At this year’s Pitti Uomo trade show in Florence, Saks Global—parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman—announced a pivotal shift in its retail strategy. With menswear comprising just 35% of sales at Saks Fifth Avenue, the company revealed plans to elevate and expand its offerings in the category, targeting younger, style-conscious consumers through entry-level and contemporary brands.
The initiative signals a fundamental repositioning of Saks Global’s priorities. Acknowledging that its menswear segment has long been underdeveloped, the retailer is aiming to capture a greater share of the evolving men’s fashion market. As part of this strategy, Saks is mobilizing its network of 3,500 stylists to offer personalized service across physical and digital platforms. This move is supported by a $350 million financing package intended to stabilize the company’s finances and fuel investment in key growth areas.
Saks Global’s strategic shift comes at a time of mounting financial pressure. The group reported an adjusted fiscal-year loss of approximately $100 million and has faced scrutiny over delayed vendor payments, amounting to $275 million in past-due invoices. In an effort to rebuild trust with suppliers, the company has committed to a 12-month repayment plan beginning in July 2025.
To support its turnaround efforts, Saks Global is also working to improve operational efficiency. This includes integrating its inventory systems and streamlining back-end processes, with the goal of enhancing supply chain responsiveness and reducing costs. Executives have projected that these efficiency measures could generate up to $285 million in annual savings, exceeding earlier expectations.
This renewed focus on menswear is not just a reaction to internal financial pressures, but also a response to broader shifts in the retail and fashion landscape. Trends such as the casualization of men’s wardrobes, the redefinition of masculinity, and the rising purchasing power of Gen Z and Millennials have created new opportunities for brands willing to meet customers where they are. According to industry analysts, younger male consumers are seeking more flexible, expressive, and inclusive fashion choices—preferences that Saks Global aims to address through curated offerings and a personalized shopping experience.
Company leaders have emphasized that revamping the menswear business is the “number one priority” for Saks Global. Emily Essner, President and Chief Commercial Officer, noted that the company’s evolving strategy is rooted in creating a more customized and emotionally resonant shopping experience. “We’re reinventing the luxury shopping experience so that each customer’s journey is unmistakably their own,” she said, underscoring the company’s commitment to personalization and consumer engagement.
Paolo Riva, Chief Brand Partnerships and Buying Officer, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the opportunity to connect with new customer segments while deepening relationships with existing clients. “Our strategy is about reach—cultivating and growing our customer base, but also meeting the evolving needs of our established clientele,” Riva explained during the Florence presentation.
The shift in strategy comes as Saks Global navigates a difficult retail environment. Overall revenues have declined in recent quarters, and competition from both traditional luxury retailers and digitally native brands continues to intensify. Nevertheless, executives believe that a sharper focus on menswear, combined with operational reforms and new investments, can lay the groundwork for a sustainable recovery.
The choice to spotlight this transformation at Pitti Uomo—a premier international showcase for men’s fashion—underscores the company’s intent to position itself at the forefront of the luxury menswear renaissance. The event, which features collections from both established and emerging designers, provided Saks Global with an ideal platform to broadcast its vision to industry insiders and potential brand partners.
Looking ahead, the retailer plans to roll out its updated menswear strategy over the coming year, with new brand partnerships, enhanced service offerings, and targeted marketing campaigns. Vendor payments are scheduled to be completed by mid-2026, and the company’s leadership is optimistic that these combined efforts will restore confidence among suppliers and customers alike.
If successful, Saks Global’s strategic pivot could redefine its place in the luxury retail landscape—transforming menswear from a lagging segment into a primary growth engine for the future.