So Long, Saks: Luxe Department Store Chain to Depart Friendship Heights
By • March 18, 2026 3 870
By Mia Pech
The Saks Fifth Avenue store in Friendship Heights will close as Saks Global continues to restructure its retail footprint. The company recently announced plans to shutter several department stores nationwide. This includes the location at 5555 Wisconsin Avenue in Chevy Chase and the store at Tysons Galleria. A specific closing date has not been announced yet.
The Chevy Chase Saks, which opened in 1964, has long been part of the Friendship Heights shopping district and a destination for luxury fashion in the Washington region.
Dolce & Gabbana Metallic Pleated Gown from Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase. Used in The Georgetowner’s September 2024 fashion spread.
Over the years, the store hosted a number of community and fashion events covered by The Georgetowner. In 2022, Saks welcomed the Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation for “A Celebration of Fashion,” an evening that included a dinner and an international fashion show honoring caregivers and health care workers.
The store also had a connection to The Georgetowner’s own fashion coverage. We used Saks pieces for fashion photo spreads and inspiration for the Haute & Cool fashion column.
Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase. Wikipedia photo.
Its closing marks another shift for Friendship Heights, which has seen several luxury retailers leave the area in recent years as shopping habits continue to evolve.
So sad to see Saks leaving the area, beautiful stores, great collections, a huge part of Chevy Chase
V sad to see said SAKSclosing in f heights Chevy chase Mazz gallery closed a monstrosity if a bldg came up totally unsuitable in this location but who can stop greed changing lifestyle s and this lovely shopping area in nw dc just go away it’s truly sad
So sad. I remember shopping with my mother in the late sixties. Wonderful memories.