For Sale Signs Going Up

Target Corp. (Minneapolis) is readying to accept offers for its Mervyn's and Marshall Field's department-store chains. According to a report in Women's Wear Daily, the first bids could come as early as today.

Federated Department Stores Inc. (Cincinnati), May Department Stores Co. (St. Louis) and Selfridges (London) are considered possible bidders for the Marshall Field's chain.

Last month, Target announced that it intended to review alternatives for the 62-store division, including a possible sale. Upon selling the chains, the second-largest U.S. discounter plans to focus on its discount stores.