Saks Fifth vs. Neiman Marcus: Which brand is better? [2026]

Saks Fifth Avenue is celebrated for its modern, trend-driven approach to luxury, offering a curated mix of cutting-edge designer collaborations and contemporary brands. By contrast, Neiman Marcus champions timeless elegance, focusing on heritage luxury houses and classic investment pieces in a more traditional, refined shopping environment.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right luxury department store for your tastes.

Saks Fifth Avenue: The Modern Luxury Trendsetter

Saks Fifth Avenue stands as a cornerstone of high-end fashion, known for its fashion-forward selection of designer apparel, accessories, and beauty. The brand targets affluent, style-conscious shoppers who seek the latest runway trends and exclusive collaborations. The Saks experience, both online and in their iconic stores, is designed to be sleek and sophisticated, catering to a customer who values innovation and impeccable service.

• Product mix: Extensive selection of high-end designer labels (Gucci, Balmain), contemporary brands, and exclusive collections across women's and men's fashion, shoes, handbags, jewelry, beauty, and home goods.
• Style aesthetic: Sleek, modern, and highly trend-aware. Saks is the place to find bold statement pieces and a vibe that feels very current with today's luxury fashion movements.
• Price point: Firmly in the luxury category. Designer handbags range from $1,500 to over $5,000, while ready-to-wear often starts around $500 for a single item.
• Rewards program: The SaksFirst loyalty program rewards frequent shoppers with points that can be redeemed for gift cards, plus perks like early access to sales and exclusive event invitations.
• Shopping experience: A seamless and intuitive website paired with an in-store emphasis on personalized service, including dedicated stylists. Saks also offers flexible delivery options like same-day delivery in certain areas.
• Return policy: Saks offers a generous return policy, making it easy to purchase items with confidence.

Saks is the go-to destination for shoppers who want the latest luxury styles and exclusive drops from contemporary fashion leaders in a modern setting.

Shop Saks Fifth Avenue: saksfifthavenue.com

Neiman Marcus: The Home of Timeless Elegance

Neiman Marcus has carved out its identity as a premier destination for classic, refined luxury. Its reputation is built on an exclusive and sophisticated shopping environment focused on high fashion and personalized curation. The brand attracts consumers who appreciate heritage, fine craftsmanship, and timeless investment pieces that can be worn for years. The overall experience feels established, elegant, and dedicated to a concierge level of service.

• Product mix: A curated assortment of premium designer apparel, accessories, fine jewelry, beauty, and home decor from heritage luxury houses like Chanel and Dior as well as contemporary designers. Many stores feature upscale brand boutiques within the department store.
• Style aesthetic: Emphasizes timeless elegance and sophistication. The selection favors refined, high-quality pieces that transcend seasonal trends.
• Price point: Directly comparable to Saks, with prices reflecting its premium positioning. Expect to find items in the same price range, affirming its status in the luxury market.
• Rewards program: The Neiman Marcus InCircle program offers members exclusive perks like early access to sales, point-based rewards, and personalized services tailored to loyal customers.
• Shopping experience: An upscale and luxurious journey both online and in person. The brand is known for its highly attentive staff, private shopping services, and focus on creating a memorable, high-touch experience for every customer.
• Return policy: Known for a customer-friendly return policy that emphasizes convenience and shopper confidence.

Neiman Marcus is ideal for the discerning shopper who favors classic style, world-renowned heritage brands, and a refined, service-oriented atmosphere.

Shop Neiman Marcus: neimanmarcus.com

Saks Fifth vs. Neiman Marcus Comparison

Price Comparison

There is no meaningful price difference between Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Both retailers operate squarely in the luxury space, carrying many of the same designer brands at identical price points. A Saint Laurent handbag or a Brunello Cucinelli sweater will cost the same at either store. Both host regular sales and promotional events where shoppers can find significant discounts.

The decision between the two should not be based on finding a better deal. Instead, it comes down to which retailer carries the specific brands, exclusive items, or styles you're looking for. Their budgets are aligned, their aesthetic focus is what sets them apart.

Style & Aesthetic

The most significant differentiator is their style curation. Saks leans heavily into modern, trend-driven fashion. It’s where you’ll find the season's "it-bag," bold statement pieces, and collections from buzzy, contemporary designers. The overall vibe is younger, edgier, and more aligned with current runway trends.

Neiman Marcus, on the other hand, embraces a more classic and timeless elegance. Its buyers curate collections built around sophistication and longevity. It is the destination for investment pieces, heritage luxury brands, and an aesthetic that is more refined and less trend-cyclical. If your style icons are Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn, Neiman Marcus is likely more your speed.

Shopping Experience

Both brands provide an exemplary luxury shopping experience. Online, their websites are polished, easy to navigate, and offer detailed product information. In-store, shoppers can expect attentive and knowledgeable staff, with personal styling services available to provide a high-touch, personalized journey.

Saks might feel slightly more fast-paced and energetic in its physical stores, reflecting its trend-focused inventory. Neiman Marcus often cultivates a calmer, more traditionally luxurious atmosphere, creating a serene and exclusive environment. Minor differences exist - Saks' same-day delivery might be a key perk for some - but both excel at making customers feel valued.

Rewards Programs

Both loyalty programs are designed to reward their best customers. The SaksFirst program at Saks and InCircle at Neiman Marcus offer similar structures and benefits. Shoppers earn points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for gift cards or store credit. Higher tiers unlock more valuable perks like complimentary valet parking, early access to designer sales, and invitations to exclusive fashion events.

Neither program is objectively better, they are both well-suited for brand-loyal shoppers who make frequent, high-value purchases. Your choice of program should be guided by your store preference, not the other way around.

Return Policies

As leaders in luxury retail, both Saks and Neiman Marcus understand the importance of a flexible and hassle-free return policy. Both retailers offer generous return windows and make it easy to return items purchased online either by mail or in-store. This commitment to customer satisfaction allows shoppers to make high-value purchases with confidence, knowing they can easily make a return if an item isn’t a perfect fit.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both of these legendary department stores are pillars of luxury retail, but they cater to distinct style sensibilities.

Choose Saks Fifth Avenue if:

• You are trend-conscious and want the absolute latest fashions and runway looks.
• You enjoy discovering new, contemporary designers and exclusive brand collaborations.
• Your style is modern, bold, and fashion-forward.
• You want a vibrant, high-energy shopping atmosphere that feels current.

Choose Neiman Marcus if:

• You prefer timeless investment pieces over seasonal trends.
• You prioritize heritage luxury brands known for quality and classic design.
• Your personal style is understated, sophisticated, and elegant.
• You enjoy a more personalized, serene, and traditional luxury shopping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus more expensive?

They are not meaningfully different in price. Both are high-end luxury retailers that carry many of the same brands at the same premium price points. Neither is considered more affordable than the other.

Which store has better quality items?

Both Saks and Neiman Marcus are known for curating collections from top-tier designers who use high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. The quality is exceptional at both stores, the difference lies in the style. Saks often features more innovative or modern materials, while Neiman Marcus focuses on classic and traditional craftsmanship.

What is the main style difference between Saks and Neiman Marcus?

The core difference is style. Saks Fifth Avenue is modern and trend-focused, appealing to a fashion-forward audience. Neiman Marcus is built on classic elegance and timelessness, serving a customer who prefers refined, investment pieces.

Do both stores have loyalty programs?

Yes, they both have excellent loyalty programs for frequent shoppers. Saks offers SaksFirst, and Neiman Marcus offers the InCircle program. Both provide similar rewards and perks, such as early access to sales and points that convert to store credits.

Which store is better for sales?

Both retailers hold major sales regularly, including their famous end-of-season and holiday events with significant markdowns. Brand loyalists often watch for their favorite store's sale schedule, but discount levels and frequency are comparable between the two.

Can I get personal styling help at both stores?

Absolutely. Both Saks and Neiman Marcus pride themselves on their personal shopping and styling services. You can book appointments with expert stylists at both locations for a curated, one-on-one shopping experience.

What is the difference between their beauty sections?

Both have extensive and luxurious beauty departments with a wide range of skincare, makeup, and fragrance brands. Saks may have a slight edge in securing exclusive launches from trendy or new-to-market brands, while Neiman Marcus excels in curating classic, high-performance beauty and fragrance houses.

Which store is better for handbags?

This depends on what you're looking for. Choose Saks for the latest "it-bag" from contemporary designers and trend-driven styles. Go to Neiman Marcus for classic, iconic silhouettes from heritage brands that will stand the test of time.