Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
This morning, Bloomingdale's unveiled the renovated and upgraded beauty department at the 59th Street flagship. They definitely went all out to celebrate, hiring a string orchestra and ribbon twirlers to greet guests upon arrival. (As for us, when we entered the floor, we were nearly blinded by a whirlwind of flashbulbs: Two generations of the Lauder family had made their way through right before us.)
Shoppers will definitely be able feel that the entire department has been expanded in terms of overall square footage and ceiling height. The widened aisles make it easier to browse, and visual stimulation in the form of funky new lighting designs and countless looping video flat screen panels encourages you to buy more makeup. In his welcome speech, Bloomingdale's Chairman and CEO , Michael Gould, graciously thanked the longtime staff of fourteen electricians, who have probably been working overtime these days. With all these new fixtures, we'd be interested to see their monthly Con Ed bill.
In addition to extremely bright lighting, Bloomingdale's has made some fresh additions to the beauty department. Newcomers include mineral-makeup-craze originator Bare Escentuals, Giorgio Armani, shu uemura (with a Tokyo Lash Bar), Jo Malone and Sisley. Bumble and bumble also opened its very first Bb.StylingBar, which is a drop-in dry styling station where customers can try out products and have their hair done by Bumble and bumble stylists. (No appointment necessary!) Existing brands like Estée Lauder, Lancôme, MAC, Kiehl's, Space NK and Chanel—offering a few products that are exclusive to Bloomies, including a Red Rouge Allure lipstick and a Les Regards de Chanel Palette—also boast glossy new, and in some cases larger, spaces.
The official opening to the public starts tomorrow, Thursday, October 15, with various events and giveaways at counters going through Sunday, October 25. Check the Bloomingdale's website starting tomorrow for the upcoming schedule to plan your upcoming shopping strategy.
·Makeovers: Bandages Almost Off at Bloomingdale's[Racked]