From Nordstrom to Target to Ikea, retailers have been developing smaller, often urban-oriented concepts to fit environments that big stores can’t but also to experiment with retail experiences. Macy’s is doing so in its Bloomingdale’s banner with a new concept store dubbed Bloomie’s.
The first example of the all-new store concept will open on August 26 in the Washington D.C. suburb of Fairfax, VA, Macy’s announced, offering shoppers what the retailer characterized as the best of Bloomingdale’s in a smaller, highly curated, continually evolving operation featuring popular brands, a new tech-enabled stylist service model and a vibrant restaurant experience.
Macy’s stated that it developed the 22,000 square-foot Bloomie’s store as a style and service destination for women’s and men’s fashion and beauty merchandise. The store will receive fresh deliveries multiple times per week to update the assortment and will incorporate rotating carts displaying unexpected finds as it looks to create a treasure-hunt atmosphere.
Macy’s has declared that Bloomie’s will be a venue for innovation where stylists will provide personalized guidance to shoppers across all categories and also access to online capacities, so they can help customers discover special finds in the nearby Bloomingdale’s stores, including the 59th Street flagship in New York City. Stylists also can work with Bloomingdales.com customers digitally.
The initial Bloomie’s store is in the Fairfax Mosaic District, a local hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The store will offer easy returns for store or online merchandise via a returns drop box and buy online for in-store or curbside pickup. The Front Desk at Bloomie’s will also offer personalization, customization and alteration services.
The Fairfax Bloomie’s features the newest iteration of metro D.C. favorite Colada Shop, which pays homage to the Caribbean way of socializing. Colada Shop will serve its full menu of signature cocktails, finely roasted coffee and colorful Cuban bites
“Bloomie’s has always been a term of affection from our loyal customers,” said Tony Spring, CEO of Bloomingdale’s. “Our new Bloomie’s store will deliver everything they love about Bloomingdale’s in a highly edited, convenient, and unexpected way. We’ve been part of the Washington, D.C. metro area community for decades, and we are excited to welcome new and longtime customers to Bloomie’s to be the first to shop this fresh and casual experience.”
