“Men’s shoes have become, for us, the fastest growing business (over +50% in the last three years, ed), fuelled by the growing demand for sneakers. Fashion is incredibly important to men and footwear is their gateway”. This were the words of Marc Metrick, president of Saks Fifth Avenue, which has expanded space and offer of the men’s shoe.
750 square meters
The luxury brand (owned by Hudson’s Bay Company), opened a 750 square meter footwear department. It’s on the sixth floor of the New York flagship store on Fifth Avenue. It is 60% larger than the previous one. It will sell “models of all price ranges: from 65 to 11,000 dollars”, as in the case of Pierre Corthay alligator moccasins.
2,000 models
Saks’ new men’s department will offer (at least) 2,000 different models, from over 60 luxury brands. Inside the store will be a workstation for repairs and polishing of leather shoes. But not only: there will also be a Lace Bar Aglit Italy where you will be able to customise your shoe laces. And 30 multilingual consultants available to customers.
Tailored
Pierre Corthay, Ermenegildo Zegna, Salvatore Ferragamo, Santoni, John Lobb, Bally, Artioli are some of the brands for which Saks will offer the made-to-measure service.
250 million
For Saks’, this “male restyling” operation will cost around $250 million. The objective is clear. Replicate the success of the women’s maxi-department (2,800 square meters) opened a dozen years ago. “A department that has become the headquarters of women’s shoes” said Metrick.
Photos PRNewsfoto / Saks Fifth Avenue
