The Glossy Podcast

Saks's struggles and Glossy E-Commerce Summit takeaways — plus, a roundtable on the state of luxury

16 snips
Jun 6, 2025
Bradley Carbone, Deputy CEO of Luisaviaroma, Joëlle Grunberg from McKinsey, and Tanner Graham of General Idea discuss luxury retail's future amid economic shifts. They dive into Saks' financial woes, including overdue payments and joint ventures. The experts highlight how brands are redefining luxury for various consumers while navigating tariffs and adjusting strategies. They emphasize the growing importance of storytelling and experiential marketing in attracting both high-net-worth and aspirational buyers in today's complex market.
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INSIGHT

Saks's Dominant Yet Troubled Role

  • Saks controls about 60% of U.S. luxury distribution, giving it substantial power over brands.
  • However, many brands face delayed payments from Saks, straining the wholesale relationship.
ANECDOTE

TikTok Threat Gets Saks Paid

  • A brand got Saks to pay overdue invoices by sending a draft TikTok video about their non-payment.
  • The strategy worked immediately, leading Saks to settle the payment quickly.
INSIGHT

Reliable Retail Partners Exist

  • Retailers like Nordstrom and Printom are praised for reliability amid Saks's struggles.
  • Retailer and brand partnerships can work well despite challenges in luxury wholesale.
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