International News - Marshall Field's plans US pooch parlour

US department store Marshall Field's is to open a boutique specifically catering for man's best friend.

The 1,000 sq ft (90 sq m) Down Town Dog boutique will open in the State Street store, Chicago, in September.

Jewellery, food and hygiene products will all feature.

Dog-lover Maggie Ross came up with the idea, and opened her original Down Town Dog store in Illinois last October.

Marshall Field's regional director Ralph Hughes said: 'There's no reason why dogs shouldn't be as fashionable as their owners.'

Marshall Field's, owned by US retail giant Target Corporation, is using State Street as a test bed for new concepts.