What: Retail veterans Jamie Salter and Richard Baker unveil plans to transform Authentic Luxury Group into multi-billion dollar platform through technology partnerships and strategic diversification.

Why it is important: This transformation illustrates the evolution of luxury retail from pure merchandise distribution to comprehensive ecosystem development incorporating technology, hospitality, and entertainment.

Speaking at the World Retail Congress in London, ABG founder Jamie Salter and Saks Global executive chairman Richard Baker outlined their vision for transforming Authentic Luxury Group into a $9 billion luxury ecosystem. The partnership, which leverages Saks Global's estimated 60% share of US luxury distribution, aims to expand globally through strategic collaborations with Amazon and Salesforce. A key focus is optimising the vendor matrix, reducing it from 2,660 partners while implementing revised promotional calendars to enhance full-price selling opportunities. The venture's data strategy combines 250 million files from both organisations with Amazon's analytical capabilities, enabling rapid market insights. Beyond traditional retail, the group is expanding into hospitality with six to seven projects in development, including residential condos, while content creation represents 25% of ABG's business. This comprehensive approach aims to drive store traffic through entertainment and experiences, acknowledging the diminishing role of shopping centers in consumer engagement.

IADS Notes:The formation of Authentic Luxury Group represents a significant evolution in retail strategy. According to WWD's October 2024 coverage , the joint venture between Saks Global and Authentic Brands Group aims to expand luxury brands globally through strategic licensing and distribution across multiple sectors. Bloomberg's December 2024 analysis  revealed how the $2.7 billion Saks-Neiman Marcus merger created a technology-driven luxury powerhouse through partnerships with Amazon and Salesforce, providing the foundation for this new venture. WWD's April 2025 report  detailed Saks Global's comprehensive transformation plan, including AI integration and vendor restructuring, which aligns with the new platform's data-driven approach. Inside Retail's May 2025 coverage  highlighted the ambitious expansion of Saks' Amazon marketplace strategy globally through exclusive walled garden environments, demonstrating how the partnership aims to revolutionise luxury retail distribution. The target of creating a $9 billion luxury ecosystem, combining retail expertise with technology partnerships and expanding into hospitality and entertainment, shows how traditional retail boundaries are being redefined through strategic collaboration.

Saks Global and Authentic Luxury Group plan to turn into a $9 billion luxury ecosystem