News Summary

MONROE — When the new Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th store opens next year in the Cincinnati Premium Outlets in Monroe, it will feature a variety of accessories including fine jewelry, sunglasses, shoes and handbags, said the president of Off 5th.

Robert Wallstrom, president of Off 5th, said the 28,000-square-foot store scheduled to open in August 2009 also will feature assortments throughout men's and women's ready-to-wear with more brands and styles.

Wallstrom said the store is seeking to attract the value-conscious shopper.

"We are appealing to customers who are seeking the best brands and fashion at a value price or as we like to say, those seeking Saks style at outlet prices," he said.

Wallstrom said for a store of this size, Saks normally hires a staff of 35-50 employees.

"However, we have yet to determine the needs of our new store in Monroe," he said.

Saks Inc. announced its plans last week to open Off 5th as part of its expansion plans at Cincinnati Premium Outlets along Interstate 75 and Ohio 63 in Monroe, which is under construction and due to open next summer.

The store will be the second Off 5th store in the region, following a location at Cincinnati Mills in Forest Park. Saks also operates a department store in downtown Cincinnati.

The Monroe store will be among three Off 5th stores the company plans to open in 2009. The others will be in Reno Sparks, Nev., in May 2009, and in Dallas suburb of Grand Prairie, Texas, in November 2009.

Wallstrom said Saks Inc. decided to locate in Monroe after conducting a study.

"Our team performed a market study, and we recognized the opportunity and growth potential in the Cincinnati area," he said.

"Our partner in the project, Chelsea Property Group, one the largest outlet developers in he country, has an exciting vision to develop the Monroe area with the new 120 store complex."

New York-based Saks operates 54 Saks Fifth Avenue stores, 48 Saks Off 5th stores, and saks.com, as well as 90 Club Libby Lu specialty stores.