Like No Other Store...:: The Bloomingdale's Legend and the Revolution in American Marketing

by Marvin Traub

The man who served as Bloomingdale's chairman for nearly two decades shares the store's tumultuous history, and the history of the art of selling, with inside stories about some of the top names in fashion. 35,000 first printing. $40,000 ad/promo. Tour.

Genres: Nonfiction

428 pages, Hardcover

First published November 9, 1993

Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This behind the scenes look at Bloomingdale’s is both poignant and fascinating, as I did work for B’s in the 70’s, when the sky was the limit and the TALENT was celebrated. Interior Designers, Buyers, FASHION designers, Vendors that Bloomingdale’s inspired to excellence, while tweaking their products. This was a creative community that moved the needle and raised the bar.
The windows and displays! The Events (Bridal show, MODEL ROOMS), and the big foray into better food offerings in the Gourmet Shop, and then restaurants, these all put Bloomingdale’s at the TOP.
TRUE LEGEND: Once the store was opening late (say noon versus 9:30) because Mrs. Kennedy wanted to shop. Privacy, courtesy and respect was given and received as the staff was totally star struck. She was beautiful, elegant and kind. Mr. Traub was her guide. How about that?? So if you have a taste for retail therapy that was earned, you might love this TRUE STORY.

[Erik Surewaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the collection of books that are written on retailing with focus on department stores, I think the books of Stanley Marcus are without a doubt the best books. Stanley Marcus was the director of Neiman Marcus.

This book however also fits in my opinion in the best books written on high-end department stores. Marvin Traub worked from approx 1949 to 1991 for Bloomingdale’s. In this period he was responsible for growing Bloomingdale’s to one of the most world renowned brands in high end retailing. He has also been crucial in the success of several fashion designers.

Apart from describing the in and outs of high end retaling, this book also describes the takeover of Federated Department Stores (of which Bloomies is a part) by Bob Campeau. The latter sadled the company not only with massive debt, but also mismanaged Federated leading to its eventual collapse. This period is also well describes in this book.

I really liked reading this book. Unfortunately there are only few books on the kings of retail, vut this book by and a out Marvin Traub and Bloomingdale’s clearly and partially fills this void.

[Joelle Socransky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love reading about how leaders in industry started and what bigger leader in retail than Bloomingdale's! Getting the inside story with real people and real situations, challenges was inspiring.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot about the fashion industry, how Bloomingdales was a true innovator.

The book is from the early 90's though-many of the info is outdated, but otherwise very interesting