Field's to the Dogs

Marshall Field's, the department store division of Target Corp. (Minneapolis), will add a 1000-square-foot pet boutique to its State Street flagship store in Chicago,

The Down Town Dog, slated to open in September of 2003 in the lower level (near the new Barbara's Bookstore), will offer upscale canine products.

The Down Town Dog, owned by Chicago native Maggie Ross, opened in suburban Lake Forest, Ill. in October of 2002. It has featured fashionable jewelry, leather and fine fabrics for dogs, collars of Burberry-inspired plaids or Swarovski crystal, hand-made sweaters and jackets, spa-like shampoos, bakery items and toys.

A special collection of “people” items with a canine theme will also be offered in the boutique, including fine art, books, pottery, pillows and linens for the home.

“Many of our guests own dogs, and those dogs are important members of their families,” said Ralph Hughes, Marshall Field's regional director. “There's no reason dogs shouldn't be as fashionable as their owners, and we're pleased to be the preeminent destination for the best-dressed dogs — and owners.”

The historic 150-year-old store is in the midst of a storewide, multi-million-dollar renovation slated to be completed by September.