Saks Fifth Avenue reveals new main floor

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Feb 6, 2019

Saks Fifth Avenue has unveiled the latest update of the multi-step grand renovation of its Fifth Avenue flagship, opening a 53,000 square-foot floor dedicated to handbags.

The floor, which the retailer said is one of the largest luxury handbag destinations in New York City, triples the handbag department selling space and houses over 50 brands, including 14 new brands to the store.

Featured brands include Balenciaga, Chanel, Gucci and more, with the promise of over 100 merchandise exclusives meant to celebrate the department's facelift. The department will also host the launch of Saks Svnr (pronounced souvenir) a merchandise line of novelty totes, keychains, hats, umbrellas, belts, books, pins, postcards and more inspired by New York City.

New decorative features include a new atrium complete with a 60-inch-by-20-inch LED screen, custom terrazzo flooring from Italy, origami-inspired tables, glass fixtures with two-way mirrors, and a 600-square-foot flex space dedicated to experiential installations. Finally, an iridescent escalator connects the main floor to the beauty floor on two, which was renovated last year, and to the Vault, which the company called "a high-end jewelry experience," on the lower level, set to make its premiere later this year.

New hires to fill the massive department will include 20 Saks service advisors and 50 handbag style advisors.

"The size and scale of the new main floor enables us to showcase the best handbag and accessory designers in the world, demonstrating Saks Fifth Avenue's strong fashion point of view," said Tracy Margolies, chief merchant, Saks Fifth Avenue. "We are confident that the overall presentation, including high-design shop-in-shops combined with personalization and customization services will truly surprise and delight our customers."

The grand plan for the store's renovation was led by the Saks store planning and design team in collaboration with Gensler.