Saks Fifth Avenue has confirmed its plans to apply for a casino license on the top floors of its Fifth Avenue flagship store, according to report from the New York Post. The department stores sent the Post exclusive images regarding its Bond-like casino plans.
The new casino will have a red-carpet entryway, along with roulette tables, posh bars and upholstered chairs, according to the Post’s report. Saks’ casino will also feature a large lobby with decorative rugs and several chandeliers.
Saks is owned by HBC, a Toronto-based company. HBC Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Richard Baker told the Post that the Saks casino will occupy three floors, beginning on the ninth and said staff will don black tie clothing while they hand champagne to incoming guests.
Baker commented: “The casino at Saks will attract an affluent global tourist and not prey on people who shouldn’t be in casinos.
“We have been quietly working with community groups including Broadway theaters, retailers and [elected officials] and we have a lot of support for a different type of casino in New York City.”
Baker went on to discuss the decline in traffic on Fifth Avenue and noted the role it plans on local business.
He said: “All of us who live in New York City have seen an erosion of activity on Fifth Avenue, which is one of the most valuable attractions in the US and is vitally important for New York City.”
Baker gave an estimated timeframe for the casino’s completion. He said: “Saks casino could be developed within a year as opposed to competitors who are proposing new developments that could take many years to complete.”
However, Baker did not comment about potential citywide partnerships between Saks and other established casino operators.
