Bloomingdale’s Blooms in the Islands

Hawaii will get its first Bloomingdale’s store in 2015, at the former Sears space in Ala Moana Shopping Center. The announcement by General Growth Properties comes just over a year after they announced Sears closing.

The new Bloomingdale’s will be a welcomed addition for shoppers. Owned by Macy’s, the department store is known for its designer clothes, handbags, jewelry and home furnishings for men, women and kids. Ironically, a huge multi-level Macy’s store already anchors the opposite end of the mall.

I’m hoping Bloomingdale’s management will incorporate some island brands into its collection. Much like Target and TJ Maxx did when they arrived in the islands. Maxxinistas said “Aloha” to homegrown items, like candy, coffee and – of course – aloha wear. Bloomingdale’s could be just as appealing if they followed suit.

Sears closes next month, while construction on the new Bloomingdale’s will start soon after. Because it won’t take up the entire space, there will also be boutique stores set up on that end of the mall. I heard that Ala Moana plans to redesign that entire side, so it’s exciting to see what they’ll have in store for shoppers.

Posted by: Bruce Fisher on May 18, 2013