Let's be real for a second. New York City is basically the world capital of "is this actually a deal?" We've all walked into stores in SoHo or on 5th Ave that claim to have sales, only to realize the "discounted" price is still more than a month's rent in most other states. So, when people talk about the Bloomingdale's outlet store NYC location, there’s always that healthy dose of skepticism. You’re wondering if it’s just the leftovers that nobody wanted at the 59th Street flagship, or if it’s a genuine gold mine for high-end labels at a fraction of the cost.
Honestly, it's a bit of both.
Located at 2085 Broadway, right on the corner of 72nd Street, this isn't some sprawling warehouse in the middle of a desert. It’s a three-story urban outlet tucked into the Upper West Side. It’s compact. It’s often busy. And if you don't know how to navigate the specific rhythms of how Bloomie's stocks this place, you might walk out empty-handed and annoyed. But for the savvy shopper who knows what to look for, it’s one of the few places in Manhattan where you can find genuine contemporary designer gear—think Theory, Vince, or Helmut Lang—without the Woodbury Common bus ride.
The Vibe at 72nd and Broadway
The first thing you notice when you walk into the Bloomingdale's outlet store NYC is that it doesn't feel like the "Big Brown Bag" mother ship. The flagship on 59th is all about luxury, hushed tones, and perfume clouds. This place? It’s a hunt.
The ground floor usually hits you with accessories and bags right away. You’ll see brands like Rebecca Minkoff, Marc Jacobs, or even the occasional Chloé or See by Chloé if the stars align. It’s tight. The aisles aren't designed for strollers or large groups. You have to be prepared to weave.
Upstairs is where the heavy lifting happens for women’s contemporary clothing. Downstairs is the men’s department and shoes. It’s a vertical experience. Unlike a suburban TJ Maxx where everything is spread out, here you are constantly navigating stairs or the tiny elevator. It feels very "New York"—cramped but efficient.
What You’re Actually Buying (and What to Skip)
People often ask where this stuff comes from. Most of it is "made for outlet" merchandise, which is a standard industry practice. Brands create specific lines for outlet stores that use slightly different fabrics or simpler constructions to hit a lower price point.
However, the real wins at the Bloomingdale's outlet store NYC are the "clearance" racks. These are the items that actually sat on the floor at the 59th Street flagship or the Soho store and didn't sell. When those items hit the outlet, they are usually marked down significantly—sometimes up to 70% or 80% off the original MSRP. Look for the tags that have multiple "markdown" stickers on them. Those are the treasures.
If you see a wall of fifty identical cashmere sweaters in every color of the rainbow, that’s likely the "made for outlet" stuff. It’s fine. It’s good quality. But it’s not the "steal of the century." The single rack of mismatched evening gowns or the lone pair of Rag & Bone jeans? That's the stuff that came from the main store. That's what you're there for.
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The Shoe Situation Downstairs
Let’s talk about the basement. It’s a shoe lover’s fever dream or a nightmare, depending on the day.
The men's section and the shoe department share the lower level. For shoes, the organization is... optimistic. They try to keep it by size, but customers are chaotic. You might find a stray Prada loafer in the size 7 section when it’s clearly a 10. You have to dig.
One thing the Bloomingdale's outlet store NYC does better than almost any other outlet is the sneaker selection. They frequently have high-end "athleisure" brands that you won't find at a Nordstrom Rack. We're talking APL, Veja, and sometimes even the more fashion-forward Nike collaborations.
- Pro Tip: Check the "Last Call" or "Single Pair" racks first.
- The Men's Section: It’s actually surprisingly good for suiting. If you need a blazer from a brand like Boss or Ted Baker, this is arguably the best spot in the city to find one for under $300.
- Watch the Labels: Always check the stitching. Since these items are handled by a lot of people in a high-traffic NYC store, things can get snagged.
Is it Better Than Nordstrom Rack or Saks OFF 5TH?
This is the big debate. NYC has a "Discount Row" of sorts. You’ve got the Nordstrom Rack in Union Square and the Saks OFF 5TH in Midtown.
Bloomingdale’s Outlet is smaller than both. That’s a weakness if you want variety, but a strength if you have "decision fatigue." You can scan the whole store in 45 minutes. Saks OFF 5TH tends to skew a bit more "high fashion" (you might see Valentino or Gucci there), while the Bloomingdale's outlet store NYC stays firmly in that "Contemporary" bracket. It’s the sweet spot for the working New Yorker who needs a nice dress for a wedding or a sharp coat for the winter without spending $1,200.
Also, the location is a major factor. Being on the Upper West Side means the clientele is different. It’s a lot of locals, not just tourists. This affects what stays on the shelves. You might find more conservative, classic pieces here compared to the trend-heavy stock at the Union Square Rack.
The "Best Time to Go" Myth
Everyone says "go Tuesday morning." Sure, in a perfect world, that’s great. But in reality, the Bloomingdale's outlet store NYC gets shipments throughout the week.
The real secret? Go during the "transition" months. Late January and late July are the peak times. This is when the main stores are desperately clearing out their seasonal inventory to make room for Spring or Fall arrivals. That’s when the "true" Bloomingdale's stock—the high-end stuff—floods the outlet.
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Also, keep an eye on the holiday weekends. While the crowds are insane, they often run "extra 50% off clearance" promos. If you can stomach the line for the fitting room, you can walk out with a $400 coat for $60. Seriously.
Navigating the Frustrations
It’s not all sunshine and cheap cashmere. The fitting rooms can be a disaster. They are often understaffed, and the wait can be 20 minutes on a Saturday afternoon.
The return policy is also something to watch. Unlike the main Bloomingdale's store, which is famously generous with returns, the outlet has tighter windows. Always check your receipt. Usually, you have 30 days, but some "Final Sale" items are exactly that—final. Don't buy a pair of boots with a broken zipper thinking you can just bring them back next month.
And the elevator? It’s slow. Use the stairs. It's a workout, but you’ll save ten minutes of your life.
Why This Store Still Matters in 2026
With so much shopping moving online, you might wonder why people still flock to a physical outlet. The answer is simple: Fit.
Contemporary brands like Sandro or Maje (which often show up here) have notoriously tricky sizing. A "3" in one brand is a "Large," but in another, it’s a "Small." Buying this stuff on a final-sale website is a gamble. At the Bloomingdale's outlet store NYC, you can actually feel the fabric and see if that "oversized" blazer actually just looks like a tent on you.
Plus, there is the immediate gratification. In a city where we want everything yesterday, finding a tie for a gala tonight or a pair of heels because your heel snapped on the subway is a lifesaver.
Making the Most of Your Visit
To actually win at this store, you need a strategy. Don't just wander in.
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Start at the top and work your way down. The third floor often has the best hidden gems in terms of coats and dresses. Then hit the second floor for denim and basics. Finish in the basement for shoes.
Check for the "Loyallist" program. If you have a Bloomingdale's account, you can often earn points even at the outlet. It’s a small perk, but if you’re buying a suit or a designer bag, those points add up to "Reward Cards" you can use back at the flagship store for the fancy stuff.
Realities of the Inventory
You have to manage expectations. You aren't going to find a current-season Chanel bag here. It doesn't happen. What you will find are the workhorses of a good wardrobe.
- Denim: Expect to see Frame, Mother, and Joe’s Jeans.
- Outerwear: In the winter, they usually have a great selection of Mackage or Soia & Kyo.
- Handbags: Lots of Longchamp and MZ Wallace.
If you go looking for these specific types of brands, you’ll be happy. If you go expecting the bargain bin at a thrift store, you’ll be disappointed by the prices. It’s "attainable luxury," not "cheap."
Actionable Strategy for Your Next Trip
Stop thinking of it as a department store and start thinking of it as a curated hunt.
First, check the tags. Look for the "Clearance" stickers specifically. If the tag is printed specifically for the outlet (it will usually say "Bloomingdale's Outlet" on the actual price tag), the discount is fixed. If it's a white tag with a red sticker from the main store, that's where the real savings live.
Second, inspect every inch. Because this is an outlet in a high-density area, clothes get tried on a lot. Check for makeup stains on collars and loose threads on hems. The store will sometimes give you a small additional discount if you find a defect, but it’s better to just find a pristine item.
Third, time your visit. If you can’t do a weekday morning, try a Sunday evening about an hour before closing. The crowds thin out, the staff is usually starting to tidy up, and you can actually move through the aisles without getting hit by someone's shopping bag.
The Bloomingdale's outlet store NYC is a quintessential New York experience. It’s a bit chaotic, slightly cramped, but holds the potential for a massive payoff if you’re willing to put in the work. It’s not about luck; it’s about knowing the difference between a mass-produced outlet item and a genuine piece of high-fashion clearance.
Pack some patience, wear easy-to-remove shoes for the fitting room, and keep your eyes peeled for those red stickers. The deals are there—you just have to find them.