When I was ten, my mom bought me the most beautiful winter coat from Saks Fifth Avenue. It carried the high-end luxury store's private label in it. I cherished that coat and wore it every time we drove into San Francisco from the Peninsula to go shopping.

Two weeks ago, I purchased a leather handbag from Cheryl Lund and Brenda Alessandria's boutique Designer Consigner in Presidio Heights. The value of that bag went up in my mind the second I opened it and saw Saks Fifth Avenue's private label sewn inside.

On Thursday, July 8th 2005, Saks, a business segment of retailer Saks Incorporated (NYSE: SKS), announced that they will be doing away with their private-label line to focus on selling designer names. By the end of September 2005 Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises' product-development division is expected to be closed forever.

This is the sad news.

The good news is they plan to focus their efforts on innovative and successful designer labels.

From Private Label to "Exclusively Ours" & "Saks Suggests"

Ronald Frasch, vice chairman and chief merchant of Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises, said in a statement:

The discontinuation of our private label brand is consistent with our merchandising strategy, permitting us to focus our resources on unique, upscale merchandise from our most productive designers.

In the future, our private label initiatives will be more aligned with this overall vision of the company and will be developed by our internal merchant team in conjunction with our existing trading partners.

Saks plans to focus on unique upscale items. The new strategy includes more couture lines.

Approximately 15 associates are employed in the product development division of Saks Fifth Avenue.

Frasch noted, "While this is the right business decision, it was a difficult one to make. We are most appreciative of the product development team, and we are committed to providing needed assistance to our associates during this period."

Saks Label on Vintage Fedora Hat

About Saks

Horace Saks and Bernard Gimbel opened Saks Fifth Avenue in 1924.

Today, with 57 locations across the United States, Saks Fifth Avenue is renowned as an arbiter of modern style. From the day its doors opened in 1924, the purpose of this retail legend has always been the same: to be the first and only choice for the most discerning consumers, the ones with the highest expectations.

Saks offers the finest designer collections for men and women, as well as accessories, cosmetics and home furnishings, all supported by highly personalized customer relationships.

Now, if they would just open a children's shop in San Francisco as fabulous as the one in New York. Then, we would definitely include them as a select Rugged Elegance Establishment.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "one logo we will miss" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King, Rugged Elegance, LLC