By Randy Tucker
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Saks Fifth Avenue will use its store design and visual merchandising expertise to help launch the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center by designing the museum's gift shop and promoting it in the retailer's April catalog.

Brad Martin, chairman and CEO of Saks Inc., revealed the effort at a reception Wednesday night for about 1,200 Freedom Center supporters at the company's newly remodeled downtown store.

Martin said he was overwhelmed by the turnout, which included national Freedom Center spokeswoman Vanessa Williams and Essence Magazine editor Susan Taylor. He said designing the gift shop and promoting it to Saks customers is just part of a marketing campaign valued in the "multiple six figures."

"We have plans to hold more of these in-store events in New York and Beverly Hills to tell the Freedom Center story and say thanks to our supporters," he said. "We'll be promoting the Freedom Center to anyone who has a Saks credit card or shops at our stores."

Martin said the effort might include selling Freedom Center merchandise such as artifacts, jewelry and books at Saks stores.

"It's something we are keenly interested in doing," he said.

And the downtown store, remodeled with a $6.6 million subsidy from the city of Cincinnati, will remain part of the mix.

"We're firmly committed to downtown Cincinnati," Martin said. "Business is up double-digits since the dust settled on our redesign. We believe we can and will enjoy a significant return out of this location, which is the best location to serve our customers" in the area.

Taylor of Essence said she wouldn't be surprised if the downtown Saks drew hundreds of out-of-town visitors when the museum opens this summer.

"There is nothing like the Freedom Center anywhere else in the world," said Taylor. "Scholars, students, people interested in American history will flock to the museum.

"And organizations tired of holding their conventions in the same cities over and over again now have a reason to come to Cincinnati."

E-mail rtucker@enquirer.com