Saks off Fifth opened their first Canadian locations this past week to much fanfare. I decided to check out the Toronto Premiums Outlet location, which used to be the Hudson’s Bay Outlet, this past weekend.
If you are following me on Instagram you already know I was very impressed.
First glance it looks like many other off priced retailers we are used to, the signage and fixtures and the change rooms, even the check outs feel similar. But those are superficial similarities that are just skin deep.
Unlike other off priced retailers the merchandise is all contemporary or traditional designers. This means you don’t have to sift through the junk to find a jem. It is like Winners Runway on crack. In fact the Runway section takes up the entire store and it isn’t picked over, especially with new merchandise arriving daily.
As you walk in the designer bags abound. And it isn’t hit or miss, you can find one big name after another. Rebecca Minkoff, Valentino, Zac Posen. You can indulge your IT bag personality at a discount.
Also as I walked in I was greeted by a Rag and Bone display. Instantly I was excited. Finally a way to shop all the contemporary brands I loved without going into Holts or waiting with bated breath for something great to show up at my favourite consignment shops. I saw things from Joie, Free People, Wildfox, Loeffler Randall and more.
Also the Saks Fifth Avenue label was pleasantly surprising. The quality of the materials was in line with the other brands in the store but cheaper still than the designer names.
The shoe section is massive; taking up the entire back wall. There is a mix of trendy favourites like Sam Edalman to high end finds from Jimmy Choo and Valentino. I saw loads of on trend picks with fringe and sporty options like the colourful New Balance above. I even saw a pair of Isabel Marant wedge sneakers!
The denim selection at the Saks off Fifth was all premium. Lines like Rag and Bone, 7 for all mankind, True Religion and more. Jeans that sell retail at $300 were less than half price! I had to pick up this pair. See the rest of what I bought over on Instagram.
One section I didn’t spend enough time walking through was the mens section. But the suit selection was enormous, which is a huge improvement over the minimal selection at other off priced retailers locally. Amongst the Hugo Boss and Yves Saint Laurent is the Saks house label. If it is anything like their more casual pieces their suits will be of excellent quality and even better prices.
Other times I have visited Toronto Premium Outlets it has had me wanting more. I think it has finally found it with Saks off Fifth.
What do you think of Saks off Fifth? Do you have one near you? Have you been to the new opening?