Bloomingdale’s is closing its Mall of America store. A spokesperson for the Macy’s Inc.-owned department store declined to provide more details until employees have been informed later today. Mall of America is planning a press conference of its own this afternoon to reveal “other news,” which we can hope is a replacement anchor. My money is on JC Penney, with its new focus on amping up the fashion. However, industry experts point out JC Penney’s largest stores are 100,000 square feet, and the Bloomies spot is a whopping 210,000. Perhaps it will be divided. There just aren’t many traditional anchors left to consider.
The news, while a blow to MOA and our MN fashion cred, should come as no surprise to anyone who has set foot in the MOA Bloomingdale’s–particularly, in comparison to Bloomies in other cities. They just didn’t get it. Bloomingdale’s never embraced the power, the appeal, the draw of MOA. They treated that store like a second class citizen–didn’t offer their best brands and made little effort to connect with customers, local or tourists. MOA, with its 40 million-plus annual visitors is the ultimate branding opportunity. Retailers from around the world are clawing to get in…just to be part of it. Bloomingdale’s snoozed through it. This is in sharp contrast to Nordstrom, which has always taken its MOA store seriously and in recent years has stepped up the designer fashion, recognizing the demand–and lack of other options–in town.
Place your bets now. MOA will make an announcement at 3:05 p.m.
Tags: bloomingdale's, Mall of America
© 2008 MSP Communications, Inc. All rights reserved
Oh, how I hope it isn’t JC Penney. That would NOT fit in with the current remodel.
I am sad to see Bloomingdale’s go, but, it is SO very true that corporate never recognized the opportunity they had at the Mall of America location. With wonderful employees and great customer service I’m sure they will be missed at the mall by long-time clients and shoppers.
It’s too bad about Bloomingdales, but it’s very true how they never recognized the opportunity at the MOA and in return, most people never made Bloomingdales a priority when shopping.
I really hope it won’t be JCPenney. Not with Sears & Macys being two of the other anchors. I’m thinking Dillards or Lord & Taylor? Both are pretty similar to Macys though. Maybe Neiman Marcus? Nordstrom has shown that there are plenty of people in this state that will shop high end at the MOA. I know it’s always my first stop.
Have always loved their dress section and will miss that most of all. I am sad to see Bloomingdales leave MOA. Maybe they will go with something more prestigious than Bloomingdales. That is the direction things seem to be going at the MOA with the newer retailers it has acquired: Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, Burberry, and others.
Oh, how I hope it won’t be JCPenney! I can’t imagine that would be much of a draw. I agree with Kristine; Dillards, Lord & Taylor, or NM would be good choices.
Please no Penney’s. Barney’s anyone?
Pipe dream: Saks returns to MN with a real store or Neimans uproots and plants at MOA
Reality: Retail garbage dump (JCP, Herbergers, Kohls, Von Maur, etc.)
I agree with the previous post regarding Bloomingdale’s special occasion dress section. Bloomingdale’s was always a stop when I needed a dress for a special event or was looking for cocktail attire. They had a really good selection every month of the year. Sometimes it was fun just to walk through the section and perhaps find a dress before the invite! I think the section was the best feature of the store.
[...] p.s.: J.C. Penney was my first guess at a replacement for Bloomingdale’s at MOA. Industry response to that theory was [...]