Deals or Disappointments? The Reality of Saks OFF 5TH

How to shop smarter and avoid off-price pitfalls

I recently embarked on a mission to find the perfect pair of black Chelsea boots for the winter season: a quest that has consumed my internet searches for months. Despite countless hours of scrolling and comparing, I’ve hesitated to click “add to cart,” holding out for something better—only to come up short every time. I made my way to Bloomingdale’s flagship store on 59th Street in New York City, pinning my hopes on their selection and determined to end this cycle of indecision. I left empty-handed and disheartened after combing through their offerings. The pair I’d been eyeing was, of course, sold out in my size (damn the universe, I waited too long).

I later wandered into Saks OFF 5TH nearby feeling defeated, but not ready to give up. I was hoping I’d stumble upon a designer style from last season that hadn’t yet been claimed.

For those unfamiliar, Saks OFF 5TH, is the discount outlet of Saks Fifth Avenue. It’s also the answer to the now-defunct discount havens like Loehmann’s, Filene’s Basement, and Daffy’s providing designer items at more accessible prices for the masses rather than the luxury elite.

Even our ultimate styling muse, Carrie Bradshaw, has found herself combing the aisles.

[“The best part of Jury duty.” - Carrie Bradshaw. She visits the infamous Century 21 on her Jury duty lunch break hoping to find a deal.]

I expected to find the shoe of my dreams like Carrie; however, I uncovered a realization that I wasn’t bargaining for - I was not getting a deal, the quality seemed poor, and even the designer section was full of misfits.

Deals That Don’t Deliver

The shoe department was split into non-designer and designer sections. This surprised me since I thought the whole store was designer (but a new assortment strategy must be occurring). The non-designer section had brands like Nine West, Cole Haan, and Michael Michael Kors, with prices ranging from $49.99 to $129, roughly $10 to $20 cheaper than their usual retail prices. Still, even the original prices before markdowns felt inflated.

The two big questions I asked myself, when I pursued the assortment, were - Are these styles part of a clearance dump, and/or are these styles specially made for the off-price channel?

We used a similar strategy at J.Crew: some excess inventory went to discount retailers at a loss, and most items were designed exclusively for that channel with cheaper materials to protect margins. The latter approach seems to apply here—bestselling styles but with noticeably lower-quality materials.

[Lower quality best sellers from Cole Haan and a massive selection of shoes from Saks Off 5th brand]

Luxury That Misses the Mark

I couldn’t believe some of the offerings while roaming the designer aisle. Stuart Weitzman dominated the racks which made me wonder if they’d had a streak of poor sales and decided to unload everything here. Honestly, I’ve never really considered Stuart Weitzman a “designer,” but I digress. For every 15 pairs of Stuart Weitzman, there was one offering from a true luxury brand, but something was always off.

Now I understand that "one person's trash can be another person's treasure," so some might find these styles worth adding to their closet, and for that, no judgment. However, if the price is steep, and the color, pattern, look, and details are also off—well then, I’m truly baffled. It’s hard to justify paying these prices for items that feel out of sync with trends or are poorly executed. I'd be questioning how these pieces ever made it into production in the first place if I were representing a designer house. But that might be a deeper dive for another day.

[An array of alarming price points: Gucci Sneakers: $521.99, Louboutin Smoking Slippers: $629.99, , Alexander McQueen Sneaker Boots and Versace Gelly Heels: $379.99]

It's a balancing act—finding a deal while being cautious about what’s being offered. The real challenge is deciding if the price difference justifies what often feels like a downgrade in quality or style. For me, purchasing decisions always come down to end-use, and it's a key reminder when shopping at an off-price retailer. Need a low-cost loafer for the office and city streets, one I can replace at season's end for $49? It's a go. Eyeing a unique designer style that fits perfectly, pairs with numerous outfits, and the price is right? No-brainer. It's an easy pass and onto the next if these conditions don't align,

Shopping Strategies I Swear By

Now, don’t get me wrong—there were a few hidden gems in the assortment, but these standout finds were rare. This shopping trip got me thinking about smarter ways to uncover treasures and the strategies I rely on to find the real gems. My friends consider me a retail research expert, and my mother would be aghast if she ever found out I paid full price for anything—and honestly, I’d be lucky to escape her judgment. For that reason, I have a few tricks that I have picked up along the way that are worth sharing.

Google Images Is Your Secret Weapon

One of my go-to tactics? Take a photo of the item, toss it into Google Images, and let it lead you to the site with the best price. It’s a simple trick, but it’s saved me more time than I can count.

Shop Smarter and Save Bigger

I share this next one with no affiliation just an appreciation for more money in my pocket. A friend introduced me to Rakuten a few years ago, and it’s been a game-changer for my wallet. It’s a cashback service—shop your favorite stores, and Rakuten sends you a percentage of your purchase back. You can even add Rakuten to your bookmark bar, so anytime you’re shopping on a website, it’ll alert you to the cashback incentives available. No more missing out on extra savings while you shop.

During peak times, like the holidays, the deals are incredible. Big names like Bergdorf Goodman offer double-digit percentage cashback on designer purchases, making those luxury buys more rewarding. Even more rewarding? Buying a gift for someone else and still getting something in return - a little bonus for your generosity.

The Luxury Sale Surge

According to Bain, the global luxury market in 2024 has stalled at $1.5 trillion, marking its first significant slowdown since the Great Recession amid economic uncertainty. The report highlights a growing consumer shift toward experiences over luxury products which poses new challenges for the industry.

With that said, it’s no surprise that we are seeing luxury department stores and websites kicking off January with major sales, slashing prices to offload excess inventory from the slowdown in 2024. The shoe section is a goldmine — especially if you have sizes that align with the remaining stock. Here are some stand-out sales to get you revved up:

• Net-A-Porter: Up to 60% off sale items (plus an extra 15%)

• Bergdorf Goodman: Up to 65% off sale items (plus an extra 15%)

• SSENSE: Up to 70% off sale items

• MyTheresa: Up to 60% off sale items

• Saks Fifth Avenue: Up to 70% off sale items

We’ll likely see more of these types of sales throughout 2025 as the market adjusts. But don’t wait too long to snag a deal—otherwise, you might be left with those Versace jellies at a price tag that’s hard to justify.

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Saks OFF 5TH may seem like a goldmine for designer deals, but be wary of inflated prices and questionable quality. The assortment can be hit or miss, and it’s crucial to stay selective. Use tools like Google Images and Rakuten to track down real savings, and remember: as the luxury market shifts in 2025, it’s about scoring the best items at the right price without getting caught up in the hype.