Romaine Bostick

Who do you think is your primary competitor?

We have actually.

Right now, the competition is multiple.

When you think it could be, you know, pure players online, small DTC brands, it could be social media, social commerce.

Of course, traditional department stores are part of that.

So it's an ecosystem.

But you know, it's important not to be too spread and unfocused, looking at too many players.

we're very clear on what is our vision, what is making us different, and where we want to go.

And this is what really matters.

All the energy, all the teams, and all our partners right now are actually working with us to achieve this vision that we're having for the future.

I think it's very complementary.

For me, of course digital will keep growing.

It's a fast-growing channel for us and it's been the case for many years.

I think we are seeing more and more transactions happening online.

But for me, Roman, the best way to actually invest online is keep investing in the stores.

The best branding investment we can make as a department store is investing in the store.

When you close your eyes and you think about your best Bloomingdale experience, you will never think about a box in front of your door.

You will think about a moment in the store where you found a great product you weren't expecting, sold by someone that actually, you know, created a relationship with you, and you had such a great moment.

That's what is the best investment for us in terms of branding, even about digital investment.

I think these behaviors are changing a bit.