First Look: Bloomie’s Retail Concept Store

It’s always been “Bloomie’s” to some, and now the Macy’s-owned retailer is leaning into the legacy with a new concept store.

Slated to open Aug. 26 in Fairfax, VA., the small-format Bloomingdale’s store — known simply as Bloomie’s — will feature frequently rotated women’s and men’s fashion and beauty items, a tech-enabled stylist service model, and a restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining and cocktails.

Merchandise will be rotated multiple times per week in the 22,000 square-foot location, which will also offer a returns dropbox, buy-online-pickup-in-store and curbside pickup.

Stylists equipped with digital selling devices, meanwhile, will be available to provide personalized shopping experiences, helping consumers locate items in the store, online or at other stores. In addition to personalization, customization and alteration services, shoppers will also be able to request fitting room assistance by pressing a button.

“Bloomie’s has always been a term of affection from our loyal customers. Our new Bloomie’s store will deliver everything they love about Bloomingdale’s in a highly edited, convenient, and unexpected way,” said Tony Spring, Bloomingdale’s CEO. “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.”

Owned by Macy’s, the chain also operates 33 Bloomingdale’s stores and 21 Bloomingdale’s - The Outlet stores in 14 states. This new concept is part of its three-year Polaris strategy that includes testing smaller-format stores.