MajorsNov 13, 2024
Ariana Grande, Anya Taylor-Joy Star in Holiday Jewelry CampaignsMajorsNov 14, 2024
Saks Fifth Avenue Cancels Holiday Light Display
Instead of its usual elaborate display, the store will illuminate its façade and frame the windows to highlight its flagship’s architecture.
Last year, Saks Fifth Avenue partnered with Dior to create the "Dior's Carousel of Dreams at Saks" light display. The company has cancelled its annual tradition this year on what would have been the 20th anniversary of the show and will pare down its holiday decorations.
New York—Saks Fifth Avenue has cancelled its holiday lights display this year.
This year’s display would have marked the 20th anniversary of this New York City holiday tradition.
The department store’s New York flagship usually displays an LED light show across its façade from the end of November through early January, but Saks has confirmed that there will be no show in 2024.
While the news broke on social media based on employees’ accounts, a representative from Saks told the New York Post earlier this week that it has been a “challenging year for luxury, and, like others, we are carefully managing our business to ensure the company is best-positioned for the future.”
A Saks Fifth Avenue spokesperson told National Jeweler via email that “for many years, the holidays at Saks Fifth Avenue included a light show at our flagship store, and, for some time, we have contemplated changing our approach.”
Instead of the light display, “we are celebrating the season by honoring the architectural significance of this iconic building, elegantly illuminating the façade and framing the holiday windows, as well as highlighting the fashion for which Saks Fifth Avenue is known for,” said the spokesperson.
“We look forward to welcoming customers to our holiday windows throughout the season and invite them to discover inspiring gifts and unique holiday offerings within the Saks Fifth Avenue New York Flagship.”
The news of the cancelation of Saks’ light display seems sudden since the company posted a press release last month detailing this year’s display as a light show illuminating the façade while festive jingles play throughout the holiday season.
It also goes on to name Mastercard as the sponsor of its holiday windows and light display for the 15th consecutive year. The New York Times report said that the cancelation of the light show is not related to the company’s relationship with Mastercard.
The lights would have accompanied Saks’ holiday windows that are still set to show fashion from the top names in luxury with colorful snowflake fragments, dichroic vinyl, and silver harlequin flooring that is echoed inside the store.
The cancellation follows Saks Fifth Avenue letting go of about 100 employees, about one percent of its workforce, and reshuffling executives in late July.
Saks has also been reported to allegedly owe hundreds of thousands of dollars to vendors, according to Glossy, with one vendor said to be owed $15,000 for product that was allegedly delivered and sold to customers.
In a statement to Forbes, Saks said, “Any delayed payments are due to navigating our business through the current challenging macroeconomic environment.”
However, Forbes highlighted that the statement does not address the condition of its business.
Less than a month before the reported layoffs this summer, the department store’s parent company HBC, had entered into an agreement to acquire Neiman Marcus, in a deal valued at $2.65 billion.
HBC came in at No. 15 on National Jeweler’s “$100 Million Supersellers” list with $524 million in watch and jewelry sales in its fiscal year which ended Jan. 31, 2024.
Related stories will be right here …
This year’s display would have marked the 20th anniversary of this New York City holiday tradition.
The department store’s New York flagship usually displays an LED light show across its façade from the end of November through early January, but Saks has confirmed that there will be no show in 2024.
While the news broke on social media based on employees’ accounts, a representative from Saks told the New York Post earlier this week that it has been a “challenging year for luxury, and, like others, we are carefully managing our business to ensure the company is best-positioned for the future.”
A Saks Fifth Avenue spokesperson told National Jeweler via email that “for many years, the holidays at Saks Fifth Avenue included a light show at our flagship store, and, for some time, we have contemplated changing our approach.”
Instead of the light display, “we are celebrating the season by honoring the architectural significance of this iconic building, elegantly illuminating the façade and framing the holiday windows, as well as highlighting the fashion for which Saks Fifth Avenue is known for,” said the spokesperson.
“We look forward to welcoming customers to our holiday windows throughout the season and invite them to discover inspiring gifts and unique holiday offerings within the Saks Fifth Avenue New York Flagship.”
The news of the cancelation of Saks’ light display seems sudden since the company posted a press release last month detailing this year’s display as a light show illuminating the façade while festive jingles play throughout the holiday season.
It also goes on to name Mastercard as the sponsor of its holiday windows and light display for the 15th consecutive year. The New York Times report said that the cancelation of the light show is not related to the company’s relationship with Mastercard.
The lights would have accompanied Saks’ holiday windows that are still set to show fashion from the top names in luxury with colorful snowflake fragments, dichroic vinyl, and silver harlequin flooring that is echoed inside the store.
The cancellation follows Saks Fifth Avenue letting go of about 100 employees, about one percent of its workforce, and reshuffling executives in late July.
Saks has also been reported to allegedly owe hundreds of thousands of dollars to vendors, according to Glossy, with one vendor said to be owed $15,000 for product that was allegedly delivered and sold to customers.
In a statement to Forbes, Saks said, “Any delayed payments are due to navigating our business through the current challenging macroeconomic environment.”
However, Forbes highlighted that the statement does not address the condition of its business.
Less than a month before the reported layoffs this summer, the department store’s parent company HBC, had entered into an agreement to acquire Neiman Marcus, in a deal valued at $2.65 billion.
HBC came in at No. 15 on National Jeweler’s “$100 Million Supersellers” list with $524 million in watch and jewelry sales in its fiscal year which ended Jan. 31, 2024.
More on Majors
The Latest
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersOwners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into HardstonesThe “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
SourcingFeb 25, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
EditorsFeb 25, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
WatchesFeb 25, 2026
Private Equity Firms Write Down Value of Breitling, Report SaysThe Swiss watchmaker is battling declining sales amid a rapid retail expansion, according to a Financial Times report.
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its MatriarchThe campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award WinnerRachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedAfter the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail SmithsThe industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in MiamiThe vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General ManagerFormer Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New AmbassadorBulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
