When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Bloomingdale's
Why Bloomingdale's is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Bloomingdale's stands as a storied and dynamic retail destination in New York City, synonymous with luxury, fashion innovation, and a rich legacy dating back over 150 years. Founded in 1861 by brothers Lyman and Joseph Bloomingdale, the store began as a modest ladies' garment shop focused on fashionable hoop skirts and quickly evolved into one of the nation's premier department stores. Its remarkable blend of upscale merchandise, innovative retail concepts like early escalators, and curated European fashions transformed it into much more than a shopping center; it became a vibrant social hub where friends and fashion enthusiasts gather to explore the latest trends. The flagship location at the iconic crossroads of 59th Street and Third Avenue in Manhattan is a sprawling retail space that has become an Upper East Side landmark. Here, visitors can find a diverse range of luxury goods, from designer apparel to home accessories, making it an ideal meeting spot. Its historic commitment to showcasing emerging designers alongside established names ensures a continuously fresh and engaging shopping experience. With its elegant ambiance, renowned customer service, and a curated selection of goods, Bloomingdale's offers a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort for memorable meetups and retail adventures alike.
Here's what people think of Bloomingdale's
As of recent, Bloomingdale's holds a 4.4-star rating based on 9805 reviews.
User reviews of Bloomingdale's highlight an overall positive shopping experience reflected in its strong 4.4-star rating from over 9,800 reviews. Many patrons praise the store's extensive selection of luxury brands, knowledgeable staff, and the elegant in-store environment that elevates everyday shopping into a special occasion. Positive reviews often emphasize the professionalism and helpfulness of employees, the quality and exclusivity of products, and the store's ability to serve as a premier destination for fashion-forward shoppers seeking both classic and contemporary styles. The spacious layout and attractive displays also receive commendation for enhancing the browsing and purchasing experience. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional issues such as long checkout lines, inconsistent customer service, or limited stock on certain items. A few customers have noted that the pricing can be on the higher side, typical of luxury retail, which may not fit all budgets. Despite these concerns, the majority of visitors remain loyal and appreciative of what Bloomingdale's offers in terms of quality and shopping ambience. In conclusion, reviews collectively paint Bloomingdale's as a highly regarded department store celebrated for its fashion heritage, diverse product range, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a reliable and enjoyable locale to meet friends and indulge in upscale shopping.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
M J
Fun to walk around and shop all the floors here and they let dogs in! Do be mindful that men’s bathrooms are only on a couple of floors and the elevators can take a while to get there.
stephanie cruickshank
A beautifully decorated store! I was lucky to be there at the beginning of spring and looking at all the new colorful clothes. This building has 12 floors even a basement, but don’t fret the elevators run frequently. If you’re hungry try Forty Carrots, David Burke at Bloomingdale’s and Studio 59.
Chocolate Kiss
Such an amazing experience every time, and trust me when I say I’m here more than I am in my own home. My favorite stylist is ❤️Kenne k.❤️ from the Jo Malone London department. Baby when I tell you Kenne knows cologne and perfume he knows his stuff. I drive pass 2 malls and pay tolls just to get to this Bloomingdale’s. The aura, the energy. Just amazing 🤩 please give him a raise and employer of the forever. 😊I was just at Bloomingdale’s in Westchester for a YSL purchase and the service was bad I left a review. Good service is hard to find. Thanks Kenne. See you soon. -unique
Yuan John
My visit to Bloomingdale's in Manhattan on May 1st, 2025, was a quintessential New York shopping experience. The store is massive and offers a wide array of high-end goods, from designer clothing and accessories to home goods and cosmetics. The displays were beautiful, and the staff I encountered were generally helpful and attentive. The atmosphere felt upscale and a bit glamorous, which is what you'd expect from Bloomingdale's. However, navigating such a large department store can be a bit overwhelming. My main quest, aside from browsing, was to find a public restroom without having to make a purchase. This can sometimes be a tricky endeavor in Manhattan! Based on my experience and some prior knowledge, here's where you're most likely to find a free public toilet within Bloomingdale's 59th Street flagship store: * Lower Level (Basement): There are typically restrooms located on the lower level, often near the home goods or men's department. These tend to be less crowded than those on the main floors. * Third Floor: You can usually find a set of restrooms on the third floor, which houses some of the women's apparel and shoe departments. * Fifth Floor: Another reliable option is the restrooms on the fifth floor, which often serves the more upscale designer collections. While these are the most likely locations, it's always a good idea to look for store directories or ask a staff member to confirm the nearest restroom. Department store layouts can sometimes change. Regarding the weather on May 1st, 2025: Based on the typical early May weather in New York City, it was likely a pleasant spring day. You could expect sunshine, possibly some scattered clouds, and comfortable temperatures probably ranging from the mid-50s to low 70s Fahrenheit (around 13-22°C). It's usually a lovely time to be out and about in the city. Overall, Bloomingdale's is a landmark shopping destination worth visiting for its selection and atmosphere. Knowing where to find the restrooms beforehand can certainly make your visit more comfortable!
Finn Duggan
On the low better than saks. Not quite as high end luxury vibe as saks but all the same brands and arguably better pricing. Could swear they had a bigger range too. I bought heaps from here. Also the sales assistant helping us (wish I could remember his name) was probably the kindest most helpful guy we met in NYC. He was down to earth not pushy or annoying like some assistants are. Just helped with sizing and ideas for outfits based on what we picked out. He also let us know of a discount code we could use since we were a certain age. Kudos to him. Made out experience so memorable! Plus they had Russ Westbrook’s brand Honour the Gift which was just such a bonus!
How to reach Bloomingdale's
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Why Bloomingdale's may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Bloomingdale's with your friends? Bloomingdale's offers more than just a shopping destination—it’s a dynamic experience that seamlessly blends upscale retail with a vibrant social atmosphere, making it the perfect place to gather and create lasting memories with friends or family. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, seeking a stylish day out, or simply wanting to enjoy a luxurious environment, Bloomingdale's delivers. Its reputation as a nationwide upscale department store combines with its distinctive and creative offerings, from exclusive brands to curated events, all designed to delight and engage groups. The spacious, elegantly designed stores provide an inviting backdrop for exploring fashion, beauty, accessories, and home goods together, encouraging interaction and shared discovery. Beyond shopping, Bloomingdale's hosts unique in-store events, tastings, and entertainment that turn a visit into a lively group activity. With a high customer rating of 4.4 from nearly 10,000 reviews, it’s clear many find Bloomingdale's an enjoyable and dependable social hotspot. In essence, it’s not just about the products—it’s about experiencing style, creativity, and community in one sophisticated venue, making it an ideal rally point for friends seeking both luxury and lively fun.
What specific activities at Bloomingdale's make it perfect for a group meetup? Bloomingdale's excels at offering a multi-faceted experience that appeals to diverse interests within a group. Shopping remains a central activity with access to exclusive, high-quality brands and trendsetting styles available only at Bloomingdale's. Shopping together allows friends to share fashion advice, explore new trends, and help each other select perfect gifts or wardrobe pieces. Many locations host special in-store events such as product launches, tasting sessions, and artistic showcases, which add interactive elements and opportunities for conversation and enjoyment beyond retail. For example, recent events at Bloomingdale’s Century City location have included live music, art vending machines dispensing collectible linocut prints, and exclusive hospitality experiences such as complimentary matcha bars. These draw groups together to not only shop but also immerse themselves in culture and entertainment. Additionally, Bloomingdale's provides convenient services like online purchase pickups, personal styling consultations, and curated experiences that make planning a group visit easy and seamless. The combination of retail, social, and artistic activities creates a well-rounded environment ideal for friends or family meetups, catering to various tastes and moods.
How does Bloomingdale's enhance the social experience beyond shopping? Beyond the traditional department store role, Bloomingdale's leverages its upscale atmosphere and curated events to foster social interactions and memorable occasions. The stores are designed conceptually as destinations, with carefully crafted spaces that invite conversation and relaxation amidst the luxury. Group meetups can benefit from the thoughtfully arranged lounges, cafes, and accessible customer service desks, which provide comfortable gathering spots. In locations like the Beverly Center and Century City, the presence of local artists, live music sessions, and artist-invited activities give visitors more than just retail therapy; they offer immersive cultural engagement. Seasonal and themed events, such as the recent "Raspberry Ripple" ice cream treat during a Jo Malone fragrance promotion in Sherman Oaks, add an element of surprise and delight that groups can savor together. These curated experiences make Bloomingdale’s a place where socializing merges with arts and luxury, encouraging friends to linger, connect, and celebrate rather than rush through errands. This enriches any group visit, making Bloomingdale’s a true social hub within the upscale shopping scene.
What makes Bloomingdale's suitable for families or larger groups? Bloomingdale’s isn’t just for friends—it’s very well suited for families or larger gatherings seeking a comprehensive and polished environment. Its broad product range caters to all ages—adult fashion, children’s apparel, home decor, beauty, and fragrances—facilitating something for everyone in the group. This diversity means families can accomplish more than one shopping goal in a single visit, from updating wardrobes to refreshing living spaces, making it productive and enjoyable. The spacious layouts of multiple Bloomingdale’s locations, such as in Newport Beach’s Fashion Island and Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza, allow easy navigation without feeling crowded, which is crucial for larger parties to move comfortably together. Furthermore, the knowledgeable staff at Bloomingdale’s are experienced in assisting groups with personalized service, whether that’s styling advice for teens or guidance on selecting gifts for elders, contributing to a stress-free experience. Many store locations offer curbside pickup and online order desk services, streamlining logistics for families who want to split activities like shopping, dining, or attending events under one roof. All these factors combine to make Bloomingdale's an inclusive, convenient, and elegant venue for families or big friend groups.
How can Bloomingdale's location and amenities support a full-day meetup? Bloomingdale’s strategic placement in premier shopping centers and urban hubs, such as Beverly Center, Century City, Fashion Island, and South Coast Plaza, ensures easy access and abundant amenities perfect for an all-day meetup. These venues are often surrounded by a wealth of dining options, entertainment, and other retail stores, allowing groups to design a full experience from morning to evening. Many Bloomingdale’s stores offer amenities like personal shopping services, beauty salons, and on-site cafes or lounges, providing natural pauses for rest and socializing between shopping bursts. For example, at Century City, in-store events like art and music celebrations encourage lingering and exploration beyond retail floors. The availability of curbside pickup and seamless online ordering means groups can shop flexibly and reduce waiting times, freeing more time for social activities. Accessibility features, valet parking, and family-friendly facilities in these centers enhance convenience, keeping everyone comfortable throughout the day. In essence, Bloomingdale's acts as a stylish anchor point around which friends and family can plan varied social and leisure activities, ensuring the meetup is entertaining and cohesive from start to finish.
Why do customers rate Bloomingdale's highly as a meeting place? The exceptional 4.4-star rating from nearly 10,000 reviewers reflects consistent customer satisfaction with both the shopping and social ambiance at Bloomingdale’s. Shoppers praise the store’s upscale merchandise selection, knowledgeable and attentive staff, and clean, aesthetically pleasing environment. Many reviews mention positive experiences around exclusive events and promotions that add excitement and novelty to visits. Patrons also appreciate the convenience of services like curbside pickup and professional styling consultations, which improve group coordination and reduce any frustration in gathering multiple people with different tastes. The welcoming atmosphere and well-organized store layouts foster easy mingling, while the variety of brands and products mean everyone in a meetup can find something they appreciate. Such positive customer feedback highlights Bloomingdale’s ability to balance luxury retail with dynamic group-friendly experiences, making it a favored destination for social gatherings within a shopping context.
How can friends maximize their meetup experience at Bloomingdale's? To fully enjoy a group outing at Bloomingdale’s, planning around the store’s special features and events is key. Checking the store’s calendar ahead of time can help friends coordinate visits with in-store activities like art exhibits, tastings, or live music, which amplify the fun and create shared talking points. Utilizing personal shopping or styling services can add a unique and memorable twist, especially if friends want to help each other with fashion or gift ideas. Groups should leverage Bloomingdale’s easy online order and curbside pickup to minimize waiting and maximize time spent together in the store’s social zones or cafes. Making time for breaks at Bloomingdale’s lounges or nearby dining options in their associated shopping centers keeps energy high and encourages longer, more enjoyable gatherings. Lastly, documenting the day’s discoveries and experiences through photos or social media can turn the meetup into a cherished event that friends look forward to repeating.
In summary, Bloomingdale's stands out as an exceptional venue for friends and families to rally, combining luxury shopping with creative events and hospitable environments that foster meaningful social experiences. Whether through exclusive brands, interactive promotions, or accommodating services, each Bloomingdale’s location offers a unique, stylish, and convenient setting perfect for group meetups. The blend of shopping, cultural engagement, and amenities creates a multifaceted outing that goes beyond retail into the realm of shared enjoyment and celebration. This makes Bloomingdale's a top choice for anyone looking to connect with loved ones in a vibrant, elegant atmosphere.