A retail chain within the Saks Global umbrella, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, is set to close nine of its 79 locations, including its store in West Hartford, Connecticut, starting in January 2026. The decision comes as part of a strategic reassessment, aimed at focusing on higher-performing stores nationwide.
Located at Corbin’s Corner, the West Hartford store opened in 2018 in a former Sears building. According to reports from Yahoo Finance and WWD, the closures are part of a broader initiative to enhance the overall customer experience and optimize store performance.
A spokesperson for Saks stated, “We have identified opportunities to optimize our Saks Off 5th store presence, through both initiatives to drive performance and elevate the customer experience.” This analysis considers various factors, such as market dynamics, lease expirations, customer behavior, and long-term business potential.
The West Hartford location is among several slated for closure, alongside stores in cities like Chicago, Austin, and Philadelphia. While the exact date for the West Hartford store’s closing has not been disclosed, the company confirmed that the closures will begin in January 2026.
This move is part of Saks’ ongoing strategy to refine its store footprint. “As part of our ongoing and comprehensive strategy, we have taken a critical eye to our store footprint and will be closing select store locations in early 2026,” the spokesperson added. The intention is to better position the Saks Off 5th brand for long-term success while ensuring that resources are concentrated on locations with greater potential for growth.
With the retail landscape evolving, Saks is adapting to shifting consumer preferences and economic conditions, aligning its operations with the current market trends. The decision to close these locations reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining a viable and successful retail presence.
As Saks Off 5th navigates these changes, customers in West Hartford and beyond may experience a transition as the brand focuses on enhancing its offerings and service in remaining locations. The closures are expected to take effect early next year, marking a significant shift for the retailer as it realigns its strategies for the future.
