Content about Bloomingdale's

Chicago -- AWE Talisman and Macerich announced Monday that Fashion Outlets of Chicago will open on August 1 in Rosemont, Ill., featuring Bloomingdale's The Outlet Store, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and 120 additional brands.

The two-level, 530,000-sq.-ft. outlet mall is the first fully enclosed, multi-level property with this level of amenities in the Chicago area in more than two decades, according to both companies.

Cincinnati -- Macy’s Inc. said it plans to hire approximately 80,000 seasonal associates for its Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores, call centers, distribution centers and online fulfillment centers nationwide for the 2012 holiday season. This is an increase of about 2.5% from last year.

New York City -- The nation’s discount chains reported solid results for January, with Target Corp., TJX Cos., and Costco Wholesale Corp. all reporting gains above expectations. Overall, discounters reported stronger results than department stores, which appeared to take a greater hit due to the unseasonably warm weather and heavy promotions.

As the first month of the year, January accounts for only 20% November-January sales, and 7% of annual sales, according to RetailMetrics.

New York City -- It’s true: Everything old is new again. New York City’s retail maven, Faith Hope Consolo, chairman, The Retail Group, Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, New York, has put together a list of her favorite store makeovers of the past year. As Consolo notes, even the most iconic stores must constantly present a new, fresh face to keep shoppers coming. Here are her faves:

The Falls, one of Florida’s largest open-air, retail and entertainment destinations featuring Bloomingdale's and Macy's, along with more than 95 stores and restaurants, is rolling out a new retail roster that will include several new stores and dining venues.

The retail surge at The Falls, opening in different phases as of fall 2011, will coincide with numerous exterior upgrades including new entrances and signage, along with interior enhancements featuring a contemporary and chic color palette and new soft seating areas.

Atlanta -- Manhattan Associates was honored as the "Best Third Party Provider" at the Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions Association Awards, for its strategic thinking and leadership that has resulted in high-impact supply chain practices and partnerships. Manhattan was selected based on its partnership with Macy's, providing solutions from the Manhattan SCOPE solution suite that have supported the growth of the leading retailer's direct-to-consumer business.

Cincinnati -- Macy’s first-quarter earnings soared and easily beat Wall Street predictions on rising sales, tight expense controls and its efforts to tailor merchandise by region. The department store operator is doubling its quarterly dividend and raising its full-year earnings and sales outlook.

Macy’s posted net income of $131 million for the quarter that ended on April 30, nearly six times higher than the $23 million it reported a year earlier.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group announced that Brazilian shoe and accessories retailer has opened its first U.S. store at the Town Center at Boca Raton, located in Boca Raton, Fla.

This opening marks Santa Lolla’s 105th location worldwide.

“We see Florida as an important part of our future expansion strategy and are very excited about the opening of our first U.S.-based boutique,” said Marcela Bussamra, marketing director for Santa Lolla.

Cincinnati -- Macy’s reported Tuesday that net income jumped 50% in the fourth quarter ended Jan. 29, and projected its full-year profit would meet Wall Street expectations.

After a strong holiday season, the retailer earned $667 million in the fourth quarter, compared with $445 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue rose 5% to $8.27 billion, just missing analysts’ average forecast for $8.28 billion. Same-store sales increased 4.3%.

New York City -- Macy’s said Tuesday that it plans to expand its website offerings and would add about 725 new positions over the next two years to implement the e-commerce expansion plan.