50 Facts About Saks Fifth Avenue

The Origins of Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Let's explore its beginnings and early expansions.

1. Founding: Saks Fifth Avenue was founded by Andrew Saks in 1867 in Washington, D.C. The original store was called Saks & Company and was known as "Washington's Wonderful Store" due to its high-quality merchandise.

2. Expansion: By 1896, Saks & Co. had expanded to Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia; New York City; and Indianapolis, in addition to its flagship store in Washington, D.C.

3. Herald Square Store: In 1902, Saks opened a large department store in New York City's Herald Square on 34th Street and Broadway. This store was run by Andrew Saks and his family, including his brother Isadore and sons Horace and William.

The Iconic Fifth Avenue Flagship

The flagship store on Fifth Avenue is a landmark in New York City, known for its architectural beauty and historical significance.

4. Fifth Avenue Flagship: The iconic Fifth Avenue flagship store was opened on September 15, 1924, by Horace Saks and Bernard Gimbel. This store was designed by Starrett & van Vleck in the classical style and featured a facade made of Indiana limestone, brick, and cast-stone.

5. Architectural Significance: The original Saks Fifth Avenue Building was the first department store on Fifth Avenue to comply with the 1916 Zoning Resolution, which required setbacks on upper floors. The building was designated a New York City landmark in 1984.

6. Expansion and Mergers: In 1923, Saks & Co. merged with Gimbel Brothers, Inc., which was owned by Bernard Gimbel, a cousin of Horace Saks. This merger led to the creation of Saks Fifth Avenue as we know it today.

Saks Fifth Avenue's Growth and Innovations

Saks Fifth Avenue has always been at the forefront of retail innovation, offering unique experiences and expanding its reach.

7. Resort Stores: Under the leadership of Adam Gimbel, who became president after Horace Saks' sudden death in 1926, Saks expanded to open seasonal resort branches in Palm Beach (1926), Atlantic City (1927), Miami Beach (1929), and other locations.

8. Chicago Flagship: In 1929, Saks opened its first full-line, year-round flagship store in Chicago. The store was later moved to a larger location six years later.

9. Suburban Malls: During the 1950s, Saks Fifth Avenue began to shift its focus to suburban shopping malls. The first anchor department store in a mall was opened at Sunrise Center (now The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale) in 1954.

10. Store Locations: By the end of the 1930s, Saks Fifth Avenue had a total of 10 stores – two large urban flagships in New York and Chicago, and eight resort stores.

Architectural and Design Highlights

The design and architecture of Saks Fifth Avenue stores have always been a significant part of their appeal.

11. Classical Design: The Fifth Avenue store was designed in the classical style, matching the character of Fifth Avenue at the time. It received the Fifth Avenue Association's gold medal for "best new building of the year" in 1924.

12. Modern Interior: The architects created a modern interior for the department store, following a new city zoning law requiring setbacks for buildings' upper floors for Saks' administrative offices.

13. Historical Landmark: The original structure at 611 Fifth Avenue has been designated a New York City landmark due to its contribution to the design aspect of Fifth Avenue.

14. Tower Addition: In 1990, a 36-story tower annex was built at 623 Fifth Avenue to provide additional space for the flagship store. This tower was designed by Lee Harris Pomeroy Associates and Abramovitz Kingsland Schiff.

Saks Fifth Avenue's Commitment to Luxury and Service

Saks Fifth Avenue is synonymous with luxury fashion and exceptional customer service.

15. Operational Expansion: By the end of the 1990s, Saks Fifth Avenue had expanded to operate 41 extraordinary stores across North America, offering seamless, all-channel shopping experiences.

16. Digital Integration: Saks Fifth Avenue has combined an emphasis on the digital customer experience with its strong network of physical stores, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers.

17. Luxury Fashion: Saks Fifth Avenue is the premier destination for luxury fashion, driven by a mission to help customers express themselves through relevant and inspiring style.

18. Customer Service: The store is known for its highly personalized customer service, offering an expertly curated assortment of fashion that meets the highest standards of quality and taste.

Unique Features and Historical Innovations

Saks Fifth Avenue has always been known for its unique features and innovative offerings.

19. Historical Innovations: Saks Fifth Avenue has a history of innovation, dating back to the 1930s when the men’s floor housed an indoor ski slope that was powdered with Borax. Customers could take lessons from professional Scandinavian instructors.

20. Indoor Ski Slope: The indoor ski slope was a unique feature that attracted customers and provided a unique shopping experience. A ski shop was eventually built around the slope, and winter trips were organized via train to nearby resorts.

21. Indoor Golf Course: At one point, Saks also featured an indoor golf course, further enhancing its reputation as a luxury retailer with innovative amenities.

22. Opening Day Celebrations: On September 15, 1924, Saks Fifth Avenue celebrated its opening day with flashy window displays featuring high-end items like a $3,000 pigskin trunk and $1,000 raccoon coats.

23. First Item Sold Out: The first item to sell out on opening day was a silver pocket flask, a testament to the Prohibition era and the store's appeal to high-society customers.

24. President Calvin Coolidge: The first package sent out that day was a silk top hat, which was delivered to President Calvin Coolidge at the White House. Whether it was a purchase or a gift remains unknown.

25. Prince of Wales Rumor: The store celebrated its opening day with rumors of the Prince of Wales visiting, which drew a stampede to the men’s shop on the sixth floor. However, the Prince was not actually present.

Saks Fifth Avenue's Influence on Fashion and Culture

Saks Fifth Avenue has played a significant role in shaping fashion trends and cultural norms.

26. Credit Purchases: Saks Fifth Avenue offered credit purchases, a unique feature at the time, allowing customers to buy luxury items without needing cash upfront. This service was a major draw for high-society shoppers.

27. Parisian Coiffeur: Bernard Gimbel brought in a leading Parisian coiffeur to establish a “bobbing salon” in the 1920s. This salon popularized the bob haircut in the United States, thanks to the influence of actress Louise Brooks.

28. WWII Efforts: During World War II, Saks Fifth Avenue outfitted members of the United States Olympic Ski Team and soldiers. Women also played a significant role in the war effort, with some joining the Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service).

29. Women in the Navy: Women in the Navy WAVES served in various roles, including translators, interpreters, and specialists in chemical warfare. This marked a significant contribution of women to the war effort.

30. Luxury Goods: Saks Fifth Avenue was known for outfitting high-society individuals with luxury goods, including fur coats and pearls. The store's window displays were often filled with extravagant items that showcased the best in American taste.

Saks Fifth Avenue's Role in Fifth Avenue's Development

Saks Fifth Avenue has been instrumental in transforming Fifth Avenue into a premier shopping destination.

31. Fifth Avenue Development: Saks Fifth Avenue played a crucial role in turning Fifth Avenue into the country's premier shopping street. Its move from Herald Square to Fifth Avenue at 50th Street continued the northward push of department stores along Fifth Avenue.

32. Architectural Harmony: The store was designed to harmonize with the architectural character of Fifth Avenue, as promulgated by the Fifth Avenue Association. This ensured that the building blended seamlessly into its surroundings.

33. Modern Requirements: The design also met modern requirements for a luxury department store, including the use of setbacks on upper floors as mandated by the new zoning law of New York City.

34. Retail Palazzo: The resulting design was a handsome, restrained nee-Renaissance style retail palazzo. The administrative offices occupied the less visible setback stories above the seventh floor.

35. Symbolic Heart of Fifth Avenue: Saks Fifth Avenue stands at the center of Fifth Avenue's famous stretch from 42nd to 59th Streets. It forms part of the visual and symbolic heart of Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, alongside Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral.

36. Historical Significance: The Saks Fifth Avenue project was begun at a time when Fifth Avenue had become established as New York's premier shopping boulevard. The Fifth Avenue label represented the best in American taste, making it a significant cultural icon.

37. B. Altman & Company: The development of Fifth Avenue began with the erection of the B. Altman & Company store at 34th Street and Fifth Avenue in 1905. This marked the start of a progression of grand department stores gradually growing northward along Fifth Avenue.

38. Northward Development: The pace of development slowed by World War I picked up in the 1920s, with Saks Fifth Avenue playing a pivotal role in this expansion. The store's move to Fifth Avenue marked a significant milestone in this northward push.

Saks Fifth Avenue's Modern Era and Expansion

In recent decades, Saks Fifth Avenue has continued to expand and innovate, maintaining its status as a luxury retailer.

39. Luxury Shopping Experience: Saks Fifth Avenue offers a luxury shopping experience that combines high-end fashion with exceptional customer service. The store's opulent interior and grand architecture create an atmosphere reminiscent of entering a fine home.

40. Holiday Celebrations: During the winter season, Saks Fifth Avenue celebrates the holiday season with dazzling light shows and extravagant window displays. This attraction is not to be missed, as it underscores the store's grandeur and festive spirit.

41. Saks West: In 1995, Saks Fifth Avenue opened Saks West in Beverly Hills, becoming Beverly Hills' largest specialty store. The combined square footage between the expanded and renovated Saks East and new Saks West houses all men's categories, plus women's special sizes (Petite Collections and Salon Z).

42. Men’s Store in San Francisco: In August 1997, Saks Fifth Avenue opened a new men’s store in San Francisco on Post Street. This expansion created more women’s designer selling space in the current San Francisco location, further enhancing the store’s offerings.

43. Strategic Expansion: The strategy to intensify Saks Fifth Avenue’s presence on the West Coast involved acquiring four former I. Magnin stores in Beverly Hills, Carmel, San Diego, and Phoenix. This move significantly increased the store’s footprint on the West Coast.

44. Office and Retail Complex: In 1990, Saks Fifth Avenue began a renovation of its New York flagship store, which included the installation of an escalator service in 1979 and the construction of a 36-floor office and retail complex directly behind the store. This complex provided nearly 30% more selling space for the New York City store.

45. Partnership with Swiss Bank Corporation: The construction of the office and retail complex was built in partnership with the Swiss Bank Corporation. This collaboration ensured that the store maintained its high standards of luxury and service.

46. Customer Experience: Saks Fifth Avenue is committed to delivering one-of-a-kind shopping experiences. The store offers a unique approach that combines an emphasis on digital integration with a strong connection to its network of physical stores.

47. Store Network: With 41 extraordinary stores across North America, Saks Fifth Avenue provides seamless, all-channel shopping experiences. The store network ensures that customers can shop both online and in-store with ease.

48. Luxury Fashion Brands: Saks Fifth Avenue features an expertly curated assortment of luxury fashion brands. The store offers a wide range of high-end items, from designer clothing to exclusive accessories.

49. Customer Loyalty: The store’s commitment to personalized customer service has earned it a loyal customer base. Saks Fifth Avenue is known for its exceptional service, which includes personalized styling and exclusive events.

50. Cultural Icon: Saks Fifth Avenue is a cultural icon, symbolizing elegance and sophistication. From its grand architecture to its luxurious offerings, the store continues to be a benchmark of high-end fashion and retail excellence.

Saks Fifth Avenue: A Legacy of Luxury

Saks Fifth Avenue stands as a symbol of luxury and sophistication. From its founding in 1867 by Andrew Saks to its iconic Fifth Avenue flagship store opening in 1924, Saks has consistently set the standard for high-end retail. The store's innovative features, like the indoor ski slope and golf course, have always drawn attention. Its commitment to customer service and luxury fashion has earned it a loyal following. Saks' expansion into suburban malls and resort locations shows its adaptability and vision. The store's architectural significance and historical contributions to Fifth Avenue's development further cement its status as a cultural icon. With 41 stores across North America and a seamless blend of digital and physical shopping experiences, Saks Fifth Avenue continues to be a premier destination for fashion enthusiasts. Its rich history and ongoing commitment to excellence make it an unforgettable part of any shopping journey.