Hoping to tap into consumers’ new frugality, luxury department store chain Bloomingdale’s plans to launch an outlet store concept this year.

The decision, announced Thursday by parent company Macy’s Inc., calls for four outlets to open this summer or fall, with more locations expected for 2011 and beyond.

The first stores are scheduled to open in Paramus, N.J.; Miami; Sunrise, Fla.; and Woodbridge, Va.

“We have been studying the opportunities for entering the off-the-mall outlet business for some time, and the timing now is right given the consumer’s particular focus on value in addition to fashion and quality,” Terry Lundgren, chief executive of Macy’s Inc., said in a statement.

Bloomingdale’s will join other upscale retailers that operate outlet concepts, such as Saks Inc. and Nordstrom Inc.