When it comes to luxury shopping, two iconic department store chains often come to mind – Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s. Both offer high-end fashion and accessories from top designers in upscale shopping environments. But with different histories, product selections, and shopping experiences, which one is better for you?
Let’s break down the key differences between Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s so you can decide which suits your style and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Neiman Marcus | Bloomingdale’s |
| Founded | 1907 in Dallas, TX | 1872 in New York, NY |
| # of Locations | 50 stores in luxury markets | 37 stores across East Coast/Midwest |
| Flagship Store | Downtown Dallas | 59th & Lexington, NYC |
| Target Customer | Ultra-wealthy luxury enthusiasts | Upscale fashion fans from upper middle class to rich |
| Pricing | $$$$ (Couture/ultra luxury) | $$ to $$$ (Contemporary to luxury) |
| Brands | Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Lanvin | Burberry, Gucci, Vince, Kate Spade |
| Store Vibe | Refined art gallery | Modern, lively atmosphere |
| Service Style | Highly attentive, personalized | Attentive with flexibility |
| Loyalty Program | InCircle by invitation | Free Loyallist program |
| Amenities | Restaurants, personal stylists | Tailoring, registry, pick-up |
Overview of Neiman Marcus
Founded in 1907 by the Marcus family, Neiman Marcus began as an upscale clothing store in Dallas, Texas. It has grown over the past century into a chain of 50 stores across the United States, known for carrying top designer fashion for men, women, and children. Brands stocked include Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Gucci, Prada, Burberry, and more.
In addition to clothing, Neiman Marcus is renowned for luxury shoes, handbags, jewelry, cosmetics, and home goods. Price points are high, catering to affluent customers looking for premier labels and service. Sales associates offer personalized shopping assistance in the refined, gallery-like store environments.
Neiman Marcus also operates Bergdorf Goodman, a historic luxury retailer on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The company was acquired by Ares Management and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board in 2021.
Some key facts about Neiman Marcus:
- Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
- Number of locations: 50
- Flagship stores: Neiman Marcus Downtown Dallas; Bergdorf Goodman New York
- Target customer: Affluent professionals and fashion enthusiasts seeking luxury, prestige brands
- Price range: $$$$ (Designer and couture)
- Ambiance: Refined, gallery-like atmosphere with attentive sales staff
Overview of Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s began in 1872 as a specialty dry goods store on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Owned by the Bloomingdale brothers, it moved uptown to its current flagship location on 59th Street and Lexington Avenue in 1930. The iconic Art Deco building houses 10 floors of upscale fashion boutiques.
Now owned by Macy’s Inc., Bloomingdale’s has grown to 37 stores across the eastern United States. The retailer is known for contemporary and luxury clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, and home goods from both emerging young designers and venerable fashion houses. Popular in-store brands include Burberry,Gucci, Kate Spade New York, and NARS.
While still high-end, Bloomingdale’s tends to offer a broader, more accessible selection than Neiman Marcus at various price points. Sales associates are available to assist shoppers in the modern, welcoming store environments. Bloomingdale’s also operates an e-commerce site, shipping to customers nationwide.
Here are some key facts about Bloomingdale’s:
- Headquarters: New York, New York
- Number of locations: 37
- Flagship store: Bloomingdale’s 59th Street, New York City
- Target customer: Fashion-focused, ranging from upper-middle class to affluent
- Price range: $$ to $$$ (Contemporary to luxury)
- Ambiance: Modern, spacious stores, upscale but accessible vibe
Now that we’ve outlined the history and profiles of each retailer, let’s directly compare the key differences between the Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s shopping experience.
Also Read: Comparison Between Saks Fifth Avenue And Nordstrom
Neiman Marcus vs. Bloomingdale’s: Key Differences
- Product Selection and Pricing
While both stores carry luxury apparel and accessories, Neiman Marcus focuses more exclusively on premier designer labels from the upper echelon of high fashion. Brands include Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Balenciaga, and other couture or made-to-order houses.
Selection is highly curated to Neiman Marcus’ affluent clientele. Pricing is at the highest end, catering to shoppers seeking specialty luxury goods.
Bloomingdale’s has a broader, more accessible high-end assortment, mixing luxury designers like Valentino, Gucci and Tory Burch with contemporary brands like Vince and Rebecca Minkoff.
There is greater variety across the price spectrum from everyday splurges to high-ticket investment pieces. Bloomingdale’s caters to a wider demographic compared to the focused ultra-high net worth Neiman Marcus shopper.
- Store Environment & Experience
The Neiman Marcus store layout feels like an art gallery, with elegant lighting, high ceilings, open spaces and distinct boutiques for each designer. Sales associates provide one-on-one attention and can secure unique items just for their top clients.
Trying on clothing happens in luxurious dressing suites. The overall shopping experience feels exclusive and personalized.
Bloomingdale’s stores have a modern, welcoming feel with more merchandise openly displayed across the sales floor. There are still sales professionals available, but service feels more accessible.
Loyal Bloomingdale’s shoppers can join the Loyallist program for perks like special events and free shipping. Dressing rooms are still upscale but have a more contemporary vibe. The shopping experience balances service with flexibility for the client.
- Geography & Locations
Neiman Marcus operates 50 stores in major metros and affluent communities across the U.S. including Dallas, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Boston and Atlanta with a smaller presence on the West Coast. The brand expanded into NYC with the acquisition of Bergdorf Goodman. Neiman Marcus caters to customers in America’s wealthiest enclaves.
With 37 stores, Bloomingdale’s has greater geographic coverage on the East Coast and in the Midwest. The original 59th Street flagship location draws international tourists in addition to local fashionistas. Bloomingdale’s also operates in key cities like Miami and San Francisco but overall has a more neighborhood feel with mall locations catering to regional demographics vs. just the ultra-elite.
- Loyalty Programs
Neiman Marcus’ loyalty program is called InCircle. By invitation only, it is free to join and offers tiered reward levels based on annual spending. Top benefits include personal styling, custom tailoring, dining perks and travel/event exclusives. The program rewards loyal customers with the most luxurious shopping amenities.
Bloomingdale’s Loyallist program is free and simple to join with basic rewards like points earned on purchases, discounts and free shipping. Special Loyallist shopping events occur seasonally. While not as fancy as InCircle, Loyallist makes Bloomingdale’s’ high-end experience more accessible for shoppers at various spending levels.
- Special Services
Neiman Marcus goes above and beyond to cater to their clients’ affluent lifestyles. Complimentary services include:
- In-store dining at restaurants and bars
- Global shipping for purchases
- Wedding registries with dedicated consultants
- Personal stylists and shoppers
- Custom tailoring and alteration services
- Virtual appointment shopping and personalization
Bloomingdale’s offers more traditional department store services like:
- Gift registries and wrap
- Order pickup services
- Tailoring and alterations
- Beauty classes and styling services
- Special order processing
- Create-your-own gift cards
The level of luxury service is simply unparalleled at Neiman Marcus compared to the still upscale but less lavish Bloomingdale’s.
Also watch this review video:
Pros and Cons of Neiman Marcus vs. Bloomingdale’s
| Neiman Marcus | Bloomingdale’s | |
| Pros | – Ultra luxury, prestige brands- Refined, personalized shopping experience- Top quality goods and service- Special amenities like restaurants and styling- Exclusive InCircle rewards program | – Broad selection of designer & contemporary brands- More accessible pricing and atmosphere- Wider geographic coverage- Loyallist program open to more shoppers- Trendy merchandise from young designers |
| Cons | – Very limited geographic availability- Caters only to ultra-wealthy- Potentially intimidating ambiance- Very expensive price points | – Less exclusive compared to Neiman Marcus- More inconsistent customer service- Lower brand prestige factor- Fewer high-end amenities |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A few key factors make Bloomingdale’s a unique high-end shopping destination: The extensive flagship store on 59th Street in New York City, housed in an iconic Art Deco building, acts as a fashion mecca that draws visitors from around the world. Bloomingdale’s was an early pioneer of contemporary “lifestyle merchandising”, grouping apparel, accessories and home goods by aesthetic to inspire customers.
Loyallist, Bloomingdale’s’ rewards program, is free and simple to join, offering shoppers at all budget levels perks and access to special events. A longstanding reputation for discovering and promoting young, emerging designers alongside veteran luxury houses gives Bloomingdale’s fashion authority.
With an upscale but accessible environment and selection across price points, Bloomingdale’s luxury feels more approachable.
Neiman Marcus exclusively targets ultra-wealthy and affluent customers, particularly: Fashion enthusiasts interested in couture apparel, accessories, and the most prestigious luxury brands, Wealthy professionals and socialites seeking status symbols and fine goods to signify their high social standing
Customers valuing exclusivity and highly attentive personalized service. Men and women in the top income brackets with luxury budgets and refined, opulent tastes. C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and inheritors of multi-generational wealth. Discerning shoppers who desire custom-made, one-of-a-kind items from ateliers, The brand caters to customers who can afford to spend $10,000 on a handbag without blinking an eye.
Yes, Neiman Marcus is absolutely considered a luxury retail brand. Key reasons it meets the definition of true luxury include: Prestige based on its longstanding history as a purveyor of high fashion since 1907.
Exclusive focus on very high-end designers like Chanel, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de La Renta, etc.
Limited distribution and geographic locations only in major metro areas and wealthy enclaves.
Pricing at the top end of apparel, with couture pieces running into the tens of thousands. Intimate boutique store environments with extraordinary customer service. Restricted InCircle rewards program only for big spenders. Marketing content emphasizing glamour, sophistication, and aspiration. Carrying brands with their own luxury heritage and artisanal production. Catering specifically to the affluent market versus the mass upper-middle class. Overall, the refined experience and premium goods make Neiman Marcus one of the most luxurious and exclusive multi-brand retailers.
While both department stores, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s have some key differences: Nordstrom originated on the West Coast while Bloomingdale’s is historically an East Coast retailer. Nordstrom offers a larger selection of goods from bargain basics to designer fashion. Bloomingdale’s luxury assortment is more curated. Bloomingdale’s carries more niche luxury brands you won’t find everywhere.
The flagship Bloomingdale’s store has an iconic reputation as a New York fashion hotspot.
Nordstrom’s store design and service feels more subdued whereas Bloomingdale’s has a livelier, “downtown luxury” atmosphere. Bloomingdale’s loyalty program is free to join while Nordstrom’s has a fee to join for extra perks. Nordstrom excels at shoes. Bloomingdale’s is known for branded fashion and excellent service. Nordstrom has greater budget options while Bloomingdale’s skews premium.
Overall Nordstrom provides great customer service with more variety, while Bloomingdale’s delivers trendy, contemporary luxury.
Also Read: Comparison Between Saks Fifth Avenue And Neiman Marcus
Final Thought
So should you shop at Neiman Marcus or Bloomingdale’s? Here are some tips on choosing between them:
- If you desire only the top luxury labels like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, appreciate highly attentive service, and have an unlimited budget, Neiman Marcus is likely the better fit. Their couture offerings and amenities create an ultra-elite shopping experience.
- Bloomingdale’s offers greater flexibility for the fashion enthusiast. You can discover emerging designers or stick with iconic luxury brands. The atmosphere is high-end but less formal. Prices span a greater range for different budgets.
- Your location may also decide for you. Neiman Marcus is far less common outside major hubs for the wealthy. Bloomingdale’s reaches more cities from East Coast downtowns to suburban malls.
- For product variety across both clothing and home goods, Bloomingdale’s selection is much wider compared to Neiman Marcus’ focused couture.
While both deliver luxury retail, Neiman Marcus wins for prestige and exclusivity. But Bloomingdale’s provides greater accessibility and diversity of offerings. Knowing your budget, style and geographic needs can determine which high-end department store is the better fit.
The key is that whether you are shopping for a Chanel 2.55 handbag or the perfect cashmere sweater, you’ll receive attentive customer service and quality merchandise. Now go forth and shop confidently at the retailer that best complements your unique taste and lifestyle!