Call it Saks Third Avenue.
The swanky Manhattan department store opened a “Saks off Fifth” outlet on Third Avenue in Sunset Park, and locals say the name recognition is really strengthening Sunset Park’s brand.
“I think it’s great for the area, because Saks is such a big name,” said lifelong Sunset Parker Sanad Zahrieh, who came out to peruse the store with family. “It’ll bring a lot of jobs and hopefully encourage other big brands to come and invest in the area. No one use to come here — it was a dead zone — so it’s great to see Sunset Park getting some attention.”
Clothiers opened the store in Liberty View Industrial Plaza — between 30th and 32nd streets — on Oct. 13. It purports to offer styles from the Manhattan fashion mecca at lower prices, but items can still cost a pretty penny. Shoppers can pick up a Marc Jacobs bag for $39.99, a Chloe dress for $1,499.99, and a whole lot in between, which is a good range for the average Brooklynite, one shopper said.
“It’s always great to get some love in Brooklyn, and I think this new location being a discount store makes it more within reach for fashionistas on a budget like myself,” said Bay Ridgite Margaret Sullivan. “It’s a nice looking place. It really has all the bells and whistles, but I’m still finding things for $30, $40, $50. I see myself coming here a lot.”
The store had a steady stream of customers roaming the aisles on a weekday afternoon. Hot pink neon signs gave the dimly lit, industrial space a punch of color. And it is even drawing Brooklynites who typically travel to inferior boroughs to do their shopping, another said.
“I usually drive out to Staten Island to shop,” said Bensonhurst resident Amanada Talmadge. “So it’s kind of nice to have another reason to explore a different part of Brooklyn.”
