Majors

Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to Approval

MajorsMay 06, 2026

Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to Approval

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
Saks Global plans to lay off 16 percent of its corporate workforce.
Editor's Note: This story has been edited post-publication to clarify that Saks Global received approval for its bankruptcy disclosure statement, not for its reorganization plan.

New York—Saks Global has another round of layoffs on the way as the retailer’s bankruptcy proceedings continue.

The company received approval for its bankruptcy disclosure statement from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas on May 1.

A disclosure statement is a document with information about a company's assets and liabilities that allows a creditor to make a decision about the debtor's reorganization plan.

Now, its creditors can begin voting on the reorganization plan, and the retailer can prepare to emerge from bankruptcy this summer.

Part of the plan includes downsizing its workforce, which totaled 17,000 at the time of bankruptcy, by reducing its corporate team by 16 percent, about 4 percent of its total workforce.

This amounts to around 640 jobs, a source told The Wall Street Journal, and does not affect its retail and distribution staff.

“Following the strategic actions we’ve taken to secure long-term financial stability, sharpen our focus on luxury and full-price selling, optimize our operational footprint, and exit non-core businesses, we are right-sizing our corporate organization to align with our go-forward strategy,” a Saks Global spokesperson said in an email to National Jeweler.

“With these changes, we will concentrate our resources toward critical capabilities that will drive profitable, sustainable growth. We are grateful to these colleagues for their contributions and are committed to supporting them as much as possible through this transition."

The retailer laid off 5 percent of its corporate staff in February 2025. It cut an additional 550 jobs two months later, according to Quartz.

It then closed a distribution center in Tennessee, which led to another 500 jobs lost, as per a WARN notice filed in April 2025.

 Related stories will be right here … 

The retailer also outlined its five-year business plan as part of its reorganization.

Saks Global will need the funds to fulfill its shareholder obligations and drive its transformation.

Upon exiting bankruptcy, it plans to have nearly $700 million of liquidity, which it expects will increase over time.

The retailer also wants to drive sales growth, generating $9 billion in total gross merchandise value by fiscal 2030.

To achieve top-line growth, the company said it will double down on its retail model and customer relationships.

It also plans to deliver double-digit adjusted EBITDA by fiscal 2030 to drive long-term value.

Since January, the company said it has executed several strategic actions to plan for long-term success, including strengthening brand partner relationships, optimizing its operational footprint and corporate structure, sharpening its focus on luxury and full-price selling, and exiting non-core businesses.

Saks Global started announcing store closures earlier this year, including a number of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus stores.

It also plans to close most of its Saks Off 5th retail locations and Last Call stores and has shuttered 14 of its Fifth Avenue Club personal styling suites.

Customers who shopped with furniture and home decor retailer Horchow are now redirected to the home category on the Neiman Marcus website.

There are currently no changes planned for the Bergdorf Goodman brand, it said.

"We are building a stronger, more focused company that is positioned to serve as the premier gateway to the U.S. luxury customer and be a stronger partner to our brand partners and other key stakeholders,” Saks Global CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck said.

“The committed capital we have secured, along with the growing momentum across our business, sets the stage for a successful future. With adequate resources to invest in our capabilities, customer experience, and merchandise assortment, we are confident in our ability to drive profitable growth for Saks Global and sustained revenue growth for our partners in the years ahead.”

The Latest

Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 6827 and Rolex Lady Datejust ref. 6917
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data Shows

Five of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.

Brilliant Earth The Elizabeth Taylor Collection Campaign Imagery
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection

“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.

Dana Rebecca Alexa Jordyn Marquise Marge hoops
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day Diamonds

The artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.

1872 x 1052 Gemolite.jpg
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional Edition

Experience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.

Jewelry display
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be Taking

JSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.

Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Header - One platform_ total protection_ seamless shipping (1).png
Supplier BulletinSep 24, 2026
Ship with Confidence with JM Shipping Solution

Sponsored by JM Shipping

8.03 carat natural fancy light blue diamond
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry Auction

The fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry by Amy Azzarito
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry

“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.

Lab-grown diamond tennis bracelets and rings from Kira Jewels
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry

KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Dana Rebecca Designs Tennis Bracelets Campaign Imagery
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, Personalization

This holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.

The logo for The Diamond Collective, the new name for the Natural Diamond Council
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time

The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.

Paul’s Jewelers 7Cs Cafe
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7Cs

Paul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.

Jean Schlumberger’s Hedges and Flowers Necklace
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum

The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.

Pandora x Pat McGrath campaign image
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry Collab

The jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.

Texas Jewelers Association
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th Anniversary

The association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Back to School and Bling 2026
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event Returns

The jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.

Pandora and Foundrae medallions
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court Rules

A federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.

The Retail Smiths Peter Smith
ColumnistsSep 22, 2026
Peter Smith: Our Struggle With Emotional Selling

People aren’t thinking rationally when they are buying luxury products, and we shouldn’t be selling them that way, Peter Smith writes.

Constance Polamalu
IndependentsSep 22, 2026
Constance Polamalu Named to '40 Under 40' List

The Baltimore Business Journal recognized the entrepreneur for her leadership in business and the jewelry industry.

Photo collage of new GCAL by Sarine lab in Mumbai
GradingSep 22, 2026
GCAL by Sarine Opens New Lab in Mumbai

The facility is located within SEEPZ and is GCAL by Sarine’s second location in India, joining its existing grading lab in Surat.

NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Autumn Edition Imagery
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2026
NYCJAOS Returns for Autumn Edition

The four-day show is slated for Nov. 19-22 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.

Cartier Cheich watch in white gold
AuctionsSep 21, 2026
Ultra-Rare Cartier Cheich Watch Sells for $3.4M

Offered at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, the one-of-a-kind white gold watch now holds the title of most valuable Cartier wristwatch sold at auction.

Pamela Bernstein-Gulla and Elle Hill at the Wynn Las Vegas
MajorsSep 21, 2026
Longtime Industry Executive Pamela Bernstein-Gulla to Retire

Bernstein-Gulla has been working in the jewelry industry for 40 years, most recently as chief engagement officer for Hill & Co.

Bhindi Jewelers Glendale Store Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
IndependentsSep 21, 2026
Bhindi Jewelers Moves Into New, Larger California Store

The relocated Glendale store, now at The Americana at Brand, was designed to be a contemporary “timepiece haven” inspired by luxury resorts.

Unheated Paraiba
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s

The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.

Photo from 2026 Jewelers of America Fly-In
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In

Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy