Translation from English

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Bloomingdales Department Store

New York Institution.

I covered "Bloomie's" some time back and thought it was time for an update.

Mixed reviews--they get better as you get farther into them, and hit a cluster of die hard fans.

I have not shopped there in years so I would not know

Bloomingdale's

3.5 star rating
270 reviews Rating Details
1000 3rd Ave
(between 60th St & 59th St)
New York, NY 10022
(212) 705-2000
Nearest Transit Station:
59 St. (4, 5, 6, 6X)
Lexington Ave./59 St. (N, Q, R)
Lexington Ave./63 St. (F)
Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 8:30 pm
Sun 11 am - 7 pm
Price Range:
$$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   What's this?

  • "Bloomies is a great department store to shop in becasue." In 51 reviews
  • "Can't say enough good things about the selection and the sales." In 78 reviews
  • "marc by marc jacobs, chanel, and such." In 12 reviews
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269 reviews in English

  • Review from

    • 14 friends
    • 92 reviews
    Tuckahoe, NY
    10/10/2013
    The New York Bloomingdales is really well laid out. I don't get overwhelmed like in other stores, and I love how the contemporary and handbag floors are designed. I don't shop here as much as I would like, and when I do stop in it's more to look around.

    I did buy my Chloe handbag here a few years ago and was happy to hear that I could get it repaired for free! WOOHOO! I brought it in a few months ago and was told that it would take 2 weeks. Well it took a month- but I kept thinking "who cares, it's fo freeeee" When I got it back I was kind of disappointed. I needed the lining repaired, but the saleswoman told me they could do also do a full cleaning of it since it's pretty well worn. When it came back only the lining was fixed, the sales man told me that if you don't write down everything that needs to be done they just won't do it. BOO! I'm not sure if I will be able to use this free (and generous) service again.
  • Review from

    • 142 friends
    • 464 reviews
    New York, NY
    10/1/2013
    Well, where to start.

    This store in Midtown East is actually quite ok, and I think the Sales Rep here try to be helpful.  They would be the ONLY reason why I gave them the one star (else, there would be no stars here).  The store does have a decent layout, and it is quite well organized.

    What makes me want to lower their marks?  Their online shopping.  It is the WORST I have experience since the inception of the internet.  And yes, who doesn't live on online shopping these days when it's so convenient and they ship RIGHT to your door?

    Let's backtrack to my first (and clearly last) two orders I did on http://Bloomingdale.com.  The first order I did was back in February for a coat I really have been wanting for a while.  I did find it at the store, but it was the wrong size.  So guess what?  I went online.  ONLY to find out a week later that it's no longer available.  No big deal, I thought...It wasn't meant to be.

    Then in July, they were having a sale, so I thought...why not?  A great chance to upgrade my towels among some kitchen stuff I have been meaning to get.  So online I go, and ordered towel sets of 4 (bath, wash and hand towels - 4 each), along with a griller, salt and pepper shaker and wok (for when mom comes to visit).

    A few days later, I get my first shipment - all the kitchen stuff, plus 3 hand towels, and 1 wash towel.  The shipment also came with a note saying to expect the remainder of my order in September.  So I thought to myself...I am in no rush to get that, considering my parents are not coming til later on this year to have more towels.  Two weeks later, I get one of the bath towels.

    Fast forward two months to last week, and I received an email when I was traveling that the remainder of my items on my order are cancelled (GLAD this was not for a gift in the first place, so I don't look like a douchebag).  I went online to reconcile what I have received, and what surprised me that they don't even have the number of towels shipped versus the ones received correct.

    So last Sunday I called the Customer Service line (which by the way, takes some maneuvering to FINALLY get someone to take care of your call).  I noted to the Customer Service Rep that not only was my order wrong, but also to get the order reinstated.  She clearly tried to tell me that I was wrong in the number of towels received (apparently she went to my home to check, wtf?), but also instructed me that she is only able to create another order for "what she is showing as not shipped" to me.  Further, I'd now have to wait until November 8 (which means another month and a week to get the rest of my towels to the wrong count of towels).  Clearly frustrated (I'd rather talk to a wall), I asked for a Manager.

    Now, THIS is where it gets very amusing to me.  Not only does the Manager confirm that they are able to ship based on THEIR records, I would still have to wait the month and a week extra.  So I said that if I would have KNOWN it takes THREE MONTHS AND A WEEK to get a set of 12 towels in total (with the right count), I would have gone to Target and gotten this done and over with two months ago.  Then he proceeds to tell me that they fulfill their orders thru Google (which blew my mind) and that it takes that extra time to get this accomplished.

    So, why would I go to Bloomingdales to get towels, if I can go thru Google (or Amazon for that matter) to get this shipped more expeditiously WITHOUT a middleman?

    NEVER EVER.  I am paying off my last bill and NO MORE BLOOMIES FOR ME.  Thank heavens I live in NYC and have Macy's closer to me.
  • Review from

    Manhattan, NY
    8/22/2013 4 check-ins here
    A heaven for Yuppies. Comparable to the Galleria Department Store located in Seoul's Apgujeong District with high-end label brands and designer clothing. I rarely shop here except for Lab Series products for hygiene because I don't feel necessary for me to toss my hard-earned money on some expensive designer clothing since I'm already worth a million bucks lol

    I also frequent this place during summer months whenever I'm in the area to just cool off on their AC or to use the restroom. Other than that, meh~ it's definitely for those Old Monied-Upper East Siders and 'Ladies who Lunch' types that frequent here and oh yeah...as well as European tourists who managed to travel up here and have miraculously avoided Macy's lol I would rather shop at Urban Outfitters, H&M, or even Diesel right across the street.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    10/22/2013
    Favorite shop for shoes
  • Review from

    • 88 friends
    • 219 reviews
    Paris, France
    8/6/2013
    I didn't really get to spend as much time here as I wanted because I had to be someplace at a specific time later in the day but I enjoyed my experience. It was quite an adventure getting here from the Jacob Javits center in midtown. After getting lost on the subway a few times (hey, I'm not a NYC-er (yet!)) I finally made it to Bloomies! I have to say the stuff they have is different from most of the Bloomies in LA except maybe the one in BH and Costa Mesa. Really nice mix  of high-end merchandise in the entire store. I bought a Longchamp le pliage carryon bag in billberry and the saleswoman in the handbags department was really nice and helpful. I can't wait to go back again on my next visit. Hopefully this time I won't get lost.

    + can get busy and crowded especially in the women's clothing department located on the second floor.
    + sometimes sales associates are hard to find.
    + overall good customer service, no complaints.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews
    Santa Clara, CA
    10/9/2013
    Just got off the phone with Bloomingdale. They screwed up my online order, TWICE, and I've missed my opportunity to get deal they posted online.

    My order was canceled twice, without me knowing. They canceled my first order immediately after they called me requesting for verification, although the deadline was EOB and I called at 10am. I did my 2nd order with one of their agent online with me, and we verified all info then. This time, no phone calls or emails from Bloomingdale requesting anything. They simply just canceled it. I wouldn't even find out if I wasn't trying to find the tracking number.  When I checked my order status online, all info was there, and so was the order.  When I called to find out the tracking number, the phone system said the order was canceled.  Go figure!

    For such a big department store, they have a very messed up system in security and IT.  During the phone conversation, even that "manager" of the security verification department cannot explain why my orders were cancelled after receiving my phone call, on the same day!  I would not trust them to keep any of my info.
  • Review from

    ASTORIA, NY
    7/15/2013 1 check-in here
    Pretty awesome, unless you're poor...

    Personally, I enjoyed walking in last weekend with my camo cargo shorts, Mets shirt and flip-flops. The disgust on the faces of the impeccably suited gentlemen working the menswear floor was palpable. Noses were touching ceilings with the greatest of ease, it seemed to me. I could taste their disdain...like sweet Jewish wine it was in my scruff-bordered mouth.

    Little did they know...I have both moderate fashion sense AND a chunk of money thanks to a recent lawsuit the details of which I am prohibited from discussing. (Suffice it to say *someone* slipped on pee pee at the Walmart and hurt his...or her...back preeeetty good.)

    Who's laughing NOW Pennyworth?!

    I left them standing with their limp tape measures dangling in their hands while I was off to the register with my new Hugo Boss tie and Michael Kors shirt.

    Suck it, Bloomingdales- I love you despite yourself.
  • Review from

    • 20 friends
    • 3 reviews
    Las Vegas, NV
    9/9/2013
    WORST customer service ever. I work in high end retail and I know exactly what odds and ends people send you though to find something they want. This time I was on the other end on a major hunt for a top that only the NY store had. The only thing they did was check the system to tell me they had the top (which I already knew) but they couldn't take time to check and see if it was truly available.

    They had also told me that their store polices are completely different from the Bloomingdales in CA... Even though they are the same company. And the sales associate couldn't even explain why. I had three different associates repeat the same thing without any explanation on why/how it could be different.

    Needless to say I would NEVER even consider shopping with them again.
  • Review from

    San Antonio, TX
    6/4/2013 1 check-in here
    I have mixed feelings about Bloomie's. I thought it was going to be this groundbreaking quintessential NYC experience, but instead all I could hear as I weaved through the beautiful designer bags was, "ladies, I have Chloe!" from the perfume guy. Over, and over, and over again. Finally, I tried the damn Chloe scent in hopes that he would shut up. It didn't happen.

    I thought maybe the second floor would be better, but the shoe sale was reminiscent of those movie scenes where ladies are literally trampling over each other to get to the sale.

    Still, it's a cool experience to visit Bloomingdale's and although it's pricey, they seemed to have literally anything one could need in the way of clothing, shoes, and accessories.

    My favorite part was stopping at Magnolia on the way out...
  • Review from

    Manhattan, NY
    6/30/2013 2 check-ins here
    Such a relief from the crowds.  No offense to Macy's - it's a great store but I cannot bare the crowds.  Bloomingdale's offered a great shopping experience and I cannot wait to go back!

    The store is beautiful and modern.  I also liked how I didn't have to wad through obnoxious crowds of clueless tourists.  I was able to look at everything and the sales associates were very friendly.

    I cannot wait to come back and shop more!
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 28 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    5/19/2013
    I used to buy two things here: towels and bras.  For years and years, I made the trek to the UES a couple of times a year.  I told myself my ambivalence about the place (snotty or ignorant sales staff, crowds, shiny everything) did not include the housewares and lingerie departments, where people were generally helpful.

    Then one day I arrived to find they'd eliminated every brand of bra that sold for less than $60.   No Bali, no Warner's: just expensive designers from Japan.

    So I left.

    And I never miss it.  Which is weird because it's a real New York institution, a crucial stop for my mother and her peers.

    But I kind of hate it.  And I think I hate it because I know it was once good.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review
    Boston, MA
    10/6/2013
    Terrible return policy. You only have 3 days to  see if your furniture works and is comfortable. Do not purchase before a trip because there is no leniency. Also very overpriced-even on sale. Found the same couch for half price from the designer. I mean half off their 30% off.
  • Review from

    Manhattan, NY
    4/27/2013
    Have to agree with Kate T. on this one. Literally the most useless sales reps here that have no idea what is going on. I came in after doing a little research on a coat I wanted to buy. Asked 4 sales reps where their Hunter brand coats are housed and every one of them proceeded to tell me "Oh, we don't carry that brand." Not one person offered to take a look at their computer system. Also, does it make sense a big department store doesn't carry a pretty commercial brand?

    Completely useless gits.

    Anyway, I was able to find the brand on my own after walking through several floors.

    The best customer service you will receive from Bloomingdales is from their online website. Yeah.. .exactly.

    I recommend to come here to try on sizes and then go online to actually buy what you are looking for at a much cheaper price.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews
    Minneapolis, MN
    10/16/2013
    This is only a review of our experience at the Chantecaille Counter at this store. We stopped by and my daughter had an excellent make-over and advice from Ryan. After picking out  many products and setting them up for shipping with Maria Merchan the "business manager" we walked away with some impressions. First getting any samples after buying many products was very difficult and we got very few...not the same experience I have had at other counters of this same line.  Ryan was great as was the woman doing some mini facials etc. but the "business manager" was border line rude and we felt like an inconvenience. The real problem came when over a week later I received no tracking info and no package. We did other shopping and all arrived extremely quickly. When I called there was some confusion and Maria admitted it was sitting in shipping and never went out. She arranged for it to go out and they can only send it to shipping so don't know what happened. What I find really strange is she then said she was going "across the street herself" to send me a gift as a small compensation for the bad customer service. That was two weeks ago...my "small gift " never arrived. Will never shop at this counter again!! Just rudeness from Maria.
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    2/25/2013 3 check-ins here
    I go to Bloomingdales
    -When I'm bored
    -When I feel like browsing casually at items
    -When I need makeup/ skin care refills
    -When I want to meet up with my girlfriends
    -When female friends are visiting

    The result?
    -I am poorer (at least 3 digits, once in a while, urm... 4 digits)
    -I am much happier though
    -I know I will return

    What I do before going here:
    -Go to Steve Maddens
    -Go to Victoria's Secret
    They are all on the way....

    Places to refuel so you can shop till you drop:
    -Sprinkle cupcakes
    -Dylans Candy Bar

    Tips:
    -Bring your credit card
    -Wear flats, not heels so you can walk
    -Changing rooms are horrible during sales. Sometimes its not worth saving that $10 when there are 8 ladies in a changing room together, and they won't leave for at least an hour.
  • Review from

    Ridgewood, Queens, NY
    3/25/2013 1 check-in here
    It's a HUGE location.  Browsed here with a friend recently.  It's clean & the store staff is definitely a presence.  The location itself is also nice and not the least bit boring; I also like that they had seating right near the escalator so I could take a phone call without having to stand around in an aisle or wander around.

    However, my big gripe is that things here cost too damn much.  My friend was browsing for items and even after sale prices on things, stuff was too much money.  If you don't have money to throw away or have an ounce of frugality in you, try a discount website for designer items, a consignment shop, sample sales, ANYTHING but paying full price here.  The Magnolia Bakery here might be worth a stop but otherwise save your money.
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    7/2/2013
    I've shopped at Bloomingdales for years...but likely won't again.

    Yesterday, I stopped by the 5th Floor for a cocktail dress. Thankfully, I found the perfect thing for my event and went to pay for it.

    Instead of the normal customer service I receive, I was basically treated as a criminal. While ringing me up, the gentleman gave me an ear-full about their new dress return policy. Not only do they now fix a tag on the dress hem (which, if removed, deems the dress unreturnable) but you also have to SIGN something at the register saying the new policy was explained.

    And boy, was it ever.

    The sales person droned on and on about people returning dresses after they were worn, about how the new policy protects the vendors, about how I couldn't talk my way into returning the dress if I broke the seal (!!) .

    I nearly lost it!!! I do NOT shop at Bloomingdales only to be treated as a criminal!!! I do not need a lecture in theft!!! I do NOT need to walk out feeling as though they EXPECT me to return this gorgeous cocktail dress.

    If their level of clientele is so disgusting that I now have to endure such treatment, I will go out of my way to avoid shopping here again.
  • Review from

    Staten Island, NY
    6/24/2013 1 check-in here
    I love shopping lol .. This store has my different types of name brand stores inside that I really like .. I went inside with no motivate to shop just to browse around because of the heat wave... My huge issues would be the doors to get in and out ...soo heavy took me a good two/three minutes to get in .. Really don't like how heavy it is .. Product is obviously expensive since the store mainly sells brands... The AC is defiantly spot on! Ahhhh
  • Review from

    Franklin, TN
    7/16/2013 1 check-in here
    A great place to cool off on a hot day.  My wife likes it so...Happy Wife, Happy Life!
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    3/26/2013
    I LOVE Bloomies! Absolutely love it! In-store or online, I have yet to be disappointed :)  Add the fact I get points for every dollar I spend towards MORE goodies here...well...how does one NOT love it?!

    My purchases are varied from clothing to shoes to cosmetics to handbags to small appliances.  You name it, if they have it, I've looked at it.  They've got some great sales throughout the year and awesome Loyallist events (rewards program).  It's free to join the program and you DONT need a bloomies card!!  BUT if you get a bloomies card you just get MORE pts :)

    Service is always very good and salespeople are always helpful.  I could be wearing sweats or business casual and I'll be treated the same.  This I love.  I shouldn't have to dress up to go shopping.  Sorry but i like being comfortable while i shop!

    Oh! if you like to get yourself a yummy treat on your shopping trips...Stop in at Magnolia :)
  • Review from

    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    6/21/2013
    Bloomies is my happy place. The only downside is the VERY pushy sales reps in the cosmetics and perfume department. I'm usually patient with them since I used to work in retail for several years and they're probably just doing what they were trained to do, but some of those people lack some serious tact and come off as pushy street vendors you'd run into in a third-world country.
  • Review from

    San Francisco, CA
    7/2/2013
    Bigger than SoHo store. Better than Macy's. Cheaper than Bergdorf.
  • Review from

    • 397 friends
    • 97 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    1/10/2013
    You have to come here with a fat wallet and expect to look conservative when you walk out.  With that being said, I can't afford the clothes in this place, but I do love the experience of being there and pasing by the holiday displays.

    I mainly just stay in the cosmetics and the perfume section (which I actually do buy).  The workers are probably one of the nicesest people on earth. Everyone at Bloomingdales are genuinely friendly and really helpful.  The holiday displays are one of the best in the city!
  • Review from

    • 21 friends
    • 8 reviews
    Ozone Park, Queens, NY
    4/8/2013 2 check-ins here
    Oh Bloomies! You make my heart go pitter patter. I love this store and its always clean and organized even when a huge sale is going on. I popped in on Saturday to buy a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag that I have been eyeing for quite some time. I decided to take advantage of the friends and family discount and even though the store was packed the salesperson took the time to go all the way to the stock room to get me a "fresh one."

    To anyone who says that the store is "too expensive" I say "duh it's Bloomingdales you get what you pay for!" No way you are going to get half priced Chanel in this joint. Bloomingdales is a New York institution so if you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen.

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