vuitton boutique will relocate from its current space on the first floor to a new, contemporary boutique that's more than four times its original size. Marshall Field's has been the only destination for the luxury designer since it opened at the Minneapolis store in 1984. The new 1,700-square-foot boutique will be one of the largest Louis Vuitton boutiques in the Midwest and will feature an expanded assortment of leather goods, luggage and accessories. The Louis Vuitton boutique is scheduled to open in late October 2005. In addition, Barbara's Bookstore, the largest independent purveyor of books in the Chicago market, will open at Marshall Field's Minneapolis store in fall of 2005. Barbara's Bookstore will occupy approximately 1,500 square feet on the lower level and offer guests a broad and diverse collection of books, fine literature, periodicals and children's books, with an emphasis on quality literature. Signoria di Firenze, maker of fine, hand-embroidered Italian luxury linens, will also expand its exiting space on the lower level to deepen its assortment and offer exclusive merchandise currently offered at Marshall Field's State Street and Water Tower Place stores in Chicago only. The 350- square-foot shop will open on Aug. 29, 2005. The remodel of Marshall Field's Minneapolis store is part of the company's overall strategy to establish a clear point of differentiation by injecting newness into its assortments, creating excitement in its stores and making the shopping experience more convenient for its guests. Marshall Field's continues to raise the bar in retail beginning with the dramatic reinvention of its State Street store in Chicago, and continuing with Marshall Field's recently announced plans to open a new store in Bolingbrook, Ill., and significantly remodel and expand its store at the Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, Mich. Marshall Field's has strengthened its position as a fashion leader by introducing hundreds of new brands and presenting merchandise in bold and compelling ways at its Marshall Field's State Street store in Chicago and throughout the company. Marshall Field's State Street store is the second largest department store in the world and the company's designated marketplace for a wide array of new and exciting concepts. Since 2004, Marshall Field's Minneapolis store has welcomed a number of successful concepts that were first introduced at its State Street store, including Levenger, Thomas Pink, Alexandre Savile Row and Field's Culinary Studio. Partnerships with Twin Cities hometown icons such as Cooks of Crocus Hill, Wuollet's and Izzy's Ice Cream, along with signature community events, further transforms Marshall Field's into a shopping experience unlike anything else in retail. Marshall Field's is committed to investing in the communities it serves and has a rich history of philanthropic giving to nonprofit organizations and civic causes through the company's umbrella giving program, Marshall Field's Gives. Building on a 150-year tradition, Marshall Field's is proud to partner with numerous local organizations to offer enhanced programming, unique events and various discounts in an effort to encourage community support of arts and culture, education and health and welfare. For instance, Marshall Field's dedicated this past July as Marshall Field's Gives Month for the first time ever to celebrate the wonderful things local nonprofits bring to the community and to encourage guests and team members to support these great causes. As part of Marshall Field's Gives Month, the company awarded community grants to nearly 200 nonprofit organizations and designated July 22-29 as Marshall Field's Days of Caring, when team members across eight states volunteered their time to make a difference throughout the communities they live. In the Twin Cities, more than 300 Marshall Field's team members transformed 10 rooms and an outdoor garden at YouthLink, a downtown Minneapolis drop-in center for at-risk youth, to create a more safe and inviting atmosphere for homeless youth. In addition, the company recently hosted Marshall Field's Day of Music in conjunction with the Minnesota Orchestra to provide 24 hours of free music and activities for people of all ages to make arts, and presented Glamorama, its annual fashion charity event that raised more than $300,000 for the Children's Cancer Research Fund. About Marshall Field's Marshall Field's full-service department stores have a 150-year legacy of fashion leadership and retail excellence. Marshall Field's inspiration for unexpected merchandise originates from its legendary State Street store in Chicago, which sets the bar as the most exciting destination in retail. As a division of The May Department Stores Company (NYSE:MAY), Marshall Field's operates 60 stores in eight states and can be found at fields.com(R). Marshall Field's has a rich history of contributing to nonprofit organizations and civic causes, including support for education, arts and culture, and health and welfare through Marshall Field's Gives. DATASOURCE: Marshall Field's CONTACT: Jennifer McNamara of Marshall Field's, +1-612-375-4163 Web site: http://www.fields.com/

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