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Bloomingdale's Review

Wednesday, January 22nd

2025 Handbag Store Reviews

Bloomingdale's Review 3.5 Star Rating

Bloomingdale's

3.5 Star Rating
  • Prices from $28 to $8,995
  • 2,646 items in stock for handbags
  • Premium and luxury brands
  • 90-day returns
  • No-receipt returns for in-store credit
  • Free shipping on $150+
  • Free in-store pickup
  • "A+” rating and accreditation from the BBB

Bloomingdales is a renowned American luxury department store chain that was originally established in 1861 by Benjamin and Lyman Bloomingdale. The store found its way into the folds of Federated Department Stores in 1930 and became a sister brand to Macy's, which was also acquired by Federated in 1994. Now, Bloomingdales operates a total of 36 department stores and 23 outlet stores, all bearing the prestigious Bloomingdales name. Notably, the company commemorated its 150th anniversary on September 9, 2022, marking a significant milestone in its illustrious history.

Specializes in high-end inventory

Bloomingdales is renowned for offering high-end fashion items at premium prices. You can find 2,646 items available in their handbag section, which is a fairly competitive inventory. The smallest category at Bloomingdales is the "Under $50." This should give you an idea of the upscale nature of the handbags they offer. Most of their bags are over $100 and some are even over $5,000. So, if you're in search of a specific designer bag, Bloomingdales is a prime destination. However, for those on a budget, you may not find what you want at Bloomingdales. But, there are some cheaper items to be found. For example, the full price range for Bloomingdales ranges from $28 for a Medium Canvas Bag to $8,995 for a Dolce & Gabbana Handle Bag.

Easy user interface for a premium experience

Their website is fairly straightforward to navigate, featuring a prominent link to handbags on the homepage. Upon visiting the handbag landing page, you'll find an array of choices, including links to current fashion trends, best-selling items, and renowned designers. Bloomingdales even provides you access to an online style expert to help you discover the perfect bag. Plus, once you've started browsing, you can easily narrow down your options with useful filters which include selections like designer, color, price, fabric, handbag size, gender, percent off, occasion, and department.

Free shipping on $150+ for non-members

In terms of shipping, Bloomingdales typically processes and ships in-stock items within two business days for standard shipping. For customers who are members at Bloomingdales, you can expect free shipping on every order. For other customers, the free shipping threshold is pretty high. You'll need to spend $150+ to score free shipping from this retailer. On the bright side, for customers who live near a Bloomingdales location, you can get free in-store pickup whether you're a member or not, which might help those shipping costs in a pinch.

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Returns within 90 days

One noteworthy aspect of Bloomingdales is its generous return policy. Customers have the luxury of returning most unwanted items within 90 days, provided they remain in a resalable condition. Only items listed as "final offer” will not be able to be returned. Furthermore, Bloomingdales will give you store credit if you have an item but lost your receipt. For this return process, as long as you have the name and shipping address of the original purchase, you can expect to receive store credit for the item at the lowest selling price in the last 180 days.

Concerns about online shopping ding its reputation

According to some third-party review sites, however, Bloomingdales isn't worth the worry even for premium picks. Many third-party sites with verified reviews rated Bloomingdales just over 1 star out of 5 on average. While some customers commended the diverse online selection and praised customer service representatives for their assistance with online orders, the majority of compliments pertained to in-store shopping experiences. Online shopping, on the other hand, was heavily criticized. The most frequent complaints referred to order cancellations without prior customer notification and interactions with impolite and condescending online customer service agents. On the flipside, the company does have an "A+” rating and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau, which supports the more positive reviews seen on Sitejabber (which gave Bloomingdales a higher 3.5-star average).

Mid-tier, but great spot for luxury brands

Despite offering a substantial selection of handbags, Bloomingdales is known for its premium inventory which may be limiting to many shoppers. Their return and shipping policies rank favorably in comparison to other online handbag retailers, owing to their large-scale operations and the longer-than-average return window. Nevertheless, Bloomingdales was positioned in the middle tier here primarily due to adverse customer service reviews concerning online shopping. While many customers lauded their in-store experiences, the negative encounters online highlighted areas in which Bloomingdales could stand to improve. So, if you're in the market for premium brands, you should still check out Bloomingdales. It's the number one spot for those brand-name handbags that are the height of fashion. But if you're looking for deals or the smoothest shopping experience online, you might want to keep browsing.

Where is the Best Place to Shop Online for Handbags?

Today, handbags play a pivotal role in the world of fashion. They seamlessly blend functionality and style, offering both practicality and a distinctive fashion statement, from totes and clutches to crossbody bags and backpacks. And in recent years, handbags have witnessed a shift towards sustainability, with many consumers opting for eco-friendly and ethical options.

And now, you can easily browse your favorite styles and influencer faves from the comfort of your own home. The digital marketplace helps you explore thousands of handbags, each distinguished by its price, style, functionality, color, pattern, size, and even shipping speed. All you need is a computer or phone and you could have your next handbag on its way to you in minutes.

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Handbag Store FAQ

If you're a collector of handbags, you already know that there are so many to choose from! Today's most popular styles include crossbody bags, tote bags, shoulder bags, hobo bags, satchels, clutches, and bucket bags.
You may want to have at least three handbags at the ready: a large one for toting bigger things like tablets, a water bottle, or even a laptop; a medium-sized one that can carry your wallet and mobile phone; and a dressier evening bag. Pair your handbag with the occasion - because you'd feel silly bringing a sequined clutch to the gym, or a big leather tote to the opera!
That's a matter of personal preference. Matching your shoes and handbags offers a classic look, while slightly mismatched accessories presents a more modern vibe. Whether or not they match in appearance or style, your handbag and your other accessories should have a similar feel - like flats with a crossbody bag or pumps with a clutch bag.
Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, designer brand handbags appeal to some shoppers and not to others. If you love the feeling of having the latest Tory Burch bag on your arm or collecting something new from COACH each season, go for it! On the other hand, if you're just looking for something fun or functional, you'll find more affordable options outside of the designer brands.
The care and cleaning of your handbag will largely depend on the materials from which it's made. Be sure to see if your bag comes with any special instructions or recommendations for cleansers. Some handbags may be dry clean only, but most can be gently spot-cleaned with a damp, soft cloth. Preventing dirt and stains is the best way to keep your handbags clean: try to remember to put them on a chair or table instead of the floor when you go out.
Most designer handbags come with a cloth dust bag for storage. You can also use a pillowcase or bubble wrap, but avoid using tissue paper because it can attract moths. If your bag has buckles or straps, loosen them before storing your handbag so that they don't leave marks in the material. Finally, if your handbag has a chain handle, keep it stored inside the bag so that it won't scratch the outside surface.
Where else will you find the world's best selection? Online retailers put every imaginable style, color and brand of handbags at just a click away. Many stores offer competitive pricing and fun perks like rewards programs or spin-the-wheel discounts, and you'll often get free shipping on your order.
Most of the time you can, as long as it's in unused condition with the original packaging. Some stores even give you up to a full year to make the return, which is fantastic if you're shopping early for a holiday or special occasion. A few retailers charge a small fee for the postage-paid return label and deduct it from the amount of your refund.
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Continued from above...

Handbags possess a rich historical legacy, with roots tracing back centuries. In the 17th century, these accessories served as small concealed pouches for both men and women, carrying coins, keys, and snacks. As time progressed into the 18th and 19th centuries, women's evolving fashion styles ushered in more ornate and decorative handbags, often crafted from luxurious fabrics and adorned with intricate embroidery.

By the 20th century, handbags had become symbols of both status and style, epitomized by iconic designs like the Hermes Birkin and Chanel 2.55 bag, showcasing the burgeoning importance of brand recognition. Influencer culture and social media have further fueled the popularity of specific handbag designs, cementing their place as an essential and evolving accessory in the realm of fashion and style. Whether you want vegan leather or a Coach clutch, there's something out there for everyone.

With so many retailers that offer high-quality handbags it can be hard to know where to start. So, to help you figure out which handbag stores aren't cut from the same cloth, we've put together some key things to consider to help you find the best place to pick your next must-have accessory:

  • Wide selection. Some retailers offer a vast array of handbags, offering thousands of options, while others curate a more limited assortment. Stores with expansive collections can help you find your next bag faster. So, checking sites with large inventories may help you with your shopping spree.
  • Price. Hey, budget is a big deal. We get it. Getting the most value for your money is a huge help when picking out accessories that are functional like handbags. The online marketplace is one where you might encounter handbags priced as modestly as $11 or as extravagantly as $50,000. So, keeping your budget in mind as you shop can help you narrow down your choices.
  • Reputation. Trust is paramount when shopping online. Does the company you're looking at have a track record of selling high-quality merchandise? Do other handbag customers have good experiences with the company? Exploring the Better Business Bureau's insights and checking out fellow customers' reviews can help you make an informed choice about your next shopping destination.
  • Return policy. Return policies matter to online shoppers. If the handbag that arrives at your doorstep falls short of expectations, whether due to size discrepancies, color mismatches, or a simple change of style preference, it's important to know if returning it will be a problem or a hassle-free process. Ensuring that you can get a full refund provides peace of mind while you're shopping for your next must-have handbag.

To help you on your way to the height of fashion, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best online handbag retailers available online today. Since a good handbag often becomes an everyday companion, we know how important it is to pick the accessory that fits your unique style. Whether your quest is for a daily commute companion, a vacation-ready tote, or a show-stopping clutch for a night on the town, our reviews can help you express your inner fashionista!

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