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

Saks Fifth Avenue is known for its modern, trend-focused approach to luxury, offering a sleek and sophisticated experience with an eye on contemporary fashion. In contrast, Neiman Marcus blends timeless elegance with current trends, building on a century-long reputation for exceptional service and exclusive designer collections.

Let's compare these two iconic department stores to help you decide where to make your next luxury purchase.

Saks: The Modern Luxury Fashion Hub

Saks Fifth Avenue is the go-to destination for high-fashion shoppers who want a curated selection of contemporary and designer brands. With its famously sophisticated flagship store in New York City and a seamless online presence, Saks focuses on delivering an elegant and exclusive shopping experience, from personalized styling to limited-edition collaborations.

• Product mix: Offers a wide array of high-end designer apparel, handbags, shoes, accessories, beauty, and home goods. The selection leans toward modern, fashion-forward pieces from a mix of runway brands and contemporary designers.
• Price point: Firmly in the luxury market. Designer handbags often start around $1,000, while apparel can range from $300 for a contemporary piece to over $2,000 for runway looks.
• Style aesthetic: The overall feel is modern, sophisticated, and polished. Saks caters to a shopper looking for clean lines, statement items, and of-the-moment trends.
• Shopping experience: Known for its exceptional service, offering personalized styling, VIP shopping appointments, and a highly functional website with advanced filters and exclusive online collections.
• Sales: Features seasonal sales, holiday promotions, and special online exclusives, but deep discounts are less frequent than at mainstream retailers.
• Return policy: Offers returns within 30 days of purchase for a full refund on most merchandise.

Saks provides a modern, trend-conscious shopping experience focused on curated luxury and exclusive collaborations, making it ideal for those seeking the latest in fashion and beauty.

Shop Saks: saks.com

Neiman Marcus: A Legacy of Timeless Elegance

With its roots in Dallas since 1907, Neiman Marcus has a historic reputation for quality, service, and offering a unique mix of both timeless and cutting-edge fashion. It's built for luxury shoppers who appreciate a blend of traditional elegance and modern style, complemented by top-tier customer service and exclusive offerings.

• Product mix: Features an extensive selection of designer apparel, high-end accessories, fine jewelry, cosmetics, and home furnishings. The company is celebrated for its buyer-curated collections and exclusive designer collaborations.
• Price point: Competes directly with Saks, with similar price ranges for designer handbags and apparel. For example, bags typically start around the $1,000 mark.
• Style aesthetic: Blends classic, timeless luxury with contemporary fashion. Neiman Marcus appeals to a wider spectrum of luxury consumers by balancing traditional style with current trends.
• Shopping experience: Emphasizes personalized service, with stylists, shopping consultations, and in-store luxury events. Its sophisticated website also provides virtual appointments and detailed product insight.
• Sales: While it hosts seasonal events, Neiman Marcus is well-known for "Last Call," its chain of outlet stores and a corresponding online store that provide significant discounts on luxury goods.
• Return policy: Accepts returns for a full refund within 30 days of purchase.

Neiman Marcus offers a rich blend of classic and modern luxury, backed by a history of superb service and a more pronounced strategy for outlet shopping.

Shop Neiman Marcus: neimanmarcus.com

Saks vs. Neiman Marcus Comparison

Price Comparison

On their main websites and in their flagship stores, Saks and Neiman Marcus have nearly identical pricing strategies. Expect to find a new season Prada handbag or Burberry trench coat at the same retail price at either store. Both retailers anchor the high-end luxury market.

The key price difference lies in their approach to sales. Neiman Marcus operates "Last Call" outlet locations, offering a consistent channel for discounted designer items from past seasons. While Saks does have occasional sales and an outlet counterpart (Saks OFF 5TH, which operates mostly separately), Neiman Marcus’s "Last Call" is a more integral part of its value proposition for shoppers looking for deals on luxury brands.

Product Selection & Style

While there is significant overlap in the brands carried - think Gucci, Dior, and Saint Laurent - the curation differs. Saks leans into a more modern, trend-driven aesthetic. Its collections feel sharp, polished, and squarely aimed at the fashion-forward consumer. It's where you might go for an edgy, architectural dress or the latest "it" bag.

Neiman Marcus cultivates a style that balances the classic with the contemporary. You'll find timeless, elegant suits and gowns alongside trendy, fashion-forward pieces. This more versatile approach caters to shoppers whose style is sophisticated yet not completely trend-chasing. It's often the top choice for those looking for mother-of-the-bride gowns or a classic Fendi bag.

Shopping Experience

Both brands deliver a premier shopping experience focused on service. Whether online or in-store, they offer personalized styling, beautiful visual merchandising, and helpful customer associates. Both retailers have sophisticated websites with easy navigation and comprehensive filtering.

The difference is subtle and relates to their brand identity. The Saks in-store experience feels more like walking into an art gallery - minimalist, sleek, and modern. Neiman Marcus often has a warmer, more opulent ambiance that reflects its long-standing history of Texas hospitality. Both offer premium services like same-day delivery in certain cities, personal shoppers, and seamless return processes.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both Saks and Neiman Marcus are taking steps towards sustainability, which is a complex task for retailers carrying hundreds of different brands. Both highlight eco-conscious brands and collections on their sites. Neiman Marcus has an established corporate sustainability program focused on responsible sourcing and minimizing waste. Similarly, Saks has initiatives that promote sustainable fashion and eco-conscious designers. The true impact often depends on the individual brand you purchase, but both retailers are making information on ethical practices more accessible to customers.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both department stores are top-tier choices for luxury goods, but they cater to slightly different style preferences and shopping habits.

Choose Saks if:

• You're specifically looking for contemporary, trend-forward pieces.
• A sleek, modern shopping environment appeals to you.
• You follow the latest runway trends and want access to in-demand items.
• Your style is polished, sharp, and cosmopolitan.

Choose Neiman Marcus if:

• Your style blends timeless elegance with current trends.
• You appreciate a retailer with a deep heritage in customer service.
• You want access to a dedicated outlet for finding luxury items at a discount (Last Call).
• You need a versatile selection that offers everything from classic evening wear to trendy daywear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saks or Neiman Marcus more expensive?

For current-season items, Saks and Neiman Marcus are priced almost identically. The prices are set by the designer brands they carry. Neiman Marcus's "Last Call" outlet may offer more frequent and deeper discounts on past-season merchandise than Saks' seasonal sales promotions.

Do Saks and Neiman Marcus have outlet stores?

Yes. Neiman Marcus operates "Last Call by Neiman Marcus," which offers significant discounts. Saks Fifth Avenue's outlet counterpart is Saks OFF 5TH, though it functions more as a separate business entity with its own buying team and different product assortments than just Saks clearance.

What is the return policy for Saks and Neiman Marcus?

Both retailers have very similar return policies. They typically accept returns for a full refund on unworn, unaltered merchandise within 30 days of purchase, provided you have a receipt or packing slip.

Which store is better for unique designer pieces?

Both retailers are excellent sources for unique items and often secure store-exclusive collections. Saks is often the place to find exclusive collaborations with modern and edgy designers, while Neiman Marcus often has exclusive releases from more established, iconic fashion houses.

Do Saks and Neiman Marcus offer personal stylists?

Yes, both retailers are renowned for their complimentary personal styling services. You can book an appointment to work with a stylist in-store or virtually to help you find specific items or build a new wardrobe.

Which store carries more brands?

The total number of brands is comparable, but the curation differs. Many top-tier luxury brands are available at both. However, each store has its own set of smaller exclusive labels that align with its particular style identity.

Which has a better online shopping experience?

Both offer exceptional, user-friendly websites with high-quality imagery, detailed product information, and various shipping options. The "better" experience is subjective - some may prefer Saks's sleek and modern site design, while others might appreciate the detailed editorial content on the Neiman Marcus site.