Article: DEPARTMENT OF DIFFERENCE; Department store sales have been falling for years, thanks to competition from discount retailers and no clear distinction among stores. Hoping to reverse the trend, department stores have begun trying to stand out in a crowd. Marshall Field's is using its flagship State Street store in Chicago to test its own strategy: bringing unique outside retailers under its cavernous roof.(BUSINESS)

Byline: Melissa Levy; Staff Writer

Chicago, Ill. -- For most, pantyhose is an afterthought.

But when a struggling retailer such as Marshall Field's needs a boost, often it must retool the fundamentals.

Fundamentals like women's hosiery, an unexciting fashion staple that used to occupy prime first-floor space at Field's marquee department store on State Street here. Hosiery now has been shuttled to an upper floor to make room for a "hall of luxury goods," including Kate Spade, Yves Saint Laurent and Judith Leiber handbags.

Marshall Field's is making wide-ranging efforts to add more unique and upscale products to its 62 stores, including ...

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