Saks Fifth Avenue friends and the family sale started this week. The incentive is 25% off but there are so many exclusions that we were hesitant to jump in. We thought our time would be better spent strolling the store than trolling the site.
In February the flagship Saks unveiled a renovated first floor, which is barely recognizable to its former state. It is modern, youthful, and open. There is no doubt that the upgrades represent a generational shift in shoppers. The new main floor encourages wandering and exploration but there still feels like something is missing despite the new lighting and escalator repositioning. Retailers are still in the infancy stage of understanding what the future of shopping.
The old days of friends and family sales are gone too. What’s included in the markdown is confounding as the Instagram algorithm. For instance, a rack of MGMC was included in friends and family and another rack isn’t. Unsurprisingly, the piece we liked wasn’t included in the sale.
Some items we found in the sale, and liked, are this Cinq a Sept blazer that has Balmain-strong shoulder but isn’t obnoxious. It would also be fun to play around with this Rebecca Taylor tweed jacket, like mixing some long pearls and gold chains to give a Chanel vibe. This Theory double-breasted lightly structured wool coat (in navy) seems like a good dupe of the Row’s version. Men’s Golden Goose (not women’s) are also included in the promotion.
Friends and family brands that are more straight forward include Stuart Weitzman, Cult Gaia and all the pupular denim brands. You can have your choose from J Brand, Paige, 7 For All Mankind, AG and on and on.
While you’re shopping promotions, also take note that there is a 70% off sale section that is live through Friday. Some standouts include this Monse trench for $990 from $3300, paper bag pants from TRE by Natalie Ratabesi for $400 from $1400 and the Prada flame skirt for $330 from $1120.
We aren’t too surprised by this schizo Saks friends & family sale. It’s rather become the norm but we must say it’s more irritating than it is friendly. For what it’s worth, the promotion runs through Monday, April 8 but we wouldn’t be surprised if there was an extension.
