For almost two decades, Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan has been hosting an annual holiday light show at its flagship location, drawing crowds of hundreds around Christmastime. However, this beloved tradition has been canceled this year due to cost-cutting measures. Instead of the light show, the department store will be celebrating the season by highlighting the architectural significance of its iconic building and showcasing the fashion for which Saks Fifth Avenue is known.
The decision to cancel the light show was made within the past few weeks, despite an earlier announcement that the holiday campaign would go on as planned. This year’s holiday windows at Saks Fifth Avenue will display outstanding pieces from luxury brands alongside colorful snowflakes, silver harlequin flooring, and dichroic vinyl. The department store acknowledged that it has been a challenging year for luxury and that they are carefully managing their business to ensure they are best-positioned for the future.
The holiday light show had been a free wintertime tradition at the flagship store since 2004, taking place every few minutes during the evenings from late November to early January. The production started with 50 giant snowflakes blinking to “Carol of the Bells” in its first year and evolved to a mix of physical and digital effects with 300,000 LED lights across the building’s 10 stories in recent years. Last year’s show, a collaboration with Dior, featured a fireworks display and was called “Dior’s Carousel of Dreams at Saks.”
While the cancellation of the light show is disappointing for many who looked forward to this annual tradition, Saks Fifth Avenue is aiming to make the most of the holiday season by focusing on their historical flagship building and luxury offerings. The decision to cut costs is likely in response to the challenging year for the luxury industry, indicating that Saks is being strategic in managing their business. Moving forward, Saks Fifth Avenue is looking to honor their 100th year and the anniversary of their flagship store in a different way that still captures the magic of the holiday season.
Despite the disappointment over the cancellation, Saks Fifth Avenue is still aiming to create a festive atmosphere for customers this holiday season. While the traditional light show may be missed, the department store will be enhancing its holiday windows display with top luxury items and festive decorations. The decision to focus on highlighting the building’s architecture and the fashion Saks is known for demonstrates a shift in approach for the upscale retailer. This year, customers can expect a different but still elegant and celebratory experience when shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue during the holiday season.
