Macy's, Bloomingdale's add international shipping

NEW YORK — Macy's Inc. said Monday that its Macy's and Bloomingdale's chains will begin shipping to 91 countries outside of the U.S., including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and others.

The expansion has the potential to raise the international profile of Macy's, whose roughly 800 stores are all in the U.S. and its territories.

"In 2010, non-U.S.-based shoppers accounted for 36 million visits to macys.com," Macys.com President Kent Anderson said in a statement. "The prospect of satisfying the demands of this consumer is an exciting business opportunity for us."

Macy's is working with e-commerce company FiftyOne to offer the international shopping.

Bloomingdale's said the move will help increase its visibility overseas.

"Bloomingdale's already attracts international customers and introducing a program that allows for international shipping will intensify the reputation and presence of our company abroad," Bloomingdale's Chief Financial Officer Bruce Berman said.

Macy's is based in Cincinnati.