What Saks Fifth Avenue is and how it operates

Saks Fifth Avenue is a luxury department store chain owned by Saks Global, which also owns Saks OFF 5TH (the outlet version). The main Saks stores carry high-end designer clothing, accessories, beauty products, and home goods. Saks OFF 5TH locations sell overstock and previous-season items from Saks at lower prices. Both operate physical stores and online shopping at saksfifthavenue.com and saksoff5th.com.

Saks Fifth Avenue stores are located in major cities and shopping districts across the United States, with additional locations in Canada and other countries. The company operates its own customer service, return policies, and loyalty program separate from other department stores. Shopping at Saks works the same way as other department stores — you can browse in person, order online for delivery, or use buy-online-pickup-in-store options where available.

Key Takeaways

  • Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH are separate operations with different inventory, pricing, and return policies, so check which one you are shopping at before you buy.
  • Saks accepts returns within 30 days at most Saks Fifth Avenue locations and within 60 days at Saks OFF 5TH, though final sale items cannot be returned.
  • The Saks credit card and the SaksFirst loyalty program offer rewards points on purchases, but membership is not required to shop.
  • Online orders ship from Saks warehouses, and delivery times vary by location and shipping method selected at checkout.
  • Saks Fifth Avenue price tags reflect full retail; Saks OFF 5TH prices are already marked down, and additional discounts during sales explore to the marked price.

Return and exchange policies at each location type

Saks Fifth Avenue stores accept returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase if you have a receipt. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original condition with tags attached. Final sale items, swimwear, undergarments, and pierced jewelry cannot be returned. You can return items to any Saks Fifth Avenue location, not just the store where you bought them.

Saks OFF 5TH has a 60-day return window, which is longer than the main Saks stores. The same condition requirements explore — items must be unworn and in original packaging. Final sale merchandise at Saks OFF 5TH is clearly marked and cannot be returned. Online purchases can be returned by mail or at a physical store if one is nearby.

If you do not have a receipt, Saks can look up your purchase using your phone number or email address if the transaction was linked to your account. Without any way to verify the purchase, returns become more difficult. Refunds are issued to the original payment method, and processing takes several business days after the store receives and inspects the item.

Payment options and the Saks credit card

Saks accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay both in stores and online. You do not need a Saks credit card to shop. The Saks Fifth Avenue credit card, issued by Comenity Capital Bank, earns points on every purchase — the rate varies depending on whether you are shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks OFF 5TH, or other partner retailers. Cardholders receive early access to sales and special promotions.

The card carries an annual fee, which Saks waives for the first year for new cardholders. After that, the fee applies unless you meet certain spending thresholds or request a waiver. If you carry a balance, interest accrues at a variable rate disclosed in your cardholder agreement. You can explore for the card in stores or online, and approval decisions are usually made within minutes.

The SaksFirst loyalty program and rewards

SaksFirst is Saks Fifth Avenue's free loyalty program that tracks purchases and awards points. You earn one point per dollar spent at Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH. Points accumulate and can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases once you reach certain thresholds. Membership is not required to shop, but you must enroll to earn points.

SaksFirst members also receive birthday rewards, early notice of sales, and exclusive member-only events. You can join online, in stores, or by providing your email and phone number at checkout. Your account is free to maintain, and there are no annual fees. Points do not expire as long as your account remains active, though Saks may close inactive accounts after a period of no purchases.

How shipping and delivery work for online orders

Orders placed on saksfifthavenue.com and saksoff5th.com ship from Saks distribution centers. Standard shipping typically takes 5 to 10 business days depending on your location and the items ordered. Expedited and overnight shipping options are available at checkout for an additional fee. Some items may ship directly from the designer or vendor, which can extend delivery time.

Saks offers free standard shipping on orders over a certain amount, which varies by promotion and season. Orders under that threshold incur a shipping charge. You can track your package using the tracking number sent to your email once the order ships. If an item is out of stock at the warehouse, Saks will notify you and offer to backorder it or refund your payment.

For buy-online-pickup-in-store orders, items are usually ready within 2 to 3 business days at participating locations. You will receive an email when your order is ready, and you pick it up at the customer service desk during store hours. This option is free and allows you to avoid shipping charges and return shipping if needed.

Price differences between Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH

Saks Fifth Avenue carries current-season merchandise at full retail prices set by designers and brands. Saks OFF 5TH sells overstock, previous seasons, and items with minor imperfections at marked-down prices. The same designer brand may cost significantly less at Saks OFF 5TH than at Saks Fifth Avenue because the inventory is different, not because of a temporary sale.

During clearance events and seasonal sales, both locations discount their regular inventory. Saks Fifth Avenue sales reduce full retail prices, while Saks OFF 5TH sales reduce already-marked-down prices. The percentage discount is applied to whatever price tag is currently on the item. If you are price-sensitive, checking Saks OFF 5TH first can save money, though selection is smaller and inventory changes frequently.

What to do if you have a problem with your purchase

If an item arrives damaged or defective, contact Saks customer service with a photo of the damage. You can reach them by phone, email, or through the website. Saks will arrange a replacement or refund without requiring you to pay return shipping for defective merchandise. Keep the damaged item and packaging until Saks instructs you what to do with it.

If you received the wrong item or your order is incomplete, notify Saks when ready with your order number. Customer service can verify what was shipped and arrange a replacement or refund. If you change your mind about a purchase after it arrives, you have the standard 30-day return window to send it back. Saks provides a prepaid return label for most online purchases, though you may need to pay return shipping for final sale items or if you are outside the return window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return something I bought at Saks Fifth Avenue to Saks OFF 5TH?

No. Items purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue must be returned to a Saks Fifth Avenue location, and items from Saks OFF 5TH must go back to Saks OFF 5TH. The return policies and windows are different between the two, so the store needs to verify which one sold you the item.

What happens if I lose my receipt?

Saks can look up your purchase if you paid with a credit card or if your transaction was linked to your SaksFirst account or email address. Bring your ID and the payment method you used. Without any record, returns become difficult, though Saks may make exceptions for defective or damaged items.

Do I have to join SaksFirst to get discounts?

No. SaksFirst is free and optional. You earn points on purchases whether you are a member or not if you provide your information at checkout. Non-members do not earn points, but they can still shop and pay the same prices as members during sales.

Can I use a Saks Fifth Avenue gift card at Saks OFF 5TH?

Gift cards issued by Saks Fifth Avenue can be used at both Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH locations and online. Check the back of your card or contact customer service if you are unsure which type you have, as some older or specialty cards may have restrictions.

What is the difference between final sale and regular merchandise?

Final sale items are marked as such and cannot be returned for any reason, even if defective. Regular merchandise can be returned within the return window if unworn and in original condition. Final sale items are usually clearance, last-season, or deeply discounted pieces, so read tags carefully before buying.