Reviewed by: Pat Byington
What should replace Saks at The Summit? 1,100+ locals chime in
Reading time: 4 minutes
After Saks Fifth Avenue announced it would close several locations across the U.S., Birmingham was shocked to learn Alabama’s only location would be closing down.
The department store, which is known for its alterations, beauty services and personal styling in addition to its trove of luxury brands, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month. As part of its pivot, the company is closing eight Saks Fifth Avenue stores across the country — including Birmingham’s.
We asked our audience what they think should inherent the massive retail space at The Summit, and we received more than 1,100 responses. Read on to hear the most interesting, smartest and downright bizarre answers.
Saks’ history in Birmingham
Long-time Birmingham residents may know of Saks’ roots in Birmingham, but many might not realize that the former holding company Saks Inc. was headquartered in Birmingham.
Proffitt’s relocated its offices from Tennessee to Birmingham’s Oxmoor Industrial Park on Lakeshore Parkway in 1997, according to Bham Wiki. After Proffitt’s merged with Saks Fifth Avenue, the company changed its name to Saks Inc. and remained in Birmingham.
Saks Inc. owned several other department stores, including:
- Parisian
- Club Libby Lu
- McRae’s
- Younkers
- Herberger’s
Parisian in particular has deep Birmingham ties. The store was founded in downtown Birmingham all the way back in 1877 by Estella and Bertha Sommers — who sold it to the Hess family in 1920 — and remained a locally-owned and family-operated business for more than 120 years. Proffitt’s purchased the chain in 1996.
Saks Fifth Avenue was the anchor for Phase II of The Summit back in 2001. In stark contrast to its bankruptcy today, Saks Inc. brought in $5.6 billion that year.
In 2006, Saks Inc. sold most of its Southeast stores, including Parisian, McRae’s and Proffitt’s, to Belk.
Saks headquarters relocated to New York in 2007.
What should replace Saks at The Summit?
Of the 1,100 members of our audience who responded to our question, a few answers reigned supreme.
The undisputed winner was Dillard’s, especially considering that Birmingham is one of the only markets in Alabama without one. Currently, fans of the department store have to drive an hour to Oxford or an hour and a half to Montgomery to shop at one.
“It’s wild that you have to drive over an hour to find one.”
Kimmie Locke
Some mentioned Birmingham’s previous ties to Parisian in their request for Dillard’s. Parisian’s remaining locations became Belks in 2007, but that doesn’t keep some folks from wishing for its return.
“If I can’t have Parisian back, I’d take Dillard’s!”
Susan Purcell Wells
Other popular requests included some well known brands, including:
- Nordstrom
- IKEA
- Zara
“Zaraaaaaaa. Economically it makes sense. I believe sales would be consistent.”
Ashley P Williams
A handful of folks mentioned they “could see Von Maur leaving the Galleria” for The Summit.
Von Maur wasn’t the only suggestion for relocation. Macy’s was brought up several times, as well.
“There’s been talk that they’ll leave the Galleria once it’s redeveloped. Rather them move to the Summit than leave the market altogether. If not that, Dillard’s.”
Tristan Xavier Mullen
Of course, we also received many wacky suggestions from our audience. Some of our favorites were:
“Dollar General Superstore, with a dine-in Waffle House!”
Mike Hardig
“Guthries Zaxby’s Raising Cane’s Foosackly chicken finger o’rama”
Brian Watkins
“Definitely a car wash! Hwy 280 needs more of those.”
Chad Laird
“Nothing until October then — Spirit Halloween 💀”
Sarah Abernathy
“A huge doggy daycare! Or maybe a place to drop off our husbands while we shop 😂”
Kristie Gholston Signature Realty LLC
“A Pete’s Famous Hot Dog museum. With someone re-creating the original recipe and grapico water fountains.”
Ricky Spina
What do you think Saks should be once it closes? Join the conversation on our Facebook @bhamnow!
