Bloomingdale's guide
Bloomingdale's Marketplace vs wholesale: what changes for your brand
Quick answer
On Bloomingdale's Marketplace, the brand owns the inventory, ships each order, handles returns, and answers customer questions first, while the listing appears on bloomingdales.com with a 'shipped and sold by' note. In wholesale, Bloomingdale's buys the inventory and sells it as its own. Bloomingdale's has described its marketplace as a way to give luxury brands more control, extend its assortment beyond what it buys, and incubate emerging brands.
This page is part of the sell on Bloomingdale's Marketplace guide.
Last reviewed: October 8, 2026 · Based on Bloomingdale's public information.
How is the marketplace different from wholesale?
In a wholesale relationship, the retailer buys inventory and sells it as its own. On Bloomingdale's Marketplace, the brand keeps the inventory, ships each order from a U.S. warehouse, processes returns, and answers customer questions first.
Shoppers see the listing on bloomingdales.com with a 'shipped and sold by [seller]' note. The seller ships the item directly and is responsible for processing, shipping, and returns. Third-party items ship to the contiguous United States only, on standard delivery.
Most third-party items can be returned within 30 days of receipt. The shopper uses the online return tool, or an associate at the bHelpful desk can help in a store and ship the item back to the seller. The brand processes the return at a U.S. warehouse within 2 business days of receiving it. Categories are the ones agreed in the brand's contract, and brands generally cannot list items Bloomingdale's already sells itself.
Which model fits your brand?
Choose from the work you want to keep, not from a ranking of the models.
- Marketplace. You want the listing on bloomingdales.com, you can ship within 48 business hours, and you will handle returns and first-line customer service.
- Wholesale. You want Bloomingdale's to buy the inventory and sell it as its own.
- Drop-ship. The retailer sells the item and your operation ships it, under that separate arrangement.
Acenda is an approved, pioneer partner of Bloomingdale's Marketplace and has been part of Bloomingdale's Marketplace since day one. After Bloomingdale's approves a marketplace brand, Acenda can run the catalog, orders, and weekly payout reconciliation. See Bloomingdale's Marketplace categories and Macy's Marketplace vs wholesale.
