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Saks Fifth Avenue
Category: Department Stores [Edit]
Neighborhood: Near North Side700 N Michigan Ave Lowr 1
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 944-6500
- Nearest Transit:
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Chicago (Red)
- Price Range:
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$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Garage
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
37 reviews for Saks Fifth Avenue
Review Highlights
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Lets talk about skincare for a moment. I have this thing where I am determined to look 23 for the rest of my life. And Saks has a computer that takes a photo of your skin and analyzes it for fine lines, age spots, uneven texture and sun damage. It also shows you how your skin will naturally age. Amazing.
Working with Cecelia, she did not pressure me at all to buy any products and just told me to think about it since the line is super expensive. She also told me how to use the product I did buy with the products I am currently using.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/11/2009
I came into Saks to buy a Mother's Day gift, and spent an afternoon there. I came out with some… Read more »
Well...this a bummer for me. The first level of the department store is fine I guess. Purses, skincare, fragrance etc., But then when you go up stairs to the different departments. Meh...depressing and lackluster merchandising.
Sure they've got the brands Helmut Lang, True Religion, Gucci etc., but the entire store is uninspired. Even the associates look depressed.
The shoe salon is the saddest I've ever seen.
Wick wick wack.
Now for positive reinforcement. 40% off is the dopest thing ever. And the associates are pretty nice. I got a pair of True Religion's at 60% off. Not bad. But I hope they get it together.
that's all from this end.
Another department store I esteemed in my youth, so I went here today in search of an evening dress. They had some beautiful items, and the saleslady tried to be helpful, but unfortunately they did not have much of a reasonably priced selection (or at least what I consider reasonably priced). The place was like a ghost town today, maybe it was because of the weather, maybe the prices, but it made me sad, because it seemed like a well-kept store with kind staff.
I would go back for a sale and check out some of the other departments. I would hate for this icon to go away.
Sak's is my favorite store on Michigan Avenue. The staff are all so friendly and helpful and I love the range of brands they carry. They have absolutely anything you could want and everything is always in really flawless condition. My husband bought a suit from the Mens store (accross the street) and staff there was also incredibly friendly and their tailor is so skilled. I just feel really comfortable in that store.
One saturday I went to Saks and had the best shopping experience. I followed that with a trip to Neiman Marcus where staff did nothing but look me over snobbishly, clothes were ratty looking, and customers were so rude and never once did anyone say excuse me. There is NO comparison. I love Saks.
This is a review of the bridal salon only.
I went here last night after seeing my dream dress in a magazine, and Saks was only of the very few stores that carried this designer (Amsale). I made an appointment about two weeks ago, and the woman, Catilyn, was so nice and helpful, and calmed my nerves about the gown-shopping situation (it was the one wedding thing I was terrified about - I didn't want people putting me in cupcake dresses and asking me what tiara I wanted to try on).
After spending only about 30-minutes here, I now have the highest standards about how wedding gown shopping should be. She immediately offered us drinks, showed me to the dressing room (which was very specious and classy - complete with a couch and full-length mirror) and Caitlyn assured me that she's seen it all when I had to strip down to practically nothing.
Five seconds later, I was in love. This dress was gorgeous, and Caitlyn and I were totally on the same page. I explained the hairdo I wanted, and she told me "no veil, then" which is exactly what I was hoping to hear. I'm not a veil girl, and she didn't pressure me to try one on. She showed me this amazing vintage hairclip with netting and feathers (which sounded so tacky, but was beautiful) and it was exactly what I was looking for but couldn't put into words.
This girl knows her shit.
She even let me walk around the salon in it to see how it flowed and told me to keep it on for as long as I wanted (which was a mistake on her end because I didn't want to take it off).
She knew I knew it was the dress, but told me to not buy it that day, and to come back with anyone I wanted to try on a bunch of other dresses because, as she said, "You only get to do this once, and when you have someone helping you that knows your style, it's really fun. I promise not to put you in anything ridiculous."
No sales pressure whatsoever. She totally understood what I wanted. Made amazing style recommendations (black shoes!). She blew my cousin away, who has done this with at least three other brides and never had a great experience like this one.
Totally, 100 percent recommend this bridal salon, hands down. Ask for Caitlyn. She's amazing.
I wanted to buy my GF a nice pair of shoes; so I went to Sak's, where I have always felt truly taken care of. The shoe salesman was just a little pretentious and stand-offish at first; but after just a few minutes he warmed up; he certainly helped me pick out a nice pair for my lady. The only reason I'm not giving five stars is his initial stand-offishness. But after purchasing the shoes, he arranged to have them gift-wrapped; all I had to do was sit around :). Bravo.
this review is based solely on their hair salon:
This salon is on the top floor of Saks. While I very rarely shop in this store (the makeup ladies and perfume spritzers creep me out), I get weekly washes/blow drys at this salon. it's neither snooty or pretentious, and has a very diverse crowd of stylists and patrons. with a very friendly atmosphere. They use kerastase (the best) and bumble & bumble. If you're nice they'll probably give you a complimentary deep conditioning treatment. Everyone who leaves the salon seems to be very happy with the results.
This review would have received 5 stars if they had a Prada department...but unfortunately this location does not sell Prada clothing or handbags. Heartbreaking.
Anyhoo...the rest of the store is amazing. The cosmetics and perfume collection is outstanding. Many of the perfumes sold at this location are not sold anywhere else in Chicago (Bond No 9, for example).
The shoe department is incredible with their selection of Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Dior, Chanel, etc. Abdul is the best sales associate and he can help you find the shoes of your dreams. Always ask for him.
Lastly, the contemporary department provides the BEST selection of jeans in the city. I know that is a bold claim, considering how great a selection you can find at Bloomingdales, however I would contend that this selection surpasses Bloomingdales.
Great store in a great city.
The newly renovated Second Floor is seriously beautiful.
And what's better than the Club?
The people who work in this store are retail masters. The clothing ranges from Beautiful, Fabulous, Gorgeous (!!!) to Saks private label (sad face).
Have fun in the make-up department or get lost on the 5th floor. Also a great selection of shoes and a few fun handbags on the first floor.
Saks in Chicago is really two stores: the 7 floor women's mecca to all things fashion on the west side of Michigan Ave, and the more subdued 3 floor Men's Store on the east side. While I've been dragged through the west side many times, and made a few stops over there to indulge someone with jewelry, earmuffs, and cashmere goats (oh my?) I spend most of my shopping time across the street. The Saks Men's store has a completely different vibe. There's usually a staff to shopper ratio approaching 1:1 which helps get us straight guys dressed well :P
The store is divided into accessories, dress shirts, ties, and shoes on level 1, clothing for the 20-30 demographic on level 2, and old man wear uptop. Level 2 gives a great mix of less stodgy suits, going out attire, and cool coats and James there takes hella good care of me, picking out some interesting stuff. The tailoring staff is usually very good at figuring out what modifications are needed and executes well on them. They're still trying to find a pair of Theory pants I bought after Christmas, though lol. Speaking of after Christmas, though, that's the time to really hit up Saks. It's pretty much the only time of the year that suits go on sale (and they're hardly the only reduced items with prices reaching 70% off retail.) and a great time to stock up.
If you want to buy some $900-$1500 pairs of shoes and have no shame in also trying them on without purchasing, go to Saks 5th. The staff are extremely nice, non-pompous, and helpful people (especially the men). If you're roaming up and down Michigan Avenue, a good department store to drop in by - much better in service than you would get at Neiman's across the street.
When I graduated college, I did NOT have a big fancy job lined up that I could just walk into. I had to send out resumes and interview and if I had a dollar for every interview I managed to fuck up....I'd have a lot of dollars. Anyway, somewhere along the line, I developed a major *thing* for Dior and I promised myself that when I got a "real" job that did not involve waitressing anymore, I would buy myself a Dior bag.
I bought my Dior bag from Saks and the sales guy was exceedingly helpful and sweet and awesome. In ADDITION to helpful staff, Saks carries the only pair of aviator sunglasses in the whole world that do not make me look like a bug. Of course, they are Chanel and cost more than my life. Naturally.
I haven't set foot into this Saks since I was 17 and purchased my prom dress here. Now I remember why. It causes excess salivation, and that's really not too attractive.
I was looking for a new frock to wear out this evening, but instead stumbled upon something more exciting... SILVER STRAPPY STUART WEITZMAN SHOES! Yay! Original price - $250 (from what I can gather online). Price I paid - $95 after tax. Now that's a steal! You can always count on Saks for a good sale! (check out these bad boys! http://www1.bloomingda...)
The staff was very friendly and helpful, which I would certainly expect at a high-end retailer. There is nothing worse than being disappointed in service, and I'm happy to report nothing could be further from my experience today.
My one gripe? The clothes all seemed to be a mess! I couldn't bring my self to riffle through the racks. Not a mess the way Old Navy is a mess, but a mess nonetheless.
Saks Fifth Avenue on Michigan Avenue, you are the red-headed step-child of SFA. You are small, your selection is weak, and your sales people are rude and/or have no social skillz.
EDIT: I guess I should qualify my above comment. I was there and actually in the market for a new perfume. As I was walking out one of the perfume mongers offered me a sample. Usually I decline, but as I was looking for a new perfume, I approached her. Well, it turns out that it's a perfume I bought at Saks last year, when Saks exclusively sold it. When I then declined the sample, telling her I already had it, she replied "I'm sure you do."
I've never been a big fan of the Chicago location of Saks. I never walk out of the store satisfied.
I did go to Saks in early August to look at bridal gowns. I received outstanding service (those two wonderful ladies could teach a thing or two to the women downstairs) while trying on my gowns. However, I would have gladly given them my business had I found my dream dress there.
Saks is GREAT! I LOVE it! All of the sales associates that I have dealt with are extremely nice and knowledgeable of the merchandise. I primarily shop in the shoe department and in the contemporary department.
MARCIA SILVESTRI in shoes is PHENOMENAL!!! She has found SO many "hard to get" shoes for me, from the Beyonce Dior Sandal to the Dior Python Sex in the City sandal. She is devoted to her customers. I have known her to meet customers outside to get shoes that the customer would like to return, so that they would not have to find parking. She is the ABSOLUTE BEST!! I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
I also like the contemporary department. The selection is nice and broad. TOYIN is a great sales associate. Very upbeat, friendly, and FASHIONABLE! She's great!
Saks is definitely a cut above Neiman Marcus!!
I really liked this location. People were friendly while we walked in and looked at a Marc Jacobs bag and some sunglasses. I didn't end up buying but I have to say that the people here were friendly and not pretentious and aloof unlike some other Saks locations in other states (PORTLAND, OREGON). If I ever run into one of THOSE people again, I just wanna say - snap out of it honey, you work in retail- it's not that serious.
I no longer have any doubt that I have become a superficial and materialistic person. The above statement is proved from my reaction upon entering Saks Fifth Avenue. Because, really, how could I possibly live without that beautiful Prada purse, or those Jimmy Choo shoes, or that David Yurman necklace, or that Chanel perfume, or.....you get my point. I should just stay away from this place. It's really not good for my psyche or my bank account.
I love the contemporary department here... they have a huge selection of Vince, Theory, and other great labels. The primary reason I go to this location is for the Bobbi Brown cosmetics -- the women and one lone man who work here are attentive and professional. Also, the "freebies' they give at this Bobbi Brown counter are better than Nordstrom or NM... usually, they give me a bag (that is actually attractive) and a bunch of full-size eyeshahows, lipstick, and skin-care products. Last time, I got a travel size body lotion, shower gel, and spray bottle of Light Blue -- the perfume I wear!
Although some guy named Josh doesn't dig Saks, there is truly no other store in Chicago that caters just to men and has all the top designers from D & G to J Lindberg to Prada and Armani. Everything is covered here. And the sales consultants will provide you with drinks and gladly order things for you from across the country.
What more can I say than check out the Christian Dior handbags. SO pretty. And the people there know their stuff. Except for one occasion, they have always been pretty attentive.
Mmmmhh I love Saks. I spend most of my time browsing in the handbag department, where the SAs are awesome and don't care if I try on every new Gucci piece without buying a thing. When I was there this past weekend, one SA offered to set aside a Marc Jacobs that was going on pre-sale later in the week so I could get it at the special 40% discount, super sweet. Then I went upstairs to try on some jeans, and was disappointed that they did not have a single thing I wanted in a size 25. However, the sales lady was really friendly about it, and even told me I had a nice butt. She also offered to order anything I wanted in the right size. I was torn between 4 and 5 stars...I gave it a 4 just because of the lack of size selection in jeans, and maybe also because I'm a little bitter that I can't afford to go on huge shopping sprees at Saks.
The best sales, period. Twice a year they have unbelievable sales -- the day after christmas and sometime in the summer. It is wilder than Filene's Basement original store on a Saturday morning in 1977. More than 50% off makes them Jimmy Choos affordable. And you can't say that everyday.
This is a wonderful retail store. They have great taste. If you go to our site and click on our pictures- you will see the very nice letter that Saks Fifth Avenue sent out to their customer base describing our services - Janusz Goralski has also been the guest designer at Saks Fifth Avenue! If you want great custom designed jewelry- but without the retail mark up- the trip to our design center is well worth it! What can I say? The letter from Saks Fifth Avenue is a great compliment.
Saks Fifth Avenue is Chicago's best department store! The staff is friendly, happy, and loyal to the store. They have every designer on the avenue and then some. When visiting and working in Chicago, I love going to Saks for a make over, shoes and designer clothing. Fabulous and wonderful experience for any shopping diva. The sales people are pleasant, accommodating (suggesting you ship for example) nice and always willing to wait on you. Unlike their competition across the street. Of course the New York Flagship is my ultimate favorite, then Chicago, and then Beverly Hills. Shop Saks for The Spring 2008 Want Its!
I've always been a Saks girl and I really like Saks, I promise. But you need to step up your game in several departments. Women's Shoes - While I know how you work on an "up" system, you guys are always courtesous. The women's RTW, you're incredibly sweet. The jeans/contemporary department and shoes/handbags, you should learn some manners. Quit with the rude behavior - snarkly comments and dirty looks. THIS is how you give Saks a bad name. Go across the street and learn from the Men's store. I love shopping for my family members and friends here. It's such a better shopping experience than in the other building. Quite honestly, you can find just about all of their products at different stores in the city with a lot less aggravation.
Great people, great help, great selection. I always look for some top of the line stuff cause I just crave the best, and no less. However, I must say this: I always find what I'm looking for; cologne, shirts, pants, all here. And if it's not there, they will tell me where I can locate the product. Prices aren't that bad either, by the way. It is also very nicely setup and is in a nice piece of architecture.
P.S. I don't know if it is Saks also, but the mall right next to it is sweet.
Saks is my personal favorite shopping store. I didn't find much there today during a shopping spree, but usually I spend way too much money in this store. I usually spend the most time in the Marc Jacobs and Tahari sections and I've gotten to know the sales people a little too well. I've never been such a fan of their shoe department, but when it comes to clothes Saks is a must on my list!
This review would have more stars if I ever found anyone helpful. That being said, I have been twice and gotten good help, but that's all. Maybe it's just the contemporary department and the handbags area, but I never can seem to find anyone to help me in either of those places, and that's where I shop the most at Saks. I love the merchandise. They have great selections. There was one time when I made the mistake of wearing my everyday clothes (consisting of 7 for All Mankind jeans, a cute top, and Marc Jacobs purse) and I was completely ignored whenever a salesperson saw me for someone else who looked like they had more money. The times I did manage to get help, I'd made sure to dress up (i.e. semi-cuter outfit and my Gucci handbag-I'm pretty sure it was the handbag that got me attention). When I said I cant seem to find anyone in those places to help me, I mean I literally can't find anyone. I've been all around the contemporary floor looking for someone and had no luck more than once. I've just come to rely on myself there, which isn't a huge deal, but there should be enough people to pay attention to most of the customers when they're spending good money on merchandise.
Saks is where I usually head when I need to do some shopping. They carry my favorite Hugo Boss shirts and suits, as well as many other upscale brands. The sales associates are always very helpful- you can only expect the best from Saks.
So, price notwithstanding, Saks is always a hit with me. I love their selection, especially in Salon Z (for us bigger gals) and their accessories and make-up. They have pretty good sales too, so keep your eye out for a good bargain. Otherwise you can always hit up Off 5th in Gurnee or Schaumburg.
i give it 5 stars for the people who can afford it. one day, i walked in dressed stylishly in all high-end clothing & accesories and they were helpful, not too pushy, and overall interested serving to your needs.
but then...
when i was dressed in a tracksuit, nike's, and a mere diesel purse the SA's gave me not even a second of their day. i give saks 3 stars for that day. nothing more though. i advise if you aren't dressed your best-- nordstrom/bloomingdales will do
I LOVE Saks 5th Ave. Salon!!! If you go, ask for Shelby to take care of you. He takes the best care of his clients, and their staff truley cares about the quality given to each customer. Lilly is also great. If there were 10 stars, I would give 11! You will leave feeling like a Queen! (or King)
Still a tried and true source for luxury clothes and accessories. Catering to refined male tastes, this is still a great destination if you are not averse to paying top dollar and dealing with annoying sales consultants.
I went into Saks to look for a new pair of shoes. There I was helped by a sales associate called Bryan who was great. He suggested another style when the ones I liked didn't fit, and I ended up buying a great pair of Jimmy Choos. I cannot fault his service at all. So if you go there ask for him.
However I am giving it 4 instead of 5 stars as I was quite rudely ignored by a much older male sales associate in the shoe department. He stood right next to me rearranging shoes and didn't say hello or even smile at me, and when I smiled at him he just snubbed me. Then he bent over backwards to greet the woman next to me who was carrying a chanel purse, (who incidentally ended up buying nothing)!
I love the little rivalry between NM and Saks, and all the little Bonus Points and Triple Points and Gift Cards, but have to say Saks wins out this season. The merchandise was fresh and plentiful. I found a wonderful sales associate - Karina in Diane Von Furstenberg - that takes me through and pinpoints the hot styles and must haves. She has saved me time and energy and I am now set for the season. If you don't have a Saks charge, may I suggest you get one, because they give you incredible bonuses... for instance, I bought a couple of coats, and whoala! A gift card for $250 right on the spot! I bought my Coco perfume and still have plenty left for another treat! Or they also have pre-sell events where you save 40% if you shop a certain day, but your sales associate holds your merchandise and then charges you on the sale day. Now that is smart shopping! I find the staff to be friendly and helpful. Bond with a sales associate in your favorite department. They'll call you for sales, and hold merchandise for you. You'll be treated like royalty!
saks gets a bad rap in chicago....everyone thinks neiman's is the place to go, but really saks has some great lines....and some really great people! all of the ladies in the fifth avenue club (personal shoppers) are amazing....they know their stuff like no other! and the contemporary area of the store stocks the best lines for that genre....the cosmetics selection in the store is unreal and if you like christian dior handbags, ask for jonathan (if he's still there) he's know's his dior, he offers real advice and he is FABULOUS...also, a new leaf near the entrance in the mall is a a great place to stop and buy some stems on your way out :)


