Macy’s to open first Bloomingdale's outlets in Ohio

CINCINNATI, Jan. 21, 2010 (AP): Macy's will open its first Bloomingdale's bargain-priced outlet stores this summer and fall in a bid to attract value-conscious shoppers.

The department store operator says the move to open four such stores is a response to consumers' focus on value. It is Macy's Inc.'s first foray into the outlet store arena.

The stores will open at outlet malls in New Jersey, Florida, and Virginia.

They will offer a range of apparel and accessories for men, women and children.

More outlet locations are expected to open in 2011.

Higher end department stores such as Bloomingdale's have been hard hit by consumers cutting back during the recession, while their off-price offshoots—such as Nordstrom's Rack and Saks Off Fifth—have fared better.