Bloomingdale’s, a name that’s synonymous with a refined shopping experience that exudes luxury and exclusivity, has opened its doors to the Kuwaiti market at 360 Mall. We sat with Bloomingdale’s Kuwait’s General Manager, Tina Sharp, to learn more about the store’s offerings and the inimitability that is the Bloomingdale’s shopping experience.
Following the success of the Bloomingdale’s Dubai store, opening a Kuwait location seemed to be the logical step when they decided to build on the franchising expansion. “The Kuwaiti customer is a sophisticated one,” Tina explained, “so opening the second store outside the US in Kuwait was the natural choice.” As opposed to flying out to Dubai to indulge in a remarkable shopping experience, we now have Bloomingdale’s here with superbly unique additions! Tina also added, “Kuwait is a limitless market that allows us realize dreams and create anything no matter how impossible it may seem.” Focusing on the experience as a whole, the store and its design have been in mind for years. With that, every part of the store has been designed to bring something superbly unique to the Kuwaiti client.
Listening to their Amber Loyalty Card customers’ feedback, the good people behind Bloomingdale’s Kuwait are able to provide them with the services and products they crave. “We’ve worked tirelessly to create an environment in which the customer would want to come in to,” Tina stated, “and we’re open in 360 Mall because it’s a beautiful mall surrounded by luxury and Bloomingdale’s simply wants to be a part of that.” But what sets Bloomingdale’s Kuwait apart from other department stores? The exclusive experiences throughout the store and the brand collections, of course! The Bloomingdale’s Kuwait buyers worked hard at gathering intel and bringing in brands that are aren’t readily available to the customers here, but are still established enough. The collections at Bloomingdale’s Kuwait are carefully curated to appeal to the Kuwaiti customer.
“The Kuwaiti customer is an international customer that shops in London, Paris and New York – so stepping into Bloomingdale’s Kuwait should make them feel different while still maintaining the Bloomingdale’s identity,” Tina smiled. Still, what can Bloomingdale’s Kuwait offer that is so different? For starters, they’ve added a personalization which is exclusive to the Kuwaiti store: “It allows the customers to not only purchase an amazing item from one of the fabulous brands available, but they can also make it very unique and personal to themselves or a loved one.” They’ve also created the ‘Experience Beauty’ lounge in their dedicated beauty department which offers treatments and equipment exclusively available to the Kuwaiti clientele and not found in any other store. From specialized skin analysis stations to devoted makeup artists, the beauty department is at your service. There’s also an exclusive restaurant concept called ‘The Scene’ which is not only exclusive to Bloomingdale’s Kuwait, but is entirely original as well.
Lounging areas have been set up purposefully across the store to give customers the opportunity to relax and spend as much time as they’d like. “Customers can just come in, grab a seat and watch the world go by or just browse without feeling the need to leave,” Tina added, “Refreshments are also available to the customers on each of the floors to give them a sense of ease to spend the afternoon here comfortably.” Understanding that the Kuwaiti customer is supremely fashion savvy, Bloomingdale’s Kuwait aims to be just as up-to-date with the trends and must-have products as their clientele. And not only are they providing a platform for internationally renowned designers and brands, Bloomingdale’s Kuwait is also supporting the local fashion scene. “We’ve created a space to showcase the local fashion designers we have available in-store as well,” Tina explained.
And because we just had to know what her favorite part of the store was: “The footwear department – and the ‘Experience Beauty’ lounge for all their wonderful techniques and products. But if I’m looking at product, then it would be footwear – and then beauty, and ready-to-wear,” she laughed, “I’m a girl and it’s very hard for me to choose!” As someone who has shopped there personally, she hopes that the space is welcoming to all and pleasurable to navigate for all their customers. “We’re happy to be open and I’m excited to hear what the customer thinks of their store – because it’s essentially their store. We absolutely welcome feedback to help us improve and to provide the customer with a better experience. That’s what we’re here for, to provide a pleasant experience.”
Shop exclusive brands and benefit from the unique shopper experiences at Bloomingdale’s Kuwait – located at 360 Mall. For more information, please call 2229 9800, and you can follow them on Instagram @BloomingdalesME.
