Joseph and Lyman used a buying office in Paris to access cutting-edge European fashions that they sold in their New York shopfront. Before long they outgrew their premises, and they relocated Bloomingdales three blocks further uptown to the present 59th Street address. The larger store quickly prospered and the brothers were permanent fixtures in New York’s arts and philanthropy circles.
Lyman’s son Joseph took over management of the store in the early 1900s when his father passed away, and under his marketing genius the store went from strength to strength.
By the 1970s, international designers were clamouring to have their fashions on Bloomingdales shelves. Even Queen Elizabeth II stopped by for a bit of retail therapy on one of her earlier official visits to New York.
These days, smaller Bloomingdales stores and outlets are dotted across the US and even in Dubai, but it must be said that the original is still the best.
Aussies can show their passport at the “Bloomies” customer service counter to get a visitor pass for up to 20% discount on purchases. But don’t forget to take them home in the famous Bloomingdales brown bags (available in various sizes).
And because shopping can sometimes be stressful, you might need a coffee after your excursion. It definitely pays to call in and see the lovely Aussies at "Little Collins". It's a little taste of Melbourne, all the way over here in Manhattan. They'll sort you out with a strong flat white (or espresso coffee of your choice) and they serve breakfast all-day, which never hurt anyone.
