Marvin S. Traub | Bloomingdale's chief, 87

Marvin S. Traub
Marvin S. Traub
Posted: July 14, 2012

Marvin S. Traub, 87, who helped distinguish Bloomingdale's from the department-store pack by offering glamorous, luxurious products from around the world, has died.

Mr. Traub had suffered from bladder cancer, according to Mortimer Singer, president of Martin Traub Associates.

Mr. Traub was the luxury retailer's president and chief executive officer for 22 years, according to the website for his self-named consulting firm.

"He was a showman," said Walter Loeb, founder of the New York-based retail consulting firm Loeb Associates Inc. "He understood that theater is what made Bloomingdale's a very special place to shop. Whether it was country-tied events, or bringing fashion designers in contact with shoppers for the first time, it was all about the excitement."

A merchandising manager at the store since 1962, Mr. Traub became president in 1969 and oversaw the opening of new branches and the growth of Bloomie's as a brand name, particularly on women's underwear.

"Blessed with enormous energy, he will always be remembered for the devotion he gave to our store for the last 62 years," current chairman Michael Gould said in an e-mail to employees.

Marvin Stuart Traub was born on April 14, 1925, in New York City, an only child. His father, Sam, was vice president of a corset company, and his mother, Bea, was a saleswoman at Bonwit Teller in New York, according to a 1980 People magazine profile.

His studies at Harvard University were interrupted by U.S. Army service during World War II, during which he was severely wounded by a bullet. Back at Harvard, he helped resurrect the student newspaper, the Crimson, which had suspended publication during the war, People reported. He attended Harvard Business School, specializing in marketing.

After a year working for the Alexander's retail chain, he joined Bloomingdale's.

Survivors include his wife, Lee, and children Andrew, James and Peggy, Singer said.

- Bloomberg News

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