CHICAGO, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Macy's Inc (M.N) is bringing its higher-end Bloomingdale's chain into outlet malls.

The department store operator said on Thursday 21 January that it plans to open four Bloomingdale's outlets this summer or fall and said more stores should follow in future years.

"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," Chairman and Chief Executive Terry Lundgren said in a statement.

The first locations, each about 25,000 square feet, will open in the Bergen Town Center in Paramus, New Jersey; Dolphin Mall in Miami, Florida; Potomac Mills in Woodbridge, Virginia; and Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, Florida.

Macy's said Arnold Orlick will rejoin the company in the new role of senior vice president for outlet stores. (Reporting by Jessica Wohl, editing by Gerald E. McCormick)