You’ve probably seen the scaffolding. If you have spent any time driving down Wilshire Boulevard lately, it is impossible to miss the tectonic shift happening in 90210 retail. Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills isn't just a store; it’s basically a local landmark that has defined the intersection of luxury and West Coast ease for decades. But things are changing. Fast.
The legendary department store has officially packed up its trunks from the iconic 1930s-era building at 9600 Wilshire and migrated just down the block. This isn't just a simple renovation project. It’s a massive, multi-year gamble on the future of physical shopping in an era where everyone says brick-and-mortar is dying. Honestly, walking into the new space feels different. It’s less like a sprawling maze of perfume counters and more like a private club where you happen to be able to buy a five-figure handbag.
The Big Move to the Former Barneys Building
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the "New" Saks. For years, Barneys New York was the edgy, cool younger sibling of the Beverly Hills Golden Triangle. When Barneys folded, it left a massive, 136,000-square-foot hole in the neighborhood's heart. Saks Fifth Avenue saw an opportunity and took it.
They moved their women’s store into that exact space at 9570 Wilshire Boulevard.
It was a brilliant move, mostly because the architecture of that building—designed by Peter Marino—is legendary. The central spiral staircase is still there, acting as a marble-and-glass spine for six floors of sheer luxury. If you’re looking for the old-school, slightly dusty department store vibe, you won't find it here. The new Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills is flooded with natural light. It feels airy. It feels like money.
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The strategy here is focused on "high-touch" service. Basically, they realized that people don’t go to Beverly Hills to just grab a pair of jeans and leave. They go for the experience. The new location features expanded personal shopping suites—the "Fifth Avenue Club"—which takes up an entire floor. You get a private styling suite, a view of the city, and a dedicated expert who has already pulled your size in everything from Chanel to Brunello Cucinelli.
What’s Actually Happening to the Old Building?
A lot of people are worried about the historic 9600 Wilshire site. That building is a masterpiece of late Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architecture. It’s been a Saks since 1938. The good news? It isn't being torn down.
HBC, the parent company of Saks, has launched a massive redevelopment plan called "Wilshire @ Camden." They are turning that entire block into a mixed-use masterpiece. We are talking about luxury offices, high-end dining, and—this is the part people are buzzing about—a membership club.
The goal is to create a "live-work-play" ecosystem for the 1%. Imagine finishing a meeting in a glass-walled office, walking downstairs for a curated fitting at Saks, and then heading to a rooftop lounge for a martini. It’s a bold vision. Some locals hate it, fearing more traffic and the "Disneyfication" of the area. Others think it’s exactly what Wilshire needs to stay relevant against competition from the revamped Century City mall.
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Why the Beverly Hills Experience Hits Different
Shopping here isn't like shopping at a Saks in a suburban mall in the Midwest. The brand knows its audience. In Beverly Hills, the "Saks Men’s" experience remains at 9634 Wilshire. Separating the men’s and women’s stores was a calculated risk that paid off. Men’s luxury is booming, and having a dedicated "man cave" of tailoring and streetwear makes the experience less overwhelming for guys who hate the traditional department store layout.
The brand mix is also hyper-specific. You’ll see pieces from The Row or Celine that aren't stocked anywhere else in the country. They know the Beverly Hills client wants the runway piece, not the commercial entry-level bag.
The Personal Styling Power Move
If you want to get the most out of Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills, you have to use the Fifth Avenue Club. It’s not just for celebrities, though you’ll definitely see a few hiding behind oversized sunglasses in the hallways.
- Book an appointment online or via the app.
- Fill out the style profile (be honest about your sizes).
- Show up and go straight to the private suites.
It bypasses the crowds entirely. Plus, the stylists there have access to inventory that isn't even on the floor yet.
Acknowledging the Friction
It hasn't been all champagne and ribbons. The transition period has been a bit of a headache for long-time patrons. Parking in the Golden Triangle is already a nightmare, and the construction around the old site hasn't helped. There’s also the question of whether a "membership-based" model for the old building will feel too exclusionary, even for Beverly Hills standards.
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Retail experts like those at Women's Wear Daily have noted that Saks is trying to pivot toward a "luxury platform" model. They aren't just selling clothes; they are selling access. Some people just want to buy a lipstick without feeling like they need to be on a guest list.
How to Navigate the New Layout
If you're planning a visit, here is the breakdown of how to spend your day without getting lost:
The Ground Floor is for Accessories. Don't get distracted by the jewelry unless you have the budget for it; the shoe floor is where the real energy is. It’s massive. It has its own dedicated elevator.
The Fifth Avenue Club is the heart. Even if you aren't a big spender, the stylists can help with gifting or finding a specific outfit for an event. It saves hours of browsing.
Don't forget the Men’s Store. It’s a separate building. It’s quieter, sleeker, and has an incredible selection of high-end watches and grooming products.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Calendar: Saks often hosts trunk shows for designers like Oscar de la Renta or Fendi. Call ahead to see if a brand you love is doing an in-store event; often, the designers themselves or their creative directors show up.
- Use the Valet: Seriously. Do not try to find street parking on Brighton Way or Wilshire. The Saks valet is efficient and saves you twenty minutes of circling the block.
- Download the Saks App: You can use it to scan items in-store to see if other colors or sizes are available at the distribution center.
- Leverage the Alterations Department: One thing Saks still does better than anyone is tailoring. If you buy a suit or a gown, use their in-house experts. They understand the "Beverly Hills fit," which is usually a bit more tailored and sharp than off-the-rack.
- Plan for Dining: Since the in-store cafe options are currently in flux due to the moves, make a reservation at the nearby Grill on the Alley or Wally's for a post-shopping debrief.
The evolution of Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills is a signal that luxury isn't going anywhere; it’s just getting more private. Whether you love the new "club" vibe or miss the old-school glamour of the 1930s building, the shift is a fascinating look at how the world's most famous shopping zip code is rewriting its own rules. Keep an eye on the Camden project—it’s going to change the skyline of Wilshire forever.