NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bloomingdale’s will enter the Hawaii market with the opening of its new Ala Moana store set for Nov. 12, 2015 in Honolulu on the Island of O’ahu. This location will serve as the centerpiece of a major retail expansion and common area renovation at Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest open-air shopping mall.
The three-level, 165,000 square-foot store will follow an updated store model of smaller proportions with full-line offerings and an extensive roster of brands, several of which are exclusive to Bloomingdale’s Ala Moana. With sophisticated nods to Hawaiian culture and tradition throughout, shoppers will find a curated assortment of luxury goods and stylish essentials for women, men, children and home. The opening of Bloomingdale’s Ala Moana introduces Burberry Beauty (found only at Bloomingdale’s in the state of Hawaii), the first-ever Vince handbag shop, and the launch of Carven shoes, handbags and ready-to-wear. Customers will find cool-factor favorites from T by Alexander Wang for men and women, a large selection of men’s offerings from Burberry to Saturdays Surf, and luxe travel-gear from Rimowa and Bric's. Getting a taste of local Hawaiian goodies, there will be a special treat station of delicious homegrown treasures from Honolulu Cookie Company, Sea Salts of Hawaii, Honey: Big Island Bees, Honolulu Coffee Company, and more. Visitors and locals alike will find an unparalleled retail experience among a multi-lingual Visitors Center, private cosmetic treatment rooms, private event space and the iconic 40 Carrots restaurant.
To assure guests feel at home while enjoying the unique Bloomingdale’s shopping experience, the Visitors Center on the main floor will function as a retreat and informational hub catering to international and domestic shoppers. In an intimate and contemporary setting, the center will offer such services as a multi-lingual staff (including but not limited to: Japanese, Korean, Chinese - Mandarin and Cantonese, Spanish and French, among others), multi-lingual store directories, complimentary coat and bag check, concierge services, hotel package delivery and style advisor appointments. A dedicated Tourism Manager will also work closely with tour groups to create unique shopping experiences such as fashion shows, afternoon tea and cocktail parties. The first in the Bloomingdale’s fleet, there is a limited-access VIP lounge located within the Visitors Center offering additional services such as light food and beverage, Bluetooth printer and iPads®, a charging station, a private restroom, and more.
“Entering the Hawaiian market in the newly-expanded Ala Moana Center is truly a special milestone for Bloomingdale’s. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer local and visiting customers a tailored assortment of contemporary and luxury merchandise along with a shopping experience like no other,” said Tony Spring, chairman and chief executive officer of Bloomingdale’s. “We look forward to welcoming the O’ahu community and shoppers from around the globe into our beautiful new Ala Moana store.”
With Bloomingdale’s Ala Moana comes a slice of New York City, while capturing the essence of Hawaii and its culture. From louvered wood panels throughout the store to walls outfitted in graphic palm frond prints and birds-of-paradise motifs, the store reflects Bloomingdale’s warm homage to its new home in Honolulu. Featured is unique artwork created by local artists and those on the main land inspired by the Hawaiian community uniting Bloomingdale’s strong New York City heritage and the Aloha spirit. New York City-based artist, Matt Schwartz, has curated a selection of retro-inspired images that represent island life to be featured in the new store.
“It was a priority to honor the vibrant Hawaiian landscape and culture. With subtle dedications to the island throughout the store combined with Bloomingdale’s iconic aesthetic, we were able to create an authentic, modern and welcoming environment,” said Jack Hruska, executive vice president of creative services at Bloomingdale’s.
Floor 1
Anchoring the redeveloped portion of the west side of Ala Moana Center, the Bloomingdale’s exterior shines with sleek lines and modern industrial paneling. Offering easy access to the new store, the parking garage escalator brings shoppers directly to the main floor. Upon entering, guests are welcomed by Bloomingdale’s illustrious black and white décor in harmony with polished concrete floors, white louvered walls and rafted wood ceilings.
On the main floor, an interactive cosmetics and fragrance department is found offering world-class beauty essentials from must-have brands including Jo Malone, Hermès, Bond No.9 and Tom Ford Private Blend fragrances, La Prairie, Sisley, and Korean skincare shop, Aritaum, also carrying new products from Sulwhasoo, Laneige and Iope. Esthetician services will be available and housed in four serene, glass-encased skincare treatment rooms.
Continuing on the first floor further, shoppers will discover the latest trends in fashion accessories including an expansive assortment of handbags featuring Salvatore Ferragamo, Chloé, See by Chloé, Burberry, MCM, and new to Bloomingdale’s Meli Melo and House of Holland. In fashion and fine jewelry, adornments can be found from designers such as Alexis Bittar, Chan Luu, Ippolita, Marco Bicego and Roberto Coin, as well as Shourouk and Melinda Maria, both of which are exclusive to Bloomingdale’s in Hawaii. Nearby, stay cool with sunglasses from Celiné, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Oliver Peoples, TOMS, Ray-Ban and others. An oasis of women’s shoes can be found on the first floor, featuring such designers as SJP Collection by Sarah Jessica Parker, Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang, Tory Burch, and exclusive to Bloomingdale’s Ala Moana, Marni and Tidal. Neighboring the Visitors Center will be a large women’s James Perse shop offering an array of luxury basics, perfect for sophisticated vacation and everyday wear.
Floor 2
Shoppers can enter directly from the mall on 2. Here, guests experience a haven of women’s apparel displayed among illuminated pavilions and white louvered wood. On-trend and indisputably chic, the women’s ready-to-wear department will offer the latest from T by Alexander Wang, Eliza J, M Missoni, IRO.JEANS and See by Chloé, while Vera Wang is new to Bloomingdale’s and will only be carried at the Ala Moana location. From the office to the beach, fashion necessities for every occasion from a variety of branded designer shops include Armani Collezioni, AllSaints, Maje, Max Mara, Sonia Rykiel, Zadig and Voltaire, and Sandro. From weekend to active wear, denim lovers will be pleased to find classic Levi’s, J Brand, rag & bone/JEAN, and more, while swim enthusiasts and active goddesses can discover local Hawaiian swim brand Letarte, as well as favorites from La Perla swim, Mara Hoffman, Vitamin A, Spiritual Gangster, Adidas By Stella McCartney, and much more. The Intimate Apparel department will house La Perla and Hanro shops, while this new location will also be the only retailer to carry lingerie by Dita Von Teese on the island.
Sunset & Spring, a Bloomingdale’s curated shop inspired by a fashionable, free-spirited lifestyle with the majority of prices under $100, will carry merchandise from Australian labels Bardot and MINKPINK to BLANKNYC denim to beach party frocks from Lucy Paris and BB Dakota. AQUA, Bloomingdale’s exclusive ready-to-wear line, will also offer trendy essentials at affordable price points. Additionally found on floor 2, visitors and nearby residents alike can browse luggage must-haves for all their traveling needs from brands including Rimowa, Delsey, Hartmann, Tumi and Victorinox. Children can also enjoy shopping the latest necessities while taking play breaks in a large wooden playhouse filled with creative games and toys.
Floor 3
Rounding out the full-line store, men’s and home can be found on 3. The men’s department offers a clean yet masculine landscape showcasing top menswear brands such APC, Billy Reid, Public School, Etro, Neil Barrett, rag & bone/JEAN, and so much more. Guys can stay cool on the half pipe with swimwear from Park & Ronen, Trunks Taylor Vintage, and new to Bloomingdale’s, Orlebar Brown swim. Also new to Bloomingdale’s men’s department is Coach, Salvatore Ferragamo sunglasses, Marni, Rhone, Smythson, among others. The men’s shoe department wows with brands including Paul Smith, MCM, Salvatore Ferragamo, Vince, Y-3, and more.
Finding the perfect fit extends to the home department where shoppers can choose from a selection of brands only available at Bloomingdale’s in the state of Hawaii including Anne de Solene bedding, Donna Karan bedding, Frette bedding, Hudson park bedding, Kelly Westler bedding, Oake bedding, Pratesi bedding, Sferra bedding, Sky bedding, Abyss towels, John Robshaw towels, Hudson Park towels and Matouk towels. In between browsing, shoppers can stay energized by stopping by the iconic 40 Carrots restaurant and grabbing a quick bite prepared by notable chef, Jon Matsubara.
The overall shopping experience will be enhanced by technology utilized throughout the store. Smart fitting rooms are equipped with wall-mounted tablets offering customers the ability to view product availability and communicate with selling associates. The selling associates will utilize handheld devices allowing for instant access to product information, as well as quick and easy point-of-sale mobile transactions. Mirrors with touch-screen lighting options also provide an optimal environment for trying on the latest trends. All fitting room areas contain communal tables with charging stations where guests can mingle and reboot. A seamless and convenient omnichannel experience is priority as supported with additional services offered to customers including: buy online, pickup in store, same day delivery (within a certain radius), and international shipping of in-store purchases.
#BLOOMIESCARES
True to Bloomingdale’s DNA, the company will be supporting local charities in celebration of the Ala Moana opening and beyond. Bloomingdale’s will be making a donation to each of the following 10 local charities: Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, Friends of Iolani Palace, Honolulu Museum of Art, Honolulu Theatre for Youth, Joyful Heart Foundation, Kapi’olani Health Foundation, Kōkua Hawai’i Foundation, Nā Kama Kai and the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation.
THE GRAND OPENING, AND BEYOND
The highly anticipated grand opening festivities kick off on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 8:45 a.m. as part of Ala Moana Center’s Ewa Wing expansion celebration, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and store opening at 9:30 a.m. Shoppers are invited to attend the Grand Opening celebration followed by an exciting day of shopping featuring 10X points for Loyallists. To become a Loyallist, visit bloomingdales.com/loyallist.
Beginning with the Ala Moana opening, Bloomingdale’s will be rolling out an International Loyalty Club catering to international tourists. Enrolled customers can earn points on their purchases to be redeemed for perks such as gift cards, in-store services including hotel delivery and car service, and special local-experiences such as surfing lessons.
Be sure to follow @bloomingdales on social media for the latest news on the Ala Moana location and join the conversation with #alohabloomies.
The brand new Ala Moana location will be led by Vice President and General Manager Carolyn Edward and feature all of the brands Bloomingdale’s is famous for in addition to new and exclusive offerings. For a full list of designers and any additional information, please contact Julia Austin in the Bloomingdale’s Public Relations office at Julia.Austin@bloomingdales.com.
