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Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Macy's trims gift-wrapping services

(Crain's) — Macy's Inc. is closing gift-wrapping departments at its Chicago-area stores in the spring, except for the State Street flagship.

The Cincinnati-based retail chain said it has seen demand for the service dwindle companywide, according to a spokeswoman.

Gift wrapping, for which Macy's charges shoppers $6 to $16, is being cut at other locations in the 850-store chain, including Seattle stores, according to news reports.

But the retailer is boosting offerings in other departments.

On Monday, Macy’s announced it will unveil an exclusive, lower-priced line of men’s sportswear by Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. at 150 locations, including its State Street store.

The fall launch is part of a contract Macy's struck with the New York-based designer’s Reaction unit. In Chicago, the sportswear will be sold at a new Kenneth Cole Reaction shop-within-a-store at State Street.

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