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| Saks Fifth Avenue at the Galleria |
I have had a passion for fashion every since I can remember. Growing up in the New York area I was exposed to some of the finest retailers in the world! During my college search, both the city of Dallas and SMU instantly appealed to me for many reasons. One of the reasons was all of the amazing stores, from Highland Park Village to NorthPark Center and the Galleria. The options were endless! Two of the most famous and signature stores of New York City are Barneys New York and Saks Fifth Avenue. So, the fact that both of those department stores are here, in Dallas, was like having a little piece of home with me.
Just this Tuesday, after more than 30 years of business, Saks announced that they are closing one of their 46 stores: the Dallas Galleria and Belk. However, a more affordable department store option, will be replacing them. This announcement comes off the heels of Barneys New York's announcement last April that they were closing their location at NorthPark Center. This means that two of the most high end shopping destinations in Dallas will be gone within the year.
Some might speculate that these stores are closing because of changes in the economy, especially since Saks isn't closing its Off 5th location, but I see it differently. As someone who is very familiar with the merchandise sold at Saks and Barneys locations in New York City, I was extremely disappointed when I visited their stores in Dallas. Although they have elements and items that are signature to each chain, the merchandise at both stores was very disappointing and not up to par with other retailers in the area, such a Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.
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| Barneys New York at NorthPark Center |
Retailers like Zara and H&M have come into Dallas in the last couple of years and fashionistas have definitely taken notice. Famous for having fashionable looks for a minimal price, people who frequent the upscale department stores of Dallas are now just as likely to shop at Zara. For, Zara's business strategy is to mix high and low price points and that strategy definitely hasn't helped Barneys or Saks. Overall, as much as I love both of these famous New York City department stores, I think it is time for them to move on. Hopefully there will be more success with Belk and any other department stores that open in Dallas in the future! At least we still have Neimans and Nordstroms!
