Based in Minneapolis, Blu Dot has a understated goal “Bring good design to as many people as possible.” In furniture terms, the product is affordable and cleanly achieved. Last month, Blu Dot moved into 140 Wooster St, a spot vacated by Stussy, in New York’s Soho. As Jill Singer notes in ID the block is becoming a younger, hipper, and cheaper cousin to Greene Street. The interior remains the same as Stussy originally designed (the work was done by Nick Dine). ID also has a full video tour of the store, check it here.

DNR reports in with news of Bloomingdale’s expanding their retail presence to Dubai with two new stores to be completed for 2010. ""A three-level, 146,000-square-foot apparel and accessories store and a one-level, 54,000-square-foot home store will together anchor The Dubai Mall…Bloomingdale’s said the merchandise assortment, upscale ambience and high level of customer service will be similar to its stores in the U.S., while being sensitive to local preferences and customs.""

DNR is reporting this morning on some moves from Polo Ralph Lauren towards the opening of solo standing purple and black mens stores. "Freestanding men’s stores for Black or Purple Label may be in the cards for Polo Ralph Lauren. As those labels continue to expand their reach, adding more product categories and offerings, the company is considering breaking them out as separate retail concepts."

Read the story at DNR.