Breakfast at Bloomies
Very interesting findings I must share with my readers. Those of you who know me have heard me mention “the mother ship”. That has been my reference name for Bloomingdale’s for as long as I can remember.
Instead of going off on a tangent about how fabulous I think the NYC department store is, I am going to let you in on some happenings which recently were revealed to me.
A few weeks ago I was at Lord & Taylor to preshop for one of my clients. I decided to get an early start, so I grabbed my coffee and headed to the store. Upon arrival, I found there were people gathering around the door to get in. Apparently they don’t open until 11.a.m. on Saturdays. It was kind of cold out, so the security guards let some customers wait in the vestibule. There were a few folding chairs for people to sit in at the door as well.
I couldn’t really make out what was going on, but it looked like some sort of ceremony. I sat in a chair at the door with my coffee in hand. All of a sudden five security guards appeared, looking very dapper in fine suits, with little wires hanging out of their ears. They lined up in front of the guests as if they were making a barricade. Over the loudspeaker the Pledge of Allegiance roared, and hands were on hearts as the customers faced the guards, reciting the words.
At this point I’m thinking, is this some sort of fashion department store ritual I didn’t know about? I looked to my left and right to make sure I wasn’t being punked. Nope. Everyone was joining in, and these Lord & Taylor security guards meant business.
I have to say, there was something really nice about it. The view of an untouched department store, the camaraderie of shoppers in NYC uniting was something to experience. As the guards moved out of the way and exclaimed, “Welcome to Lord & Taylor!”, I proceeded ahead with my mission. Well-dressed employees stood at their counters with straight postures and hands behind their backs, greeting me good morning.
Believe it or not, a week later, I found myself waiting at the doors of Bloomingdale’s at 60th and Lex. A crowd started to gather here as they did at Lord & Taylor. Once again I had coffee in hand, and was curious about what kind of weekend morning ritual “the mother ship” had in store.
The entrance to Bloomingdale’s at 60th and Lex is so grand.
The floors are black and white check tile, and they always have such beautiful flower arrangements in the foyer. Alas! Here come the guards! Peeping in the glass of the front door, I see the florists scurrying away, Chanel and Prada in the background, and the guards proceed to open the glass doors.
Welcome to Bloomingdales! The loudspeaker goes on, and the oh so familiar Frank Sinatra song, Start Spreading the News, is ringing through the store.
I have to say, there is something very special about being amongst the first to step foot in a NYC department store on the weekend. It truly feels ceremonial. I suppose this is similar to how sports fans feel before the start of a game. Seems to me the iconic movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, got it right!
