LAUNCH AND MAINTENANCE OF SAKS FIFTH AVENUE ALMATY

Project Size

90,000 sq ft/8,360 sqm

Overview

Kazakhstan had very few freestanding luxury stores; all luxury shopping was through specialty stores, with no central shopping area.

High net worth individuals were previously flying to Moscow or Dubai for access to international luxury brands.

Saks Fifth Avenue Almaty is part of the Esentai Mall, a multi-use property designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, with three residential condominiums, a Ritz Carlton hotel, class A office space, and multiple F&B locations.

RBA’s Scope of Work

RBA was hired by the Viled Group (local operator) to help bring a U.S. luxury department store to the Esentai Mall.

After performing site visits, studies of existing retail, competitive projects and regional demographics RBA presented the opportunity to Saks Fifth Avenue executives and secured the department store as the multi- brand anchor for the Esentai Mall.

RBA liaised among Viled, Saks and executives at 40 major global luxury brands to secure the required Saks brand matrix which was essential to their decision in opening, as well as branded tunnel shops (Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Loro Piana, Armani).

RBA continues to liaise with the luxury brands and act as an advisor to Viled and Saks in the operation of the department store in Almaty.