Saks Fifth Avenue vs. Nordstrom: Which brand is better? [2026]

Saks Fifth Avenue is a pure-play luxury retailer focused on a curated selection of high-end designer brands and a premium, exclusive shopping experience. By contrast, Nordstrom offers a broader mix of products, balancing high-end labels with accessible contemporary brands, and is renowned for its industry-leading customer service and inclusive sizing.

Let's compare these two department store giants so you can decide which is the right fit for your shopping needs.

Saks Fifth Avenue: The High-Fashion Destination

Saks Fifth Avenue is the epitome of luxury shopping, catering to an affluent, style-conscious customer who prioritizes exclusivity and designer prestige. The store's carefully selected inventory features the most sought-after names in fashion, from runway collections to timeless investment pieces, all presented in a sophisticated and upscale environment.

• Product mix: A highly curated collection of premier designer apparel, handbags, shoes, jewelry, and beauty. You'll find top-tier luxury brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Prada, alongside exclusive collaborations and limited-edition items.
• Price point: Firmly in the luxury category. Designer handbags typically start around $1,000, and ready-to-wear dresses often exceed $500, reflecting the store's focus on premium merchandise.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Classic, elegant, and polished. The overall look is sophisticated and modern, appealing to shoppers looking for refined and high-quality investments for their wardrobe.
• Shopping experience: A high-touch, personalized service defines the Saks experience. They offer personal shopping assistants, private appointments, and exclusive in-store events for clientele.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing aligns with individual luxury designer standards, which can vary. It's often best to consult specific brand guides or try items on in-store.

Saks Fifth Avenue excels at delivering a purely luxurious experience, making it the top choice for shoppers seeking the latest high-fashion collections and white-glove service.

Shop Saks Fifth Avenue: saksfifthavenue.com

Nordstrom: The Customer-First Retailer

Nordstrom has built its reputation on exceptional customer service and an inclusive, accessible approach to upscale retail. While it carries plenty of luxury brands, it also provides a wide array of contemporary and mid-range options, making it a versatile one-stop shop for a broad audience that values quality, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere.

• Product mix: An extensive range of women's, men's, and children's apparel, shoes, beauty, and activewear. Nordstrom carries everything from luxury designers to popular contemporary brands like Kate Spade or Vince Camuto right alongside high-end labels.
• Price point: Spans from affordable to luxury. You can find handbags starting around $200-$300 and quality apparel starting under $100, while their designer sections feature price points similar to Saks.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Versatile and contemporary. Nordstrom mixes trendy, fashion-forward pieces with classic essentials, catering to a wide range of personal styles for work, weekend, and evening.
• Sizing/Fit: A leader in inclusivity, offering comprehensive petite, plus, and tall sizing across many brands. Detailed online size guides and customer reviews help shoppers find the right fit.
• Shopping experience: World-class customer service is their signature, with free shipping and returns, curbside pickup, on-site alterations, and friendly, knowledgeable sales staff.

Nordstrom is the go-to for shoppers who want variety, outstanding service, and a flexible shopping experience that accommodates different budgets and sizing needs.

Shop Nordstrom: nordstrom.com

Saks Fifth Avenue vs. Nordstrom Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a distinct difference in pricing strategy between the two retailers. Saks Fifth Avenue maintains its status as a premier luxury destination with consistently high price points. You should expect to see pieces like a Gucci handbag starting north of $1,200 or a designer dress that easily runs over $1,000. While they have seasonal sales, the core of their business is full-price luxury goods.

Nordstrom offers a much wider pricing spectrum. You can find entry-level luxury and contemporary handbags for $200-$300, alongside Saint Laurent and Gucci bags priced similarly to those at Saks. Nordstrom is famous for its sales events, particularly the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and Half-Yearly sales, which present serious opportunities for savings on both contemporary and designer items.

Quality & Materials

Both department stores prioritize quality, but their approach aligns with their overall brand strategy. Saks, by nature of its focus on top-tier luxury brands, offers a consistent level of premium craftsmanship. Materials like fine leather, silk, cashmere, and other high-quality textiles are standard across their collections, ensuring durability and excellent construction.

At Nordstrom, quality is generally very good but varies depending on the specific brand and price point. Their in-house private labels are known for offering solid quality at an accessible price. While their high-end designer merchandise matches the quality found at Saks, the broader selection means you'll find a wider range of materials and construction levels.

Style & Aesthetic

Saks Fifth Avenue’s aesthetic is pure elegance and sophistication. They curate timeless collections for a customer with a classic, polished sense of style. The focus is on investment pieces and runway looks that feel refined and suitable for formal events or a high-end daily wardrobe.

Nordstrom offers a more contemporary and eclectic mix. Their style is more trend-aware and versatile, blending fashion-forward items with everyday essentials. Whether you need a casual outfit, business attire, or an evening dress, Nordstrom's wide range caters to a more diverse set of fashion preferences.

Fit & Sizing

This is a clear point of difference. Saks Fifth Avenue's sizing is dependent on the specific standards of each luxury designer they carry, which can sometimes lead to inconsistencies. It is often wise for shoppers to be familiar with how a specific brand fits before purchasing.

Nordstrom is an industry leader in inclusive sizing. They make a concerted effort to provide extensive options, including dedicated sections for petite, plus, and tall sizes. Their website is also helpful, featuring detailed size charts and numerous customer reviews that provide real-world feedback on an item’s fit, making online shopping much more reliable.

Shopping Experience

Saks offers a quintessentially luxurious and exclusive shopping journey. Both in-store and online, the focus is on providing a high-touch, personalized experience. Services like private shopping appointments, expert stylists, and exclusive trunk shows create a feeling of opulence and special treatment.

Nordstrom's experience is built around convenience and customer satisfaction. Legendary for its lenient return policy and free shipping, Nordstrom makes shopping easy and risk-free. In-store services like free basic alterations, curbside pickup, and an army of helpful sales associates make for a welcoming and practical shopping environment.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both retailers are working toward more sustainable practices, but Nordstrom is more vocal and transparent about its efforts. Nordstrom has made public commitments to ethical sourcing, reducing its carbon footprint, and offering sustainably made products. They often highlight eco-friendly brands and participate in industry-wide initiatives to promote better practices.

Saks is also incorporating sustainability, particularly by featuring brands with strong eco-friendly credentials. However, the complex supply chains of many top-tier luxury houses can make full transparency a greater challenge.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal style, budget, and what you value most in a shopping experience.

Choose Saks Fifth Avenue if:

• Your priority is exclusive, high-end designer brands and the latest runway collections.
• You are shopping for a special occasion and want an investment piece that feels truly luxurious.
• You value a premium, personalized service experience with access to stylists.
• Your personal style is classic, sophisticated, and polished.

Choose Nordstrom if:

• You want a wide selection that includes both luxury and more affordable contemporary brands.
• Phenomenal customer service and a rock-solid return policy are important to you.
• You need inclusive sizing options like petite or plus-size that can be hard to find elsewhere.
• You are a value-conscious shopper who loves taking advantage of major seasonal sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saks Fifth Avenue or Nordstrom more expensive?

Saks Fifth Avenue is consistently more expensive. Its focus is entirely on the luxury market, so its average price points are significantly higher. Nordstrom has a broader price range, with accessible options alongside its high-end designer selections.

Which store has better sales?

Nordstrom is famous for its sales, especially the annual Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which features new arrivals at a discount. They also have several Half-Yearly sales. While Saks offers seasonal sales, Nordstrom's events are more frequent and eagerly anticipated by shoppers looking for value.

Which return policy is better?

Nordstrom is famous for its generous and flexible return policy, which they handle on a case-by-case basis without a strict time limit for most items. Saks has a more standard 30-day return policy for full refunds, making Nordstrom far more flexible.

Where can I find more unique designer pieces?

Saks Fifth Avenue often has the edge for unique and exclusive designer items. Because of their deep relationships with luxury fashion houses, they frequently receive exclusive capsules, limited editions, and runway pieces that may not be available elsewhere.

Can I find the same brands at both stores?

You will find some overlap in major luxury brands like Saint Laurent or Burberry. However, Saks delves deeper into the highest tier of luxury fashion, while Nordstrom offers a much broader mix that includes thousands of contemporary and mid-range brands you won't find at Saks.

Which store has better customer service?

This depends on your definition of "better." Nordstrom is known for having the best customer-centric service in retail - friendly, accessible, and incredibly convenient. Saks offers a different kind of service that is more about luxury and personalization, such as dedicated stylists and a more private shopping experience.

Which store is better for shoes?

Both have exceptional shoe departments. Nordstrom is widely praised for its vast selection across all price points, from running shoes to luxury heels, and its customer service in the shoe department is legendary. Saks offers a more curated selection of high-end designer footwear.

Which store has a better online shopping experience?

Both websites are sleek and easy to navigate. However, Nordstrom’s combination of free shipping, free returns, detailed customer reviews on fit, and the option for in-store or curbside pickup often make its online experience more convenient and user-friendly for the average shopper.