New York’s department store giants are playing a game of ‘whose shoe salon is bigger and better’ with renovations and unveiling this fall. Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, Bergdorf Goodman and Macy’s have all revamped their shoe salons, making shoe shopping easier and more luxe for its customers. Macy’s has been very ambitious about its shoe department renovation, working to make it the largest shoe department in the world.
The $400 million dollar renovation of the Macy’s Herald Square shoe department has 39,000 square feet, housing 280,000 pairs of shoes. Now that is a whole lot of shoes! For starters, the department has been divided into zones – an idea borrowed for U.K.’s Selfridges store – other improvements include:
- Big brands, including Coach, Cole Haan and Michael Kors.
- Better-priced brands like Sperry, Nine West, Marc Fisher and Inc.
- Fashion-forward labels including Rachel Roy, Dolce Vita and Vince Camuto, merchandised under Macy’s Impulse umbrella.
- Traditional brands such as Anne Klein, Ellen Tracy and Alfani.
- Comfort styles from such brands as Aerosoles, Clarks and Easy Spirit.
- A designer shoe zone with Stuart Weitzman, Michael Michael Kors and others.
- Athletic footwear featuring Nike, Adidas, Converse and Keds.
- Four “clearance closets” with dedicated sales people and registers.
There is also a two-level luxury wing that will house high end footwear and accessories collections, including Louis Vuitton. Did we also mention there will be a cafe there serving Champagne, coffee, wine and food, and overlooking Herald Square. Who can say no to shoes and champagne? The complete renovation of the Macy’s shoe department will be done in September, though traditional, Impulse, comfort, better, athletic and the shoe closets are open as of last Friday.
