- Bloomingdale's sits between Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus on the luxury scale, with designer prices starting around $200 and going well past $5,000.
- The Loyallist rewards program gives you 3 points per dollar (5 with the store card), but you'll need to spend $5,000 a year to hit top-tier status.
- Their Outlet stores and online outlet offer the same brands at 25-70% off, but the selection is hit-or-miss and sizing runs thin fast.
What Bloomingdale's Actually Is (And Isn't)
Bloomingdale's is a department store that wants you to feel fancy without requiring a trust fund. That's the pitch, anyway. Owned by Macy's Inc., it occupies a specific lane in American retail: more upscale than Macy's, less intimidating than Neiman Marcus, and roughly on par with Nordstrom (though the vibe is different).
They carry about 700 designer and contemporary brands across women's, men's, kids, home, and beauty. You'll find everything from $48 Clinique moisturizer to $4,500 Burberry trench coats. The flagship store on 59th and Lexington in Manhattan is genuinely worth visiting if you're in New York. The other 30-something locations around the country are solid but less spectacular.
Here's what Bloomingdale's isn't: a bargain destination. If you walk in expecting Macy's prices with fancier lighting, you'll have a rough afternoon. This is a store where a “casual” sweater runs $150-$300 and jeans start around $180. You can shop smart here, but you need to know what you're doing.
The Brand Lineup: What's Worth Buying
Designer Collections ($500+)
This is where Bloomingdale's flexes. You'll find Gucci, Burberry, Valentino, Balenciaga, and other heavy hitters on the floor. The designer selection isn't as deep as Neiman Marcus or Saks, but it's curated well. They tend to stock the more wearable pieces from each collection rather than the runway-only stuff.
Expect to pay full retail here. A Burberry polo runs about $390. Valentino sneakers hover around $850. Saint Laurent bags start at $1,200 and climb fast. These brands almost never go on sale at Bloomingdale's, and when they do, the discounts are modest (maybe 20% during semi-annual sales, if you're lucky).
Contemporary Brands ($100-$500)
This is the sweet spot, and honestly where Bloomingdale's does its best work. Brands like Vince, Theory, AllSaints, Ted Baker, Reiss, and Rag & Bone fill the contemporary floor. The quality-to-price ratio is reasonable, and these pieces actually show up in sale events.
A Vince cashmere crewneck runs about $345 at full price but regularly drops to $200-$250 during sales. Theory blazers ($395-$595) can be found for $250-$350 during Friends & Family events. If you're building a wardrobe of quality basics that'll last years, this tier is where your money works hardest at Bloomingdale's.
Bridge and Accessible Brands ($50-$150)
Bloomingdale's stocks some more affordable lines, but this isn't their strength. You'll find Aqua (their house brand), Free People, Calvin Klein, and similar. The Aqua line is surprisingly decent for the price. A dress runs $78-$128, and the quality is comparable to what you'd find at mid-tier retailers.
But here's the honest truth: if you're shopping primarily in this price range, you're probably better off at Nordstrom or even Zara. Bloomingdale's doesn't offer enough selection at the sub-$100 level to make it a destination for budget-conscious shopping.
Beauty and Fragrance: A Legit Strength
Don't sleep on Bloomingdale's beauty department. It's genuinely excellent. They carry La Mer, Tom Ford Beauty, Chanel, Dior, Le Labo, and about 150 other brands across skincare, makeup, and fragrance. The fragrance selection in particular is one of the best in department store retail.
Pricing matches what you'd pay anywhere else for prestige beauty (La Mer Moisturizing Cream at $190 for 1 oz, Tom Ford lipstick at $58). But here's the advantage: Bloomingdale's runs frequent gift-with-purchase promotions. Spend $75 on Estee Lauder and get a bag of seven deluxe samples worth $150+. These GWPs rotate monthly and stack with Loyallist points.
The online beauty selection is even broader than what you'll find in stores. And beauty products count toward your Loyallist spending tiers, which matters if you're trying to hit status thresholds.
Bloomingdale's Outlet: Where the Real Deals Hide
Bloomingdale's operates about 20 outlet locations (called “Bloomingdale's The Outlet”) plus an online outlet section. This is where things get interesting for bargain hunters.
You'll find mainline Bloomingdale's brands at 25-70% off retail. A Theory blazer that was $495 might show up at the outlet for $199. Vince sweaters originally $345 can be found for $120-$150. The discounts are real and substantial.
But there are catches. A lot of outlet merchandise is made specifically for outlet stores (lower quality, different fabrics, less attention to finishing). Look for the “Compare At” pricing language versus “Originally” pricing. “Originally” means it was actually sold at full-line Bloomingdale's. “Compare At” means it was manufactured for the outlet.
The online outlet (bloomingdales.com/outlet) is worth checking every couple of weeks. New inventory drops regularly, and you can filter by brand and discount percentage. Sizing goes fast on the best deals, so don't sit on something you like.
The Loyallist Program: Points, Perks, and Whether It's Worth It
Bloomingdale's loyalty program is called “The Loyallist,” and it's free to join. Here's how it breaks down.
How Points Work
- Base rate: 3 points per $1 spent (without store credit card)
- With Bloomingdale's credit card: 5 points per $1 spent
- Reward threshold: Every 5,000 points = $25 reward certificate
- That means: Spend $1,667 to earn $25 back (1.5% return without card) or $1,000 to earn $25 back (2.5% with card)
The return rate isn't spectacular, honestly. A good cashback credit card gives you 2% on everything without any brand loyalty required. But if you're already shopping at Bloomingdale's regularly, stacking the Loyallist with a store card gets you to a decent 2.5% return plus access to bonus point events that can triple or quadruple your earning rate.
Status Tiers
- Loyallist (base): Free to join, 3x points, birthday offer
- Top of the List ($2,500/year): Free alterations, free shipping on all orders, bonus point events
- Top of the List Plus ($5,000/year): All the above plus complimentary gift wrapping, exclusive shopping events, and a personal stylist appointment
The Top of the List tier at $2,500 annual spend is genuinely useful. Free shipping alone saves you $50-$100 a year if you order online frequently. Free alterations on clothing is a real perk that can save $20-$40 per item. But Top of the List Plus at $5,000? That's a big ask unless you're furnishing a home or refreshing a professional wardrobe all at once.
Shipping, Returns, and Customer Service
Shipping
- Standard shipping: Free on orders over $150 (5-7 business days)
- Premium shipping: $15 (2-3 business days)
- Express shipping: $25 (next business day)
- Loyallist Top of the List: Free shipping on every order, no minimum
That $150 free shipping threshold is annoying. Nordstrom offers free shipping with no minimum, which makes Bloomingdale's policy feel stingy by comparison. If you're ordering one $90 item, you're paying $10+ to get it delivered. Factor that into your price comparisons.
Returns
Bloomingdale's return window is 90 days for most items (365 days if you used a Bloomingdale's credit card). You need the receipt or order confirmation. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and have tags attached. Shoes must be returned in their original box.
Some categories have shorter windows. Dresses and formal wear need to be returned within 14 days. Small electronics within 30 days. And final sale items can't be returned at all, so watch for that “Final Sale” tag, especially during clearance events.
Return shipping is free for online orders. You can also return online purchases to any store location, which is faster and lets you try on the exchange right there.
Customer Service
Customer service is fine. Not amazing, not terrible. In-store associates at flagship locations are knowledgeable and generally helpful. At smaller locations, staffing can be thin and expertise varies. Online and phone support is standard department store fare. Expect hold times of 10-20 minutes during busy periods.
One area where Bloomingdale's does stand out: personal shopping appointments. Even at the base Loyallist level, you can book a free appointment with a stylist who'll pull pieces for you ahead of time. It's a genuinely useful service if you hate browsing racks, and it's underused by most shoppers.
The Downsides: What Bloomingdale's Gets Wrong
No store is perfect, and Bloomingdale's has some real weaknesses you should know about before committing your fashion budget here.
The website is frustrating. Filters don't always work properly. Search results are cluttered with sponsored products. And the checkout process has more steps than it needs. Nordstrom's site is significantly better from a usability standpoint.
Size inclusivity is limited. Most brands on the floor stop at size 14 or XL. They've made some progress with extended sizes online, but the in-store experience for plus-size shoppers is disappointing. Nordstrom does much better here.
The $150 free shipping minimum is behind the times. When your main competitor ships everything for free, charging for delivery on a $120 purchase feels petty.
Sale pricing can be misleading. “Up to 60% off” usually means a few items at 60% off and most at 25-30% off. Always check the actual price, not just the discount percentage. And some “sale” prices on the website are the prices those items sit at for months. It's not really a sale if the price never changes.
The home department is underwhelming. If you're shopping for home goods, Bloomingdale's selection is thin compared to Nordstrom or standalone home stores. They carry some nice stuff (Ralph Lauren Home, Waterford), but it's not a destination for home shopping.
Who Bloomingdale's Is Actually For
Bloomingdale's works best for a specific kind of shopper. You'll get the most value here if you fall into one of these categories.
- Contemporary brand shoppers who want Theory, Vince, AllSaints, and similar at occasional sale prices
- Beauty buyers who want prestige brands with gift-with-purchase bonuses
- Professional wardrobe builders who need polished, office-ready pieces from quality brands
- Occasional luxury shoppers who want access to designer brands without the intimidation of Neiman Marcus
- NYC residents who can shop the flagship store and take advantage of in-store services
If you're primarily a bargain shopper, a casual dresser, or someone who buys most clothing under $75, Bloomingdale's probably isn't your store. You'll find better selection and value at Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, or even Zara.
The Bottom Line
Bloomingdale's occupies a useful middle ground in luxury retail. It's not the cheapest and it's not the most exclusive, but it stocks quality brands, runs real sales, and has a rewards program that can save you decent money if you shop there consistently. The beauty department is a standout, the contemporary brand selection is strong, and the outlet (online and in-store) offers legitimate deals on real merchandise.
The store isn't without problems. The website needs work, the shipping policy is stingy, and size inclusivity lags behind competitors. But if you're in the market for well-made clothing from recognized brands and you're willing to shop strategically around sales and promotions, Bloomingdale's delivers.
Shop Bloomingdale's for contemporary brands during sale events, stock up on beauty during GWP promotions, and check the outlet online every couple of weeks. That's how you get real value from a store that doesn't always make it easy.
