What happens when Bloomingdale’s takes its sophisticated playfulness and introduces a new retail concept? You get perky kid sibling Bloomie’s, which opened its first store in August at Mosaic District.
The 22,000-square-foot destination is stocked with a curated lineup of women’s and men’s apparel, beauty products, and designer accessories and builds on the luxury sensibilities Bloomingdale’s has been known for since 1861. But it also turns the act of shopping into a more interactive experience suited to modern tastes, thanks to a fluid design, personalization, and technology.
“We’re bringing the energy of Bloomingdale’s to a smaller style and service destination,” says Susan Cannaday, general manager of the new spot and the Bloomingdale’s location at Tysons Corner Center. “We’ve been purposeful in designing Bloomie’s so it contributes to the overall convenience for the customer.”
Case in point: The front desk serves as a hub for most of your needs, with in-store or curbside pickup and a return drop box. Stylists are equipped with digital functionality to access brands found not only at Bloomie’s, but also at nearby Tysons or Chevy Chase or even the NYC 59th Street flagship. “We will meet our customer where he or she is,” says Cannaday. “If it’s carried at Bloomingdale’s, it’ll be accessible.” If you’re in the fitting room and need help with a blouse that’s a size too big, simply push a button for stylist support. And you can schedule one-on-one appointments with your favorite stylist.
As for the brands themselves: Bloomie’s carries an ever-changing selection of products in varying price points from longtime favorite labels as well as up-and-comers. RE/DONE, Salomon, The Range, and MadeWorn are among the latest additions, joining favorites like Rag & Bone and Cult Gaia. Expect Jimmy Choo shoes, See by Chloé handbags, and Dior accessories. For the gents, there’s Vince and Helmut Lang, to start. And makeup, skincare, and perfume ranges from La Mer to Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
It’s all arranged in a flexible layout that sparks curiosity. Vignettes highlight popular items. Of note are the themed carts stationed around the store. “They surprise and delight with unexpected, must-have items,” says Cannaday. That means wellness essentials, gifts for your pets, brand-logo merchandise, and the trends (cozy comfort for fall) that resonate with locals.
So who’s the Bloomie’s enthusiast? Cannaday says it’s a mix: Bloomingdale’s devotees, new or younger customers, online patrons, and even Mosaic District passersby. For more incentive, DC’s beloved Colada Shop has set up an outpost at Bloomie’s where it serves staples (empanadas!) and exclusives such as the Bloomie’s Colada (a piña colada with Fernet float and mint) to keep you fueled between rounds of retail therapy.
“It’s a store where everyone wants to shop,” says Cannaday. “And there will always be something going on.” Mosaic District, Fairfax, bloomingdales.com
What’s in Store
1. RE/DONE Cardigan, $495
2. Personalized patches, pricing varies
3. Stella McCartney sneakers, $495
4. See by Chloé leather-and-suede crossbody, $450
5. Maison Francis Kurkdjian OUD Satin Mood eau de parfum, 6.8 oz, $656, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 extrait de parfum 2.4 oz, $435
Feature image by Christin Boggs Peyper
This story originally ran in our October issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
