Retail Market Is Facing New Challenges When Department Stores Are Facing Challenges.

"We don't define ourselves as department stores," says Geoffroy van Raemdonck, chief executive of Neiman Marcus. "We see ourselves as a platform for high-end luxury customers."
There will probably be a round of iteration in department stores. Once the Department Store giants like Barneys and Lord & Taylor are facing a difficult prospect, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue are revitalize in the challenging retail market environment by adopting new strategies.
Since becoming chief executive in February 2018, Van Raemdonck has acquired Fashionphile, an online second-hand trading platform, and has tried some experiential retail experiments at the new department store at Hudson Yards, including digital booking rooms that can be made ahead of schedule, temporary flower shops and Spa services.
"He is a very smart person," Diane von Furstenburg said. It was von Furstenburg who nominated Van Raemdonck for the 500 BoF this year.
As chairman of Saks, Marc Metrick is also trying to experience retail. The chain store, Hudson s Bay Co., has recently completed its $250 million renovation project at flagship store, including the elevator and lounge that is expected to become a red card, and the luxury jewelry space called "The Vault", where people can enjoy private appointments and concierge services.
Saks Fifth Avenue President Marc Metrick
"In recent years, Saks has become the most avant-garde of fashion in the department store chain of the United States, and Mark has made great contributions," said Marco Bizzarri, CEO of Gucci. "Their financial performance has improved, and now they are at the forefront of competition. For brands like us, to ensure healthy and sustainable business in department stores, it is very important to find partners like him.
It is not an easy task to recognize the trend of the luxury market and transform them into strategic decisions that are applied in large companies. But it is very important for Saks and Neilman Marcus to be sensitive to consumers' interests and adapt quickly, which also determines the future of US retail.