Al Tayer Group secure to open Bloomingdale's in The Dubai Mall

Dubai: Al Tayer Group announced on Monday a strategic partnership with Macy's, Inc. to open the first Bloomingdale's stores outside of the United States.

Two Bloomingdale's locations a three-level apparel and accessories store of about 146,000 square feet and a one-level home store of about 54,000 square feet will anchor The Dubai Mall, which will be one of the world's largest shopping centres when completed in late 2008.

The store's merchandise assortment, upscale ambience and high-level customer service will be similar to Bloomingdale's in the United States, while being sensitive to local preferences and customs.

"We are delighted to bring an iconic brand such as Bloomingdale's to the UAE. Being luxury retail pioneers in the region, we are confident of introducing and operating Bloomingdale's in the UAE," said Obaid Al Tayer, Chairman and CEO of Al Tayer Group.

"Bloomingdale's is a national fashion store with an international reputation," said Michael Gould, chairman and chief executive officer of New York-based Bloomingdale's.

"Our Dubai store will feature the events, theatre of retailing, visual excitement and outstanding contemporary luxury brands that customers associate with Bloomingdale's. The Dubai store will allow us to serve existing customers who are frequent world travellers."

The stores will be managed and operated by Al Tayer Insignia, a company of Al Tayer Group, under a licensing agreement.