shopping

From brick and mortar to e-commerce, the way we shop is changing. Discover what it means to be a shopper and consumer today.

Effortless Everyday Fashion Looks
When you are looking for effortless everyday fashion looks to wear as the weather changes, keep scrolling for my recommendations for easy, comfortable, and stylish looks.
By Lynne Black17 days ago in Styled
How Patiala Salwar Became Gen Z's Favourite Ethnic Bottom
Walk into any college campus or scroll through Instagram, and you'll spot something unexpected: Gen Z rocking Patiala salwars like they're the hottest thing since ripped jeans. This voluminous Punjabi bottom has gone from your grandmother's wardrobe staple to the must-have piece for young fashion lovers everywhere.
By Amit Mandal17 days ago in Styled
Saks Fifth Avenue to Shutter Canal Place Location: A Turning Point for Luxury Retail in New Orleans. AI-Generated.
Saks Fifth Avenue, one of America’s most recognized luxury department store chains, is set to close its Canal Place location in New Orleans, marking the end of an era for upscale retail in the city. The decision has sparked conversations among shoppers, retail analysts, and local business leaders about the future of luxury shopping in regional markets and the broader transformation of the retail industry.
By Ayesha Lashari17 days ago in Styled
Saks Fifth Avenue to Shutter Canal Place Location. AI-Generated.
Saks Fifth Avenue, one of America’s most iconic luxury retailers, is closing its Canal Place location in New Orleans. The decision comes amid shifts in shopping behavior, rising operational costs, and the growing influence of e-commerce on traditional retail. For locals and visitors alike, the Canal Place Saks has long been a symbol of luxury shopping in the city. Its closure marks the end of an era and highlights the challenges faced by high-end retail stores in the modern marketplace. The Rise and Legacy of Canal Place Saks Opened decades ago, Saks Fifth Avenue at Canal Place became a premier shopping destination in New Orleans. It attracted shoppers seeking designer brands, high-quality merchandise, and personalized service. The store was known for: Designer fashion lines including Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton High-end cosmetics and fragrances Exceptional customer service Hosting seasonal events and exclusive previews For many residents, it wasn’t just a store—it was a cultural landmark, blending luxury shopping with the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Why the Closure Happens Now The announcement of the store closure reflects broader trends reshaping retail: 1. Shifting Shopping Habits Consumers are increasingly shopping online, and luxury brands are no exception. E-commerce platforms allow shoppers to browse and buy high-end products from anywhere, reducing the foot traffic that once sustained stores like Saks. 2. Rising Operational Costs Maintaining a large retail location in a prime spot like Canal Place is expensive. Rent, staffing, and utilities can create financial pressure, especially as sales fluctuate. 3. Strategic Business Decisions Saks Fifth Avenue is streamlining operations to focus on locations with the highest profitability. Closing underperforming stores allows the company to reinvest in e-commerce, smaller boutique locations, and more profitable markets. Impact on the Local Community For New Orleans, the store closure is more than a retail story—it affects jobs, tourism, and community identity. Employment: Staff members face layoffs or transfers, impacting livelihoods. Tourism: Luxury shopping attracts visitors who combine retail with sightseeing. Losing a flagship store could slightly affect local tourism revenue. City Identity: Saks has been a fixture on Canal Street, symbolizing high-end shopping and prestige. Its absence leaves a visible gap. Local shoppers expressed mixed emotions: sadness at losing a favorite store, but understanding the challenges of modern retail. Luxury Retail in the Digital Age The Canal Place closure highlights a trend affecting luxury retail globally: the shift from physical stores to digital platforms. Even long-standing brands like Saks must adapt to: Online-only shopping experiences Virtual try-ons and digital showrooms Personalized online customer service Social media marketing and influencer collaborations Physical stores are no longer guaranteed destinations; they must offer unique experiences to draw customers. The Broader Trend in Retail Closures Saks Fifth Avenue is not alone. Across the country, department stores and luxury retailers are closing underperforming locations to stay profitable. Retailers must balance maintaining prestigious physical locations with investing in technology, logistics, and digital marketing. Industry analysts predict more closures in urban centers where high rent meets declining foot traffic. What This Means for Shoppers For consumers, the closure changes shopping habits: Those who relied on Canal Place for in-person shopping will turn to nearby stores, online platforms, or other luxury destinations. Special events, seasonal sales, and in-store experiences are moving online. Loyalty programs, shipping options, and virtual customer service are now more important than ever. While the physical presence of Saks may be gone, its brand and offerings will continue online. A Look at Saks’ Strategy Saks Fifth Avenue continues to thrive by focusing on: E-commerce expansion: Offering luxury products with home delivery. Flagship stores in major cities: Concentrating on locations with high foot traffic and sales. Luxury partnerships: Collaborating with designers and exclusive brands to maintain prestige. The Canal Place closure reflects a strategic choice: fewer physical stores, more digital reach, and maintaining brand prestige. Community Reaction Residents and local shoppers shared mixed feelings: “I’ve shopped here since I was a teenager,” said one customer. “It’s sad to see it go.” Others noted convenience: “I’ve been buying online anyway. It’s sad, but it makes sense in today’s world.” Retail experts suggest that while locals may feel a loss, the brand will continue to serve New Orleans shoppers virtually. Conclusion: End of an Era, Start of a Digital Future The closure of Saks Fifth Avenue at Canal Place is emblematic of a larger shift in retail. Physical stores face rising costs, changing consumer habits, and the pressure of online competition. While the community will miss the store, the brand’s digital transformation ensures that luxury shopping remains accessible. For residents and tourists, the closure marks both nostalgia for a bygone era and adaptation to the future of commerce. Saks Fifth Avenue’s Canal Place store may be closing, but its legacy—luxury, style, and service—will continue to influence New Orleans’ retail landscape in new ways
By Abid Ali17 days ago in Styled
Evening Dresses That Highlight Natural Elegance
When it comes to formal occasions in the Middle East — from luxurious weddings and gala dinners to Ramadan gatherings and engagement celebrations — elegance is not about excess. True sophistication lies in balance, refinement, and confidence. The right evening dresses do not overpower your personality; they enhance your natural beauty and presence.
By Style Sparks17 days ago in Styled
The Renaissance of the Oval Engagement Ring: A British Love Affair
Choosing an engagement ring is a daunting yet exhilarating milestone. It is a piece of jewellery that must bridge the gap between who you are today and who you will be in fifty years. In the bustling jewellery quarters of Hatton Garden and Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, there is a distinct shift in the air. While the round brilliant has long been the "safe" bet, a more sophisticated contender has reclaimed the throne: the oval engagement ring.
By Mohd Kaish18 days ago in Styled
Why Diamonds Still Define Timeless Jewellery for Malaysian Buyers
In an era where fashion trends change rapidly and new materials constantly enter the jewellery market, one gemstone continues to hold its ground across generations: the Diamond. In Malaysia, diamonds are more than just luxury accessories—they are symbols of commitment, milestones, heritage, and enduring value. From engagement traditions to modern self-purchases, diamonds remain deeply rooted in Malaysian jewellery preferences, proving that true elegance never goes out of style.
By Poh Kong18 days ago in Styled
Easy-Fit Plus Size Salwar Kameez That Feels Light During Holi
Holi is joyful, colourful, and full of movement and your outfit should match that energy, not hold you back. For many women, especially when choosing plus-size salwar kameez, Holi dressing is all about one thing: comfort. You want something that feels light on the body, allows free movement, and still looks festive enough for family gatherings and photos.
By Amit Mandal18 days ago in Styled
Why Pakistani Eid Dresses Are Becoming So Popular in India in 2026
Eid dressing in India has always been about colour, comfort, and a sense of celebration. But this year, something interesting is happening. More and more women are leaning toward Pakistani inspired Eid dresses that take cues from Pakistani silhouettes and embroidery styles. It’s not a sudden shift — it has slowly built up over the last few seasons — but in 2026, the preference is clearer than ever.
By fashion blogger18 days ago in Styled
Cocktail Dresses That Blend Style and Comfort Effortlessly
Cocktail attire sits at the perfect intersection of polish and practicality. Whether you’re attending a wedding reception, evening party, or formal dinner, the right dress should make you look refined without sacrificing comfort. Today’s elegant cocktail dresses are thoughtfully designed to deliver both—combining flattering silhouettes, breathable fabrics, and timeless details that allow women to feel confident from the first greeting to the final farewell.
By Style Sparks18 days ago in Styled
What Is a Pre-Everything Wig?
Many Black women love wearing wigs but hate all the tedious prep work that comes with them. A pre-everything wig can be a total game-changer. It’s not just a passing beauty trend. It’s a practical solution—save you time, boost your confidence, and give you a flawless look. But what does “pre-everything” actually mean? And why has this wig style blown up in the beauty world so fast?
By Anna Lee18 days ago in Styled
Fashion in 2026: Top Global Trends, Innovative Designs, Smart Fabrics, and Style Predictions Redefining the Future of Fashion. AI-Generated.
Fashion in 2026 is bold, expressive, and deeply influenced by technology, sustainability, and cultural shifts. Across the United States and the United Kingdom, fashion lovers are embracing styles that balance individuality with comfort, digital innovation with craftsmanship, and luxury with street credibility.
By Fashion Frequency19 days ago in Styled