WSJ Rates Luxury Department Stores

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed)
Jul 16th 2006 at 4:01PM

After sending out correspondents to 12 stores of 5 different luxury department store chains in 6 cities across the country, the Wall Street Journal reported its findings yesterday, comparing how the stores stacked up in terms of service, product selection and their "extra touches." Bergdorf Goodman came out on top, winning the "best overall" rating. They had the shortest wait time for staff help, the largest selection of high-end, ready-to-wear designer apparel, excellent restrooms and even a DJ that will download music onto your iPod. Barneys got a nod for their insightful staff and number of new designers. Neiman Marcus was praised for their huge catalogue selection. Nordstrom, though only half its stores carry all their luxury brands, had one of the best shoe collections as well as easy returns. Saks has refreshing water bars and ultra-attentive staff.

Tags: barneys, bergdorf goodman, department stores, luxury department stores, neiman marcus, nordstrom, saks, wall street journal, wsj

Filed under: Services

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Judy Scrafford Jul 20th 2006 3:51PM

Marshal Field on State Street in Chicago was such a Chicago icon. A beautiful store has now become drek! So sad. How could they let that happen?

Nicole W Jul 20th 2006 4:16PM

I am also sad to know that Marshall Field's is no more but a name that has lost its identity to Macy's who has now bought it. Macy's store and website are both trashy and steadily not up to par. Macy's has lived off a name and not good in its product or presentation and now it is going to bring down Marshall Field's. Goodbye, my dear store. Hello, Trash!

Vicki Shannon Jul 20th 2006 4:35PM

........you can never go wrong with Bergdorf's! C'est magnifique!

Karen Morby Jul 20th 2006 4:55PM

You said it! some will say it's just a store, but part of what makes Chicago my city is dying. As far as I'm concerned, Fields is a stop on an architecture tour. What a loss.

T Jul 20th 2006 5:00PM

What about Saks??

Ruth Lee Jul 20th 2006 5:10PM

The staff in Saks is never attentive - if anything they go out of their way to snub you. No wonder many of their stores are closing.

Cissy Jul 20th 2006 5:10PM

I know the Wall Street Journal is going to be VERY upset that I don't agree with them, but I have always found Bergdorf's personnel to be cold and unaccomodating....wheras, I have always found Saks, Bloomingdales, and especially Nordstrom to have the most pleasant and helpful employees. Bergdorf may carry the larger selection of "high end" ready to wear, have great restrooms and a flunkie who loads your Ipod for you, but give me Saks, Bloomies, and Nordstrom any day! I would also like to add that Henri Bendel is the MOST fun to shop at....great, unusual things, and fabulous cosmetics.

Donald M. Tallarico Jul 20th 2006 5:26PM

As a frequent visitor to NewYork and a customer of Bergdorf-Goodman, no store comes close to the ambience,staff,merchandise, service and overall experience of shopping or visiting that store. However as a big client also of Neiman-Marcus since we live in LosAngeles, they come in to a close second for the same reasons that BG is number 1....just a little under!