RIP Bloomingdale's at Mall of America

What will I do when my bi-weekly trip to Mall of America no longer includes a Bloomingdale's experience? Sadly, the department store that touts itself to be "like no other store in the world" is scheduled to close its Mall of America location in March. After 20 years of attempts to win over a loyal base of Twin Cities shoppers as well as interested tourists, Bloomingdale's is throwing in the "Ralph Lauren" towel.

Personally, I love Bloomie's. This high-end store introduced me to designers I'd never seen before. And, although I don't (correction...can't) spend $300 on a sweater, I've learned to practice patience and keep an eye on sales there. If fact, this summer, I was thrilled to snag an $80 blouse by Aqua for $24, and it was still very much in season. I'd tried it on a few weeks earlier, loved it, but couldn't spend the money. At $24, the blouse became an instant triumph and favorite piece in my wardrobe.

I think back to one of my first visits to Bloomingdale's. I had seen that the Lingerie department was scheduling professional bra fittings with a Wacoal representative. I was in my late 20's and had never been "fitted" by anyone other than my mom. Although I had to get beyond a bit of shyness, the Wacoal representative took my measurements. She informed me that I'd been wearing the wrong size (both in inches and cup size). She proceeded to help me choose the best fit and showed me the correct way to get into a bra. I didn't know that there was a "correct" way. What a difference in comfort the correct size makes! I've since shopped at lingerie stores where sales staff have offered me a "sister size" when they don't have my true size in stock, but I don't settle just so they can make a sale. I know that Bloomie's would have special ordered it for me.

That same great service elevates every department at Bloomingdale's. My husband was starting a new job and didn't have me along to select a new suit, sportcoat, pants, shirts, etc. A Bloomie's salesman took him under his wing, zeroed in on the perfect style, colors and fit for him. He was in and out of the store within an hour (his shopping time limit), and the alterations were ready within a couple of days. Top-notch service is especially crucial to non-shoppers like my husband.

Don't get me wrong...nothing will ever come between me and my trips to MOA. It's a brisk 20-mile drive from my front door. Plus, I'm forever a devotee of Nordstrom and about 30 stores along the trek between Bloomie's and Nordie's (which stand opposite each other in the grand MOA scheme of things). Bloomingdale's Court alone is a treasure trove with J. Crew, Fossil, Rainforest Cafe, and the snazzy new Michael Kors store. Let's just hope that what mall officials promise for replacement stores ("fashion-forward tenants unique to the Twin Cities") can live up to the experience of Bloomingdale's...and gain a loyal following.