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By Caroline Spivack<\/p>\n
Brooklyn Paper<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Call it Saks Third Avenue.<\/p>\n
The swanky Manhattan department store opened a “Saks off Fifth” outlet on Third Avenue in Sunset Park, and locals say the name recognition is really strengthening Sunset Park’s brand.<\/p>\n
“I think it’s great for the area, because Saks is such a big name,” said lifelong Sunset Parker Sanad Zahrieh, who came out to peruse the store with family. “It’ll bring a lot of jobs and hopefully encourage other big brands to come and invest in the area. No one use to come here — it was a dead zone — so it’s great to see Sunset Park getting some attention.”<\/p>\n
Clothiers opened the store in Liberty View Industrial Plaza — between 30th and 32nd streets — on Oct. 13. It purports to offer styles from the Manhattan fashion mecca at lower prices, but items can still cost a pretty penny. Shoppers can pick up a Marc Jacobs bag for $39.99, a Chloe dress for $1,499.99, and a whole lot in between, which is a good range for the average Brooklynite, one shopper said.<\/p>\n
“It’s always great to get some love in Brooklyn, and I think this new location being a discount store makes it more within reach for fashionistas on a budget like myself,” said Bay Ridgite Margaret Sullivan. “It’s a nice looking place. It really has all the bells and whistles, but I’m still finding things for $30, $40, $50. I see myself coming here a lot.” <\/p>\n
The store had a steady stream of customers roaming the aisles on a weekday afternoon. Hot pink neon signs gave the dimly lit, industrial space a punch of color. And it is even drawing Brooklynites who typically travel to inferior boroughs to do their shopping, another said.<\/p>\n
“I usually drive out to Staten Island to shop,” said Bensonhurst resident Amanada Talmadge. “So it’s kind of nice to have another reason to explore a different part of Brooklyn.”<\/p>\n
Reach reporter Caroline Spivack at cspivack@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260–2517. Follow her on Twitter @carolinespivack. <\/p>\n
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