Bloomingdale's to shift direct-to-consumer focus online

NEW YORK Bloomingdale's is shifting the focus of its direct-to-consumer business to its stronger performing bloomingdales.com Web site, where sales growth has far outpaced he Bloomingdale's By Mail catalog in recent years. As such, the company said it will discontinue its By Mail catalog by 2009.

"Bloomingdale's is focused on growing its online business, increasing profitability and reflecting a seamless brand and merchandise selection, whether it be in-store or online," commented Michael Gould, Bloomingdale's chairman and ceo."