A Priceless Experience

Mass appeal: Neiman Marcus now accepts Visa and Mastercard

Photo via LabelScar.com
Photo via LivingDice.com

"Today is historic," Neiman Marcus announced on Tuesday morning in a Tweet. "We now accept Visa & MasterCard in all NM stores!"

The Dallas-based luxury retail store has long been known to accept only cash, American Express, or - preferably - a Neiman's card.

"We listened to our customers and heard that they wanted more flexibility in their payment choices," Karen Katz, president and CEO, said in a statement.

Neiman's customers have been known to become miffed when told Visa and MasterCard is not accepted, and in these tough times, no store can afford to turn away customers.

The company insists that the change is based on the customer experience, but the Wall Street Journal reports that extended payment options may be an effort to boost waning sales. A meek profit last year and $1.8 million in losses the previous year hint that Neiman Marcus can't be quite so exclusive about its market.

Neiman's new policy is likely to clear up confusion. It already accepts Visa and MasterCard on its website and from international customers with credit cards issued in another country. And the cards are accepted at its tony Bergdorf Goodman stores. Neiman's customers have been known to become miffed when told Visa and MasterCard is not accepted, and in these tough times, no store can afford to turn away customers.

Since taking charge of the company last year, Katz has broadened the consumer base by offering a wider range of price points and opening more outlet stores. Expanded payment options will take the outreach a step further, ideally appealing to a new generation of young shoppers. At the very least, it will make holiday shopping a bit easier.

Do the increased charging methods decrease Neiman's brand value? Or are you relieved to have more options when you pay?

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ETHEREAL ELEGANCE

Luxe Latin American brand taps Houston to debut new spring/summer line

Photo courtesy of Agua by Agua Bendita/Facebook

Colombian-based brand, Agua by Agua Bendita, chose Houston for the debut of its Spring/Summer 2025 collection.

Colombian-based luxury brand Agua by Agua Bendita is expanding into North America and has hand-picked Houston for the debut of its Spring/Summer 2025 Collection. The only Latin American clothing brand chosen to participate in the Gucci Vault program, Agua by Agua Bendita, which launched in 2021, is known for its hand-embroidered fabrics and ethereal aesthetic.

Friends and fashion design students Mariana Hinestroza and Catalina Alvarez began their ready-to-wear clothing line over 20 years ago by making swimsuits from leftover fabric scraps in Medellin. The founders then partnered with local artisans and developed a more luxurious concept with hand-embroidered fabrics and an "always on vacation" resort line.

Agua by Agua Bendita has grown a large following over the past few years and has garnered the attention of not only Gucci, but also Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and Women's Wear Daily. The brand partnered with South to North to host a year-long pop-up in Highland Park Village in Dallas last year, and during that time, they discovered that Houston is the key sales driver in the Texas region.

"Texas has always been a strong market for us, with an incredibly engaged customer base that truly connects with our brand DNA. We had a pop-up in Dallas last year that was run by Alejandra Bravo and Luisa Babarczy of South to North, and it was a total success," Lina Segura, U.S. retail executive for Agua by Agua Bendita, tells CultureMap. "But Houston, in particular, stands out because of its diversity, vibrant energy, and deep appreciation for fashion, making it the perfect place to showcase our beautiful pieces. Being in Dallas allowed us to interact with Houston, and we've seen the great value this market has."

Agua by Agua Bendita, the beloved Colombian brand known for its hand-embroidered artistry and deep reverence for Latin American culture, will debut is Spring/Summer collection in Houston. Photo courtesy of Agua by Agua Bendita/Facebook

Located in Autry Park, South to North will host the Spring/Summer 2025 collection for one week beginning on Tuesday, April 15. South to North's Houston and Austin locations are dedicated to showcasing a selection of globally recognized luxury brands that best exemplify Latin American designers' artistry, heritage, and craftsmanship. Many of the brands found in their shops are in the Texas market for the first time.

"Their space reflects a thoughtful and curated vision that aligns beautifully with our brand, so partnering with them feels only natural," said Segura. "No one in Texas is doing what they are doing at the level they are, and honestly, partners like them are hard to find at a national level."

The latest collection from Agua by Agua Bendita is inspired by the beauty of nature's awakening in spring and features soft colors, airy fabrics, and newly inspired silhouettes. "From intricately embroidered dresses to luxurious swimwear, pareos, and sets crafted in fine fabrics like pearl linen and silk faille, each piece blends timeless elegance with a sense of lightness, perfect for sunny escapes and everyday moments," said Segura.

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South to North, 3711 Autry Park Dr. #200; (210) 593-8506

Photo courtesy of Agua by Agua Bendita/Facebook

Colombian-based brand, Agua by Agua Bendita, chose Houston for the debut of its Spring/Summer 2025 collection.

agua bendita south to north autry park agua by agua bendita