Hudson’s Bay Company off-price chain Saks OFF 5TH is shutting its store at South Edmonton Common this year after opening there over five years ago.
The 32,000 square foot store opened in September of 2016 in South Edmonton Common which is one of North America’s largest open-air retail developments, and is owned and operated by Cameron Development Group.
It was the first OFF 5TH location in the Edmonton market with a second location opening at the Skyview Power Centre in April of 2017.
“After careful consideration, Saks OFF 5TH has decided to close its South Edmonton location,” shared Saks OFF 5th. “Through the regular course of business we continually evaluate store performance and other factors, and, from time to time, may determine it necessary to close a store. We expect this store to close to the public in April 2022. Customers can continue to shop with us at Saksoff5th.com and at our other locations.
We are committed to offering support and assistance to our team impacted by the closings. Eligible associates will receive appropriate employment separation packages and transfer opportunities will be explored where feasible.”
Saks OFF 5TH entered the Canadian market in 2016 with plans for about 25 stores. Between 2016 and 2018 the retailer opened 18 stores in Canada and then halted the expansion — some landlords said that the retailer had been struggling in terms of sales with some locations selling less than $100 per square foot annually. Product in Saks OFF 5TH includes a range of brands and merchandise picked specifically for the outlet as well as some private-label merchandise and some clearance items from Hudson’s Bay stores, including pieces from luxury department The Room.
Saks OFF 5TH currently has stores in the Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto/Southern Ontario, Montreal and Quebec City markets.
The retailer competes with other off-price retailers operating in Canada including TJX banners Winners and Marshalls as well as Nordstrom Rack which entered Canada with its first stores in 2016.
So far only the South Edmonton Common Saks OFF 5TH location is confirmed to close, though we’re hearing that more closures could be coming and we’ll be providing updates.
I think a big barrier to the success of Saks Fifth Avenue & Saks Off 5th was both banners weren’t integrated into Hudson’s Bay Rewards and used a separate loyalty programme.
Agreed. I had no idea Saks Off Fifth even had a loyalty program to be honest.
Before HBC took over, some Saks OFF 5th stores like Bridgeport Village south of Portland, OR were quite nice inside, with tile flooring and less of a warehouse feel. After HBC took over, the shopping experience went downhill.