Retailer Comparison: Saks Fifth Avenue vs. Nordstrom Analysis

This report provides a comparative analysis of two major online retailers, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, focusing on their online retail operations. The report begins with a brief overview of both companies, highlighting their business models and product offerings. It then delves into a comparison of the shopping experiences offered by each retailer, contrasting the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping versus traditional in-store purchases. The analysis includes a detailed examination of product quality, pricing strategies, website features, and service offerings. The report also explores the impact of online shopping on consumer behavior, including aspects like price comparison, convenience, and the potential for fraud. Ultimately, the report concludes by recommending which retailer offers a superior shopping experience, based on the criteria discussed, providing valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each platform. The report uses examples of dresses to demonstrate the differences between the two retailers. It also gives a conclusion on which retailer to go with.

Running head: FASHION DESIGN WITH MARKETING AND PRODUCTION
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Name
Course
Lecturer
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Summary
The Saks fifth avenue
This an online retail as well as a department store company located in New York City in
the United States of America. The Saks fifth avenue is a luxury retail department store that is
owned by one of the oldest commercial corporation in North America which is Hudson’s Bay
Company. Its headquarters and its main flagship store are based on fifth avenues in midtown
Manhattan. This online retail is majorly involved in the sell of luxurious commodities such as
jewelry. It’s also known for selling clothing.
Nordstrom
This is another American chain of stores that has its headquarters in Washington DC.
Initially, the company was considered as a shoe retailer but later expanded and included the sale
of clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, and accessories. Nordstrom operates both as an online retail
business and also has over 349 stores. However, it serves most of its customers through their
website Nordstrom.com
I opted to choose the two retailers, the Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom since both are
amongst the largest online retailers, offering the similar commodities and are easily accessible
since they are online platform and their stores are easily available. Moreover, all luxurious goods
can easily be found within these two companies.
Comparison
There have been distinct differences and similarities experienced while shopping this
kind of dress from the two sources, online platform, and local store.

FASHION DESIGN WITH MARKETING AND PRODUCTION
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Differences
1. When shopping the commodity on a local store, there was a face to face interaction
between me and the seller unlike when I was shopping in the retailer's websites whereby
the interaction was just between me and the description of the commodity.
2. There was a room for trying before buying a cloth in local store shopping, unlike internet
shopping.
Similarities
1. Description for the commodity was the same
2. In both situations, I could make choices depending on my fit size. On the online shopping
site, there was the provision of the fit predictor while the local store I could manually
check for my perfect fit.
Advantages of internet shopping
1. Internet shopping allows room for price comparison. Online platform offers a chance for
their customers to compare and research different products at different prices.
2. Time-saving since there is no crowding of buyers i.e. especially during festivals and
holidays where everyone is shopping
3. It’s the best way to have discreet purchases. Some people prefer buying some
commodities in the privacy than buying in public and thus online platform provide room
for this.
4. Internet shopping offers several brands from different sellers and one can get even
International trends.

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Disadvantages of internet shopping
1. There is no personal contact between the seller and buyer thus leaves no room for
negotiations.
2. Online / internet shopping does not give room for close examination of commodities.
3. High chances of fraud are exposed to internet shoppers since the payments are made
online too.
4. May experience delays when it comes to the delivery of very urgently ordered goods.
Comparison between Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom
Product quality
The quality of the dresses from both these retailer is quite the same. The design slightly
differs, the size but the material and cost of maintaining both dresses are almost same. Both
dresses have the same color, sleeveless, have a back slit and have cotton and silk lining.
Therefore I can state that the quality is almost the same. (nordstrom, 2014)
Price
The Saks fifth avenue has a slightly lower price for this commodity than Nordstrom
Service
Saks Fifth Avenue has size guide services, unlike Nordstrom. On the other hand, Nordstrom
has free shipping services
Website features and design

FASHION DESIGN WITH MARKETING AND PRODUCTION
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Both retails have well-designed websites. They have set categories where a customer can see
the images of selected products and also descriptions. However, the Saks fifth avenue website is
more development since one calculates their estimated size of clothing, set a number of items
they wish to order and also select pick up stations. (saks fifth avanue, 2014)
Promotions, sell coupons and samples
Both websites have a promotion when you buy many goods. They also have sell coupons and
don’t have samples. They also indicate other related products while viewing a commodity.
Conclusion
I would go for Saks Fifth Avenue for my shopping for my dress since it cheap; offers
shipping services even at door post and has minimal chances of size inconveniences due to its fit
predictor service.
References

FASHION DESIGN WITH MARKETING AND PRODUCTION
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nordstrom. (2014, 9 21). nordstrom. Retrieved 3 14, 2018, from sequined-stretch-boucle-crepe-
sheath: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-kors-sequined-stretch-boucle-crepe-
sheath/4741274?origin=topnav&cm_sp=Top%20Navigation-_-Women-_-
Dresses&offset=8&top=72&price=%27Over
%20%241%2C000~~100%27&sort=PriceHighToLow&color=%27Black%27
saks fifth avanue. (2014, 3 12). saks fifth avanue. Retrieved 3 12, 2018, from
Roland+Mouret&N: https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER
%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306418059&PRODUCT%3C
%3Eprd_id=845524447173953&R=400964999202&P_name=Roland+Mouret&N=3064
18059+4294929601+4294929607&bmUID=m7UxQ8o