Saks Fifth Avenue's NYC flagship reopens

By

Robin Driver

Published
Jun 24, 2020

Closed since March 17 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Saks Fifth Avenue’s iconic New York flagship is reopening on Wednesday, June 24, with a number of new safety measures intended to ensure the health and peace of mind of customers.

 
According to the Wall Street Journal, as it reopens, the department store’s Manhattan flagship is introducing ultraviolet handrail cleaners on its escalators, which will also feature decals showing customers where to stand in order to maintain social distancing measures. Elevators will be reserved for senior citizens and customers with health issues.
 
100 hand-sanitizing stations have been set up around the store, along with signs reminding customers to wear masks and keep six feet away from each other at all times. According to the retailer, which is ownd by Canada’s Hudson’s Bay Co, the number of customers in store will also be constantly monitored.

In addition, a “wellness team” made up of the store’s upper management has been tasked with patrolling the flagship to make sure that measures such as masks and social distancing are being observed.
 
Cleaning efforts throughout the store will not only be redoubled but will also be carried out in full view of customers in a further attempt to reassure shoppers returning to the flagship.
 
There will also be changes in the fitting rooms. Clothes that have been tried on will be put aside for 24 hours, reflecting a slightly more relaxed approach than in other reopening Saks locations, which have hitherto imposed a 48-hour isolation period.
 
Makeover, facial and spa treatments have been temporarily suspended and makeup testers are currently for display purposes only.
 
The last of Saks Fifth Avenue’s 40 stores to reopen to the public, the retailer’s NYC flagship began curbside pick-up services on June 10.
 
A matter of weeks ago, the iconic Fifth Avenue location’s façade featured boarded-up windows and razor wire, and was protected by several third-party security guards, hired by the retailer in light of looting occurring on the peripheries of protests in response to the killing of George Floyd.