What's In A Name?
This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.
Would you change the name of the Chicago Cubs or da Bears? I don't think so, but the company that owns Marshall Field's in Chicago is getting ready to change the name of the storied institution to Macy's.
Yeah, Marshall Field's where you always stop to get Frango mints for Aunt Betty. Yeah, Marshall Field's where you go on a frozen Saturday night to stare at the magical Christmas display in the store front windows.
Field's and Chicago, they're synonymous. I'm sure there is ample justification from a corporate standpoint to change the name. Their focus groups probably found that it made little or no difference to customers; maybe Macy's tested better.
Remember "Miracle on 34th Street"? It was Macy's with the good Santa who sent customers to Gimbels. But change the name of Marshall Field's? Would you cheer for the da Eagles instead of da Bears? I don't think so.
Harry's daily commentary can be heard on manyCBS Radio News affiliates across the country.
By Harry Smith