Bloomingdale's in Dubai talks

RETAIL EXPANSION: Bloomingdale's is in talks to open a store in Dubai, according to US media reports. (Getty Images)

Famous US department store Bloomingdale's could open in Dubai before the end of the year, becoming the latest high-end retailer to set up shop in the emirate, according to reports in the US.

The launch may be via a franchise agreement with fashion retailer the Al-Tayer Group, which already boasts a portfolio of 30 brands, including Giorgio Armani, Bulgari, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.

Bloomingdale's is famous for its high-end fashion and legendary end-of-season sales.

The reports claim that Bloomingdale's is in talks with Al-Tayer to open a 129,600-square foot store in one of the two wings of Dubai Mall, set to become the largest in the world.

The mall is being built by Dubai's Emaar properties, the developer behind the Burj Dubai, which will be the world's tallest structure.

The mall has been under construction since 2004 and is expected to be finished in late 2008 or 2009. Parts of the mall are already open.

"Yes, I know Bloomingdale's is coming to Dubai, because when real estate groups come and present their projects, they tell you who else will be located next to you," the reports quote a source as saying.

Michael Gould, Bloomingdale's chairman and CEO, has declined to comment on the retailer's Middle East expansion plans. A spokesperson at Al-Tayer also declined to comment on the reports.

The Dubai Mall is expected to include more than 1,000 stores and cover about 10 million square feet. It is located next to the Burj Dubai in Emaar's $20 billion Downtown Burj Dubai development.

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