In a significant move in the retail industry, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus are merging to create a new luxury department store empire called Saks Global. The deal, valued at $2.65 billion, was announced on July 5, 2024. Amazon and Salesforce have taken minority stakes in the company to assist with technology, logistics, and the integration of artificial intelligence.
The merger comes as both chains face pressure from luxury brands that are connecting directly with shoppers and opening their own retail locations. HBC's CEO Richard Baker plans to use artificial intelligence to create personalized shopping experiences online and in stores. Luxury shopping saw a boom during the pandemic but has since cooled down, with more purchases being made online.
Rival Macy's has been closing stores and shifting its focus more towards its luxury business, while Nordstrom's family is trying to take the company private. The merger is likely to face regulatory scrutiny from federal regulators who have recently blocked several high-profile deals between market leaders.
Saks Fifth Avenue currently operates 39 stores across North America and numerous off-price stores called Saks Off 5th. Neiman Marcus, which also owns Bergdorf Goodman, has 36 stores and two locations for the latter. The combined entity is expected to have about $10 billion in annual sales.
Amazon's stake in the deal makes sense as it has ambitions to play more heavily in the luxury space. This merger will give Amazon a toehold, allowing it to streamline logistics and e-commerce for Saks Global, giving the new entity an advantage in a market where remote shopping has become increasingly important.
The merger was years in the making as both chains have weighed the idea of combining forces to confront a changing market. Neiman Marcus filed for bankruptcy at the start of the pandemic but later emerged under new investment-firm owners. The deal is expected to close in late 2024 or early 2025.
Marc Metrick, head of Saks.com, will run the new combined firm Saks Global. Ian Putnam, current HBC Properties and Investments CEO, will become CEO of Saks Global's property and investments business.
The merger is a significant development in the retail industry as it brings together two iconic luxury department store brands to create a dominant player in the market.