Saks

Saks Fifth Avenue To Close More Stores

Back in May we learned that luxury department store Saks Fifth Avenue was closing two stores, one in Portland, Oregon store and another at the Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego, California. Now two more underperforming stores are set to close. The Saks Fifth Avenue store in Southampton, New York closes on Saturday and the Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5TH store in The Legends at Sparks Marina in Reno/Sparks, Nevada closes at the first of the year.

"We routinely review the productivity, profitability, and potential for each of our stores and may determine it is appropriate to close a store from time to time," noted Steve Sadove, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saks. "Store closing decisions are difficult ones to make, but the planned closing of these two locations is consistent with our strategy of deploying our resources in productive stores and closing underperforming stores, when feasible." Other Saks store closings have also includes stores in Charleston, South Carolina and Plano, Texas. The Saks Fifth Avenue store in Mission Viejo, California also closes later this month.

Tags: saks, saks fifth ave, Saks Fifth Avenue, store closing, store closings, store closures

Z Spoke by Zac Posen, Exclusively at Saks

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Z Spoke by Zac Posen, Exclusively at Saks

Nearly 10 years after launching his eponymous label, Zac Posen decided to create what he called in Marie Claire "the day component, or casual component" of his fashion world. Z Spoke, available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue, debuted a few months ago. The 60-piece collection comprises separates (knits, cotton shirting, blazers, and pleated khaki shorts) and dresses priced from $78 - $675. "They're for the hipster who has grown up and gone to work," the 31-year-old Posen said.

Tags: clothing, fashion, Saks, Z Spoke, Zac Posen

Saks To Sell Designer Plus-Sized Fashion

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

More and more women are looking for designer fashions in larger sizes. Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City is ready to accommodate them. Racked recently reported that the flagship store's high-end third floor will be home to designer plus-sized apparel. The retailer will offer gowns, suits and more in sizes from 14 to 20 by top-of-the-line brands like Armani, Chanel, Donna Karan and Oscar de la Renta. Racked says that the fall and winter plus-sized pieces will be mixed in with existing stock rather than relegated to a separate section. In general most of the designer pieces would only be available in up to a size 10 but with the new initiative most of the pieces will be available up to a size 14 and as high as 20 in some cases depending on what sizes the brand makes. Saks is testing this out so only one of each size will be stocked for most pieces. But if this is successful look for other Saks stores to stock larger sizes in these designer labels.

Will women go for the larger sizes? An article on DNA Info interviewed a couple of Saks shoppers who didn't seem too enthused. Although much of America falls into the size 12 and up category there is an ongoing perception that larger women aren't interested in expensive fashion. But plus-sized fashion is a multi-billion dollar industry and one that so far, has been vastly undeserved by luxury brands.

Tags: plus size, plus-size, saks, Saks Fifth Avenue, womens fashion

Saks Fifth Avenue Closing Two Stores In July

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Luxury department store Saks Fifth Avenue has announced another store closing. In March, the brand announced the July 10th closing of its Portland, Oregon store. It will also be closing the Saks Fifth Avenue store located in the Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego, California by July 17, 2010. In a press release, Steve Sadove, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saks said that the closing is "consistent with our strategy of focusing our resources on our most productive stores."

Around 70 employees are employed in the San Diego store and will be offered transfer opportunities or will receive appropriate severance packages. Despite the closings Sadove remains bullish on luxury. I had the chance to hear Sadove participate in a panel discussion at the American Express Publishing Luxury Summit recently and it was clear that he is certain that luxury is regaining its footing and that the days of deep discounting and slowly moving merchandise are coming to a close, just not fast enough it seems to save these two stores.

Tags: portland, saks, Saks Fifth Avenue, saks-fifth-avenue, SaksFifthAve, san diego, steve sadove

The Rich Will Rescue Christmas

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

It looks like luxury retail is getting ready for a comeback. Shoppers in enviable tax brackets are doing a better job of prying their wallets open, at least if you can believe their stock prices. Tiffany, Saks and Nordstrom all showed signs of progress heading into Black Friday, meaning that investors were willing to bet on the wealthy.

Dan Greenhaus, chief economic strategist at Miller Tabak, explained to USA Today, "We're resting our (upbeat outlook) on the upper-income consumer, who seems to be holding up pretty well." This group, he continued, "is where the vast majority of spending in this country is done."

Research firm Penn Schoen Berland weighed in with agreement: "Well-to-do Americans are feeling much less of a crunch." Households with incomes of greater than $70,000 a year, the firm found, planned to amp up their holiday spending by 27 percent this year. Those with incomes below $40,000 are cutting their holiday joy by 14 percent.

While the bargain hunters turn to the discount retailers, which are expected to do well this year, look for the higher-income consumers to spend more at places like Williams-Sonoma and other mid-range to upscale retail establishments.

So, with deeper pockets starting to open this year, it looks like the wealthy will turn last year's holiday bust around. A good holiday season for Saks shows that those with the bucks are starting to open up, and recoveries start at the top.

Source

Tags: luxury retail, luxury retailers, LuxuryRetail, LuxuryRetailers, nordstrom, Nordstroms, recession, RecessionAntidote, recovery, retail, retail sales, retailers, RetailSales, saks, Saks Fifth Avenue, SaksFifthAvenue, tiffany, TiffanyAndCo, tiffanys

Discount Rules While Luxury Flounders

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

More bad news for Saks Fifth Avenue. As our sister blog Daily Finance reported, Saks has released its second quarter results beating analysts' expectations by posting a loss of $54.5 million, or 39 cents per share on sales of $561.7 million. Same store sales were down 15.5 percent. None of this is too surprising, luxury shopping has been taking a huge hit in this economy. But what is compelling is that Saks saving grace may end up being its discount outlets. An AP story said that the less-expensive Off 5th stores are doing better than Saks' full-price stores. This news comes as Nordstrom, which has also been having a rough time in this market has announced that is expanding its discount chain, Nordstrom Rack. The question I have is with the boom of outlet stores and the success of discount stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx, who will be left to buy the items at their original prices? The discount market relies on the fact that department stores exist and that some buyers are willing to pay the premium to have their choice of designer goods. If the luxury brand buyers switch to buying the brands only at discounted rates it remains to be seen how the structure of shopping will change. I suppose the good news in this for luxury retailers is that the shopping impulse is alive and well in U.S. consumers, they just aren't willing to spend the big bucks currently.

Tags: discount, nordstrom, outlet stores, OutletStores, saks, shopping

Designer Baby Satchels at Saks

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Children

Even mothers want to make a stylish statement when pushing their prams and if they're going to be lugging around all of that baby gear it might as well be in a designer bag. I knew that more affordable designers like JP Lizzy and Vera Bradley made diaper bags but honestly until today I didn't realize such iconic names like Prada, Juicy Couture and Burberry were brandished on baby totes.

Saks Fifth Avenue has a large collection of designer baby satchels for the fashion forward mama ranging from $158 to $1,100. These bags don't look like any ordinary diaper bag and they definitely don't portray any pastel colored or yellow ducky themes. They are sophisticated yet functional and will blend into everyday life without shouting 'Baby on Board'! Peruse the gallery to select a fantastic baby bag for some lucky mom you know.

Gallery: Saks' Designer Baby Bags

Source

Tags: baby bags, baby satchels, BabyBags, BabySatchels, saks, saks fifth avenue, SaksFifthAvenue

Lockheart Bargello Jada Hobo, Handbag of the Day

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

The Lockheart Bargello Jada Hobo is an unexpectedly luxurious and practical find!

The practicality is achieved not only by its 14"W x 13"H x 5"D size, but this bag has a detachable 17"-24" drop shoulder strap, rayon lining, six inside pockets, and three large outside pockets. The permanent strap, a 10" drop, fits over the shoulder as well, but we love the intricately woven detail on the detachable strap. If not for the wear those pesky TSA machines could have on this polished leather, we'd call this the perfect carry on bag!

As for luxury, the soft black polished leather and artful exterior panels give the bag a natural elegance and no-nonsense style with universal appeal. We love the portly, retro shape.

The Lockheart Bargello Jada Hobo is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $695.00.

Tags: handbag of the day, HandbagOfTheDay, hobo, lockheart, saks, saks fifth avenue

Foley & Corinna Tie-Dye Convertible Tote, Handbag of the Day

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

The Foley & Corinna Tie-Dye Convertible Tote is an eye catching, fashion forward bag for spring and summer.

Both charcoal grey and tye dye are going to be "in" this summer, but who wants to walk around in tie dye -- or charcoal grey in summer for that matter?

The solution, as always, is to keep your accessories on-trend and wear whatever you want. This bag would be terrific with just about any bright color, and at 11"W X 12"H x 3½"D with a detachable shoulder strap, it's even suitable for the office.

It's hard to see from the picture, but this tie dying is actually done on rich, white leather, which keeps this fun bag remarkably sophisticated.

The Foley & Corinna Tie-Dye Convertible Tote is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $444.

Tags: Foley Corinna, FoleyCorinna, handbag of the day, saks, saks fifth avenue, tote

Emilio Pucci Frame Bag, Handbag of the Day

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

The Emilio Pucci Frame Bag is an exceptionally elegant evening bag.

Nearly a simple clutch, the plexi bangle wristlet gives this purse an edge -- and makes it easier to carry! Fear not, the bangle is detachable if you're a purist (or if it doesn't match your outfit).

The ruched white silk exudes the same pristine glamour as a spotless white glove. The bag is 8"W X 8"H X 1"D and includes a full silk lining. The classic kiss-in-lock closure makes it timeless.

We recommend pairing this with your loveliest pale or white dress this spring.

The Emilio Pucci Frame Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $950.

Tags: Emilio pucci, EmilioPucci, handbag of the day, pucci, saks, saks fifth avenue

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Percy Bag, Handbag of the Day

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Percy Bag is a smart, luxury bag which gives the illusion of "no frills."

This purse might look plain to you, but you haven't touched it. The soft, pliable, pebble-toned leather gently encases this bag, which includes two turnlock front pockets and a generous, 23" strap.

The Totally Turnlock Percy Bag is lined with a bold signature print in black and white cotton, and its pebble color is versatile enough for day or night. You could even remove the strap and carry it to dinner as a clutch -- but why would you, with long straps being so fashionable this season?

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Percy Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $198.00.

Tags: bag, handbag, handbag of the day, HandbagOfTheDay, marc by marc jacobs, marc jacobs, MarcJacobs, purse, saks

Lockheart Zip It Alana Hobo, Handbag of the Day

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

The Lockheart Zip It Alana Hobo is secretly one of the trendiest bags we've seen this season, and yet it conveys effortless elegance. How did they manage this?

This purse follows not only the boxy, sturdy shape trend, the metallic trend, and the gathered leather trend, but it even has a rosette that doesn't appear too overly "springy." The secret to this mastery of style is balance -- the metallic hue and zipper trim keep the rosette looking utilitarian, and the sturdiness of the shape make the gathered leather appear natural and even graceful.

This modest,13½"W X 7"H X 5½"D hobo is adorned with a "twisted and knotted" shoulder strap, making it an easy purse to carry on a busy day -- but clearly this is a purse worthy of an cocktail dress or even a dance floor.

The Lockheart Zip It Alana Hobo is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $540.

Tags: handbag of the day, hobo, lockheart, metallic, purse, saks

BCBG Max Azria Origami Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

The BCBG Max Azria Origami Shoulder Bag is the perfect bag to compliment the chunky jewelry trend this season.

This plump little purse is crafted from soft, imported cowhide. The first things we noticed (and liked) about this bag were the heavy-handed, deliberate ruching on the strap and the origami-like folds on the body of the bag.

The Origami Shoulder Bag is just large enough to carry all the essentials, but modest enough to avoid that "duffel bag" look. We love the flower turnlock closure; it looks vintage and dainty -- very much in keeping with the style of the bag.

We recommend pairing this with vintage gloves, whether you're carrying it with a casual or dressy outfit, to maximize its well-to-do feel.

The The BCBG Max Azria Origami Shoulder Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $398.

Tags: bcbg, bcbg max azria, BcbgMaxAzria, handbag, handbag of the day, HandbagOfTheDay, max azria, purse, saks, saks fifth avenue, vintage

Botkier Violet Runway Hobo, Handbag of the Day

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

The Botkier Violet Runway Hobo is a classy addition to a casual outfit. We particularly see this paired with denim, and if you're feeling matchy-matchy, some sweet silver shoes.

The dark, shimmery steel-silver leather is molded into a slouchy, yet structured silhouette. Don't be fooled by this photo; the bag is actually only 4" wide if you look at it from the side. Its clever, roomy shape is our favorite thing about this slim bag. You know, besides the awesome silver.

The 11" drop strap is large enough to fling over a shoulder, and the purse itself is large enough (at 15½"W X 9"H) to hold all the less-essential things you might need on a day out -- a book, a camera, even a bottle of water would fit.

The inside lining is ivory-colored cotton. We don't know what the "violet" is all about.

The Botkier Violet Runway Hobo is available from Saks for $695.

Tags: bag, botkier, handbag, handbag of the day, HandbagOfTheDay, hobo, purse, saks, saks fifth avenue

Valentino Catch Signature Bag, Handbag of the Day

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

The Valentino Catch Signature Bag takes simple, classic cowboy-western details to the next level of chic.

This lovely, warm biscotti colored Italian leather purse is carefully stitched with the classic loops and swoops you'd see on a saddle. The Valentino signature "V" logo is encrusted in Swarovski crystals, which are balanced and enhanced by the gleam of the black patent leather handles -- perfect with jeans and black patent shoes.

The patent handles have a longer-than-usual drop of 7.5", and the whole purse has a generous size. While the purse does have an inside zip pocket, the magnetic closure (beneath the logo accent) is surprisingly all that holds it closed. The lack of a top zipper keeps the western style cohesive and clean.

The black cotton canvas lined Valentino Catch Signature Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,995.

Tags: handbag, handbag of the day, purse, saks, valentino

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