Saks Fifth vs. Neiman Marcus What makes you shop where?

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#16
Unfortunately, I am addicted to both. (Sigh)

Saks, however, is my clear preference because of the Saksfirst program. I get free shipping on everything, and returns by mail are only $5. It also has a 60-day return policy on both regular and sale items. I'm really bad at self-discipline, so I tend to buy everything I like, then feel guilty and return a lot later (I inherited that trait directly from my mother, thank you). I live in NYC, and they also ship my purchases there home for free (so I don't have to carry them through the city all day). The sales are incredible too. The points have been amazing in the past, although they changed their program a bit this year and I still can't follow it. Triple points days are still amazing, however. That's when I tend to buy my regular priced merchandise, because the points will add up to a discount at year end.

While I still can't figure out why there isn't a Neimans in NY (although we do have Bergdorf's), nothing at all beats their LastCall sale. I have gotten the most amazing online finds on LastCall, and the adrenaline rush is addictive. :)
 
#17
I think I prefer Saks because of the no tax to my State, Hawaii, and because of the "Buy Some Get Some" days which no one yet has mentioned -- I tend to amass gift cards as rewards on those days and then when I buy something with them it feels like a present. Also, Saks does have better sales. I have yet to figure out why. But then again, Neimans seems to me to have better selection. Especially at the San Fran store in California, which is a "sad bag place" compared to the "happy bag" feeling in Neimans (Gucci, Dior, Chanel, Chloe etc. all at Neimans SF). I got a Neimans and American Express card just so I could shop there. However, the interest rate is ridiculous, and I am someone who buys and then thinks and then returns, so I do keep a balance.

I think what csO6 said is interesting - I too buy a lot during the sales especially but then return a lot. I also got this trait from my mother- indecisiveness. I tend to see the great deals, want to snatch up everything before it disappears, and then hold onto it until divine inspiration hits and I know what will work with what looks, and what I will really use. Then I return a lot. For that reason Saks makes me nervous because they only guarantee the price of an item for 60 days. So if I buy something, then go on a vacation, get busy, forget, and turn around and decided that bag I bought was cute, but just an impulse buy, it may have been reduced from $2,000 to $500, so I would only get $500. This has never happened to me, though it does make me a little nervous.

I wish I could shop in New York. Hmmm.
 
#19
I think the tax in California in San Fran is about that too... and in Los Angeles where I lived. I have only been in Hawaii breifly. It is great to just tell salespeople to "send it to Hawaii" and walk out of the store without bags.
 
#20
I usually go to Neimans. Haha a minor thing like getting store credit card wasn't about to stop me from shopping, besides I always pay in full each month.

Recently I've bought a few things from Saks and I have a shoe SA at Saks who I think is a sweetheart, but overall I had a bad experience getting some things shipped from Saks, so I don't know. Saks does seem to have better sales so I may shop there more regardless.
 
#25
Hm... I live in Jersey so i've actually never walked into a NM store. However, I have bought from NM online - it accepted my visa - so no apparent filling out of forms or whatever hassle.

I've also bought from Saks instore and online. I love walking into the NY store and checking out everything in person =)
 
#26
I guess I am one of the few that prefers NM, especially online. I cannot stand the layout of the Saks site, and NM seems to have a better selection when it comes to sales.
 
#27
I always prefer Saks over NM... Mostly b/c i like the shoes selection at Saks more than NM. This also applies when i shop online.
Regarding services, i think they are about the same.

Although i love the NM cafe . :p
 
#28
I personally prefer Neiman's only because I've always had really great service. Plus, I like the selection at my local Neimans (DC and VA) a bit better than the Saks in the area. It is annoying that they only take Amex or the NM card, but I can live with it.
 
#29
I prefer Saks because I do not have a Neiman's close by. Also, my mother has always had a "thing" against Neiman's (and she has both since she lives in Chicago). I think that she had a few bad shopping experiences there. . .
 
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