MINNEAPOLIS, April 18 -- Marshall Field's today announced the expansion of Creative Kidstuff -- named one of the nation's top toy stores by Child Magazine -- into 11 more of its department stores. The expansion includes stores in Michigan, Wisconsin and Rochester, Minn., which are new markets for Creative Kidstuff. The toy retailer was introduced at three Marshall Field's stores last November: State Street in Chicago, downtown Minneapolis and Southdale in Edina, Minn.
"Marshall Field's guests have been delighted with the whimsical and imaginative playthings they've discovered at our three original Creative Kidstuff kiosks," said Martha Archer, Marshall Field's director of partner business. "Now guests will be able to enjoy these bouncing, rolling, twirling, hopping and exploring Creative Kidstuff toys at 14 of our Marshall Field's stores."
Creative Kidstuff offers the "best of the best" toys for children ages three to 10 at Marshall Field's stores. These bestsellers include the fun and funky-looking 14-inch-tall Groovy Girls; supersonic ears, door alarms and other "spy tech" toys that appeal to both girls and boys; "Now We're Cooking" kitchen supplies and utensils that rival Mom and Dad's; and games, which have soared in popularity as families seek to enjoy more time together.
"Creative Kidstuff's goal has always been to expand our bricks and mortar via a strategic partner," said Cynthia Gerdes, founder and CEO of Creative Kidstuff. "We are thrilled to have found the very best partner -- Marshall Field's."
The following Marshall Field's stores unveiled new Creative Kidstuff kiosk-style outposts on April 14:
- Illinois
- Hawthorn Center in Vernon Hills
- Oak Brook
- Minnesota
- Burnsville
- Maplewood Mall in Maplewood
- Rochester
- Rosedale in Roseville
- Southdale in Edina (opened November 2001)
- Michigan
- Fairlane in Dearborn
- Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights
- Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi
- Wisconsin
- Oak Wood Mall in Eau Claire
- Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa
In addition, the original kiosk-style outposts at Marshall Field's downtown Minneapolis and Chicago State Street stores will soon become larger "hard-walled" Creative Kidstuff shops. The new spaces in the Minneapolis store will open April 25 and the new space in Chicago State Street will open in late May.
About Marshall Field's
Part of Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT), Marshall Field's is one of the largest individual department store operations in the United States. The company has annual sales of $3.1 billion, generated from more than 14 million square feet of retail space at 64 stores in eight states. The company employs approximately 35,000 team members, and offers online shopping at http://www.fields.com.
About Creative Kidstuff
Celebrating 20 years of business, Creative Kidstuff has built a brand that parents believe in, teachers trust and children love. The company's mission is to offer creative, imaginative and non-violent toys, books, music and other playthings that bring out the wonder in children.
