Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue, the brainchild of Horace Saks and Bernard Gimbel, opened its doors in 1924, instantly becoming the epitome of luxury retail in New York City. Nestled on Fifth Avenue, the store’s iconic location became synonymous with opulence, attracting the city’s elite like moths to a cashmere flame. Over the decades, Saks has weathered the retail storms, from the Great Depression to the digital age, all while maintaining its air of untouchable elegance. Yet, not without controversy—the 1990s saw its empire shake under the weight of aggressive expansions and management missteps. Acquired by Hudson’s Bay Company in 2013 for $2.9 billion, Saks has managed to stay relevant, albeit with a few stumbles, as it navigates the choppy waters of modern retail. The legacy? A masterclass in high-end retailing that, despite its glossy facade, reveals the inevitable cracks of a brand trying to balance tradition with the relentless march of time.