• January 21, 2010

Macy's, Inc. is taking advantage of the consumer's "How can I get more for less?" mood, and says it will launch a new store concept, Bloomingdale's Outlet, later this year.

While lease agreements are being finalized, the company says it plans to open 25,000 square feet stores in Paramus, N.J.; Woodbridge, Va.; Miami and Sunrise, Fla. Stores are expected to open in the summer and fall, with additional locations rolling out in 2011. <[> "We have been studying the opportunities for entering the off-the-mall outlet business for some time, and the timing now is right given the consumer's particular focus on value in addition to fashion and quality," CEO Terry J. Lundgren says in a statement.

Stores are expected to offer apparel and accessories, including women's ready-to-wear, men's, children's, women's shoes, fashion accessories, jewelry, handbags and intimate apparel. Other stores in Bloomingdale's already operate such stores: Saks has its Off 5th chain, Nordstrom operates its Rack stores, and Neiman Marcus operates Last Call.--Sarah Mahoney