Russ Patrick, a longtime merchant from Neiman Marcus, has joined Bloomingdale’s as its new general merchandise manager (GMM) of home. After spending three decades with the luxury retailer, Patrick is making his return to the department store sector under Macy’s Inc.
Career Shift and Patrick’s Motivation for Joining Bloomingdale’s
Patrick spent the last few years at Neiman Marcus, where he served in several leadership roles, including head merchant of men’s, gifts and home, and children’s. He left the Dallas-based retailer a couple of years ago, according to his LinkedIn profile. Patrick noted that Bloomingdale’s, with its “pivotal chapter of growth and momentum,” offered the right opportunity to make his return.
In an emailed statement, Patrick shared his excitement about returning to Bloomingdale’s, mentioning the company’s strong team and clear vision. He emphasized that New York’s position as the “center of retail energy” made Bloomingdale’s the perfect place for his next step.
Industry Shifts and Bloomingdale’s Growth
The move comes amid significant changes in the department store industry. Neiman Marcus Group (NMG), which also includes Bergdorf Goodman and Horchow, faced bankruptcy in 2020 and subsequent rounds of layoffs. Recently, NMG’s brands became part of Saks Global, which also filed for bankruptcy last week.
In the wake of Saks Global’s struggles, many high-profile executives from Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman have joined Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, which have gained market share in recent months.
