Bloomingdale’s welcomed its first international venture this weekend, opening two stores in Dubai as part of a venture between Al Tayer Insignia LLC and Macy’s Inc.
The two Bloomingdale’s locations – a 146,000-square-foot, three-level apparel and accessories store and a one-level, 54,000-square-foot Home store –anchor The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping centers. “This is a momentous occasion for us to be opening the first international Bloomingdale’s stores in the Middle East and in the world’s largest shopping mall,” says Michael Gould, Bloomingdale’s U.S. chairman and ceo. ‘We recognize Dubai as a location that offers a dynamic and innovative retail environment and we look forward to adding to the success of our iconic stores in the U.S.”
The stores were designed by Callison Architecture Inc. and RYA Studio (Seattle and Dallas) with direction from Jack Hruska, Bloomingdale’s U.S. executive vp, creative services.
Inspired by its flagship Bloomingdale’s stores in Manhattan and San Francisco, Bloomingdale’s Dubai is a contemporary store with splashes of decorative elements throughout both stores, from the signature black and white checkerboard floors in crystallized marble to the hand blown glass chandeliers in lingerie and swimwear; the fountain at the heart of the Home store and to the serpentine walls of glowing white acrylic that light up the women’s footwear department. Arabic influences are tenderly cushioned throughout the store as highlights.
The main store is located at The Atrium of The Dubai Mall and features an international brand portfolio of apparel, beauty, fine jewelry and accessories. The ‘Drum,” an architectural feature that accentuates the height of The Atrium, provides a strong focal point that bathes the store in diffused natural light during the day.
Moving across The Dubai Mall, the Bloomingdale’s Home store is located on the Lower Ground Floor. Also featuring the iconic Bloomingdale’s black and white checkerboard flooring, the Home store is an emporium for every room of the home from furniture, bedding, cookware, kitchen accessories, fine china, crystal, textiles to custom furnishings and decorative accessories.