SUDDEN SHUTTERS

San Antonio's only Saks Fifth Avenue to close after 30 years

San Antonians are saying goodbye to Saks Fifth Avenue.

After more than 30 years, Saks Fifth Avenue is packing up its designer handbags and leaving North Star Mall for good. The luxury retailer will shut its San Antonio doors by the end of May, one of 12 Saks locations closing nationwide as parent company Saks Global tries to dig out from bankruptcy.

The consolation prize: Neiman Marcus at the Shops at La Cantera isn't going anywhere. Saks Global says it's picking one anchor in select markets. 12 Saks and three Neiman Marcus stores didn’t make the cut.

"This strategic optimization is part of our ongoing transformation and rooted in our long-term view of our business," said Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Chief Executive Officer of Saks Global. "Our go-forward store portfolio will comprise the best performing and most desirable locations in markets with the highest concentration of luxury customers, enabling us to deepen loyalty and drive sustainable growth.”

It’s been a brutal few months for the high-fashion conglomerate. In January, Saks Global decided to purge most of the U.S. locations of its off-price offshoot, Saks Off 5th, including the store at the Rim. The San Marcos location of Neiman Marcus’ Last Call was gutted, too.

Parent company Saks Global has been struggling to find its (Manolo Blahnik-clad) footing since filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protections on January 14. The conglomerate has been buckling under the strain of $2.5 billion in debt it acquired with the 2024 purchase of rival retailer Neiman Marcus.

No other Texas stores were affected by the latest round of closures. Once the San Antonio Saks closes, the state will only have one location in Houston. Neiman Marcus, born in Dallas, will have a much stronger footprint with seven stores. The press release did not mention whether there would be any clearance sales.

HILL COUNTRY NEWS

Swanky Fredericksburg development ropes in fashion, food, and art

Double D Ranch/ Facebook

Double D Ranch is known for its chic western wear.

Fredericksburg's most anticipated new development, The Meuse, has lassoed in three new tenants. The 73,000 square foot retail and dining destination will welcome western

wear label Double D Ranch, gourmet food company Fischer & Wieser, and Jackson Ballard Gallery when it opens in 2027.

The ambitious, multimillion-dollar project, developed by Houston-based DC Partners, has broken ground at the intersection of US 290 and US 87. The real estate firm previously announced the addition of luxury bootmaker Lucchese, bottle shop and bar Padre's Wine Company, and a ritzy Kimpton hotel with a full-service restaurant and bar.

The Meuse Fredericksburg The Meuse aims to keep Fredericksburg's historic charm.Photo courtesy of The Meuse

“From the beginning, our goal has been to build something that feels like a natural extension of the Fredericksburg culture,” said Blake Berg, Senior Vice President of Development and Construction, in a release. “Welcoming these respected local and Texas brands reinforces that commitment. These are companies rooted in small towns, craftsmanship, and community — the same qualities that define the Hill Country.”

Double D Ranch will open a 2,479-square-foot retail hub featuring its eclectic designs detailed with hand embroidery, beading, and other embellishments. The Youkum-based fashion house is rooted in a ranch lifestyle, but it stays current by adapting contemporary silhouettes and unexpected fabrics like a jewel-tone print mimicking corn kernels.

“Fredericksburg feels like part of our story,” said Double D Ranch CEO and Partner Audrey Franz, in a statement. “South Texas shaped us, as people and as a brand, and there’s a unique genuineness to this town that feels authentic to us.”

Fischer & Wieser sells jams, sauces, mustards, and other condiments.Fischer & Wieser/ Facebook

Frequent visitors to the Hill Country town are no doubt familiar with Fischer & Wieser — and have likely poured its roasted raspberry chipotle sauce on a block of cream cheese. The family-owned company, known for its premium jams, jellies, and other condiments, will occupy an existing home on the site, integrating Fredericksburg’s unique architectural charm with the new builds.

Lastly, Jackson Ballard Gallery will showcase a curated collection of American folk art mixed with vintage from the Southwest. The gallery will be nestled in a historic Sunday House on the property, where Ballard himself may show up. The Oklahoma native artist has now made Fredericksburg his home.

“We’re really looking forward to bringing our business here to Fredericksburg and being part of its dynamic retail community,” said Ballard. “We love what we do; selling artwork and dealing in rare antiques, creating a niche that’s available and accessible to both the novice and serious collector alike.”

fredericksburg fashion shopping hill country western wear art development openings