Bloomingdale's vs. Macy's: Which brand is better? [2026]

Bloomingdale's is a luxury department store focused on a curated selection of high-end designer brands, while Macy's offers a much broader range of products at more accessible, mid-range prices. Key differences come down to brand selection and cost - Bloomingdale's offers exclusivity and a premium shopping experience, whereas Macy's prioritizes variety, value, and frequent sale events.

Let's break down the details to help you decide which iconic department store is right for your shopping needs.

Bloomingdale's: The Luxury & Designer Destination

Bloomingdale's is synonymous with luxury retail, serving fashion-conscious consumers who are searching for high-quality, exclusive products from the world's top designers. The store operates in a more upscale space than its sister company, Macy's, with an emphasis on a sophisticated and personalized shopping experience. Its target customer is an affluent individual who values quality and the latest trends from premium brands.

• Product mix: A curated selection of high-end women's and men's apparel, footwear, handbags, jewelry, beauty, and home accessories from premium and contemporary designers. Expect to find labels that are mainstays in the luxury market.
• Price point: Luxury. While you may find contemporary items starting around $100, designer-label clothing often runs from $300 to several thousand dollars. Handbags from top designers can easily exceed $1,000.
• Sizing/Fit: Designer brand sizing can be inconsistent, with some labels running small. To assist shoppers, Bloomingdale's offers personalized styling services in-store to help find the perfect fit.
• Style/Aesthetic: The style is modern, sophisticated, and trend-forward. The store is tailored for shoppers who want the latest from the runway and timeless investment pieces.
• Sales: Bloomingdale's holds major sale events, like their famous Friends & Family sales, but pricing generally remains at a premium level compared to traditional department stores.
• Shopping Experience: Offers a premium, high-service environment with attentive staff, personal stylists, and a luxurious feel both in its pristine stores and on its sleek website.

Bloomingdale's is ideal for shoppers looking for a curated collection of designer goods who are willing to invest in high-quality fashion and appreciate an upscale service environment.

Shop Bloomingdale's: bloomingdales.com

Macy's: The All-American Department Store

Macy's is one of America's most recognizable retailers, known for its vast selection, accessible pricing, and nationwide presence. It caters to a broad demographic, including an audience of budget-conscious shoppers, families, and middle-income consumers. Famous for its Thanksgiving Day Parade and huge Black Friday events, Macy's has built its reputation on being a reliable one-stop shop for everything from clothing to home goods.

• Product mix: An extensive range of products, including apparel for men, women, and children, footwear, beauty, home goods, furniture, and gifts. Macy's features a mix of its own private labels, well-known national brands, and select designer lines.
• Price point: Mid-range and affordable. Most items are priced for the everyday consumer, with clothing typically ranging from $20 to $200. T-shirts often fall in the $10-$30 range, and you can easily find shoes for under $100.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally considered true to size, Macy's offers an inclusive range of sizes, including extensive petite and plus-size departments, making it easy for most people to find a reliable fit.
• Style/Aesthetic: The overall style is classic, casual, and versatile. Instead of focusing on temporary trends, Macy's offers timeless styles suitable for a wide variety of ages and occasions.
• Sales: Macy's is known for its frequent sales, weekly discounts, and stackable coupons. Smart shoppers can almost always find a deal, especially during major holiday events.
• Shopping Experience: Focused on convenience and value. Stores are often busy hubs in shopping malls, complemented by a robust website and app that make finding deals and an extensive catalog of products simple.

Macy's is the clear choice for deal-seekers and families who need variety, affordable pricing, and the convenience of finding something for everyone under one roof.

Shop Macy's: macys.com

Bloomingdale's vs. Macy's Comparison

Price Comparison

The most significant difference between the two retailers is the price point. Bloomingdale's operates squarely in the luxury space. Its prices reflect its high-end designer inventory, where a dress or a pair of jeans can cost several hundred dollars. While sales exist, the baseline prices are high.

In contrast, Macy's is a mid-tier department store built on the promise of value. Its accessible pricing is amplified by a constant cycle of promotions, sales, and coupons that make it a favorite for budget-conscious families. Shoppers can find entire outfits for less than the price of a single T-shirt at Bloomingdale's.

Quality & Materials

Due to its focus on luxury and designer brands, Bloomingdale's generally offers superior quality. Products are made with premium materials, and the craftsmanship is intended to last, justifying the higher cost. These are investment pieces designed for longevity.

Macy's offers a mixed bag of quality. While it carries durable products from reliable national brands, it also has lower-priced items from its private labels where affordability is prioritized. The quality is solid for the price, but it's not comparable to the luxury standards set by Bloomingdale's.

Product Selection & Style

Bloomingdale's offers a curated, edited selection of goods aimed at a fashion-forward audience. The buyers focus on current trends, new season arrivals from top designers, and exclusive collaborations. The style is sophisticated and modern.

Macy's has a much broader, more commercial assortment that serves a diverse customer base. Its collection is less about runway trends and more about classic, versatile styles for work, home, and family. It's the place you go for practical fashion, home essentials, and reliable gift options for everyone on your list.

Fit & Sizing

Macy's is a leader in inclusive sizing. It maintains large petite and plus-size sections and offers consistent sizing across its house brands, making online shopping simpler. Most shoppers will find that Macy's sizing is standard and reliable.

At Bloomingdale's, sizing depends entirely on the designer. European brands, for example, often run much smaller than American brands. This variability can make finding the right fit a challenge without trying things on, which is why their in-store styling services are so valuable.

Shopping Experience

A trip to Bloomingdale's feels like a luxury event. Stores are sleek, well-organized, and staffed with attentive associates ready to offer personalized service. The atmosphere is calm, exclusive, and geared toward a premium browsing experience.

Macy's offers a more traditional department store experience - bustling, high-traffic, and designed for efficiency. While service is available, the environment encourages self-service. The focus is on convenience, clear sale signs, and helping shoppers find what they need and check out quickly.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on what kind of shopper you are. Both retailers are excellent at what they do, but their specialties are distinct.

Choose Bloomingdale's if:

• You are focused on buying high-end, designer brands and the latest seasonal arrivals.
• You value a luxurious, personalized shopping experience with exceptional customer service.
• Your budget is higher, and you view fashion as an investment in high-quality items.
• You are hunting for an exclusive product or collaboration you can't find elsewhere.

Choose Macy's if:

• You are a value-driven shopper who loves finding a great deal with sales and coupons.
• You are shopping for the entire family and need a wide variety of styles and sizes.
• Finding an inclusive size range, such as petite or plus sizes, is a priority.
• You need a dependable one-stop shop for clothing, gifts, cosmetics, and home essentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bloomingdale's or Macy's more expensive?

Bloomingdale's is significantly more expensive. It positions itself as a luxury retailer carrying designer brands, whereas Macy's is a mid-range department store focused on affordability and value.

Which has better quality, Macy's or Bloomingdale's?

Bloomingdale's generally offers superior quality and craftsmanship. Its inventory consists of high-end designer products made with premium materials. The quality at Macy's varies more, with a mix of durable national brands and very affordable private-label items.

Are Bloomingdale's and Macy's owned by the same company?

Yes, both Bloomingdale's and Macy's are owned by the same parent company, Macy's, Inc. However, they are operated as separate divisions that target very different customer segments.

Which store is better for finding plus sizes?

Macy's is the better and more reliable choice for plus sizes. It has a much more extensive and dedicated department for plus-size fashion across numerous brands, offering a wider selection than Bloomingdale's.

Do both stores have sales?

Both stores have sales, but Macy's is famous for running constant promotions, offering frequent coupons, and hosting huge holiday sales like Black Friday. Sales at Bloomingdale's are typically less frequent and center around specific events like "Friends & Family" or end-of-season clearances.

What is the shopping experience like at each store?

A Bloomingdale's visit feels curated and upscale, with personalized customer service and a quiet, luxury atmosphere. Macy's is typically a bustling, high-energy environment built for convenient, self-directed shopping to find great deals.

Can I find the same brands at Bloomingdale's and Macy's?

It is very rare to find brand overlap. Bloomingdale's stocks high-end and contemporary designers not typically available at Macy's. Macy's focuses on national mid-range brands and its own portfolio of exclusive private-label brands.

Which store is better for furniture and home goods?

This depends on your goal. Macy's is widely known for its large furniture galleries that offer accessible pricing on complete living room and bedroom sets. Bloomingdale's offers a more curated, high-end selection of home décor and designer accent pieces.