Can Bergdorf Goodman Return to Its Golden Age?

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-10-07T17:11:00.519Z • Permanent link

Rebecca Minkoff, a renowned fashion designer, has taken the reins as the new creative director at Bergdorf Goodman, a position she began in June 2023. This move is a significant step forward for the luxury department store, which has been under the ownership of Saks Fifth Avenue since 2005. The appointment of Minkoff, known for her bold and eclectic designs, is seen as a strategic attempt to revitalize the brand and bring it back to its former glory. Bergdorf Goodman, which has survived two bankruptcies in six years, is getting back to its white-glove origins.

Saks Fifth Avenue, the parent company of Bergdorf Goodman, has been working to revamp the brand's image and offerings in recent years. The company has invested heavily in digital transformation, introducing a new e-commerce platform and mobile app to cater to the growing demand for online shopping. Additionally, Saks has expanded its presence in the Middle East, opening a flagship store in Dubai in 2020. These efforts are aimed at attracting a younger and more diverse customer base, while maintaining the luxury brand's high-end image.

The appointment of Minkoff as creative director is seen as a key component of Saks' strategy to reposition Bergdorf Goodman as a leading luxury brand. Minkoff's designs are known for their bold and eclectic mix of high-end and accessible fashion, which is expected to appeal to a wider range of customers. Under Minkoff's guidance, Bergdorf Goodman is set to launch a range of new products, including a new line of ready-to-wear clothing and a revamped beauty section.

Bergdorf Goodman's resurgence is significant for the luxury department store industry, which has been experiencing declining sales in recent years. The brand's ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and maintain its high-end image will be closely watched by other luxury retailers, including Neiman Marcus and Barneys New York. Research communities and markets will be interested in the brand's ability to balance tradition and innovation, as well as its success in attracting a younger and more diverse customer base.

The impact of Bergdorf Goodman's resurgence on the broader retail industry will also be significant. The brand's ability to navigate the challenges of e-commerce and maintain its physical presence will serve as a model for other retailers. Additionally, the brand's focus on experiential retail, including its iconic window displays and events, will be an inspiration to other retailers looking to create immersive shopping experiences.

Bergdorf Goodman's history is marked by periods of decline and rebirth. The brand was founded in 1899 by William Bergdorf and his brother-in-law, Louis Goodman, and quickly became a leading luxury department store in New York City. However, the brand's fortunes declined in the 1980s and 1990s, as department stores in general experienced declining sales. In 2005, Saks Fifth Avenue acquired Bergdorf Goodman and has since worked to revamp the brand's image and offerings.