After abandoning plans for a casino, Saks Fifth Avenue now seeks partnership with Costco.
May 23, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue's Men's Apparel Could Potentially Appear on Costco Shelves
Reportedly, Saks Fifth Avenue and Costco are in discussions to bring Saks' men's branded apparel to the warehouse club. Neither Saks nor Costco has confirmed the partnership.
Following the abandonment of Saks' plans to introduce a luxury casino in their flagship New York City location, there has been a shift in focus towards other strategic priorities. These reportedly include a potential collaboration with Costco.
Sources close to Women's Wear Daily revealed the rumored discussions, but both fashion retailers have remained tight-lipped about the matter. Saks' men's apparel is licensed to Centric Brands, a global lifestyle brand with expertise in various sectors, including product design and digital commerce. Centric declined to comment on this speculated partnership as well.
Costco currently stocks two Centric-owned men's brands, Caterpillar and IZOD. The retail giant also sells numerous labels from the Authentic Brands Group, including Ted Baker, Nautica, and Eddie Bauer. It's noteworthy that Authentic, along with Saks Global, forms part of the Authentic Luxury Group, a licensing, distribution, and lifestyle collective.
Recent developments have included Authentic striking a deal with Centric to manage Dockers. It remains to be seen if this collaboration will be announced alongside potential plans for Saks men's apparel at Costco.
The Incomplete Saga of Saks and Casinos
In January 2023, Saks and Hudson's Bay discussed transforming the top floors of the Saks Fifth Avenue department store into a boutique casino akin to Monte Carlo's. A separate entrance would have been designated for high rollers, offering an elegant James Bond-esque gambling experience. However, Saks has since abdicated this ambitious project.
Given the high competition for obtaining one of the three downstate New York casino licenses, Saks faced steep odds of securing one. Despite withdrawals from Saks, Las Vegas Sands, and Wynn Resorts, the race for the remaining licenses continues with eight bids in competition.
MGM Resorts and Genting are considered strong contenders for two licenses, while the remaining six bids are from Caesars Entertainment, Hard Rock International, Mohegan, Saratoga Casino Holdings, Bally's, and Rush Street Gaming/Greenwood Entertainment.
While speculation regarding a possible Saks-Costco partnership swirls, it is crucial to reiterate that no official confirmation has been issued by any of the parties involved.
- Saks Fifth Avenue's potential partnership with Costco could see their men's branded apparel available at Costco, as discussions between the two retailers are reported.
- New York City's Saks Fifth Avenue, a renowned symbol of the city's fashion-and-beauty industry, is considering a strategic shift in focus, including potential collaboration with Costco.
- In the thriving heart of midtown Manhattan, where business, politics, and general-news interweave, Saks Fifth Avenue could one day share shelves with Costco.
- The proposed collaboration might mark an unprecedented move in the retail industry, uniting Saks Fifth Avenue's luxurious offerings with Costco's retail market strength.
- Saks Fifth Avenue's men's apparel, owned by Centric Brands, a global force in various industries like product design and digital commerce, could find a new home at Costco in the near future.
- The rumored partnership between Saks Fifth Avenue and Costco, though unconfirmed, has sparked excitement within the industry, particularly in the finance and lifestyle sectors.
- The shifting landscape of NYC's retail industry may soon include Saks Fifth Avenue's men's apparel among the shelves at Costco, joining other labels like Caterpillar, IZOD, Ted Baker, Nautica, and Eddie Bauer.
- As the retail industry evolves, it remains to be seen if Saks Fifth Avenue and Costco will officially announce their potential partnership, further solidifying their presence in New York City's bustling retail landscape.
