Saks Bumps Its Beauty Counter Off Coveted Ground Floor

New York store aims to win back shoppers by adding spa services, taking ‘a big risk’

Saks Fifth Avenue is moving the beauty department at its flagship store off the ground floor, scrapping a nearly century-old blueprint in a bid to compete with Sephora and other beauty chains, and win back shoppers who have migrated online.

Cosmetics, fragrances and face creams will relocate to a remodeled second floor that will include spa services and treatment rooms. Handbags and leather goods will take their place in the store’s most valuable real estate.

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