© Saks Fifth Avenue / Photography: Justin Bridges

With the arrival of newcomers Nordstrom, and very shortly Neiman Marcus, the competition among luxury department stores in New York City is heating up. Anticipating the changing retail landscape, longtime fixture Saks Fifth Avenue has revamped the ground floor of its Midtown flagship with a little help from lauded architecture practice OMA. Taking centre stage in the new setting are glass escalators covered in an iridescent dichroic film coating that allow it to change hue when using them going up to the second floor, or when walking past. A demure backdrop, comprising of pristine white walls, rows of columns with Corinthian-inspired orders, and custom terrazzo flooring, allow the escalators to pop. The ground floor is Saks Fifth Avenue‘s handbag heaven, and features an endless series of, sometimes branded, shop sections with counters and shelving laden with items of various top luxury brands. The following renewal phase, concerning the department store’s jewellery department and menswear floor, will be revealed later this year.

Saks Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Avenue (Midtown)
New York, NY 10022
Telephone: +1 212 7534000
Mon-Sat 11-7
Sun 12-6

© Saks Fifth Avenue / Photography: Justin Bridges