The retailer’s new men’s shoe department, a relocated and expanded area, boasts 70% more space and offers one of the largest selections of men’s designer shoes in New York. The 13,000 sq. ft (1.200m²) department features a wide assortment of casual and dress shoes from designer and performance brands as well as an assortment of accessories, select fragrances and a gallery of hats. Ten new luxury boutiques expanded in the space from Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Zegna, Tod’s, Givenchy and Valentino. The shoe business has been one of the highlights of the men’s category online for the past 24 months and has experienced double-digit growth over the past few years. A key feature is a tunnel-like display with the solid wood ribbed installation that provides a path intended to draw customers into the space. It also serves to create a distinctive home for sneakers and active product.

Several brands are making their Bloomingdale’s debut in the department including Off-White, Palm Angels and Thousand Fell. Other top brands include Versace, Bottega Veneta, Lanvin, Moncler, On Running, Y-3, Golden Goose, Veja and Birkenstock. The Bloomingdale’s Cobbler Concierge has relocated to the floor and there are outdoors-inspired brands, including Diemme and Merrell. The Valentino shop, which will open in early 2022, will be the largest of its kind in America and feature both dress shoes and sneakers. The department also features the largest To Boot presentation in the city, one of the biggest Birkenstock offerings and a “dynamite boot assortment. The Tod’s and Balenciaga shops are temporary and the permanent spaces will be installed after the holiday season. Overall, the men’s business has been steadily improving as customers feel more comfortable returning to retail stores, he said. Initially when stores were allowed to reopen after lockdown, customers would make quick trips to grab and go. Now they’re visiting more frequently and spending more time per visit.