Sal Lenzo is vp, corporate visual merchandising, for Saks Fifth Avenue (New York).
The industry veteran began his visual career in 1979 at Lord & Taylor in New York as assistant window trimmer. After two years, he went on to visual positions at Bonwit Teller, Macy's and Abercrombie & Fitch and then as creative director for visual presentation at Ann Taylor.
He joined Saks in 1995 as corporate director of merchandise presentation for men's, women's and seasonal shops, then as fashion visual merchandising director. In 2001, he was promoted to his current position.
As a spokesman for one of the world's leading fashion brands, he will be discussing Saks' new stores, renovations and re-branding efforts at VM+SD's International Retail Design Conference in Miami Beach, Sept. 17-19, 2003.
How would you describe your job to a 5-year-old?
I make things look good!
What drew you to this industry?
Candy Pratt's windows for Bloomingdale's in the late 1970s.
What's one lesson you learned at your first job that you still carry with you today?
When one mannequin goes, they all go!
How have you been using merchandise presentation to adapt to changing shopping habits and the current economic climate?
We've been doing more display – customers love it.
Why, when most retailers are devoting less resources to window displays, has Saks continued delivering grand and awe-inspiring presentation?
We believe that our windows sell not just product but our image. We think of our windows as advertising vehicles that happen to be free and that many people can see.
What's the first thing you look for when you walk into a store?
Well, I usually have to use the men's room, so I look for the men's room.
What's the most original visual merchandising display you've seen in the last year?
The Rootstein showroom during the December market. I loved all those realistic mannequins lounging around the pool. Very fresh!
What never fails to surprise you about the industry?
We seem to have a knack for picking ourselves up and dusting ourselves off.
What song always gets stuck in your head?
“I Drove All Night,” by Cyndi Lauper (and now by Celine Dion). I'm not sure why.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
It's not rocket science – move on.
Share something about yourself that would surprise your co-workers to learn.
I can be mean, very mean!
What's one item from Saks Fifth Avenue you can't live without?
My Mont Blanc fountain pen.
What makes you laugh?
It could be just about anything. But I will have to say that Lucy still makes me laugh – and good bathroom humor.
What three words describe you best?
Serious, funny, loyal.
What item of clothing can you never have too many of?
Shirts – a guy can never have enough of them!