Saks Fifth Avenue in Union Square transitions to ‘appointment-only' operations

SAN FRANCISCO ( KRON ) — One of the most luxurious department stores in San Francisco is changing its customer experience. Saks Fifth Avenue in Union Square is transitioning to “appointment-only” operations later this summer, a company spokesperson said in an email to KRON4.

Starting Aug. 28, customers of the Saks Fifth Avenue, located at 384 Post St., will have to set up an appointment before coming into the store. They can no longer walk into the store, browse the inventory and purchase items, according to the email.

The move comes as Saks Fifth Avenue — known for selling high-end luxury clothing and accessories — looks for “innovative ways to optimize (their) store experience to match luxury consumers’s evolving expectations.”

This move is not unique to the downtown San Francisco location. Saks Fifth Avenue stores in Palo Alto and Napa have already made the transition to appointment-only operations.

Compounded with the closure of nearby Nordstrom last August , shoppers have fewer options for designer-brand clothing and accessories.

A round of layoffs are expected to affect Saks Fifth Avenue employees in Union Square, according to the San Francisco Chronicle . It is unknown how many employees will be laid off.

According to Saks Fifth Avenue’s website, the Union Square store offers services such as alterations, in-store personal styling, complementary beauty services and “The Fifth Avenue Club.” Appointments can be set up on their website .

“We look forward to serving our San Francisco customers with this new experience,” Saks Fifth Avenue said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.