Columnist Muriel Stevens: Saks has Las Vegas in the bag

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2002 | 8:19 a.m.

The excitement continues to build as Fashion Show mall readies to open to the public on Nov. 1. Of course, there will be many pre-opening events to benefit local charities and cultural organizations.

Thursday, with General Manager Mari Landers once again as my guide, I revisited the grand, new Saks Fifth Avenue. My previous visit a few months required that I wear a hard hat. None was needed this time; Saks was ready to open.

Walking through the impressive street-side facade was almost surreal. Except for the size of the store, with its chic awnings and plantings, this could have been the approach to the fine shops of Paris or Rome. Instead, it was Las Vegas.

Inside SFA, teams of workers were polishing and shining display cases and vacuuming carpets. The corporate design team was on its way. In a few days it would coordinate the design elements and the upholstered furniture. There is an abundance of comfortable seating throughout the store.

A centrally located concierge, who will offer numerous in-store services such as custom wrapping, can also assist with making show and restaurant reservations and much more. Each of the three "living rooms" will have a concierge.

On the second level are two of these ultimate pampering rooms -- one is in the men's department; the other in ladies' couture. Complete with TV, a computer podium and a pantry, the living rooms surround the spacious fitting rooms. Living-room service is open to all SFA shoppers. Couture designs, men's wear and a Z Salon devoted to larger sizes are all on the second level as well as a fur salon, intimate apparel and a children's area.

This SFA is more than double the size of the former store and includes such long-awaited features as an enchanting children's department, with sizes from infant to seven for boys and girls and sizes 7 to 14 for girls only.

On Halloween day, Saks Fifth Avenue will host a Halloween art party for 20 Make-A-Wish children. The art they create will be on display in the new children's department. Local artist Jerry Misko and artists from the Contemporary Arts Collective will be helping the young artists. The store will not be open then and this event is just for the children.

There is a third living room on the first level. Also on the first level is a fabulous home store, second in size only to New York's SFA.

On Oct. 30 SFA will host a by- invitation-only shopper's party to benefit Las Vegas Philharmonic and Make-A-Wish of Southern Nevada. Electronic gift cards will be sold from 6 to 9 p.m. with 10 percent of the card sales benefiting the two organizations. Cards are valid through Nov. 30 and can be used for merchandise only (no special services) at the Las Vegas store.

From opening day through Dec. 20, SFA shoppers will find free entertainment and refreshments and tons of gifts with purchases as well as trunk shows.

Don't be concerned about parking. Valeted cars may be left at any valet area and picked up at the last place you shop. A terrific idea, and it works. At least it did for me. Be patient -- there might be a few snags during the opening, but not having to go back to point A is an inspired idea.