What: Yumi Shin has exited her role as chief merchandising officer at Bergdorf Goodman amid ongoing leadership and strategic changes at the retailer.

Why it is important: This leadership change comes as Saks Global considers selling a minority stake in Bergdorf Goodman and continues to restructure its luxury retail operations.

Yumi Shin’s departure from her position as chief merchandising officer at Bergdorf Goodman marks a significant leadership transition at one of the most prominent luxury retailers in the world. Shin, who played a central role in shaping the store’s product strategy and mentoring emerging talent, leaves as the company faces a period of strategic evaluation and potential transformation. Her exit comes at a time when Saks Global, Bergdorf’s parent company, is actively considering the sale of a minority stake in the business to address financial pressures and pursue new growth opportunities. Despite recent moves to consolidate buying teams across Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman has maintained its operational independence, a distinction that may be tested as leadership changes unfold. The retailer’s ability to sustain its unique merchandising approach and market influence will be closely watched as Saks Global continues to refine its luxury retail strategy and adapt to evolving industry dynamics.

IADS Notes: Yumi Shin’s exit aligns with broader leadership transitions in luxury retail, such as those at Bluebell Group (Inside Retail, August 2025) and Printemps (Challenges, September 2025), highlighting the sector’s focus on succession planning and executive vision. Saks Global’s consideration of a minority stake sale and joint ventures for Bergdorf Goodman (WWD, September 2025; WWD, June 2025) reflects ongoing efforts to stabilise finances and adapt to market pressures. The retailer’s continued operational autonomy, despite wider consolidation within Saks Global, was underscored by the reset of the buying team (WWD, April 2025) and the formation of a senior team blending talent from Neiman Marcus and Saks (WWD, January 2025), emphasising the importance of distinct merchandising strategies during periods of change.

Bergdorf Goodman’s top merchant Yumi Shin exists