Luxury retail group Saks Global has filed a lawsuit to prevent former Bergdorf Goodman Chief Merchandising Officer Yumi Shin from joining Nordstrom, one of its direct competitors.
According to Law360, the complaint was submitted on November 25 to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Saks alleges that Shin downloaded “large quantities of confidential information” in the days leading up to her resignation and that her planned transition to an equivalent leadership role at Nordstrom violates her post-employment non-compete obligations.
Inside the Saks Global–Bergdorf Goodman–Neiman Marcus Relationship
The lawsuit is set against the backdrop of Saks Global’s 2024 acquisition of the Neiman Marcus Group for a total enterprise value of $2.7 billion, bringing several major luxury department store brands under one umbrella.
The combined group now includes:
- Neiman Marcus
- Bergdorf Goodman
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Saks OFF 5TH
While each banner continues to operate with its own distinct identity, the group has been integrating data systems and strategic initiatives across brands. As a result, the movement of senior executives—particularly those with access to cross-brand intelligence—is viewed as carrying significant competitive risk.
Alleged Downloading of Confidential Data Before Resignation
According to the complaint reported by Law360, Shin accessed confidential information not only from Bergdorf Goodman but also from Saks and the broader Neiman Marcus Group in the several days leading up to her resignation in October. The company alleges that she obtained data beyond the scope of her legitimate job duties, including seven years of sales and financial performance records for more than 200 of Bergdorf’s key brands, as well as detailed financial information related to major brand partners—materials the company describes as highly sensitive and strategically important.
Saks further asserts that Shin fully erased (reset) her company-issued iPhone before returning it, citing this as evidence of intentional conduct.
Saks Global and the Neiman Marcus Group argue that the information in question represents extremely valuable competitive intelligence and maintain that, should Shin move to Nordstrom, she would “inevitably” leverage the resources, knowledge, relationships, and goodwill developed at Bergdorf for the benefit of a direct competitor.
Multiple Noncompete Agreements
The complaint also states that Shin had signed restrictive covenants—granted in exchange for equity compensation and bonuses—that prohibited her from working for any “direct competitor” for one year following her departure. Nordstrom was explicitly listed among the companies barred under these agreements.
In addition to alleging a breach of these noncompete provisions, Saks is seeking damages for the alleged misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of the duty of loyalty, and unjust enrichment. This includes the forfeiture of approximately $48,000 in equity compensation.
The company is also requesting both preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to prevent Shin from beginning employment at Nordstrom.
A Reflection of Structural Challenges at Saks Global
Saks Global is currently in a period of post-acquisition restructuring, with ongoing shifts in its organizational structure. In late November, it was also reported that Melissa Xides, who served as Bergdorf Goodman’s Chief Retail Officer, had departed the company.
Within this context, Shin’s departure carries weight that extends beyond a single executive transition. With 16,000 Instagram followers and longstanding industry visibility, Shin is considered a well-connected figure in luxury retail. Her accumulated expertise—spanning brand negotiations, strategic planning and cross-company relationships—represents a form of institutional knowledge that Saks may view as critical to retaining competitive momentum.
Given these circumstances, the legal action appears driven not only by concerns over potential disclosure of confidential information but also by a desire to maintain organizational cohesion and discourage further talent attrition within the group.
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