Bloomingdale's continues to focus on keeping its home refreshed, and is adding another level to the busy but mazelike men's department in its 59th Street flagship store. DNR reports that this month, the subway level will be re-opened, having been completely gutted and converted from a women's plus-size department to a 16,000 square foot men's contemporary and denim floor. Merchandise will be shifted around as the rest of the lower level men's areas are renovated this year. Bloomingdale's men's areas have long suffered from what we like to refer to as multi-level-itis, with various graduating levels of departments in a confusing layout that too often obscures important sections such as men's shoes, which are currently hidden in a corner behind suits and easily missed. Such are the hazards of retailing in basement and sub-basement spaces. Hopefully, the new renovations will ultimately open the departments up, and make the men's store easier to shop. The new renovations will also reportedly include a new restaurant called Bolo (Forty Carrots was relocated to the seventh floor earlier this past fall). Will this be an incarnation of the popular Bobby Flay restaurant recently forced to leave its East 22nd Street home?
At least the subway entrance will be reopened! While it always creates a security challenge for the store, it is a boon to shoppers when bad weather hits.
Bloomie's 59th Street Gets A Makeover (DNR)