Bloomingdale's

Bloomingdale’s can offer a beacon of familiarity for tourists in New York City as well as a refuge from the crowds. Aside from adding to the New York shopping experience near Madison Avenue, this particular Bloomingdale’s offers product enclaves and other services not available in other Bloomingdales across the nation.

When you enter this landmark Bloomingdale’s, the customer-centric experience is evident. Convenience services including currency exchange and ATMs are immediately available. Known to shopper-fans as “Bloomie’s,” Bloomingdale’s Third Avenue location focuses on convenience. The first floor even features a visitor's bureau to help you navigate the store. The desk also assists international visitors with personal shopping, currency conversion, international shipping, hotel transport and size conversion. Purchasing at various amounts will entitle you to some of these services free of charge. Some priced services become complimentary at $50.

The first floor also includes little shoplets—perfumeries and cosmetic companies such as Chanel and MAC. Separate shopping agents are available at these shoplets to help you choose your styling products. Unlike other Bloomingdale’s (and competitors), this location includes café service as well.

The clothing available on upper levels includes designer garments for men, women and children. This upscale experience also includes shoe departments. This Bloomie’s also includes the casual wear you’re more accustomed to seeing in local mall Bloomindale’s locations. Casual wear is located above the designer wear levels.

The store is often noted for its cleanliness, well-trained and professional staff and architecture. As it first opened in the 1920s, the building retains an art deco appearance with an original façade in that style, making it a truly inclusive and integral part of New York’s cityscape.

HelloNewYorkCity Tip: If you’re looking to do some serious shopping, try heading to Bloomingdale’s close to opening hours on weekdays to avoid crowds. After lunch, you will encounter long lines and waits for visitor services. Most people enter Bloomingdale’s either as tourists to view the vastness of the building and its architecture or as serious shoppers, usually focusing on designer clothing. Heading to Bloomie’s early in the day is essential if you have children or other potentially impatient shoppers accompanying you.

- by Tara M. Clapper, New York Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Tara M. Clapper

Tara M. Clapper is a full-time freelance writer residing just outside of Philadelphia. Tara enjoys exploring traditional and historical locations in the city as well as quirky and innovative restaurants and attractions. Tara utilizes her background in academic, service-based and traditional publishing to create insider-perspective articles. Her topics of interest include travel, weddings, Irish American culture, and geek subculture.