What Saks OFF 5TH is and how it differs from regular Saks
Saks OFF 5TH is the outlet division of Saks Fifth Avenue, the luxury department store. It sells overstock, previous-season merchandise, and items made specifically for the outlet at lower prices than the main Saks stores. The key difference: Saks OFF 5TH carries designer and contemporary brands at discounts typically ranging from 40 to 70 percent off original retail prices, while regular Saks sells current-season full-price merchandise.
Saks OFF 5TH operates as a separate chain with its own physical locations and online storefront. You do not need a Saks account to shop there, though having one can give you access to loyalty rewards. The merchandise mix changes frequently because the store receives new overstock shipments regularly, which means inventory varies by location and online availability shifts week to week.
The store carries apparel, shoes, handbags, accessories, and home goods from brands like Coach, Gucci, Prada, Michael Kors, and others. Not every brand sold at regular Saks appears at OFF 5TH, and not every item at OFF 5TH is a past-season piece — some brands produce outlet-exclusive lines at lower price points.
Key Takeaways
- Saks OFF 5TH is an outlet store selling overstock and previous-season items from Saks Fifth Avenue at 40 to 70 percent discounts.
- Physical locations and the online store carry different inventory, so the same item may not be available everywhere.
- Merchandise changes frequently because new overstock arrives regularly, making timing matter if you are looking for something specific.
- Return policies at Saks OFF 5TH differ from regular Saks, with most items returnable within 30 days with a receipt or original tags.
- A Saks account is optional but can earn you rewards points on purchases, which you can use toward future transactions.
Where to shop: Physical stores versus online
Saks OFF 5TH has physical locations in the United States, Canada, and online. The store locator on the Saks OFF 5TH website shows which cities have brick-and-mortar locations near you. Physical stores tend to have the largest selection because they receive regular shipments of overstock from Saks Fifth Avenue locations and distribution centers.
The online store at saksooff5th.com operates separately from the physical locations. Online inventory does not always match what is in stores, and vice versa. If you find something online that you want to see in person first, you may not find it at your local store. Shipping to your home typically takes 5 to 10 business days, and the site offers free shipping on orders over a certain threshold (this amount varies by promotion).
Some physical Saks OFF 5TH locations also offer in-store pickup for online orders, which can speed up the process. Check the store details page for your nearest location to see if this option is available.
How pricing and discounts work
Saks OFF 5TH prices items based on what they paid for the merchandise, not the original Saks retail price. This means the discount percentage you see is calculated from the Saks price, not the designer's suggested retail price. A handbag marked "50% off" at Saks OFF 5TH may have been $800 at regular Saks, so the outlet price is $400 — but the designer's original retail might have been $1,200.
Prices are typically lowest on items that have been in the store longest. Newer arrivals and popular items carry higher outlet prices. During seasonal sales events — usually in January, July, and around major holidays — Saks OFF 5TH marks down prices further, sometimes to 70 percent off or more. These events are announced on the website and via email if you are subscribed to their mailing list.
Final sale items, marked clearly on tags and online listings, cannot be returned or exchanged. These are usually the deepest discounts and represent the store's attempt to clear slow-moving inventory. Read the tag carefully before purchasing to understand the return policy for that specific item.
Return and exchange policies
Saks OFF 5TH allows returns within 30 days of purchase with a receipt or original tags attached. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original condition. If you do not have a receipt, you can return items with original tags and a valid ID, though the refund will be issued as store credit rather than cash or to your original payment method.
Final sale items cannot be returned or exchanged under any circumstances. Clearance sections and certain designer collaborations are often marked final sale, so check before you buy. Damaged or defective items can sometimes be returned outside the 30-day window if you contact customer service with photos of the damage.
Exchanges are handled the same way as returns: bring the item with tags and receipt to a store, or ship it back if you purchased online. Refunds for online purchases typically appear in your account within 5 to 10 business days after the return is received and processed.
How the Saks account and rewards program work
You can shop at Saks OFF 5TH without creating an account, but having one connects you to the Saks Rewards program. This program earns you points on every purchase at both Saks and Saks OFF 5TH. The points rate varies — you typically earn one point per dollar spent, though some items earn double or triple points during promotional periods.
Accumulated points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. The redemption thresholds and discount amounts change, but generally you can redeem points once you reach a certain balance. Saks Rewards members also receive early access to sales, birthday offers, and exclusive promotions sent via email.
Creating a Saks account is free and takes a few minutes on the website or in a store. Your account works across both Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH, so points earned at one location can be used at the other.
What to know about sizing, fit, and designer variations
Designer sizing varies significantly between brands. A size 8 at one designer may fit differently than a size 8 at another, and European brands often run smaller than American brands. Saks OFF 5TH carries multiple designers, so trying items on in-store is helpful if you are unfamiliar with a brand's fit.
Outlet-exclusive items may have slightly different construction or materials than the full-price versions sold at regular Saks. This does not mean they are lower quality — it means the designer produced a version specifically for the outlet channel at a lower cost. The tag or product description should note if an item is outlet-exclusive.
Online, product descriptions include measurements and fit notes when available. Reading customer reviews can also help you understand whether an item runs large, small, or true to size. If you are between sizes or unsure, ordering two sizes and returning one is a reasonable approach given the 30-day return window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return something I bought at regular Saks to Saks OFF 5TH?
No. Items purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue must be returned to Saks, and items purchased at Saks OFF 5TH must be returned to Saks OFF 5TH. The two divisions operate separately for returns and exchanges, even though they share a rewards program.
Is the merchandise at Saks OFF 5TH authentic?
Yes. Saks OFF 5TH is owned and operated by Saks Fifth Avenue, so all merchandise is authentic. The store sells overstock and previous-season items from Saks' own inventory, not counterfeit or third-party goods. Every item carries original designer tags.
Do Saks OFF 5TH stores have the same brands as regular Saks?
Most major brands appear in both, but the selection differs. Regular Saks carries current-season merchandise from all its brands, while Saks OFF 5TH carries overstock and past seasons. Some brands may not have overstock available at the outlet at any given time, so you might find a brand at one location but not the other.
How often does new inventory arrive at physical stores?
Saks OFF 5TH receives new shipments regularly, typically multiple times per week, though the exact schedule varies by location. This is why shopping in-store can feel different each visit. The online store updates inventory daily as items sell and new stock arrives.
What payment methods does Saks OFF 5TH accept?
Saks OFF 5TH accepts major credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Saks gift cards both in-store and online. Some locations may accept additional payment methods. Check the website or call your local store if you have questions about a specific payment method.